From June 5-15, Alen Dokmecian, one of our ACYOA Seniors, had the privilege of visiting the Holy Land on a pilgrimage with other young adults across the United States. Thanks to the Holy Martyrs Parish Council and the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, his dream of paying homage to Jerusalem, Israel was made possible.
Fr. Vazken Kouzouian, the pastor of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston, guided the group through this pilgrimage. They visited many holy sites including the Jordan River, the Nativity Church, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee. These areas, among many others we visited, were placed where Jesus preached, prayed and healed.
One of the nights, the pilgrims slept in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to have Badarak early next morning. "This was definitely one of the highlights of my pilgrimage because I never imagined being able to pray in front of Jesus’ tomb", said Alen. Another highlight was playing soccer with the local Armenian kids in the Armenian convent.
"Overall, it was an amazing, life changing experience. I never thought I’d be walking the footsteps of Jesus Christ. It’s one thing to read stories in the Bible, but it’s another to be at the exact location where Jesus Christ was. I am forever thankful and blessed for having this opportunity. I can’t wait to go back to the Holy Land someday. Anyone who ever has the opportunity to visit the Holy Land, I highly recommend it."
