Western Diocese

We grieve the loss of our dear yeretzkin Anna Alice Semerdjian, the wife of Rev. Fr. Archpriest Shahe Semerdjian. We inform the Western Diocese clergy, parish councils, Diocesan representatives, and auxiliary bodies and that faithful that yeretzkin passed away on Friday, October 26, 2007, in San Diego.

 Anna Alice was born on July 1, 1925 in Beirut, Lebanon to Dickran and Eugenie Assilian. Her childhood was shrouded in sadness losing her sibling at a very young age. She war orphaned and raised by her older aunts. She was 17 when one of her dear friends invited her to come to Sunday school. She met Avedis Semerdjian, who just happened to be her Sunday school teacher.

In 1948 the family moved to Cypress where Fr. Shahe was ordained as a priest. In 1951 the family immigrated to the United States coming through Ellis Island on Veterans Day to Fowler, California. Yeretzkin was very involved in the Church. She taught Sunday school, Armenian school and worked very hard for the ladies society.

The Semerdjian Northridge house was always open. Yeretzkin loved to cook and had a gas stove, two freezers and a refrigerator outside in the garage which was set up like a bakery. The Semerdjian house was known as the gathering place for friends and family. Yeretzkin and Fr. Shahe hosted many church functions in their home. When dignitaries visited the Los Angeles area, their visit always ended at the Semerdjian’s for dinner.

Even in retirement, Yeretzkin and Fr. Shahe Semerdjian continued to work and serve the Armenian Church. The deceased was a compassionate, dedicated, and loved woman.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese presided over the church service for the deceased which took place on October 30, 2007, at the St. John Armenian Church. Rev. Fr. Archpriest Datev Tatoulian, Pastor of St. John Armenian Church, Rev. Fr. Shnork Demirjian, Pastor of St. Peter Armenian Church of Van Nuys and Fr.Vazken Movsesian, Pastor of St. Peter Armenian Church—Youth Center participated in the ceremony.

Deacon Dr. Gregor Semerdjian read a biographical peace about his mother, pointing to her long years of service. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, in his message lauded the dedication of the late yeretzkin, which started from Cyprus to California and even after the retirement of Rev. Fr. Archpriest Shahe Semerjian, and their move to Las Vegas. The Primate expressed deep condolences on behalf of the Western Diocese, Diocesan clergy as well as the Diocesan Council and Ladies Societies to the children of the deceased.

Rev. Fr. Archpriest Datev Tatoulian presided over the funeral of yeretzkin Anna Alice Semerdjian. A reception in the memory of the yeretzkin took place at the church’s hall.