The faithful community of St. Mary Armenian Church of Yettem received the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Diocesan Primate, on Sunday, July 14, 2019.

During the service, Archbishop Derderian ordained altar server David Safrazian into the Diaconate, commending his selfless service rendered to the Armenian Church and encouraging him to uphold the sacred traditions of the world’s oldest Christian nation. The Pontifical Encyclical of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians with which the Pontiff bestowed upon the pastor of the host parish the right to be vested with a floral cloak, was presented to the Rev. Fr. Zaven Markosyan by Archbishop Derderian. The Primate commended Fr. Markosyan’s pastoral leadership and dedication to serving the flock of Christ.

During the service, the Primate recognized devout parishioner Margie Davidian with the Diocesan Hye Spirit medal. Archbishop Derderian expressed his wholehearted gratitude to the honoree for her unwavering Christian Faith, steadfastness and loyalty to St. Mary Armenian Church of Yettem.

Following the service, a reception was held in the church hall.