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
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 Registration is Live!
June 11 - 14 | Kansas City, Missouri
Registration is now open for the 2026 ACYOA Summer Mission Trip, which will take place in Kansas City, Missouri, from Thursday, June 11, through Sunday, June 14!
The ACYOA Summer 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 Juniors and ACYOA Central Council are excited to partner with Habitat for Humanity as they build a home near St. Garabed Armenian Church in Kansas City, MO.
The Mission Trip is open to all youth ages 16 to 25 who are physically capable of participating on a Habitat for Humanity worksite and are interested in providing service and outreach to the local parish community. Fr. Yeprem Kelegian will lead the group along with Diocesan staff members Jennifer Morris and Serien Keleshian. This trip is limited to 18 participants, with priority given to first-time participants.
The cost of the program is being underwritten by the ACYOA using grant monies received from the Dadourian Foundation. All participants will be provided lodging, ground transportation, and three meals a day. The ACYOA will also make a donation to Habitat for Humanity on behalf of the Mission Trip group.
Participants are responsible for coordinating and covering the cost of their own transportation to/from Kansas City International Airport (MCI). Participants must arrive no later than 9:00 PM on Thursday, June 11, and depart no earlier than 5:00 PM on Sunday, June 14. Applicants should not purchase flights until they have received an email confirmation of their acceptance.
The registration link and fact sheet are now available online on the ACYOA website, or you may register HERE. All applications are due by May 10, and participants will receive confirmation of their acceptance no later than May 15. Once accepted, participants will receive a confirmation email with a health history form, participant agreement form, and travel survey to complete. In addition, a clergy recommendation form will be provided and must be completed by the applicant’s pastor. All required forms will be due by June 1.
Should you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Morris by email at jenniferm@armeniandiocese.org or by phone at (248) 648-0702, or Serien Keleshian at serien@armeniandiocese.org.
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.
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.
To view photos and a video recap of the 2026 ACYOA Seniors Mission Trip, please visit the provided links.