October 2016: Another new camera system has been installed for broadcasting our church services. We recently tried a different system that was only "live" during services and required a manual start-up. This new system is on 24 hours a day. The new system allows users to view services on almost any device including Windows based machines, Chromebooks, Android devices, Macs, Smart TVs, Game units, and smart phones.

To view these 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.

Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian Camp Attracts Yettem Families

Yettem Work Day - September 2, 2017

Sunday, September 10th was a busy day for the Yettem Community. Our Sunday School students and staff kicked off the new school year led again by Superintendent Tracy Valencia. The rooms and grounds provided a welcoming environment to those who attended.

The Ladies Society again sponsored a much appreciated Grandparents' Day Brunch. This long-standing tradition was chaired this year by Linda Farsakian-Wall and her committee consisting of Debbie Agnew, Margie Lynn Davidian, Nancy Krikorian, Laurie Menendian, Tina Peters, Donna Torosian, Tracy Valencia and Sandra Vartanian. The beautiful spread included Margie Davidian's light and fluffy bee-shee and Laurie Menedian's famous rice pudding. Ladies Society Chairman Debbie Sheklian acknowledged and thanked the family of Sam and Betty Farsakian for paying for the day's brunch for those attending in honor of their parents on the fortieth day of Sam's passing.

Following the meal, Sunday School students modeled their back-to-school and favorite fashions and then entertained everyone with their various talents.

Southern California Pilgrimage to Yettem on Asvadzadzin

Again this year, St. Mary Yettem parishioners and those directly connected to Yettem through their parents and grandparents, were an integral part of the 2017 Camp. Yettem was represented this year in the form of clergy, campers, counselors and camp staff.

The Hye Camp Program began in 1964 with 32 participants. Originally called the Summer Religious Study Conference, it ran from July 27 – August 8, 1964 at Dinky Creek in the Sierra Mountains. In 1968, the Executive Camp Committee Chaired by John Ketchoyan restructured Armenian Summer Camp and the number of campers grew. Still today, Hye Camp holds the same standards and practices with updated improvements. A unique bond was formed and this little group, and the experiences they shared, became the mustard seed from which the current camp program developed.

The following year (and almost every subsequent year until 1988), the camp program took place at Camp Sugar Pine in the Sierra Mountains. In December 1987, the Western Diocese became the proud owner of the Alta Sierra Camp (formerly Bob Mathias Camp), nestled in the Sequoia National Forest of the San Joaquin Valley.

Dedicated in 2013 as Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian Camp, the 160-acre property located in Dunlap, California is about 35 miles east of Fresno. It is within five miles of the entrance to Kings Canyon National Park at an elevation of 4,400 feet. The property offers a unique, serene retreat setting - perfect for reflection and fellowship.

Currently, The Diocese, hosts Hye Camp, which consists of four week-long sessions.

On Saturday, September 2, the Yettem church grounds and Sunday School rooms were busy with parishioners donating time to prepare for the opening of Sunday School for the 2017-18 school year, Faith of Zion organized a clean-up day of the classrooms and the backyard play area and patio. Old playground equipment was removed, trash was dumped, the patio and remaining play equipment was power washed, rooms and awnings were de-cobbed, and everything was spruced up. The area hadn't looked that nice in a long time! Thank you to those who gave up their Saturday.

Sunday School Opening and Grandparents Day 2017

The Armenian Apostolic Church observed the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God on Sunday, August 13, 2017. In Yettem, our local parishioners were joined by members of various southern California parishes who made a pilgrimage to Yettem - the Garden of Eden. The day's guest celebrant was Rev. Fr. Vazken Movsesian. who was assisted at the Holy Altar by our own Rev. Fr. Zaven Markosyan and altar servers from several different parishes.

In his homily, Father Vazken reflected on the significance of the tabernacle feast. "The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary". In our Church calendar this is one of the most important feasts wherein we celebrate the sainthood of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Holy Mother of God. Father Vazken also recounted the significance of the grapes that grow on the vine and how that relates to the spiritual nourishment we receive.

The traditional Blessing of the Grapes ceremony was performed during the service after which the blessed grapes were distributed to the faithful.

After Church, the congregation moved in a procession to the Martyrs' Monument for a re-dedication. The monument's deteriorating marble was recently replaced with granite.

Following that special service the Ways and Means Committee held a very successful bake sale followed by a delicious luncheon prepared by the Parish Council.