March 15

TOP STORY   

Beginnings and Endings: The Sunday of the Advent

Early in our journey through Great Lent, we observed the Sunday of the Expulsion, which retold the story of mankind's first disobedience, our exile from paradise, and the beginning of humanity's long history of separation from God.

In a nice expression of symmetry and resolution, Lent concludes with the Sunday of the Advent (March 17): that is, the coming of Jesus Christ, through whom God entered human history and restored what had been lost in exile from Eden.

The Advent calls to mind the birth and revelation of our Savior, his subsequent sacrifice for mankind, and his victory over sin and death. As the last Sunday of Lent, this day is especially devoted to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, reminding us that he is our eternal Lord and King. Just as everything once began with God, so too will everything one day end with Him. 

Please join us every Wednesday at 7:00 PM throughout Lent for

Spiritual Journey Toward Easter: Lenten Worship Service, Spiritual Discussion, and Lenten Dinner.



To see the 2024 Lenten Series flyer, click here.

March 17, 2024

SUNDAY

SCHEDULE

Morning Service 

10:00 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:30 AM

Celebrant

Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan 

Usher

Mrs. Sara Arabian

Parish Council Members on Duty

Mr. Vazrik Nishanian

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings:

Isaiah 66:1-24

Colossians 2:8-3:17

Matthew22:34-23:39

HOKEHANKIST

REQUIEM SERVICE

For the Soul of :

Satenik Arakelian (40 days)

Requested by:

Armineh & Gilbert Stepanian, Huguette & Gilbert Moscotelli

For the Soul of :

Garbis Sivasli (40 days)

Requested by:

Sivaslian and Koseian families

For the Soul of :

Julietta Martirosyan (2 years)

Requested by:

Nelly Martirosyan

Hospitality Table is Hosted by:

Stepanian and Moscotelli Families

Prayer of the Week

O Lord, send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling. Then I will go to the altar of God, and I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God.

   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. Amen.

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

Reflecting on the Divine: A Lenten Journey at St. Mary with the ACYOA

On March 9, St. Mary opened its doors to host a spiritually enriching Lenten Retreat for its ACYOA members. This year's retreat, under the theme "Who is Jesus? Exploring His 7 I AM Statements," offered a deep dive into the profound identity and teachings of Jesus Christ, fostering a closer relationship with Him during the Lenten season.

Two members of the ACYOA Central Council, Andrew Yenicag and Jacqueline Russell, guided the retreat. They traveled to Washington, D.C., to share their wisdom and insights. Their dedication to nurturing the faith and fellowship among the youth was deep, turning the day into a memorable spiritual journey.

Eleven ACYOA members of St. Mary participated in this year's retreat. The day was structured around the exploration of the seven "I AM" statements of Jesus, found in the Gospel of John, which are central to understanding His divine nature and mission. Through interactive sessions, reflective discussions, and prayer, participants delved into the meaning behind these powerful declarations, such as "I am the bread of life," and "I am the light of the world," seeking to understand not only the historical Jesus but also His enduring presence and influence in their lives today.

The retreat wasn't just an academic or theological exercise; it was a day filled with moments of personal reflection, communal prayer, and shared experiences. It was a time to pause, reflect, and pray together, reinforcing the bond of faith that connects each member to the other and to the larger body of Christ.

Reflecting and Connecting: The Fifth Lenten Service at St. Mary

On the evening of Wednesday, March 13, the St. Mary community convened for its fifth Lenten service, marking another significant moment in their seasonal journey of reflection and fellowship. This service began with the Rest Hour prayer, setting a contemplative tone for the evening.

The highlight of the evening was an interesting reflection offered by Sub. Dn. Sevan Topjian, titled "Witness through testimony, - then and now." In his meditation, Sub. Dn. Sevan eloquently discussed the pivotal role of Christian testimonies. He explored not just their historical significance but also illuminated their relevance in contemporary life, urging the community to live out their faith through authentic testimony in today's world.

The sense of community and shared purpose was further strengthened by a dinner hosted by the St. Mary Shnorhali School. This gathering wasn't just about sharing a meal; it was an embodiment of the Lenten spirit of generosity and unity. Such occasions remind everyone of the importance of coming together, supporting one another, and reinforcing the communal bonds that are so essential during the Lenten period.

Adding to the evening's enrichment, Mr. Aris Martirosian shared insights about Camp Nubar, highlighting the opportunities it presents for the youth of the community to engage and participate. His words served as an encouragement for the younger members to embrace these communal activities, which foster growth and connection within the faith.

Everyone is warmly encouraged to participate in these Wednesday services at 7:00 pm as we journey together through this sacred season, enriching our faith and strengthening our communal ties.

ACYOA Juniors Lenten Good Deed

After Badarak March 10th, the teens of St Mary Church met in the kitchen to make sack lunches for people in need.  The teens had a wonderful time of fellowship, made new friends, and served the local community. The group made sandwiches and packed small bags with cookies, pretzels, and fruit.  The food was delivered to the Small Things Matter nonprofit in Maryland https://smallthingsmatter.org/ which distributed them.  Many thanks to the parents for providing the supplies, and to Katie Kumkumian for organizing this meaningful event for the ACYOA Juniors. 

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? … “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’    Matthew 25: 37, 40

Join us for ACYOA Sunday!

Held every Palm Sunday, the purpose of ACYOA Day is to focus attention on the vitality of the ACYOA, its members, its accomplishments, and its role in the local parish community. Come join the ACYOA Juniors and Seniors this Palm Sunday, March 24th, for a special coffee hour and short program, highlighting some of the group's recent activities and inspirational moments. Donations will support the programs of the local ACYOA Juniors (12-18 years old) and ACYOA Seniors (college to age 30) chapters.  

Opportunity to do a Lenten Good Deed!

The annual Shnorhali School Lenten Good Deed is underway and the entire church is invited to participate by bringing small toys to the collection box by the office. 

The toys will be used to entertain children ages 4-16, pre- and post-surgery. These children will be getting Cleft Lip/Palate operations in developing countries, via Operation Smile (OperationSmile.org).   



DONATION LIST

·        New/Gently Used Small Toys (6 inches or smaller)

·        Blowing Bubbles (non-toxic)

·        Pipe Cleaners for crafts

·        Small Balls (tennis ball size or smaller)

·        Sidewalk Chalk

·        Crayons, Colored Pencils/Markers

·        Coloring Books

·        Small Watercolor Paint Sets with Brush

·        UNO or Playing Cards

·        Stickers

VOLUNTEER CORNER

We extend our utmost gratitude and appreciation to Harout Tchekrekjian and Kevork Tashjian for their generosity and time dedicated to upgrading the Audio-Visual system in our church's cultural hall. We are looking forward to future events where the system will be put to good use. As always, sharing your skills, talents, and time in support of our beloved church is your testament and witness to your faith. We welcome you all and look forward to seeing you and worshipping together.

DIOCESAN & OTHER NEWS

Clergy of Mid-Atlantic & NY/NJ Regions Gather for Lent

On March 12-13, Diocesan clergy of the Mid-Atlantic and New York-New Jersey regions held a two-day Lenten Retreat. It was the second such retreat of the season, presided over by Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan.

Some 14 pastors representing parishes in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, and North Carolina, came together at the peaceful St. Alphonso Center in Long Branch, NJ.

Once again, the clergy were graced by the presence and wisdom of Bishop Armash Nalbandian, the Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Damascus, who has been leading instructional discussions at each of the clergy retreats this season.

As with last week’s New England gathering, this retreat focused on the dual aspect of pastoral ministry, addressing the challenges priests face, their capacity to be sources of comfort within their communities, and the importance of nurturing their own spiritual well-being.

“One of the highlights was our evening at St. Stepanos Church in Elberon, NJ,” said Bishop Mesrop, “where we engaged in heartfelt worship. This was followed by a Lenten dinner graciously hosted by Der Daniel and Yn. Mariam Karadjian, during which we celebrated yeretsgin’s birthday.”

He added: “I am grateful for another opportunity to connect with my brother clergy. These moments of fellowship and shared spirituality are crucial reminders of the strength we find in our faith and in each other.”

The third Lenten Retreat, bringing together Diocesan clergy of the Midwest region, is scheduled for next week. Click here to view photos of this week’s gathering.

Women's Day Donation Match 

In honor of Women’s Month, FAR's Ayo! platform has joined forces with the Gyumri Information Technologies Center (GITC) to empower 35 #WomenInTech. GITC’s mission is to leverage technology education to provide long-term employment opportunities in the impoverished Shirak region. Currently, the center is equipping single mothers and displaced women from Artsakh based in Gyumri with the skills they need to enter the workforce. All donations of up to $500 made to the #WomenInTech project on Friday, March 8, will be matched by Linda and Carl Bazarian! Learn more through the link below and check out the new feature which allows you to indicate your parish and see your congregation’s collective impact: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/ayoisyou/

Diocesan Resources to Enrich Your Experience of Lent

To help our faithful realize a more meaningful experience of Great Lent, the Eastern Diocese has created a number of resources—available online, in print, and through our local parishes.

An online discussion series is meeting each week of Lent, as part of the Diocesan Ministries department’s VEMKAR digital ministries program. The sessions meet Tuesday evenings through March 19, at 7 p.m. EST, over the Zoom video platform. Click the following link to find the schedule of speakers and topics, and find details on how to join. View recordings of the presentations so far by clicking here.

Also, the Diocese has published a beautiful resource for families and parishes: a Lenten Family Calendar, to guide young people day by day through the spiritual journey of Lent. Click here to download the digital file, or pick up a hard copy at your local parish.

Additional Lenten resources for children, youth, and adults can be found on the VEMKAR website.

The Diocesan website and Facebook page are frequently updated with thought-provoking essays, images, and information on the theme of Lent—like last Friday’s “art history” journey through depictions of the Prodigal Son.

Lenten Retreats for young adults have been organized by the ACYOA in several regions of the Diocese. And Lenten Clergy Retreats are ongoing throughout the season.

In addition, many Diocesan parishes are holding Lenten services and lectures throughout the coming weeks. Scan the Calendar listings below, or check with your local parish for details.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Transportation is available departing from St. Mary Armenian Chruch at 4 pm. Please call the church office at 202-363-1923 by March 19 to RSVP.

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.

March 16 Jingalov Hats Workshop @ 11 a.m.

March 17 Jingalov Hats Sale after Badarak

March 20 Lenten Worship Service and Spiritual Discussion @ 7 p.m.

March 21 Armenian Christian and Culture Lecture Series at Catholic University @ 5 p.m (Transportation from St. Mary Church will be provided)

March 24 Palm Sunday & W.G. Easter Bake Sale after Badarak

March 31 Easter Sunday

April 13 Ararat Avak Society Spring Luncheon

April 24 Feast of the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide

May 9 Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ

May 17, 18,19 Spring Food Festival

June 8 Dinner Dance with Bartev

ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH WED EDUCATIONAL

FUND SCHOLARSHIP

Application for the WED Educational Fund Scholarship is now available at St. Mary's website www.stmaryaac.org. The application deadline for the 2024-2025 academic year is

May 31, 2024.

Click here to access the scholarship application. If you have questions, contact the St. Mary Church office at stmarychurchdc@gmail.com

34 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" 37 And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.".

41 Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, 42 sayings, "What do you think about Christ? Whose son is he?" They said to him, "The son of David." 43 He said to them, "How is it then that David, in the Spirit, calls him Lord, saying, 44 "'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet"'?

45 If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?" 46 And no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.

 23 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, 3 so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach but do not practice.4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their fingers. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6 and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues 7 and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers.9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Matthew 22:34-23:39

34Իսկ փարիսեցիները երբ լսեցին, թէ նա պապանձեցրեց սադուկեցիներին, ի մի հաւաքուեցին. 35եւ նրանցից մէկը նրան փորձելով՝ հարցրեց ու ասաց. 36«Վարդապե՛տ, Օրէնքի մէջ ո՞ր պատուիրանն է մեծ»։ 37Եւ Յիսուս նրան ասաց. «Պիտի սիրես քո Տէր Աստծուն քո ամբողջ սրտով, քո ամբողջ հոգով ու քո ամբողջ մտքով։ 38Այս է մեծը եւ առաջին պատուիրանը. 39եւ երկրորդը սրա նման է. Պիտի սիրես քո ընկերոջը, ինչպէս քո անձը։ 40Այս երկու պատուիրաններից են կախուած ամբողջ Օրէնքը եւ մարգարէները»։41Եւ երբ փարիսեցիները հաւաքուեցին, Յիսուս նրանց հարցրեց ու ասաց. 42«Ի՞նչ կարծիք ունէք Քրիստոսի մասին, ո՞ւմ որդին է»։Նրան ասացին՝ Դաւթի։ 43Յիսուս նրանց ասաց. «Իսկ Դաւիթն ինչպէ՞ս նրան Սուրբ Հոգով կոչում է Տէր եւ ասում է. 44«Տէրն իմ տիրոջն ասաց՝ նստի՛ր իմ աջ կողմում, մինչեւ որ քո թշնամիներին դնեմ քո ոտքերի տակ իբրեւ պատուանդան»։ 45Իսկ եթէ Դաւիթը նրան Տէր է կոչում, ինչպէ՞ս նրա որդին կը լինի»։ 46Եւ ոչ ոք նրան մի բառ պատասխան չկարողացաւ տալ։ Եւ այդ օրուանից ոչ ոք չէր համարձակւում նրան մի որեւէ բան հարցնել։ 23 Այն ժամանակ Յիսուս խօսեց ժողովրդին եւ իր աշակերտներին ու ասաց. 2«Մովսէսի աթոռի վրայ նստեցին օրէնսգէտներն ու փարիսեցիները. 3ամէն ինչ, որ նրանք ձեզ ասեն,արէ՛ք եւ պահեցէ՛ք, բայց մի՛ արէք ըստ նրանց գործերի, քանի որ ասում են,բայց չեն անում։ 4Ծանր ու դժուարակիր բեռներ են կապում եւ դնում մարդկանց ուսերի վրայ, բայց իրենց մատով անգամ չեն կամենում շարժել դըրանք։ 5Եւ իրենց բոլոր գործերն անում են՝ ի ցոյց մարդկանց.լայնացնում են իրենց գրապանակները եւ երկարացնում են իրենց զգեստների ծոպերը։ 6Սիրում են ընթրիքների ժամանակ պատուոյ տեղերը,ժողովարաններում՝ նախապատիւ աթոռները եւ հրապարակներում ողջոյններ առնել 7ու մարդկանցից կոչուել՝ ռաբբի, որ նշանակում է ուսուցիչ։ 8Բայց դուք որեւէ մէկին ուսուցիչ մի՛ կոչէք, որովհետեւ ձեր ուսուցիչը մէկ է, եւ դուք բոլորդ եղբայրներ էք։ 9Եւ երկրի վրայ ոչ մէկին ձեզ հայր մի՛ կոչէք, որովհետեւ մէ՛կ է ձեր Հայրը, որ երկնքում է։ 10Եւ ուսուցիչներ չկոչուէք, որովհետեւ Քրիստոս է ձեր ուսուցիչը։ 11Եւ ձեզնից մեծը ձեր սպասաւորը պիտի լինի։ 12Ով իր անձը բարձրացնում է, կխոնարհուի. եւ ով խոնարհեցնում է իր անձը, կբարձրանայ.

Մաթէոսի 22:34-23:39

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