PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: jakeg@armeniandiocese.org
Website:

September 13, 2004
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ACYOA’S ASP TRIP CONNECTS YOUNG AMERICANS WITH ARMENIAN HERITAGE

While other travelers were reading magazines or watching the on-board
movie, members of one group of young passengers were practicing phrases
to help them communicate with Armenian children.

Those 26 young Armenian Americans were headed to their homeland as
participants in the Armenia Service Program (ASP), organized by the
Armenian Church Youth Organization of America (ACYOA). They traveled to
Armenia not just to see the sites, but also serve as counselors at Camp
Siranoosh, a summer camp for needy children in the Yeghegnazdor region
of Armenia.

NEW FRIENDS FOR LIFE

The ASP participants worked with 95 campers, who were divided into five
groups. Activities rotated through arts and crafts, English lessons,
sports, dancing, and religion taught by the ASP group leader Fr.
Haigazoun Najarian of the St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church of Wynnewood,
PA.

“We were the ones who taught them English, but they taught us a million
new ways to say ‘I love you’,” said Anoush Froundjian from the Holy
Martyrs Church of Bayside, NY.

It isn’t just the kids that make Camp Siranoosh so unique. It is
situated in a remote area of Armenia, far from the nearest city and even
a distance from the nearest tiny village. It is a beautiful place that
encourages self-reflection.

“Of all the wonderful moments I had at Camp Siranoush, breathing in the
fresh air and seeing the panoramic view of the mountains will forever be
in my mind,” said Anjelle Rudowicz, of the Sts. Joachim and Anne Church
of Palos Heights, IL.

Bonds quickly formed between the young campers and their new American
buddies. After two weeks at camp, the last day was filled with emotion
— hugs and kisses, followed by tears. E-mails and addresses were
exchanged, and promises were made to keep in touch and visit again soon.

“These kids are no longer just my friends; they are my brothers and
sisters,” said Levon Sukiasian from New York City.

Sad to see their counselors leave, the children also offered up gifts of
appreciation. And while they were small tokens, they were large in the
hearts of the children.

“The kids at camp were incredible. They had nothing and yet they wanted
to give us everything,” said Laura Kasparian from the Sts. Sahag and
Mesrob Church of Providence, RI. “I will always remember their smiles,
their energy, and their enthusiasm.”

FIRST TIME IN ARMENIA

The 2004 ASP trip was filled to capacity. Many were making their first
trip to Armenia, so for them the visit was moving enough, without all
the unique sightseeing experiences and the love of the children at the
camp.

“Who knew it was possible to fall in love with a place the second you
get off the plane? That was the case for me,” said first-time Armenia
visitor Sarine Zenian of the St. Mary Church of Washington, DC.

The participants saw historic and cultural sites throughout Armenia.
>>From ancient churches to modern theaters, they got a taste of Armenian
culture. They were touched by visiting the historic sites of their
faith. During a celebration of the Divine Liturgy at Khor Virab, they
climbed down into St. Gregory’s Pit.

“One thing I will never forget about my trip to Armenia is when I
climbed down into the pit,” said Harry Kezelian, of the St. John Church
of Southfield, MI. “Standing where St. Gregory once stood, to see with
my own eyes the place where the fate of the Armenian nation was
determined, a place without which we would not be here today as Armenian
Christians, was for me a moving experience.

“It’s strange to think that such a humble hole in the ground has so much
history. But then it’s fitting for our Christian religion, a humble
faith by nature. Just as a Jerusalem pilgrimage is important for all
Christians, a trip to Khor Virab is important for all Armenian
Christians to experience. What a strengthening of faith it is to stand
where St. Gregory lived for 13 years in order to give our people the
‘Good News’.”

Along with seeing important places in their homeland, they connected
with the people of Armenia. They had imaginary tea parties with the
young children at Yerevan’s Children’s Reception Center run by the Fund
for Armenian Relief (FAR). They joked and took pictures with waiters
while marveling at the rich taste of the fruits and vegetables of
Armenia.

“You don’t just go and visit Armenia, you go and experience Armenia,”
said Arese Soghomonian from the St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church in
Wynnewood, PA.

MEETING WITH THE CATHOLICOS

One highly anticipated part of the trip was a visit to the Mother See of
Holy Etchmiadzin and a meeting with His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme
Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. The ASP group was given a
special tour of some of the beautiful works of art and artifacts in the
collection of the Mother See, before being escorted in to meet the
Catholicos. The meeting is just one of the unique opportunities the ASP
trip provides its participants each year.

“We had several opportunities on this trip, such as working with the
kids at Camp Siranoush and meeting Vehapar, that we would not have had
on any other trip,” said Alex Sarkesian from the St. John Church of
Southfield, MI.

After introductions, the participants had an opportunity to ask
questions, covering a wide variety of topics, and discuss many issues
with the Catholicos. As they left the meeting, the participants had
smiles on their faces and memories of an intimate conversation with
their Vehapar to share with loved ones at home.

“This trip to Armenia surpassed all of my expectations. It has ignited
a spark within me that will last a lifetime,” reflected Michael
Ohanesian of New York City.

“The ASP trip was a life-changing experience. This trip is, by far, one
of the best choices I’ve ever made,” said Jonathan Banks of Southfield,
MI. “I developed a very close relationship with each participant. I
can’t imagine having this experience without them. I also look forward
to attending church and sharing my experiences with the members of my
parish.”

The ACYOA website has an online journal from this year’s ASP
participants. Visit it by going to

This year’s ASP trip was booked full and the Diocese provided $7,800
divided among all the participants to help cover their costs. If you
would like more information on next year’s trip, contact ACYOA Executive
Secretary Nancy Basmajian by e-mailing acyoa@armeniandiocese.org or
calling (212) 686-0710.

— 9/13/04

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): While serving as a counselor at Camp Siranoosh, a
participant in the 2004 Armenia Service Program (ASP), teaches a camper
how to play the guitar.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): Campers at Camp Siranoosh in Armenia show off
bookmarks they made with the help of ASP participants, who traveled to
Armenia on the ACYOA-organized trip from June 24 to July 15, 2004.

PHOTO CAPTION (3): Fr. Haigazoun Najarian of the St. Sahag and St.
Mesrob Church of Wynnewood, PA, who led the 2004 ASP trip, leads a Bible
study during the group’s two-week stay at Camp Siranoosh in the
Yeghegnazdor region of Armenia.

PHOTO CAPTION (4): Participants in the ACYOA-organized ASP trip meet
with His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians, one of the highlights of their stay in Armenia from June 24
to July 15, 2004.

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