Parishes
Posted: 10/07/2026
The St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church of Yettem, one of the oldest parishes of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, celebrated its 115th anniversary on Sunday, October 4, 2026, with a festive Divine Liturgy and gala banquet bringing together clergy, parishioners, community leaders, and distinguished guests.
The day's Divine Liturgy was celebrated by the Diocesan Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, who also delivered the homily. He was assisted at the Holy Altar by the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Mashdots Keshishian, and the altar servers and deacons.
Taking part in the service were Archpriest Fr. Kevork Arakelian, visiting priest to Sts. Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Church in Reedley; Diocesan Council Chairman Mr. Derik Ghookasian and his wife, Adrineh; Diocesan Council member Mr. Michael Missakian; and Parish Council Chairwoman Mrs. Judy Skaff.
Elected officials in attendance were US Representative Jim Costa (21st congressional district), Visalia City Councilman Brian Poochigian and Tulare County Supervisor Amy Shuklian.
In his homily, Archbishop Derderian reflected on the enduring witness of St. Mary Church and the generations of faithful who have sustained its mission for more than a century. He emphasized that the anniversary was not simply a commemoration of the past, but an invitation to renew the parish's commitment to its spiritual mission and its future.
The Primate praised the parishioners whose faith, dedication, and sacrifice have allowed St. Mary to remain a vital center of Armenian Christian life in the San Joaquin Valley. He encouraged the community to look to its heritage as a source of strength while continuing to build a vibrant future for generations to come.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a gala anniversary banquet was held in celebration of the 115th milestone. Archbishop Derderian delivered the invocation, offering thanksgiving for the generations who established and nurtured the parish and praying for God's continued blessings upon its clergy, parishioners, and mission.
Serving as Master of Ceremonies and Co-Chair of the 115th Anniversary Committee, Deacon Alan Farsakian welcomed the guests and reflected on the significance of the historic occasion.
On behalf of the Parish Council, Chairwoman Judy Skaff spoke of the important role St. Mary Church has played in strengthening the religious, spiritual, and cultural life of the community. She also offered congratulations to Rev. Fr. Mashdots Keshishian on the 15th anniversary of his ordination and consecration to the priesthood, recognizing his dedicated pastoral ministry among the faithful of St. Mary.
In his remarks, Fr. Mashdots expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the parishioners for the recognition and for their continued love and support. He reaffirmed his commitment to his pastoral calling, pledging to continue serving Christ's flock with steadfastness, dedication, and zeal.
Three distinguished members of the St. Mary community were honored during the banquet: Tracy Valencia, Deacon Hrant Alan Farsakian, and Simon “Chuck” Simonian, whose years of service and commitment have contributed to the life and vitality of the parish.
The celebration also featured a musical performance by Olivia Vartanian, accompanied on piano by Devri Lindstrand.
In recognition of the parish's 115th anniversary, proclamations from U.S. Representative Jim Costa, State Senator Melissa Hurtado, California State Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo, and Tulare County Supervisors Amy Shuklian and Eddie Valero were presented to the parish.
Parishioner and first-generation Armenian American David Menendian reflected on the profound role St. Mary Armenian Church has played in the life of his family. Sharing personal memories and experiences, he spoke of the church as a place where faith, family, heritage, and community have been passed from one generation to the next.
On behalf of the Diocesan Council, remarks were delivered by Mr. Derik Ghookasian who reflected on the perpetuity of St. Mary’s transmittance of the Orthodox Christian Faith of our forbears in legacy of St. Mary Armenian Church as a beacon of faith
In his closing remarks, Archbishop Derderian congratulated the parish community on its blessed 115th anniversary and called upon the faithful to remain steadfast in carrying forward the legacy entrusted to them by their ancestors.
He urged the parishioners to preserve the rich Armenian Christian heritage that has sustained St. Mary throughout its history and to uphold the sacred traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The Primate emphasized that the greatest tribute to those who came before is to ensure that the faith they cherished continues to flourish in the lives of future generations.
As the St. Mary community gave thanks for 115 years of faith and service and looked toward the future with renewed hope and commitment, the gala celebration concluded with the Primate's closing prayer.
