Bishop Anania Tsaturyan Celebrates His First Badarak In The United States

On Sunday, October 25, 2026, with the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church in Yettem was honored to welcome His Grace Bishop Anania Tsaturyan, Grand Sacristan of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

Bishop Anania celebrated the Divine Liturgy for the first time as a bishop in the United States at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church in Yettem, marking a historic and memorable occasion for the parish as it celebrates its 115th anniversary this month.

Faithful from neighboring Armenian churches and communities gathered to participate in this blessed service and welcome His Grace. Among those in attendance were parishioners from St. Sahag Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church in Reedley, St. Paul Armenian Apostolic Church in Fresno, St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church in Fowler, and faithful from the Los Angeles area.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Rev. Fr. Mashdots Keshishian, Parish Priest of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, welcomed Bishop Anania and expressed the parish's joy and gratitude for this special visit.

In his sermon on the Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross, Bishop Anania reminded the faithful that the Cross is not only a symbol of our faith but also a guide for our daily lives. He emphasized that we must live by the message of the Cross through love, humility, forgiveness, and sacrifice, allowing Christ's love to guide our actions and bring peace to our relationships with others.

At the conclusion of the service, Bishop Anania expressed his heartfelt thanks to Rev. Fr. Mashdots Keshishian, the Parish Council, the Ladies Society, the choir members, the deacons and altar servers, and everyone present for their warm welcome and participation in this special occasion. He also acknowledged the presence of his ordination godfather, Hovhannes and Nazeli Kutnerian.

Following the Divine Liturgy, parishioners and guests gathered for fellowship, sharing in the joy of this blessed day and celebrating together as one Armenian Church family.

St. Mary Armenian Church extends its heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Anania for celebrating the Divine Liturgy and blessing the parish with his presence and prayers. We also thank Archbishop Hovnan Derderian for his blessings and continued guidance.