ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH 

MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER

November 2024

Twenty-Five Years on the Pontifical Throne

On November 3, St. Mary Armenian Church gathered in solemn prayer to honor the 25th anniversary of His Holiness Karekin II's enthronement as the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. This profound milestone celebrated His Holiness’ unwavering dedication, which began with his consecration on November 4, 1999, at the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin in Armenia.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the congregation offered a special prayer for His Holiness, asking God to "keep our Catholicos, whom He chose as patriarch and leader of the Armenian people, firm in his great calling for a long time." This heartfelt prayer expressed our gratitude for his inspiring leadership and our hope for his continued health and strength.

As we reflect on this milestone, we are reminded of the strength and unity that His Holiness Karekin II has inspired in the Armenian faithful worldwide. His unwavering dedication over the past 25 years has been a source of hope and guidance through times of both joy and challenge. May this anniversary serve as an opportunity for us all to renew our own commitment, fostering a spirit of faith, resilience, and peace within our community and beyond.

New ACYOA Juniors Officers Elected



At their monthly membership meeting on November 3rd the ACYOA Juniors (ages 12-18) enjoyed pizza and fellowship, created posters to promote their "Toiletries for Teens" collection effort, participated in a spiritual discussion about reaching out to others in the name of Christ, and held elections. Congratulations to the new youth council officers, may God direct your steps and inspire you to serve others.

Co-Chairs: Taggie Gomstyan and Yeva Grigoryan

Co-Vice Chairs: Mariam Karapetyan and Rafayel Sargsyan

Treasurer: Tigran Gomstyan

Secretary: Alec Seferian

At Large Member: Sophia Sarkisian (focusing on service projects)

Shnorhali School Patarag Education: Celebrating The Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross 

The Patarag Education program at Shnorhali School offers students a rich experience of our Holy Liturgy, exploring its structure, themes, and significance of important feast days. This past Sunday, the students gathered for a special session focused on The Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross, a cherished celebration in our faith. Led by our beloved pastor, Der Hovsep Karapetyan, and Deacon Serop Krajekian, the students learned the story behind this sacred feast and its lasting impact on our heritage.

Guided by Garegin Vardanyan, students also learned hymns from the liturgy, which deepened their engagement and brought the beauty of our worship to life. The Patarag Education program is dedicated to helping students understand the parts and meaning of our Divine Liturgy, empowering them to participate in it more fully and joyfully. Through discussions, singing, and reflection, they not only gain knowledge but also cultivate a deep reverence and love for their faith—one that will grow and remain with them for years to come.

BUILDING FAITH AND FELLOWSHIP: A Spiritual Fall Gathering for Our School's Young Students

On Sunday, November 10th, the first, second, and third-grade religion classes gathered for a spiritual fall party. The students engaged in a craft inspired by the Bible verse 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline". Students not only were excited to participate in a fun activity but were also thrilled to learn how much their lives can change for the better once they accept God and build a meaningful relationship with Him. The sight of our young students sitting next to each other, learning about our Lord, and lending a helping hand to one another as they built their crafts was the heartwarming highlight of the party. 

During the event, the children learned that accepting God into their hearts empowers them to be fearless, love one another, and take control of their actions. With God by their side, no problem is too big to overcome. They discovered that they can ease their anxieties by praying and that, with God's grace, they can maintain self-control in any situation. They also recognized the importance of being kind and loving, as we are all created in God's image and likeness. Together, we can walk boldly and lovingly with God beside us.

Avatar Math Brings Exciting Math Trivia to Shnorhali School!



Avatar Learning Center recently energized St. Mary’s Armenian Church with an interactive Math Trivia event for Shnorhali School students! The room buzzed with excitement as students teamed up to tackle math questions designed for different age groups, transforming learning into a fun-filled, hands-on experience. Parents, teachers, and students cheered each other on, sharing laughs and celebrating each success.

The Math Trivia game inspired students to explore new math concepts, apply problem-solving skills, and celebrate their achievements in a lively and supportive environment. Parents and teachers were thrilled by the unique combination of education and entertainment, with many commenting on how the event made learning feel like a true celebration. To learn more about Avatar Math and its engaging educational programs, visit https://avatarlc.com/blog.

A Day of Creativity and Learning in Kindergarten at Shnorhali School

Shnorhali School Kindergarten classroom was brimming with excitement and discovery last Sunday. Our young learners had an inspiring day filled with hands-on, educational activities. A highlight of the day was an immersive clay-sculpting experience where students explored creativity by shaping little figurines that captured their imagination.

The day was more than just fun—each step helped expand their Armenian vocabulary and deepen their knowledge through songs, poems, storytelling, and drawing exercises. Working with clay offered an engaging way to explore colors, shapes, and their environment while bringing the Armenian language to life in a hands-on way. The clay-sculpting not only nurtured their creativity but also honed their fine motor skills, as each student carefully molded and crafted their unique creations. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and we were thrilled to see their pride in each completed figurine! On November 24th, we have an exciting birdhouse-building activity planned, during which we’ll learn Armenian vocabulary while discovering the importance of caring for our environment and our feathery friends.

Prayer Service for Artsakh Captives Held at St. Mary Armenian Church

On November 10, the parishioners and friends of St. Mary Armenian Church united in a heartfelt prayer service dedicated to the Armenians of Artsakh who remain captive in Azerbaijan. This service was part of a worldwide prayer initiative, led by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, calling Armenian churches around the globe to stand in solidarity for justice, peace, and the protection of those held unlawfully on fabricated charges in Baku.

The service began with a warm welcome from Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, who introduced the guests and expressed gratitude for their solidarity and commitment to the Armenian cause. Special guests, including advocate Nancy Najarian, and President and CEO of Save the Persecuted Christians, Frank Gaffney, joined the St. Mary community, invited by Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Ecumenical Director and Diocesan Legate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America. Najarian and Gaffney shared moving words, inspiring hope and resilience, while urging all present to continue supporting the people of Artsakh. Present were also Mr. Robert Avetisyan, former Representative of the Republic of Artsakh to the United States and current Director of Research and Analysis at the Armenian Assembly of America, and Colonel Hrayr Geghamyan, Defense Attaché of the Armenian Embassy to the United States, along with members of the Armenian Embassy staff.

At the conclusion of the prayer, a special requiem service was offered for the souls of all who sacrificed their lives for the protection of Armenia and Artsakh.

Shnorhali School’s Annual Talent Show Celebrates Armenian Heritage in Honor of Saint Nerses Shnorhali

On Sunday, November 10, Shnorhali School at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church hosted its highly anticipated annual Talent Show—a vibrant celebration of Armenian culture, creativity, and the exceptional talents of its students. This event honored Saint Nerses Shnorhali, a revered figure whose profound influence as an intellectual, poet, theologian, and spiritual leader has left an enduring legacy in Armenian Christian history and culture.

The afternoon began with a captivating presentation by 7th-grade teacher Alvard Semirjyan, who shared insights into Saint Nerses Shnorhali’s life and contributions. Shnorhali’s impact has deeply shaped Armenian religious and cultural traditions for centuries. This tribute was further enriched by our 7th-grade students, who presented some of Shnorhali’s famous riddles, inviting the audience to experience the intellectual curiosity he inspired. Following this, the national anthem of the Republic of Armenia was performed by our students and attendees, bringing everyone together in celebration of their shared heritage. Click to read more.

Faith in Waiting: Reflections on Zechariah and Elizabeth’s Story at the First Advent Bible Study

On Tuesday, November 19, the first session of the Advent Bible Study at St. Mary Armenian Church brought the community members together to reflect on the theme "Anticipation and Prophecy Fulfilled," focusing on Luke 1:5-25. We explored the profound story of Zechariah and Elizabeth during a time of historical silence from God, the 400 years before the Messiah’s arrival. This session emphasized enduring faith in seasons of waiting, drawing parallels between their lives and the Advent journey.

The evening began with a prayer, inviting all to open their hearts to God's Word. A rich discussion followed, delving into Zechariah and Elizabeth's faithfulness amid trials, the angel Gabriel's miraculous announcement, and the role of John the Baptist as a forerunner for Jesus. Through Scripture reading, reflection, and group discussion, attendees were encouraged to consider God’s timing and trust in His promises, even in moments of doubt.

The study underscored Advent as a time to prepare spiritually for Christ’s birth, mirroring John the Baptist’s mission to prepare others for the Messiah.

Ayo! Fundraising Fellowship: Supporting Armenia’s Future

The ACYOA Seniors and Juniors successfully raised $2,302 to support the Fund for Armenian Relief /Ayo programming by organizing a mini-Christmas market following the Badarak service on November 17. Sarah Stites, Ayo Program Director, was present to discuss the recent initiatives of the Fund for Armenian Relief and its crowdsourcing platform, Ayo. The funds collected will be allocated to two projects: 

Women In Tech: This initiative aims to provide single mothers and displaced women from Artsakh in Gyumri with the necessary technological skills to enter the workforce. 

Christmas Wishlist 2025: As displaced children and their families strive to establish new lives in Armenia’s Syuniq region, Ayo aims to bring them joy through holiday gifts such as bicycles and Christmas trees. 

We express our sincere appreciation to all parishioners who contributed by purchasing gifts, as well as those who generously donated items for the sale. Your support has played a vital role in bringing a small bit of joy to Armenia!

Toiletries for Teens - Opportunity for a Good Deed

In the month of November, The ACYOA juniors sponsored a parish-wide good deed, collecting toiletries for teens, to benefit needy teens in the metro area. At their monthly meeting this past Sunday, the teens created posters to remind the parish of the drive.  The posters will be displayed, a different one each week, in the collection bin in the small hall. 

Come admire the teens' artistry and bring a toiletry from the list below:

   o Toothbrushes (individually packaged)

   o Toothpaste

   o Deodorant (full size)

   o Bar soap (individually packaged)

   o Maxi pads

to the donation box in the parish hall during the month of November. 

The toiletries will be given to needy teens via the https://www.foodforneighbors.org/ organization, which operates snack and toiletries closets in public schools.

Shnorhali Kindergarten's Birdhouse Building Adventure: A Fun-Filled Day of Learning and Creativity!

On Sunday, November 10th the Shnorhali Kindergarten class embarked on an engaging and educational experience that combined creativity, teamwork, and environmental awareness. Under the guidance of their teachers and our enthusiastic volunteers, our young learners participated in a hands-on birdhouse-building activity that not only filled the room with joy and laughter but also provided valuable lessons about the natural world.

The students eagerly constructed and decorated their own birdhouses, turning simple materials into beautiful homes for our feathered friends. As they worked, they learned about birds' crucial role in the environment and discovered the importance of creating safe spaces for wildlife. This activity provided a wonderful opportunity to instill a sense of responsibility and compassion for nature from an early age. As they worked together, they developed valuable team-building skills, celebrated each other's contributions, fostered collaboration and teamwork, reinforced a sense of unity and achievement, and strengthened their bonds with classmates.

The birdhouse-building activity was also a fantastic opportunity for the students to expand their Armenian vocabulary. Encouraged to describe their work and discuss the birds that might one day inhabit these birdhouses, the students had a delightful opportunity to enhance their language skills while sharing their progress and exchanging ideas.

Overall, the birdhouse-building activity was a huge success, blending education, creativity, and fun in a meaningful way. It was a memorable day filled with laughter, learning, and growth—one that our Kindergarten students will surely cherish. We are so proud of their accomplishments and grateful for the chance to nurture both their artistic talents and their love for the environment.

Stay tuned for more exciting adventures from our Shnorhali Kindergarten students!

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Faith and Humility: Reflections on The Annunciation at Advent Bible Study

This week’s Advent Bible Study session focused on The Annunciation and Mary’s Faithful Response (Luke 1:26-38), offering profound insights into Mary’s humility, trust, and obedience to God’s plan. During the study, we reflected and explored how her story serves as a model of faith during the Advent season.

The discussion centered on the angel Gabriel’s extraordinary message to Mary, a young woman of humble means, chosen by God to bear His Son. Her response, "Let it be to me according to your word," demonstrated unparalleled trust in God, even in the face of uncertainty and potential societal consequences.

The participants reflected on Mary’s willingness to embrace her divine calling and the assurance given by Gabriel: "The Lord is with you." The study also emphasized the relevance of Gabriel’s declaration, "For nothing will be impossible with God," encouraging everyone to trust in God’s power and promises.

The session concluded with personal reflection and prayer, as attendees considered how they could emulate Mary’s faith and humility during Advent. We were encouraged to find ways to say "yes" to God’s call, embracing trust and obedience in our own spiritual journeys.

All are invited to join next week’s study as we continue to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ during this meaningful season.

First Acolyte Training

This week, the students of Shnorhali School took part in a newly introduced Acolyte Training Program. Under the guidance and expertise of Der Hovsep and our Deacons, students will gain a deeper understanding of the sacred traditions of the Armenian Church and will have the opportunity to participate in Holy Badarak in a meaningful way.

The program is designed to prepare boys to serve at the altar and covers the following topics: understanding the Acolyte's role during Badarak and Hokehankisd, becoming familiar with the layout of the Church building, recognizing vestments and sacred vessels, learning Armenian Church etiquette, and memorizing the Lord's Prayer in Armenian.

These training sessions will occur once a month, and we encourage all baptized boys who are passionate about deepening their knowledge of our Church's traditions to join. To sign your son up, please complete the Google form linked below.

Altar Service and Choir Participation Registration Form.

Funerals

November 14, 2024



Emil Sedrakyan

Emil is survived by his family members: Mikayel Sedrakyan (son), Nune Sedrakyan (daughter), Alyona Sargsyan (wife), Gevorg Sedrakyan (brother), Artyom Sedrakyan (brother), Nune Asryan (mother), Sedrak Sedrakyan (father)

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