ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH 
MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER
January 2024
Reflecting on a Joyous New Year's Eve Celebration

The Armenian community members of the Greater Washington area gathered on December 31st for a joyous welcome of the year 2024. The New Year's Eve celebration, held at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, was a memorable event that united our community in a night of festivity, tradition, and joy.

This event was a result of a collaborative effort by St. Mary and Soorp Khatch Armenian Apostolic Churches. Their dedication to fostering community spirit shone brightly throughout the event. The venue provided a warm and elegant setting, reflecting the vibrant energy of our community members as they gathered to bid farewell to 2023 and usher in the new year.

The evening was enlivened by the exceptional performance of Harout Bedrossian, a beloved singer from Toronto, and his band. Harout's music, a blend of traditional Armenian and contemporary styles, resonated with every attendee, creating a unique and inclusive atmosphere. His performance was not just entertainment but a celebration of our rich Armenian heritage. Adding to the excitement, DJ Chris Habibian's dynamic music selection kept the dance floor animated throughout the night. 

The New Year's Eve celebration was more than a social gathering; it was a reflection of our community's unity, resilience, and cultural richness. It provided a space for old friends to reunite and new friendships to be formed. The event was a vivid reminder of our shared values and traditions, which continue to thrive in the heart of Maryland.

The success of this event is a testament to the spirit of our community and the dedication of the Armenian Community Event Planners. We extend our appreciation to the committee members: Chairman Ohannes Sivaslian, Hripsime Sivaslian, Elda Hacobian, Kajaz Safarian, Garbo Afarian, Kevork Marachlian, Vartiter Marachlian, Lena Demirjian, Jemma Simonian, Irma Kassabian & Jack Guiragossian
 
As we reflect on this wonderful gathering, we are reminded of the importance of our community bonds and the joy that comes from celebrating together. Let us carry this spirit of togetherness throughout 2024 and look forward to creating more beautiful memories in the years to come.

Here's to a prosperous, joyful, and blessed 2024 for our Armenian community and beyond!
Feast of Nativity and Theophany Celebrated at St. Mary

St. Mary Church commemorated the Feast of Nativity and Theophany of our Lord on January 5 and 6. The celebrations began on January 5th with inspirational Scriptural readings by the enthusiastic students of St. Mary Shnorhali School, infusing the occasion with youthful energy and participation.

The same evening, we witnessed the Nativity Eve Badarak, conducted by Der Hovsep. This significant service was to celebrate the momentous Nativity of our Lord. The faithful present, deeply immersed in the service, experiencing a profound sense of awe and gratitude, reflecting on the far-reaching impact of this sacred event. The evening culminated in a cherished Home Blessing ceremony and a warm, hospitable fellowship hour graciously hosted by the Parish Council.

On January 6th, the celebration continued with the Feast of the Nativity and Baptism of our Lord, highlighted by a Divine Liturgy led by Abp. Vicken Aykazian. A pivotal moment was the Blessing of the Water Service, symbolizing the baptism and revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. This year, the significant role of Godfather was filled by Bedros Guiragossian, one of our youngest altar servers and the son of Jack and Annie Guiragossian. Following the uplifting celebrations, the faithful gathered for a festive luncheon in the church hall, lovingly prepared by the St. Mary Avak Society.

Throughout these two days, the church reverberated with joyous greetings and uplifting phrases such as "To you and us good news! Tzez yev mez Medz Avedis! Christ is born and revealed. Kristos tsnav yev haytnetsav. Blessed is the revelation of Christ. Orhnyal e haytnutyunn Kristosi," symbolizing the profound joy, faith, and unity.

Monday, January 7, Merelots, the day of remembrance of the dead, was observed. A Badarak was celebrated, followed by a special hokhankist-requiem service for the souls of deceased members and loved ones of St. Mary Church.
We thank all of our parishioners and friends
for making their

Yughakin, Poinsettias, and In Lieu of Christmas Card Donations

On the Occasion of the Feast of Nativity and Theophany of our Lord
Celebrating the Spirit of Christmas: Shnorhali School's Joyful Observance of Theophany and Nativity at St. Mary Church

On January 5th, the Shnorhali School students joyfully congregated at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church to bring their participation to the Bible readings on the occasion of the Eve of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The event commenced with the guidance of Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, who provided insightful information on the spiritual significance of this sacred day, emphasizing that in the Armenian Church, Christmas is not only a celebration of Christ's birth but also a commemoration of His revelation and baptism. Under Fr. Hovsep's instruction, the students gained a deeper understanding of the profound meaning behind this day.

As the evening continued, the Shnorhali students helped prepare for the Holy Badarag by reading profound messages from the scriptures in Armenian. The shared moments of reflection and communal prayer created a sense of unity among classmates, fostering a deeper appreciation for Christmas. Our students shared the great news of the Birth of our Savior with joy through the readings of the Holy Scriptures with the parishioners who had gathered for this joyous celebration.

On Sunday, January 7, our students came together again, this time for the Shnorhali School's annual Christmas Handes. The performance gracefully unfolded, delving into various popular Christmas symbols and explaining their significance in the birth of Jesus.

The seventh and eighth-grade class not only orchestrated the entire recital skillfully by reciting various Bible verses throughout the performance but also delivered a harmonious rendition of "Joy to the World" in both English and Armenian. The fifth and sixth-grade class portrayed the Star as a customary adornment atop Christmas trees, elucidating its symbolic connection to the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the Wise Men to Jesus. Dressed as the Wise Men, the third and fourth-grade class embodied the Christmas presents, symbolizing the three gifts presented to Jesus, accompanied by a heartfelt rendition of "We Three Kings." The second-grade class, dressed as Angels, embodied the messengers of God, conveying the news of the immaculate conception to Mary and Joseph and appearing to the Shepherds during the birth of Jesus, collectively performing "Angels We Have Heard on High" in English and Armenian. Symbolizing Christmas bells and their role in guiding lost sheep back to the fold, the first-grade class united in singing "Zangakner." The grand finale featured a moving performance of "Silent Night" in both English and Armenian, sung collectively by all students.

Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan concluded the event with an interactive message, recapping the presented performance and underscoring the authentic meaning and significance inherent in the Christmas season.

In acknowledging the collaborative efforts that made the event possible, the Shnorhali School extends sincere appreciation to the dedicated teachers, supportive parents, and volunteers whose invaluable contributions significantly augmented the richness of the festive celebrations and enriched the Christmas season's festivities.
Click Here to Watch Hantes Video
Students Raise Funds for Artsakhsi Relief

In January, during the Christmas season, the St. Mary teens (ACYOA Juniors) sold Christmas ornaments made by the Shnorhali School recycle club in support of Artsakhtsi refugees. The ornaments were crafted from recycled materials with the assistance of teachers and club organizer teen Mariam McClure. The ornament sale yielded $360, which was sent to the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) for their Artsakh Relief efforts.  Thanks to the many parishioners who made donations, not only helping the refugees but also encouraging the children and youth to reach out and help others.
ckoff a memorable and joy-filled experience for our Church community.
Prayer for Healing Service & Bible Study at St. Mary

On Tuesday, January 23, the St. Mary community reconvened for their first Healing Service and Bible Study session after a brief break. This spiritually enriching event marked the beginning of a series of gatherings that will continue until the onset of Lent.

The Bible Study focused on a profound passage from Luke 18:35-43, which narrates the healing of a blind man by Jesus near the city of Jericho. This session delved into the theological implications of the passage as well as offered significant spiritual insights relevant to modern Christian life.

This healing miracle offers deep lessons for contemporary Christian life. It underscores the importance of faith and persistence, as demonstrated by the blind man who, despite societal marginalization and discouragement from the crowd, persistently calls out to Jesus for mercy. Jesus' compassionate response highlights His approach to inclusivity, valuing and attending to those often overlooked by society. This healing is not just a physical restoration but also symbolizes spiritual enlightenment, as the blind man immediately follows Jesus, praising God.

This narrative teaches us about the transformative power of faith, the necessity of recognizing and acting upon Jesus' call, and the importance of gratitude and public acknowledgment of God's work in our lives. It serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of Jesus' teachings and actions in addressing both physical and spiritual needs in our world today.
SHNORHALI SCHOOL STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN PATARAG

On Sunday, January 21st Shnorhali students participated in Patarag and received the Holy Communion. This is a part of their regular monthly participation in the Holy Communion, which is coupled with the Religious Education that nurtures their spiritual life. The student's participation in the sacrament of the Holy Communion provides them with a profound understanding of the significance of Christ’s sacrifice, which seeks to instill a deeper spiritual connection and foster an enhanced appreciation for the teachings central to their faith.

By actively participating in Holy Communion, students are encouraged to cultivate a meaningful and personal relationship with God. Their continual participation in the Holy Communion stands as a testament to our commitment to nurturing the spiritual growth of Shnorhali students and fortifying the foundation of our faith.
Deacons' Training With Fr. Mamikon Kiledjian

On Sunday, January 28th we had the great pleasure of hosting the Very Rev. Fr. Mamikon Kiledjian, our Diocesan Instructor of Sacred Music. With his rich liturgical and academic background, including Bachelor's and Master of Music degrees in Organ Performance from the Manhattan School of Music in NYC, Fr. Mamikon brought an invaluable depth of knowledge to our altar servers.

His role in preparing our altar servers for their upcoming ordination to the rank of Deacon or Sub-Deacon, set for December 8, 2024, has been a cornerstone of their journey. This preparation kicked off last Saturday when Fr. Mamikon evaluated the candidates' knowledge and conducted the initial training session. Additionally, his celebration of the Badarak as our guest on Sunday was a spiritually enriching experience for us all.

While many of Fr. Mamikon's training sessions will be conducted via Zoom, our altar servers will also benefit from the in-person guidance of Der Hovsep.

As we eagerly anticipate the ordination ceremony, under the auspices of our Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, we are deeply grateful for the profound impact of Fr. Mamikon’s guidance. His extensive education and expertise in liturgy and spirituality are significantly enriching the learning experience of our altar servers.

Our heartfelt appreciation extends to Hayr Soorp and everyone involved in this sacred journey. We are united in prayer, seeking God’s blessings and grace to guide and prepare our candidates for their holy calling.
Prayer for Healing Service & Bible Study at St. Mary

On Tuesday, January 30, the St. Mary members gathered in a spirit of fellowship and faith for their weekly Healing Service and Bible Study session. The evening began with the Prayer of Healing, a profound moment where those who were present sought divine intervention and comfort for those in need of physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.

Following this, the Bible study centered on a thought-provoking discussion of Luke 17:11-19, a passage that narrates the story of Jesus healing ten lepers.

This passage in Luke is particularly interesting and relevant in today's context. It tells of ten lepers who, upon being healed by Jesus, go their separate ways, with only one returning to express gratitude. This story underlines the profound importance of gratitude in our daily lives. In a world where we are often preoccupied with our challenges and ambitions, this passage serves as a gentle reminder to acknowledge and appreciate the blessings we receive, however small they may seem. The act of the lone leper returning to thank Jesus highlights the significance of recognizing the sources of our healing and help, be it divine intervention, the support of community, or the love of family and friends.

This story encourages us to cultivate a habit of gratitude, recognizing the miracles in our lives, and acknowledging those who help us along our journey.
Baptism and Confirmation

January 20, 2024
Vaughn Bedrossian
Son of Christopher & Kelly Bedrossian
Godparents: Onnig Mutafian & Sonya Tavitian

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

January 24, 2024
Victoria Sakayan
Victoria is survived by her husband, Harold Sakayan; daughters, Michelle Sakayan (Michael Wilkinson) of Chicago and Claudine Ozzello (Paul Ozzello) of Berkeley; and four grandchildren, Aram, Vincent, Avril, and Victor.

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

January 7, 2024
For the Souls of :
Hakob Martirosyan, Donna Jean McClure & Mary Del Italia
Requested by:
Godfather, Mother & Grandmother, McClure & Simonyan Families

For the Souls of:
Sarkis, Isgouhie, Mihran and Bedros Kolanjian
Requested by:
Hasmig Bozadjian-Kolanjian

For the Souls of:
Marie, Krikor and Nubar Bozadjian
Requested by:
David Bozadjian

For the Soul of:
Arsalos Cekci
Requested by:
Onnik Cekci

For the Souls of:
Kevork & Mary Janjigian
Requested by:
Eva Safakian

January 14, 2024
For the Souls of :
Linda, Arousiag (Alice) and Charles Kumkumian
Requested by:
Greg, Simon, Roxanne, and their families

For the Souls of:
Robert & Angela Shekoyan
Requested by:
Vladimir & Ashot Shekoyan

For the Souls of :
Mary Leon Banous, Shukri Istepanian, Golizar Babollian
Requested by:
Rita and Harry Istepanian

January 21, 2024
For the Soul of:
Hrant Dink (17th anniversary)
Requested by:
St. Mary Parish Council

January 28, 2024
For the Souls of:
The Fallen Armenian Soldiers
Requested by:
Fr. Hovsep and the Parish Council

For the Soul of:
Yeghibet Harutunian (40 days)
Requested by:
Henric & Suzanne Harutunian and family, David & Gilda Andonian and family, Serjik Harutunian

For the Souls of :
Verjin Bolat (3rd anniversary), & Yerchanig Bolat (25th anniversary)
Requested by:
Arto & Ilda Bolat, Laurence & Janet Arabian, Ohaness & Eva Shafakian and their families.

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