This year, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian and the spiritual leadership of Ter Vazgen Boyajian, Parish priest of Seattle, Washington, the 2025 Christian Youth Mission to Armenia came back to the United States with success, appreciation, and a closer connection to Christ. After 4 weeks in our beloved homeland, our Pilgrims discovered a new connection with community, country, and God.
June 26th - 29th (Landing and first Pilgrimage)
On June 24th, faithful from Washington, California, and Utah all began their expedition by venturing to their respective airport. Some flew into LAX, and others straight on their way to their connecting flight in Austria. The group, led by Ossanna Amran, Emin Matevosyan, and Shane Janian—previous CYMA attendees—touched down in Vienna. They were picked up by Der Andreasthe —the Parish Priest of St. Hripsime—and transported to the Headquarters of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Austria. From there they were given a short tour of the grounds, followed by a short prayer led by Der Andreas. Shortly after, they were treated to a whole day in the city of Vienna led by Gor and Hakop, devoted members of St. Hripsime’s ACYO. During their 10-hour lay over they had the opportunity to visit St. Stephen’s, a famous 12th-century Cathedral that stands over 446ft tall (136m). They then had the privilege of visiting one of the few remaining Mekhitarist Monasteries in the world. After witnessing her expansive library—full of rare and rich manuscripts—a carefully curated museum, and tasting some of the Monastery's in-house liqueur, the group made their way back to the airport to continue their pilgrimage. We could not have been more thankful to all those who helped make Vienna and our safe arrival such a memorable and meaningful experience. This flash in the trip was a shadow of the trying, fruitful, and beautiful mission to come.
Striking down in Zvartnots was just the beginning of their journey led by the Holy Spirit. Quickly, they gathered what was needed for weeks to come at local shops, groceries, and markets. Received by our spiritual leader, Der Vazgen Boyadjyan, they were brought close to the heart of Armenia to the village of Proshyan, only 20 minutes outside the city. After a brief rest, the group toured around Yerevan, witnessing its metropolitan beauty; its alleys, streets, and monuments that one can hardly miss. They visited the world-renowned Matenadaran, which is home to Armenia’s most precious and ancient manuscripts, followed by a solemn visit to Tsitsernakaberd, Armenian Genocide Memorial, where they all sang the Hayr Mer (Our Father). They then gathered at the Keghar restaurant around the corner for the welcoming dinner, where they shared a meal and celebrated their arrival in the Holy Land of Armenia. To conclude the evening, they were transported back to Proshyan to get ready for the days to come.
During the first set of Holy Sights, the group visited Ohanavank, Sghmosavank, and Sanahin. In between these stops, they enjoyed a delicious lunch in Aparan and made a joyful stop in Alphabet Valley. As a reminder of character to the holy hands who built and served in these hallowed sights, our tour guide, Tsovinar Talyan, relayed to us a story about the countless graves that were riddled, both within and without, every church/monastery. The graves were dug shallow, and the gravestones were placed in the way of every path; each of the monks who were buried there believed that they should even continue to serve beyond their worldly death. Such that their gravestones were where they were, the multitudes would be forced to walk upon them even if they tried to step carefully. As intended, even in death, these faithful monks’ wish was fulfilled to continue to serve beyond this world, even if it meant to aid in the simple steps of pilgrims and priests.
While on our Visit, we learned that Ohanavank—a small church initially built in the 4th century, dedicated to St Gregory the Illuminator—was dedicated to John the Baptist, even housing the Saint’s relics! Afterwards, they visited Saghmosavank, a place well known for its constant singing of Psalms. We were told that while Psalms were sung on these scenic grounds, the melodies and sounds were so beautiful that even the wildlife and birds kept silent to hear the divine muse that flowed forth from within its walls. As a tribute to the words and very letters that allowed for such beauty, we visited Alphabet valley—a monument erected in 2005 for the 1,600-year anniversary of the creation of the Armenian Alphabet.
After a brief lunch at Vagharshyans, in a city home to many of the Heroes who fought in the battle of Sadarabad, Aparan, we made our way to Sanahin Monastery. While walking the grounds of this 10th-century landmark, we learned a host of facts that made it so special: built by the 3rd wife of King Ashot the 3rd, Queen Khosrovanoush commissioned one of the region's most thriving seminaries. A range of subjects, from theology, astrology, iconography, mathematics, and far more, were taught. Echos of these subjects traveled their way onto another Monastery built by the son of Ashot the 3rd. On his visit to his son’s new project, he remarked on its thick walls, giving this Monastery its name, “Haghpat”. However, despite this compliment, he followed up with, “Sah, na, hin”, pointing out that the previous project of his was older than that of his Son’s. This immortalized the two locations so much so that out in the middle of their remote location, a myriad of hotels, hostels, and sarais were constructed to house the flood of pilgrims that still travel there to this day.
At one of these beloved locations, specifically Qefo Hotel, we were treated to a masterclass on how to prepare and cook Armenia’s famous barbeque, or Khorovats. The following morning, we made a quick visit to Haghpat and enjoyed Sunday Liturgy at Haghartsin Monastery, where some of our participants served on the altar and sang in the choir. Placed on the top of a hill, the region is home to some of the most delicious honey and gata. The sweetness of such was drawn by the grace and golden beauty of the Light of the Very Illuminator himself, as this was one of the first structures built in dedication to Saint Gregory the Illuminator.
Following that same light, we found ourselves passing through the nearby town of Dilijian on our way to the world-renowned Sevanavank. We enjoyed learning about the Mongolian-style khachkar inside Sevanavank, as well as enjoying a tour of the seminary next door. To summarize this packed weekend of pilgrimage, CYMA’s tone was set, our feet warmed, bodies prepared, and minds directed toward prayer for the weeks to come.
June 30th to July 1st:
Before setting off to HEHEM’s ACYO World conference, we spent two days in the Heart of Yerevan, where we would find ourselves soon enough teaching English to a whole host of youth from Artsakh—at HEHEM’s headquarters, based right next to Saint Anna’s Cathedral. During these few days, we were able to familiarize ourselves with some of our future participants—we left not knowing just how fruitful our relationships with them would become.
Day 7-12 July 2nd - July 7th (HEHEM)
During our next week in Hayastan, we had the privilege of connecting with the entire diaspora, hosted by HEHEM, during the 25th annual ACYO World conference. During this spiritual retreat, we spent 5 days in the mountains of Armenia being nurtured by our Church’s most enthusiastic leaders, Der Nshan, Der Drtad, Hayr Tovma, Der Dradur, Der Arsen, Der Hratch, and Der Vazgen, to name a few. The conversation revolved around the importance of marriage and family within the context of the Armenian Church, titled “The Christian Family: The Anchor of the Armenian Identity”. We, as the youth of the diaspora, feel blessed to have met and heard motivational words from His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, during the opening ceremony. He blessed and encouraged us to be more connected to our National Christian identity. Shortly after, one of our youth, Ossanna Amran, presented a speech on behalf of all the Armenian youth about being the cornerstone, or the Vem of our Armenian Apostolic faith and Church. To conclude, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian shared a powerful spiritual message, encouraging each of us on our journey toward matrimony, after which he led the youth in prayer to guide them on their spiritual journeys toward Christ. Each day, over three hundred youth from the diaspora congregated with one another to discuss important topics such as: Relationship dynamics, what to seek in a spouse, how to raise a child with Christ at the center, and the importance of marriage. After each fruitful lecture, we would break off into intimate groups, our group specifically led by Hayr Harutyun Damadyan, and discuss amongst ourselves the nuances of each topic.
Each morning was filled with prayer at sunrise, and each evening was strengthened by praise in He who brought us all together. When we were not joined together and breaking bread, the youth took it upon themselves to relish in the rich Armenian culture in the form of traditional games and dances. Each evening was full of bible studies with our beloved priests and guided instruction on our beautiful tradition of Shurjpar that many of us know and love. The group also had the honor to embark on a pilgrimage to Sevan, Makaravank, and Hayravank, where they sang ancient Armenian hymns and chants together in one accord. We also walked up to the Soorp Asdvatzatrsin Church, where the group sang Der Voghormia all together, and prayed with deep reflection at the khatchkar hill on the walk back to the resort. Our experience at the 25th anniversary of ACYO World was breathtaking and had many of us wishing for more time to spend with all the beautiful souls we met along the way. We are thankful to all clergy, especially Very Reverend Father Tovma Khatchatryan, and HEHEM staff, for the opportunity to participate and meet new friends we have made and will keep for a lifetime. What each of us learned and will take back home, near to our hearts, is the importance of faith, family, and fellowship.
July 8th - July 11th and July 14th to 18th
For the next 2 weeks, we spent most of our time getting to know and instructing Yerevan’s Artsakh community. Each day, during the week, we had the honor of teaching English to the youth of the church. We taught technical grammar, conversational English, colloquial speech, and cultural norms in the English-speaking world that would strengthen one’s connection to the language as well as the American Culture. Our classes were very relaxed, yet rigorous, as we taught for several hours a day. After careful reflection, our instructors developed and revised lesson plans, classroom dynamics, and individual needs for our cohort. Many of the students who attended drew us into their very own day-to-day lives in Yerevan by touring us around the city, as well as joining us and enhancing our exploration of the beautiful country we ventured to. Classes were not the only objective, however, as we celebrated birthdays, challenged each other in competitive ping pong matches, and became friends. There was not a single moment that we did not feel as though we were at home and being cared for by people who eventually became as close as family.
July 12th - 13th (2nd Pilgrimage)
During this time, we visited Harichavank, Marmashen, and the City of Gyumri. In the 13th century, Harichavank was home to Armenia’s largest spiritual center. It was said that Komitas Vardapet studied folk music for years—many of his memoirs were written during his stay. One of its most striking stories was that of a girl who was being chased by Turkish soldiers. While running, she made her way toward a small chapel built at the edge of a cliff; just before being captured, the edge of the cliff broke away, separating her from danger, all the while the small chapel stayed standing. She remained in that chapel her whole life, preaching the gospel as a nun due to this miracle. Pilgrims provided her with worldly food as she paid them all back in spiritual food in the form of the Word. What followed was a visit to Marmashen, home to St. Peter’s, a church built for the Katoghikate at the time.
Next was a blessed journey to the Cultural Capital of Armenia, the city of Gyumri. The buildings are constructed using the native Black Tuft of the region, maintaining a unique look that is unlike any other region in the world. Perhaps Gymri’s greatest feat was its rise to being home to some of the finest craftsmen of all of Armenia. We each split off in smaller groups, exploring the town ourselves; some indulged in their famous ponchik, others walked all along the streets of Gyumri town square, and some even stumbled across an outdoor live orchestra in Gyumri Central Park. We each had the privilege of visiting All Savior’s Church (Amenapurgich), where Tsovinar led some choir members from our CYMA Group. Many others began to join our singing within its holy walls, first with Der Voghormia, followed by Nor Tsaghik. This and so much more was walked upon and experienced by the whole of our CYMA participants. On the way back to Proshyan that night, we all watched the movie Yerankyuni, which is a film of five blacksmiths in Leninakan, which was released in Soviet Armenia during World War II.
On the Sunday of this pilgrimage, we served at the Jrvezh Church, for divine liturgy—home to our tour guide’s angelic choir, which she led. What followed was a visit to possibly one of Armenia’s most beautiful Monasteries, Geghard. Here we collected water from her holy font deep within the walls and sang prayers to the Lord as a group. The church itself was carved out of just one piece of stone. Saint Gregory found this location and made it the home of the first church in Armenia. The spring on the inside was blessed by his very own hand and has been preserved to this day. Next, we made our way to the cliffs surrounding Garni Temple, where we enjoyed lunch, followed by a tour of Garni itself. Here we walked across its grounds, passing by vendors and ancient ruins of both Garni Temple, the floor plan of a ruined church, as well as an old Roman-style bath house. The group spent plenty of time reading about the monuments as well as taking photos of the scenic beauty that surrounded the Temple.
July 15th-24th
During the trip’s final days, the group visited Khorvirap, Noravank, and Areni-1 Cave Complex. Khorvirap was home to the famous story of Saint Gregory the Illuminator. Every one of us was blessed to have descended into the pit and walk the grounds of the holy place where St. Gregory was kept imprisoned for over 13 years. Next, the group visited Areni-1 Cave Complex, which was said to house some of humanity’s oldest wine-making refractories, as well as the world's oldest shoe. Nearby was Noravank Monastery, which is a pearl of Armenian architecture with its fullness of carvings, and outer designs displaying intricate and masterful stonework.
This and so much more was discovered by the group on the grounds of Oshakan, Ashtarak, Tsiranavor, Spidakavor, and Mughi. The group had come in contact with a local stone-mason who was a master at carving Khatchkars. Some of the members enjoyed one last visit to Gyumri and participated in a masterclass, taking home a carving done by their own hands! Just before leaving back to the United States, the group was led on one last tour of Etchmiadzin and to the Holy sights of Holy Mother of God Church, Saint Gayane, Saint Hripsime, and Shoghagat. We were happy to have enjoyed a final meal together at Tavern Yerevan for our farewell dinner, where we shared some warm sentiments and kind remarks before our departure.
As departure day came, the group packed up and headed home full of memories. The 2025 Christian Youth Mission to Armenia was a success. Each participant was able to experience not only the Armenian culture through her architecture, holy sights, and wonderful cities, but also her hospitable and soulful inhabitants. While some of us entered the country as though we were traveling to a new and foreign land, we all left a place that we each now considered our home. Every one of us was reluctant to leave and eager to visit again and again. On behalf of the CYMA committee, we wish to thank all those involved in making this mission a possibility. By the grace of God, we hope to see an even greater turnout next year so that more might be able to enjoy the wonderful fruits of such a beautiful nation and culture centered around Christ, He who has made it all possible for us all to enjoy.
Until next time, with Love,
CYMA Committee
2025 Spiritual Director: Der Vazgen Boyajyan
2025 Group Leaders: Ossanna Amran, Shane Janian, Emin Matevosiann
Testimonials
Emin
The Christian Youth Mission to Armenia (CYMA) is the perfect opportunity for me as an Armenian from the diaspora to be able to visit my ancestral land, to see its beautiful churches, to learn its ancient and modern history, and to serve something meaningful. The CYMA program provides the opportunity for me to commune with fellow Armenians from the fatherland and to have a real connection with them and an understanding of the culture. I am very blessed to be able to share in this mission with my brothers and sisters in Christ who make up my local church family.
Arman
Cyma has been a journey that has brought me closer to my Armenian roots and the Armenian people. It has allowed me to understand more of what being an Armenian is about, as well as what being an Armenian Christian is about. My trip to Armenia has motivated me to preserve my Armenian roots and culture and make that a priority in life. I leave this summer's CYMA trip as a more faithful person, not just to God, but to Armenia as well. The memories and relations I made on this trip, I will cherish forever, and I am grateful that I came.
Aleen
Barev tzez! I cannot believe my month in the CYMA program has flown by. The service project was successful, and the team of CYMA volunteers remained flexible and open to necessary adaptations throughout the sessions to best serve the students! The number of students, proficiency levels according to who attended, and curriculum priorities varied day to day, so the project required patience, problem-solving, and collaboration. We covered grammar, sentence structure, conversation practice, everyday phrases, interactive projects, and much more. Our students, young refugees who recently arrived in Yerevan from parts of Artsakh that were captured by Azerbaijan, were not only interested in brushing up on their English skills, but also connecting with Armenians from the diaspora who signed up for this program. Building community, showing that we are invested in their well-being, and engaging in the mutual transfer of knowledge and kindness became the most invaluable aspect of the time spent with our students. Friendships were built that will stay strong for the rest of our lives. During the ACYOWorld HEHEM conference, the world of the young Armenian community was opened up before my eyes. It was an opportunity like no other to connect with Armenians from all over the globe, engage in discussion and education under members of the clergy from many different countries, receive a blessing from our Catholicos, and visit holy sites, including participation in Badarak at Holy Echmiadzin. Under the leadership of Der Vazgen from Seattle, Washington, the CYMA program and its participants thrived. We built a family within ourselves and shared the experience of pilgrimage throughout Armenia alongside each other with love, joy, curiosity, and dedication. I am beyond touched by the month I spent in Armenia, incredibly grateful for having been able to truly achieve these goals of mine, and inspired to make it back there as soon as possible. Thank you for taking the time to read my reflection on CYMA 2025. Hajoghutyun!
Tatev
CYMA gave me the chance to give back to my motherland with whatever opportunities I have received living in the diaspora, connecting me to my roots from Artsakh through the English learners we had the privilege to unite with. CYMA created a space for me to grow faithfully as a Christian and overall, individually as a person, by learning more about myself and my relationship with our country. With each visit to one of our ancient monasteries and villages, our rich history clarified the importance of our endurance towards the perpetual faithful war that Armenia has always faced.
