The Mashdots College has organized two unprecedented pilgrimages to the historic lands in Western Armenia and Cilicia. The first, June 22 – July 6, is designed for youth and the second, July 6 -23, 2009, for adults
The first pilgrimage is especially designed for Armenian-American youth (ages 16-35. This grand cultural tour will cover most regions of historic Western Armenia and Cilicia.
Six full days will be devoted to Greater Armenia. Visits include: Gars, Ani, Van, Aghtamar, Moush, Sassoun, Pergri, Nemroud, Arjesh, Ardamed, Vosdan and Mount Ararat.
The tour of the Cilician region will include visits to Adana, Sis, Antioch, Aintab, Marash, Zeytoun and Moussa Ler.
Bolis (Istanbul) will be covered in 2 days, including visits to the Armenian patriarchate, Armenian churches and schools as well as the islands. A unique feature of this tour includes climbing on foot the Sourp Arakelotz Mountain in Moush, Nemroud Mountain in Adiyaman and symbolically Mount Ararat.
This youth pilgrimage is limited to 24 first-come-first-accommodated applicants.
The second pilgrimage will cover most regions of historic Armenia, from the Mediterranean in Cilicia to Greater Armenia.
Similarly, ten full days will be devoted to Medz and Partsr Hayk regions. Visits include the cities of Van, Ardamed, Ani, Gars, Kharpert, Moush, Sassoun, Igdir, Beyazid, and Mount Ararat. Cilicia will be covered in 4 days.
Visits include: Adana, Sis, Darson (Tarsus), Mersin, Dikranagerd, Ourfa, Aintab, Marash, Zeytoun and Moussa Ler. Bolis (Istanbul) will be covered in 3 days visiting Armenian churches, schools, museums and the islands. The pilgrimage for adults is limited to 32 first-come-first-accommodated applicants.
For additional information on both pilgrimages, please contact Mashdots College, at (818) 548-9345, e-mail: mashdots@aol.com.