ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH 

MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER

September 2024

ACYOA Juniors Gear Up for Sports Weekend

During the last few Sundays, following the Badarak, the St. Mary ACYOA Juniors have been meeting at the nearby park for volleyball practice sessions that are as spirited as they are strategic. Under the leadership of Yn. Jennifer, this past Sunday saw our enthusiastic juniors refining their volleyball skills with great dedication. These weekly practices are crucial as the team prepares for the highly anticipated Sports Weekend in Philadelphia, scheduled for October 11-14.

The commitment shown by our juniors and their parents is commendable. As these practices continue, we encourage other young men and women from our community to join in. Participating in these sessions is not only a great way to improve athletic skills but also an excellent opportunity for fellowship.

As we look forward to the Sports Weekend, we are excited about the potential of our team and the fellowship we foster among our youth. These gatherings are a perfect blend of competition and camaraderie, embodying the unity and spirit of our church community.

An Inspiring Start To The Academic Year At Shnorhali School

Sunday, September 8th was a truly special one at Shnorhali School, as the school warmly welcomed both returning and new families. It came alive with the children’s smiles, filling its hallways and classrooms with joy and excitement. The day began with the Patarag Education program led by Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, who thoughtfully explained the significance and meaning of our sacred service. As the year progresses, students will delve deeper into the parts of the Patarag and learn its hymns, meaning, and mysteries.

The day then continued with Armenian and Religious Education, where most classes issued their books and materials and assigned their first homework. For many students, the day concluded with an engaging Chess Club session, marking a strong start to the year.

Looking ahead, we are filled with anticipation for the exciting opportunities this school year will bring. With a full calendar of enriching events, activities, and learning experiences, we are confident that each student will thrive, grow, and continue to make us proud. We can’t wait to see the wonderful achievements in store—here’s to a year of inspiration and success at Shnorhali School!

Celebration of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross -

 Khatchverats - at St. Mary Church

On Sunday, September 15, the congregation of St. Mary Church gathered to joyfully celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, one of the five major holidays in the Armenian Apostolic Church. The day began with the celebration of the Holy Badarak (Divine Liturgy). Following the Badarak, the special Antastan Service took place, during which the blessing of the four corners of the world was performed. This ancient ritual symbolizes the sanctification and protection of the earth and all creation, asking for peace, harmony, and blessings upon all people and nations.

After the beautiful services, the parishioners and friends gathered in the church hall for a festive meal hosted by the St. Mary Ararat Avak Society. The hall was filled with warmth and community spirit as parishioners came together to share a delicious meal, celebrate the holiday, and strengthen bonds within the community.

Special thanks go to Eva, Takuhi, Mary Shafakian, and Raffi Sahakyan for their remarkable culinary talents and dedication in preparing a meal for over 100 people. Their tireless efforts and attention to detail ensured that the feast was both plentiful and delicious, providing a wonderful conclusion to a meaningful day of spiritual celebration.

We are deeply grateful to all those who contributed to making this event a success. From those who volunteered their time and talents to those who participated in the services and celebrations, your support strengthens our church and its mission. As we continue to celebrate our faith and heritage, we are reminded that it is through these shared experiences and collective efforts that our community thrives.

Let us carry forward the spirit of unity, love, and gratitude as we look ahead to more joyful celebrations together.

Baklava and Boorma Workshop Organized by St. Mary Women's Guild

On September 14, the St. Mary Women's Guild hosted a highly anticipated Bakhlava and Boorma workshop in preparation for the upcoming Food Festival, which will take place from October 4-6. This workshop brought together over 25 dedicated women from the church community who volunteered their time and energy to create these delicious traditional Armenian desserts.

The workshop was a lively and collaborative effort, with participants working side by side to prepare large batches of Bakhlava and Boorma. These desserts will be a highlight at the Food Festival, one of the major events in the St. Mary Church community that draws in attendees from all over. The festival’s success relies heavily on the careful planning and hard work of its many volunteers.

We encourage everyone to join us for future workshops and help in any way they can. The next workshops will take place on Tuesday, September 24, and Wednesday, September 25. Your participation and support are vital to making this event a success. Please consider signing up using the link below.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all of our dedicated volunteers, without whom this event would not be possible. Your time, effort, and commitment are deeply appreciated. God bless you all.

Appreciation Corner: Honoring Our Generous Supporters

We are deeply grateful to Ms. Alis Marashelian for her incredibly generous donation of two stainless steel coffee urns, each with a 100-cup capacity. This thoughtful contribution will greatly enhance our community events and gatherings, providing us with a valuable resource that will be cherished for years to come. Ms. Marashelian’s kindness and willingness to support our church is truly heartwarming, and we are immensely appreciative of her actions.

In addition, we would like to express our sincere thanks to Mr. Voskan Galushian for his invaluable repairs to the church altar items, including the silver cross and incense box. His exceptional jewelry skills and dedication have made a significant impact on preserving these cherished items. We deeply appreciate his ongoing support of our church, and we are truly fortunate to have him as part of our community.

In this spirit of gratitude, we also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each member of our congregation who continuously supports our church in various capacities. Whether through volunteering time, offering skills, or making donations, your dedication is the foundation upon which our vibrant community is built. Your unwavering commitment and generous spirit are what keep our church thriving and ever-growing.

As we continue to serve one another and our greater community, let us remember that it is the collective effort and shared passion of all our members that enable us to create a nurturing and compassionate environment. Thank you all for your ongoing support and for making our church such a special place.

Hanrapetakan Maghtank

On Sunday, September 22, St. Mary Armenian Church celebrated Armenian Independence Day with a special Hanrapetakan Maghtank (Thanksgiving Prayer for the Republic of Armenia) following the Badarak. This was a moment of deep gratitude as the parishioners honored Armenia's 33rd anniversary of independence. Afterward, a Hokehankist (Requiem Service) was held to remember those who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of Artsakh and Armenia.

In his message, Der Hovsep highlighted the significance of this historic occasion, reminding us of the courageous choice made by the Armenian people in 1991. He spoke of Armenia’s resilience throughout the centuries, guided by faith and trust in God, especially in times of difficulty. He also encouraged the community, particularly the younger generation, to continue building a bright future for Armenia through acts of kindness, compassion, and faith, while finding concrete ways to contribute to the nation’s prosperity.

The celebration concluded with prayers for Armenia's protection and hope for peace, reminding us all of the importance of unity and the power of prayer. As we look ahead, let us continue to hold our homeland in our hearts and prayers, trusting in God’s providence as we face the future together.

This week's celebration serves as a reminder that, while we honor the sacrifices of the past, we are also called to actively participate in building a stronger future for Armenia. May God bless and protect our homeland and its people!

An Afternoon of Learning and Community at Shnorhali School’s

 Back-to-School Social



On September 22nd, the Shnorhali School hosted its vibrant Back-to-School Social, a delightful gathering of students, teachers, parents, and parishioners for an afternoon filled with cultural celebration and community spirit. The event beautifully showcased the rich Armenian language, heritage, and traditions while incorporating fun and creativity.

The afternoon began with a heartfelt prayer from Dn. Serop Krajekian, offering blessings for the children and the new academic year. This event was more than just a social gathering; it was a celebration of Armenian culture, religion, and creativity. It demonstrated that school is not just a place for structured learning, but also a lively environment for engagement, connection, and enjoyment.

Throughout the event, participants enjoyed a wide range of engaging activities—from arts and crafts to face painting and cupcake decorating. The Jeopardy-style trivia contest, We, Our Homeland, and Our Church, sparked excitement among students as they answered fun and educational questions about Armenian heritage. The afternoon concluded with Tagouhi Gomtsyan, the coach of the Armenian Art and Culture Club, teaching students a variation of the traditional Kochari dance, deepening their connection to Armenian culture. Even timid students found a sense of belonging, fostering a stronger tie to their cultural roots. The success of this wonderful event was made possible by the dedication of our volunteers, whose meticulous planning ensured a smooth and memorable experience for all.

Shnorhali School’s Back-to-School Social reaffirmed the school’s commitment to nurturing an environment where cultural heritage and community values thrive alongside academic learning. We eagerly anticipate more enriching events throughout the school year, building on the momentum of this joyous day!

Volunteer's Corner

A group of our parishioners gathered to peel a few hundred pounds of onion in preparation for the upcoming Fall Food Festival.

Energetic ladies, led by Anahit Tevosyan gathered together to bake authentic Artsakh Gata. Together they made 500 pieces to be available during the upcoming food festival. We are continuously in awe of the enthusiasm and willingness to serve expressed by all.

We are also thankful to Marina Gagikyan for her flower arrangement talents. She transformed an assortment of flowers into beautifully arranged bouquets. 

We are grateful for each and everyone's time and effort and look forward to seeing you all at the festival, which will take place from October 4th until the 6th at St. Mary Church.

Weddings

September 14, 2024

David Gevorkian and Irena Mkhitaryan

Parents: Ruben Gevorkian and Svetlana Stepanyan & Armen Mkhitarian and Lucy Tumasyan

Best Man: David Avagyan

Maid of Honor: Lilit Sargsyan

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

Baptism and Confirmation

September 21, 2024

Celine Rose Kasbarian

Daughter of Harout and Tatiana Kasbarian

Godparents: Chris Kasbarian and Adrianna Iskandarian

September 22, 2024

Douglas Gulugian

Son of David Gulugian-Taylor and Madlyn Dashiell

Godparents: Christopher Gulugian-Taylor and Ciara Turner

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

Funerals

September 18 , 2024

Bercuhi Uslan

She is survived by her Daughter, Zepur Uslan, and Son, Aras Uslanian. Grandsones Armen & Sean Uslanian. Nieces and nephews: Onnik Akopcan; Kayane Demirci; Noyemi Balikcioglu; Satenik Altinkeser, Sima Karateke; Suzan Degirgec; Seta Babaian, Silva Yeranossian; Tamar Akopcan and sister-in-law Takuhi Akopcan.

September 28 , 2024

Peter Manoogian

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Queen. He is also survived by his children: Susanne (Henric), Matthew (Brenda). Peter (Heather), and 9 grandchildren Sylvia, Ani, Mari, Max, Ryann, Haig, Camryn, Payton and Ashtyn.

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