The Armenian Church Youth Organization of America (ACYOA) Seniors from across the Eastern Diocese just returned from the 4th annual ACYOA Seniors Mission Trip. The ACYOA Central Council partnered with Habitat for Humanity of North Central Georgia and the Armenian Church of Atlanta Mission Parish in Roswell, GA, over the weekend of February 15-18, 2024.
The Mission Trip was underwritten by a grant from the Dadourian Foundation, along with funds from the ACYOA Central Council, which covered the participants’ lodging, ground transportation, meals, and donation fees to take part in a Habitat for Humanity house build.
Nineteen young adults, ranging from college students to working professionals, participated in the trip and were immersed in service, education, witness, worship, and fellowship. They traveled from 9 states (Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin), representing 11 parish communities of the Eastern Diocese. They were joined by group leader Fr. Yeprem Kelegian, along with Jennifer Morris of the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, along with St. Nersess Seminary graduates Dn. Alex Calikyan and Dn. Johnny Chadoyan.
The group arrived in Roswell, GA on Thursday evening. Early Friday morning, Fr. Kelegian led the participants in prayer and reflection before the group took off for Gainesville, GA, the site of the Habitat for Humanity house build. After meeting the Habitat staff and acclimating themselves with the tasks ahead, the group got right to work–eager to lend a hand for two full work days as they diligently prepared materials and cleared the land for the build.
First-time participant Cynthia Panthier said: “My first time on this mission trip was special for me not only because I was able to give back to the community, but I was also able to go out of my comfort zone and reignite a passion inside of me. I’m thankful for what the mission trip gives to people, and what it gave to me. Bonding with families, giving a family a home, and making new friendships: this weekend made a huge impact on me and gave me memories that will last a lifetime.”
Among the Atlanta Faithful
After a full day on the build site, the participants broke up into four groups and visited four homes of parishioners from the Atlanta Mission Parish. The participants entered their homes as strangers and left feeling like family, sharing life stories and spending time getting to know each other. Participants gathered back at their hotel together and participated in another late night of engaging group discussions that provided space for the participants to be vulnerable and grow deeper in their faith and prayer life.
Saturday’s work on the Habitat worksite was especially meaningful, as participants worked alongside the future homeowner. A returning participant from the Atlanta Mission Parish, Emma Freeborn, reflected on her experiences by sharing: “I feel thankful to have had the opportunity to serve on the ACYOA mission trip for a second year. One thing that really impressed me this year and last year was the enthusiasm of all the ACYOA members to serve. At the Habitat for Humanity site, we formed smaller teams by task and area of the house and were able to work efficiently and effectively. Since everyone was eager to help, we were able to complete a substantial part of the siding of the house. It showed how much of a difference we can make when people come together with a common motivation and goal.”
At the end of the work day, and after an emotional closing reflection, the group witnessed a baptism ceremony for two young adults from the Atlanta parish. Concluding the service, the young adults provided and served dinner to parishioners and spent time in fellowship playing cards, chess, and tavloo.
The trip concluded on Sunday as the group participated in the Divine Liturgy, celebrated by Fr. Kelegian. After liturgy, Jennifer Morris and Lerna Lacinian of the Diocesan Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries spoke about the ministries of the ACYOA and Diocesan Summer Camp programs, St. Vartan Camp and Hye Camp.
Fr. Yeprem shared: “It was a joy and privilege to be with a group of young people who eagerly wanted to put their Christian values to work. They worked hard for Habitat for two days in inclement weather. They had deep reflections about their faith. They were pastoral on home visits. They did it all with joy and fervor.”
After a closing fellowship meal and parting conversations with members of the parish community, the group said their tearful goodbyes–eagerly awaiting a chance to meet at future national and regional ACYOA programs.
Follow @ACYOA on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on upcoming events, or subscribe to their email newsletter by visiting www.acyoa.org. Feel free to contact Jennifer Morris at jenniferm@armeniandiocese.org or at (248) 648-0702 for additional information or questions.
Click here to view photos from the 2024 ACYOA Seniors Mission Trip.
Article and photos by Jennifer Morris.