Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Marina Chardukian
Staff Writer
New beginnings are opportunities for growth, and for the St. Paul Armenian Church of Fresno, that opportunity became a reality with the appointment of a new parish priest, Reverend Father Yessai Bedros.
Archbishop Hovnan Der-derian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, made the appointment on August 4, 2014.
Born in Kamishli, Syria, Father Yessai moved to Fresno with his wife, Vartine, and two sons, Keghart and Varak, only a few months ago. He has since had many positive impressions from parishioners, who have been kind and welcoming to the family.
Fr. Yessai explained how the Armenian community in Fresno is similar to other parishes he has served in, although St. Paul also has its unique character. Fr. Yessai strongly believes that, “all parishes are similar, all parishes have similar problems, because Armenians are similar.”
However, Fr. Yessai’s biggest challenge at St. Paul is drawing the youth to God. He hopes to bring people closer to God and the Church and nurture a strong tie between the young and the Church. He expressed excitement for the future, which he hopes will include a stronger youth presence.
As part of his goal to connect with the youth, Father Yessai organized an event with the St. Paul ACYO (Armenian Church Youth Organization) on Friday, October 24, in the Haig and Isabel Berberian Social Hall.
All the youth of the Church were invited to a night of food, games, and socializing. Fr. Yessai opened the gathering with a prayer followed by activities that allowed for a fun time and the opportunity to become familiar with Fr. Yessai in a different setting.
Activities included video games and ping-pong, which is a favorite of Fr. Yessai. The intent of the meeting was to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere that would bring the youth to Church.
Fr. Yessai expressed his passion towards youth involvement. “I am young and I enjoy working with youth,” he stated. Along with playing ping-pong, Fr. Yessai enjoys soccer and basketball and occasionally plays the piano. His interest in becoming a priest arose early on in childhood.
In 1995, at the age of 12, Fr. Yessai was accepted to the Seminary of the Armenian Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia in Lebanon.
As he matured, Fr. Yessai prayed to God asking if he was going to be a married or an unmarried priest, and shortly after, he received his answer by meeting his wife, Vartine.
Fr. Yessai is excited to be the new parish priest at St. Paul and considers community outreach as one of his biggest goals. He aims to build a family in the Church, stressing that in families one is able to find harmony and problem solving.
The goal for the gathering on October 24 was to bring the youth closer to the Church and to one another. Fr. Yessai will continue to diligently implement ways to unite and strengthen the Church youth.