ACYOA Mission Trip
"You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name." John 15:16
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The ACYOA Mission Trip is a weekend-long, faith-based service trip for young adults to provide outreach to a mission parish of the Eastern Diocese and its community at large. The ACYOA Central Council revived this initiative in February 2020 by partnering with Habitat for Humanity.
2026 ACYOA Summer Mission Trip Recap & Highlights!
June 11 - 14 | Kansas City, Missouri
Young members of the Armenian Church Youth Organization of America (ACYOA) from across the Eastern Diocese came together for the first-ever ACYOA Summer Mission Trip in Kansas City, Missouri. Hosted by the Eastern Diocese’s Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and St. Garabed Armenian Church, the June 11–14 mission trip brought together 12 ACYOA Juniors (ages 13–18) and Seniors (ages 18–30) representing parish communities across eight states. Participants were immersed in a meaningful weekend of service, education, worship, witness, and fellowship while working alongside Habitat for Humanity on a local home build.
The participants ranged from high school students to working professionals and were accompanied by group leader Fr. Yeprem Kelegian, along with Jennifer Morris and Serien Keleshian of the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. Made possible through a generous grant from the Dadourian Foundation, the mission trip covered participants’ lodging, ground transportation, meals, and Habitat for Humanity participation fees, allowing the group to focus on building community, serving others, and growing together in faith.
To view photos and a video recap of the first-ever ACYOA Summer Mission Trip, please visit the provided links.
Mission Trip Highlights
The 2026 Mission Trip brought together 21 ACYOA Seniors representing 11 parishes across the Eastern Diocese for a meaningful weekend of service, education, worship, witness, and fellowship in Jacksonville, Florida. Partnering with Habitat for Humanity of St. Augustine/St. Johns County, participants spent two full days on a home build in St. Augustine—painting siding, applying caulking, organizing materials, and preparing worksites alongside future homeowners. Evenings were filled with prayer, reflection, and fellowship with the St. Nerses Shnorhali Armenian Church community, including Vespers, shared meals, and time connecting with parishioners and local community members.
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The participants were accompanied by group leader Fr. Yeprem Kelegian, along with Jennifer Morris and Subdeacon Vrej Pilavdjian. The weekend also included visits to a local memory care facility and parish community members, fostering meaningful intergenerational connections. The trip concluded with Divine Liturgy and a closing fellowship, leaving participants strengthened in faith, gratitude, and community.
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To view photos and a video recap of the 2026 ACYOA Seniors Mission Trip, please visit the provided links.