Hovnan Srbazan’s Message to the Faithful Concerning the Developing Crisis
THE EXHORTATION OF HIS HOLINESS KAREKIN II,
CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS
REGARDING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Dear Faithful,
We are following with concern and prayer the developments around the
world with the Coronavirus. In these difficult times, when mankind is
troubled by the pandemic, including Armenia, and our lives are disturbing
as well, we urge with fatherly love our clergymen and faithful people to
exercise extreme caution and avoid public contact and large crowds.
We urge everyone to act with high personal and public consciousness and responsibility, not only for ourselves, but also with care for one another, deeply understanding that the security of everyone's life at this moment is also our personal responsibility. We trust in God we pray for the healing and spiritual strength of the infected and isolated. We extend our highest appreciation and blessing to our doctors who ceaselessly make the utmost effort in their service while operating in a state of emergency.
In consultation with the incumbents of the Hierarchical sees of our Church and discussing the situation with the bishops of Armenia today, we decided:
A. To schedule church service hours each day from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm for individual visits and private prayers for believers, as well as for Holy Communion and other urgent spiritual needs, for the period until Holy Thursday;
B. Conduct the celebrations of the Divine Liturgy behind closed doors, without the participation of faithful people, if possible, by streaming the celebrations online.
C. To cancel the order of Blessing of children on the feast of Palm Sunday, to perform the Andastan (Blessing of the Four Corners of the World) ceremony and blessing of tree branches without the presence of believers;
D. To cancel the order of Blessing of women awaiting the joy of motherhood on April 7, the Feast of the Annunciation of Blessed Virgin Mary,
E. Not to conduct ceremonies of Matrimony,
F. Perform the Sacrament of Baptism only in case of urgency (in case if the person to be baptized is ill),
G. In the case of funerals, only perform the Graveyard ceremony, urging the mourners to refrain from organizing crowded funerals and memorial gatherings for meal.
Instructing these decisions for implementation by the Church institutions, at the same time we announce upcoming Wednesday, March 18, a national day of prayer inviting everyone at 7:00 pm to join our clergy, in their private prayer from the place where they are, asking the Lord so that the world and our people may be able to overcome this tribulation with the spirit of unity and mutual support.
Beloved, in this difficult times, it is necessary, to unite and provide all the support to the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the relevant governmental bodies, to strictly follow all the instructions and requirements set by the authorities.
Together we will overcome also this challenge with public solidarity, civic and spiritual high responsibility and consciousness, and by the grace and mercy of our Lord. Life is a divine gift and is the most precious one. We need to care life by caring for one another with love. Now is the time to witness about our love and unity.
May the Lord's blessing, grace, and mercy be with us and with all; Amen.
14395 Ave 384 Yettem, California 93670 (559) 528-6892
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Dear Faithful,
As we all know, measures taken by government officials on a local, state and federal level due to the coronavirus have affected us all. The rapidly changing situation has forced organizations and people to react accordingly based on recommendations and orders of public health officials.
As such, His Holiness Karekin II and our church leaders have outlined new steps in helping our greater community effectively fight against this virus. These steps are outlined below in his Holiness' letter to the faithful.
If parishioners wish to schedule a time for personal prayer in the church, a visitation with Der Zaven or to receive Holy Communion, it is best to call the church office at 559-528-6892 or call Father Zaven on his cell at 818-644-9398.
Services on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings will be conducted by Father Zaven or our Deacons without the participation of the faithful. All services will be streamed on the internet. To view these services go to our website at www.stmaryyettem.org and click the LIVE CAMERA link.
You can also CLICK HERE to acess the camera directly.
Palm Sunday services will be conducted by Father Zaven without the participation of the congregation. Our annual Bake Sale on Palm Sunday has been canceled. Services during Holy week until Holy Thursday have been suspended. Information on services and activities after Holy Thursday will be forthcoming.
Many of you were aware that the evening service for Mike Ekizian was scheduled for Wednesday evening at 5 PM, with funeral services set for 10 AM on Thursday, March 19th. In keeping with the guidelines listed above, the evening service has been canceled and only graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 AM at Smith Mountain Cemetery in Dinuba. No memorial luncheon will be held at this time. Our deepest sympathy goes to Lesta and her family during this difficult time.
St. Mary Yettem Parish Council
St. Mary Yettem Parish Specific
Sunday Services:
Morning Service at 9:45 AM
Divine Liturgy at 10:30 AM
*** UPDATE *** April 2, 2020 - Even though we are under the "Stay at Home" guidelines from the state and federal government, a special Palm Sunday Service will be streamed on April 5, 2020. Father Zaven will be the day's officiant and his family will again share their talents on the organ and in the choir. The schedule is as follows: 9:45 A.M. – Matins & Opening of the Altar Curtain - 10:30 A.M. – Divine Liturgy followed by a virtual Children’s Blessing, Please gather your children around your screens for this special blessing. If you need help in connecting during these broadcasts call or text Myron at 559-280-7315 or email myron@sheklian.com. CLICK HERE for live broadcasts.
*** UPDATE *** April 1, 2020 - The audio on our live camera feed has been upgraded for enhanced quality. Remember ALL services are being broadcasted live on our website by clicking "Live Church Camera" above or by CLICKING HERE.
*** UPDATE *** March 20, 2020 1:00 PM: 43rd Annual Food Festival Postponed:
Due to state-wide restrictions on gathering size because of fear of the spread of a virus, the Parish Council voted on Wednesday, March 18, to postpone the Food Festival. We do plan to reschedule the event. The future date will depend, of course, on progress in defeating the spread of the coronavirus and the reopening of businesses and places of public gathering such as the Elks Lodge.
Beloved Faithful,
This is a critical time to uplift our hearts to God and seek His guidance as the
world is being challenged with the pandemic of coronavirus (COVID-19).
God has graced us all with the wisdom and compassionate heart, mind and soul
to share His love with all people to secure their health and wellbeing in times of
tribulation.
Truly this is the time to renew our faith in God and surrender our lives for the peace of the world and the people of God.
I pray God to protect and guard all people and especially those who are in pain, be them children or elderly.
God our Lord is a compassionate God and will comfort us and strengthen us to protect one another with the mutual respect and love to maintain the peace of the world and the wellbeing of the people of God.
Let us also take heed to the guidelines set forth by government officials. Let us pray God to give them the courage and wisdom to fulfill their responsibilities and duties diligently in these times of tribulation.
The Lord our God is our shepherd thus let us put our trust in Him and listen to words radiating from the Gospel: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart: I have overcome the world.”
The words of the Lord our God enlighten us all with this divine wisdom and unites us all to be one in Him.
God empower us all with the spiritual strength to overcome all kinds of tribulations as is the case of COVID-19.
Stay steadfast and the Lord our God will shower upon us all the peace prevailing from Heaven.
Check back here from time to time to get future updates.
COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease Information
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.
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