M.A.Y.A. stands for far more than just the Melkite Association of Young Adults.  It is an organization of Melkite Catholics ages 18 – 26 (and at least 1 year out of high school) under the Melkite Greek Catholic Church in the United States and the patronage of our Bishop, the Most Reverend Cyril Salim Bustros, Eparch of Newton, which exists to help ourselves and one another strengthen our relationship with God through (but not limited to):

• The Holy Spirit
• Retreats
• Praying
• Fasting
• Almsgiving
• Leadership Events
• Catholic Fellowship Events
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Barbequing
• Dancing
• Spelunking
• Cup stacking
• Stapling
• Bad Photoshopping

So now we’ve gotten that dry stuff out of the way, a little history:

The organization began in 1994 with a small group of “graduates” – there was no official diploma conferred – of NAMY (National Association of Melkite Youth) asking the Melkite Church in the U.S. for an extension of NAMY and for an excuse to continue meeting and sharing their thoughts and experiences of God in the adult world…and to throw paper airplanes at each other.  What they got was the supporting hand, arm, and leg of an amazing priest by the name of Fr. Justin and the confidence of the Church for accreditation – that means they gave us the “thumbs up!”

Since then, MAYA has grown to approximately 60 active members (and roughly 50 inactive members) ranging in age from 18 to 26.  We meet at least once a year, every year, before our National Melkite Convention. This convention is for everyone and anyone wanting to broaden and strengthen their understanding of the Melkite faith.  It usually begins in July and lasts for 4 days and 3 nights.  However, before this national convention, we, MAYA, hold a national MAYA pre-convention retreat.  It is usually 4 days/3 nights as well.  Sound like a vacation?  Well, it depends on how you look at it.  Through a series of some intense and some not-as-intense experiences, we take a step back from the noise, rigors, and speed of everyday society so that we can examine ourselves to gain a greater understanding of God, ourselves, and those around us, as we pray 3 times a day (orthros, vespers, and compline); as we walk a mile in another’s shoes by volunteering our time and energy to work as a team for the benefit of those who need our help in communities around the country; as we receive valuable knowledge about our rich Melkite faith from our priest, Fr. Justin Rose, other priests, and also many accomplished guest educators; and as we get to know one another on a very personal...make that SPIRITUAL level through faith sharing, discussion, and Catholic fellowship.  Once our time is through, most head to the national convention where they meet up with their families for a few more days of prayer and fellowship.

So how do you get involved?  Well, if you need to, find a mirror, and ask yourself two simple questions:

1. Am I Melkite Catholic?
2. Am I a young adult between the ages of 18 and 26 (and one year out of high school)

If you answered “yes” to both of these questions, then you’re ALREADY involved, and you just need to attend the events!  If you answered “no” to the second question, just wait a couple years.  You’ll be here!  Or you’re older, we still love you just the same, and there’s probably another group to which we could direct you!  If you answered “no” to both questions, then we have some work to do, but we’re willing and able, and God is waiting patiently!

By the grace of God, MAYA has been a huge success over the last decade. We have proven ourselves to be a solid group of young faithful adults who are striving to strengthen ourselves in our Catholic faith with each opportunity we get. For those who are part of MAYA (but might not know it), we hope you'll consider joining us at our next retreat or event! Thanks for visiting and enjoy the rest of your stay here at USMAYA.ORG!