ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH 
SHNORHALI MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER
January 2023
The Blessing of Pomegranates  

A beautiful traditional service of the Blessing of Pomegranates took place at St. Mary Church on Sunday, January 1st, after the Badarak, which was celebrated by our guest clergy Fr. Guregh Hambardzumyan. Throughout the centuries, the pomegranate has been woven into Armenian architecture, cuisine, art, manuscripts, literature, and liturgical vestments as it represents life, fertility, and abundance. In 2015 the Supreme Patriarch of the Armenian Church, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of all Armenians, Introduced a new service for the Blessing of the Pomegranates, one of the seven biblical species of fruits and grains, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
The blessed pomegranates were distributed to the faithful with a wish to bring prosperity and abundance in the year 2023.
Feast of Nativity and Theophany Celebrated at St. Mary

St. Mary Church Celebrated the Feast of Nativity and Theophany of our Lord with Nativity Eve and Day Badaraks. On January 5th, the Jragalouits Badarak began with the Evening Service, and Scriptural readings by the Shenorhali School students. The evening concluded with the traditional ceremony of Home Blessing in the church social hall, followed by a hospitality table sponsored by the Parish Council.

On the Feast of the Birth and Baptism of our Lord, January 6th, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Fr. Hovsep, and the Blessing of the Water Service was officiated by Abp. Vicken Aykazian. We congratulate Davit, the son of Mher and Anahit Barseghyan, who served as the Godfather for the Blessing of the Water ceremony.

The festive celebrations ended with the usual scrumptious meal prepared by the Ararat Avak Society committee with the help of many volunteers. Special thanks go to Mr. Neshan Naltchayan for his willingness to decorate the Church altar with gorgeous flower arrangements, as well as for taking photos during the services. Our utmost appreciation to everyone who brought their participation and contributed to the Youghakin.

We take this opportunity to once again greet everyone with hope-giving news: "Krissdoss Dzenav Yev Haydnetsav" Tzez mez Medz Avedis. We are grateful and blessed that 2023 kicked off with much energy and anticipation for a fruitful year ahead.
Shnorhali School Christmas Eve Readings

On Jan. 5 the Shnorhali School brought their enthusiastic participation to the annual bible readings on the Eve of the Theophany and Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ. Shnorhali students helped prepare for Holy Badarak by reading biblical scriptures in Armenian. Parishioners gathered to witness this wonderful tradition by our students and shared the great news of the Birth of our Savior with joy and celebration through the readings of the Holy Word.
A Presentation on the Current State of Artsakh

On January 22, 2023, parishioners and friends gathered at St. Mary Cultural Hall to learn about and discuss the urgent topic of the situation of Artsakh today. Robert Avetisyan, NKR Representative to the U.S., provided a briefing on the grave status of living conditions in Artsakh. Food and medical supplies have vanished as the people struggle to survive under the 7th consecutive week of the blockade. Jake
Bournazian, from the Knights of Vartan, presented on the current economic projects in the border villages. The economic stimulus programs provide tools and equipment for vocational trade and greenhouse farming businesses.

This was also a good opportunity to raise funds in support of our brothers and sisters in Artsakh. A group of women under the leadership of Elvina Azaryan baked Jingialov hats, a famous Artsakhi bread stuffed with multiple herbs. This delicacy was sold to raise much-needed funds to help Artsakh.
 
We thank our parishioners and friends for their generous donations, which helped St. Mary raise nearly $5000 in support of Artsakh.
Women's Guild 2023 First General Meeting

The Women's Guild held their first General Membership meeting on Saturday, January 21. Over thirty members gathered to enjoy a morning of fellowship and fun. 

Members started with a "Chair Yoga session by Holly" where all enjoyed a relaxing session of yoga with the amazing Holly Gardner. After that, everyone enjoyed a delicious brunch. Finally, a short business meeting was held where members reviewed upcoming events for the Spring and received important updates about Guild business. 

The Current Women's Guild Executive Committee, which includes Yn. Jennifer Karapetyan, Ilda Bolat, Roxanne Paul, and Janet Arabian, gave special recognition to the outgoing Executive Committee members Hripsime Sivalisan and Nadya Koseian for their incredible service in the previous year. Special appreciation to those who contributed to bringing dishes to the brunch and to everyone who brought their participation. 

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." - Matthew 5:16. The Women's Guild of St. Mary welcomes all women of our community and parish to participate in our events (membership is not required)! For more information or to sign up for our emails contact stmarywgdc@gmail.com.  
Teen Ice Skating
On Saturday, January 28th the ACYOA Juniors youth group gathered for some fellowship and fun at the Fairfax Ice Arena.  After an hour of ice skating the teens gathered in the party room for pizza, cupcakes, and riddles. Then, some of the teens went back out for a few more laps around the rink before heading home. A good time was had by all.
Hokehankists - Requiem Services

January 8, 2023
For the Soul of : Ruben Hayrabedyan
Requested by: Karine Muradyan , Arek Hayrabedyan and Family

For the Soul of: Harry & Zarouhi Deloian 
 Requested by: Vahe and Ruzanna Ghazarian

January 15, 2023
For the Soul of : Rita Jamgotchian (40 days)
Requested by: Kegham Anbarjian, Kumkumian families & Schweitzer family

For the Soul of : Askhen Manokian
Requested by: Caro & Diane Manokian Mannik Manokian & Sevada Sinanian (Nyra, Zabel, and Alene) Nareneh & Mace McGrath (Ara) Armen & Courtney Manokian (Arineh) Ava Manokian & Nubar Atam Arax & Jirair Yousefian Levik & Marina Yousefian (Arsen, Artem, Arno) Narbeh & Ashley Yousefian (Vana & Ella)

For the Souls of : Linda Kumkumian, Charles & Alice Kumkumian, Vosgan Anbarjian, Alain Anbarjian & Araxi Anbarjian
 Requested by: Kumkumian families, Schweitzer family & Kegham Anbarjian

For the Souls of :Verjin Bolat (2nd anniversary) and Yerchanik Bolat(24th anniversary)
Requested by: Ohannes & Eva Shafakian, Larry & Janet Arabian, Arto & Ilda Bolat, and families

January 22, 2023
For the Souls of : All our loved ones and dedicated members of our Church. 
To see the list, please click on the link below.

January 29, 2023
For the Souls of: Gulbenk Sivaslian,Vartuhi Sivaslian , Sivaslian & Barsoumyan families
Requested by: Sivaslian and Koseian families

For the Soul of: Takouhi Keledjian
Requested by Kaspar and Gerard Keledjian (sons of Takouhi)

May God rest their Souls in peace and may His loving favor be with their Loved Ones. 
St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church 
Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, Pastor
4125 Fessenden Street N.W, Washington, DC 20016 
202-363-1923 / www.stmaryaac.org