ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH 

MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER

January 2025

Feast of Nativity and Theophany Celebrated at St. Mary

St. Mary Armenian Church joyfully commemorated the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord on January 5 and 6, marking this sacred time in our liturgical calendar. The celebrations began on the evening of January 5th with scriptural readings presented by the students of St. Mary Shnorhali School, setting a reflective and reverent tone for the evening.

The Nativity Eve Badarak was celebrated by Der Hovsep, who led the faithful in worship and prayer, drawing them deeper into the mystery of Christ's birth and revelation. The service concluded with a cherished Home Blessing ceremony, symbolizing the blessings of Christ's presence in our homes and lives. The evening's celebrations extended into a warm and welcoming fellowship hour, graciously hosted by the Parish Council, offering an opportunity for parishioners to gather in delight and community, taking the joy and the light of Christ to their homes.

On January 6th, despite the challenges of inclement weather, the church community gathered once again to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity and Baptism of our Lord. A highlight of the day was the Blessing of the Water Service, a moving tradition that symbolizes the baptism of Christ and His revelation as the Son of God. This year, the role of Godfather was honorably fulfilled by Maxim Ghazanchyan, one of the youngest members of our church and the beloved son of Manuk and Hasmik Ghazanchyan. Those present prayed together, giving thanks for the gift of renewal and grace that this feast brings to our hearts.

While the festive luncheon, organized by our Avak Society, had to be postponed to Sunday, January 12, due to the weather, the joy and spirit of the feast were not diminished. Throughout these two sacred days, the church resonated with the joyous proclamation of the Nativity: "To you and us good news! Tzez yev mez Medz Avedis! Christ is born and revealed. Kristos tsnav yev haytnetsav."

As we continue in the light of this blessed season, may the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord fill our hearts with renewed hope, enduring love, and spiritual strength. Let us carry the joy of Christ's birth and revelation into our daily lives, shining as beacons of faith in our world.

Celebrating the Spirit of Christmas: Shnorhali School's Heartfelt Observance of Theophany and Nativity at St. Mary Church



On January 5th, the students of Shnorhali School gathered at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church for a truly special occasion - the Eve of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ. This cherished event was a celebration of faith, learning, and community, beautifully brought to life through the participation of our students.

The evening began with a warm welcome and guidance from Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, who shared profound insights into the sacred significance of this day. He reminded everyone that, in the Armenian Church, Christmas is not only a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ but also a commemoration of His revelation to the world through His baptism. With Fr. Hovsep’s thoughtful explanations, students and families gained a deeper appreciation for the spiritual importance of this dual celebration.

As the evening unfolded, the Shnorhali students actively prepared their hearts and minds for the Holy Liturgy by presenting readings from the Armenian Scriptures. Their clear voices carried the timeless message of hope, faith, and joy to all who had gathered. They proclaimed the Savior’s birth and the Good News of His revelation through their heartfelt participation while fostering unity and reflection among classmates and parishioners alike. This moments of prayer and Scripture readings created a deeper connection within the community, highlighting and celebrating the enduring power of faith and the light that Christ’s birth brings into our lives.

Women’s Guild Christmas Party and Election

The Women’s Guild held their Christmas party on Saturday, January 4 and a good time was had by all. The morning started with a craft led by Dee Rogers, where members painted and decorated clay Christmas ornaments that had been hand-created by Dee.

After the craft, we had a membership meeting, which included elections for new officers. Ani Derderian, Hrip Sivaslian, Maha Kouri, Nadya Koseian and Beverly Sivaslian were newly elected officers to the Executive Committee. Roxanne Paul and Rita Istepanian will continue and finish out their terms on the Executive Committee. Lucy Murad was elected as delegate to the Women’s Guild Central Council and Malvina Brown was elected as an alternate to the Nominating Committee.

Roxanne thanked the outgoing Executive Committee members Dee Rogers and Janet Arabian for their service. She also thanked Yn. Jennifer and Ilda Bolat for their two years on the committee as well as this past year volunteering in an unofficial role, even though they had declined to run last year.



After the elections, we had a delicious meal catered by Nora’s Kebab. We are looking forward to another productive and fun year!

Roxanne Nersesian Paul

WG Secretary

5-Week Study on the Nicene Creed Begins with Insightful Session

On Tuesday, January 8, 2025, St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church launched its 5-week study series on the Nicene Creed, commemorating the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. This engaging series provides participants with a deeper understanding of the historical, theological, and spiritual significance of the Nicene Creed, a cornerstone of the Christian faith and a central declaration in the Armenian Church.

The first session explored the historical context of the Nicene Creed, focusing on the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. and the Arian controversy that led to the Creed’s formulation. Participants learned about the early struggles of the Church, including persecution under the Roman Empire, the transformative Edict of Milan, and Emperor Constantine’s efforts to unify the Church amidst theological disputes.



The second study in the series will take place today, Friday, January 17, at 6:00 PM in the church hall. Everyone is welcome to join this enlightening journey of faith and discovery!

Nativity Luncheon Hosted by St. Mary Avak Society

On Sunday, January 12, 2025, the St. Mary Avak Society brought the community together for a heartwarming Nativity Luncheon in celebration of the Feast of the Theophany and Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Held in the church hall following the Badarak, the luncheon, initially planned for Armenian Christmas Day on January 6, was rescheduled due to inclement weather. Despite the delay, the event was well attended and filled with joyful fellowship.

Special recognition goes to the Avak Society organizing committee—Mary Shafakian, Takuhi Haladjian, Eva Shafakian—and all the dedicated volunteers and supporters who made this festive gathering possible. Guests enjoyed a delicious menu that included rice pilaf, turkey, lula kebab, eggplant tava, cheese boreg, sweet potatoes, homemade cabbage pickles, turshy, traditional anoush abour, and other traditional Armenian dishes...



The warm and lively atmosphere reflected the spirit of the season and brought the community together around a festive table in celebration. Thank you to everyone who joined and contributed to this memorable celebration!

Shnorhali School's 2025 Christmas Handes Brings the Spirit of Christmas to Life

This year’s Christmas Handes began with an adorable performance by Shnorhali’s Kindergarten classes, who delighted the audience with their rendition of “Winter”, “Zangakner” and “Tonatsar.” Their joyful singing set the tone for a festive and meaningful celebration.

As the main act, the rest of Shnorahli Students performed a moving reenactment of the holy birth of Jesus. They beautifully brought the Nativity story to life through narration, acting, and song, transporting the audience to Bethlehem and honoring the miracle of Christ’s birth. From the shepherds to the angels to the Wise Men, and the barn animals, each role was portrayed enthusiastically, showcasing the students’ dedication and understanding of this sacred event. The performances not only celebrated the spirit of Christmas but also reminded everyone of the true meaning of the season—God’s gift of love and salvation through the birth of His Son.

The program concluded with sisters, Amelie and Aileen Davidyan, singing a heartfelt duet of "Bari Lur," a traditional Armenian Christmas hymn. Their voices blended beautifully, capturing the joy that accompanies the good news of the birth of Christ. Together, they created a lasting sense of unity and celebration, leaving everyone in the spirit of Christmas, grateful for the blessings of the season. 

Shnorhali School thanks all teachers, students, volunteers, and parents for their months of hard work to make our 2025 Christmas Handes a success.



The presents enjoyed the Handes organized by Shnorhali School!

St. Mary Armenian Church Commemorates Hrant Dink’s 18th Anniversary

On Sunday, January 19, St. Mary Armenian Church commemorated the 18th anniversary of Hrant Dink’s assassination, honoring the legacy of the visionary journalist and advocate for truth, justice, and reconciliation.

During the Divine Liturgy, a Hokehankist (Requiem Service) was offered for the repose of his soul, bringing the community together in prayerful remembrance.

Following the service, parishioners gathered in the church hall for a meaningful commemoration. The Avak Society hosted a hospitality table in Dink’s memory, fostering fellowship and reflection among attendees. A short film about his life and enduring impact was shown, offering a powerful reminder of his courageous work and the challenges he faced.

This commemoration served as a tribute to Hrant Dink’s life and legacy, reaffirming the community’s dedication to the values he championed. St. Mary Armenian Church remains committed to preserving his memory and drawing inspiration from his vision for truth and reconciliation.

5-Week Study on the Nicene Creed: Week Three Focuses on Jesus Christ, the Son of God

On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church welcomed friends and members for the third session of the 5-week study on the Nicene Creed. This series commemorates the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, highlighting the theological depth and enduring significance of the Creed.Led by Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, this session delved into the Creed’s proclamation of Jesus Christ as the eternal Son of God. Participants reflected on the bold declaration that Jesus is “true God from true God” and “of the same substance as the Father,” rejecting heresies like Arianism, which denied His full divinity.

The session emphasized the historical and spiritual significance of calling Jesus “Lord,” a term that not only proclaims His divine authority but also challenges earthly claims to power. Attendees discussed how this declaration of faith remains relevant in modern cultural and political contexts.

Key phrases from the Creed, such as “God from God, Light from Light” and “begotten, not made,” affirmations that highlight Jesus’ divine essence, eternal nature, and role as Creator, deepening participants’ understanding of His relationship to the Father and their own faith journeys.



This series continues every Tuesday and presents a great opportunity for spiritual growth and theological reflection, honoring the legacy of the Council of Nicaea and its foundational role in the Christian faith.

Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan Joins CCT Steering Committee

We are pleased to share that Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan has been nominated to serve on the Steering Committee of Christian Churches Together (CCT), a significant ecumenical organization committed to fostering unity among diverse Christian traditions in the United States.

Fr. Hovsep attended his first Steering Committee meeting from January 21-24 in New York, where he joined representatives from various Christian communities to engage in dialogue and collaborative efforts on key social and theological issues. He succeeds Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, who has faithfully served on the Steering Committee and as President of the Orthodox Family for many years. Archbishop Vicken’s leadership and contributions have been invaluable in strengthening Orthodox involvement in ecumenical dialogue, and we are grateful for his years of dedicated service.

Christian Churches Together is a broad coalition that includes Catholic, Evangelical, Pentecostal, Historic Protestant, and Orthodox Christian communities. The organization strives to promote mutual understanding and common witness among its members. We are confident that Fr. Hovsep will bring valuable insight and commitment to this role, continuing the Armenian Church’s deep engagement in Christian unity.

A Creative Journey with Puppets and Language With Shnorhali School Kindergarteners

This week, Shnorhali School’s kindergarten class captivated students and parents with an unforgettable performance of The Three Little Pigs. The activity combined creativity, language learning, and teamwork into one inspiring experience that showcased the children’s talents and enthusiasm.

The day began with students crafting their own puppets, a hands-on project that sparked creativity and allowed them to practice Armenian vocabulary in a fun and engaging way. As they carefully shaped and decorated their characters, they explored new words for colors, shapes, body parts, and animals—turning the puppet-making process into an interactive language lesson.

After watching a cartoon adaptation of The Three Little Pigs, students discussed the roles and dove into rehearsals. The culmination was a lively lunchtime performance, where the children proudly brought their puppets to life on stage. They delivered a charming rendition of the beloved tale, earning applause and smiles from their audience of peers and parents.

This activity went beyond storytelling—it was a powerful opportunity for young learners to connect with the Armenian language while developing confidence, teamwork, and stage presence. By combining creative expression with practical learning, the students not only enriched their vocabulary but also built strong bonds with their classmates.



At Shnorhali School, activities like this demonstrate our commitment to nurturing creativity, cultural connection, and a love for learning. Bravo to our kindergarteners for their hard work and imagination, and to their teachers for creating such a meaningful and inspiring experience!

Week Four of the 5-Week Study on the Nicene Creed: Exploring Death, Resurrection, and the Second Coming

On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church welcomed parishioners and friends for the fourth session of the 5-week study on the Nicene Creed. This session focused on some of the most profound statements of the Creed—Christ’s death, resurrection, and His promised second coming—affirming the heart of Christian faith.

Participants reflected on how Jesus’ suffering, crucifixion, and burial counter early theological misconceptions and affirm His full humanity and divine mission. The discussion highlighted that salvation is God’s initiative, not a human achievement, and that Christ’s resurrection is the ultimate victory over sin and death. The study also explored His return as the righteous judge, reinforcing Christian hope in His eternal reign.

Through historical insights, biblical references, and group discussion, attendees deepened their understanding of the Creed’s proclamation of salvation and the promise of Christ’s second coming. The session also underscored the significance of faith in Jesus’ redemptive mission, calling everyone to live in hope and anticipation of His return.

We look forward to the next session as we continue this enriching study on the foundational beliefs of our faith.

Successful Completion of BLS and AED Training at St. Mary Church

On Sunday, January 26, 2025, St. Mary Church hosted a Basic Life Saving (BLS) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Training Course, an important initiative led by Dr. Greg Kumkumian. This training provided key members of our church community with essential life-saving skills, reinforcing our commitment to safety and preparedness.

A group of dedicated parishioners, including ushers, choir members, Shnorhali School teachers, and ACYOA Jr. & Sr. members, participated in the course, which lasted 3-4 hours and concluded with certification for all attendees. 

Having trained individuals within our church community is invaluable, as it ensures that we are better prepared to respond to emergencies during services, gatherings, and events. We would like to highlight the importance of readiness, quick action, and care for one another, strengthening our parish as a place of both spiritual and physical well-being.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Greg Kumkumian for organizing this effort and to all those who participated in this vital training. May this knowledge serve as a blessing and safeguard for our community for years to come.

Baptism and Confirmation

January 11, 2025

Gisella Athena Carr

Daughter of David Emmanuel Carr and Noelle Clare Carr

Godparents: Thaddaeus Carr Jr. and Amber Lagasse

January 25, 2025

Serop Antranig Ohannesian

Son of  Sipan Hrand Ohannesian and Nanar Roger-Keurkunian Ohannesian

Godparents: Nigol Roger Keurkunian and Ida Silva Keurkunian

January 28, 2025

Elen Margaryan

Daughter of Suren Margaryan and Marine Aydinyan

Godparents: Artashes Asaruryan

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

Funerals

January 29, 2025



Anne Andonian

She is survived by her sister-in-law Clara Andonian, nephews David Andonian (Gilda), Aram Andonian (Laura), Levon Andonian (Jill), Joanna Jacob, Linda Eaton, and many great nieces and nephews.

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