September 4, 2009

   BINGHAMTON- NY---The Annual Junior and Senior Convention of the ACRY, the youth organization of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese, begins today. The weekend's events are being coordinated by St. Michael's Senior and Junior ACRY Chaptersf Binghamton. The Holiday Inn Arena in downtown Binghamton is the headquarters for the convention sessions.

Early arrivals are taking part in a special golf outing at the Traditions at the Glen Golf Course on Friday morning, September 4th. Friday evening activities will include a welcoming reception, meetings of the national officers, and participation in the Binghamton Mets and Altoona Curve game at NYSEG Stadium, and the First Friday Art Walk.

On Saturday, September 5th, a Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 8 AM at a special Chapel which will be situated at the Holiday Inn. Following the services, Convention sessions will begin, with a joint session of the Junior and Senior ACRY membership. The afternoon will be spent in working sessions and a special presentations on Rusyn culture and the recent Jr. ACRY mission trip to St. John the Compassionate mission in Toronto, Canada. St John the Compassionate Mission is adiocesan apostolate who assists the needy in the greater Toronto, Ontario region in Canada.

Following the business sessions, Vespers will be celebrated at St. Michael's Church at 5 PM. A barbecue, Team Trivia and DJ Party will follow at St. Michael's Recreation Center.

On Sunday morning, September 6th at 9 AM, delegates and guests will gather at St. Michael's Church for the Divine Liturgy to be celebrated the Very Rev. Protopresbyter Frank P. Miloro, the representative of His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas. He will be assisted by the National ACRY spiritual advisors and diocesan clergy.

During the afternoon business sessions at the Holiday Inn Arena, delegates will elect national officers. They will also develop various educational, social and philanthropic projects to assist Christ the Saviour Seminary in Johnstown, PA, Camp Nazareth in Mercer, PA, St. Nicholas Children's Home in Medzilaborec, Slovakia, the Orthodox Christian Mission Center and International Orthodox Christian Charities. A presentation will be given to the Junior ACRY members  by Mother Raphaela, the superior of the Monastery of the  Holy Myrrhbearers, of Otega New York,  on the practical application of Orthodoxy to the spiritual life. 

Following the installation of the newly elected officers, a  Grand Banquet and dance with music by SPLASH will conclude Sunday's activities. Delegates and guests will begin their journey home Monday morning.

Photos and updates on the National ACRY Convention will be posted throughout the weekend on our diocesan website at www.acrod.org

For more information  on the convention and the National ACRY, you may view its website at www.acry.org