March 22

TOP STORY   

Open the Door to Palm Sunday and Holy Week

On March 24th, Armenian Churches worldwide will observe Palm Sunday, the feast of Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week—the sacred commemoration of the dramatic events leading to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, his victory over death, and the redemption of humanity and the fallen world. The church re-enacts these episodes in the days leading up to Easter.

In the Armenian Church, Palm Sunday is the occasion for a ceremony that will hold special symbolic meaning for many worshippers after enduring more than a year of isolation under the pandemic restrictions. On this day, the altar curtain, which remained closed throughout Great Lent, will be re-opened with the special Turen-Patzek (“door-opening”) service. Click here to view a Bread & Salt video episode about this meaningful service, titled “Doors of Mercy.”

The days that immediately precede and follow Palm Sunday feature services that resonate with Bible stories recounting the final days of Christ’s earthly ministry.

After Badarak, a Palm Sunday Hospitality Table will be sponsored by St. Mary ACYOA.

To see the 2024 Holy Week and Easter Schedule, click here.

Holy Week and Easter Schedule

Sunday, March 24 - PALM SUNDAY - The entrance of our Lord to Jerusalem.

• Morning Service 10:00 AM
• Holy Badarak 10:30 AM
• Opening of Doors Service 12:00 noon
• ACYOA Lunch-Program 1:00 PM

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."

March 24, 2024

SUNDAY

SCHEDULE

Morning Service 

10:00 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:



Song 1:1-2:3

Zec. 9:9-15

Phil. 4:4-7

Matthew 20:29-21:17

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

Open to us, O Lord, the door of your mercy, and make us worthy of your dwellings of light together with your saints. Receive us also, O Savior, into your mansions prepared for your saints, and inscribe our names in the Book of Life. O formidable judge, when you sit in the judgment seat, spare your creatures through the intercession and prayers of the holy ascetics.

  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.

  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

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.  

Reflecting on Our Final Lenten Journey

On the evening of Wednesday, March 20, our parish community gathered for the sixth and concluding session of our Lenten Service series. This year's theme, "Be My Witnesses," has guided us through a spiritual journey toward a deeper understanding of our faith and our roles as witnesses of God's love and grace. The final service began with the Peace Hour, setting the perfect tone for what was to be a profound continuation of our Lenten reflections.

Following the service, we were honored to have Dr. Anna Amirkhanyan share her insights and meditations on "Preparing to Witness in Holy Week." Dr. Amirkhanyan, with her depth of knowledge and spiritual sensitivity, encapsulated the essence of our Lenten theme, engaging every heart and mind in attendance. Her presentation was a beautiful meditation that invited us to ponder deeply on what it means to prepare ourselves to be witnesses to the events of Holy Week and the glorious Resurrection.

Dr. Amirkhanyan underscored the significance of Holy Week in the Christian journey, reminding us that being witnesses is not merely about observing from the sidelines. Instead, it involves an active preparation of our hearts and minds to fully comprehend and embrace the profound mysteries of our faith. She eloquently detailed how the Holy Week leads us into the heart of the Christian narrative, allowing us to experience the sorrow and joy, the suffering, and ultimately, the triumph of Easter. Her reflections left us inspired and more deeply connected to our faith and to each other, as we were reminded of the transformative power of witnessing the love and salvation offered through Christ's passion, death, and resurrection.

The evening was further enriched by the wonderful dinner hosted by St. Mary's Ararat Avak Society and Gift Stor members. The delicious meal provided an opportunity for fellowship and gratitude, allowing us to share in the joy and community spirit that characterizes our church family. It was a fitting end to our Lenten series, encapsulating the warmth and togetherness that have been evident throughout our journey this Lent.

As we move forward towards Holy Week and Easter, let us carry with us the insights and inspirations from our Lenten services. Let us embrace the call to "Be My Witnesses," not only in our personal spiritual journeys but in our actions and interactions with the world around us. May the lessons learned and the community spirit felt during this Lenten season continue to nourish our souls and guide our steps as we walk together towards the light of the Resurrection.

Celebrating Tradition and Community: The Jingalov Hats Workshop and Sale at St. Mary Armenian Church

This past weekend, St. Mary Armenian Church was the center of a vibrant cultural celebration, thanks to the St. Mary Women's Guild. They embarked on a culinary journey back to the roots of Armenian tradition with the Jingalov Hats workshop and sale. Held from March 16th to 17th, the event was both a cooking class and, more importantly, a testament to the dedication to preserving and sharing our rich heritage.

The workshop saw over 30 enthusiastic participants gather under one roof, eager to learn the art of making Jingalov Hats. Artsakhtsi women, with their profound expertise and passion, provided step-by-step instructions, transforming the process into an immersive cultural experience. The participants, ranging in age and background, were united by their curiosity and love for Armenian culinary traditions.

Jingalov Hats, a traditional Artsakh flatbread pie filled with a mix of aromatic herbs and greens, is more than just a dish; it's a symbol of Artsakh's rich cultural landscape. The workshop aimed to teach more than the mere technique of preparing this delicacy. It was about connecting with the land and experiencing the Armenian communal spirit that cooking and sharing a meal can foster.

On Sunday, the fruits of this labor were joyfully shared with the wider community. Over 100 pieces of Jingalov Hats were prepared, filling the air with enticing aromas and the hearts of all present with warmth. 

The event garnered special appreciation for the St. Mary Women's Guild, Hasmik Khachatryan and Elvina Avetisyan, whose dedication made this cultural revival possible. It was a reminder of the importance of preserving our heritage and the powerful role food plays in connecting us to our roots and each other. In keeping with the spirit of Artsakh and Armenian tradition, the Jingalov Hats workshop and sale at St. Mary Armenian Church beautifully reflected what it means to come together, learn, and celebrate the rich tapestry of our heritage.

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

The Sound of Spiritual Exaltation in “Hymns of the Heart”

New York’s St. Vartan Cathedral held a stellar concert on March 15 titled “Hymns of the Heart,” honoring the 40th anniversary of the “Khorenian” setting the Armenian Divine Liturgy, and paying tribute to its distinguished composer, Maestro Khoren Mekanejian.

In 1980, His Holiness Vasken I, the late Catholicos of All Armenians, commissioned Khoren Mekanejian, at the time the choir director at Holy Etchmiadzin, to compose an original Divine Liturgy. It took the musician three years to complete the task, but when he finally achieved what Catholicos Vasken had envisioned, his liturgy became officially sanctioned for use in Armenian churches across the world, alongside only two other settings: those of Gomidas Vartabed and Makar Yekmalian.

“Hymns of the Heart” did full justice to the spiritual power of this sacred music, bringing it to life for an eager audience. Performing excerpts from the Khorenian Badarak, alongside other soulful works by the composer, was a roster of leading artists that included vocal soloists Vagharshak Ohanyan, Anoosh Barclay, Anahit Zakaryan, Hasmik Mekanejian, Alvard Mayilyan, Christopher Nazarian, and Hasmik Asatryan.

A grand professional choir was conducted by Maestro Mekanejian himself. Instrumentalists Ari Terjanian on the organ, and guest artist Alisa Saikova on the harp, offered sensitive interpretations of the maestro’s compositions.

As the artists did their work, iconic images and video were projected onto a screen behind them. At intervals the audience viewed video clips of Mekanejian’s life and work—including an interview describing his experiences composing the Khorenian liturgy.

Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan presided over the evening, and delivered his own touching tribute to the composer in closing remarks. Bishop Mesrop noted how Maestro had prayed to the Lord, and meditated deeply on the history, triumphs, and sorrows of the Armenian people, to prepare for composing each of his hymns. “Khoren summoned all of that emotion and poured it into his music,” the Primate said, “so it could be felt, and remembered, by others for all time.”

He closed by expressing his deep gratitude to Maestro Khoren, and congratulating the creative and diligent committee members who conceived and organized this tribute concert.

Click the following links to:



• READ more about the concert on the Diocesan website.
• VIEW an extensive gallery of concert photos by Harout Barsoumian.
• WATCH a video of Maestro’s recollections of composing the Khorenian Badarak.

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. 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 the upcoming Holy Week and Easter celebrations.

The cathedral restoration committee has been hard at work to raise the necessary funds and create resources to inform and involve the public. Earlier this year the committee launched an attractive website, under the title “Renewing the Vision, Cementing the Future,” where people can learn 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.

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/

Business is Buzzing, Thanks to FAR’s Encouraging Help

In Tsaghkavan village, Lusine, a 30-year-old teacher and mother of two, defied societal expectations by embracing beekeeping as both a passion and a profession. Thanks to support from the Fund for Armenian Relief’s “Start Your Business” project in 2021, Lusine received entrepreneurship training and resources, enabling her to expand her beekeeping enterprise significantly.

The impact was tangible as her honey sales increased significantly—from an average of 90,000 AMD (Armenian Dram) to about 500,000 AMD per year—and her family began to prosper. “From bees, you learn hard work, to know your place and role in life, and to know your duty,” Lusine shared.

Despite the initial skepticism she faced, Lusine’s determination and hard work propelled her to success. Her story shows the potential of empowering women in remote areas of Armenia through FAR's entrepreneurship initiative, which aims to break the cycle of poverty and foster self-reliance. With such support, women like Lusine can realize their entrepreneurial aspirations, empowering their families and communities.

Learn more about this and other FAR initiatives on the Fund for Armenian Relief website.

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 24 Palm Sunday, Women's Guild Palm Sunday and Easter Bake Sale, Palm Sunday Luncheon sponsored by St. Mary ACYOA

March 31 Easter Sunday

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

29 And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. 30 And, behold, two blind men sitting by the wayside, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. 31 And the multitude rebuked them because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. 32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you? 33 They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. 34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

21 1 And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, 2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. 3 And if any man says ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them, and straightway he will send them. 4 All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. 6 And the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them, 7 And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. 8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. 9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. 10 And when he came into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? 11 And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee. 12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, 13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves. 14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. 15 And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased, 16 And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise? 17 And he left them and went out of the city into Bethany, and he lodged there.

Matthew 20.29-21.17

29 Եւ երբ նրանք Երիքովից դուրս էին գալիս, Յիսուսի յետեւից բազում ժողովուրդ գնաց: 30 Եւ ահա երկու կոյրեր նստած էին ճանապարհի եզերքին: Երբ լսեցին, թէ Յիսուս անցնում է, աղաղակեցին ու ասացին. «Ողորմի՛ր մեզ, Յիսո՛ւս, Դաւթի՛ Որդի»: 31 Եւ ամբոխը յանդիմանեց նրանց, որ լռեն: Իսկ նրանք առաւել եւս աղաղակում էին ու ասում. «Ողորմի՛ր մեզ, Տէ՛ր, Դաւթի՛ Որդի»: 32 Յիսուս տեղում կանգ առաւ, կանչեց նրանց եւ ասաց. «Ի՞նչ էք կամենում, որ ձեզ անեմ»: 33 Նրան ասացին. «Որ մեր աչքերը բացուեն, Տէ՛ր»: 34 Եւ գթալով Յիսուս դիպաւ նրանց աչքերին, եւ նրանք իսկոյն տեսան ու գնացին նրա յետեւից: 

21 1 Երբ Երուսաղէմին մօտեցան եւ եկան Բեթփագէ՝ Ձիթենեաց լեռան մօտ, այն ժամանակ Յիսուս իր աշակերտներից երկուսին ուղարկեց ու նրանց ասաց. 2 «Գնացէ՛ք այդ գիւղը, որ ձեր դիմաց է, եւ այնտեղ կգտնէք կապուած մի էշ եւ նրա հետ՝ մի քուռակ. արձակեցէք, բերէք ինձ: 3 Եւ եթէ մէկը ձեզ բան ասի, կասէք, որ Տիրոջը պէտք են. եւ նա իսկոյն դրանք կուղարկի: 4 Բայց այս բոլորը եղաւ, որպէսզի կատարուի մարգարէի խօսքը, որ ասում է. 5 "Ասացէ՛ք Սիոնի դստերը. ահա դէպի քեզ է գալիս քո Թագաւորը՝ հեզ եւ նստած էշի ու էշի քուռակի վրայ"»: 6 Աշակերտները գնացին եւ արեցին, ինչպէս Յիսուս իրենց հրամայել էր. 7 եւ էշն ու քուռակը բերեցին, նրանց վրայ զգեստներ գցեցին. եւ նա նստեց դրանց վրայ: 8 Եւ բազում ժողովուրդ իրենց զգեստները փռեցին ճանապարհի վրայ, իսկ ուրիշներ ծառերից ճիւղեր էին կտրում ու սփռում ճանապարհի վրայ: 9 Առաջից եւ յետեւից գնացող ժողովրդի բազմութիւնը աղաղակում էր ու ասում. «Օրհնութի՜ւն Դաւթի Որդուն, օրհնեա՜լ է նա, որ գալիս է Տիրոջ անունով, օրհնութի՜ւն բարձունքներում»: 10 Եւ երբ նա մտաւ Երուսաղէմ, ամբողջ քաղաքը դղրդաց, եւ ասում էին. «Ո՞վ է սա»: 11 Իսկ ժողովրդի բազմութիւնն ասում էր. «Սա Յիսուս Մարգարէն է, որ Գալիլիայի Նազարէթ քաղաքից է»: 12 Եւ Յիսուս մտաւ տաճար ու դուրս հանեց բոլոր նրանց, որ տաճարի մէջ վաճառում ու գնումներ էին անում. նա շուռ տուեց լումայափոխների սեղաններն ու աղաւնեվաճառների աթոռները: 13 Եւ նրանց ասաց. «Գրուած է՝ իմ տունը աղօթքի տուն պիտի կոչուի. իսկ դուք աւազակների որջ էք արել այդ»: 14 Տաճարի մէջ կոյրեր եւ կաղեր Յիսուսին մօտեցան, եւ նա բժշկեց նրանց: 15 Երբ քահանայապետներն ու օրէնսգէտները տեսան այն սքանչելիքները, որ նա արեց, եւ մանուկներին, որ տաճարի մէջ աղաղակում էին ու ասում՝ «Օրհնութի՜ւն Դաւթի Որդուն», բարկացան. 16 եւ ասացին նրան. «Լսո՞ւմ ես՝ դրանք ինչ են ասում»: Յիսուս նրանց ասաց. «Այո՛, դուք չէ՞ք կարդացել, թէ՝ երեխաների ու ծծկերների բերանով օրհնութիւն կատարեցիր»: 17 Եւ նրանց թողնելով՝ ելաւ քաղաքից դուրս՝ դէպի Բեթանիա. եւ այնտեղ գիշերեց: 

Մատթեոսի 20.29-21.1

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