December 20

TOP STORY   

Saint Abgar the Witness and the First Christian King

According to the tradition, St. Abgar was the first Christian king of the 1st century, the son of the Parthian king Arshakunie Arsham. He was also called “senior man” as he was the wisest of all and of genius. Historian Moses of Khoronk, Assyrian historian Labubnia of Yedessia, Greek historians Procopis and Yeusebius have told about the king Abgar. He built the city of Yedessia in the site where the Armenian army protected the ford of the river Euphrates from the Roman captain Casius. Later the king moved the royal palace and all idols from Nisibis to that city.

It is during the period of the reign of King Abgar that Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, was born. And Abgar, who was incurable, becoming aware of the wonders worked by Christ, believed in Christ and by means of his delegates sent a letter-petition to Jerusalem, to the Savior, asking Him to come and heal him. In the response letter, it was said, that Christ still had important things to do in Jerusalem, but He should send one of His disciples to the king to heal him. After the Ascension of the Savior, Apostle St. Thaddeus came to Yedessia, healed the king Abgar, the sick, preached the Gospel, and appointed Adde, the silk-weaver, to be his successor. Jesus had sent his portrait to Abgar and it was kept for a long time in Yedessia, and later in the churches of various cities and towns.

After that, king Abgar sent letters to king Tiberius and king Nerseh of Assyria exhorting them to admit Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Savior.

King Abgar passed away probably in the first half of the 1st century.

December 22, 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

Mrs. Svetlana Hovhannisyan

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings: 

Isaiah 40:18-31, 

Hebrews 4:16-5:10,

Luke 18:9-14

HOKEHANKIST

REQUIEM SERVICE

For The Souls of:

Kevork Megerdich Tashjian

 (50th anniversary)

Khachadur Hakobyan (9th anniversary)

Requested By:

Mike and Naira Tashjian

For The Souls of:

Araxi Bostanian Kobrin

(5th anniversary)

Requested By:

Melanie Kobrin

To request a Hokehankist/Requiem Service

Please contact the Church Office by 12:00 Noon on Thursday

202-363-1923 or Go to www.stmaryaac.org to see the form.

Prayer of the week

Lord, please keep watch over your faithful people, strengthen those fleeing persecution, 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.

    With your peace, Christ our savior, which surpasses all understanding and speech, defend us and keep us fearless of all evil.

    Make us equal to your true worshipers, who worship you in spirit and in truth; for to the most-holy Trinity is befitting glory, dominion, and honor, now and always. Amen.

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

Celebrate the Joy of Christmas at St. Mary Armenian Church!

Join us as we come together to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Jesus Christ at the St. Mary Armenian Church. Experience the warmth and wonder of the season on Sunday and Monday, January 5 and 6, 2025.

We look forward to sharing these sacred celebrations with you and your loved ones.

Click here for the full schedule of services and important details.

Let's celebrate faith, love, and the joy of Christmas together!

Blessing of Pomegranates Service

December 29, 2024

Following the Divine Liturgy

As the year draws to a close, join us for the beautiful and meaningful tradition of the Blessing of Pomegranates. The pomegranate - a timeless symbol of life, prosperity, and fertility in Armenian culture - has graced our art, architecture, literature, and faith for centuries.

Be a part of this inspiring ceremony of hope, renewal, and abundance.

Pomegranates will be blessed and joyfully shared with everyone following the service.

Whether you are a lifelong parishioner or visiting for the first time, we warmly invite you to join us in fellowship and gratitude.



St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church

4125 Fessenden St. NW, Washington, DC 20016

May this season bring you joy, health, and prosperity. We look forward to seeing you there!

Book Presentation: "Odes of Saint Nersess the Graceful"

On Sunday, December 15th, St. Mary Armenian Church hosted a special event following Badarak at 1:30 PM. Dr. Jesse S. Arlen presented the newly released book, "Odes of Saint Nersess the Graceful," an annotated translation of the hymns and prayers of Saint Nerses Shnorhali (1102–1173). This book, co-authored with Matthew J. Sarkisian, makes the spiritual treasures of St. Nersess Shnorhali accessible to modern readers by translating them into English while preserving their theological and poetic depth.

The presentation offered attendees an enlightening exploration of Armenian Christian heritage. Dr. Arlen's insightful discussion highlighted the importance of Saint Nerses Shnorhali’s contributions to Armenian liturgical and spiritual traditions. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the historical and cultural context of these hymns and prayers and appreciate their enduring relevance.

This event was a wonderful opportunity for the community to deepen their understanding of Armenian ecclesiastical literature and celebrate the rich legacy of one of its most revered figures. 

St. Mary ACYOA Jr. Christmas Party: A Night of Joy and Giving

On December 14, the St. Mary ACYOA Juniors (teens) and their parents gathered at the Seferian family's home for a Christmas Party. The event started out with a potluck dinner. Following the meal, Der Hovsep delivered an inspiring message emphasizing the importance of drawing near to God through prayer for increased faith, trusting in God even though we can't see him, and seeking support from our Christian community. The teens then divided into teams to engage in some Christmas-themed games.   Rather than exchanging gifts among themselves, the teens contributed toys for donation to underprivileged children through the local Toys for Tots initiative.

Special thanks are extended to the Seferian family for their gracious hospitality and to the parents who attended and brought their teens.

May the joy and love of this season continue to inspire us all throughout the coming year!

A Festive Christmas Market and Bake Sale at St. Mary Church!

On Saturday, December 14, St. Mary Church welcomed family and friends for a heartwarming celebration of the season. The event was filled with the warmth of community, the aroma of delicious food, and the joy of Armenian hospitality.

As attendees arrived, they were greeted by a beautifully decorated market brimming with festive goodies and handcrafted gifts. The bake sale featured an array of mouth-watering treats, from traditional Armenian pastries to holiday favorites. The tantalizing scent of freshly baked goods filled the air, creating an inviting atmosphere that drew everyone in.

Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed the vibrant stalls, chatting with vendors and picking out unique gifts for their loved ones. The sense of togetherness was palpable, with laughter and cheerful conversations echoing throughout the venue.

The Festive Christmas Market and Bake Sale at St. Mary Church was a resounding success, bringing the community closer together and spreading holiday cheer. It was a perfect example of how the spirit of the season can be celebrated with love, joy, and generosity.

Light Has Come: Reflections on the Birth of Christ at Advent Bible Study

This week’s Advent Bible Study concluded the season with a focus on the birth of Christ and the fulfillment of God’s greatest promise to humanity (Luke 2:1-20). As we are about to celebrate the arrival of Jesus, we reflect on themes of joy, hope, and light breaking through darkness.

The session began with a prayer of gratitude, inviting God’s presence as we meditated on the significance of Christ’s birth. Participants reflected on the humble circumstances of Jesus’ arrival in Bethlehem—a stable, a manger, and the quiet wonder of shepherds receiving the news from the angels. This simple yet profound event revealed God’s heart for the lowly and His desire for all people to receive His love and salvation.

Through discussion, we explored how the shepherds’ immediate response to the angelic announcement serves as a model for our own faith journey. Their willingness to seek the newborn Savior and spread the good news reminds us to actively share the hope and light of Christ with those around us. We also reflected on the peace proclaimed by the angels, a peace that transcends circumstances and brings reconciliation between God and humanity.

As we wrapped up our time together, we looked forward with excitement to resuming our Bible studies on January 7. Until then, may the joy, hope, and peace of Christ’s birth remain with us, inspiring us to be His light in a world that needs His love.

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

It is that time of the year again to remind our dear parishioners and friends of their dues and pledges to St. Mary Armenian Church.

As a reminder, the dues are $250 per person and $500 per family and are due by December 31, 2024.

We depend on our faithful donors and their monetary contributions. Your membership dues not only ensure your voting privileges during our annual assembly but also shows your commitment to your church. Your support enables us to continue our mission of preaching the Word of God, reaching out to our community, and bringing the rich and wonderful blessings of our heritage and identity to all for the glory of God.

We thank you for your generous past support and hope you will continue your commitment to your church.

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.

Unearthing Armenia’s Ancient Christian Past

The online version of Smithsonian Magazine (the official journal of Washington, DC’s Smithsonian Institution) recently featured news of an archaeological dig that has uncovered one of the oldest Christian churches in the world.

The exciting discovery was made in Armenia, in the history-rich region of Artashat—known anciently as Artaxata. Khor Virab, the monastic complex associated with the imprisonment of St. Gregory the Illuminator, lies a few miles to the south of the site, with Holy Etchmiadzin about 20 miles to the north.

The excavated church is described as “an octagon with cross-shaped extensions,” which appears to combine elements of the eight-sided structures seen in Mediterranean churches, with the cruciform shape pioneered by Armenia’s early church architects. The image above is a digitally-enhanced reconstruction, showing the original shape of the church’s now-eroded foundation walls.

Radiocarbon analysis of wooden elements at the site date the church to A.D. 350, placing it within a generation or two of Armenia’s conversion to Christianity in 301. That dating also designates the site as one of the oldest Christian churches on record.

Interestingly, buildings specially designated as Christian worship centers were not known in the Apostolic Age (when the faith first penetrated Armenia), nor in the periods of Christian persecution that followed. The world’s oldest structure purposely built as a Christian church is in Aqaba, Jordan, erected between 293 and 303; the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, date to the late 320s.

The ongoing excavation in Artashat is being undertaken by a joint German-Armenian team of researchers from the University of Münster and the Armenian National Academy of Sciences. According to a statement by the archaeologists, the site’s octagonal footprint measures nearly 100 feet across, laid with a “simple mortar floor and terracotta tiles.” The scientists added that while the eight-sided church shape has been unknown in Armenia until now, the octagon has a long history as a Christian symbol, evoking the number of days that passed between Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem (on Palm Sunday) and His resurrection (on Easter).

Click the following link to read more on the Smithsonian Magazine website.

And in this season of Christ’s birth, take a moment to reflect on the depth of loving conviction that inspired our ancient Armenian ancestors to embrace and worship the Lord Jesus Christ.

Your Support of the Bishop’s Annual Appeal Makes a Difference!

Connecting with Parishes. Inspiring the Youth. Advancing Our Mission. Witnessing to the World.

These four actions lie at the heart of the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. Its purpose—the purpose of all of the Eastern Diocese’s efforts—is to support the blessed mission of our Armenian Church: to shine the Light of our Lord on the Armenian community, from our youngest to our eldest members.

With your generous support, the Bishop’s Annual Appeal will continue to provide vital services to local parishes; train the next generation of teachers; support youth groups and programs; represent our culture, history, and faith on the world stage; and continue our church’s mission of spreading the Gospel of our Lord.

“It’s your support, your prayers, your involvement that keep our ministries thriving!” Bishop Mesrop says. “Your generosity is a gift from God. And it’s making a difference!”

Please consider making an online contribution today to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.

Click the following link to DONATE NOW on our secure server.

FAR NEWS

Take FAR’s Online Community Survey

​As the humanitarian aid, development, and charitable arm of the Eastern Diocese, the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) works in partnership with our parishes to run impactful, transparent programs that empower Armenians in our homeland.

To better understand the needs of our parish communities, and to gauge awareness of its initiatives, FAR is conducting an online survey. We encourage you to take a few minutes to share your thoughts and help FAR to advance its mission.

Click the following link to take part in FAR’s short community survey.

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 22 Shorhali School Christmas Party

December 31 New Year's Eve Celebration at Bethesda Marriott Hotel at 7 pm

January 4 St. Mary Women's Guild Christmas Party, meeting and election in the Church Hall at 10:30 am

January 6 Ararat Avak Society Christmas Luncheon in the Church Hall at 1 pm

January 12 Shnorhali School's Christmas Handes

9 Այս առակն էլ ասաց ոմանց, ովքեր իրենց ներսում պարծենում էին, թէ արդար են, եւ արհամարհում էին ուրիշ շատերին: 10 «Երկու մարդ տաճար ելաւ աղօթքի կանգնելու. մէկը՝ փարիսեցի, միւսը՝ մաքսաւոր: 11 Փարիսեցին կանգնած էր մեկուսի եւ ինքն իրեն այս աղօթքն էր ասում. "Աստուա՛ծ իմ, շնորհակալ եմ քեզնից, որ ես նման չեմ ուրիշ մարդկանց, ինչպէս յափշտակողները, անիրաւներն ու շնացողները եւ կամ ինչպէս այս մաքսաւորը. 12 այլ շաբաթը երկու անգամ ծոմ եմ պահում եւ տասանորդ եմ տալիս իմ ամբողջ եկամտից": 13 Իսկ մաքսաւորը կանգնած էր մեկուսի եւ չէր իսկ կամենում իր աչքերը երկինք բարձրացնել, այլ ծեծում էր կուրծքը եւ ասում. "Աստուա՛ծ, ների՛ր ինձ՝ մեղաւորիս": 14 Ասում եմ ձեզ. սա՛ իջաւ իր տունը արդարացած, ոչ թէ՝ միւսը. ով որ բարձրացնում է իր անձը, կխոնարհուի, եւ ով որ խոնարհեցնում է իր անձը, կբարձրացուի»

 (Ղուկաս 18.9-14)

9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.' 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' 14 I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."

(Luke 18:9-14)

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