St. Mary Armenian Church Of Yettem Welcomes New Parish Priest

The Reverend Father Mashdots Keshishian was the celebrant of the Divine Liturgy for the first time as the newly named Parish Priest of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church in Yettem on Sunday, September 13, 2020, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

On behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, Reverend Father Vazken Movsesian greeted over one hundred faithful  for “a great beautiful day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and the appointment of your new pastor” on a historic day for the parish.

The Reverend Fathers, deacons and sub-deacons began morning services without parishioners present inside the church before moving outside under the canopy of trees to celebrate the Divine Liturgy. Father Vazken offered the day’s homily where he stressed that the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is a feast of newness. His message served as a backdrop of the day where he suggested with a new priest, parishioners have a new start and that the newness must not end with the day. “Get to know him and he will get to know you” he recommended.

In his remarks, Father Mashdots expressed that it was a great honor and a privilege to be a part of such a day of magnitude in the life of the church and this was a new beginning to grow spiritually. He stated, “that for this reason we will work hand-in-hand to grow this beautiful church.” He concluded by extending his deep gratitude to the Diocesan Primate for entrusting him to serve as the parish priest of St. Mary Armenian Church and promised to do his best to serve this historic parish. Fr. Mashdots concluded by expressing appreciation to St. Mary Parish Council, especially chairman Myron Sheklian and to the Ladies Society.

Following the services, the ACYO hosted a bake sale of breads and pastries and the Ladies Society sponsored an annual special brunch in honor of Grandparents’ Day. The Ladies Society also presented Fr. Mashdots, Yn. Maral and son Hagop-Pegor with gifts, welcoming them to Yettem.  

Members of the Ladies Society from Victorville made a pilgrimage to Yettem to join in on the day’s celebration.