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 2022 Winners:
$150 - Jennifer Daily
$100 - Mark Wall
$50 - Mark Wall
St. Mary Yettem Events September 25, 2022
Ordination and Hye Spirit Awards - July 24, 2022
Sunday Services:
Morning Service at 9:45 AM
Divine Liturgy at 10:30 AM
14395 Ave 384 Yettem, California 93670 (559) 528-6892
Sunday School
Sunday School Classes are held on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month
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Please join us this Sunday, September 25, 2022, as we gather together for services. The Morning Service will begin at 9:30, and the Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 10:15. Sunday School will be meeting this week.
On Sunday, October 2nd parishioners from the St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church will be making a pilgrimage to Yettem to visit our church. The group will be led by former St. Mary Yettem Priest Rev. Father Zaven Markosyan. A fellowship will be sponsored by the Parish Council, and all are invited to join us.
Richard Hagopian Inducted into Local Hall of Fame
Richard Hagopian was again honored for his amazing musical talent by being inducted into the VALLEY MUSIC HALL OF FAME. The Hall of Fame has been working, since 2017, to memorialize the contributions of those in the Central Valley music scene. Richard’s acceptance into the Hall of fame was announced at an event last month and the official presentation ceremony was held on Sept. 21st at Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater in Fresno’s Tower District.
Richard was given the title "Oudi" in 1969 by the internationally famous virtuoso Oudi Hrant, a blind master. This is the highest honor an oudist can receive. Additionally, Richard was a National Heritage Fellow in 1989. He is regarded as “one of America’s most accomplished folk musicians” (according to a New York Times critic) and one of the most renowned Oud players in the world.
Richard began performing traditional Armenian music somewhere between the ages of 9 and 13 and became a sort of collector and library of Armenian music, learning more than 1,500 traditional folk songs. Not only has Richard passed on this heritage to his sons and grandsons, but he is known for passing on that same heritage as a performer and master-class instructor at places like the Manhattan School of Music and Fresno State, where he served as Artist in Residence.
Congratulations Richard!
The Western Diocese has sent out a request to all parishioners to possibly help those families in need from the recent attacks on the homeland. Please address your heartfelt donations in the form of checks to the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, indicating Armenia Aid in the memo.
Donate your vehicle! Put the good in goodbye by donating your vehicle. Donating is easy. Pick-up is free. Your tax-deductible donation benefits our church. Call Linda Farsakian-Wall at 559-786-1419 for more information.
An outdoor Badarak will be conducted on Sunday, October 9th. After services, the Knights & Daughters of Vartan will sponsor a family picnic here at St. Mary Yettem. The entire community is invited!
On Sunday, October 2, parishioners from St. Sarkis Armenian Church will be making a pilgrimage to Yettem to visit our church. The group will be led by former St. Mary Parish Priest Rev. Father Zaven Markosyan. A fellowship will be sponsored by the Parish Council, and all are invited to join us.
An outdoor Badarak will be conducted on Sunday, October 9th. After services, the Knights & Daughters of Vartan will sponsor a family picnic here at St. Mary Yettem. The entire community is invited!
Memorial Wall
A new column of 4 blocks is available The price is $200 per name.
St. Mary Yettem Raffle Winners