ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH
SHNORHALI MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2020
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St. Sarkis Day Celebration Luncheon
St. Mary's Ararat Avak Society hosted the Saint Sarkis Day Celebration Luncheon on Saturday, February 8 where over 100 people attended and enjoyed the Society's usual flair for beautiful table arrangements and a savory menu.
Saint Sarkis is one of the most beloved Armenian Saints as he is the Armenian Patron Saint of love and youth. Together with his 14 soldier companions he was martyred for the sake of Christianity. On his feast day the Armenian people pray to Saint Sarkis asking him to make their prayers audible to God.
Special thanks to our ladies of the Ararat Avak Society - Mari Shafakian, Eva Shafakian, and Takuhi Halljian - for organizing this special day with heartfelt celebration and grace. Our appreciation also goes to Talin and Manoug Habibian for setting photo booth and donating their services to make the day even more special.
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Annual Parish Assembly
The Annual Parish Assembly took place on February 9 after Badarak with 59 dues paying members in attendance. Annual statements and reports of all of the organizations were presented and approved. The budget for the upcoming year was also approved. The following individuals were elected and reelected to fill parish leadership and other positions: Parish Council - Ara Avedisian, Mark Krikorian, Rick Nishanian, Shohig Sahakian, Hratch Semerjian. Nominating Committee - Rebecca Bagdasarian, Anna Andrisova Seferian and Robert George. Auditing Committee - Edvik Alexandrian . Investment Committee - Michael Sahakian. WED Scholarship Committee - Zaven Kalayjian.
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Paregentan Dinner and Dance
On Saturday, February 22nd, the Women’s Guild hosted their annual Paregentan celebration with over 100 guests in attendance to enjoy the lively evening. With colorful paintings from the artist Endza hanging on the walls and beautifully hand made centerpieces decorating the tables, the hall was the ideal setting for the festive event. After a delectable dinner, guests had a fantastic time taking pictures and dancing to the energetic music provided by DJ Bedro. The joyful evening concluded with a fabulous raffle and more dancing.
The St. Mary Women’s Guild wishes to thank everyone who volunteered their time, donated towards the raffle and attended the event to help make it a success.
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Charity Exhibition of Endza's Paintings
Sponsored by St. Mary Parish Council and Knights and Daughters of Vartan the Exhibition of Endza’s Paintings (Gevorg Babakhanian of Etchmiadzin, Armenia) took place on February 21-23. Part of the proceeds from the exhibition were donated to the Cross of Armenian Unity (CAU) Charitable Organization in Etchmiadzin, Armenia. CAU is a non-political, non-religious, non-profit charitable cultural organization. The organization has always prioritized education and culture for the younger generation and has carried out a number of educational, cultural, and social outreach programs aimed at the well being of the children, their families and the development of society.
In 2003, it adopted its current method of art education by focusing on the child’s personality and behavior, hoping to see not only skills in arts and crafts but also development in becoming a responsible and informed citizen. Special thanks the organizing committee members Kevork Marashlian, Malvina Brown, Eric Achbahian, Bagrat Bayburtian, Ani Armani, Takuhi Hallajian and Raffi Sahakian for their support and help in organizing the exhibition.
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Lenten Service, Discussion and Dinner
The first of a six night series began on Wednesday, February 26. Parishioners and friends came together for a worship service, spiritual presentation and dinner with this year's theme entitled "Living the Gospel of Christ: James: Message of Living Faith." The topic concentrates on the journey through Lenten period studying the Letter of James. The Letter shows how a genuine faith is a tested faith and how encounter with difficulties is an essential part of the growth to Christian maturity.
Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan kicked off the series introducing the Letter of James and underlining its relevance and importance in our lives today.
Toward the end of the service and presentation the parishioners enjoyed each others fellowship and dinner hosted and sponsored by the Parish Council.
Please notice that the Lenten Service for Wednesday, March 4 has been rescheduled to Friday, March 6 due to "AN ARMENIAN ODYSSEY” performance to take place at the National Cathedral on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at 7:30 pm.
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ACYOA Junior Snow Tubing
Our ACYOA Juniors members enjoyed a wonderful day of snow tubing at Liberty Mountain in Pennsylvania on Saturday, February 29. A full day of fun and fellowship was filled with excitement and laughter as our teens enjoyed snow tubing and each other's company. Special appreciation goes to Catherine Sahakian and Yn. Jennifer Karapetyan for organizing the event and chaperoning the teens.
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Hokehankists - Requiem Services
February 2, 2020
For the soul of: Telman Gasoyan (1st anniversary)
Requested by:
Stella Gibbs
February 16, 2020
For the Souls of: Rosa Arakelian (Mother) and David Marvel (Husband)
Requested by:
Eleanor Marvel
February 23, 2020
For the Soul of: Ararat Melkonyan
Requested by:
Meri Melkonyan, Magdalina Melkonyan, Tigran Melkonyan and family
May God rest Their Souls in peace and may His loving favor be with their loved ones.
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Wedding
February 15, 2020
Cody Michael Geddes and Maral Christine Gazarian
Parents: Randall Geddes and Sarah (Kalahan) Melde
Levon
and
Kathleen (Paul) Gazarian
Best Man: Haig Gazarian
Maid of Honor: Luisa Gavoutian
Congratulations and may God make the newly married couple worthy of the desirable crown of Holy Matrimony.
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Funeral
February 5, 2020
Naghshoon Shahverdi
Survived by her children - sons Khachatoor Shahverdi and Albert Shahverdi, and daughter, Karmen Khachatourian - brothers Artush and Varouj Harutunian, sisters Haykuhi (Harutunian) Safarian and Parkuhi Harutunian, her son-in-law and daughters-in-law, 6 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
February 16, 2020
Alis Huner Sahakyan
Survived by her daughter and son-in-law: Ani and Vartkes Keshishian
3 grandchildren and their spouses: Talar and Yeprem Festekjian,
Lilian and Peter Festekjian, and Ari Bagdasaryan; 4 great-grandchildren: Arlene, Alexander, Shaunt, and Christina Festekjian
February 17, 2020
Vagharshak Vartanian
Beloved son of Bapken and Margarit Vartanian, brother of Vartan Vartanian and Manvel Vartanian.
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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