ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH 

MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER

September 2026

St. Mary ACYOA Seniors Make a Memorable Pilgrimage to St. Vartan Cathedral



In early September, after meeting at 4:30 in the morning at the Church, St. Mary's ACYOA Sr. Chapter traveled to NYC for Bishop Mesrob's final episcopal Badarak at St. Vartan's Cathedral before it is closed for extensive repairs.

For many of them, it was their first time witnessing the Cathedral. They were greeted by local New York ACYOA members and deepened their bonds of fellowship. After Badarak, all were invited to a feast and musical performance. Many ACYOA members were also introduced to his eminence Bishop Mesrob. As an additional stop after Church, members said a final farewell to long-time DC resident Aurmin Amirmokri, who just moved to Manhattan.

Chapter members enjoyed memorable conversations and a pumpkin spice latte run on the way home. This was also Chairman Alex Madajian's last event as ACYOA Sr. Chair, since he will be moving to Armenia. The current Chairman is the former vice-chair, Daniel Poliquin.

A Joyful Celebration of the Holy Cross at St. Mary Armenian Church

St. Mary Armenian Church gathered in love and faith on Sunday, September 13, to celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, one of the most cherished feasts of the Armenian Church.

The day began with Morning Service and the Divine Liturgy, celebrated by our visiting priest, Very Reverend Fr. Simeon Odabashian. The beautiful Andastan—the blessing of the four corners of the world—filled the church with the fragrance of basil and the hope of Christ’s blessings reaching every heart. Our Shnorhali School students received a special blessing from the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon, then participated in Patarag to celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Afterward, parishioners enjoyed a joyful fellowship luncheon hosted by the Ararat Avak Society. Fr. Simeon surprised everyone by playing the piano and singing beloved Armenian songs, filling the room with laughter, music, and heartfelt togetherness.

We are deeply grateful to Fr. Simeon for his inspiring presence and to the Ararat Avak Society for their loving dedication in making the day so special.

The Feast of the Holy Cross reminds us of Christ’s endless love and the hope His sacrifice brings to all believers.

Khachverats at Shnorhali School



The morning of Khachverats began with Shnorhali students receiving a special blessing from the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon. The students then joined our parish community in participating in Patarag to celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.



Through prayer and worship, our students reflected on the transformation of the Cross from an instrument of punishment and death into a symbol of life and victory. It was a meaningful opportunity for them to experience the beauty of our Armenian Apostolic faith and traditions together.

The Hands That Made the Fall Food Festival Possible – October 2–4

In joyful preparation for our Annual Fall Food Festival, the Women's Guild and dedicated volunteers gathered over the past several weeks in September to begin the labor of love that makes this cherished tradition possible.

Through a series of workshops, they prepared trays of beloved Armenian specialties, including baklava, simit, boreg, hasganoush, eggplant delight ... Their teamwork, dedication, and the love poured into every tray beautifully reflect the spirit of our parish community.

We thank all who generously contributed their time and talents to help preserve and share the rich culinary heritage of our Armenian faith and culture.

Thanksgiving Prayer for the Republic of Armenia

On Sunday, September 20, following the Divine Liturgy, St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church offered a special Order of Thanksgiving Prayer for the Republic of Armenia on the occasion of Armenian Independence Day.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Armenia. On September 21, 1991, the people of Armenia voted overwhelmingly for independence from the Soviet Union, fulfilling a long-held dream of the Armenian people and opening a new chapter in the history of our homeland.

As a parish community, we gathered in prayerful thanksgiving for the rebirth of the Armenian homeland and asked God to bless, protect, and guide the Republic of Armenia and all her people. May our Lord strengthen our brothers and sisters in Armenia in their continued work to build a peaceful, prosperous, and just society.

ACYOA Juniors Preparing for Sports Weekend

Our ACYOA Juniors spent several Sundays in September actively preparing for the upcoming Sports Weekend, which will take place over Columbus Day Weekend in Providence, Rhode Island, hosted by St. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church.  

Practices were filled with teamwork, energy, and fellowship as our youth trained for the exciting weekend of competition. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our practice coaches: Dr. Greg Kumkumian, Sara Arabian, Ari Arzumanian, and Julie Tillimian. Their dedication and encouragement have been instrumental in preparing our Juniors for this exciting event.

If you have a teen (ages 13-18 and not yet graduated from Sr. High School) who would like to join the ACYOA Juniors for an exciting year of fellowship, service, witness, education, and worship, please contact Becky Bagdasarian at StMaryYouthDC@gmail.com.

Special Presentation by Ms. Iveta Kosyan, Visiting from Armenia

We extend our sincere thanks to all who attended church on Sunday, September 20th, and stayed after Badarak to listen to Ms. Iveta Kosyan, who joined us from Armenia to share her personal journey and professional work. Ms. Kosyan offered meaningful insight into public health and maternal care in Armenia, highlighting both the challenges faced and the hopeful opportunities for collaboration within these vital fields.

Her thoughtful presentation enriched our parish gathering, and we are grateful for the engagement and interest shown by all who were present.

Church Entrance, Plaza, and Stairs Refreshed and Protected

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Avak Yepremian for his generous work in caring for the church entrance area. Avak power-washed the main entrance doors and the Khachkar, and then carefully applied a coat of beeswax to help seal and protect them.

He also power-washed the entire church plaza and the stairs, helping refresh and beautify the entrance to our church.

We are grateful for Avak’s time, hard work, and loving service to St. Mary. His care and dedication are a wonderful example of quiet service offered for the good of our parish community.

Shnorhali Armenian School Brings Students Together Through Culture, Friendship, and Community

Shnorhali Armenian School of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church hosted its Back-to-School Social, bringing students together for an afternoon centered on friendship, Armenian culture, creativity, and community.

The event gave students an opportunity to step outside the classroom, reconnect with friends, meet students from other classes and age groups, and build new friendships in a relaxed and engaging setting. Throughout the afternoon, students moved from one activity to another, creating a lively social environment where conversation, teamwork, and shared experiences came naturally.

The program opened with the Armenian hymn, followed by the interactive “Me, My Homeland and My Church” trivia challenge, where students tested their knowledge of Armenian history, culture, identity, and the Armenian Church.



A special part of the afternoon was the Armenian folk dance session led by Eliza Israyelyan, Director of the Shnorhali Armenian Folk Dance Club, and Associate Director Rimma Thies.

Weddings

September 16, 2026

Artin Ghokasiyan and Natalie Wood

Parents: Ashot and Maryet Ghokasiyan & Michael and Pam Wood

Best Man: Shant Ghokasiyan

Maid of Honor: Jori Edmunds

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

Baptism and Confirmation

September 12, 2026

Arieva Jenafin Khachi Reyes

Daughter of Justin Anthony Reyes and Adriana Khachi  

Godparents: Efrain Reyes and Jenik Shahverdi

September 20, 2026

Henry Vahan Kofman

Son of Filipp Kofman and Nina Kazarian Kofman

Godparents: Lars Joergensen and Anna Ghazarian



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

Hokehankists - Requiem Services

September 6, 2026

For the Souls of: Haroutioun Bardizbanian & Zareh Bardizbanian 

Requested by: Son & Daughter-in-law & Grandchildren Raffie, Maureen, Arthur & Raffie Jr. Bardizbanian  

September 20, 2026

For the Soul of: Rostam Armik Khatchatourians (40 days)

Requested by: Khatchatourians and Kehyaian Families  

For the Soul of:  Janet Nirsisian-Tchekrekjian (40 Days)

Requested by: Haigaved Tchekrekjian (husband), Hrach Tchekrekjian (son), Harout & Loucine Tchekrekjian (son's family), Hovsep & Niever Nirsisian-Hovsepian and children (sister's family)

September 27, 2026

For the Souls of: All Heroes Who Sacrificed Their Lives to Protect Armenia and Artsakh, And of all Civilian Victims of the Conflict

Requested by: Avetisyan family

May God rest their Souls in peace, and may His loving favor be with their Loved Ones.