Western Diocese

On January 23rd, CYMA held a very successful informational meeting at the Diocese headquarters in Burbank.  Armine Semirdjian delivered a coherent presentation of this year's trip and mission in front of an enthusiastic group of young adults and engaged parents.  As a result of this meeting, CYMA now has a total of 5 committed participants, which leaves a total of 7 remaining spots. 

Applications and the Final Deposit are due on March 2, 2010.  Applications are available at http://www.cyma-wd.org.

This year's CYMA trip is a four-week pilgrimage held during the moth of July, where participants will spend three weeks living in a house in the heart of Yerevan and one week living with home-stay families while completing a service project in the city of Gyumri. Participants will not only travel to spiritually and culturally significant landmarks, but they will also have the opportunity to get acquainted with contemporary Armenian society. CYMA now includes:

• Stay in beautiful Yerevan. Participants will be living in a house in Yerevan
• Pilgrimages to ancient monasteries and churches
• Trip to Artsakh
• Weeklong trip in Gyumri completing a service project while living with home stay families
• Social meetings with various organizations and groups
• Spiritual discussions
• NEW--Community Engagement Program

Not only do we want our participants to be exposed to the rich history of Armenia 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.

What is in store next?

March 1, 2010-CYMA Applications and Deposit Due to Sarah Mergeanian

April 10, 2010-Orientation and Final Payment Due at the Diocese

June 19, 2010-11:00 AM Final Orientation at the Diocese

July 1, 2010-July 30, 2010-Duration of the trip

If you have any questions about the trip, please do not hesitate to contact any member of the board--

Fr. Avedis Abovian: fravedis@armenianchurchwd.com

David Yaldezian: david.yaldezian@gmail.com

Sarah Mergeanian: sarah@cyma-wd.org

Armine Semerjian: armine@cyma-wd.org

Tatiana Semerjian:  tatiana@cyma-wd.org

Several parents are now collaborating to help with fundraising, which will help to reduce the cost of the trip for all participants.  One event they are organizing is hosting an estate sale with donated items.   As the proceeds of this sale will benefit everyone, all potential participants and their families are encouraged to contribute to this effort.  More details on this sale other opportunities to get involved will soon be available for anyone who wishes to be involved.