ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH 

MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER

February 2026

Visit to the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida



On February 1, Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan visited the mission parish of the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida, where he celebrated Sunday Badarak with the local Armenian community. The Badarak was a truly joyful and uplifting occasion, bringing together more than 90 faithful for prayer, worship, and fellowship.

Following the Badarak, parishioners gathered for coffee hour, during which Mr. Robert Avetisyan, Director of Research and Analysis at the Armenian Assembly of America, offered an informative briefing on the Assembly’s work and current issues of importance to the Armenian people. His presentation was followed by a lively and engaging question-and-answer discussion.

The visit was a beautiful expression of faith, unity, and connection within our wider Armenian Church family, especially among mission communities striving to grow and flourish.

Participation in the Christian Churches Together Steering Committee Meeting & Retreat

From January 21–23, 2026, Christian Churches Together (CCT) held its Winter Steering Committee Meeting and Retreat in Louisville, Kentucky, graciously hosted by the Presbyterian Church (USA) in partnership with the Zomi Baptist Churches of America. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan participated in this gathering as a member of the CCT Steering Committee, representing the Armenian Church within this important ecumenical body.

The meeting brought together Christian leaders from a wide spectrum of church traditions to engage in prayer, reflection, strategic planning, and substantive discussions concerning the mission and future direction of CCT. Sessions focused on the role and responsibilities of the Steering Committee, the work of CCT subcommittees, organizational governance, financial reporting, and the ongoing implementation of CCT’s strategic plan.

In addition to formal business sessions, the retreat component of the gathering provided space for spiritual reflection, relationship-building, and renewed commitment to Christian unity and common witness, underscoring CCT’s continued call to foster mutual understanding, reconciliation, and cooperation among diverse Christian communities in addressing pressing moral, social, and pastoral challenges.

Participation in meetings like this is a wonderful testimony of the Armenian Church’s active voice and presence within the broader ecumenical movement and strengthens ties with sister churches across the United States. Our church’s involvement is a great example of the Diocese’s ongoing commitment to dialogue, collaboration, and shared Christian witness in service to Christ and His Church.

St. Sarkis Day Celebration & Armenian Brunch at St. Mary

The St. Sarkis Day Celebration and Armenian Brunch, sponsored by the St. Mary Ararat Avak Society, was a great success, bringing together parishioners and friends for a day of faith, fellowship, and delicious homemade food.

The event began with a special introduction by Der Hovsep, who briefly explained the history, meaning, and traditions associated with the Feast of St. Sarkis, a beloved saint of the Armenian Church. This was followed by a prayer, asking for St. Sarkis’ intercession in the lives of all gathered.

This year’s celebration also featured a special program addition, a short video presentation that told the story of St. Sarkis and highlighted the beautiful traditions and customs connected to his feast day.

Following the program, attendees enjoyed a bountiful Armenian-style brunch prepared with love and dedication by the Avak Society organizing committee members. The spread featured gata, cheese boreg, feta and Armenian cheeses, soujukh with eggs, milk cream (ser), chorek, assorted jams, and desserts!

A special thanks goes to the dedicated committee members who worked tirelessly to make this event possible: Takuhi Haladjian, Mary Shafakian, and Eva Shafakian, along with Raffi Sahakyan.

ACYOA Juniors On the Move

The St Mary teen youth group, ACYOA Juniors, have had a productive month thus far. They gathered on February 7th at the Falls Church Bowlero to knock down some pins, enjoy a meal, and engage in arcade games. The following day, they convened after Badarak to craft beautiful handmade Easter cards, which they plan to send to senior citizens during the ACYOA Juniors Day of Service in March. Besides sending out cards, the teens will also be preparing sack lunches for individuals in need within the DMV area. 

How you can help: If you would like to donate supplies for the sack lunch making, please sign up at ACYOA Juniors March 2026 Service Project

Women's Guild Meeting

A heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful women who joined us on Sunday, February 8th for our first Women’s Guild Membership Meeting of 2026! It was a joyful and inspiring gathering, and we are so excited about all that lies ahead.

If you were unable to attend, no worries! Meeting minutes will be emailed to our Women’s Guild distribution list in the coming weeks so you can stay informed about all the exciting updates. If you would like to be added to the distribution list, have questions about the Guild, or are interested in becoming a member, please contact us at stmarywgdc@gmail.com—we would love to welcome you to our growing community!

During the meeting, we introduced our newly elected Executive Committee members and discussed meaningful ways to support Yeretzgin Kalayjian’s Memorial Service. We also shared details about our upcoming spring events, including a Wine Social, Saintly Women’s Day, Mid-Lenten Luncheon, and Hampartzoum. Planning is already underway for our Spring Food Festival, and we were thrilled to gather creative ideas from our members for future activities—such as recurring game nights, cultural programs, and even an embroidery seminar.

If you have additional ideas or would like to help plan an event, we warmly encourage you to reach out. Together, we can continue to grow and enrich our church community.

It was truly a beautiful afternoon of fellowship, collaboration, and shared excitement for the months ahead. We look forward to all that we will accomplish together!

Second Session of Acolyte Training: “Knowing the Sacred Space”

On February 8, the second session of the Acolyte Training Program took place under the leadership of Der Hovsep. This session focused on understanding the structure and symbolism of the Armenian Church building, a foundational step in forming reverent and knowledgeable altar servers.

The participants learned about the five principal areas of the church: the Gavit (Vestibule), Nav (Nave), Tas (Chancel), Khoran (Sanctuary), and Gozag (Apse). Der Hovsep explained not only the physical layout of the church but also its deeper spiritual meaning. The students reflected on how the Armenian Church architecture itself expresses the meeting of heaven and earth during the Divine Liturgy (Badarak).

Particular emphasis was placed on understanding where acolytes serve and why reverence, posture, and awareness of sacred boundaries are essential.

The session concluded with a reminder that serving at the altar is not merely a task, but a sacred responsibility carried out with humility, discipline, and prayer.

We continue to pray for our young altar servers as they grow in faith and prepare to serve our Lord and His Holy Church.

Vartanants Celebration and Educational Performance

On Sunday, February 8, our parish was blessed with an inspiring Vartanants program organized by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan. The special presentation was attended by our Shnorhaly School students, offering them a powerful and engaging lesson as our Church prepared to celebrate the Feast of Vartanants on February 12.

As our young people watched the performance, they were reminded of the courage, faith, and unwavering devotion of St. Vartan Mamikonian and the Armenian martyrs of Avarayr. Through this presentation, the story of Vartanants came alive before them, not simply as a chapter of history, but as a living testimony of fidelity to Christ and the defense of faith and identity.

Experiencing this lesson together in a parish setting made the message even more meaningful. It connected our young people to their spiritual heritage vividly and memorably, reinforcing what we teach in our Church and in Shnorhaly School.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Knights and Daughters of Vartan for their continued dedication to preserving and sharing our sacred history, and especially to Jake Bournazian for organizing this impactful event.

May the example of St. Vartan and his companions continue to inspire our community, and especially our youth, to stand firm in faith, courage, and love for Christ.

A Special Fundraising Elixir Tasting Event

On February 9, St. Mary hosted a unique Elixir Tasting Event at Courthaus Social in Arlington, VA. The evening brought together parishioners and friends not only for fellowship and conversation, but also for a rare opportunity to discover a hidden treasure of Armenia’s rich cultural and medicinal heritage.

The event featured three distinct medieval Armenian elixirs, Royal Elixir, Arates Elixir, and Arates, carefully formulated from ancient manuscripts preserved and deciphered at the Matenadaran Museum of Ancient Armenian Manuscripts in Yerevan. These codified recipes of medieval Armenian medicine are produced in Armenia by Armen Sahakyan, a pharmacologist, botanical scholar, and ordained deacon who has devoted decades to preserving Armenia’s sacred botanical traditions.

Crafted through a special distillation and aging process, the elixirs contain medicinal and aromatic plants long known for their healing properties. Through distillation, these elixirs become something like Armenia’s earliest “healthy cognac,” rooted in centuries of wisdom and tradition.

Beyond serving as a joyful social gathering, the event introduced participants to treasured Armenian recipes that connect us to our medieval past. The tasting also supported a vital cause: 100% of the proceeds from the donated bottles benefit the St. Mary Church Endowment Fund. Each bottle is individually numbered by batch and year, and supplies remain limited.



We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mark Bettis, Sarah Stites, and Raffi Sahakian for their generosity and support in making this special evening possible. Our appreciation to everyone who came and brought their support.

Concluding Our Badarak Study – A Journey Through the Divine Liturgy

On February 10, we gathered for the final session of our Badarak Study, bringing to completion a beautiful and enriching journey through the Divine Liturgy of the Armenian Church. In this concluding session, we walked together “from Blessing to Dismissal,” tracing the full movement of the Badarak as one continuous act of worship.

Throughout the series, we reflected not on personal opinions or interpretations, but on what the text of the Badarak itself proclaims, what it teaches us to believe and how it forms us to pray. In our final gathering, we tied everything together: the Synaxis where God speaks to His people, and the Eucharist where He feeds us with His Body and Blood. We revisited the Transfer of the Gifts, the Kiss of Peace, the Anaphora, the Epiclesis, Holy Communion, and the Thanksgiving and Dismissal, stressing how each movement invites us into deeper reverence, unity, repentance, and gratitude.

As we conclude this study of the Divine Liturgy, we now prepare to enter the holy season of Lent. Beginning next Wednesday, February 18, we will continue our spiritual formation through our Lenten series, With Christ in the Wilderness, deepening the same themes of prayer, obedience, and faithful discipleship that the Badarak itself teaches us to live.

Lenten Journey Begins: Led by the Spirit into the Wilderness

On Wednesday evening, February 18, St. Mary Armenian Church began its 2026 Lenten Journey, titled "With Christ in the Wilderness." The gathering opened with our Lenten Worship Service, which was followed by the first reflection for this season by Der Hovsep, titled “Led by the Spirit into the Wilderness” (Matthew 4:1), which invited us to rediscover the deeper meaning of Great Lent.

The presentation reminded us that Lent is far more than giving up certain foods. It is a forty-day spiritual journey patterned after Christ Himself. Before preaching, before miracles, before glory, our Lord was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, not as punishment, but as preparation. In the same way, our own seasons of silence, struggle, or uncertainty can become places where God forms and strengthens us. The evening encouraged us to see Lent not as achievement, but as surrender, learning to trust God more deeply and walk faithfully with Christ.

Following the presentation, parishioners gathered for a Lenten dinner generously sponsored by the Parish Council, offering a beautiful opportunity for fellowship and community.

We look forward to continuing this sacred journey together in the coming weeks as we walk with Christ from the wilderness toward Jerusalem, the Cross, and ultimately the joy of the Resurrection.

Barekendan at Shnorhali School: Honoring Heritage, Inspiring Faith

On Sunday, February 15, Shnorhali School at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church celebrated one of Armenia’s most cherished traditions—Barekendan—through an engaging and educational program. Seventh and eighth-grade students led the event, presenting a lively exploration of Barekendan for younger students, parents, and community members. Through clear explanations and creative presentation, students shared the meaning of the holiday and its place in Armenian culture and faith.

Students brought Barekendan traditions to life by introducing the symbolic figures of Grandmother Utis, representing abundance, and Grandfather Aklatis, symbolizing moderation and balance. They also highlighted the festive meals that characterize the Barekendan period, culminating in Boon Barekendan, the joyful day before the start of Great Lent. By describing traditional foods such as milk-based soups, yogurt, and eggs, and sharing the beloved saying, “We eat white eggs now, may God make us worthy to eat the red ones,” students illustrated the spirit of celebration, generosity, and renewal that defines the holiday.



The program concluded with a meaningful discussion of Great Lent and its spiritual significance, including the names and meaning of each Lenten Sunday and the importance of prayer, reflection, and discipline. Students wished everyone “Bari Kendanutyun,” offering a heartfelt blessing of renewal and hope. The celebration served as a powerful reminder of the value of preserving Armenian heritage and faith through education and community. Shnorhali School extends its sincere gratitude to Mrs. Julia and all the parents and volunteers whose dedicated support made this event possible.

Annual Parish Assembly – Sunday, February 22, 2026

The Annual Parish Assembly of St. Mary Armenian Church was held on February 22 in the Cultural Hall, following the Badarak. The assembly included the presentation and approval of annual reports from various church organizations, as well as the endorsement of the budget for the upcoming year.

We are pleased to announce the election and re-election of the following individuals to serve in various church committees: Parish Council: Gohar Grigorian, Zara Harutyunyan, Zaven Kalayjian, Armine Khachatryan, Sean McClure, (Alternate: Catherine Sahakian), Nominating Committee: Talar Festekjian, Natalie Grigorian, Yn Jennifer Karapetyan, (Alternate: Diana Sargsyan). Auditing Committee: Edvik Alexandrian, (Alternate: Vladimir Shekoyan). Investment Committee: Michael Sahakian (Alternate: Rebecca Bagdasarian). WED Scholarship Committee: Raffi Karahisar (Alternate: Dale Turza).

Congratulations to all the newly elected members! We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to those who are stepping down for their dedicated service and commitment to our parish. May God continue to bless and guide our church community in the year ahead.

Inspiring Young Authors, Celebrating the Joy of Books։ Book Giving Day at Shnorhali School

Armenia celebrates Book Giving Day annually on February 19th, marking the birthday of the beloved “Poet of All Armenians,” Hovhannes Tumanyan. Established in 2008, this national holiday encourages the exchange of books among friends, families, and schools. Its purpose is to promote literature, foster a love of reading among the younger generation, and celebrate Armenian cultural heritage.

This year, the students of “Young Scholars” Kindergarten at St. Mary’s Shnorhali School joined this meaningful tradition in a creative and hands-on way by crafting their own illustrated books inspired by “The Dog and the Cat” by Hovhannes Tumanyan.

With great enthusiasm, the children colored, designed, and assembled their mini-books, stepping into the roles of young authors and illustrators. This joyful experience became their first bridge into the vast and magical world of books.

May books always remain our children’s closest companions and may reading become one of their most cherished lifelong habits.

Lenten Worship Service: Temptation and Obedience

On Wednesday, February 25, our parish gathered for the second Lenten Worship Service of our 2026 journey, "With Christ in the Wilderness". The evening’s reflection, “Temptation and Obedience” (Matthew 4:3) was presented by Anahit Sargsian.

Anahit led us through Christ’s temptation in the wilderness, reminding us that temptation often comes subtly, mixing truth with distortion, and that true faith is not about control, but about trust and obedience to God’s will. Christ’s words, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God,” invited us to examine our own struggles and attachments during this holy season of Lent.

Following the service, fellowship continued with a delicious Lenten dinner generously sponsored by St. Mary’s Women’s Guild. We sincerely thank them for their faithful service and wonderful meal.

The evening concluded on a joyful note as we sang Happy Birthday to Leda Zaneian, a dedicated member of the Women’s Guild, whose birthday beautifully coincided with our Lenten gathering.

We look forward to continuing our Lenten journey together in prayer, reflection, and fellowship.

Announcing the launch of ArmenianDC.org, a new digital hub created to connect, inform, and celebrate Armenians throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. It's a portal that promotes and shares locally focused information serving the Armenian community as well as visitors to the area. 

ArmenianDC.org was created with one clear goal: to bring everything Armenian in the DC area into one accessible, living space. Whether you’re searching for upcoming events, community institutions, local businesses, or sights of Armenian significance in Washington DC, this platform is designed to help you discover and engage.

At its heart, ArmenianDC.org is a living project — one that grows with community input. We encourage everyone to contribute by sharing information about new organizations, Armenian attractions, businesses, initiatives, and events to be highlighted.

Founded by Anna Seferian, the website was brought to life by Design and Development Minds, as a project that is a shared community resource—a lasting digital home for Armenians across the DC metropolitan area.

The site includes: 

• A Shared calendar of Armenian events in the DC area, where organizations, churches or businesses can submit their upcoming events.
• Sites of Armenian significance in the region – such as the statue in front of the Red Cross Building, or Arshil Gorkii paintings in the National Gallery
• Armenian organizations and Institutions – where information about various organizations is posted – like ANCA, Assembly, Homenetmen, ACYOA and others. 
• A directory of Armenian-owned businesses
• People - conversations over coffee with Armenian community members in Washington DC as well as highlights of the talent that we possess in our community.

Explore * Connect * Get Involved

www.ArmenianDC.org

Facebook  Armenian.DC

Instagram @ArmenianDC

Email: ArmenianCommunityDC@gmail.com

Funeral/Wake Services

February 10, 2026

Rafayel Gyoletsyan

Rafayel is survived by his beloved parents Levon and Karine Gyoletsyan, and brother Ruben Gyoletsyan

February 14, 2026

Yn. Anahit Kalayjian

Yn. Anahit is survived by her children, Dr. Zaven and Edita, Berj, and Fr. Avedis and Karen; her grandchildren Jirair, Hrak, Pargev, Zorair, Aram, and Arev.

February 17, 2026

Heghine Derderian

Heghine is survived by her beloved husband, Yervand Khoranian; her cherished children, Hayasa and Menua Khoranian; her parents, Suzana Tatevosian and Haik Keshishyan

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

Hokehankists - Requiem Services

February 1, 2026

For the souls of:

Verjin Bolat (5 years) & Yersavik Bolat (27 years)

Requested by:

Ohannes and Eva Shafakian, Manug and Janet Arabian, Arto and Ilda Bolat



For the souls of:

Shantoukd Yeghissian and Garo Yeghissian

Requested by:

Patricia Yeghissian and family

February 8, 2026

For the Soul of:

Serooj Aghajanian

Requested by:

Tania, David and Darh Aghajanian   

For the Soul of:

Dro Derminassian   

Requested by:

Andrew, Stephanie, Rouben, Violette, and Wilhelm Derminassian  

For the Souls of:

Yn. Yefkin Megherian 40 days, Dn. Sebuh Oscherician 40 days 

Requested by:

Nancy Kolenick 

February 15, 2026

For the Soul of:

Vagharshak Vartanian 

Requested by:

Vartan and Manvel Vartanian, Brothers  

For the Soul of:

Arshagouhi Kesisoglu

Requested by:

Vartkes Keshishian, Yetvart Kesisoglu & Family, Talar Festekjian & Family, Lilian Festekjian& Family  

For the souls of:

Knar (Քնքուշ) Martirosyan (Grandmother, 1 year anniversary), Orzhen Muradkhanyan (Grandmother), Mary Dell-Italia (Grandmother), Donna McClure (Mother), Hakob Martirosyan (Godfather)

Requested by:

Sean McClure, Suzy Simonyan and Family

February 22, 2026

For the Soul of:

Roubina Movsessian 

Requested by:

Telma and Phelan DeBurgh

For the Souls of:

Harutyun, Mayram, Sirun Derderian, Yercanik Delikahya 

Requested by:

Setrak Derderian, Simon Erdogan, Melkon Delikahya, and families

For the Soul of:

Suren Vardanyan 

Requested by:

Paul Parakestan and Lilit Vardanayan

May God rest their Souls in peace and may His loving favor be with their Loved Ones.