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 |
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| * - 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
- Reflections by Tatevik Tigranyan Jul 20, 2010
<p>Spending two nights at the vank you were named after has to be a true blessing. Last Thursday and Friday night we spent two nights at Tatevi Vank. My grandmother named me Tatevik after she had a vision of a young girl named Tatevik while spending a day at the vank. After hearing the story behind my name the first place I wanted to visit when coming to Armenia was Tatev. I never imagined that through God's will, CYMA would not only let me see this place, but also spend two nights.</p>
<p><a href="http://cyma-wd.org/content/reflections-tatevik-tigranyan" target="_blank">read more</a></p> - Soorp Echmiadzin Jul 12, 2010
<p>Day 10: The best word that describes our journey so far is overwhelming. Today the CYMA group visited Soorp Etchmiadzin, the mother of all churches. After all of the churches, monestaries, memorial and historical sites we have seen throughout the week, visiting this church was a whole new experience. The observation that amazed me the most was how so many Armenians from around the world came together and participated with the church service. The greatest aspect about Soorp Etchmiadzin is that it brings Armenians from around the world together. </p>
<p>-Arek Ashjian</p> - Reflections by Ani Khatchadourian Jul 11, 2010
<p>It's day 9, can't believe time is flying by so fast. I was not sure what to expect of Hayastan , the only visual I could compare it to were the many pictures I have seen in documents, books, etc. We are currently walking at night to one of the many hang out spots in Yerevan to watch the World Cup final - go Spain!</p>
<p><a href="http://cyma-wd.org/content/reflections-ani-khatchadourian" target="_blank">read more</a></p> - Reflections by Kris Tatiossian Jul 11, 2010
<p>These past 10 days have been incredible. Visiting the country I’ve heard so much about since childhood seems almost surreal. Hearing stories of Meshrop Mastotz and Khor Virab, seeing Mount Ararat in pictures, etc. don’t even come close to experiencing them all in reality. My favorite part, however, doesn’t lie in the history of this nation, but in its present beauty. A couple of days ago we all hiked up a practically vertical staircase to visit an ancient church in ruins.</p>
<p><a href="http://cyma-wd.org/content/reflections-kris-tatiossian" target="_blank">read more</a></p> - Reflections by Sevan Movsesian Jul 11, 2010
<p>This year I was presented an amazing opportunity to travel to Armenia. This was my first time traveling to my motherland. Before arriving in Yerevan I had no idea what to expect for what my friends and family have told me. The first day all my nervous thoughts turned in thoughts of excitement and joy. The city was beautiful. From that point I knew that the next month would be not only a life changing experience for me but also a chance to reconnect with my roots.</p>
<p><a href="http://cyma-wd.org/content/reflections-sevan-movsesian" target="_blank">read more</a></p>