ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH
SHNORHALI MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER
APRIL AND MAY
2020
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Feast of the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide
Although this is an unprecedented time for the entire world, we can never forget the memory of our Genocide Martyrs. In keeping with the annual tradition, there was a Wreath-laying Ceremony at the Armenian Embassy Khatchkar on April 24 at 10:30 am. Th ceremony was proceed be a special prayer service of the Intersection of the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide.
Due to the pandemic, this event was not open for the public but it was available on social media. Please
click here
to watch the Prayer Service and wreath-laying ceremony.
On April 19 a special order of the intercessory prayer of the Holy Martyrs who gave their lives during the Armenian Genocide for faith and for the homeland took place at St. Mary Church following the Badarak.
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Virtual PC Meeting
Despite these uncertain and challenging times, the members of the St. Mary Parish Council continue to show their care and service to our beloved Church. A virtual Parish Council meeting was held last week to address the challenges and problems that our church faces today. During the meeting the members came up with ideas and strategies of how to overcoming our challenging situation. We are blessed to have a truly committed and dedicated group of people who love and care for their Church. But overall, as a community we are blessed with many parishioners who do not forget their faith, heritage and church during times of need. May our Heavenly Father bless everyone.
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On May 8, 28 years ago in Artsakh, the city of Shushi was liberated as a result of an assault. Some call the operation “liberation of Shushi”, others - “capture”. But for those residents of Stepanakert and other settlements who lived in basements because of the constant shelling from Shushi, the label doesn’t matter. What matters is that people - for the first time in many months went out to get some fresh air and saw the sun.
May 8 in the history of the Artsakh war will perhaps be remembered as a turning point – with that day marking the start of the operation called “wedding in the mountains”, which changed not only the course of the Artsakh war, but also the mentality of Armenians who realized that it was possible to win against all odds.
In Artsakh May 9 is celebrated as a "Triple Holiday."
Click here to
read more.
On May 10, at St. Mary Church, a special hokehankist prayer service took place for the souls of All the Freedom Fighters Who Sacrificed Their Lives for the Liberation of Artsakh.
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Edward Alexander, Armenian-American Diplomat Turns 100
One of St. Mary's long-time parishioners celebrated a milestone on April 14. Ed Alexander, a decorated U.S. diplomat and longtime St. Mary Parishioner, turned 100. His career included service in the U.S. Army in World War II, working on the staffs of Generals Eisenhower and Bradley in Psychological Warfare in the European theater, Voice of America’s Chief of the Armenian Service and Deputy Director for the Soviet Union and East Europe. He served on the Board for International Broadcasting, overseeing the broadcasts of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty, just to mention a few of his achievements.
Ed Alexander has three sons, Mark, Scott and Christian, and five grandchildren, Derek, Maya, Miranda, Garen, and Sean Alexander. He lives with his wife Roseann in Bethesda, Maryland.
We congratulate Ed Alexander and wish him many more happy and healthy celebrations with God's blessings!
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St Mary ACYOA Juniors
Our teens have continued to "meet" during the Corona virus stay-at-home period. A dozen students logged into a zoom meeting on April 5th, Palm Sunday. Yn Jennifer facilitated the meeting. Becky Bagdasarian gave a short spiritual message based on the epistle of the day, Philippians, which encourages believers to turn to God in turbulent times. Then the students had time to chat and catch up with each other.
The ACYOA juniors met again on May 3rd. At the meeting, facilitated by Yn Jennifer, the students discussed some ideas for future events. Der Hovsep gave the spiritual message on prayer, encouraging the students to pray for each other and the world during these times. The students had time to chat and share their thoughts.
The ACYOA Juniors advisors held a parents meeting via Zoom on May 7th. The group discussed potential future plans for the teen group and ways to proceed during the stay-at-home period.
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St Mary Choir Meeting
Nine members of the St Mary Choir attended an online meeting, using zoom software, on May 12th. The group spent a good amount of time chatting and visiting before discussing future plans for the choir. The group thanked Edita and Zaven Kalayjian for singing and praying for the choir every Sunday morning during the facebook live badarak broadcasts. The group discussed potentially rotating a few choir members into the choir during the summer/fall. This potential plan would allow a few singers to serve in the choir once a month, taking turns, so there would be space in the balcony for social distancing. The group decided to hold a choir meeting, via zoom, once a month, to visit, make plans, and keep the lines of communication open.
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Bible Studies Continue
We resumed our weekly Bible Studies on May 26th. Twelve parishioner families joined to discuss the first chapter of the Book of James. Serving Christ, constantly being in prayer, having strong faith, and going through trials with the everlasting joy in our Lord were the main topics of the discussion. The participants shared their perspectives and views on how to apply James's teachings to our daily lives.
We will continue studying the Book of James every Tuesday at 7PM and encourage you to join. To get the Zoom link please email
atevossyan@yahoo.com
or contact St. Mary's church office at stmarychurchdc@gmail.com
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Hokehankists - Requiem Services
April 19, 2020
For the souls of: George & Margaret Krikorian
Requested by:
The children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren of George & Margaret Krikorian
April 26, 2020
For the soul of: Robert J. Riley
Requested by:
Sandra Markarian Riley- wife, Amy Johnson(daughter) and Mike Johnson and grandsons Riley Johnson and Zachary Johnson and daughter, Katie Riley
For the souls of: Shantoukt Yeghissian, (44th anniversary) Mary Bahadurian, (40th anniversary) Survivors of the Armenian Genocide
Requested by:
Patricia Yeghissian and family
For the soul of: Horen Panosyan (3rd anniversary)
Requested by:
Arpine Panosyan (wife) Alis (daughter) & Aris Cubuk
Nadya (daughter) & Garbis Chubukian Ani Panosyan (daughter)
Ayda (daughter) & Brooks Harrington
May 10, 2020
For the souls of: All the Freedom Fighters Who Sacrificed Their Lives for the Liberation of Artsakh
Requested by:
Office of the Republic of Artsakh in the United States, St. Mary's Parish Council , Der Hayr
For the soul of: Edward Onanian (1st anniversary)
Requested by:
Zvart Onanian, Laurie, Debbie Onanian and Eric Stickler and
grandsons John Edward and Avedis George Stickler
For the souls of: Anna & Robert Kalian
Requested by:
Peter, Sonya Vlad & Kirk Kalian
For the soul of: Aida Kechichian Najarian (1st anniversary)
Requested by:
Nevart, Khajag, Nyrie and Garine Tahmazian
May 17, 2020
For the soul of: Asdghig S Ohanian
Requested by:
Her children, Nairy Ohanian, Garo Ohanian, Linda Ohanian Dolan
For the soul of: Peproneh Yektazarian (40 days)
Requested by:
Ruby Faulkner and René Faulkner-MacDonagh
May 24. 2020
For the soul of:
William Ervant Docter Hekimian,
Benefactor of the St. Mary Church WED Educational Fund
Requested by:
WED Scholarship Community, St. Mary Parish Counsel and
Fr. Hovsep
For the soul of: Sossie N. Zenian (6th anniversary)
Requested by:
Mr. and Mrs. Vartan & Eva Zenian, Mrs. Arda Z. Belt
Mr. and Mrs. Steve & Zarminee Evereklian & family
For the soul of:
Karlen Gomtsyan
Requested by:
Armen Gomtsyan, Lena Davtyan, and Gomtsyan family.
May God rest Their Souls in peace and may His loving favor be with their loved ones.
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Funeral
March 28, 2020
Asdghig Sirpouhi Ohanian
Devoted mother, grandmother; cherished aunt, sister and friend. She is survived by her children - son Garo Paul Ohanian and twin daughters, Linda Ann Dolan and Nairy Asdghig Ohanian, her son-in-law Douglas and daughter-in-law Sherry, and her 3 grandchildren- Matthew Dolan, Elizabeth Dolan and Ezekiel Ohanian. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Boghos Ohanian in 2000, and her siblings, Zarouhi Fereshetian, Antranik Tozkonmazian and Siranoush Erzingatzian.
May 14, 2020
Michael G. Najarian
He is survived by his loving wife Therese (Michaud), daughter Catherine Najarian-Halpin, son in law Charles Halpin, granddaughter Madeline Rose Halpin, sisters Clara Andonian, Sosie Manoogian, Roxie Pompilio, Virginia Abbe, Alice Guida , many amazing nieces, nephews, sister/brother-in laws, friends, coworkers , neighbors, his Vietnam Veteran ‘brothers’ of VVA Chapter 641 and his loyal grand-dog Riley.
He is preceded in death by his wonderful parents Arthur & Piloon (Manoogian) and dear brother John Najarian.
May 17, 2020
Lt. Col. Andre J. Kevork
He is survived by his Mother, Jackie Kevork; Sister, Carmen Kevork;
Sister, Annie and Mitch Hammond and son, Matthias; Brother, Raffi and Silva Kevork; Niece, Tatiana and Aaron Carlson, and son, Troy; Niece, Kareena Kevork; Nephew, Shaunt Kevork; Movses Kevork and family.
And the entire Kazarian, Bosnouyan, Boghosian, Lepedjian, Manoushian, Kazandjian, Hindoyan, Goenjian, Shirikjian and Hammond Family, relatives and friends.
May 17, 2020
Levon Garabedian
May the Lord rest Their Souls in peace and grant comfort to the family members and friends
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St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church
Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, Pastor
4125 Fessenden Street N.W, Washington, DC 20016
202-363-1923 / www.stmaryaac.org
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