ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH 

MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER

June 2026

New Custom Doors Installed Between Our Halls

We are pleased to share that beautiful new custom-made doors have been installed between our Large and Small Halls, adding both elegance and functionality to our parish facilities.

This project was made possible through the generous support and donation of Dr. Greg and Kaitie Kumkumian. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to them for their kindness, generosity, and love for St. Mary Armenian Church. May God bless them and their family for their thoughtful contribution to the life of our parish.

June Bible Study Series Begins: “After Pentecost”

On Tuesday, June 2nd, St. Mary Armenian Church began its June Bible Study series, After Pentecost: Becoming the Church Christ Calls Us to Be. The first session, “Pentecost: When the Church Becomes Alive,” focused on Acts 2:1–13 and 2:37–47.

Participants reflected on the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and the transformation of the disciples from fearful followers into bold witnesses of Christ. The study emphasized that the Church is truly alive when it is filled with the Holy Spirit, through prayer, repentance, teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and care for one another. The session also explored the signs of wind, fire, and languages, showing how Pentecost reveals God’s life-giving presence and the universal mission of the Church.

The evening concluded with a reflection on how each of us can help our parish become more alive in the Spirit.

St. Mary Women's Guild Hosts Armenian Taraz Fashion Show

On Saturday, June 6th, the St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church Women's Guild welcomed Armenian artist, entrepreneur, and painter Lilit Melikyan of the Teryan Cultural Center for a special cultural afternoon centered on the beauty and heritage of Armenian taraz — the traditional national dress of Armenia. Melikyan, a multidisciplinary designer whose work includes hand-crafted clothing, Armenian taraz coloring books, and Armenian alphabet coloring books for children, was in the Washington area working with the Smithsonian as part of the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations, making her visit to the St. Mary community all the more meaningful.

Guests were treated to a live fashion show presenting Melikyan's stunning collection of taraz, showcasing the diverse styles, colors, embroidery, and craftsmanship that characterized different Armenian provinces throughout history. Adding a personal and hands-on dimension to the afternoon, traditional garments were made available for guests to try on and photograph, creating a direct and memorable connection to this treasured heritage. Wine and light refreshments were enjoyed throughout the event.

The fashion show drew enthusiastic praise from those in attendance. One guest noted that the taraz represented far more than clothing — each piece reflecting the history, traditions, values, and identity of the Armenian people. Another attendee praised the craftsmanship, elegance, and rich history woven into each garment, calling the afternoon truly inspiring. For one guest who had the chance to try on a traditional outfit herself, the experience was deeply personal — describing the feeling of wearing the taraz as stepping into a story she had always been a part of, one that made her stand a little taller.

A highlight of the presentation was the participation of nine young models from the community who brought the garments to life on the runway and showcased the beauty of Armenian taraz for the next generation. A special thank you goes to each of them: Louisa Bayburtyan, Nicolette Blackwell, Alex Madajian, Caroline Megerian, Ani Nishanian, Jack Sarkissian, Nadya Sivaslian, Seline Sivaslian, and Anthony Yeretzian. Attendees expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to reconnect with their cultural roots, and noted the importance of programs like this in preserving Armenian identity and passing it on to future generations. Sincere thanks were extended to Lilit Melikyan for generously sharing her knowledge and artistry, and to the St. Mary Women's Guild for organizing such a wonderful and memorable afternoon. The Guild also wishes to thank Louisa Baghdasarian for her help in arranging the event and Armen Sivaslian for expertly managing the AV equipment throughout the program. To learn more about Lilit Melikyan's work, visit lilitmelikyan.com.

Bible Study Continues: “One Body, Many Gifts”

On Tuesday evening, June 9, our Bible Study series, After Pentecost: Becoming the Church Christ Calls Us to Be, continued with the theme “One Body, Many Gifts.” Together, participants reflected on St. Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 12:4–27, where he reminds us that the Church is the Body of Christ, made up of many members, each with a unique gift and purpose.

The discussion invited everyone to consider a very personal and practical question: What gift has God given me for the building up of the Church? Participants also reflected on how our parish can continue to become a community where every person feels needed, valued, and called to serve.

St. Paul teaches that spiritual gifts are not given for pride, competition, or personal recognition, but “for the common good.” Everyone was reminded that both visible and quiet forms of service are important in the life of the Church. Whether through teaching, singing, cooking, welcoming, praying, visiting the sick, encouraging others, or simply noticing those who may feel forgotten, every gift matters when it is offered with love.

Archbishop Levon Zekiyan Speaks on “Western Armenian at a Crossroads”



On Thursday, June 11, St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church welcomed His Eminence Archbishop Levon Zekiyan for a special lecture entitled “Western Armenian at a Crossroads: Preserving a Living Heritage.” The evening was well attended, with more than 90 parishioners and guests gathering for this meaningful educational and cultural event.

Archbishop Zekiyan, a hierarch of the Armenian Catholic Church and one of the foremost Armenian scholars, educators, and church leaders of our time, spoke about the importance of preserving Western Armenian as a living language and cultural treasure. His reflections invited the audience to consider not only the challenges facing Western Armenian today, but also the responsibility of families, churches, schools, and communities to keep the language alive for future generations.

The evening also highlighted Archbishop Zekiyan’s lifelong dedication to Armenian education and culture, especially through the Padus-Araxes Summer Intensive Course of Armenian Language and Culture in Venice, Italy, which he founded in 1986. Over the decades, this program has helped form generations of students, clergy, teachers, scholars, and community leaders from around the world.

Before the lecture, guests enjoyed a dinner graciously sponsored by Dr. Edward and Ellen Bodurian. We extend our heartfelt thanks to them for their generous support and for helping make this special evening possible.

We are grateful to Archbishop Zekiyan for his inspiring visit and for reminding us that the Armenian language is not only a precious inheritance from the past, but also a living gift entrusted to our care today.

Shnorhali Sunshine Kindergarten Celebrates a Joyful First Year and

End-of-Year Recital

One of the most meaningful milestones of the 2025–2026 academic year was the successful launch of Sunshine Kindergarten; a pilot program created specifically for our youngest learners. As Shnorhali School continues to expand its educational offerings, this new classroom quickly proved to be an essential cornerstone of the program, providing children with their first steps into Armenian language, culture, faith, and learning.

Designed for preschool-aged children, Sunshine Kindergarten introduces early Armenian literacy through games, songs, stories, hands-on activities, and creative play. It provides many students with their first experience in a structured learning environment, helping them build confidence, independence, and a strong, positive connection to their Armenian heritage.

Teaching this age group requires patience, care, and intentional guidance. For many children, this is their first experience being away from their parents for an extended period of time. Yet our students adapted remarkably, quickly forming friendships, embracing classroom routines, and engaging enthusiastically in every weekly activity.

Throughout the year, students were introduced to Armenian vocabulary, prayers, songs, and Christian values, while also developing essential early childhood skills such as fine motor coordination, listening comprehension, social interaction, and classroom readiness. Each lesson was carefully designed to meet developmental needs while making learning joyful, engaging, and meaningful.

The children’s growth was beautifully reflected in the end-of-year recital. Families witnessed firsthand how much their children had learned and transformed over the year as they confidently participated in songs, recitations, and classroom presentations. Their performance stood as a true celebration of progress, discovery, and joyful learning.

This outstanding first year would not have been possible without the dedication of teacher Hranush Bentley and teacher assistants Ani Nishanian, Marie Tevosyan, and Margaret Danielyan. With extraordinary patience, creativity, and heartfelt care, they spent countless hours preparing educational materials, designing individualized lesson plans, and building a nurturing classroom environment. Their commitment extended far beyond Sunday sessions, as they worked throughout the week to ensure every child felt supported, valued, and inspired to learn.

As we celebrate the success of Sunshine Kindergarten’s inaugural year, we look forward with great excitement to the continued growth of these young learners and the bright foundation they are building for the future.

Shnorhali School Concludes the 2025–2026 Academic Year

with Final Recitals

On June 7, Shnorhali School concluded its 2025–2026 academic year with a memorable day of student performances, highlighting months of learning, creativity, and dedication. Students across multiple grade levels took the stage to present literary, theatrical, and cultural works that reflected both their academic growth and their deepening connection to Armenian heritage.

The second grade students opened with a performance of the fable “The Camel’s Child”, using storytelling to emphasize the importance of the mother’s role in our lives. Their presentation carried a warm message of care, family, and appreciation, and concluded with a lively performance of the “Echmiatsin” dance dedicated to the Feast of the Holy Etchmiadzin.

Fourth-grade students brought Hovhannes Tumanyan’s “The Pot of Gold” to life, sharing a timeless story centered on honesty and moral choice. Fifth-grade students, together with Conversational Armenian learners, performed Tumanyan’s “The Liar”, engaging the audience through humor while reinforcing the importance of truthfulness and integrity.

The program concluded with a powerful joint performance by sixth and seventh-grade students titled “A Conversation Across Time.” Through a dramatic dialogue featuring Hamo Sahyan, Komitas, Hovhannes Tumanyan, and Paruyr Sevak, students reflected on Armenian identity, cultural legacy, and the enduring values of language, faith, and homeland. The performance moved from poetic reflection to a collective message of peace, unity, and hope for Armenians around the world.

Throughout the day, students demonstrated confidence, teamwork, and a strong connection to Armenian literature and culture. Their performances reflected not only what they learned this year, but also the values and identity they continue to build as part of Shnorhali School.

We extend our gratitude to the teachers, students, volunteers, and families whose support made these performances possible, and we proudly celebrate the successful conclusion of the 2025–2026 academic year.

The ACYOA Seniors gathered for a wonderful Summer BBQ with great food and company! 

We are grateful to everyone who attended and helped make the gathering such a success, especially those who assisted with hosting, organizing, and preparing food. We look forward to more opportunities throughout the year for fellowship, service, and spiritual growth within our ACYOA Seniors community.

If you are between the ages of 18 and 30 and are interested in joining ACYOA Seniors, we would love to connect with you. Send us a direct message on Instagram at @stmaryacyoa to learn more about upcoming events and ways to get involved.

St. Mary Participates in Diocesan-Wide Prayer for America’s 250th Anniversary

On Sunday, June 14, St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church joined parishes throughout the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America in offering a special thanksgiving prayer service in honor of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America. This diocesan-wide initiative was offered by the directive of His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, and coincided with America’s Flag Day observance.

Following the Sunday Badarak, the faithful gathered in prayer and thanksgiving, offering gratitude to Almighty God for the blessings this country has bestowed upon generations of people, including the Armenian people, for whom America became a place of refuge, freedom, and opportunity.

Special prayers were offered for the nation and its leaders, for those who serve the common good, for the poor and forgotten, for immigrants and refugees, and for all who seek peace, justice, dignity, and freedom.

For Armenian Christians in America, this occasion was a meaningful reminder to give thanks for the freedom to worship, build our churches, preserve our faith and heritage, and contribute faithfully to the life of this country. May our risen Lord Jesus Christ bless and protect the United States of America and guide all its people in truth, justice, peace, and love.

Bible Study Reflection: “The Fruit of the Spirit in Daily Life”

On Tuesday evening, June 16, our Bible Study series, After Pentecost: Becoming the Church Christ Calls Us to Be, continued with the theme “The Fruit of the Spirit in Daily Life.” We reflected on St. Paul’s teaching in Galatians 5:16–26, where he contrasts life according to the flesh with life guided by the Holy Spirit.

The evening focused on a simple but important question: How do we know if the Holy Spirit is shaping our lives? St. Paul reminds us that the life of the Spirit is seen not only in extraordinary moments, but in the quiet transformation of our hearts through love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Participants were invited to reflect on how these fruits can grow in daily life; at home, at work, in parish life, and in our relationships with one another. Through our discussions, we were reminded that the Holy Spirit not only gives gifts to the Church but also forms our character, helping us become more patient, peaceful, forgiving, and loving disciples of Christ.

We are grateful to all who attended and took part in this thoughtful evening of Scripture, reflection, and fellowship.

Father’s Day Celebration at St. Mary

On Sunday, June 21, St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church celebrated Father’s Day with a special Armenian-style khorovadz luncheon following the Divine Liturgy. Parishioners gathered in a warm and joyful spirit of fellowship to honor fathers, grandfathers, and all fatherly figures in our community.

The delicious meal included a choice of pork or chicken kabob, lavash bread, grilled potatoes, salad, dessert, and coffee. It was a wonderful opportunity for our parish family to come together, share a meal, and express gratitude for the love, guidance, and sacrifices of fathers.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the organizers and volunteers who prepared, cooked, served, and helped make this celebration possible. May God bless all fathers and fatherly figures with health, wisdom, joy, and His abundant grace.

Final Bible Study Session: “Sent Into the World”

On Tuesday, June 23, our June Bible Study series, After Pentecost: Becoming the Church Christ Calls Us to Be, concluded with the theme “Sent Into the World: Christian Witness and Service.” Participants reflected on Matthew 5:13–16 and Acts 1:8, where Christ calls His disciples to be the “salt of the earth,” the “light of the world,” and His witnesses through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The session reminded us that Pentecost does not end with the Church gathered in one place. The Holy Spirit gathers, fills, and forms the Church, and then sends the Church into the world. Participants reflected on how our faith becomes visible through our words, actions, service, love, mercy, and good works.

As the series came to a close, we were reminded that the Church is called not only to remember Pentecost, but to live Pentecost: as one Body, with many gifts, bearing the fruit of the Spirit, and shining the light of Christ in the world.

We are grateful to all who participated in this meaningful Bible Study series. Stay tuned for the upcoming Bible Study series at St. Mary.

Armenian Assembly Summer Interns Visit St. Mary

On Sunday, June 28, St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church was pleased to welcome the Armenian Assembly of America’s Summer Interns, who joined our parish family for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and fellowship hour.

The Armenian Assembly’s Terjenian-Thomas Internship Program in Washington, D.C. gives college students of Armenian descent the opportunity to live and work in the nation’s capital for eight weeks during the summer while gaining exposure to the policy-making process. Since 1977, the program has assisted more than 1,200 participants in securing placements in congressional offices, government agencies, media outlets, think tanks, and non-governmental organizations.

During the Badarak, Der Hayr warmly welcomed and recognized the interns, wishing them success and God’s blessings in their studies, work, and future endeavors. He mentioned that their visit serves as a reminder of the importance of encouraging the next generation of Armenian-American leaders and helping them remain connected to their faith, heritage, and community.

We pray that God blesses these young interns with wisdom, strength, and purpose as they continue their summer experience in Washington, D.C.

Weddings

June 7, 2026

Narek Grigoryan and Nune Bobo Liang

Parents: Karen and Alisa Grigoryan & Paul Liang and Linda Hsu

Best Man: Artin Safarian

Maid of honor: Anna Safarian

Congratulations, and may God make the newly married couples worthy of the desirable crown of Holy Matrimony.

Funerals

June 20, 2026

Hrant Kevork Tashdjian

Hrant is survived by his brother Mgrdich (Mike) and sister Adrineh. His children: Kevork and Rita. His grandchildren: Hassan, Youssef, and Anouar.

June 23, 2026

Nune Pambukhchyan

Nune is survived by her beloved husband, Vladimir; their cherished children, Robert and Angela; her mother; her sisters and their families.

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

Hokehankists - Requiem Services

June 7, 2026

Special Prayer Service

Following Badarak, the Order of Special Prayer was offered for the Catholicos of All Armenians and the Feast of Holy Etchmiadzin.

For the Souls of: Departed Women's Guild Members 

Requested by: Women's Guild 

Click Here to See the List

For the Soul of: Yester Gharibi (40 Days)

Requested by: Tilimian Family

For the Soul of: Agop Asoryan (40 Days)

Requested by: Talin & Kirkor Saraydaroglu and Grandkids 

June 14, 2026

Special Prayer Service

Following Badarak, the Order of Special Prayer was offered for the 250th Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America

For the Soul of: Verjin Sahakian

Requested by: Ara, Michael, John Sahakian, and family  

For the Soul of: Judith Hagopian

Requested by: Naomi Brito (daughter) and Samuel Levine (son)  

June 21, 2026

For the Souls of: Hovhaness Moosakhanian (20th anniversary), Alvart Khatchatourians (20th anniversary), Noray Moosakhanian (8th anniversary), Tagoosh Safari (6th anniversary)

Requested by: Khatchatourians and Kehyaian Families 

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