May 9

TOP STORY   

A Tribute to Mothers

“Mothers are the ambassadors of God’s love and providence on earth,” wrote the saintly Patriarch Shnork Kaloustian (1913-1990) in a Mother’s Day homily that has become a classic expression of Armenian Christian spirituality.

In a few heartfelt words, he cast his mind back to praise the qualities of Armenian motherhood throughout history: qualities that have been at least as responsible for the perseverance of the Armenian people as any other factor.

With Mother’s Day approaching this Sunday, take a moment to read Patriarch Shnork’s sermon, by clicking here.

 His reflections are especially poignant because Patriarch Shnork had been orphaned at the age of two, and raised in an orphanage run by American missionaries, so he never really knew his own mother. His plea towards the end of the sermon that “Nothing on this earth could be more precious than good mothers,” is deeply affecting from the perspective of his own life experience.

 Some of what he had to say might be considered “of its day.” But Patriarch Shnork’s deepest insights into motherhood are surely profound, and eternal. Indeed, it is especially valuable in an unsettling time like our own to recall the unshakeable aspects of character that have graced our people, no matter the circumstances of the surrounding world.

 In your prayers this Sunday, ask God to bless our precious mayrigs: those living among us, those parted from us, and those yet to be. We are blessed by them every day of our lives.

May 11, 2025

SUNDAY

SCHEDULE

Morning Service 

10:00 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:30 AM

Celebrant

Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan

Usher

Mrs. Anna Seferian

Parish Council Members on Duty

Mr. Shahnur Bostan

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings:

Acts13:16-43

1Pt 5:1-14

John 5:19-30

HOKEHANKIST

REQUIEM SERVICE

For the Souls of:

Greta Sarikian (3rd anniversary), Nadezhda Zhivkova

(4th anniversary),

Samvel Meliksetian

 (7th anniversary)



Requested by:

Ivan Zhivkov and Vardine Sarikian

Hospitality Table is Hosted by:

 Ivan Zhivkov and Vardine Sarikian

Prayer of the week

Jesus, Wisdom of the Father, grant me wisdom that I may at all times think, speak, and do before you that which is good in your sight. Save me from evil thoughts, words, and deeds. Have mercy upon your creatures and upon me, a great sinner.

Lord, please keep watch over your faithful people and the holy soil of Artsakh and Armenia, now and always. Foil every aggressor against our homeland. Defend the innocent and voiceless, Lord. Deliver the world from every single conflict, and bestow your peace on all mankind. Amen.

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

St. Mary Bell Choir Outreach Ministry Visit to Brighton Gardens of Friendship Heights

On a heartwarming afternoon, seven dedicated members of the St. Mary Bell Choir brought joy and inspiration to the residents of Brighton Gardens of Friendship Heights, a senior living community. Under the leadership of Maria Stepanyan, the ensemble performed a moving selection of bell music, filling the space with beauty, peace, and a sense of community. They were accompanied by Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, Nicolette Blackwell and Anahit Stepanayan.

Fr. Hovsep shared a few heartfelt words with the audience, introducing the St. Mary Bell Choir and offering prayers and words of encouragement to the residents. His message highlighted the importance of compassion, connection, and the healing power of music.

Following the performance, choir members spent time in fellowship, enjoying each other’s company over a pizza lunch. This outreach ministry visit was a beautiful expression of love and service, leaving lasting smiles and cherished memories in its wake.

St. Mary Fully Represented at the 123rd Diocesan Assembly

St. Mary Armenian Church of Washington, D.C. was proudly and fully represented at the 123rd Diocesan Assembly of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, held from May 1–3, 2025, in Haverhill, MA. Our pastor, Parish Council Chair, Diocesan Delegates, Women’s Guild representatives, and a Youth Observer all took part in the proceedings, joining clergy and lay leaders from across the Diocese.

Presided over by Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, the Assembly reflected the inspiring theme, “Love One Another,” and provided an opportunity for prayerful dialogue, planning, and vision-setting for the future of the Church. We are grateful that St. Mary’s voice, including its youth, was part of this important Diocesan gathering. Click here to read more.

New Bible Study Series – Begins May 13!

St. Mary Armenian Church invites you to a new Bible Study series led by Fr. Hovsep: A Pilgrimage with St. Paul through Philippians. Join us on Tuesday evenings, May 13 through June 24, from 7:00–8:00 PM, as we explore the deep themes of joy, humility, peace, and faith in Paul’s letter to the Philippians.

Each session will help you grow in your understanding of Scripture, connect more deeply with the teachings of the Church, and find strength and joy in your Christian journey—no matter your circumstances.

All are welcome! Come grow in faith, fellowship, and joy with us!

📍 Location: St. Mary Armenian Church, 4125 Fessenden St. NW, Washington, DC

🗓️ Tuesdays, May 13 – June 24 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Join Our Volunteer Family – Food Festival Workshops

Our Food Festival Workshops are in full swing, and the spirit of fellowship, teamwork, and service is alive at St. Mary! These workshops bring together parishioners of all ages to prepare delicious traditional Armenian foods while strengthening our community ties.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just looking to lend a hand, there’s a place for everyone. As you browse through the attached photos of our dedicated volunteers, we hope you feel the joy, pride, and purpose they bring to every gathering. Each pastry folded and each dish prepared reflects love for our culture and devotion to our church.

Feeling inspired? We’d love to have you join our team!

Come be a part of something meaningful—make memories, learn new skills, and help make this year’s Food Festival a success. Your time and energy are a gift to our parish.

📅 For the Workshop schedules Click Here—no experience necessary, just bring your enthusiasm!

Join Us for St. Mary's Annual Spring Food Festival!



At St. Mary, we are very excited to host the 15th Annual Armenian Spring Food Festival on May 16th, 17th, and 18th, again bringing the culinary delights and cultural riches of Armenian heritage to the Greater Washington, DC area.

Our community is hard at work preparing for the Food Festival, but we need your support and sponsorship for it to be a success.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to enjoy great food, connect with your community, and support St. Mary in our biggest event of the year.

To donate, pre-order, or sign up to contribute, please visit the links provided below. Your generosity and spirit are what make this festival possible.

All donations are tax-deductible. 

We are collecting information to congratulate St Mary parishioners who are graduating from High School or college. Do you have the information for your student? If so, please send it to stmaryyouthdc@gmail.com we will add the information to the document which will be published in the church eh-Newsletter.

• Student Name:
• School/City, State:
• Major (if graduating from college):
• Plans after graduation: (this might be a school or a job or travel - whatever his/her plans might be - or Undecided)
• a photo of your student
• please include your student's email address so he/she can be added to ACYOA Sr email list, and we can keep in touch. E-mail information will NOT be shared with the congregation.  

Application for the WED Educational Fund Scholarship is now available at St. Mary's website www.stmaryaac.org. 

The application deadline for the 2025-2026 academic year is

May 31, 2025.

Click here to access the scholarship application.

 If you have questions, contact the St. Mary Church office at stmarychurchdc@gmail.com

DIOCESAN & OTHER NEWS

Acts of Outreach Take Center Stage at the 123rd Diocesan Assembly

The 123rd Assembly of the Eastern Diocese convened from Thursday, May 1 through Saturday, May 3, 2025. It was the third Assembly to be presided over by Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, since his election as Diocesan Primate in 2022.

Some 142 parish representatives—clergy, parish council chairs, and Diocesan delegates—along with a substantial number of observers, gathered in person for the proceedings. Dn. Diran Jebejian served as Assembly chair.

Holy Archangels Armenian Church of St. Michael and St. Gabriel, in Haverhill, MA, hosted the gathering, with business and social functions taking place at the Hilton Boston/Woburn Hotel. The weekend’s liturgical events took place at the impressive Holy Archangel’s Church: the Diocese’s newest sanctuary, which was consecrated in October 2024. At the inaugural Assembly session, guests were welcomed by host parish pastor Fr. Vart Gyozalyan and parish Assembly Committee chair Mark Kazanjian.

The Diocesan Assembly theme, “Love One Another,” was brought to life in words and actions throughout the Assembly. A special “community outreach evening” saw the entire body of delegates and clergy making meals for a local homeless shelter.

Bishop Mesrop expanded on the theme in his engaging address, reflecting on Christ’s command to “Love One Another” (Jn 13:34). “We are called to express the same kind of love in our church life today,” he said. “Love that is mutual, and draws us together. Love that is sacrificial, regardless of the personal cost. Love that is an identity, that marks us as children of the risen Lord Jesus, and that turns outward to serve others as He did. That is what it means to fulfill His command to Love One Another.”

A video presentation on the Assembly theme (linked below), and personal testimonies from delegates representing several parishes, rounded out the Friday session.

Diocesan Council chair Richard Papalian delivered the Council's report, which included remarks from Council treasurer Alex Topakbashian. Reports were heard from Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the Diocesan Legate and Ecumenical Director, and from leaders of the Diocesan administration, departments, organizations, and working groups.

Delegates also heard a special presentation on the St. Vartan Cathedral Renovation Project. Richard Papalian described the large-scale project to renovate and restore the Diocesan cathedral in New York City. Oscar Tatosian, Melanie Dadourian, and Laurie Onanian outlined the ongoing fundraising efforts being undertaken for the project.

The Diocesan Assembly was preceded by the annual Clergy Conference, and coincided with the 36th Women’s Guild Assembly. It was also the setting for the annual Awards Banquet, where James Kalustian was honored as the “Armenian Church Member of the Year,” and Fr. John Delaney was named the year’s “Friend of the Armenians.” Details of those events will be featured in an upcoming newsletter edition.

The Assembly concluded with a celebration of the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, May 4.

Click the following links to:

• READ MORE about the 123rd Diocesan Assembly proceedings and results.
• VIEW PHOTOS of the Assembly sessions, by photographer Mano Baghjajian.
• WATCH A VIDEO on the Assembly theme, “Love One Another.”

Register Now for Diocesan Summer Camps

Online registration is now open for the Eastern Diocese’s summer camp programs, Hye Camp and St. Vartan Camp. Every camper will find something enriching in the experience—whether it involves learning about the Armenian heritage and faith, making lifelong friends, or enjoying fun summer activities.

To encourage potential campers and mark the opening of online camp registration, the Eastern Diocese released a heartwarming short video featuring young campers and teen-aged counselors sharing their thoughts on what camp has meant to them.

Click here to watch the video.

And click the following link to register and learn more on the Diocesan Camps website.

Teens and Young Adults: Experience Armenia This Summer!

The Eastern Diocese and ACYOA are offering three exciting opportunities for teens and young adults to travel to Armenia this summer.

The 2025 ACYOA Seniors Armenia Service Program (ASP) will run June 30 to July 18, and is open to young adults ages 18-30 from across the Diocese. A registration link, fact sheet, and detailed itinerary are all available on the ACYOA website. Participants are encouraged to register soon; click here for details.

ACYO Youth Pilgrimage and Forum will be a special international gathering in Armenia this summer, meeting July 2 to 7, and open to young adults ages 18-30. The Eastern Diocese aims to send 30 representatives to the Youth Forum (facility in the Armenian language is strongly encouraged). Full details and links to register can be found by clicking here.

ACYOA Juniors Armenia Service Program (ASP)

ACYOA Juniors (ages 14-17) are invited to participate in the ACYOA Juniors Armenia Service Program (ASP) running June 30 to July 14. Click the following link to learn more and to register for the trip.

For information on any of these trips, contact Jennifer Morris in the Diocese’s Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, at jenniferm@armeniandiocese.org or (248) 648-0702.

Summer Programs at St. Nersess Seminary

St. Nersess Armenian Seminary has announced its schedule of 2025 Summer Conferences for high school and post-high school students. The conferences will be held at the St. Nersess Seminary campus in Armonk, NY.

June 27 - July 6

Deacons’ Training Program

Directors: Fr. Haroutiun Sabounjian & Dn. Alex Calikyan

July 9 - July 13

Yn. Diane Chevian Memorial Choir Workshop

Director: Fr. Haroutiun Sabounjian

July 19 - July 27

High School Summer Conference A

Director: Fr. Ghevond Ajamian | Coordinator: Maria Derderian

August 2 - August 10

High School Summer Conference B

Director: Fr. Ghevond Ajamian | Coordinator: Maria Derderian

Click the links to find registration and other information on the St. Nersess Seminary website, and to view a flyer.

FAR NEWS

FAR’s Vocational Training Turns Dreams Into Careers

At age 17, Manvel Adamyan is already turning his childhood passion for cars into a career—thanks to the hands-on training he’s receiving at the Fund for Armenian Relief’s “James and Marta Batmasian Vocational Training Center,” in Parakar, Armenia.

This unique school, where 450 students with and without disabilities learn side by side, is transforming lives by offering practical skills in mechanics, culinary arts, hairdressing, and more. With dreams of opening his own full-service auto repair shop, Manvel represents the bright future your support helps make possible.

Learn more about Manvel's story and FAR's James and Marta Batmasian Vocational Training Center on the Fund for Armenian Relief website.

ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH WED EDUCATIONAL

FUND SCHOLARSHIP

Diocesan Scholarship Applications Available Online

Applications for Diocesan scholarships are now available online. The application deadline for the 2025-26 academic year is May 19, 2025.

 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.

Click here to access the scholarship application. For information, contact Maria Barsoumian at (212) 686-0710, ext. 136, or e-mail mariab@armeniandiocese.org.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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!

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.

"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. 

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.

May 11 Mother's Day Celebration, Shnorhali School

May 16-17 -18 Spring Food Festival

May 29 Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ

19 Յիսուս ասաց նրանց. «Ճշմարիտ, ճշմարիտ եմ ասում ձեզ, մարդու Որդին ինքն իրենից ոչինչ չի կարող անել, այլ անում է այն, ինչ տեսնում է, թէ Հայրը կատարում է, որովհետեւ ինչ որ Հայրն է անում, նոյնը նրա նման եւ Որդին է գործում, 20 քանի որ Հայրը սիրում է Որդուն, եւ այն ամէնը, ինչ ինքն է անում, ցոյց է տալիս նրան. եւ նրան ցոյց կը տայ սրանից շատ աւելի մեծ գործեր, որոնց վրայ դուք կը զարմանաք. 21 որովհետեւ, ինչպէս որ Հայրը յարութիւն է տալիս մեռելներին եւ կենդանացնում է, նոյնպէս եւ Որդին կենդանացնում է` ում կամենայ: 22 Սակայն Հայրը ոչ մէկին չի դատում, այլ ամէն դատաստան տուել է իր Որդուն, 23 որպէսզի ամէնքը պատուեն Որդուն, ինչպէս պատւում են Հօրը: Ով Որդուն չի պատւում, չի պատւում եւ Հօրը` նրան առաքողին: 24 Ճշմարիտ, ճշմարիտ եմ ասում ձեզ, որ, ով իմ խօսքը լսում է ու հաւատում է նրան, ով ինձ առաքեց, ընդունում է յաւիտենական կեանքը եւ չի դատապարտւում, այլ մահուանից կեանք անցաւ: 25 Ճշմարիտ, ճշմարիտ եմ ասում ձեզ, որ կը գայ ժամանակ, եւ արդէն իսկ եկել է, երբ մեռելները կը լսեն Աստծու Որդու ձայնը, եւ նրանք, որ կը լսեն, կþապրեն, 26 որովհետեւ, ինչպէս Հայրն ինքն իր մէջ կեանք ունի եւ կեանք է տալիս, նոյնպէս եւ Որդուն տուեց ինքն իր մէջ կեանք ունենալ եւ տալ: 27 Եւ նրան իշխանութիւն տուեց դատաստան անելու, քանի որ մարդու Որդի է. 28 դրա վրայ ինչո°ւ էք զարմանում, որովհետեւ կը գայ ժամանակ, երբ բոլոր նրանք, որ գերեզմաններում են, կը լսեն նրա ձայնը 29 եւ դուրս կը գան. ովքեր բարի գործեր են արել` կեանքի յարութեան համար, իսկ ովքեր չար գործեր են արել` դատաստանի յարութեան համար: 30 Ես ինքս ինձնից ոչինչ անել չեմ կարող, այլ, ինչպէս լսում եմ Հօրից` դատում եմ, եւ իմ դատաստանը արդար է, որովհետեւ ոչ թէ իմ կամքն եմ որոնում, այլ նրա կամքը, ով ինձ առաքեց»:

(Յովհ. 5:19-30)

19 Jesus gave them this answer: "Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these so that you will be amazed. 21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so, the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. 22 Moreover, the Father judges no one but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.24 "Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. 25 Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.28 "Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29 and come out-those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.

(John 5:19-30)

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