January 13

Holy Fathers Saints Athanasius and Cyril of Alexandria

Early Christianity was rife with controversy, debate, and strife over the fundamental question, “Who is this person, Jesus Christ?” While St. Peter had declared Jesus to be the Christ, the exact understanding of what that meant had to be worked out. Some of the basic tenets of Christian doctrine, things we now take as obvious about Christianity, were up for debate and argument. From the earliest Apostolic Fathers, a range of ideas about how to answer this ultimate question emerged. Over time, the sources and writers of the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, determined to be the true answers formed the canonical tradition of Orthodoxy. Other answers deviated from the true, Orthodox answers and were labeled heretical—a departure from the truth that would lead Christians astray. Many of our earliest Christian sources are the attempts to work out the true and right doctrine and to respond to and refute incorrect—heretical—answers to the question, “Who is this person, Jesus Christ?”

In these formative early centuries of Christian thought and doctrine, there are few defenders of Orthodoxy as celebrated as two Patriarchs of Alexandria, St. Athanasius, who lived between 296 or 298 and 373, and St. Cyril of Alexandria, who lived between 376 and 444. 

January 15, 2023

Morning Service 

10:00 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:30 AM

Celebrant

Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan 

Usher

Rouzanna Oganissian

Parish Council Members on Duty

       Vazrik Nishanian

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings: 

Isaiah 54:1-13

1 Timothy 1:1-11

John 2:1-11

We thank all of our parishioners and friends

for making their

Yughakin, Poinsettias, and In Lieu of Christmas Card Donations

On the Occasion of the Feast of Nativity and Theophany of our Lord

For the Soul of:

 Rita Jamgotchian (40 Days)

Requested by:

Kegham Anbarjian, Kumkumian families & Schweitzer family

For the soul of :

Askhen Manokian

 Requested by:

Caro & Diane Manokian Mannik Manokian & Sevada Sinanian (Nyra, Zabel and Alene) Nareneh & Mace McGrath (Ara) Armen & Courtney Manokian (Arineh) Ava Manokian & Nubar Atam Arax & Jirair Yousefian Levik & Marina Yousefian (Arsen, Artem, Arno) Narbeh & Ashley Yousefian (Vana & Ella)

For the souls of :

 Linda Kumkumian, Charles & Alice Kumkumian, Vosgan Anbarjian, Alain Anbarjian & Araxi Anbarjian

 Requested by:

 Kumkumian families, Schweitzer family & Kegham Anbarjian

For the souls of :

Verjin Bolat (2nd Anniversary)

and Yerchanik Bolat(24th Anniversary)

Requested by:

Ohannes & Eva Shafakian, Larry & Janet Arabian, Arto & Ilda Bolat, and families

The hospitality table is hosted by:

Manokian, Yousefian, Bolat & Shafakian Families

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

Prayer of the Week

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

    Look with love, O merciful Father, on the created works of your hand, and grant the camps of the angels to be guardians of our feeble persons. Deliver us from temptation, from the wandering demons of night, that by day and by night we may give you glory incessantly. Amen.

Feast of Nativity and Theophany Celebrated at St. Mary

St. Mary Church Celebrated the Feast of Nativity and Theophany of our Lord with Nativity Eve and Day Badaraks. On January 5th, the Jragalouits Badarak began with the Evening Service, and Scriptural readings by the Shenorhali School students. The evening concluded with the traditional ceremony of Home Blessing in the church social hall, followed by a hospitality table sponsored by the Parish Council.

On the Feast of the Birth and Baptism of our Lord, January 6th, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Fr. Hovsep, and the Blessing of the Water Service was officiated by Abp. Vicken Aykazian. We congratulate Davit, the son of Mher and Anahit Barseghyan, who served as the Godfather for the Blessing of the Water ceremony.

The festive celebrations ended with the usual scrumptious meal prepared by the Ararat Avak Society committee with the help of many volunteers. Special thanks go to Mr. Neshan Naltchayan for his willingness to decorate the Church altar with gorgeous flower arrangements, as well as for taking photos during the services. Our utmost appreciation to everyone who brought their participation and contributed to the Youghakin.

We take this opportunity to once again greet everyone with hope-giving news: "Krissdoss Dzenav Yev Haydnetsav" Tzez mez Medz Avedis. We are grateful and blessed that 2023 kicked off with much energy and anticipation for a fruitful year ahead.

Shnorhali School Christmas Eve Readings

On Jan. 5 the Shnorhali School brought their enthusiastic participation to the annual bible readings on the Eve of the Theophany and Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ. Shnorhali students helped prepare for Holy Badarak by reading biblical scriptures in Armenian. Parishioners gathered to witness this wonderful tradition by our students and shared in the great news of the Birth of our Savior with joy and celebration through the readings of the Holy Word.

Remembering Baku, Acting for Artsakh

Thirty-three years ago this week, the Armenians of Baku were terrorized by mob violence, and victimized by an immoral political system.

In January of 1990, Azerbaijanis in the city went on a rampage against the Armenians living among them. Nearly the entire Armenian population of Baku had to be evacuated, to live as refugees.

It was the worst of a series of pogroms that Azeris launched against our countrymen living in Baku, Sumgait, Kirovabad, and throughout Azerbaijan, in retaliation for the peaceful independence demonstrations of fellow Armenians of Karabagh.

Friday, January 13, marks the passage of 33 years since the start of the Baku pogrom. Click here to read more. This week, offer a prayer of remembrance for the Armenian souls lost, and a prayer of gratitude for those God saved, 33 years ago.

Tragically, the strife suffered by our people a generation ago has resumed again in our own day, in Artsakh and Armenia. So as we remember the horrors of 1990, let us pray too for the Armenians lost and held captive in these more recent years; for those who sacrifice and defend our homeland at this very hour; and for the wellbeing of all their loved ones.

Our Primate Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan has urged the community to pray as well as to act—to help bring a halt to the latest outrage against Artsakh: the cruel blockade which prevents fuel and supplies from entering the region. Please make your voice heard in support of Artsakh by contacting your government representatives, via the Armenian Assembly of America website.

Also, at the request of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, parishes of the Eastern Diocese will hold a special collection on Sunday, January 15, to raise funds to send humanitarian supplies into Artsakh. Click here to learn more.

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.

"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.

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. 

Armenian Speaking Caregivers Available

For information please contact the church office at 202-363-1923 or  stmarychurchdc@gmail.com

Part-time help needed

Rockville Town Center (a few minutes walk from the Rockville Metro stop on the Red Line), for details, contact Lilit at "Saints Valley" Boutique:   https://www.instagram.com/saintsvalley/?hl=en

Buy a Brick and Leave Your Legacy at

St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church

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which includes your preselected

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which includes your preselected

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“God Is With Us”: Cathedral Celebrates the Timeless Miracle of the Nativity

The Armenian Christmas service at New York City’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral each January 6 is one of the most spiritually moving and greatly anticipated events in the liturgical calendar.

For 2023, the Christmas service provided further inspiration to the faithful, with Diocesan Primate Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan presiding over the ceremony for the first time, and delivering the homily from the altar.

“Two weeks ago, I could not imagine standing in front of you to deliver this homily; but we are a people who believe in miracles,” he began with evident gratitude, alluding to the injuries he sustained in a car accident last summer, which had prevented him from walking for the past six months. “I glorify our Heavenly Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit for granting me the blessing of being able to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ with you.”

The Primate’s sermon centered on the Biblical prophecy first uttered by Isaiah: that the Savior’s birth assures mankind that “God is with us.” Fr. Mesrop went on to emphasize that God’s presence with us is a continuing reality in our own time. And in light of that reality, he reminded the faithful that the difficult situation faced by our brothers and sisters in Armenia and Artsakh requires our ongoing prayers, faith, and conviction. “We are never helpless, powerless or alone in this world,” he said; “for God is with us—and we are with Him.”

Fr. Davit Karamyan, Vicar of St. Vartan Cathedral, acted as celebrant throughout the service. At its conclusion, Fr. Mesrop led the Blessing of Water ceremony, where Dr. Lawrence Najarian, distinguished ophthalmologist and president of the Armenian American Health Professionals Organization (AAHPO), served as Godfather of the Cross. The Primate expressed sincere appreciation to Dr. Najarian and AAHPO for assisting the Diocese, and guiding the entire Armenian community, throughout the pandemic.

Click the following links to:

• READ MORE about this year’s Armenian Christmas badarak.
• VIEW PHOTOS of Armenian Christmas at St. Vartan Cathedral.
• WATCH A RECORDING of the entire service.
• WATCH THE SERMON of our Primate, in English and Armenian.

Catholicos’ Christmas Prayer: Hope and Grace for a Troubled World

His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians led the Pontifical Divine Liturgy at Yerevan’s cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator, marking the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Jesus Christ, on January 6, 2023.

In a message directed to the Armenian faithful throughout the world, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians assured listeners: “The graces of the Nativity of our Lord grant humanity a blessed life anchored in godliness, kindness, truth, and justice. God’s Incarnation fortifies souls against despair over loss and pain, inspiring hope and optimism. It brings healing and replenishment to hearts bereft from lack of kindness and love, and strengthens them to face difficulties and overcome the most intractable crises and hardships.”

In an emotional interlude, the Catholicos offered words of fatherly encouragement to the beleaguered Armenian Christians of Artsakh, as they struggle and sacrifice for their right to live on their native land.

“Dear people of Artsakh," he said, "the thoughts and gazes of our people these days are mainly directed towards you. You have never given up and never backed down in the face of difficulties. Today as well you continue to fight heroically for your free and independent life, for the sake of restoration of historical justice. Following the glorious example of your brave ancestors, remain firm and unshaken in your determination to live and create in your native land."

He went on: "Our Holy Church with its worldwide dioceses is with you, assisting and supporting you. The just demand for the protection of your fundamental rights will prevail with the efforts of all Armenians, and with the support of the international community. We believe that with God’s mercy, our people will shine a light in the darkness surrounding them, and will overcome the most serious challenges they face in their lives.”

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, His Holiness led the “Blessing of Water” ceremony. Serving as Godfather of the Cross this year was benefactor Hakob Avagyan of Geneva, Switzerland.

Click the following links to:

• READ His Holiness’s message in English and Armenian.
• VIEW PHOTOS of the Armenian Christmas badarak in Yerevan.
• WATCH a video digest of the service, including Catholicos Karekin II’s sermon.

FAR Helps Armenian Farmers Innovate

On an early December morning, Hovsep Hambardzumyan turns on the engine of his mobile feed grinding mill, attaches it to his car, and heads to Tolors, a village nestled in the north of Armenia’s Sisian region. Hovsep serves hundreds of local people year-round, delivering affordable and easy-to-reach services.

His invention was made possible through the Fund for Armenian Relief’s “Farming Support Project,” which provided Hovsep with the financial and technical assistance to implement the project.

This particular morning, Hovsep was going to grind wheat, corn, and grain for basic animal feed to be used here throughout the winter until animals are taken to the mountains in mid-spring.

“When we established the farm, we had problems grinding the feed for our pigs,” Hovsep explains. “We would have to wait for hours to grind raw materials. It was a waste of time and energy. I decided to create a mobile grinding mill that would not only serve our farm but also people from remote villages who used to bring their wheat and grain reserves to Sisian for grinding. The challenging part for me when writing the business plan was the technical nuances of the mill, but I got help with that, and my project got approved.” 

Hovsep used to travel to more remote villages and grind the feed on weekends. He has found this service so needed that he is thinking of leaving his current job at a local stone factory to fully focus on his business. “It’s cost-effective and profitable. Besides, it will allow me to spend more time with my three daughters, Eva, Sona, and Elen,” he says.

FAR has been able to support family farmers through a Small Business Assistance project sponsored by Howard Atesian of Michigan and Leon Semonian of Massachusetts. Read more on FAR’s blog.

January 21 Women’s Guild General Meeting

January 22 A presentation on the current state of Artsakh

February 11 Ararat Avak Society St. Sarkis Luncheon

February 14 Presentation of the Lord to the Temple

February 19 Great Barekendan

February 19 Annual Parish Assembly

February 22 Lenten Service, discussion & dinner @7pm

March 1,8, 15, 22 & 29 Lenten Service, discussion & dinner @7pm

March 12 Women's Guild Mid-Lenten/Mitchink Luncheon

March 15 Median Day of Lent

March 28 Women's Guild Palm Sunday Bake Sale

April 2 Palm Sunday

April 9 Easter Sunday, W.G. Easter Bake Sale after Badarak

April 24 Feast of the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide

May 18 Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ

May 19,20,21 Spring Food Festival

May 28 W.G.Hampartzoom program and lunch

Գալիլիա հասնելու երրորդ օրը Կանա քաղաքում հարսանիք կար։ Եւ Յիսուսի մայրը այնտեղ էր։ 2 Հարսանիքի հրաւիրուեցին նաեւ Յիսուս եւ իր աշակերտները։ 3 Եւ երբ գինին պակասեց, մայրը Յիսուսին ասաց. «Գինի չունեն»։ 4 Եւ Յիսուս նրան ասաց. «Ի՞նչ ես ուզում ինձնից, ո՛վ կին, իմ ժամանակը դեռ չի հասել»։ 5 Նրա մայրը սպասաւորներին ասաց. «Ինչ որ ձեզ ասի, արէ՛ք»։ 6 Այնտեղ կային քարէ վեց թակոյկներ՝ հրեաների սովորութեան համաձայն մաքրուելու համար. նրանցից իւրաքանչիւրը շուրջ հարիւր լիտր տարողութիւն ունէր։ 7 Յիսուս նրանց ասաց. «Լցրէ՛ք այդ թակոյկները ջրով»։ Եւ լցրին բերնէբերան։ 8 Եւ ասաց նրանց. «Հիմա վերցրէ՛ք եւ տարէ՛ք սեղանապետին»։ Եւ նրանք տարան։ 9 Եւ երբ սեղանապետը ճաշակեց գինի դարձած ջուրը ու չէր իմանում, թէ որտեղից է (բայց սպասաւորները, որոնք ջուր լցրին, գիտէին), 10 խօսեց փեսայի հետ ու ասաց. «Ամէն մարդ նախ ընտիր գինին է մատուցում, եւ երբ հարբած են, այն ժամանակ՝ վատը։ Իսկ դու ընտիր գինին մինչեւ հիմա պահել ես»։ 11 Յիսուս այս առաջին նշանն արեց Գալիլիայի Կանա քաղաքում որպէս սկիզբը նշանների եւ յայտնեց իր փառքը, ու նրա աշակերտները հաւատացին նրան։                                     

 Հովհաննես 2:1-11

On the third day, a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, 2, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine."4 "Woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied. "My hour has not yet come."5 His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.7 Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim.8 Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet."They did so, 9, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink, but you have saved the best till now."11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.

 John 2:1-11