Saint Mary Yettem Celebrates 110 Years!
On Sunday, July 18, 2021, about 150 parishioners and friends of St. Mary Armenian Church in Yettem gathered together to celebrate the 110th anniversary of the founding of the church. On this special occasion, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian conducted ordinations of acolytes, a deacon and bestowed a Hye Spirit Award. His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, former Primate of the Western Diocese also journeyed from Southern California to be present for this historic day.
Young Hagop Pegor Keshishian and Jackson Poochigian were ordained as Acolytes. Alan Farsakian who was ordained as a Sub Deacon on July 7, 1991, was elevated to the rank of Deacon - thirty years and nine days later at the exact same altar. Life-long member Charlie Ananian who has faithfully served the parish holding candle, attending Sunday School, chairing the ACYO, singing in choir, assuming Parish Council responsibilities, and maintaining the church grounds for decades, was the recipient of this year’s Hye Spirit Award.
His Eminence Archbishop Derderian was the day’s celebrant assisted by Parish Priest Reverend Father Mashdots Keshishian, Yettem Deacon Randy Tellalian, Deacon Allan Jendian (Fresno) and Deacon Steve Adams (Fresno). The large choir was led and accompanied by Mari Louise Menendian.
His Eminence delivered the day’s message that began with sharing the word in Matthew 18:10-14. His Eminence encouraged us to renew our calling and to carry on the mission of the church and prayed for the founders and pastors of St. Mary Yettem. During a point in the sermon, a young child (actually the great-grandson of one of the original builders of our current church) made a little noise. His Eminence called the parents and the young boy up to the altar for a special blessing and reminded the congregation that a young cry should be seen as a blessing and a sign of hope from a new generation.
Following services, a banquet luncheon was served to those who remained in the Majarian Hall. The program included songs from Sunday School students and congratulatory remarks from those present, and messages read on behalf of family and friends unable to attend. Deacon Alan Farsakian shared a moving thank you that included his family’s multi-generation service to the Armenian Church. Hovnan Surpazan Hayr presented thank you gifts to all of the honorees and then invited Archbishop Hovsepian to close with his remarks and to offer the closing prayer.
June Winners:
$150 - Jeanette Ekizian
$100 - Zoie Margosian
$50 - Lucille Margosian
14395 Ave 384 Yettem, California 93670 (559) 528-6892
To view services, go to our webpage at www.stmaryyettem.org and click on the tab "Live Church Camera. On that page, click the link to view the services. A picture of the church will come on followed by a video box. You may have to click the play button in the center of the screen to begin the video stream. To fill the screen, move your cursor to the bottom right corner and click the double arrow. This system allows users to view services on any device including Windows=based machines, Macs, Linux, Chromebooks, Androids, Smart TVs, game units and smart phones.
Other News
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Learning How to Make Monti - July 24, 2021
Sunday Services:
Morning Service at 9:45 AM
Divine Liturgy at 10:30 AM
What is WD168??
One of the many ministries of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America is a weekly internet channel and program entitled "WD168". The host of this informative program is our special Yettem friend, Father Vazken Movsesian. Father Vazken begins each episode explaining that "God gives us 168 hours every week to live, love and enjoy." If you have never watched these before, you should. The programs are lively, informative and educational as Der Vazken shares activities going on throughout our Diocese.
In recent episodes, including the latest released today, Father Vazken has included news featuring St. Mary Yettem. You can watch previous episodes at https://www.wdacna.com/videos
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Memorial Wall
A new column of 4 blocks is available The price is $200 per name.
Sunday School
Sunday School Classes are held on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month
St. Mary Yettem Raffle Winners
Please join us for services this Sunday, August 1. We are starting services fifteen minutes earlier for the summer months. The Morning Service will begin at 9:30, and the Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 10:15. Services are also available on our webpage and on Facebook.
We will continue to implement some practices that began as a result of the pandemic. Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance and exit of the church. We will not be passing the plate and the Kiss of Peace will be offered from a distance. Communion will be offered and placed in the hand of those receiving it. Mas will be distributed in small bags at the end of the service.
Ways and Means meeting will be held on Thursday, August 5th via Zoom at 7:00 PM.
Ladies Society meeting will be held on Saturday, August 7th at 11:30 AM in the Majarian Hall.
Asdvadzadzin, Blessing of the Grapes will be held on Sunday, August 15, 2021. Lunch will feature chicken kebab, pilaf, salad, carrots, dinner roll and dessert. Please RSVP to (559) 528-6892 or email lunches @stmaryyettem.org by August 10th. Please deliver your grapes to the Majarian Hall on Saturday, August 14th at 10:00 AM.
Our eighth church raffle will be held on Asdvadzadzin, Sunday, August 15th after church services. The drawing will also be streamed on Facebook. If you don’t have tickets or need additional ones, please contact Tina Peters at (559) 967-2593 by phone or text. There are plenty of drawings left this year and your tickets are re-submitted even if you win.
Our church office hours are Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 – 2:30 PM. The office phone number is (559) 528-6892. If you are in need of something beyond those hours, you can email fathermashdots@stmaryyettem.org or text/call (818) 293-9098 or email St. Mary Parish Council Chairman Myron Sheklian at myron@sheklian.com or text/call (559) 280-7315.
Father Mashdots is available for pastoral care, spiritual guidance and support. Please inform Der Hayr of those who may be sick at home, hospitalized or may simply want to talk.
Diocesan Bylaws Proposal
Click the DONATE Button Below to make donations to St. Mary Armenian Church
As announced in last month's bulletin, some proposed changes have been circulated to the Diocesan Bylaws to allow for a simplification and reorganization of the Western Diocese's operations, properties and parishes. CLICK HERE to see that document. Of you have questions or concerns, please contact Parish Council Chairman Myron Sheklian.
St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church of Yettem
Announcements for August 1, 2021
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