Canadian Youth Mission To Armenia – CYMA 2013

I am delighted and glad to announce the return of the 2013 CYMA Mission to Armenia once again. Since 1993 during the summer months, the Canadian Youth Mission to Armenia participants have traveled on a memorable journey to Armenia to assist in rebuilding villages, facilities, churches, and provide aid to Armenia. Annually this mission is very important to provide humanitarian work, binding youth to their homeland Armenia, and dedicated to assisting the children of Armenia. CYMA is part of the project by the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Canada. This years mission to Armenia will be to renovate a school in the Geghadir village. In addition to renovating the school a children’s workshop, distribution of humanitarian aid, and local community visitations will also take place in the village.

The main purpose of the Canadian Youth Mission to Armenia is to experience a fulfilling journey, to learn, and participants will experience something totally different to live with local families to develop and strengthen the emotional and spiritual bond between Armenian youth, as well as Canada and Armenia. This years Journey to Armenia will be from July 8, 2013 until August 8th, 2013. For 4 weeks, Youth will not only be rebuilding the school in Geghadir Village, they will always go on excursions to visit Historical Landmarks of Armenia, visiting churches, museums, and visiting the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan, Armenia. which is the Country’s Capital, also visiting St Etchmiadzin which is the First church ever built, among going to Lake Sevan and having a swim, recreational time, experiencing tasting Armenian food, the night life, day life, and among spending time with each other who will be participating, creating everlasting friendships, and returning back home with a new perspective on life, to be nurtured, educated, getting out in the world to see new things, to develop a whole new outlook on life, to spread the word on what they learned, what they experienced, and what it meant for each person to be there, and so much more.

CYMA has always been and will always be dedicated to its mission, and for many years to come.

CYMA is open to anyone over the age of 17, as of July 1st, 2013 and anybody can participate in this beautiful journey to the homeland motherland Armenia.

THE COST

The cost of the trip including airfare, food, transportation, excursion and accommodation

will be $2,800  $300 non refundable deposit by April 15 ($500 by May 1).

Second Payment: By June 1,  $1,700.

Final Payment: By June 19, $ 975

History

Canadian Youth Mission to Armenia LEGACY

1993 Built a school in Ararat
1994 Renovated a seminary and an adjacent church in Harich
1995 Renovated “Nor Tbrots” school in Ararat
1996 Renovated “Megheti” children’s day campus in Dilijan
1997 Day Camp for 200 orphans in Dzaghgatsor
1998 Renovated Khor Virab & conducted day camps in Ararat
1999 Renovated Dzaghgatsor orphanage
2000 Renovated school in Aradashen
2001 Youth Pilgrimage commemorating 1700th Anniversary of Christianity
2002 Continued renovations of school in Aradashen
2003 Renovation of a kindergarten in Taleen
2004 Many Hands, One Heart! Saghmosavank
2005 Building our Future! Renovation of Christian Education Center in Armavir
2006 Renovation of a kindergarten in the village of Aradashen.
2007 Extend Your Hand Expend Your Family: Renovation of St. Nshan Church in Armavir
2008 Oshagan Village
2009 Oshagan Village
2010 Geghadir Village Renovation of the Village  school.

2012 Geghadir Village continuing the Renovation of the School.

http://armenianchurch.ca/mission/cyma/

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.466287276717332&type=1

http://www.facebook.com/armeniamission

You can gain more information from Deacon Ivan Gyadayan or Bedros Kokorian from Toronto and Montreal Parishes. Flight will be from Montreal, Quebec.

For more information please call:

Deacon Ivan, Montreal  514-549-0416.

Email: deaconivangyadayan@gmail.com

615, Stuart Outremont, Qc, Canada H2V 3H2

Bedros Kokorian, Toronto 416-804-4763

Email: kokorian@rogers.com

Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church

920 Progress Ave, Scarborough, Ont. Canada M1G 3T5

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Thank you, and we hope you will join CYMA 2013 for a rewarding and beautiful experience to take on with you for life.

Music is A Universal Language

Hello everyone, I don’t think I have ever emphasized my love for music and what is does to me and my soul and how it makes my world so great. Now, music has been part of me since I was a kid, but lately I have been listening to more and more, and plus it depends on the mood I am in that specific day and time of my life, but here are my favourite music genre’s and what the music reminds me of and how it is for me.

Reggaeton/Cubaton/Spanish/Caribbean/Soca/Reggae/Bachata/Salsa/Merengue/ — All these music genres remind me of my travels to The Caribbean, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and when I went on Cruise ships. I have a lot of this type of music and it just makes me feel like I am in tropical destinations around the world and it makes me feel like I am sipping a coconut by the beach, and just hearing this music in the background. It is awesome and great beats to soothe my mood at that point in time.

Armenian/Arabic/Middle Eastern/Greek/Persian/ — Now, this is what I usually listen to and I love this type of music too because it reminds of get together, parties, and outings within my Armenian community and we have all these types of music playing at our parties and among in our homes too. We love our Music and we play all these kinds. I know we are Armenian, but we listen to all these kinds of music and we dance and just have fun with it all. We also have Armenian Patriotic Music as I am sure with Arabic, Middle Eastern, Greek and Persian music too. We play that toward the ending of some parties I attend.

Pop/Alternative/Classic Rock/70′s/80′s/90′s/ — These I listen to when I am in the mood, but mostly I listen to them when I am with other friends and family and with those who like this music like me. Its something I listen to once in a while or a few times a month. Now when I go to parties too and when I hang out with people.

Dance/Freestyle/House/Trance/Rhythms/ — I listen to this a lot too. I have a huge playlist on my Ipod and I listen to it when I am just in the mood. Like I said, I am selective to music as long as it suits what I am feeling that day and when I am happy and jumpy, this is the type of music I get into.

Television Theme Songs are my favourite too.

So you can say I am into mostly everything and there are some types that are not my cup of tea, but I am sure that goes for everyone. I am into Country music too, but I am mostly interested in the ones above. I used to carry a huge cd collection, but now I have them all in my Ipod and carry it around. Times have sure changed, but nothing beats the Cassette tapes and music of the past, but although this time around the music has changed and everything, but music from the past is a whole different story. You could actually hear every word said, and you can actually understand the meaning behind what these artists would say, but then again times have surely changed, technology has changed a lot and advanced a lot. I think now with all this music talk, I am gonna go listen to some now.

Have a wonderful day!

The Music Of The World, To My Soul – My Favourite Music Of The World

Hello everyone, I don’t think I have ever emphasized my love for music and what is does to me and my soul and how it makes my world so great. Now, music has been part of me since I was a kid, but lately I have been listening to more and more, and plus it depends on the mood I am in that specific day and time of my life, but here are my favourite music genre’s and what the music reminds me of and how it is for me.

Reggaeton/Cubaton/Spanish/Caribbean/Soca/Reggae/Bachata/Salsa/Merengue/ — All these music genres remind me of my travels to The Caribbean, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and when I went on Cruise ships. I have a lot of this type of music and it just makes me feel like I am in tropical destinations around the world and it makes me feel like I am sipping a coconut by the beach, and just hearing this music in the background. It is awesome and great beats to soothe my mood at that point in time.

Armenian/Arabic/Middle Eastern/Greek/Persian/ — Now, this is what I usually listen to and I love this type of music too because it reminds of get together, parties, and outings within my Armenian community and we have all these types of music playing at our parties and among in our homes too. We love our Music and we play all these kinds. I know we are Armenian, but we listen to all these kinds of music and we dance and just have fun with it all. We also have Armenian Patriotic Music as I am sure with Arabic, Middle Eastern, Greek and Persian music too. We play that toward the ending of some parties I attend.

Pop/Alternative/Classic Rock/70′s/80′s/90′s/ — These I listen to when I am in the mood, but mostly I listen to them when I am with other friends and family and with those who like this music like me. Its something I listen to once in a while or a few times a month. Now when I go to parties too and when I hang out with people.

Dance/Freestyle/House/Trance/Rhythms/ — I listen to this a lot too. I have a huge playlist on my Ipod and I listen to it when I am just in the mood. Like I said, I am selective to music as long as it suits what I am feeling that day and when I am happy and jumpy, this is the type of music I get into.

Television Theme Songs are my favourite too.

So you can say I am into mostly everything and there are some types that are not my cup of tea, but I am sure that goes for everyone. I am into Country music too, but I am mostly interested in the ones above. I used to carry a huge cd collection, but now I have them all in my Ipod and carry it around. Times have sure changed, but nothing beats the Cassette tapes and music of the past, but although this time around the music has changed and everything, but music from the past is a whole different story. You could actually hear every word said, and you can actually understand the meaning behind what these artists would say, but then again times have surely changed, technology has changed a lot and advanced a lot. I think now with all this music talk, I am gonna go listen to some now.

Have a wonderful day!

Getting Back In The Armenian Community

In the last 2-3 years, I have been missing in action from the Armenian community with joining committees and being part of the events going on. I have realized how much I miss it and how much I want to get back into the swing of things. I went to church yesterday and there were people who have known me since I was a kid up until the recent months, and some recognized me and some didn’t and It was something that really bothered me, because they have known you all your life and then, they don’t remember your face anymore. That really concerned me and I said, something is wrong with that picture, I have to do something to prevent people from forgetting me, when they just saw me in the summertime. I think that was my queue to go back into the church and the Armenian community. I have been attending bible studies which is about it, but I haven’t been attending other things and events. I think I need to really change that and start back up again and do something to make a difference in my community. I wrote stories about my dedication to the Armenian church and community and the last couple of years I have had a setback and I realize that it is wrong and this weekend I reflected on that. I will be heading back in and in full force. I do not want to disappoint my late grandfather who passed away 10 years ago. He always told me to never stay away from the Armenian community and never lose your journey to it and always remain Armenian and be proud of who you are which I am for sure. My passion, dedication to my community has never faded. I just had a few personal issues, but I am back and back better than before.

I will be contacting committees in the next couple of weeks and this week and I will be putting my name in and getting back to the grind. I thank those who have faith in me and those who support me. Thank you.

 

Today For The First Time Ever, I Met With My Online Friend From The Miles – It Was Beautiful!

Since 2009 when joining The RADIO AGA Station online and joining and liking the fan page, I began to socialize with so many people around the world and since then we have all been conversing and we became a Facebook Radio AGA Family all thanks to the founder of RADIO AGA Jack Kojek who has made the world smaller and has joined and united everyone under one group which I am so happy to be part of. Today at approximately 12noon I met with one of my great friends whom I consider a sister from the many many miles. She came to my city and we finally met face to face. It was an incredible feeling. We hugged each other and couldn’t let go almost lol. It was a beautiful moment. It is so much more different and better to be in person and it was the most awesome feeling ever to finally have met her. We sort of blanked out in the beginning of what to say to each other and then as we settled down of our shock, we began to have awesome conversations and it was the most beautiful moment ever. I did not want it to end. I love her so much. She has a heart of Gold and she is such a beautiful person inside and out.

I know who is sincere, nice and very sweet just from the way someone writes online and the way someone carries themselves out. She is a beautiful person and today was one of the biggest highlights of this year. Last year I went through it by meeting someone from Boston in Montreal when I was there for a summer Armenian tent party at one of our Armenian Community Centres, and I had met another person from our RADIO AGA Family. It was an incredible experience just like today. I was thinking about that today. It felt so great today. I couldn’t believe myself after so many years typing and just seeing each others pictures, it became a reality and up close and personal. Hearing each others voices, and see each other face to face. That was so special this goes for everyone else who I have met from our lovely online family.

There are so many people I have yet to meet and I will get there eventually and hopefully especially those from many miles away. I was left speechless at one point today, but it was so beautiful. I am hoping to see her again before she heads back, which I probably will. I love her so much. Shes is a down to earth and wonderful lady. It only takes those special few people in life to call my sisters and she is one of them. I am so happy beyond words. I love her so much. God bless her and her family always.

A Tribute To My Grandfather Who Died 10 Years Ago Today – June 30, 2002 – June 30, 2012

A Decade ago, I lost someone very dear to me and someone who is so special to me, and that is my grandfather Habib Torossian. He died just about a week and a half before his birthday on July 11. I remember the morning of June 30, 2002, when we got that terrible phone call, before 9am in the morning saying that My grandfather had passed away in his hospital bed at the nursing home. It was one of those days where my world shut down, crying my eyes out, and so much going through my head and I was so distraught and shocked at the same time. We sort of knew it was coming, but then again I was shocked. My grandfather meant the world to me, he taught me so many things about life, he taught me the importance of being in the Armenian community, among so many things, and he had such a wonderful sense of humour. I can still remember his smiling face, the way he used to sit, His voice, his touch, the way he cooked, the way he played backgammon. I mean who would forget those special moments I shared with him? I will never forget my sweet grandfather.

I remember going to several trips, picnics, camping, outings, dinners, get together, parties, among very great times with my beautiful cousins, and my mom, aunts and uncle.

My grandfather had a heart of Gold, he was so down to earth and put his family first above anything else. His passion for Armenia, His passion for writing, his passion for being in the Armenian community was so contagious. I think that is where I get it from. I visit the cemetery to see him once in a while, and I kiss his tomb stone and always tell him, “Dede”(means grandfather), in Armenian, so I would say, I miss you so much. This past year or so, My grandfather appeared in my dreams 5 times. It was so comforting to see his face once again. He was wearing all white. He is my Angel from above and I love him with all my heart. He is always in my heart and that is something that will never go away. I miss him terribly much. There is just so much I want to talk to him about, there have been so many things that he has missed in the past 10 years, but he is watching from above and watching over all of us. I love him and I wish there was a way to bring him back, but unfortunately, not. He will live on in our memories, and in our homes, in our lives forever. His soul and his goodness will never be forgotten. The fond and beautiful memories is so important to remember.To My dear grandfather Habib Torossian, I love you forever. I know heaven is a beautiful paradise and your there with other family members and friends who have passed, have a wonderful time together up there. God rest your soul, God keep shining light on you and among our loved ones who are not physically here with us today. One love. One Life. Kisses and Hugs Grandpa! I love you! Until we meet again. This is not goodbye. It’s see you later.

 

 

Great Night Out With Great Friends

I realized so much tonight by just going out with my friends that I go out with most Friday nights. I realized who my true friends are and who keep my head above water at all times. Tonight was one of the greatest times of my life. It was a nice relaxing and wonderful night. I realize that they truly care a lot for me and they are people I can talk to about anything and just spill my heart out. This week especially has been an emotional roller coaster ride for me and just so much worry about things which I shouldn’t worry, but its in my nature to do so. I am always worried about other people and care so much for people that I sometimes let myself go and only care for other peoples needs. I know I shouldn’t do that, but it is in my nature. Tonight took my mind off of so many things and I just had a peaceful, wonderful time not thinking about anything that bothered me.

I believe that when you find the right people to be with, and the right people to confide in and tell things to, I think that is the most special thing ever in this life. I am so happy to have found people whom get me and whom have my back when things are rough and tough. I have so much to be thankful for and as I looked at my friends tonight and thought in my head, they have got to be the coolest people ever. I am super glad I got to meet them. If it wasn’t for me going to Armenian events, bible studies, and being in the Armenian community. I would have never met these people and I would have never had this close bond with them. I am super happy that they are part of my life and I am ever so grateful for having people like them in my life that make me laugh and where I can be myself with. If I cannot be myself with people, I cannot be they’re friends and I cannot function properly, but with the people I was with tonight, I feel so comfortable and happy.

I wish everyone well and I wish everyone will find the right people to be with and to spend time with. I think it is very important to be with the right crowd and to understand each other and doing fun things together and no destroying things and acting out. As some groups destruct, vandalize others property and everything. It is super important to get into the right crowd. You wouldn’t want to end up on the news or anything would you? Always choose your friends wisely.