St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church
Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, Pastor
Address: 4125 Fessenden St. NW, Washington, DC 20016
Tel: 202-363-1923
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Seventy-Two Disciples?
You might think it’s a misprint. Everyone knows that Jesus had exactly twelve disciples—so why does the Armenian Church calendar reserve a feast day for the Seventy-Two Disciples of Christ? (We’ll observe it this Saturday, October 3).
In fact, the Seventy-Two Disciples are firmly rooted in Scripture—but only the Gospel of Luke mentions them. They were the “advance team” for Christ’s ministry, fanning out into the countryside, preaching in villages and towns—preparing the soil, as it were, for Jesus’ personal arrival in a given locale.
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few,” Christ said as he dispatched the 72 disciples. “So, the Lord of the harvest has to send more workers out into the fields.”
He sent them out “as lambs among wolves,” without purse, bag, or sandals. He told them to live simply but deliver an urgent message.
What happened to them? What might they mean for us today? Click on this link to find out.
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Morning Service
9:30 AM
Holy Badarak
10:00 AM
Celebrant
Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan
Usher
Mr. Garbis Chubukian
Parish Council Members on Duty
Ms. Zara Haroutunian
Choir
Mrs. Edita Kalayjian
Organist
Mrs. Karine Muradyan
Bible Readings:
Isaiah 17.7-14; 2
2 Corinthians 13.5-13
Mark 11.27-33
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HOKEHANKIST
REQUIEM SERVICE
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For the Soul of:
George Sahakian (40 Days)
Requested by:
Carine Sahakian, Artin and Alina Sahakian, Janice Sahakian, David Sahakian & Anita Lalaian
and
Hampig & Silva Nazerian / Harout & Vanessa Nazerian/ Tamar & Raffi Chorbadjian
For the Soul of:
Aleksey Kachura
Requested by:
Aslanyan family
To request a Hokehankist/Requiem Service
Please contact the Church Office
by 12:00 Noon on Thursday
202-363-1923
or click here to see the form
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Prayer of the week
O Lord, sanctify those who have greeted in love the beauty of your house. Glorify us with your divine power and forsake not those who put their trust in you. Grant peace to the whole world and to all your people.
Keep watch over your faithful people, Lord. Remember those who have sacrificed in your name, and bestow your peace on all mankind. Amen.
| | Please tune in to St. Mary YouTube channel for the upcoming services and Badaraks | | |
St. Mary's Annual Fall Food Festival Has Begun!
We are delighted to announce the opening of the 78th Annual Armenian Fall Food Festival, beginning today and continuing through October 3 and 4. Join us as we celebrate the rich culinary traditions and vibrant cultural heritage of the Armenian community with the Greater Washington, DC area.
This beloved annual event offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy authentic Armenian cuisine, reconnect with friends and family, and support the ministries and mission of St. Mary Armenian Church.
To donate or place your pre-orders, please visit the links below. Your generosity, participation, and support are what make this festival possible.
All donations are tax-deductible.
We look forward to welcoming you and sharing this special tradition together.
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Special Prayer for the Heroes and Victims of the Artsakh War
On Sunday, September 27, following the Divine Liturgy, St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church offered a special prayer for all the heroes who sacrificed their lives in defense of Armenia and Artsakh, as well as for all the civilian victims of the conflict.
This year marks the sixth anniversary of the beginning of the 44-day Artsakh War, which began on September 27, 2020. As a parish community, we gathered in prayerful remembrance for those who gave their lives, those who suffered, and all families who continue to bear the pain and wounds of war.
Following the service, the day’s hospitality table was graciously sponsored by Robert and Elvina Avetisyan.
May the Lord receive the souls of the departed in His heavenly light, comfort their families, strengthen our people, and grant peace, justice, and healing to Armenia and Artsakh.
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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.
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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.
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Building Forward: New Programs and Opportunities at Shnorhali for 2026–2027
Shnorhali Armenian School at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church begins the 2026–2027 academic year with a renewed commitment to growth—strengthening the programs at the heart of our mission while creating new opportunities for students, youth, families, and the wider community. Alongside Armenian language, faith, history, culture, and music, this year brings several important additions designed to make the Shnorhali experience even stronger and more engaging.
A Stronger Start for Our Youngest Learners
Our Kindergarten program is expanding with Musicality & Rhythm, a new developmental opportunity using music, movement, listening, and rhythm to strengthen concentration, coordination, creativity, confidence, and early learning skills.
From Service to Leadership
Shnorhali has redesigned its traditional volunteer program into a more structured Volunteer & Internship Program focused on leadership and professional development for alumni and young adults. Participants will serve the school through defined responsibilities while developing practical skills in communication, teamwork, organization, accountability, and leadership. Interns will also have opportunities for interactive, hands-on Armenian History learning and will be encouraged to complete the Religious Education pathway and final examination required for a Diocesan graduation certificate.
Armenian Folk Dance: Culture in Motion
This year, Shnorhali will offer Armenian Folk Dance as an enrichment club, giving students an active and enjoyable way to connect with their heritage. Through traditional dance and music, students will build confidence, coordination, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for Armenian culture.
Adult Learning & Conversation
Shnorhali is also creating a new opportunity for adults to gather, learn, and connect through guided reading and thoughtful discussion. Conversations will explore selected books and topics related to culture, faith, history, parenting, and community life - creating a welcoming space to exchange ideas and continue learning together.
Clearer Standards, Stronger Community
New comprehensive schoolwide policies and Rights & Responsibilities guidelines will provide greater clarity and consistency while protecting the rights of students, parents, teachers, volunteers, and the school and supporting a safe, respectful, and accountable environment.
A Renewed Partnership with Families
Above all, we hope to build our strongest school-family partnership yet - one rooted in trust, communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to providing our children with the strongest possible educational and community experience.
Registration is open for Shnorhali’s 2026–2027 programs. We invite students, families, volunteers, interns, and community members to explore these opportunities and become an active part of the year ahead.
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WATCH: A Message of Thanks from Bishop Mesrop
In a short video message this week, Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan reflected on the energetic activities going on across our Diocese—both in our local parishes and at St. Vartan Cathedral.
Most of all, he conveyed his deep gratitude for the support that makes all of these activities possible.
“You help our church accomplish all this,” Bishop Mesrop said. “You make our ministries flourish! And I am deeply grateful for your support and encouragement.”
Your gift today to the annual Bishop’s Appeal will help the Eastern Diocese expand its outreach and programming for the coming year.
In the words of our Primate: “Your generous spirit is a blessing that God has bestowed on our church!”
Click the links below to watch Bishop Mesrop’s video message, and to make your contribution to the Bishop’s Appeal.
Click the following links to:
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Download the Diocese’s 2025 Report to Donors
The Eastern Diocese has released its 2025 Annual Report to Donors, titled “A Stronger Center for a Living Church: Serving Our Parishes, Reaching Our People,” with printed copies currently being sent to all donors through the mail.
You can also download the report by clicking on the link below.
Through every challenge our people have faced in recent years, the faithful of the Eastern Diocese have answered the call to help with great generosity, and without hesitation.
Your loyal support is deeply appreciated—and inspires every aspect of our ongoing work. If it is in your heart and within your means, please consider sustaining your church by offering a gift on our secure server, linked below.
Also, the Diocesan Development Office asks that you kindly forward any relevant updates to your personal information (change of address, death in the family, change in marital status, etc.) to help ensure the accuracy of our database as we reach out to you and your loved ones. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our records up to date.
Click on the links below to:
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Register Now for the ACYOA Seniors National Fall Retreat!
Online registration is now open for the ACYOA Seniors National Fall Retreat—scheduled to take place over the weekend of November 6-8, at Camp Washington in Lakeside, CT.
Young adults 18 and older are invited to participate in this weekend-long program centered on the theme “Renewed in Hope.” Participants will have an opportunity to step away from the hectic schedules of everyday life, while deepening their faith, building relationships, and exploring the teachings of the Armenian Church.
Lodging and meals are provided by the ACYOA Central Council. Registration is due by Friday, October 23.
Click the following link to view a flyer.
To field questions, feel free to contact Jennifer Morris at jenniferm@armeniandiocese.org, or the ACYOA Central Council at acyoacc@gmail.com.
Click here to register online now.
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A Reunion With Children Sponsored Through CASP
Recently, Aram Hintlian from Holy Trinity Church (Cambridge, MA) traveled to Armenia with his daughter, Ali, for a special reunion with five children he has supported through the “Children of Armenia Sponsorship Program” (CASP).
For more than 25 years, Aram and hundreds of other sponsors have helped provide opportunities and support to children of war veterans and single mothers. During his visit, Aram traveled to southern Armenia with a Fund for Armenian Relief team to meet the girls and their families, then brought them to Yerevan for a memorable weekend together, exploring Goris and Shaki waterfall along the way and enjoying time in the capital.
The trip was especially meaningful because one of the children Aram first sponsored, Marina, is now a university student. Still in touch after all these years, Marina—who is studying foreign languages—served as Aram’s translator during the visit, helping him connect with the other children.
Aram’s story is a beautiful reminder that CASP can be about much more than an annual gift of $250. Over time, sponsorship can grow into a lasting relationship.
Interested in becoming a sponsor or meeting the child you sponsor?
Contact nina@farusa.org to learn more.
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TO READ MORE NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE, CLICK HERE
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RECYCLING PROGRAM NEWS
Thanks to our Recycling Committee for their work in sorting and bringing home the recyclables every Sunday, especially during our recent Food Festival. What has been discouraging, though, is that people continue to throw half-full coffee cups and food into the container, which makes it very messy for us. Please put only the following in the container:
Empty plastic bottles
Empty aluminum cans
Empty glass bottles
Nothing else!!
No paper, no plastic silverware, no coffee cups, no paper plates, no food. We are trying to keep things simple.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please email Roxanne Paul at rangerrox@msn.com. Thank you for being so supportive in helping keep our planet cleaner!
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Special Gift for St. Mary Gift Shop
St. Mary gift shop is offering limited numbers of imported bottles of medieval Armenian health elixirs formulated from ancient manuscripts deciphered at the Matendaran Museum of Ancient Armenian Manuscripts. These elixirs are made in Armenia by Armen Sahakyan, a pharmacologist and botanical scholar who has been working at the Matenadaran Museum for the last several decades. A trained medical doctor ordained a deacon in 1997, Sahakyan has dedicated his life to the maintenance of Armenia’s sacred botanical traditions.
The three different batches available at our gift shop (Royal Elixir, Arates Elixir and Arates Tonic) are made from a codified recipe of medieval Armenian medicine, using a special distillation process. They contain medicinal and aromatic plants, known for their healing properties. Through the distillation and aging process alcohol is created, so think of them as perhaps Armenia’s first (healthy) cognac!
The supplies are limited and each bottle is numbered, including the batch and year of production. All of the bottles were donated to St Mary Church, so 100% of the proceeds will go to the St Mary Endowment Fund, with a portion also going to support Armenian clergy serving in Artsakh.
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"Embrace the Future" Endowment Fund
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
This year we celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the St. Mary Community and Church with the launch of the new "Embrace the Future" Endowment Fund to help ensure our church has the resources needed to continue serving our beloved community.
Just as you plan for your future and that of your family, please join us in planning for the future of St. Mary Church.
We are asking for your support so that St. Mary will be able to continue to fulfill her mission for future generations.
The link below lists various opportunities for you to make a meaningful gift of lasting significance that will help support our church's long-term security, visibility, and vitality. Please consider making either a one-time gift or pledge, which would allow you to make payments over a five-year period.
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Join St. Mary's Prayer Group
We are initiating a new form of ministry at St. Mary Armenian Church. For parishioners who would like to make an electronic prayer request, they can do so by Clicking Here
A group of volunteers will receive the request and pray at their earliest convenience. Additionally, a new physical prayer request box will be placed at the entrance of St. Mary Armenian Church with blank forms that anyone can fill out and drop in the box. These requests will be retrieved weekly and delivered to the members of the volunteer prayer group. If you would like to become one of the volunteers of the Prayer Group please email us.
Please click on the link below to present your request.
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St. Mary Armenian Church
Legacy Brick Drive
Honor your loved ones with
a memorial that will last a lifetime
Buy a brick and leave your legacy at St. Mary Armenian Church.
When you buy a brick, it is then engraved with your specified words or message, installed in front of the church, and becomes
a memory to view for years to come.
Laser engraved bricks will be displayed in our Church plaza,
on both sides of our beautiful Khatchkar, and can be dedicated to those
you wish to remember, honor Loved Ones, commemorate a
a special milestone like a baptism or wedding, or
acknowledge an organization or business.
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Buy a Brick and Leave Your Legacy at
St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church
Bricks can be ordered and purchased by clicking below and
filling out a simple online order form.
You can choose to have a 4" x 8" brick
which includes your preselected
3 lines of 20 characters per line of text.
Or you can choose to have the
Armenian Cross artwork on the 4" x 8" brick
which includes your preselected
3 lines of 15 characters per line of text.
Order Today While Quantities Last!
Payment can be made with PayPal or a Credit Card.
Legacy Brick Donations are Tax Deductible.
| | CALENDAR OF UPCOMING FEASTS AND EVENTS | | |
October 2, 3, 4 - Fall Food Festival
October 17 - Game Night @ 5 pm, organized by St. Mary Women's Guild
October 25 - Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross
October 31 - Feast of All Saints
November 21- Presentation of the Holy Mother-of-God to the Temple
November 26 - Thanksgiving Day
| | PRAYERS FOR SPEEDY RECOVERY FOR | | Allison Bajger, Anahit Greene, Antaram Grigoryan, Aram Andonian, Armen Mark Nostrant, Artashes Amirkhanyan, Bob Semonian, Brian Drake, Charles Hoke, Mrs. Coleman, David Tonyan, Edward Jamgochian, Ellen Boudreau, Galina Tsoy, Hacik Ozdul, Haik Nalchaian, Hripsime Apkarian, Jack Kooyoomjian, Jo-Anna Jacob, Kamer Ozkayan, Karen Calabrese, Karen Hatchik, Kristin Chakarian Turza, Lauren Garry Boggio, Lucy Badalian, Mari Dogum, Michael Kolenick, Michael Tegrar, Mihran Tavoukjian, Mikael Ovanesov, Nancy Kolenick, Queen Manoogian, Raffie Bardizbanian, Robert Schlee, Simon Gukasyan, Susana Grigoryan, Susanna Mkrtchyan, Takvur Hubi, Tamara Hramushina, Tamara Vardanyan, Tamara Shatvoryan. | | |
27 They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him. 28 "By what authority are you doing these things?" they asked. "And who gave you authority to do this?" 29 Jesus replied, "I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 30 John's baptism-was it from heaven, or of human origin? Tell me!" 31 They discussed it among themselves and said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?' 32But if we say, 'Of human origin' ..." (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.)33 So they answered Jesus, "We don't know." Jesus said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things."
Mark 11:27-33
26Դարձեալ Երուսաղէմ եկան. եւ մինչ նա այնտեղ, տաճարում շրջում էր, նրա մօտ եկան քահանայապետները, օրէնսգէտները եւ ծերերը 27ու ասացին նրան. «Ի՞նչ իշխանութեամբ ես դու այդ անում, եւ ո՞վ տուեց քեզ այդ իշխանութիւնը»։ 28Յիսուս պատասխան տուեց եւ ասաց նրանց. «Ես էլ ձե՛զ մի բան հարցնեմ, պատասխանեցէ՛ք ինձ, եւ ես ձեզ կ՚ասեմ, թէ ինչ իշխանութեամբ եմ այս անում։ 29Յովհաննէսի մկրտութիւնը երկնքի՞ց էր, թէ՞՝ մարդկանցից. պատասխանեցէ՛ք ինձ»։ 30Նրանք իրար միջեւ խորհում էին ու ասում. «Եթէ ասենք՝ երկնքից, մեզ կ՚ասի՝ իսկ ինչո՞ւ նրան չհաւատացիք. 31իսկ եթէ ասենք՝ մարդկանցից, ժողովրդից ենք վախենում». որովհետեւ բոլորը գիտէին, թէ Յովհաննէսը մարգարէ էր։32Պատասխան տուեցին եւ Յիսուսին ասացին՝ չգիտենք. եւ Յիսուս նրանց պատասխանեց ու ասաց. «Ես էլ ձե՛զ չեմ ասի, թէ ինչ իշխանութեամբ եմ այս անում»։
Մարկոս 11:27-33
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Please Stay Current with Your Membership
St. Mary Church brings us together to worship, educate, and serve, yet we need your help to sustain this mission. We call upon you to renew, or become a new member, because dues are the largest part of our church income to help keep our beloved parish doors open.
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Your Membership
MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Help us fulfill our mission to sustain and grow our ministries, worship programs and activities to strengthen our church family for generations to come. Thank you for your generosity and support. To Learn More About Membership
To Become A Member
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Our gift shop is furnished with distinctive and unique items from Armenians all over the world. Some of the items are Armenian crosses, jewelry, paintings, religious tiles, tapestry icons, children's and adult books, T-shirts, hats, bags, Armenian CDs, Armenian artwork, and much more.
The Gift Shop is open every Sunday after Church service and by appointment, call the church office at 202-363-1923 or send an e-mail to stmarychurchdc@gmail.com
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St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church
Serves the Greater Washington, DC and Baltimore communities. Our mission is to proclaim and grow together in our Apostolic Faith in Christ Jesus and to sustain our Christian Armenian identity. We celebrate our long and enduring legacy,
the beautiful traditions of our religious and national heritage, with Christian servitude, and with love and reverence towards our Church.
We invite you and welcome you to be a part of our church,worship with us, and experience the true love of Christ as we grow together as a community.
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Signup / Stay Connected with St. Mary Church E-Newsletters and Correspondence.
| | St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church relies on the generosity of individual donors so that it may continue ensuring service to God and fellowship to the Armenian Community. Your support is deeply appreciated. | |
St. Mary Armenian Church, Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, Pastor
4125 Fessenden St. NW, Washington, DC 20016 | stmarychurchdc@gmail.com
| | See what's happening on our social site | | | | |
