December 6

TOP STORY   

Celebrate 92 Years of St. Mary’s Legacy and

Der Hayr’s 20 Years of Service!

Join us for a weekend of joy and faith as we celebrate St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church's 92nd anniversary and Der Hovsep Karapetyan’s 20th anniversary of priestly ordination.

• Banquet: Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 5:00 PM
• O’Connell/Heritage Hall, Catholic University of America
• Enjoy a memorable evening of fellowship and celebration.

• Special Liturgy: Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 10:00 AM
• St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church
• Witness the ordination of Deacons and Sub-Deacons as part of this special service.

Don’t miss this historic weekend! Purchase your tickets online today as the deadline is tonight.

Click Here to Purchase Tickets or Donate to the Endowment Fund.

Let’s come together to honor our past and invest in our future!

Feast of the Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary

The Armenian Church styles her Sourp Asdvadzadzin: the “Holy Mother-of-God”—an almost cosmic title that has elicited reverent love from generations of Armenian Christians and is honored in the name of many of our churches.

In more common parlance she is St. Mary: the girl of humble piety who carried the Hope of the world within her body and delivered Him as a baby in Bethlehem.

Monday, December 9, marks the Feast of the Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary: one of a cluster of holy days on which the Armenian Church expresses its tender devotion to the Mother of Jesus Christ.

Through her life of holiness and purity, and her graceful acceptance of the role to which God called her, Mary ranks among the pre-eminent exemplars of the Christian faith, whose birth and very conception are occasions for celebration.

Learn more about St. Mary by clicking here.

Remembering the Heartache of 1988

This Saturday—December 7, 2024—marks the passage of 36 years since the terrible earthquake that rocked Armenia. December of 1988 was a time of heartache for all Armenians. But its aftermath also brought our people together, opened a new path in our national history, and offered lessons that remain powerful and meaningful today.

The repercussions of the earthquake were so great that they can hardly be enumerated. For the people of Armenia, it was a time of the deepest grief—an uncertain transformation in their way of life. For Armenians in our Diocese and around the world, it was a call to turn away from parochial divisions and to focus our united efforts on the greater cause of our homeland.

As we mark the 36th anniversary of the earthquake, the pain of that disaster still lingers. We utter requiem prayers for every lost life; we mourn every tragedy suffered. At the same time, we acknowledge that a day of profound darkness ultimately marked the beginning of a new chapter in the ongoing story of the Armenian nation. In the face of an unimaginable crisis, our people did not lose heart but placed their trust in God.

If, in the ensuing years, that lesson has been occasionally forgotten, it has not been lost. The spirit of common purpose that united Armenians after the earthquake is always waiting to be reborn in us, according to God’s will. Let that godly spirit guide us through our present time of uncertainty.

In the days to come, please take a moment to pray for the precious souls our Lord drew to His kingdom 36 years ago. May He remember them alongside those who, in our own troubling time, laid down their lives and suffered great deprivation in defense of Armenia and Artsakh. May He always bless our holy homeland and lead our people through every time of trial.

Above: His Holiness Vasken I, of blessed memory, the 130th Catholicos of All Armenians, among his people in the aftermath of the 1988 earthquake in Armenia. A pair of articles on the Diocesan website recall how people in the Eastern Diocese experienced the events of the time; click the following links to read Part I and Part II.

December 8, 2024

SUNDAY

SCHEDULE

Morning Service 

10:00 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:30 AM

Celebrant

His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate

Usher

Mrs. Rouzanna Oganissian

Parish Council Members on Duty

Mrs. Catherine Sahakian

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings: 

Isa 37:14- 37:38

2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

Luke 14:12-24

HOKEHANKIST

REQUIEM SERVICE

For the Souls of :

Victims of the 1988 Earthquake and

all of St. Mary's Departed Dedicated Parishioners and Loved Ones

Requested by:

Der Hovsep, the Parish Council 

and

Vardanian, Tomyan, Kazarian, Avoyan, Shakhbekyan, Kofman, Cerqueira families

For the Souls of :

Yeghibet Harutunian (1st anniversary)

Ardavazd Harutunian

(17th anniversary)

Requested by:

Harutunian Family and Andonian Families

Prayer of the week

Lord, please keep watch over your faithful people, strengthen those in captivity, and protect the holy soil of Armenia—now and always. Foil every aggressor against our homeland. Defend the innocent and voiceless, Lord.

Preserve the name and spirit of Artsakh in our hearts, forever. Console all those who grieve and remember those who sacrificed their very lives in your Name. Deliver your faithful children from conflict and bestow your peace on all mankind.

Let us hold the holy Mother-of-God and all the saints as intercessors with the Father in Heaven, that He may be pleased to have mercy and compassion on us, His creatures, and save us. Almighty Lord, our God, save us and have mercy on us. Amen.

Please tune in to St. Mary YouTube channel for the upcoming services and Badaraks

Joy and Trust: Reflections on Mary and Elizabeth’s Encounter

This week’s Advent Bible Study focused on Joy and the Magnificat (Luke 1:39-56), delving into the joyful meeting of Mary and Elizabeth and Mary’s beautiful hymn of praise. The study offered profound reflections on God’s faithfulness, the transformative power of trust, and the importance of community in our faith journeys during Advent.

The discussion began with Mary’s journey to visit Elizabeth, highlighting her determination and faith as she traveled to share her miraculous news. Elizabeth’s Spirit-filled greeting, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb,” affirmed Mary’s faith and celebrated the divine nature of her calling.

The participants then explored the Magnificat, Mary’s song of praise, which magnifies God’s greatness and celebrates His justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Her declaration, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,” encouraged everyone to reflect on the blessings in their own lives and to find joy in God’s promises, even amid uncertainty.

The session concluded with personal reflection and prayer, as attendees considered how they could embody Mary’s trust in God and share Elizabeth’s spirit of encouragement in their daily lives.

All are invited to next week’s session as we continue preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ in this season of anticipation and joy.

SHNORHALI STUDENTS CELEBRATE THE SEASON THE CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATING

On December 1st, Shnorhali students embraced the spirit of the festive season by gathering in the Cultural Hall of St. Mary Armenian Church to decorate the Church’s Christmas tree. This cherished tradition brought together students, parents, and volunteers, creating a heartwarming sense of community as they welcomed the beginning of the Holy Christmas season. The Christmas tree, a profound symbol in Christianity, represents the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Students lovingly adorned the tree with crosses, angels, and a nativity scene, each ornament telling part of the beautiful story of faith, hope, and joy that defines this sacred time of year. The event was a true testament to the creativity and enthusiasm of our students, who poured their hearts into making the tree a stunning centerpiece for the season. Their efforts were complemented by the unwavering support of parents and volunteers, whose teamwork brought festive cheer and warmth to the Church. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this meaningful celebration. Your dedication has helped make this event a memorable highlight of the holiday season, reflecting the unity and faith of our Shnorhali community.

May the light and joy of this season fill your hearts as we continue to celebrate together.

Armenian Digital Advent Calendar

We are thrilled to announce that the new Digital Advent Calendar 2024-2025 created by the Children and Family Ministry has been launched. We hope this calendar will make the season of Thanksgiving and Christmas more joyful and become a handy tool to connect families through the light of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

After you have the calendar as an app on your screen, start opening the red doors on November 17. Each day the door will lead you to a new message and a Bible reading. Enjoy this calendar with your family and share it with your loved ones. Please note that you won't be able to open the doors before Sunday, November 17 - we don't want you peeking!



How to save to the home screen for iPad and iPhone.1. On your phone or the iPad open the link Digital Advent Calendar 2024-2025. Tap the share button on the bottom of the page or the top right corner. It looks like a square with an arrow pointing out of the top.

2. In the list of options, scroll down until you see “add to home screen”. Tap this. Then "add to home screen" dialog box will appear.

3. Choose a name for the website shortcut on your home screen. You'll see the link so you can confirm it, as well as the site's favicon that will appear as the "app" icon on your home screen. Click “add” when you're done. Safari will close automatically, and you will be taken to where the icon is located on your iPhone’s or iPad's home screen.

How to save to the home screen for Android.

1. On your phone or tablet open the link to Digital Advent Calendar 2024-2025.

2. Tap the menu icon (3 dots in the upper right-hand corner) and tap add to the home screen.

3. Choose a name for the website shortcut, and then chrome will add it to your home screen.

Upcoming Book Presentation: "Odes of Saint Nersess the Graceful"

Join us on Sunday, December 15th at 1:30 PM, following Badarak, for a special book presentation by Dr. Jesse S. Arlen at St. Mary Armenian Church (4125 Fessenden St., NW, Washington, DC 20016). Dr. Arlen will introduce the newly released Odes of Saint Nersess the Graceful, an annotated translation of the hymns and prayers of Saint Nerses Shnorhali (1102–1173), a revered figure in the medieval Armenian Church. This work, co-authored with Matthew J. Sarkisian, brings these spiritual treasures into English for modern readers, highlighting their theological and poetic depth. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore an essential part of Armenian Christian heritage.

In Memoriam: Nubar Kupelian (1933-2024)

With the deepest sorrow and regret, the Eastern Diocese mourns the passing of Nubar Kupelian: a pioneering figure on the staff of the Diocesan Center from 1970 to 2020, who served as assistant and confidant to three Diocesan Primates, before his retirement after 50 years of devoted work. Nubar passed away peacefully on November 29, 2024, following a brief period of illness. He was 91.

Born in Cairo, Nubar joined the staff of the fledgling Diocesan Center in 1970, shortly after settling in America with his wife Anahid. He became a trusted advisor to Archbishop (later Patriarch) Torkom Manoogian, and a disciple of Jack Antreassian, the center’s unparalleled first director. It was the start of five decades of service for Nubar, who went on to serve under Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and Bishop Daniel Findikyan.

Along the way, Nubar became the heart and soul of the Diocesan Center: an inspiration to all who would devote their time and creativity to God and His church; a mentor to his co-workers; and an example of the fine, humane, patriotic qualities that have been the noblest expression of Armenian civilization.

Read more about Nubar's life by clicking here.

Funeral arrangements for Nubar Kupelian are as follows: Visiting hours will take place on Thursday evening, December 5, at Holy Martyrs Church (209-15 Horace Harding Expressway, Oakland Gardens, NY), from, 7 to 9 p.m., with the dahn gark service at 8 p.m. The funeral service will occur at Holy Martyrs Church on Friday morning, December 6, at 10 a.m. Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan will preside and deliver a eulogy. The family requests that memorial donations be made to the St. Vartan Cathedral Restoration Project, or to Holy Martyrs Armenian Church. In the meantime, our deepest sympathies and prayers go to Nubar’s dear wife of 65 years, Anahid; his nieces and nephews Lillian, Dicran, Hilda, Maida, George, and their families; and his many friends and colleagues. May God grant them consolation in the days ahead and may He grant rest and light to Nubar’s precious soul. Աստուած հոգին լուսաւորէ.

Աստուածամօր Անարատ Յղութիւնը Աննայէ

Հայ Եկեղեցին Մարիամ Սուրբ Կոյսը կը կոչէ Աստուածածին եւ Աստուածամայր, տիեզերական տիտղոսներով որոնք հայ քրիստոնեաներու հոգիներուն մէջ միշտ վառած են անհուն սիրոյ բոցը եւ դրած ենք այդ յոյսի լապտերը բոլոր եկեղեցիներու խորաններուն վրայ:

Մարդկային բառերով ան Մարիամ օրիորդն է՝ Նազարէթի գիւղակէն, խոնարհ հոգիով յորդող, որ իր որովայնին մէջ կրեց տիեզերքի Յոյսը եւ ծնաւ զայն որպէս միածին որդի Բեթղեհէմի այրին մէջ:

Երկուշաբթի, դեկտեմբեր 9, Սուրբ Կոյսին Անարատ Յղութեան տօնն է Աննայէ, ծիսական տարուան ընթացքին սփռուած յիշատակումներէն, որով Հայ Եկեղեցին կ’արձանագրէ իր որդիական գողտր սէրը Տէր Յիսուսի եւ մեր երկնաւոր Մօր հանդէպ: 

Սրբութեամբ եւ անբիծ մաքրութեամբ օծուն իր կեանքին ընթացքին՝ Մարիամ ընտրելագոյն օրինակը եղաւ քրիստոնէական հաւատքին, որովհետեւ իր շնորհալի ընդունելութեամբ լիապէս հունչ տուաւ Երկնաւոր Հօր Խօսքին: 

Անոր յղութիւնը Աննայէ սկիզբն է բարձրեալ Հօր հաճութեան եւ Սուրբ Հոգիին հովանաւորութեամբ հոգեւոր հանդերձանքին եւ անբիծ մաքրութեան, եւ այդու իսկ տօնելի:

FAR NEWS

FAR’s Small Business Program Helps a Restaurant Grow

​After fleeing war in Syria, Nerses Guzukuchikyan and his mother Hasmik moved to Yerevan and opened “Yasmine”: a restaurant that blends the vibrant flavors of Aleppo with the native Armenian spirit.

Thanks to support from the Fund for Armenian Relief’s “Small Business Assistance Program” (SBA), what began as a small fast-food kiosk in 2017 has now flourished into a beloved eatery offering iconic Middle Eastern dishes like hummus, falafel, and lahmajun.

The restaurant grew with FAR’s support in 2020, acquiring key kitchen equipment to expand its offerings. Today, “Yasmine” serves a menu with more than 250 appetizers, and Nerses Guzukuchikyan attributes its success to the warm atmosphere that makes every customer feel like a member of the family. 

The Fund for Armenian Relief has helped countless Armenian refugees from the Middle East and Artsakh find hope and build new futures, empowering them to grow businesses like “Yasmine,” and become pillars of their respective communities. Read more about FAR’s economic development programs—and learn how to support these efforts—on FAR’s website.

Deadline Approaching: Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Graduate Fellowship

Beginning in 2022, the Eastern Diocese became one of a few Armenian institutions authorized to nominate one candidate per year for the Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Graduate Fellowship.

Through a generous bequest at her death, Mrs. Liebmann—daughter of the great early 20th-century Armenian writer and statesman Krikor Zohrab—created a perpetual charitable trust to fund advanced education and graduate study grants in the United States of America.

Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Graduate Fellowships are to be awarded only to candidates who have outstanding undergraduate records, have demonstrated a need for financial assistance, are citizens of the United States of America, are enrolled in accredited colleges and universities in the United States, and have received baccalaureate degrees. The trustees welcome applications from students of all national origins who are U.S. citizens.

Qualified applicants should send materials to Dr. Jesse Arlen, director of the Eastern Diocese’s Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center. Click the link (and scroll down) for information and to download application forms. 

The application deadline is December 15, 2024. Applicants will be notified of decisions in June 2025. Please direct any and all inquiries to Dr. Arlen at zohrabcenter@armeniandiocese.org.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

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.

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.

December 7 and 8 St. Mary Church Anniversary

Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Der Hovsep's Ordination

December 9    Feast of the Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary

December 14 Christmas Market hosted by the Parish Council

December 15 Book Presentation: "Odes of Saint Nersess the Graceful "by Dr. Jesse S. Arlen at 1:30 pm (after Badarak)

12 Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."15 When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, "Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God."16 Jesus replied: "A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.'18 "But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.'19 "Another said, 'I have just bought five yokes of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.' 20 "Still another said, 'I just got married, so I can't come.'21 "The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.'22 "'Sir,' the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.' 23 "Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in so that my house will be full. 24 I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.'"

(Luke 14:12-24)

12 Իրեն հրաւիրողին էլ ասաց. «Երբ ճաշ կամ ընթրիք ես տալիս, մի° կանչիր ո°չ քո բարեկամներին, ո°չ քո եղբայրներին, ո°չ քո ազգականներին եւ ո°չ էլ քո հարուստ հարեւաններին, որպէսզի նրանք էլ փոխարէնը քեզ չհրաւիրեն, եւ քեզ հատուցում լինի: 13 Այլ, երբ ընդունելութիւն անես, կանչի°ր աղքատներին, խեղանդամներին, կաղերին ու կոյրերին 14 եւ երանելի կը լինես, որովհետեւ փոխարէնը քեզ հատուցելու ոչինչ չունեն: Եւ դրա փոխարէն քեզ կը հատուցուի արդարների յարութեան օրը»:15 Երբ սեղանակիցներից մէկը այս լսեց, ասաց նրան. «Երանի¯ նրան, ով ճաշ կուտի Աստծու արքայութեան մէջ»: 16 Եւ Յիսուս ասաց. «Մի մարդ ընթրիք սարքեց եւ հրաւիրեց շատերին: 17 Եւ ընթրիքի ժամին իր ծառային ուղարկեց` կանչելու հրաւիրուածներին, թէ` "Եկէ°ք, որովհետեւ ահա ամէն ինչ պատրաստ է": 18 Եւ ամէնքը մէկ-մէկ սկսեցին հրաժարուել: Առաջինն ասաց. "Ագարակ գնեցի եւ պէտք է, որ գնամ տեսնեմ. խնդրում եմ քեզ, ինձ հրաժարուա°ծ համարիր": 19 Եւ միւսն ասաց. "Հինգ լուծ եզներ գնեցի. գնում եմ դրանք փորձելու. խնդրում եմ քեզ, ինձ հրաժարուա°ծ համարիր": 20 Իսկ միւսն ասաց. "Կին եմ առել, դրա համար էլ չեմ կարող գալ": 21 Եւ ծառան եկաւ ու իր տիրոջը պատմեց այս: Այդ ժամանակ, բարկանալով, տանտէրն իր ծառային ասաց. "Իսկոյն դո°ւրս եկ քաղաքի հրապարակներն ու փողոցները եւ աղքատներին, խեղանդամներին, կաղերին ու կոյրերին բեր մտցրո°ւ այստեղ": 22 Եւ ծառան ասաց. "Տէ°ր, ինչ հրամայեցիր` կատարուեց եւ էլի տեղ կայ": 23 Եւ տէրը ծառային ասաց. "Դո°ւրս եկ ճանապարհներն ու ցանկապատների առաջ եւ մարդկանց այստեղ մտցրո°ւ, որպէսզի տունս լցուի": 24 Ասում եմ ձեզ, որ այդ հրաւիրուածներից ոչ ոք իմ ընթրիքից չի ճաշակի»:

(Ղուկաս 14:12-24)

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