ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH 

MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER

April 2025

Lenten Journey: The Healing Power of Forgiveness

On Wednesday, April 2, St. Mary Armenian Church continued its Lenten Journey 2025 series with an evening centered on the theme of “Forgive, and You Will Be Forgiven” (Luke 6:37).

Following the Rest Hour service, Dr. Anna Seferian delivered an inspiring reflection on the Christian understanding of forgiveness, drawing from Scripture, the teachings of the Church, and real-life struggles with offering grace. She reminded us that forgiveness is not just a personal virtue but a central command of Christ, modeled by His own boundless mercy. She encouraged the present to reflect on the barriers that often hold us back—pride, fear, and the desire for justice—and instead embrace forgiveness as a process rooted in humility, patience, and love. She also offered practical, faith-based steps to help us move toward reconciliation, inspired by both biblical guidance and Armenian Christian tradition.

After the presentation, parishioners gathered for a Lenten dinner generously sponsored by the parents and teachers of St. Mary Shnorhali School. The evening continued with a special presentation by Vardan Vardanyan, who shared valuable insights into the current challenges and opportunities in the government job sector. His practical tips and guidance on how to navigate the hiring process offered attendees timely and helpful resources. In addition, Andre Sahakyan offered helpful advice on how to manage financial resources during times of crisis.

Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan Receives the "Dzaghga Pilon" Honor

On Tuesday, April 7, during the annual Mid-Atlantic Clergy Retreat at St. Stepanos Church in Elberon, NJ, our pastor, Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, was formally vested with the “Dzaghga Pilon” (Floral Phelonion)—a distinguished honor granted by His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians.

This distinction, symbolizing faithful and exemplary service in the Armenian Church, was officially presented by Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan on behalf of His Holiness.

Originally conferred on the occasion of the Feast of the Sts. Ghevontiantz, the honor recognizes Fr. Hovsep’s many years of devoted ministry, leadership, and pastoral care—qualities that continue to strengthen the spiritual life of our parish and the broader Armenian Church.

Fr. Nersess Celebrates His First Badarak

On Saturday, April 6, newly ordained priest Fr. Nersess Krajekian celebrated his first Badarak at St. Sahag Armenian Church in Minneapolis. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, who served as his sponsoring priest during the ordination, traveled to Minneapolis to be present for this special occasion and to offer his support and blessings.

Fr. Nersess was ordained on February 22 and spent his 40-day period of prayer and seclusion at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary. Prior to ordination, he completed his internship at St. Mary Armenian Church, where he gained valuable pastoral experience.

The faithful of St. Sahag warmly welcomed their new pastor with open hearts as he led them in prayer and worship for the first time. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Der Nersess on this important beginning and wish him a blessed and fruitful ministry in the Armenian Church.

Lenten Journey: Walking with Christ – Preparing for Holy Week

On Wednesday, April 9, St. Mary Armenian Church concluded its Lenten Journey 2025 series with an evening themed “Walking with Christ: Preparing for Holy Week,” inspired by the words of our Lord in Luke 9:23 – “Take up your cross and follow me.”

The evening began with the Rest Hour service. Following the service Dr. Zaven Kalayjian led the final presentation of the series, offering a meditation on the meaning of following Christ and being His disciples. He invited participants to enter Holy Week not just as observers, but as active followers of Christ’s Passion—carrying our own crosses with faith, humility, and love, reminding everyone that the journey to the Resurrection begins with surrender and spiritual readiness.

Following the reflection, attendees gathered in the church hall for a Lenten dinner hosted by St. Mary Gift Store committee members and friends.

Palm Cross Workshop a Great Success

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sara Arabian for organizing a wonderful Palm Cross Workshop on April 12. Youth and adults gathered to learn how to make beautiful crosses from palm leaves in preparation for Palm Sunday. Through their combined efforts, over 200 palm crosses were lovingly crafted, blessed, and distributed to the faithful during the celebration of the feast the following day.

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported this meaningful tradition!

Palm Sunday Celebration at St. Mary

On Palm Sunday, April 13, the St. Mary community came together to joyfully mark the beginning of Holy Week with a beautiful celebration sponsored by our ACYOA. The day began with a moving Divine Liturgy, featuring a palm procession and a special blessing of the children, reminding us of Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Following the service, parishioners gathered in the Church Hall for light hospitality and a special Palm Sunday program. Dr. Ani Shahinian offered an inspiring presentation titled “But take courage, I have overcome the world”: The Resurrection and Christian Martyrdom, reflecting on the hope and strength we draw from the risen Christ in the face of suffering and sacrifice.

We are grateful to our ACYOA members for their leadership and dedication in organizing this celebration.

Palm Sunday Bake Sale



St. Mary Women’s Guild held its annual Palm Sunday Bake Sale on Sunday, April 14, offering a delicious assortment of homemade treats. Featured items included tahini choreg, Easter choreg, revani, simit, and haskanoush—all lovingly prepared by members of the community. Heartfelt thanks go out to all the women who participated in the bake sale workshops or generously donated baked goods. A special shoutout to Classic Bakery for their kind donation of choreg and gata—we truly appreciate your support.

Preparing Hearts for Easter: A Day of Joy and Blessings at Shnorhali School

As part of the joyful season leading up to Easter, Shnorhali School’s kindergarten and first-grade students came together for a special day filled with creativity, fellowship, and faith.

The morning began with a vibrant arts and crafts session, where students, guided by their loving teachers and dedicated volunteers, created and decorated Easter-themed headbands. Each child poured their imagination into their designs, filling the room with color, excitement, and a spirit of anticipation for the holy season.

After the creative time, the children joined in joyful celebration - playing games, singing songs, and dancing together. The highlight of the day was a lively egg hunt, where the children’s eyes lit up with each discovery, their giggles and shouts of joy filling the school grounds.

The day concluded with a visit to Patarag, where the students received blessings from our beloved pastor. In the stillness and reverence of that moment, the children were reminded of the deeper meaning of the season - a time to prepare our hearts with love, gratitude, and hope.

This beautiful day of joy and spiritual connection served as a meaningful way for our youngest students to reflect on the blessings of the Easter season. It was a celebration not just of fun and tradition, but of the light and love that guide our faith.

Shnorhali School Embraces The Resurrection Of Jesus



In celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, one of the most significant and sacred events in the Christian faith, Shnorhali School hosted a spiritually enriching gathering on April 19th at St. Mary Armenian Church. The event brought together students, staff, and families in a heartfelt reflection on the meaning of Easter and its enduring traditions.

Led by Principal Nunik Nishanian, our Pastor, Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, and Religious Education Coordinator, Nicolette Blackwell, students embarked on a journey of spiritual discovery. Through engaging and thoughtful teachings, they explored the profound symbolism of Easter and the sacred traditions rooted in Christian belief. Together, they reflected on the transformative power of the Resurrection, where hope triumphs over despair and the promise of eternal life renews the soul.

With joy and reverence, students dyed Easter eggs, each one symbolizing new life and spiritual rebirth. As evening approached, the community gathered for Holy Liturgy, where the sacred verses of Scripture resonated deeply. Following the service, students partook in the traditional Egg-Fight with our Pastor—a cherished custom that added joy and connection to the spiritual celebration.

This occasion not only deepened our students’ understanding of Christian teachings but also strengthened their bond with the Armenian Church, culture, and heritage. It served as a beautiful reminder of the values that anchor our faith: love, compassion, unity, and reverence for the divine.

Through this Easter celebration, Shnorhali School reaffirms its mission to nurture both the spiritual growth and cultural identity of its students, ensuring that the light of faith continues to shine brightly in their hearts for generations to come.

Commemoration of the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide

at St. Mary Church



On Sunday, April 27, the St. Mary Armenian Church community gathered to commemorate the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide with a moving liturgy, reflection, and an ecumenical prayer service. Falling on New Sunday—the Sunday after Easter—the commemoration carried a powerful message of Resurrection hope in the face of historic suffering.

In his sermon, Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan reflected on the meaning of New Sunday as an invitation to live as people of the Resurrection, linking Christ’s victory over death with the enduring witness of the Armenian Martyrs, canonized in 2015. Their unwavering faith, even unto death, remains a living testimony to the power of the Cross and Resurrection.

Following the Divine Liturgy, a special Ecumenical Prayer Service was held, organized in collaboration with Churches for Middle East Peace. Joining the service were: His Eminence Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Diocesan Legate and Vice-Moderator of the World Council of Churches. Fr. Russell McDougall, Executive Director of the Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou, international scholar and advocate for religious freedom. Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, Executive Director of Churches for Middle East Peace. Special guests in attendance included Ambassador Lilit Makunts and members of the staff from the Embassy of Armenia, as well as Robert Duke, Chief Curatorial Officer of the Museum of the Bible.

The commemoration continued with a moving performance by the Shnorhali School students, led by Haykaram Nahapetyan, honoring the faith and resilience of the martyrs through drama and song. The day concluded with a warm reception organized by the dedicated efforts of volunteers and parents, offering a space for fellowship and reflection.

Aurora of Hope: The Christian World’s Role in the Armenian People’s Survival



On April 27, students of St. Nerses Shnorhali School presented Aurora of Hope: The Christian World’s Role in the Armenian People’s Survival at St. Mary Armenian Church. The production marked the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and honored the international humanitarian efforts that supported Armenians during their darkest hour.

Combining documentary narrative with dramatic performance, the program began with a tribute to the Armenian people's ancient presence and cultural contributions in their historic homeland. Students then explored the role of international Christian figures, missionaries, clergy, and physicians, who, beginning in the 19th century, extended aid and solidarity to Armenians facing Ottoman repression.

A central focus was placed on Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, and her humanitarian mission to Constantinople during the Hamidian massacres, where her efforts helped save nearly 50,000 Armenian lives. Students also portrayed pivotal figures such as U.S. Ambassador Henry Morgenthau, Vatican representative Angelo Dolci, and German physician and photographer Armin Wegner, whose courage and advocacy helped document the Armenian Genocide and bring global awareness to the suffering.

“We did not merely recount a historical event; we paid tribute to the brave individuals who chose the noble path of humanitarianism,” said School Principal Nunik Nishanian.

History teacher Haykaram Nahapetyan emphasized that although the performance featured artistic and theatrical elements, it was firmly rooted in primary sources and historically verified material. Throughout the presentation, musical selections prepared by music teacher Armine Khachatryan added depth and emotional resonance, beautifully accompanying the narrative and enhancing the students’ powerful message.

Father Hovsep of St. Mary Armenian Church welcomed ecumenical guests who gathered in solidarity and remembrance. Rev. Vigen Aykazian shared personal reflections on missionaries who aided Armenians, stating, “We will never forget those who stood by us.”

The performance served not only as a lesson in history but also as a heartfelt expression of gratitude and remembrance, one carried forward by a new generation.

Funerals

April 9, 2025

Rita Garbis Vartanian

Rita is survived by her sisters: Malvina Vartanian, Tamara Sarkisian, and Dalita Iskenderian, and brother Vasken Vartanian. Her two nieces: Nayiree Sarkisian and Rubina Buchanan. Her nephew, David Vartanian, and two great nephews, Owen Buchanan and Greyson Buchanan.

May the Lord rest her Soul in peace and grant His comforting Holy Spirit to their family members and friends.