July 13: We went
to the Sevan Monastery and enjoyed the beautiful views from the top of the
peninsula. We then had lunch in Sevan and drove to the Forest of Khachkars to
view the history of the Armenian people and see the distinct and beautiful
Khachkars. There we learned that each khachkar is unique in its own way because
of its symbolism and design. We then traveled to Goris to stay overnight at the
Lara Hotel.
July 14: We ate
breakfast at the Lara Hotel and then began our journey to Datev. We took the
longest passenger aerial tramway in the world with a gorgeous view to head to
the Datev Monastery and meet with the only monk living in Armenia. We
were given time to discover the interior of the monastery which was founded in
the 4th century. We viewed the rooms where oil was made and how exactly it was
extracted from the various seeds. We then drove to eat lunch in the foothills
and continued our day to visit Noravank Monastery. After viewing the only
carving of God the Father in a stone on top of Noravank, we headed to Khor
Virap to view Mt. Ararat. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to view the pit of
St.Gregory the Illuminator as it was closed by the time we reached there. We
drove to Yerevan at night to sleep.
July 15: On
Wednesday, we met with Navasard Surpazan and the youth of his community here in
Yerevan to discuss details of our trip and learn about how they conduct their
functions as a youth group here in Armenia. We were given the opportunity to
speak with the youth on a one to one basis and converse with them about their
difficulties in gathering the religious youth in Armenia.
July 16: Thursday,
we drove to the FAR children's center and toured the center. We then met up
with live characters and danced and played with the children in the center.
July 17: After
delivering sports equipment and ice cream to the FAR children, we played games
with them and had a drawing competition. In the afternoon we toured the Tumo
Center for Creative Technologies which teaches kids ages 12-18 all of the
aspects of technological creativity such as theatre, music, web design, and
game design.
July 18: We drove
to Sardarabad Memorial Complex and learned about the history of the battle. We
then walked to the Museum of Ethnography to learn a variety of cultural and
historical facts based off of the pieces in the museum. If we did not win the
battle at Sardarabad, we would not have a motherland today. We also
visited the Hyeortyatz Children's Center where we had the privilege to watch
their dances and circus acts.
Armenia Service Program 2015
Monday, August 3, 2015
Thursday, July 16, 2015
July 6: Today we went to
Ashtarak, Oshagan, and Artashavan to see the Armenian letters. Then we drove to
Vanadzor at night. We have been in Vanadzor helping out at the old age home. We
have also visited the orphanage in Vanadzor, and the Vanadzor youth group has
been helping us since we got in to make sure our stay is good. They have been
going on our trips with us and helping out at the old age home as well with us.
July 8: Today we climbed up Kobayr
and went to Kobayravank... with extremely beautiful scenery.
July 12: For the past 3 days, we have volunteered at the old age home in Vanadzor during the mornings and have toured the city of Vanadzor during the afternoons. We went to Haghpat, Odzun, & Sanahin monasteries to see the ancient heritage of the Armenian people. We were welcomed by the priest in Odzun to his house for lunch and spent time viewing the art gallery in the city center of Vanadzor.
After attending Divine Liturgy at the St. Gregory of Narek church in Vanadzor where we celebrated the Feast of the Transfiguration, we headed out to Dilidjan where we had lunch at a local woman's house. We then left and drove to Lake Sevan where we will be staying overnight.
July 11: We went to Haghartzin monastery. After we came back to the camp, we played Vartavar with the Vanadzor Armenian youth of the church. With the youth, we marinated khorovats and made a beautiful and delicious picnic outside in the BBQ grounds of the camp.
Sunday, July 5, 2015
To Etchmiadzin they go!
July 4: The day started by walking over to the Matenadaran Library and Research Institute. There the group saw ancient manuscripts, withstanding the harsh history. The ink that was used in the manuscripts was made from natural material, like the red beetle that is only found in the Ararat Valley. Hundreds of years later we are still able to see the original pictures within the manuscript. After the tour by a local guide, we loaded onto the bus and journeyed to Garni, where the group saw the only surviving pre-Christian Pagan Temple that was built during the Hellenistic Era. On the same grounds was the original bathhouse. Inside the bathhouse was a partially surviving mosaic on the ground from the fourth century that had an interesting inscription, “All of this work has been done without any reward”. The origin of this quote has been debated on who put in there and in reference to what. The group headed out to Geghard where we had a nice lunch with a fantastic view of the mountains, and watched lavash being made. Our final stop of the day took us on a short trip over to Geghard church, cave monastery, which was carved into the mountainside during the 12th century A.D.
July 5: The day started off at St. Hripsime Church which was erected on the site that Hripsime was martyred. Then a journey over to the Holy Mother See of Etchmiadzin where the group was received by the His Holiness Karekin II. He told the group about the progress made during his time as the Vehapar and allowed some time for questions. Badarak was attended at Holy Mother See, and then headed over to Gayane where they took communion. The group explored a little more around Etchmiadzin, and then headed to lunch at a Children’s Center where they had lunch in an exhibition of their art and was serenaded by traditional Armenian music.
Saturday, July 4, 2015
And they're off!
July 1: The ASP 2015 group met in New York to begin the journey to Yerevan, Armenia. After 18 long hours, they finally arrived and began their trip by exploring the city of Yerevan.
July 3: Today the group was up early and ready to go! Anahit, the group tour guide, took them to their first stop, Mayr Hayastan (Mother Armenia). The group learned about the monument's history along with the symbolism that it provides to the Armenian people. While still in Yerevan the group went to Cascade to see the contemporary architectural pieces and amazing view from the top of the almost 600 step staircase. They then ventured to the Erebuni fortress and museum. They were able to look at ancient artifacts and the remains of the fortress dated as early as eight century B.C. After a delicious lunch at an authentic Armenian Middle Eastern restaurant, it was off to Dzidzernagapert, Armenian Genocide Memorial. The group ended with an emotional and sentimental visit to the monuments and the Armenian Genocide Museum.

Labels:
acyoa,
armenia,
asp,
cascade,
dzidzernagapert,
genocide,
mother armenia,
yerevan
Location:
Yerevan, Armenia
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
ASP 2015 Itinerary
“Deepening your connection with your identity and your homeland.”
DAY 1 – THURSDAY, JULY 02 – Arrival at Zvartnots Airport –
Yerevan
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
DAY 2 – FRIDAY, JULY 03
YEREVAN
CITY TOUR
Our
trip through the territories of Armenia begins today in Yerevan - the capital,
one of the ancient cities in the world - Erebouni Fortress which was founded in
782 BC. This is the shuttle to your first walk from the museum of Erebouni to
the top of Arin-Berd hill to discover the ancient fortress.
“I
remember and demand” April 24, 2015 … Remember again & again, but not among
ourselves, silently, in our homes, as well we will go out for the Marches,
Commemoration, and Efforts to obtain official recognition of the Genocide
especially in the 100 YEARS of Genocide.
And we will carry candles and flowers to the visiting of Tsitsernakaberd
memorial to the 1915 Genocide
Lunch
in Armenian Traditional restaurant
The
next stop is the Cascade, which is a huge white stairwell built on a Yerevan
hillside in the 1970s, with water fountains running down the sides, all
reminiscent of a natural river or stream cascading. It connects the central
district to Haghtanak Park – “Victory” Park to the center of the city. The
structure has escalators so that it is unnecessary to manually ascend the
stairs all the way to the top.
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
DAY 3 – SATURDAY, JULY 04
Garni,
the rare pre-Christian pagan monument maintained in Armenia; wonderful canyon
of Garni, where one can see magnificent sheer vertical cliffs, which look
manmade.
Geghard
(Cave monastery) architectural complex in the 12-13th century cut in one
monolithic rock. We have the opportunity to see traditional table/lavash
making: “Eat thy bread with joy”.
Lunch
and LAVASH making in Armenian traditional way in “tonir” (special pit for
making Armenian Traditional Bread: LAVASH)
Return
to Yerevan and visit Matenadaran Library and Research Institute of Armenia
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
DAY 4 – SUNDAY, JULY 05
Today
we embark on our Journey to the lands of ancient treasures of Christian
history… the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. It's the "religious
capital" of the Armenian Church and the seat of the Supreme
Patriarch-Catholics of all Armenians. It has 4 main churches, including the
Cathedral. Built in 303AD, the cathedral is a masterpiece of Armenian classical
architecture and considered to be one of the world’s earliest Christian
churches. Admire Hripsime and Gayane Churches (7th C) named after faithful
virgins.
Lunch
in the educational & cultural center of Etchmiadzin
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
DAY 5 – MONDAY, JULY 06 – Check out
Ashtarak
– where you can find numerous churches and various ancient buildings at every
step;
Oshakan
– the most famous as the last resting place of Mesrop Mashtots.
Artashavan
– New Complex of Armenian Letters: “It is difficult to express the deep feeling
Armenians have for their language, which many regard as the lifeblood of their
culture.”
Saghmosavank
Monastery perched on the edge of the precipitous gorge of the Kasakh River.
Amberd
Fortress
Driving
To Vanadzor – CAMP
OVERNIGHT IN VANADZOR
DAY 6 – TUESDAY, JULY 07
SERVICE
PROGRAM IN VANADZOR
OLD
AGE HOME – Lunch and Afternoon
CAMP
– PM (Evening Discussion)
DAY 7 – WEDNESDAY, JULY 08
SERVICE
PROGRAM IN VANADZOR
OLD
AGE HOME – Lunch and Afternoon
CAMP
– PM (Evening Discussion)
DAY 8 – THURSDAY, JULY 09
SERVICE
PROGRAM IN VANADZOR
OLD
AGE HOME – Lunch and Afternoon
CAMP
– PM (Bible Study)
DAY 9 – FRIDAY, JULY 10
SERVICE
PROGRAM IN VANADZOR
OLD
AGE HOME – Lunch and Afternoon
CAMP
– PM (Evening Discussion)
DAY 10 – SATURDAY, JULY 11
SERVICE
PROGRAM IN VANADZOR
OLD
AGE HOME – Lunch and Afternoon
CAMP
– PM (Camp-wide Talent Show)
12:30
– DEPART from VANADZOR camp
Haghpat
Monastery badarak (and Sanahin Monastery, if time permits)
Lunch
in Alaverdy
Drive
to Dilijan (referred to as, a piece of Switzerland in Armenia) continues our
journey across Armenia’s fascinating landscapes, with lush environs as well as
the site of one of Armenia’s most important resort towns and national parks. An
old town with a unique architecture and wonderfully preserved workshops. You’ll
also visit the romantic setting of the 11th century Monastery of Haghartsin.
Lake
Sevan
OVERNIGHT IN SEVAN
DAY 12 – MONDAY, JULY 13
Visit
to Lake Sevan – the emerald of Armenia, a beauty under the sky. Lake Sevan is considered
to be one of the biggest lakes in the world with sweet water situated at an altitude
of 1,897 meters above sea level. Gorgeous view to Lake Sevan is opened from the
peninsula atop which Sevan Monastery is nicely nestled, dating to the 9th century.
Vazgenyan
Theological Seminary
Lunch
in Sevan
Noraduz
“Forest of Khachkars – Cross Stones”
Passing
Selim Caravansaray we will reach Goris
OVERNIGHT IN GORIS
DAY 13 – TUESDAY, JULY 14 – Check out
The
Aerial Tramway of Tatev – spanning 5.7 kilometers across the spectacular
Vorotan River Gorge, offers a spectacular journey with breathtaking views of
the river gorge below, but most significantly, it will link you to one of the
jewels of Armenia's medieval legacy – Tatev Monastery as well the Tatev Aerial
Tramway – the longest passenger aerial tramway in the world, poised to be one
of southern Armenia's most popular attractions. Arriving to the picturesque
monastery nestled at the top of an impregnable plateau, crowned by the ramparts
walls from the upper part of the territory. After you will have time to
discover the interior of the monastery which was founded in the 4th cent.,
becoming an important religious and educational center of medieval Armenia in
9-10th C.
Lunch
in the foothills
On
your return, you have a very attractive stop in Khndzoresk, a cave village and
exotic rock formations. This village looks like a vertical multi-storied rocky
amphitheater.
Troglodytic
dwelling at Khndzoresk – Prehistoric era. Winding road leads your pleasant
ascent.
Noravank
Monastery nestled inside the deep red landscape of the stone mountains.
Khor
Virap Monastery - magnificently set against the towering slopes of Mount Ararat
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
DAY 14 – WEDNESDAY, JULY 15 – Check out
FREE
TIME IN YEREVAN UNTIL 2 PM
Meet
with Navasard Srpazan and the young people of his community
Organize
Dinner/Outing with other groups from our Diocese
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
DAY 15 – THURSDAY, JULY 16
Service
at FAR Children’s Center
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
DAY 16 – FRIDAY, JULY 17
11:00
– FAR Children’s Center
Tumo
Center for Creative Technologies
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
DAY 17 – SATURDAY, JULY 18
Sardarapat
Memorial Complex and Museum of Ethnography
Hyeortyatz
Children’s Center
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
DAY 18 – SUNDAY, JULY 19
FREE
TIME to explore Vernisage
EVENING
– Say goodbye to Armenia at the
FAREWELL DINNER in a classic Armenian Restaurant with live Armenian music and
Folk Dances, capping off your journey with unforgettable memories.
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
DAY 19 – MONDAY, JULY 20 – Check out
TRANSFER TO AIRPORT
Monday, June 22, 2015
& the countdown begins!
On July 1st, another group of young leaders and members of the Armenian Church Youth Organization of America (Eastern Diocese) are embarking on a journey to the motherland as a part of the Armenia Service Program.
The Armenia Service Program (ASP) provides young adults an opportunity to travel to their homeland to not only tour, but to give back to their brothers and sisters in Armenia. This trip is truly a pilgrimage in which hundreds of ACYOA members have felt a connection to their Armenian heritage that continues to inspire them throughout their lives.
The program began in the 1970's and was called the Armenia Studies Program. ACYOA members would travel to Armenian for educaitonal purposes. Several years ago, as need for aid in Armenia grew, the course of the trip changed from studies to service. For many years, the service portion of the trip included acting as counselors and teachers at camp Siranoosh in Yeghegnadzor, a camp for underprivileged children from the villages in Armenia. The ASP recently joined Habitat for Humanity, which has been making a considerable impact in Armenia, to build homes for a better, stronger homeland.
During the trip, participants will be sharing daily blog entries and images from their experience on this blog. Bookmark our blog to make sure you get the latest updates from the group!
The Armenia Service Program (ASP) provides young adults an opportunity to travel to their homeland to not only tour, but to give back to their brothers and sisters in Armenia. This trip is truly a pilgrimage in which hundreds of ACYOA members have felt a connection to their Armenian heritage that continues to inspire them throughout their lives.
The program began in the 1970's and was called the Armenia Studies Program. ACYOA members would travel to Armenian for educaitonal purposes. Several years ago, as need for aid in Armenia grew, the course of the trip changed from studies to service. For many years, the service portion of the trip included acting as counselors and teachers at camp Siranoosh in Yeghegnadzor, a camp for underprivileged children from the villages in Armenia. The ASP recently joined Habitat for Humanity, which has been making a considerable impact in Armenia, to build homes for a better, stronger homeland.
During the trip, participants will be sharing daily blog entries and images from their experience on this blog. Bookmark our blog to make sure you get the latest updates from the group!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)