ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH
SHNORHALI MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER
SEPTEMBER 2020
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Feast of the Holy Cross, Lunch - Carry-out Edition
On Sunday, September 13th Feast of The Exaltation of the cross -Khatchveratz was celebrated with a festive meals-to-go event. On behalf of Parish Council we extend our utmost gratitude to the volunteers who came forward and prepared delectable meals;
Julie Avedikian, Mark Bettis, Arto and Takuhi Hallajian, Mari Safakian, Seta Sevaslian, Louisa Baghdassarian, Eva Shafakian, Taline Habibian,Vardan Gasparyan, Aline Guiragossian, Anie Jamgochian , Margie Satian, Clara Andonian , Maggie Avedissian and Raffi Sahakyan. Of course, we extend our appreciation to the generous support our parishioners and the community at large have expressed. Last but not least , all this could not have been possible without Der Hovsep Karapetyan's leadership and spiritual guidance.
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Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was celebrated at St. Mary Armenian Church on September 13, with an Antasdan Service immediately following the Divine Liturgy. The Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Khachverats in Armenian) on the Sunday nearest to September 15.
It is one of the five major feasts of the Armenian Church, and the most important of the four feasts of the Holy Cross. According to the tradition, the first one to "exalt" the Cross was the Apostle James of Jerusalem, also known as the "Brother of the Lord."
After the Badarak an Antasdan service (blessing of the fields) was celebrated during which the processional cross adorned with basil (a symbol of royalty) was carried and the four corners of the church were blessed as a sign of the sanctification of the world. This sweet-smelling plant is associated with the celebration of this feast because in the early decades of Christianity, basil was a symbol of royalty, befitting the Savior who was crucified as a King. Church traditions also recall a beautiful story of the miraculous growth of basil on the ground at the foot of the Cross of the Lord after it had been removed. Basil, according to pious traditions, continued to grow on that ground despite the faithful cutting and taking it home.
Fallowing the Badarak a carry out luncheon took place on the occasion of the Feast of the Holy Cross. Dedicated volunteers worked very heard to make this even a success. Our utmost appreciation goes to all who have donated their time and energy to bring their service St. Mary Church and community
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Leading the Way for our Children
St. Mary Armenian Church is at the forefront of efforts within the Eastern Diocese to ensure continuity of learning for the children in our community. With guidance from Ter Hayr and Yeretskin as well as support from the Parish Council, Shnorhali School launched its "Virtual Pilot Program" to allow children in grades one through five to continue their religion and Armenian language classes remotely during the September 13-December 20 period. We were inspired that 26 students registered for the program!
Religion classes continue to be taught by extraordinary volunteers from our community. We are grateful for their support and commitment - thank you!! We could use a few more religion teachers to cover all the grade levels, so please reach out to Yeretskin Jennifer if you'd be interested to help. Click her to read more
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ACYOA Junior hiking trip
On Saturday September 19th the St Mary ACYOA Juniors youth group met at Seneca Creek Park. After hiking in the park and eating a sack lunch, the teens heard in a spiritual message brought by Patrica Yeghissian. The Juniors also brought food donations, for a local food bank, to the event. This was the first in-person event for the St Mary youth since the start of the pandemic. Given the success of this event, other outdoor teen events are planned for the future.
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A Celebration of Armenia's Independence Day
The 29th Anniversary of Armenia's Independence Day was celebrated at St. Mary with a special Thanksgiving Prayer Service for the Republic of Armenia on Sunday, September 20. The service took place immediately after Badarak.
The rebirth of the Armenian homeland is one of the most momentous developments in the history of the Armenian people. Armenia's citizens voted for independence from the Soviet Union on September 21, 1991, and the resulting free republic became a member of the United Nations on March 2, 1992.
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Food festival workshop
Due to the COVID pandemic, the workshops for this year’s Fall Food Festival will look a little different. In order to keep everyone safe and healthy, the Women’s Guild has to keep the number of volunteers to a minimum. Although this means more work, Women’s Guild members have enthusiastically volunteered and taken on the challenge. On Saturday, September 19th, the Women’s Guild held its boreg workshop with 12 volunteers. All volunteers wore masks and gloves and worked at separate tables. Social distancing, however, did not take away from the joy of being together and working for our church and community.
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Hokehankists - Requiem Services
September 6, 2020
For the souls of: Haroutioun Bardizbanian (21st anniversary)
& Angela Bardizbanian (6th anniversary)
Requested by: Son & Daughter-in-law & Grandchildren
Raffie, Maureen, Arthur & Raffie Jr. Bardizbanian
September 27, 2020
For the soul of: Berjouhi Kazanjian
Requested by: The Kazanjian-Law Family (Ani, Larry, Jennie & Peter)
May God rest Their Souls in peace and may His loving favor be with their loved ones.
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Baptism and Confirmation
September 9, 2020
Zenobia Ariella Loosararian Obaldo
Daughter of Ariel Obaldo and Elyse Loosararian
Godparents: Brian Alsruhe and Alena Alsruhe
September 16, 2020
Arman Ohanyan
Son of Ernest Ohanyan and Iryna Kovalchuk
Godparents:Davit Ghulyan and Gayane Kharazyan
May God bless our newly baptized with His love and may His protection and guidance always be with them.
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St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church
Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, Pastor
4125 Fessenden Street N.W, Washington, DC 20016
202-363-1923 / www.stmaryaac.org
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