ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH 

MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER

June 2025

Shnorhali School’s End-of-Year Handes and Graduation Ceremony featuring “Our Heritage, Our Faith”

On June 1st., In a hall echoing with ancestral songs, proud voices, and heartfelt applause, Shnorhali School concluded its academic year with an End-of-Year Handes and Graduation Ceremony. The theme, “Our Heritage, Our Faith,” was not just a phrase, it was the very heartbeat of the celebration.

From the moment the program began, emotion filled the room. We opened by reflecting on the journey we had traveled together over the past year, marked by learning, resilience, tradition, and growth. Every moment, every lesson, every act of service was honored. With sincere appreciation, we recognized the lifeblood of our school community: our devoted teachers, tireless volunteers, supportive parents, and the children who are at the very soul of all we do.

One by one, students stepped onto the stage to breathe life into our cultural legacy. With trembling voices and shining eyes, they recited their favorite poems, retold the fables passed down through generations, and sang melodies that spoke to our collective memory. These were not performances, they were sacred offerings of love to our Armenian identity, our spiritual roots, and to all those who came before us.

We celebrated not only emotion, but achievement. Our Chess Tournament champions were honored, and every volunteer who walked beside us this year received a Certificate of Appreciation. We were especially proud to recognize that 10 out of 18 of our volunteers earned the President’s Volunteer Service Award, Gold and Silver levels. The rest continue their path toward this national recognition, with hearts full of purpose and pride.

Our Acolyte Training and Shnorhali Voices Spiritual Chorus students were also awarded, each certificate a symbol of their dedication to faith, service, and song.

And then came the moment of farewell and new beginnings: our graduation ceremony. Two remarkable students stood at the end of one journey and the beginning of another. After years of dedication to mastering the Armenian language and faith, they crossed the stage not only as graduates, but as future stewards of our culture. With deep emotion, we applauded them, knowing they will return next year not as students, but as young leaders who will carry the torch forward.

This wasn’t just an end-of-year event. It was a declaration of identity. It was a tapestry woven with faith, memory, and hope. We left with full hearts, reminded once again that at Shnorhali, we do not simply teach, we pass on a living legacy.

A Fresh Look for the House of God

Over the past three weeks, from June 2 to June 21, our beloved St. Mary Church has undergone a much-needed transformation through major painting and upkeep work. Every wall within the sanctuary has been refreshed with a new coat of paint, and visible cracks have been carefully repaired, restoring the beauty and dignity of our worship space.

Among the notable updates:

• The choir balcony windows were refinished.
• New lighting was installed over the left-side icons and the ceramic tile mural of St. Mary, thanks to the generous efforts of Robert Nazaryan.
• The main altar received a new coat of paint, and the icons of the apostles were beautifully restored by the talented Armen Kankanyan.
• Our appreciation to Sean McClure for dedicating his time and skills to meticulously polish the brass candleholders and beautifully clean and restore the poorvar—the censer used by the deacons.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who contributed their time, talent, and support to make these enhancements possible.

Next time you visit St. Mary, take a moment to look around and give thanks for the renewed splendor of God’s house—a reflection of His glory and our love for His Church.

Week 4 Bible Study: “Joy in Service” – Philippians 2:12–30

On June 3, in our fourth session of the Philippians Bible Study series, we reflected on Paul’s call to joyful obedience, sacrificial service, and Christlike humility in everyday life. Coming directly after the profound “Christ Hymn” (Phil. 2:1–11), this passage urged us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, reminding us that God is actively at work within us, shaping both our desire and ability to do His will.

Together, we explored what it means to live faithfully in a “crooked and perverse generation,” shining like stars through lives of purity, integrity, and community witness. We also considered the inspiring examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus, two humble servants whose devotion to the Gospel was marked by deep care, suffering, and steadfastness.

The discussion was especially rich as we drew connections to the Armenian Church’s language of awe and liturgical reverence, especially the phrase «Ահիւ եւ դողութեամբ», used both in Scripture and in preparation for Holy Communion.

Thank you to all who participated. May we continue to live lives that reflect the joy and humility of Christ, in our homes, our parish, and our world.

Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan Participates in NCC Impact Week Panel on Religious Freedom

On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan participated as a panelist in a distinguished discussion on Religious Freedom: Assessing Challenges of Increasing Religious Nationalism to Religious Minorities, held at the Church Center for the United Nations in New York City. The event was part of Impact Week, organized by the National Council of Churches (NCC). Fr. Hovsep participated on behalf of Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, a longtime champion for religious freedom and ecumenical dialogue within the World Council of Churches.

He joined a panel of respected leaders, including Rabbi David Saperstein, Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou, and Jessica Roland, with moderation by Rev. Dr. Nicolas Kazarian. Representing the Armenian Orthodox Church, Fr. Hovsep offered a reflection on the lived experiences of Armenian Christians and other religious minorities in regions such as Nagorno-Karabakh and the broader Middle East, where the fusion of nationalism and religious identity has led to displacement, cultural erasure, and targeted violence.

Fr. Hovsep underscored that true religious freedom goes beyond worship—it means safeguarding a people’s identity, history, and sacred spaces from erasure, and ensuring their rightful place in the life of society. He called for multifaith solidarity, international advocacy, and a commitment to preserving both memory and sacred presence in the face of rising religious nationalism.

A Touch of Beauty to Our Church Grounds



We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Takuhi Hallajian, who donated and planted flowers in the pots near the Khatchkar in memory and honor of all the fathers in her family. Her loving gesture brings both beauty and meaning to our church grounds.

We are also grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Gilda and David Andonian, who planted the Easter Lilies, adding a graceful and symbolic reminder of the Resurrection to our parish landscape.

May these offerings of love and remembrance continue to inspire and uplift all who visit St. Mary.

Week 5: “Joy in Knowing Christ” – Philippians 3:1–11

On Tuesday evening, June 10th, our parish family gathered for the fifth session of our Bible Study on the Letter to the Philippians. We explored one of the most personal and passionate sections of Paul’s letter — Philippians 3:1–11 — where the apostle shifts from encouragement to warning, from joyful reflection to bold spiritual challenge.

In these verses, Paul urges believers not to put their trust in religious identity, personal achievements, or external rituals. He speaks from experience, listing his former credentials as a faithful and zealous Jew — and then declaring them all as loss in comparison to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. For Paul, faith is not found in pedigree or performance, but in a living relationship with Jesus, marked by humility, surrender, and joy.

The study focused on how this message speaks to us today. What do we rely on for spiritual confidence? Is our identity rooted in Christ alone, or are we still tempted to measure our worth by tradition, activity, or status? Paul’s words reminded us that the heart of the Christian life is not just believing in Christ, but being “found in Him” — shaped by His grace and conformed to His life, even in suffering.

Father’s Day Celebration at St. Mary

On Sunday, June 15, our parish family gathered for a joyful and heartfelt Father’s Day Celebration at St. Mary Armenian Church—a day filled with prayer, remembrance, gratitude, and fellowship.

The day began with the celebration of Badarak, during which a special Hokehankisd Service was offered in memory of departed fathers. It was a moving time of prayer as we lifted up the memories of beloved fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who have gone before us, asking God to grant them eternal rest and light. In his sermon, Der Hovsep spoke about the sacred role of fathers as spiritual leaders in the home and reflections of God’s love, strength, and mercy.

Following Badarak, those present enjoyed the delicious traditional Armenian-style khorovadz cookout. With joyful conversation, laughter, and community spirit, we honored the fathers among us—those who guide with strength, care with humility, and serve with love.

The celebration was a success, made possible by the generous efforts of our volunteers, the warmth of our church family, and the grace of God. We extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped prepare the meal and to all who joined in making this day special.

As we gave thanks for the gift of fatherhood, both earthly and spiritual, we were reminded once again of the enduring strength of our Armenian Christian heritage and the joy of gathering together in faith.

Week 6: “Joy in Pressing Toward the Goal” (Philippians 3:12–21)

In our sixth Bible Study session on June 17, we reflected on one of the most personal and motivating passages in St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians. After declaring that everything is loss compared to knowing Christ, Paul confesses that even he has not yet “arrived.” Instead, he presses on, striving to take hold of the life for which Christ took hold of him.

We were encouraged to see that Christian maturity doesn’t mean perfection—it means perseverance. Paul urged the Philippians to follow his example: to forget what lies behind, press forward with purpose, and live as citizens of heaven. His words reminded us that our identity is not defined by past failures or earthly achievements, but by our belonging to Christ.

Together, we explored what it means to live with a heavenly mindset in a world that often pulls us in other directions. We were also moved by Paul’s compassion as he warned—through tears—against those who live as “enemies of the cross,” and we found hope in the promise that Christ will one day transform even our broken bodies to reflect His glory.

Week 7: Final Bible Study of the Season – A Joyful Conclusion

On Tuesday, June 24, our parish family members gathered for the seventh and final Bible Study session of the season, concluding our journey through St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. This final session focused on Chapter 4, where St. Paul calls believers to rejoice always, to be gentle, to pray with thanksgiving, and to find strength and contentment in Christ.

It was a meaningful evening of prayer, Scripture, and fellowship as we celebrated the spiritual growth we've shared over the past weeks. We thank all who participated and contributed to making this Bible Study series such a rich and uplifting experience.

We look forward to resuming our Bible Studies in September, and we warmly invite all to join us then as we continue growing together in faith and understanding.

Standing with Holy Etchmiadzin: Reflections from June 22 & 29

Over the past two Sundays, our parish gathered in deep prayer and unity around the heart of our spiritual homeland—Holy Etchmiadzin.

On June 22, we celebrated the Feast of the Holy Catholic Church of Etchmiadzin, recalling the sacred moment when Christ descended and revealed the site of His Church to St. Gregory the Illuminator. A special prayer service was offered for our Mother See and for His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, affirming our love and fidelity to the spiritual center of the Armenian people.

On June 29, in light of recent troubling events in Armenia—where bishops have been detained and Holy Etchmiadzin has come under orchestrated attack—our faithful and friends came together at St. Mary to express their solidarity and support. In a spirit of compassion and truth, we stood with our Church—not for politics, but for the Gospel, the Tradition, and the sacred mystery of Christ’s Body.

Der Hayr’s sermons from both Sundays powerfully addressed the meaning of Etchmiadzin, the strength of our faith, and the urgency of our witness in times of trial. As Christ once descended to build His Church, so today He calls us to stand firm in faith and unity.

Baptism and Confirmation

June 07, 2025

Nare Lucy Shakhbekyan

Hayk Monte Shakhbekyan

Daughter & son of Levon and Ida Shakhbekyan

Godparents: John Michael and Anna Cerqueira

June 08, 2025

Raffi Dickran Babayan

Son of Ani Toumajan and Julie Babayan

Godparents: Christopher Babayan and Reyna Hairabedian

June 14, 2025

Hector Delgado Jr.

Son of Hector and Joceline Delgado

Godparents: Armenak and Lusin Simon

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

Funeral

June 3, 2025

Zivart Bolat

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

Survived by her husband Kirkor, sons Artun (Rebecca) and Daron (Ani), grandchildren Mason, Nolan, Tanner, Gregory, and Catherine, brother Zaven (Sona), and nephews Nareg (Abbey) and Nathan.

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

Hokehankists - Requiem Services

June 1, 2025

For the Soul of: Diana Minassian (1st anniversary)

Requested by: Ara Minassian, André and Ani Minassian, and Nellie Sarkissian

June 8, 2025

For the Soul of: Albert Khaloyan (40 Days)

Requested by: Naira Babayan, Mariam Khaloyan, and Mr. and Mrs. Joann & Nareg Khaloyan Koroukian

June 15, 2025

For the Souls of: Missak Missirian (13th anniversary) and Nubar Sahakyan (6th anniversary)

Requested by: Raffi, Shoghig, Andre, and Aram Sahakyan

For the Soul of: Sarkees Derhagopian

Requested by: Silva Derhagopian and Harry Derhagopian

For the Souls of: Hagop Arakelian and Garabed Arakelian

Requested by: Christine Arakelian

For the Souls of: Hrachia Shatvoryan and Drastamat Karapetyan

Requested by: Diramayr Tamara Shatvoryan, Yeretsgin Jennifer, Der Hovsep, and family

June 22, 2025

Special Prayer Service for the

Catholicos of All Armenians and the Feast of Holy Etchmiadzin

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