ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH 
MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER
August 2024
Visiting Priest, Fr. Bedros Kadehjian

Last Sunday, July 28th, St. Mary Church welcomed Fr. Bedros Kadehjian, who traveled from New York to celebrate Badark during Fr. Hovsep's absence.

We want to extend our deepest gratitude for his visit to our church.

Deacons' Service
On Sunday, August 4th, the Deacons' Service was celebrated at St. Mary's. Following the Service, parishioners had the opportunity to hear a message delivered by Deacon Mark Krikorian.
A Weekend of Worship and Dedication with Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian

This past weekend, our church community was blessed to welcome Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian, Director of Sacred Music for our diocese, as our guest clergy. In the absence of Der Hovsep, Fr. Mamigon led us in worship and continued his devoted work with our altar servers, who are preparing for their upcoming ordination as Deacons and Sub-Deacons.

For several months now, Fr. Mamigon has been working closely with Der Hovsep to train these young acolytes (tbirs) for their sacred duties. This preparation has involved a combination of in-person lessons and Zoom sessions, through which the acolytes have been focusing on mastering the chants for the night and morning services. Fr. Mamigon has shared his deep knowledge of both the words and the music, helping these young men gain a profound understanding of their roles. Concurrently, Der Hovsep has been guiding them through the practical and theological aspects of their service, such as censing (poorvar), the vesting of the celebrant before Badarak, and the detailed components of the Badarak itself. We are deeply inspired by the dedication these young men have shown to their Christian faith and to the Armenian Church.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to those who made this weekend's celebration truly special. A warm thank you goes to Anahit Sargsyan for her beautiful Bible reading, and to Suzy Simonian-McLure and Anna Andriasova-Seferian for their coordination of the Hospitality Table. We are also grateful to Mariam McLure for baking the delicious banana muffins that everyone enjoyed. A special acknowledgment is due to Anna Andriasova-Seferian for her generous donation of the altar flowers.

As we continue to grow as a community, we invite you to stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to participate in sponsoring future hospitality tables. We encourage everyone to consider how they might contribute to the life of our church, whether through hospitality, service, or other acts of devotion. Your involvement is a vital part of our community’s expression of faith and commitment to the Lord.
The Feast of Assumption of the Holy Mother-of-God and Name Day of our Church

On the joyous occasion of the Feast of the Assumption, St. Mary Armenian Church celebrated this sacred day with a Divine Liturgy and the traditional Blessing of the Grapes service. This year's celebration, held on August 18, brought together our faithful community to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, rejoice in her Assumption into heaven, and celebrate the name day of our beloved church.

The day began with a solemn Divine Liturgy, led by Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, filling the church with prayers and hymns in veneration of the Holy Mother of God. The spiritual atmosphere was further enriched as parishioners participated in the ancient and symbolic Blessing of the Grapes ceremony. This tradition, deeply rooted in the Armenian Church, serves as a prayer for a fruitful harvest and a reminder of the abundant blessings God bestows upon His people.

Following the blessing, the grapes were distributed to the faithful, symbolizing the sweetness of God's grace. The celebration continued with a festive gathering where families and friends enjoyed the traditional Armenian Khorovats.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all our parishioners for their generous contributions in memory or in honor of their loved ones. We acknowledge Malvina Vartanian, Marina Gagikyan and Anahid Nishanian for their dedication in purchasing and beautifully packaging the grapes for the ceremony. Our heartfelt thanks also go to our devoted volunteers with the support of Parish Council members, particularly Khorovatz masters Artak Azizyan, Andranik Avetisyan, Gegham Harutyunyan, Mher Barseghyan, Sergey Hunanyan, and Raffi Sahakyan who organized, donated, and prepared the delicious Armenian Khorovatz luncheon that everyone enjoyed. In addition, we would like to express our gratitude to Hasmik Khachatryan and Marina Gagikyan for working behind the scenes in the church's kitchen and for Eva Shafakian for serving Armenian coffee to our parishioners. 

May God continue to shower His blessings upon our community, granting us the strength and grace to serve our church and bring glory to His name.
A Busy Sunday Filled with Faith, Fellowship, and Fun

August 25 was a buzzy Sunday at St. Mary Church, marked by a flurry of activities and a vibrant sense of community. The day began with the registration for St. Mary Shnorhali School, where eager children and their families gathered to enroll for the new academic year. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and enthusiasm as both parents and students prepared for a year of learning and growth in faith.

The morning continued with the children participating in the Badarak, where their presence brought a special vibrancy to the service. The sight of young ones engaged in worship was a beautiful reminder of the bright future of our church community.

After the Badarak, the spirit of fellowship extended into the church hall fellowship hour and the afternoon as the St. Mary ACYOA Juniors headed to the nearby park for their volleyball practice. Under the coaching of Der Hovsep, with the invaluable assistance of Sara and Ara Arabians, and Yn. Jennifer, the juniors honed their skills on the court. This practice was particularly important as the team is preparing for the upcoming Sport's Weekend in Philadelphia, scheduled for October 11-14.

The day was a perfect blend of spiritual nourishment, community bonding, and athletic preparation, reflecting the vibrant and dynamic life of our church. We look forward to the many blessings that lie ahead as we continue to grow together in faith and fellowship.
Shnorhali School Celebrates the Day of Knowledge and Education

On August 25th, St. Mary’s Shnorhali Armenian School joyfully began the new academic year with the celebration of the “Day of Knowledge and Education,” a cherished tradition that highlights our dedication to learning and preserving Armenian heritage.
The day commenced with student assessments in Armenian language, history, and culture, setting a strong academic foundation. It also provided an opportunity for students and parents to meet teachers, fostering connections and building excitement for the year ahead. The celebration concluded with a Holy Patarag service led by Father Hovsep Karapetyan, who blessed the new school year and emphasized the importance of religion, language, culture, and heritage in our lives.
Parents also gathered for the first meeting of the year, where Principal Nunik Nishanian discussed the school’s mission, vision, and values. She highlighted the critical role of parental involvement in creating a strong school community, encouraging active participation in school activities to enhance the learning environment and boost students’ confidence, self-esteem, and enthusiasm for learning.
Shnorhali School’s curriculum is thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of our community, emphasizing individualized learning and a deep connection to Armenian heritage. It includes classes in Conversational Armenian, history, music, and art.
Our mission is to educate the next generation in Armenian traditions, ensuring they carry forward our rich heritage with pride.
Baptism and Confirmation

August 18, 2024
Anahit Harutyunyan
Daughter of Artak and Tamara Harutyunyan
Godparents: Tigran and Gohar Sargsyan

August 23, 2024
Michael Gevorgyan
Son of Robert and Anna Gevorgyan
Godparents: Michel and Nazelie Nersesian

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

August 11, 2024
Armenak Boyajian, 38 yrs., Keghanoush Boyajian, 13 yrs., Sograd Boyajian, 16 yrs
Requested by:
Molly Boyajian

August 25, 2024
For the Soul of:
Archpriest Rev. Fr. Vertanes Kalayjian (8th anniversary)
Requested by:
Diramayr Yeretsgin Anahid Kalayjian, Dr. Zaven and Mrs. Edita Kalayjian and family, Berj Kalayjian, Fr. Avedis and Yn. Karen Kalayjian and family

For the Soul of:
Haig Ellian (8th anniversary)
Requested by:
Sue Ellian and Family

For the Soul of:
Ruben Hayrapetyan (2nd Anniversary)
Requested by:
Karine Muradyan and Arek Hayrapetyan 

For the Soul of :
Dr. Joseph Tyson
Requested by:
Chris Tyson and Sarine Zenian


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