ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH 

MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER

February 2025

Advocating for Armenian Heritage at IRF Summit 2025

From February 3-6, 2025, Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan participated in the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit, joining global leaders, advocates, and policymakers committed to defending religious freedom and protecting sacred heritage worldwide. The IRF Summit serves as a vital platform for addressing violations of religious rights and advocating for communities facing persecution and cultural destruction.

During the summit, Fr. Hovsep assisted Archbishop Vicken Aykazian in several important meetings and workshops, highlighting the urgent need to protect Armenian religious and heritage sites in Artsakh, which remain under the threat of Azeri desecration and destruction. The Armenian delegation worked to raise awareness about the systematic erasure of centuries-old monasteries, churches, and cultural landmarks, urging international action to safeguard these irreplaceable treasures.

This year also marked the first-time participation of two young representatives from St. Mary Armenian Church, Hovsep Seferian and Ruben Karapetyan, who, along with other young Armenian attendees, actively engaged in discussions, bringing fresh voices to the cause of preserving Armenian Christian heritage in Artsakh.

The delegation's mission was clear—to shed light on the ongoing threats to Armenian religious and cultural identity and to advocate for international intervention to prevent further loss. Their presence at the IRF Summit reinforced the collective responsibility to protect sacred sites and uphold religious freedom in the face of oppression.

Very Rev. Fr. Garegin Hambardzumyan Visits St. Mary Armenian Church

On February 2, 2025, Very Rev. Fr. Garegin Hambardzumyan celebrated the Divine Liturgy (Badarak) at St. Mary Armenian Church during his visit to Washington, DC. Fr. Garegin, the Director of the Ecumenical Department at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, was in Washington to participate in ecumenical gatherings and events for the protection of the spiritual heritage of Artsakh.

Fr. Garegin is a distinguished theologian and scholar, holding advanced degrees from Armenia and the United Kingdom, where he earned his PhD specializing in the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament. With a career devoted to theological education, interfaith dialogue, and the preservation of cultural and spiritual heritage, he has served as Rector of Gevorgian Theological University and held leadership roles in the Mission Department and the Department for the Protection of Cultural and Spiritual Heritage of Artsakh.

A special Hokehankist service followed, honoring the victims of the tragic events that occurred in Washington, DC, on January 29 and in Philadelphia on January 31 - a devastating plane and helicopter crash. The parish also prayed for the soul of Very Rev. Anania Koujanian, a young Armenian clergyman who was tragically murdered in Lebanon on February 1. Fr. Koujanian, 40, was found deceased in his home in the Bsalim area of Metn. He served as the head of the Armenian Orthodox community in Zahle and Anjar, in the Bekaa region.

Annual Khash at St. Mary Church

On February 1, 2025, St. Mary Armenian Church hosted its much-anticipated Annual Khash Meal, bringing together parishioners and friends for a cherished Armenian culinary tradition. The event was a tremendous success, raising $3,425 for the church, with additional pledges still arriving.

The highlight of the evening was the incredible Xash, expertly prepared by Chef David Tomyan, with valuable contributions from Bagrat Bayburtian, whose teamwork elevated the culinary experience. The success of the event was also made possible by the tireless efforts of the volunteers who handled logistics, shopping, setup, and cleanup, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone.

This cherished tradition, now kept for 18 years, not only supports the church but also strengthens the bonds of community through shared fellowship. St. Mary’s is grateful to everyone who participated and looks forward to welcoming all Khash enthusiasts again next year for another memorable gathering!

Exploring the Work of the Holy Spirit: Week 5 of the Nicene Creed Study

On February 4, St. Mary Armenian Church concluded its 5-Week Study on the Nicene Creed with an in-depth exploration of the third part of the Creed, focusing on the Holy Spirit. This session brought parishioners together to reflect on the Holy Spirit's divine nature, eternal presence, and transformative work in the lives of believers and the Church.

Participants delved into the Creed's declaration of the Holy Spirit as "uncreated and perfect," affirming His role as fully God and an eternal presence in creation, redemption, and sanctification. Scripture passages such as John 14:16-17 and Hebrews 9:14 highlighted the Spirit's eternal nature and His role as the Comforter and guide for all Christians.

The discussion also touched on the Holy Spirit's work throughout history, as the divine voice inspiring the Law, the Prophets, and the Gospels, emphasizing the unity of Scripture and the Spirit's consistent guidance of God's people. The Spirit’s descent upon Jesus at His baptism was examined as a pivotal moment that revealed the Trinity and inaugurated Christ's public ministry.

Finally, the session concluded with reflections on the Spirit's ongoing work in the lives of believers and the Church. The group discussed how the Holy Spirit indwells all Christians, empowering them to live holy lives and uniting them as one body in Christ.

ACYOA Laser Tag Night – A Fun-Filled Evening!

Our ACYOA Laser Tag Night on Saturday, February 8th, was a great success, bringing together our youth for an evening of fun, fellowship, and friendly competition! Everyone had a blast playing laser tag, enjoying delicious pizza and arcade games, and sharing laughter throughout the night.

The evening was made even more special as we took a moment to celebrate Yeretsgin Jennifer’s birthday with a delicious cake, adding to the joy of the gathering.

A huge thank you to Becky Bagdasarian for organizing this wonderful event and to everyone who joined in the fun. We look forward to more exciting ACYOA events in the future—stay tuned!

Conclusion of the Six-Week Study on the Nicene Creed

On Tuesday, February 19, we concluded our six-week study on the Nicene Creed, marking a special dedication to the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea (325 AD). This series has been a journey through the foundational truths of our faith, deepening our understanding of the Triune God, Christ’s divinity, the Holy Spirit, the Church, baptism, and the hope of eternal life.

The final session focused on the closing lines of the Creed, which affirm our belief in one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church; one baptism; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the dead; and eternal life in God’s kingdom. These statements remind us that faith is not lived in isolation but within the community of believers, that through baptism and repentance, we are continually renewed, and that our ultimate hope is in the resurrection and eternal life with Christ.

As we move forward from this study, we invite everyone to continue their faith journey by joining us for our Lenten series, beginning on Wednesday, March 5, at 7:00 PM. This series will take place every Wednesday until April 9, offering a time for reflection, prayer, and spiritual renewal as we prepare for Easter.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this study—may the truths of the Creed continue to guide and strengthen our faith.

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 over 80 parishioners 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 heartfelt prayer, asking for St. Sarkis’ intercession in the lives of all gathered.

Following this, 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!

The celebration continued with an engaging educational trivia session about St. Sarkis, led by Anna Seferian, enriching attendees' knowledge about the saint’s life and legacy. Adding to the festive spirit, a wonderful cultural program showcased the talents of Cristina Kharazian, Vartkes Keshishian, and Milena Oganisyan, who captivated the audience with their recitations, performances, and songs—bringing Armenian history and culture to life.

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.

Annual Parish Assembly – Sunday, February 16, 2025

The Annual Parish Assembly of St. Mary Armenian Church was held on February 16 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: Jack Guiragossian, Shahnur Bostan, Garbis Chubukian, Svetlana Hovhanissian (Alternate: Alex Madajian). Diocesan Delegates: Zaven Kalayjian, Onnik Sivaslian, Sarine Zenian (Alternate: Alex Madajian). Nominating Committee: Becky Bagdasarian, Lucy Murad, Natale Grigorian (Alternate: Talar Keshishian). Auditing Committee: Robert George (Alternate: Armine Khachatryan). Investment Committee: Wright Sigmund (Alternate: Sarine Zenian). WED Scholarship Committee: Ivan Zhivkov (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.

Bikes For Kids

Fund for Armenian Relief sends its thanks to the St. Mary community for your support in their Christmas Wishlist campaign. This week, FAR's Ayo! team distributed bikes to 269 kids, from tots to teens in the Sisian region of Syunik. This is a vulnerable yet strategic part of Armenia. FAR is continuing to stand by the many families displaced from Artsakh who have resettled there, helping them establish new lives. You can take a look at a sweet video from the bike distribution here. 



Your support, as always, means the world to us and the people we serve.

Thank you!!

A Joyous Ordination: Fr. Nerses Begins His Priestly Ministry

The Armenian Church celebrates the ordination of Fr. Nerses (formerly Deacon Serop Krajekian) into the Holy Priesthood on February 22, 2025, at St. Sahag Armenian Church in Minnesota. Officiated by Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, this sacred event marked the beginning of his pastoral ministry.

Having completed his internship at St. Mary Armenian Church under the guidance of Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, Fr. Nerses gained valuable pastoral experience in our parish. Fr. Hovsep also served as his sponsoring priest, accompanying him through this transformative moment.

Surrounded by family and the faithful, Fr. Nerses embraced his commitment to serving Christ and His Church. After completing his 40-day seclusion at St. Nersess Seminary, he will return to his parish to begin his ministry. May God bless his service as he embarks on this sacred journey.

Baptism and Confirmation

February 9, 2025

Mark Areg Zakaryan

Son of Gor Zakarian and Alla Turshujyan

Godparents: Fr. Hovsep and Jennifer Karapetyan

May God bless our newly baptized with His love and may His protection and guidance always be with them.

Funerals

February 7, 2025

Hrant Baghdassarian

Hrant is predeceased by his younger brother Sebouh Baghdassarian and survived by his siblings Dickran Baghdassarian and Denise Sarkissian 

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