Primate Meets With The Parish Council Of St. Mary Armenian Church In Yettem

On Saturday, December 12, 2015, the Parish Priest and Parish Council of the St. Mary Armenian Church, Yettem met with the Primate at the Diocesan Headquarters regarding the future of their parish. 

Fr. Vazken made a presentation about turning the St. Mary Church into a Monastery. The presentation was conceptual. It spoke about monastic life and possibilities for the Armenian Church here in America. The Yettem St. Mary Church has the charm, history and location that would make it conducive for a monastic environment. The presentation included slides, short and long-term visions for such a project.

Following the presentation a healthy discussion ensued. Archbishop Hovnan emphasized that a monastery project would revitalize the community and at the same time offer a spiritual center for the entire diocese. Furthermore, he stressed the success of the project would be conditioned on prudent planning and a defined master plan. 

Next, the Parish Council will make a presentation to the Parish Assembly in February of 2016.