Organizations & Programs » Christian Youth Mission to Armenia
Christian Youth Mission to Armenia
The Christian Youth Mission to Armenia (CYMA) serves to unify and strengthen the Armenian community by establishing a BRIDGE between diaspora’s Youth and Our Homeland through participation in the social, religious, professional and cultural life of Hayastan.
- david@cyma-wd.org
- Website
- www.cyma-wd.org
What is CYMA?
CYMA is a mission of the Armenian Church Youth Organization of the Western Diocese. It should be the goal for all Armenian youth to experience their spiritual and cultural identity. This program accomplishes this goal. It is gives our Armenian youth the opportunity to truly experience their Motherland.
One Mission, Two Trips
The CYMA Pilgrimage and the CYMA Internship Program provide participants with two different types of trips to Armenia this summer. The main difference between these two trips is the length. The Pilgrimage is two weeks and the Internship Program is eight weeks. The two will overlap at the beginning. Please check the table below to compare the trips and find the right one for you.
| Pilgrimage | Internship | |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | July 2 - July 18 (Approx.) | June 18 - August 15 |
| Duration | 17 Days | 8 weeks |
| Age | 18-29 | 18-29 |
| Cost* | $price coming soon** | $price coming soon** |
| Living Accomodations | Hotel/Dorms | Apartments/Dorms |
| Activities |
|
|
| * - Approximate dates only. Final dates are subject to available airfare.** - Approximate Cost. Final cost subject to changes in airfare and housing costl.*** - Internship placement may depend on position availability. | ||
The 2008 Pilgrimage
Pilgrims will travel to the most breath taking spiritual and historical sites throughout Armenia and Artsakh. The Spiritual Pilgrimage is designed to be an extraordinary time to learn and discover the Armenian identity in our spiritual and ancestral homeland.Pilgrims will travel throughout Armenia visiting special locations, lead by a clergyman of the Western Diocese as well as our CYMA Coordinator. This trip is perfect for first time visitors as well as those who have been to Armenia before and did not have the opportunity to fully travel the country. 2008 will be a special year for the CYMA Pilgrimage program, please stay tuned!CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW!
The 2008 Internship Program
The CYMA Internship Program allows young adults an opportunity to experience daily living in Armenia through an internship in a professional setting. The internship will provide participants with insightful experiences regarding their field of study, future career goals, and more in depth experiences of life in Armenia.Lectures from members of various organizations will provide fundamental lessons regarding the economic, cultural and religious dynamics present in Armenia today. Participants will also gather on a weekly basis to discuss incorporating our Christian lives into our daily life, both while in Armenia and upon return. Internships will be placed on a first come first serve basis. CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW!
News
- CYMA LAUNCHES NEW COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM FOR SUMMER 2010 PARTICIPANTS--ONLY 7 REMAINING SPOTS Feb 09, 2010
<p>Not only do we want our participants to be exposed Armenia's rich history, but we also want them to engage in contemporary Armenian society. This is why we are launching a Community Engagement Program where participants will work with an organization of their choice for three days a week. While visiting the spiritually and culturally significant sites are a priority, the month-long duration of the trip allots time to get acquainted with medical clinics, children’s centers, and other organizations in the public and private sector.</p>
<p><a href="http://cyma-wd.org/content/cyma-launches-new-community-engagement-program-summer-2010-participants-only-7-remaining-spo" target="_blank">read more</a></p> - CYMA 2010 APPLICATION NOW AVAILABLE Dec 31, 2009
<p>The CYMA 2010 Application is now posted on the CYMA-WD website under "Important Links"!<br />
<a href="http://apply.cyma-wd.org/pilgrimage.php" title="http://apply.cyma-wd.org/pilgrimage.php">http://apply.cyma-wd.org/pilgrimage.php</a></p>
<p>The deadline for all application materials (including the essay and the initial deposit) is March 1, 2010. The written part of the application can be submitted online and the initial deposit of $1000 and a copy of your passport must be mailed to Sarah Mergeanian at 26135 Tono Mission Viejo CA 92692 for the application to be considered complete.</p>
<p><a href="http://cyma-wd.org/content/cyma-2010-application-now-available" target="_blank">read more</a></p> - Reflections by Sarah Mergeanian Sep 28, 2009
<p>This year, I was fortunate enough to return to Armenia for the third year in a row, as the coordinator for the 6th annual Christian Youth Mission to Armenia. Prior to embarking on the trip, I really did not have any reservations about how this year was going to turn out—my expectations were set by my experiences in the previous years. However, this year was unlike any other. The feelings and sentiments that rushed my body and mind on a daily basis were indescribable.</p>
<p><a href="http://cyma-wd.org/content/reflections-sarah-mergeanian" target="_blank">read more</a></p> - A Message to all CYMA Alumni Sep 17, 2009
<p>CYMA 2009 has come and gone. Another year of memories, connections, and changed lives forever.</p>
<p>The CYMA program has been a catalyst of beautiful reflections, blogs, and poems. It's this type of reflection and soul searching that is so powerful and renewing in our Spiritual lives as Armenians and our daily lives as active members of the worldwide Armenian community.</p>
<p>Just like each of you have experienced Armenia, the newest class of 2009 has had time to look back on their journey this summer and begin to reflect on that new perspective in their lives.</p>
<p><a href="http://cyma-wd.org/node/189" target="_blank">read more</a></p> - Reflections by Der Avedis Sep 17, 2009
<p><a href="http://cyma-wd.org/content/reflections-der-avedis" target="_blank">read more</a></p>