March 28

TOP STORY   

Holy Week and Easter Schedule



Thursday, March 28 - GREAT AND HOLY THURSDAY: The day's services memorialize the Last Supper, Jesus' vigil in the Garden of Gethsemane, His arrest and trial. 

• Holy Badarak 6:00 PM
• Washing of the Feet 7:15 PM
• Betrayal and Passion of our Lord 8:00 PM

Friday, March 29 - GREAT AND HOLY FRIDAY: The Crucifixion and Burial of Christ will be marked with two services:

• The Order of the Crucifixion of Christ 12:30 PM 
• Order of the Entombment of the Lord 7:00 PM

Saturday, March 30 - GREAT AND HOLY SATURDAY: The Evening Service and Scripture-reading will begin at 6:00 PM, followed by the Jrakalouyts ("Lamp-Lighting") service at 7:00 PM

Sunday, March 31 - EASTER SUNDAY: The central holy day of the Christian calendar, commemorating the discovery of Christ's empty tomb and the news of His Resurrection. 

• Morning Service 9:30 AM
• Holy Badarak 10:30 AM
• Antasdan Service 12:00 Noon

We thank you for your continued support by making an Easter Youghakin Donation to St. Mary. The link below is for your convenience to "keep the lamps of our Church burning brightly."

St. Mary Parish Council and Der Hayr would like to thank all those who contributed towards the Easter Lilies and Yughakin Donations, supporting our church during this difficult time.

We also express our gratitude to Hermine Khachatoorian for her continued support and generosity in providing the Palm Leaves, Sara Arabian for making the crosses from Palm leaves, Nishanian family for donating altar flowers on Palm Sunday in memory of their brother Shunt Apram Nishanian, and Patricia Yeghisian for donating altar flowers for Easter Sunday in memory of her grandmothers Shahantookht Yeghissian and Marie Bahadurian. 

March 31, 2024

SUNDAY

SCHEDULE

Morning Service 

9:30 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:30 AM

Celebrant

Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan 

Usher

All Ushers

Parish Council Members on Duty

All Parish Council Members

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings:

Acts 1:15-26

Mark 16:2-8

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

We rejoice for the Good News of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who has been the fruit and the first born of all that have fallen asleep. He has destroyed the gates of hell, and loosed the tyranny of death; and he gave us the firm hope of the renewal of life for all men.

    In faith let us ask of our Savior Jesus Christ that he may please to make us worthy of his resurrection, and to transform our lowly body into the likeness of his glorious Body. For the very God, Jesus Christ our Lord, has promised to grant this great and ineffable gift to them that love him. Amen.

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

St. Mary ACYOA Celebrates Palm Sunday 

On March 24th, the ACYOA members at St. Mary's Parish marked Palm Sunday with a memorable celebration in the parish hall, embodying the spirit of community and faith. The event, organized by both the Senior and Junior ACYOA members, commenced in the sanctuary, where the newly elected officials and members of ACYOA were blessed by Der Hovsep during a special prayer service after Badarak.

Transitioning to the church hall, parishioners and friends gathered to honor the vibrancy and dedication of the youth within our church. A special program shed light on the achievements and future aspirations of St. Mary’s ACYOA, showcasing the impact of their activities and the vision they hold for further enriching our community.

The event was made possible through the unwavering support of Becky Baghdasarian, and the generous help of parents and volunteers, whose efforts in organizing the coffee hour and program demonstrated the collective commitment of our community to support and celebrate the endeavors of our youth. Their participation and support underscore the collaborative spirit that drives our parish, making such enriching events possible.

Special thanks to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and resources to make this Palm Sunday a day of joy, reflection, and communal celebration. Your dedication ensures that the legacy of the ACYOA continues to thrive, nurturing the faith and leadership skills of our young Armenians for years to come.

Shnorhali Students Embrace The Spirit of Palm Sunday

In commemorating Jesus's triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Shnorhali School students embarked on a poignant journey to celebrate Palm Sunday. This journey allowed them to deeply connect with the significance of the day, fostering a profound spiritual connection as Holy Week unfolds and Easter approaches.

In adherence to the rich traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Church, our students participated in "The Blessing of the Youth" service. Under the guidance of Der Hovsep, they received the message and blessing, emphasizing the importance of their faith journey. This moment prompted reflection and inspiring contemplation of Jesus Christ's teachings.

Following the blessing, our students engaged in a procession, holding palm leaves in reverence and victory of Christ.

Through their participation, our students honored timeless traditions and embraced the enduring spirit of Palm Sunday. As Holy Week progresses, may the lessons have learned, and the blessings received guide us toward a deeper understanding of the divine grace that permeates our lives. In the footsteps of Jesus's triumphant entry into Jerusalem, may we, too, embark on a journey of spiritual renewal and redemption, fortified by the teachings of love, compassion, and humility.

Palm Sunday Bake Sale: A Sweet Success by St. Mary Women's Guild

This Easter season, the women of St. Mary Women's Guild have outdone themselves in spreading joy and sweetness, one baked good at a time. With their sleeves rolled up and ovens preheated, these dedicated women embarked on a mission to make Palm Sunday even more special with their annual Bake Sale.

The bake sale was a heartwarming showcase of homemade delights, each baked with love and perfection. From traditional favorites to newer additions, the variety ensured there was something to satisfy every sweet tooth. The sale's success was not just in the joy it brought to those who indulged in the baked goods but also in the spirit of community and giving it fostered.

Special thanks to Rubic Movsessian of Classic Bakery. The donation of Katas and Choreks, each a masterpiece of Armenian baking, added an authentic flavor to the sale, connecting tradition with the spirit of Easter giving.

The bake sale is set to make a return on Easter Sunday, promising another opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate, and support the Guild's efforts. These baked goods, perfect as Easter gifts, symbolize the warmth and generosity that define the holiday season.

A heartfelt thank you goes to the St. Mary Women's Guild members, whose hard work and dedication have made this event possible. Their efforts in baking and donating these delightful treats exemplify the true essence of community spirit and holiday giving.



As we look forward to the upcoming sale on Easter Sunday, let's remember the joy of giving and the sweetness of community. 

Illuminating Lecture on Women and Power in Medieval Armenia at CUA

The Catholic University of America hosted an enlightening lecture titled "Women and Power in Medieval Armenia: Between Local Dynasties and Eurasian Empires" by Professor Zara Pogossian on March 21.

Professor Pogossian, a renowned specialist in medieval Armenia, captivated attendees with stories of elite Armenian women like Sophia, an Artsruni noblewoman who left her mark on the Gndevank‘ monastery in Syunik‘. Through her lecture, Pogossian explored the vital economic, cultural, and political influence wielded by these women, challenging traditional historiography and highlighting their contributions beyond mere dynastic ties.

With her extensive research on Armenia's role in Eurasian connectivities and female asceticism, Professor Pogossian's insights provided a deeper understanding of the power dynamics and cultural encounters in medieval Eurasia. This lecture was not only a journey through Armenia's rich history but also a celebration of its women's enduring legacy.

This lecture was graciously sponsored by our parishioner, Dean Shaninian, as part of the Grace and Paul Shahinian Armenian Christian Art and Culture Lecture Series, in memory of his beloved parents. 

St. Mary Annual Armenian Spring Food Festival

Dear Parishioners,



St. Mary is preparing for its 2024 Spring Food Festival, and we are seeking your participation. The workshops are an opportunity to learn how to make traditional Armenian food and learn from our culinary experts in these classic dishes.

Please click on the link below to complete the volunteer form, if you would like to participate in any of the workshops. 

We look forward to hearing from you.

DIOCESAN & OTHER NEWS

A Living Hope: Bishop Mesrop’s Easter Message

In his Easter message, Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan considers Christ’s Resurrection, and sees in it a “Living Hope” that that gives meaning to history—and to our own lives.

Bishop Mesrop writes: “Christ’s Resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith: the beacon of hope that illuminates life in the darkest of times. It’s the divine assurance that there is always the promise of renewal and redemption—no matter what we face in this life.”

“When you’re struggling with your job; when you’re facing challenges in your relationships; when you’re battling illness or despair—at every low and high point in life, the power of Christ’s resurrection is a constant source of strength, hope, and new beginnings.”

“The real question every human being must face,” the Primate affirms, “is whether or not to accept the power of the Resurrection, by accepting Christ’s sacrifice.”

Click here to read the Primate’s Easter message, in English and Armenian.

And throughout the coming days, please share the message of Easter with your loved ones: Krisdos haryav ee merelots!

Help Our Cathedral Project Soar!

Readers of this newsletter are aware that our Diocese is undertaking a major project to restore and renovate the great edifice that unites our community of faith: St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral.

Our beloved Diocesan cathedral currently stands under a network of scaffolding, as exterior restoration work moves forward. This first phase is making desperately-needed repairs to the structure’s limestone facing and roof.

This week, as seen here, Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan carefully climbed the scaffolding to offer a prayer at the summit of the cathedral, beside its gold dome.

A renovation of the interior will follow in subsequent phases. In the meantime, St. Vartan Cathedral remains open for worship, candle-lighting, and visits of prayer—and it will be especially active during this week’s Holy Week and Easter celebrations.

The cathedral restoration committee remains hard at work raising the necessary funds and creating resources to inform and involve the public—including an attractive website titled “Renewing the Vision, Cementing the Future,” where people can learn more about the project and watch its progress.

Click the links below to access the StVartan.org website and watch a promotional video. Above all, spread the word about this critical effort to restore the grandeur and structural integrity of our Diocese’s mother sanctuary, the crowning jewel of the Armenian Church in America: our beautiful St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral.

Click the links below to:

• VISIT the Cathedral Project website.
• WATCH the promotional video.
• MAKE A GIFT to the Cathedral Restoration Project.

Resuming Easter Traditions, Thanks to FAR

Thanks to the Fund for Armenian Relief’s “Child Health and Nutrition Project,” kindergartners in Armenia’s Aragatsotn region receive a daily, hearty lunch at school.

But this week, they’ll enjoy an extra-special meal, including Easter baskets, to celebrate the Feast of Christ’s Resurrection.

Many of the precious young souls benefitting from the FAR project have been newly integrated into the region, following their displacement last September from Artsakh. For these children, the coming Easter celebration is a welcome return to the familiar outlines of their former lives. One eager child said she is especially looking forward to an Easter egg-cracking contest. “Back home, we would love cooking the hard-boiled eggs, coloring the shells, and then cracking them against each other to see which is the strongest,” she said.

The daily meals at school are a vital factor in the physical and emotional recovery of such children—especially after having endured so many months of hardship, including the nearly year-long blockade of Artsakh. FAR’s support to the schools is a lifeline for them and their parents.

Learn more about this project, and contribute toward the effort to sustain the next generation, on FAR’s website. The board and staff of the Fund for Armenian Relief wish everyone a joyful and peaceful Easter.

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.

March 31 Easter Sunday, Women's Guild Easter Bake Sale

April 13 Vahan Artsruni Duo Concert

April 21 Martyrs' Day Commemoration - Shnorhali School Program

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

Եւ կիրակի օրը, առաւօտեան, արեւածագին եկան գերեզման: Եւ ասում էին միմեանց. «Քարը գերեզմանի դռնից մեզ համար ո՞վ պիտի գլորի»: Եւ նայեցին ու տեսան, որ գերեզմանից քարը գլորուած էր. եւ այն շատ մեծ էր: Եւ ներս, գերեզման մտնելով՝ տեսան մի երիտասարդի, որ նստած էր աջ կողմը՝ սպիտակ պատմուճան հագած. եւ զարհուրեցին: Եւ նա ասաց նրանց. «Մի՛ վախեցէք, դուք Յիսուսին էք փնտրում՝ խաչուած Նազովրեցուն. նա յարութիւն առաւ, այստեղ չէ: Ահաւասիկ այն տեղը, ուր նրան դրել էին: Բայց գնացէք ասացէ՛ք նրա աշակերտներին եւ Պետրոսին, թէ՝ ահա նա ձեզնից առաջ գնում է Գալիլիա. այնտե՛ղ կը տեսնէք նրան, ինչպէս ձեզ ասել էր»: Եւ երբ այս լսեցին, ելան ու փախան գերեզմանից, քանի որ սարսափահար էին եղել. եւ ոչ ոքի բան չասացին, որովհետեւ վախենում էին: Մարկոս 16:2-8

And very early on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?" And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back; --it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you." And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

 Mark 16:2-8

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