ReporterAm  NEW YORK - They climbed a mountain, drove through plains, and descended into a pit. The 17 young people taking part in this summer's ACYOA Armenia Service Program (ASP) crisscrossed Armenia, experiencing its geography and its historic sites.

But the three-week journey, from June 29 to July 20, was more than a tour of the homeland, participants said. It was also an introduction to the local way of life, and an opportunity to give back.

For the first time in the program's history, the ACYOA partnered with the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) to prepare the service component of the itinerary, and group members spent a week volunteering at FAR's soup kitchen and FAR's Ounjian School in Armenia's northwestern city of Gyumri.

"When you get to volunteer, you really understand the difficulties people face," said Katrina Shakarian, assistant ASP group leader. "As Armenians, we have to understand that side of Armenia."

At the soup kitchen in Gyumri, the young people assisted with everything from food preparation to clean-up. But the most rewarding experiences, they say, were ones that allowed them to learn more about the center's visitors-a population of 200 elderly residents most of whom have no family in Gyumri and are struggling to survive on low monthly pensions.

For many of the men and women, the daily meal at FAR's soup kitchen is the only source of sustenance and a rare opportunity for fellowship. Some walk miles from makeshift homes on the outskirts of the city to reach the center.

ASP participants emphasized how moving it was to share time with the elderly. A few group members even visited the beneficiaries in their homes. "Working at the soup kitchen was definitely an emotional experience for me," said Lisa Zaroogian of Providence, R.I. "The stories that they shared about their families-it was heartbreaking."

At the nearby Ounjian School, a public school with an enrollment of 450 students, participants helped with the renovation of a building, which will house science laboratories and classrooms. Donning bright blue hard-hats (donated by Charles Gulesarian of Watertown, Mass.), they plastered walls, moved concrete, cleared debris, and otherwise assisted with the day-to-day construction tasks.

Later, ASP group leader, the Rev. Fr. Tateos Abdalian, blessed the building. On hand for the special service was project sponsor Dr. John Ounjian of New York and Ashot Giziryan, the governor of Shirak province (of which Gyumri is the capital).

While in Gyumri, ASP members also visited the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Shirak and met with its Primate, Bishop Mikayel Ajapahian. In addition, they were welcomed with a concert at FAR's Octet Music School, spent a day cleaning the Church of the Mother-of-God in the town of Ashotsk, and were invited to a rehearsal of the well-known Kohar Symphony Orchestra and Choir.

"It was a pleasure for our staff to organize such a journey for the Armenia Service Program," said Arto Vorperian, FAR projects director, who joined the group during part of their weeklong stay in Gyumri. "It is important for these young people to be in contact with the local population and to build these bonds as they grow older."

Vartavar in Gyumri

Later, the group also had a chance to spend time at FAR's Children's Center in Yerevan-a facility for abused and orphaned children, which provides temporary housing, counseling and rehabilitation programs, and helps place children in foster care.

Introducing the young people to FAR projects advanced a proposal passed by the ACYOA General Assembly last spring to work with the humanitarian organization to adopt outreach projects in Armenia. In the coming months, the ACYOA Central Council plans to select a project and appoint a committee to develop and implement an action plan by the end of the year.

On the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the young people participated in the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Our Savior, one of two churches in the center of Gyumri. The church is currently under construction, and with no dome in place, the congregation had a rare opportunity to worship under an open sky.

The service was followed by traditional Vartavar festivities on the city square, and a picnic at the monastic complex of Marmashen north of Gyumri.

Beyond Gyumri, ASP travelers spent a good deal of time visiting ancient Armenian churches. A typical visit included prayer, led by Fr. Abdalian, and time for reflection. From Keghart to Haghbat, from Khor Virab to Noravank, they learned about medieval monastic life and a nation's centuries-old commitment to its Christian faith.

"Since our culture is so tied to our faith, seeing these churches really added to our trip," said Paul Derderian of White Plains, N.Y. "I've wanted to go to Armenia since I was a kid, and this was a great opportunity."

But perhaps no visit was as powerful as the one the group experienced at Saghmosavank monastery in Ashtarak. There they witnessed an elderly woman slowly make her way to the altar and recite prayer after prayer in Armenian-a testament to the persistence of Christianity despite years of Soviet rule.

"Der Hayr told us everything she said was theologically correct," said Lisa Zaroogian. "It was a humbling moment and a good representation of our faith."

Added Katrina Shakarian, "Her faith was touching and inspiring to all of us."

Of course, no visit to Armenia would be complete without a trip to Holy Etchmiadzin. ASP members participated in the Divine Liturgy at the spiritual center and met with His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, who led them on a tour of the complex's new chancellery (sponsored by Nazar Nazarian of New Jersey).

Sightseeing also included stops at Yerevan's many museums-including the Dzidzernagapert Genocide Memorial-a visit to the 1st-century temple of Garni, two days at Lake Sevan, and other cultural activities.

"Going with Der Hayr enriched the trip," said Katrina Shakarian. "Der Tateos is an excellent leader. He has a great rapport with young people, and he really cares about them."

For Fr. Abdalian, who has now led the program three times, the goal is "to impress upon young people that everything they see is their legacy."

He added that he encouraged the travelers to continue to research and learn about the places they visited even after they returned home from Armenia. "Traveling is just the beginning," he said. "As they think about what they did, where they went, I think it will have more significance in their lives."