Christian Youth Mission to Armenia Holds 1st Annual Alumni Reunion
Diocesan Headquarters – On Sunday, September 17, the Christian Youth Mission to Armenia (CYMA) held its first annual alumni reunion. Over 15 past and present interns and pilgrims of the CYMA program were in attendance. The reunion was held to bring together CYMA participants together to meet and share stories and experiences from all three CYMA years. Also in attendance at the reunion were Matthew Ash, David Yaldezian and Tamara Karakashian, the three intern coordinators of the CYMA program, as well as His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.
The 1st annual CYMA alumni reunion was held during the Western Diocese Festival of Faith and Culture held from September 15-18th at the Western Diocese Headquarters. Each CYMA alumnus enjoyed time to relate stories from the respective year of their journey and learn about upcoming events in the CYMA program. David Yaldezian, chair of the 2006 Executive Board, discussed the importance of staying involved with the mission of CYMA even while back in the diaspora. “The journey doesn’t stop now that you have arrived home. It is up to you to continue this journey and continue to Bridge the Gap” His Eminence, Hovnan Srpazan, discussed his vision for the future of the CYMA program and called on the significance of alumni to stay close to the CYMA mission. “The journey back from Armenia is just as vital as the journey to Armenia. Stay close to the CYMA mission, and keep your experiences close to your heart.”
To close to the reunion, the next meeting for CYMA alumni will be held at the ACYO Annual Convention and General Assembly held at St. Peter Van Nuys on November 24-26, 2006. CYMA alumni will be present to meet with future 2007 interns and pilgrims and spread the word about the 2007 CYMA mission.
The Christian Youth Mission to Armenia 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. For more information, please log on to www.CYMA-WD.org.
