ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH 
SHNORHALI MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER
March 2022
Lenten Period at St.Mary Armenian Church

According to the liturgical calendar of the Armenian Church, the Lenten season has begun on Monday, February 28. This year, at St. Mary Lenten Services and Discussions, took place every Wednesday during this period. The theme of the year was "Saints of St. Mary Church." We learned about the saints depicted in the paintings of St. Mary Church. Why do we have paintings of the saints in our Church? What do they signify? Can I pry to a Saint? Who are the Saints depicted in the paintings of St. Mary Church? What can we learn from them today?
The first five of the Lenten six-week series took place on Wednesdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 respectively.
Fr. Hovsep spoke about the intercession of satins, the tradition of adoring the icons of saints in the Armenian church, and the importance of learning about and imitating the life and deed of saints in our lives today.
Shoghig Sahakyan made a presentation on St. Krikor Naregatzi. She provided a brief background on St. Krikor referencing Dr. Abraham Terian’s Annotated Translation of the infamous collection of prayers titled “Speaking with God from The Depths of The Heart” written by St. Krikor. She stressed the importance of praying with each other and for each other as was done during the Lenten service preceding the devotion.
Nareg Seferian eloquently presented the life history of the four significant saints of the Armenian church. He contemplated on the story of Sts. Gregory, Trdat, Hripsime, and Gayane, who became the cornerstones of the establishment of Christianity in Armenia. Their story had encouraged and guided the generations in the past and that same story can also be a guide and encouragement for us today as well.
Dr. Ara Stepanian presented a meditation on the lives of Sts. Vartan, Hovsep and Shushan. He spoke about the challenges of being witnesses of Christ in a society where everything is convenient and easy, and there is no demand for blood martyrdom.
Dn. Mark Krikorian contemplated on the lives of Sts. Thadeus and Bartholomew. He briefly presented their life and mission to Armenia to spread the seeds of Christianity and to preach the gospel of salvation.
We would like to thank St.Mary Parish Council, Gift Shop, Choir, Women's Guild, and ACYOA organizations for hosting the dinner after lenten series services each Wednesday.
New Bibles for Shnorhali School Students

The Shnorhali School is excited to share that on Sunday, March 13th, thanks to two very generous donors, all of the students in the School were gifted with brand new Bibles to help them in their walk through Lent. As we know, Lent is a time when we prepare ourselves to grow closer to God through prayer, fasting, doing good deeds for others, and especially by reading the Bible. And our two generous donors have enabled our students to have access to the Bible so that they can grow in their spiritual journey. 

The Shnorhali School deeply appreciates the generosity of Mr. Dean Shaninian for donating Bibles to our younger children. We are also incredibly grateful for the generosity of the Khoraninan family, Yervand, Helen, Hayasa, and Menua, for donating Bibles to the older classes. 

May Our Lord continue to bless you for your gifts, especially during this time of Lent. For more information about Lent, please visit www.vemkar.us. 
Workshop for Deacons, Choir, and Altar Servers

On March 19, St. Mary Choir Members and Altar Servers enjoyed a wonderful workshop led by Diocesan Instructor of Sacred Music, V. Rev. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjain.

Fr. Mamigon spent the whole day on Saturday working with the choir and Altar servers teaching them new hymns and improving their singing of Badarak. From 10 am to 1 pm, 11 of our Altar Servers gathered at the sanctuary where Hayr Soorp instructed them in proper chanting of the Deacon's parts of Badarak and improving their knowledge of church services. From 2 pm to 6 pm Fr. Mamigon worked with our Choir Members teaching them the "Mid-day Hymns" and improving their singing of Badark. The choir and altar servers enjoyed the delicious lunch provided by parishioners afterward.

On Sunday, during the Badarak Hayr Soorp went back and forth between choir and altar servers, supervising their singing and giving them some more instructions.

It was a great privilege to have Fr. Mamigon at our church over the weekend. He offered his time, service, and supreme knowledge of sacred music of the Armenian Chruch to improve our choir and altar servers' performance and deepen their knowledge and understanding of church music.
ACYOA Juniors Membership Meetings

The ACYOA Juniors continue to meet in the church office on the first Sunday of the month for fellowship, pizza, education, and service.  In February, the group was addressed by Parish Council Chairwoman Shoghig Sahakyan, who shared how the Bible can help us in our times of difficulty.  She also explained what the Parish Council does and how we all are responsible for serving in the church.   At the March meeting, Anna Seferian addressed the teens, explaining the ministry of an usher.   She led the teens in a service project to repair torn Bibles and prayer books.  The ACYOA Juniors wishes to thank both Shoghig and Anna for their wisdom and service.
ACYOA Award to Paul Murad

On Sunday, March 20th at the hokehankisd for long-time ACYOA supporter and teen religion teacher Paul Murad, Paul’s family accepted his long-overdue ACYOA Award.  Paul was scheduled to receive the ACYOA Award at the 2020 ACYOA Palm Sunday banquet; but due to the COVID-19 situation, the event was postponed. Sadly, Paul passed away earlier this year.   Paul’s wife, Lucy Murad, and his children, Greg and Andrea, accepted the award from ACYOA Junior Chair Julie Tilimian and Vice-Chair Hovsep Seferian.  Paul was a faithful member of our parish, always offering to help teach and encourage the youth.  Well done good and faithful servant.
Volunteers Corner

Once again our dedicated ladies answered the call to service on Monday, March 21st to facilitate the process of stuffing envelopes for our annual mass mailing. The assembly line was formed and the ladies meticulously accomplished the task while enjoying each other's company. 
And on Wednesday, March 29th yet another dedicated parishioner, Avak Permian offered his labor of love by painting the church's parking lot stripes single-handedly in a very professional manner. Thanks to Avak our parking lot is more attractive and organized now and it sure will make a great impression on our visitors and guests.
May they and all our church volunteers be an inspiration to all. God bless your labor of Love.
For those who are interested, we are always in need of helping hands. Please contact the church office and provide us with your information.
ACYOA Juniors Lenten Lock-in Retreat

After a 2 year COVID-19 hiatus, the annual Juniors Lenten Lock-in was held on March 25th, at the church.  18 ACYOA Juniors brought their sleeping bags and pillows to spend the night at the church for the "Lock-in" Retreat. The event included food, games, fellowship, worship, and Christian education. The guest speaker was Patricia Yeghissian. She facilitated a discussion of how God wants us to relate to others, with kindness and understanding, and how we should relate to ourselves, giving ourselves time for silence, contemplation, and rest. This was a very timely topic, given the challenges of the past two years. Der Hovsep led the students in a time of worship and prayer in the sanctuary. The event also included some unexpected highlights such as a lively game of musical chairs, a tent in the office, the largest air mattress we've ever seen, and a game of "speed friending".
Women's Guild Michink Luncheon

After skipping the year 2021 due to Covid, the Women's Guild was able to hold its Annual traditional Michinc Luncheon. Faithful of St. Mary Church came together following Badarak on Sunday, March 27, to mark the Median Day of Great Lent with a Michink luncheon hosted by the Women's Guild.

Everyone enjoyed the delicious lenten food and was happy to have the opportunity to reconnect with their fellow parishioners. A big thank you to all the members of the Women's Guild for organizing the event, and to all those who supported it. From setting up the table, cooking, and cleaning up, we appreciate all the help and strong attendance that made the day a success.
St. Mary Church Kitchen Fundraiser 
Final Stages of Kitchen Renovation
Dear Parishioners and Friends,

As a member or a visitor of St. Mary Armenian Church, you have experienced first-hand our church community's warm and welcoming hospitality. St. Mary is a place where we come to worship together and celebrate our rich and beautiful heritage. A part of that heritage is also our culinary delights and food. Our church's kitchen is an integral part where thousands of meals have been produced during various events to be enjoyed by our parishioners and friends. 

We are reaching out to you today to ask for your generous donation to reach our goal of raising the $25,000 needed to complete our kitchen renovation in time for all of us to enjoy the continuance of those important events. We appreciate all the donations that our parishioners and friends have already contributed to this vital project. 

Your contribution will enable us to resume our church events quickly and safely.
 
Thank you in advance for your generosity and support, and we ask God's guidance and protection for you and your families.

With Prayers,                       
Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, Pastor
Mrs. Shoghig Sahakyan,   Parish Council Chair   
Wedding
March 27, 2022
Suren Sargsyan & Galina Fanarjyan
Parents: Armen & Susanna Sargsyan and Volodya & Lusine Fanarjyan
Best Man: Armen Sargsyan Jr.
Maid of Honor: Maria Ivankovich

Congratulations and may God make the newly married couple worthy of the desirable crown of Holy Matrimony.
Funeral

March 13, 2022
Jerair Nishanian
He is survived by his wife Anahid Nishanian, his son and daughter-in-law Tagvor & Shelby Nishanian, daughter and son-in-law Alineh & Brad Templin, stepdaughter and son-in-law Natalie & Allen Martirossian, grandchildren Tiffany & Nicholas Martirossian and Julia, William, and Samuel Nishanian, sister Hasmick Nishanian, sister-in-law Ezzat Nishanian, many nieces, nephews, their children, and grandchildren.
Jerair Nishanian will be terribly missed. Goodbye and Godspeed, good man.

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

March 6, 2022
For the Soul of: 
Anahid Hagopian(1st Year Anniversary)
Requested by:
Haig Hagopian & Raffi Hagopian
Rita & Krikor Deurdulian & Family

For the Soul of: 
Dr. Robert A. Shekoyan ( 40th Day)
Requested by:
Shekoyan Family

March 13, 2022
For the Soul of: 
Hrachya Atayan (40th Day)
Requested by:
Elena Ayanyan, Alexey Atayan, Izabella Atayan , Alexander Ayanyan, grandchildren Alex and Eleonora Ayanyan. 

For the Soul of: 
Takouhi Keledjian (40th Day)
Requested by:
Kaspar and Gerard Keledjian

March 20, 2022
For the Soul of: 
Paul Armand Murad (40th Day)
Requested by:
Lucy Murad, Andrea Murad, and Gregory Murad

For the Soul of: 
Jack Andonian (30th Anniversary)
Requested by:
Clara Andonian and Family

For the Soul of :
Dr. Suhail Khouri (40th Day)
Requested by:
Maha Khouri, Mr. & Mrs. Zaidoon Khouri, and family
and Kanderian Khouri families

For the Souls of :
Paul Zenian (40th Day), Hovhannes and Endza Zenian
Requested by :
David and Leda 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