July 19

TOP STORY   

Meet the Descendants of Armenia’s Patron Saint

The story of Armenia’s conversion to Christianity is often told as a tale of individual heroism and holiness: of great, exemplary figures who embraced their faith in Jesus Christ, suffered in his name, and laid the spiritual foundations for the world’s first Christian nation. Certainly, the names associated with the events of A.D. 301—Drtad and Ashkhen, Hripsime and Gayane, and above all St. Gregory the Illuminator—testify to the way a few, remarkable individuals changed the course of our nation’s history at a single, critical moment in time.

But from another perspective, Armenia’s Christian conversion can also be seen as the work of generations, involving successive waves of people facing their own trials, and inscribing their own achievements into the historical record. The mission that St. Gregory began 17 centuries ago was not completed by him but was carried forward by his descendants—and by all those who succeeded that great founding generation.

The calendar of the Armenian Church reminds us of the “generational” character of that mission through the feast day dedicated to “The Sons and Grandsons of St. Gregory.” It singles out four members of the Illuminator’s family—his two sons Sts. Arisdagés and Vrtanés, and his grandsons Sts. Krikoris and Husig—and assigns them a special commemoration on the Saturday before the Third Sunday of Transfiguration. This year, the feast falls on Saturday, July 20.

In this last of several sacred observances dedicated to Armenia’s patron saint, we learn how the Illuminator’s family continued his missionary work among the Armenian people, helping to cement the nation’s Christian identity. It reminds us that Armenia’s embrace of Christ is an ongoing story, which connects every generation. In the deepest sense, the faithful of today are part of the same “family saga”: the remote descendants of those heroes of old, carrying the Light of Christ forward into the world.

Click on the following link to learn about the Sons and Grandsons of St. Gregory.

July 21, 2024

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.Onnik Sivaslian

Choir

Dr. Hratch Semerjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings:

Isaiah 5:1-10; 

1 Corinthians 6:18-7:11;

Matthew 19:3-12

HOKEHANKIST

REQUIEM SERVICE

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 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 conflict and bestow your peace on all mankind.

    My soul is always in your hands, and I place my hope in your Holy Cross, O Heavenly King. May the multitude of your saints intercede on my behalf.

    You who are patient with everyone, do not neglect me who trusts in you but keep me in peace with your precious and Holy Cross. Amen.

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

Celebrating St. Mary's Young Altar Servers

At St. Mary Armenian Church, the presence of young altar servers each Sunday brings a unique and uplifting spirit to our community. These young souls, with their joyful smiles and dedication, truly resemble angels serving at God’s table. Among these dedicated young servers, one stands out not only for his devotion but also for his tender age and boundless enthusiasm.

Aram, the youngest of our altar servers, is just five years old. His love for the church and his eagerness to serve on the altar are truly inspiring. On Sundays, Aram arrives with a bright smile and a heart full of joy, ready to participate in the Divine Liturgy. His small yet significant presence is a reminder of the pure and unblemished faith that Christ spoke of when He said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14).

Aram’s dedication goes beyond his Sunday service. He dreams of one day becoming a priest and wearing the pictorial cross, following in the footsteps of his beloved Der Hayr. His father, who also serves on the altar, is undoubtedly a role model for Aram, nurturing his son's spiritual journey and reinforcing the values of faith and service.

Seeing Aram in his small blue robe, standing with reverence and focus, is a sight that warms the hearts of all parishioners. His actions, though simple, are a powerful testament to the importance of nurturing faith from a young age. It is through such dedication and the support of their families that these young altar servers grow into steadfast members of our church community.

St. Mary’s Church is blessed to have these young members among us. As we witness these young servers each Sunday, let us be inspired by their dedication and pure hearts. May we all support and encourage them, nurturing their dreams and guiding them in their spiritual journey, for it is through their innocent faith and joyful service that we see a glimpse of the divine, a reminder of the simple yet profound call to serve and love one another in the name of Christ.

Volunteer Corner: A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Dedicated Volunteers

On Friday, July 12, St. Mary Armenian Church was blessed with the help of our dedicated volunteers: Paula Khederian, Varteni Ossareh, Takuhi Hallajian, John O'Brien, and Annalise O'Brien. Their commitment and teamwork were instrumental in preparing the mailings for our upcoming event, the "Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God."

These volunteers tirelessly stuffed envelopes, ensuring that our parishioners receive the necessary information about this significant celebration. Their effort goes beyond just a task; it reflects their love and dedication to our church community.

A Note of Gratitude

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Paula, Varteni, Takuhi, John, and Annalise for their time, effort, and enthusiasm. Your hard work has facilitated the process of reaching out to our parishioners, ensuring everyone is informed and invited to share in this joyous occasion. Your dedication and hard work serve as an inspiration to all members of our parish. You remind us of the power of community and the importance of coming together to support our church's mission.

Join Us in Making a Difference

We invite all members of our parish to consider volunteering. Whether it’s helping with events, participating in community outreach, Food Festivals, or supporting our church in other ways, your contribution can make a significant impact. Volunteering offers an opportunity to connect with others, share your talents, and be an active part of our vibrant community.

Together, we can continue to build a strong, supportive, and loving church family. Your involvement is invaluable, and we encourage everyone to take part in the rewarding experience of volunteering.

ՏՕՆ ՍՈՒՐԲ ԱՍՏՈՒԱԾԱԾՆԻ ՎԵՐԱՓՈԽՈՒՄԻՆ

The Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-of-God and the Name Day of Our Church

BLESSING OF THE GRAPES SERVICE

ԽԱՂՈՂՕՐՀՆԵՔ

Sunday, August 18, 2024

Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan

Celebrant

Morning Service 10:00 AM - Divine Liturgy 10:30 AM

Stay for the Picnic!

After the service, enjoy a festive gathering featuring

Traditional Armenian Khorovats and more delightful treats!

Pre-order your Khorovats now!

A Prayer for Healing, Peace, and Unity

This week, in the wake of the shocking assassination attempt on the life of former U.S. President Donald Trump, Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan offered a solemn, prayerful message to the public:

“We offer our prayers for former President Trump and his family, as well as for everyone who was injured or lost their lives at the rally in Pennsylvania."

“As we navigate through challenging times, let us remember the importance of coming together in peace and solidarity. Regardless of our differences, let us stand as one in condemning violence and upholding the values that define our democracy.

“May God bless America and guide us through these difficult times. Let us join in prayer for healing, peace, unity, and a brighter future.”

Episcopal Church Convention Expresses Solidarity with Armenia

Diocesan Vicar Fr. Simeon Odabashian represented the Eastern Diocese and Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan at the 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church, which convened in Louisville, KY, June 24-26.

As the highest governing body of the Episcopal Church, the General Convention meets every three years as a bicameral legislature, made up of the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies, involving representatives from over 100 dioceses. In total, around 1,000 clergy and laymen participated in an official capacity.

Fr. Odabashian attended the meeting as an ecumenical observer, joining representatives from a number of Protestant and Orthodox traditions, as well as from inter-denominational organizations like the National Council of Churches, Religions for Peace, and Christian Churches Together. The ecumenical delegation held a luncheon gathering with representatives from the worldwide Anglican Communion, hailing from Canterbury Cathedral to as far away as New Zealand and Africa.

One resolution that passed in both the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies held a particular significance for the Armenian Church. Under the title “Support and Solidarity with Armenia,” the resolution affirmed the centuries-long relationship between the Episcopal and Armenian churches, while expressing solidarity with the people of Armenia and Karabagh.

Further, the resolution formally condemned the efforts of Azerbaijan and others to “eliminate the ancient, indigenous Armenian identity and presence from the region,” and authorizes Episcopal Church organizations to “advocate for and promote U.S. government policies and legislation to further this position.”

Click the following link to read the resolution in full.

Another proposal of Armenian interest, allowing Episcopal congregations to use the Armenian Holy Cross ritual in their liturgies, was referred for further study.

The 81st General Convention also marked a change in leadership for the Episcopal Church, as the nine-year tenure of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry came to a close. Bishop Sean Rowe of Pennsylvania was elected by his peers as the 28th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, and subsequently confirmed by the House of Deputies. Bishop Rowe will assume his new role in November.

FAR NEWS

FAR’s Support for Music Education Wins Applause

On June 13, the Argavand Music School buzzed with excitement as children eagerly waited to perform on the piano, guitar, accordion, violin, and other instruments.

The year-end concert drew many guests, including Abraham Hanesyan: a former Argavand pupil who is now furthering his musical studies at Yerevan State Music Teaching College. Argavand Music School is where Abraham first decided to pursue his dream of becoming a musician.

Some of the 96 students currently studying at the school also dream of turning their hobby into a career, like Abraham is doing, and they drew inspiration from seeing him in the audience. In recognition of the school’s exceptional music education and its students’ many accomplishments, the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) awarded Argavand a certificate of excellence—one of several ways it continuously supports the school and its mission.

FAR has long been a leader in promoting and advocating for music education in Armenia’s various regions. Currently FAR supports music schools in Dilijan, Gyumri, and other parts of Armenia. Learn about FAR’s commitment to education and enriching Armenia’s up-and-coming generation by clicking here.

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 92nd Anniversary of the St. Mary Community and Church. "Embrace the Future" Endowment Fund was established on the occasion of the 90th anniversary and continues 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.

August 18 Feast of Assumption of the Holy Mother-of-God

September 15 Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

September 29 Feast of Holy Cross of Varak

October 4-5-6 Fall Food Festival

October 27 Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross

November 21 Presentation of the Holy Mother-of-God to the Temple

December 9    Feast of the Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary

3 Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?"4 "Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' 5 and said, 'For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate."7 "Why then," they asked, "did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?"8 Jesus replied, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. 9 I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery."10 The disciples said to him, "If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry."11 Jesus replied, "Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. 12 For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others-and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it."

(Mathew 19:3-12)

3 Եւ փարիսեցիները, մօտենալով նրան, փորձեցին եւ ասացին. «Օրինաւո°ր է, որ մէկն իր կնոջը արձակի ամէն մի յանցանքի պատճառով»: 4 Նա պատասխանեց նրանց եւ ասաց. «Դուք չէ°ք կարդացել, թէ նա, ով սկզբից ստեղծեց, արու եւ էգ արեց նրանց եւ ասաց. 5 դրա համար տղամարդը պիտի թողնի հօրը եւ մօրը ու պիտի գնայ իր կնոջ յետեւից. եւ երկուսը մէկ մարմին պիտի լինեն: 6 Ապա ուրեմն` ոչ թէ երկու, այլ մէկ մարմին են: Արդ, ինչ որ Աստուած միացրեց, մարդը թող չբաժանի»: 7 Նրան ասացին. «Իսկ Մովսէսը ինչո°ւ մեզ պատուիրեց ապահարզանի թուղթ տալ ու արձակել»: 8 Յիսուս նրանց ասաց. «Մովսէսը ձեր խստասրտութեան պատճառով ձեզ թոյլ տուեց արձակել ձեր կանանց, բայց սկզբից այդպէս չի եղել: 9 Սակայն ասում եմ ձեզ, թէ ով իր կնոջն արձակում է, եւ դա պոռնկութեան պատճառով չէ, եւ ուրիշին է առնում, շնանում է. շնանում է եւ նա, ով արձակուածին է առնում»: 10 Իր աշակերտները նրան ասացին. «Եթէ այդպիսին է պարագան մարդու եւ կնոջ համար, լաւ է չամուսնանալ»: 11 Եւ նա նրանց ասաց. «Բոլորն ընդունակ չեն այդ բանին, այլ` նրանք, որոնց տրուած է. 12 որովհետեւ կան ներքինիներ, որոնք իրենց մօր որովայնից այդպէս են ծնուել. կան ներքինիներ էլ, որոնք մարդկանց կողմից են ներքինի դարձել. ներքինիներ էլ կան, որոնք երկնքի արքայութեան համար իրենք իրենց ներքինիներ են դարձրել. ով կարող է տանել, թող տանի»:

(Մատթեոս 19:3-12)MEMBERSHIP AND DUES

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