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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In the Mystical Company of Our Saints
Sunday, April 24, will be observed by the worldwide Armenian Church as the “Feast of the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide.” In 2015, the centennial year of the Armenian Genocide, the martyrs of 1915 were ceremonially recognized as holy saints. With their canonization, the Genocide martyrs joined other great exemplars of holiness, virtue, and sacrifice, in the “canon” of revered saints from church history.
This year, the Armenian faithful will be able to gather together once again—with each other in person, and in the mystical company of our saints.
The Genocide commemoration is traditionally a time of intense activity in the Armenian community; this year, at St. Mary, a special service commemorating the Holy Martyrs who gave their lives during the Armenian Genocide for Faith and for the Homeland will follow Badarak in front of the Khatchkar on the church premises. Afterward, St. Mary Shnorhali School students will present a small play “The Victory of Musa Dagh” written by one of our school teachers Haykaram Nahapetyan, in the Church Cultural Hall. All are invited.
Prepare for the day by watching a special episode of the Diocese’s “Bread and Salt” series, which revisits the April 2015 canonization service, and explains the way we now regard the Holy Martyrs of 1915. Click here to view the video. For a more in-depth look at the meaning of Christian sainthood and martyrdom, click on the link to “A Great Cloud of Witnesses.”
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Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter Sunday at St. Mary Church
This year's celebration of Palm Sunday and Holy Week took place at St. Mary Church, with great joy and excitement.
On April 10, the Palm Sunday was celebrated commemorating our Lord's entrance to Jerusalem. During the Badarak Der Hayr blessed the children of our community. ACYOA luncheon and program were followed in the church hall.
On April 14, the Great and Holy Thursday, the Holy Badarak and Washing of the Feet took place commemorating the Last Supper of our Lord. It was followed by a solemn service of the Betrayal and Passion of our Lord (Khavaroom) that took place in the evening.
The Order of the Crucifixion of Christ and the Order of the Entombment of the Lord were held on a Great and Holy Friday, April 15.
On Easter Eve, Saturday, April 16, the Vespers and Scriptural readings by our Shnorhali School students were followed by the celebration of the Jragalouits Badarak.
Easter Sunday, the Feast of Glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ was on April 17. It began with a Morning Service and Badarak celebrated by H. E. Archbishop Vicken Aykazian with the participation of our choir members and deacons and followed by Antastan (blessing of the four corners of the world) service.
Our almost thanks to Mrs. Jermen Hallajian for hosting the dinner on Thursday; Mrs. Asanet Hacikoglu for decorating the Tomb of Christ, and Ms. Sara Arabian for making crosses for Palm Sunday.
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St. Mary Parish Council and Der Hayr would like to thank all those who contributed towards the Easter Lilies and Yughakin Donations, supporting our church during this difficult time.
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HOKEHANKIST
REQUIEM SERVICE
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For the Soul of Karlen Simonyan
Requested by: Irina Abazyan
For the Souls of Izida Harutyunyan, Eduard Haykazyan, Admina Haykazyan & Marieta Gabrielyan
Requested by: Leonid Harutyunyan & family
For the Souls of Mary Banous, Shukri Istepanian & Golizar Arteen
Requested by: Rita Istepanian
For the Soul of : Julietta Martirosyan (40th Day)
Requested by: Nelli Martirosyan
For the Soul of : Angelia Angeliev
Requested by: Anthonia Atanasova
For the Soul of: Horen Panosyan (5th Anniversary)
Requested by: Arpine Panosyan
Alis & Aris Cubuk, Nadya & Garbis Chubukian, Ani Panosyan, Ayda & Brooks Harrington
Hospitality Table is hosted by :
Nelli Martirosyan
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Morning Service
10:00 AM
Holy Badarak
10:30 AM
Celebrant
Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan
Usher
Rouzanna Oganissian
Parish Council Members on Duty
Robert George
Choir
Mrs. Edita Kalayjian
Organist
Mrs. Karine Muradyan
Bible Readings:
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To request a Hokehankist/Requiem Service
Please contact the Church Office
by 12:00 Noon on Thursday
202-363-1923
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Prayer of the Week
Christ our God, you crown your saints with triumph and you do the will of all who fear you, looking after your creatures with love and kindness.
Hear us from your holy and heavenly realm by the intercession of the Holy Mother of God and by the prayers of all your saints, especially the Holy Martyrs who gave their lives during the Armenian Genocide for faith and for the homeland, whom we commemorate today.
Hear us Lord, and show us your mercy. Forgive, redeem and pardon our sins. Make us worthy thankfully to glorify you with the Father and with the Holy Spirit. Now and always unto the ages of ages. Amen.
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Please tune in to St. Mary YouTube channel for the upcoming services and Badaraks |
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Shnorhali School commemorates the Armenian Genocide
St. Mary Shornali School invites you to participate in an event to commemorate the Armenian Genocide. Shnorhali students will present a small play “The Victory of Musa Dagh” according to “The 40 Days of Musa Dagh” by Franz Werfel, an epic novel focusing on self-defense by a small community of Armenians living near Musa Dagh who resisted Turkish forces until rescued by the French. The play is written by our teacher Haykaram Nahapetyan. The event will take place on April 24th right after the Wreath Laying Ceremony and Prayer in the St. Mary’s Church Hall.
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Easter Eve Celebration
In celebration of our Lord Jesus Christ’s resurrection, Shnorhali School students gathered at St. Mary Armenian Church to participate in a fun, educational, and sacred event. During the event, students learned about the reasons why we celebrate Easter, the stories and traditions behind Easter, and dispelled various Easter myths that children learn from pop culture. With our Der Hayr and Rebecca Baghdasaryan, students had a fun discussion about Easter eggs, egg hunts, Easter Bunny, etc., after which, students decorated Easter eggs with our volunteers, decorated clay Easter egg ornaments and necklaces with Dee Rogers, painted hand paintings, had fun playing Easter-related games and learned about Easter stories with Nicolette Blackwell. After dinner, students participated in Holy Patarag and read verses from Holy Bible.
Participation in this sacred and fun event was a great opportunity for our students to learn about the significance of our holy traditions, to strengthen their connection with our Church, culture, and heritage, for team building, and to help our students to establish everlasting bonds with their Armenian friends.
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SONGS OF SOLOMON
WASHINGTON D.C PREMIERE APRIL 24TH, 2022 7:30 PM
Landmark's Bethesda Row Cinema
7235 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
Inspired by true events: In 1881 a brave woman at a time of dire prejudice risks her life and the life of her family to save her childhood friend who is hunted down for her religious beliefs. An epic journey set on the backdrop of the sacred and ancient music of Archbishop Komitas, also known as Solomon.
SONGS OF SOLOMON stars Samvel Tadevossian, Arevik Gevorgyan, Tatev Hovakimyan, Sos Janibekyan, Arman Nshanian, Artashes Aleksanyan, and Jean-Pier Nshanian And introduces three wonderful child actors: Slava Seyranyan, Iren Ayvazyan, Mery Hovsepyan.
The feature is produced by two-time Oscar Winner (for Green Book) Nick Vallelonga of Vallelonga Productions and Hollywood-based Producer Asko Akopyan of Oscar Gold Productions. Arman Nshanian Produced under his People of Ar Production Company in association with AnEva Productions in Armenia. Screenplay by Arevik Gevorkian based on a story by Sirvart Kavoukijian. Karo Kavoukjian serves as Executive Producer.
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JUSTICE AFTER THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
Featuring DR. HENRY THERIAULT
Sunday, April 24, 2022, at 7:00 PM
This year Chhange (Center for Holocaust, Human Rights, and Genocide Education) is presenting its Annual Armenian Genocide Remembrance Program on April 24th at 7 PM. It will be especially meaningful to join together to watch this program on Armenian Martyrs’ Day. Please mark your calendar and be sure not to miss this special event! It is being sponsored in the memory of Arsene B. Haroutunian.
This program will be presented on Chhange’s Facebook Live page and is free. No registration is required and you do not need a Facebook account to view it.
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New Audio-Visual System for Church Hall
Our special appreciation to Vahag Babayan for his professional services to St. Mary in helping with purchase and installation of new audio-visual equipment for our social hall.
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Easter Lilies on Sale – available on Sunday after church services
Please come and check the Easter Lilies at our Gift Shop and purchase them for your loved ones after church Services on Sunday. All proceeds will benefit church landscape upkeep.
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AVAK Society and Gift Shop Middle Eastern Carry-Out Event
Middle Eastern Carry-Out Event on Sunday, May 1st, 2022. Ararat AVAK Society and Gift Shop Committees
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ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH WED EDUCATIONAL
FUND SCHOLARSHIP
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Application for WED Educational Fund Scholarship is now available at St. Mary's website www.stmaryaac.org. The application deadline for the 2022-2023 academic year is May 31, 2022.
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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 replace the existing bricks in our Church plaza,
next to our beautiful Khatchkar, and can be dedicated to those
you wish to remember, honor Loved Ones, commemorate 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.
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Host an Exchange Student from Homeland |
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Catholicos Offers Prayers for Peace in Easter Message
In a splendid Easter liturgy on Sunday, April 17, His Holiness Karekin II told how Christ’s resurrection gives hope to a world troubled by war, division, and instability.
The Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians offered these thoughts as he celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the mammoth St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Yerevan, Armenia, before a large crowd of worshippers and dignitaries from Armenia and the diaspora.
“The Feast of the Resurrection of Christ is a feast of infinite love for man: God’s victory over sin and death,” said Catholicos Karekin II in his sermon. “The Savior’s love was met with hatred and enmity—but the Lord never hesitated or resented it. His concern for mankind was rejected, His truth was rebuffed by falsehood, but Christ fulfilled His mission for the salvation of mankind by ‘being resurrected and reconciled to the God of the world.’”
Central to his message was a plea for peace. He prayed “that peace will prevail all over the world, especially in the lives of the brotherly peoples of the Russian Federation and Ukraine.” And he spoke at length about the need for internal and external peace in the Armenian homeland.
In a poignant section of the sermon, the Catholicos spoke directly to the Armenians of Artsakh. “We know well your heroic spirit, your courage and determination in the face of trials,” he said. “We are sure that you will not be disheartened in the face of difficulties, you will rebuild your native cradle, keeping alive, with hope, the faith in God that humanity and justice will prevail, that the bright morning will dawn when Artsakh’s right to live freely and independently will be recognized.”
CLICK THE FOLLOWING LINKS TO:
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READ the entire message, in English and Armenian.
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VIEW photos of the Easter liturgy.
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WATCH a video digest, including excerpts from Catholicos Karekin II's sermon.
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Diocesan Scholarship Applications Available Online
Applications for Diocesan scholarships are now available online. The application deadline for the 2022-23 academic year is May 20, 2022.
Each year the Diocese awards scholarships to promising youth who are headed to college. The Diocese seeks students who are active in their local parishes and have assumed leadership roles in their communities.
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A Brighter Outlook for a Rural Armenian Eye Doctor
Dr. Jorjeta Machkalyan, 77, is the sole ophthalmologist at Berd Medical Center, which means she serves 17 different communities and sees about 20 patients every day, on average.
Until recently, she had been using equipment from the Soviet era. Her most essential tool, a 45-year-old slit lamp—an illuminated microscope that is essential for any eye doctor—stopped working a few months ago.
The situation came to the attention of the Fund for Armenian Relief. Through its “Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Program” (BCPP), FAR stepped in to provide Dr. Machkalyan with a brand-new slit lamp. She learned even more about its capabilities during her four-week participation in FAR’s Continuing Medical Education Program (CME) in Yerevan, through which she was brought up to date on the latest advances in ophthalmology after spending a month of training with the latest specialists.
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"Setting the Table," a Fund for Armenian Relief project
"Set the Table" is the newest project of Ayo!, the Fund for Armenian Relief’s crowdfunding platform. You can help ensure that 462 children's brains are fueled to learn! There are 10 village schools in a depressed area of Armenia whose cafeterias don't have furniture, dishware, and/or kitchenware. Once they are equipped, the schools can begin to cook and serve healthy meals for their students. To help furnish them, visit www.weareayo.org.
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CALENDAR OF UPCOMING FEASTS AND EVENTS |
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April 24: Feast of the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide
April 28: Armenian Pop Music Night
May 1: Second Annual Middle Eastern Food Carry-Out Event
May 20-21-22: Spring food festival
May 26: Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ
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PRAYERS FOR SPEEDY RECOVERY FOR |
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Anne Andonian, Aram Andonian, Hripsime Apkarian, Lucy Badalian, Ellen Boudreau, Mari Dogum, Anahit Greene, Antaram Grigoryan, Susana Grigoryan, Simon Gukasyan, Karen Hatchik, Charles Hoke, Tamara Hramushina, Takvur Hubi, Jo-Anna Jacob, Edward Jamgochian, Yn. Anahid Kalayjian, Meline Kaehn, Michael Kolenick, Jack Kooyoomjian, Anahid Ghazarian Luka, Queen Manoogian, Susanna Mkrtchyan, Virginia (Corkigian) Mule, Armen Mark Nostrant, Hacik Ozdul, Mary Levon Panossian, Robert Schlee, Tamara Shatvoryan, Bob Semonian, Mihran Tavoukjian
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Սկզբից էր Բանը, եւ Բանը Աստծու մօտ էր, եւ Բանը Աստուած էր։2 Նա սկզբից Աստծու մօտ էր։ 3Ամէն ինչ նրանով եղաւ. եւ առանց նրան չեղաւ ոչինչ, որ եղել է։ 4Կեանքը նըրանով էր։ Եւ այդ կեանքը մարդկանց համար լոյս էր։ 5Եւ լոյսը խաւարի մէջ լուսաւորում է, եւ խաւարը նրան չնուաճեց։ 6Կար մի մարդ՝ Աստծուց ուղարկուած. Նրա անունը՝ Յովհաննէս։ 7Սա եկաւ որպէս վկայ, որպէսզի վկայի լոյսի մասին, որ բոլորը նրա միջոցով հաւատան։ 8Ինքը լոյսը չէր, այլ եկել էր, որ վկայի լոյսի մասին։ 9Այդ լոյսն էր ճշմարիտ լոյսը, որ լուսաւորում է ամէն մարդու, որ գալու է աշխարհ։ 10Նա աշխարհի մէջ էր, եւ աշխարհը նրանով եղաւ, սակայն աշխարհը նրան չճանաչեց։ 11Իւրայինների մօտ եկաւ, բայց իւրայինները նրան չընդունեցին։ 12Իսկ ովքեր նըրան ընդունեցին, նրանց իշխանութիւն տուեց լինելու Աստըծու որդիներ, նրանց, որոնք իր անուանը կը հաւատան։ 13Նրանք ո՛չ արիւնից, ո՛չ մարմնի կամքից եւ ոչ էլ մարդու կամքից, այլ Աստծուց ծնուեցին։ 14Եւ Բանը մարմին եղաւ ու բնակուեց մեր մէջ, եւ տեսանք նրա փառքը, նման այն փառքի, որ Հայրն է տալիս Միածնին՝ լի շնորհով ու ճշմարտութեամբ։ 15Յովհաննէսը վկայում էր նրա մասին, աղաղակում եւ ասում. «Սա՛ է, որի մասին ասացի։ Նա, որ իմ յետեւից էր գալու, ինձնից մեծ եղաւ, որովհետեւ ինձնից առաջ կար»։ 16Մենք բոլորս նրա լրիւութիւնից ստացանք շնորհ՝ շնորհի փոխարէն. 17որովհետեւ օրէնքը Մովսէսի միջոցով տրուեց, իսկ շնորհը եւ ճշմարտութիւնը Յիսուս Քրիստոսի միջոցով եղան։
(Յովհ. 1:1-17)
In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was at the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light but came to bear witness to the light. The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave the power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. (John bore witness to him, and cried, "This was he of whom I said, `He who comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me.'") And from his fullness have we all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
(John 1:1-17)
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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 and tapestry icons, children and adult books, T-shirts, hats, bags, Armenian CDs, Armenian artwork, and much more.
The Gift Shop is open every Sunday after Church services and by appointment, call the church office at 202-363-1923 or send an e-mail to stmarychurchdc@gmail.com
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Please check out newly arrived Armenian Souvenirs directly from Artsakh at our Gift Shop. |
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Before COVID 19 and before the 2020 aggression against free and democratic Armenian Artsakh, the number of tourists visiting our second Armenian homeland was nearing 50.000 tourists per year. Today, during the first six months of 2021, the number was less than 1.500. Artsakh’s economy has suffered significantly because of the war. At st Mary’s gift store, we sell souvenirs that arrived directly from Artsakh. By purchasing gifts from Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, we help the people of our homeland; we highlight that our solidarity.
Please visit our store or contact us if interested. We receive coffee-jazzve, souvenir-plates, souvenir magnets, and many more directly from Stepanakert.
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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.
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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. |
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St. Mary Armenian Church, Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, Pastor
4125 Fessenden St. NW, Washington, DC 20016 | stmarychurchdc@gmail.com
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See what's happening on our social site |
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