November 17

TOP STORY   

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

On Tuesday, November 21, the worldwide Armenian Church will celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Holy Mother-of-God to the Temple.

Shortly after Mary was born, her parents Joachim and Anna took their daughter to the Temple of Jerusalem to be consecrated to God in thanksgiving for the gift of their child. According to tradition, Mary remained there for a time and was given over to the care of pious widows and maidens who lived at the temple. Later, as a young woman, Mary became betrothed to Joseph the carpenter. Click here to view a video about St. Mary in the Armenian Church.

has preached in Asia Minor. Apostle Philip was martyred in the town of Heliople.

November 19, 2023

Morning Service 

10:00 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:30 AM

Celebrant

Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan

Usher

Anna Seferian

Parish Council Members on Duty

Catherine Sahakian

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings: 

Isaiah 25:9-26:7

Philippians 1.1-11

Luke 9.44-50

For the Soul of :

 Ohannes Sahakian

Requested by:

 Catherine and Michael, Elaina and David (Verjin)Ara and Diane, Daniel and Lily Sahakian

John Sahakian

Hospitality Table is Hosted by:

Sahakian Family

Altar Flowers donated by:

Sahakian Family

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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, 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.

O Lord, sanctify those who have greeted in love the beauty of your house. Glorify us with your divine power and forsake not those who put their trust in you. Grant peace to the whole world and to all your people. Amen.

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

Ararat Avak Society Annual Thanksgiving Brunch

Ararat Avak Society of St. Mary Church hosted a well-attended and festive Thanksgiving Armenian Style Brunch on November 11. It took place at the Church Hall. Attendees enjoyed tastefully decorated tables with fall and harvest themes as well as delicious food prepared by the Avak Society members Taguhi Halajian, Marie Shafakian, Eva Shafakian, Margie Satian, and Raffi Sahakian.

Special thanks to the committee for organizing and hosting this wonderful event. And thanks to everyone who came and who helped to make this event a success!

Prayer for Healing Service & Bible Study at St. Mary

This Tuesday, November 14, our community at St. Mary experienced a profound evening of spiritual nourishment during the Prayer for Healing Service & Bible Study. The focus of our Bible study was Mark 7:31-37, a passage rich with meaning and relevance for our lives today.

In this scripture, we witnessed Jesus' miraculous healing of a deaf and mute man, a powerful reminder of God's compassion and ability to transform lives. Our discussion centered on how this act of healing extends beyond physical ailments, touching the spiritual and emotional wounds we all carry. We explored the significance of Jesus' intentional and personal approach to healing, emphasizing the importance of faith and the power of prayer in our daily lives.

The evening was not just a study but a real application of faith, as we joined together in prayer, seeking comfort, strength, and healing. This gathering was a testament to our community's belief in the power of prayer and the hope we find in Christ's teachings.

We left with renewed spirits, reminded that, just as Jesus healed in Galilee, He continues to work in our lives today, offering hope, healing, and transformation. Let us carry this message forward, embodying Christ's love and compassion in all we do.

Prayer of Healing and Bible Discussions will continue to be offered every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. 

Shnorhali School's Talent Show Remembering the 850th Anniversary of the Passing of Saint Nerses Shnorhali

On November 12, the Shnorhali School at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church proudly hosted a Talent Show in honor of the 850th Anniversary of the passing of the esteemed Armenian Catolicos, and prolific author, Saint Nerses Shnorhali.

The event commenced with an insightful presentation by Armenian teachers on "Shnorhali, the Gracious," a revered figure in the Armenian Christian tradition. Its purpose was to acquaint the audience and participants with the multifaceted Patriarch, intellectual, poet, and theologian, St. Nerses Shnorhali. His extensive body of work and spiritual teachings not only enriched Armenian religious life but also positioned him as a key figure in shaping our collective identity. Furthermore, the event provided the audience with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the students of our school, recognizing their talents and celebrating their personal accomplishments.

The Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, inaugurated the proceedings with a prayer dedicated to the safety, security, and peace of the Armenian nation. The students, in unison with the audience, performed the national anthem of the Republic of Armenia. Subsequently, teachers Juletta Movsesyan and Anahit Sargsyan, with the assistance of our high school students and teachers, presented the rich legacy of Nerses Shnorhali's prolific life. They showcased his diverse and brilliant works, which have kept the memory of Shnorhali alive for almost nine centuries after his passing.

The talent showcases featured students displaying their skills in three distinct categories. The table exhibited children's crafts and paintings, many sports tricks were showcased with the help of video presentations, and on the stage, our gifted students recited poems, sang, danced, and played musical instruments. Notably, 7th-grade student Ani Nishanyan received high honors for her outstanding work in designing the school's website, actively contributing to the technical aspects of the school.

A festive table full of traditional dishes created with the help of teachers and parents added a special touch to the event.



The Talent Show served as a platform for students to cultivate pride, love, and interest in their school, fostering a deeper connection to their Armenian roots and identity. The event not only celebrated the legacy of Saint Nerses Shnorhali but also showcased the remarkable talents and achievements of our students.

A Thanksgiving Delight Awaits You!

Join the Celebration at Our Annual Women's Guild Thanksgiving Bake Sale!

Step into a world of homemade wonders at St. Mary's Church Cultural Hall, where the Women's Guild Committee proudly presents its renowned Thanksgiving Bake Sale!

Experience the magic after Badarak as you explore an array of delectable treats, each lovingly crafted to bring joy and flavor to your Thanksgiving Festivities.

Indulge in a variety of goodies that promise to adorn your holiday tables and tantalize your taste buds.

From traditional favorites to unique delights, our bake sale is a treasure trove of culinary creations.

St. Mary Armenian Church

Invites you

To an enlightening presentation:

The Lay of the Land: Armenian Monasteries in their Local Landscapes

By Whitney Adana Kite, Junior Fellow, Byzantine Studies

On December 3 at 1:00 pm



Dive deep into the harmonious connection between Armenian monasteries and their stunning landscapes.

By blending medieval texts with her on-site analysis, Whitney unveils how each locale reverberates with the essence of the land, its material richness, and the tales it performs.

Discover the profound ways medieval Armenians forged ties with nature through their awe-inspiring

St. Mary Armenian Church

91st ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Sunday, December 10, 2023

Officiated by

His Eminence Archbishop Vicken Aykazian

Ecumenical Director and Diocesan Legate

Special Requiem Service

For all of our former Dedicated Parishioners and Loved Ones

Luncheon and Program

In the Church Hall Following the Divine Liturgy

Honoring Dedicated Parishioner

Dr. Hratch Semerjian

Presenting St. Vartan Award



Please RSVP for the Luncheon by calling 202-363-1923 or By email stmarychurchdc@gmail.com

By December 5, 2023

Mark your calendars and sign-up for THE charity event of the holiday season.

Food will be made available and items will be for sale to help the Armenian refugees of Artsakh.

This event will focus on explaining to non-Armenians the dire humanitarian needs of our people, so all Armenians are encouraged to bring friends. After buying tickets for yourself, purchase a few extra and invite your charitable friends - and don't forget to share the flyer and link on social media!

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!

DIOCESAN & OTHER NEWS

Bringing Artsakh into Focus at a Christian Unity Gathering

Issues surrounding Artsakh and the plight of its Armenian population were prominently featured during the 2023 “Christian Unity Gathering” of the National Council of Church of Christ in the U.S.A., held this past October in Nashville, TN.

The delegation from the Eastern Diocese, under the guidance of Diocesan Legate and Ecumenical Director Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, played a leading role in the discussion. Yn. Arpi Kouzouian, of Holy Trinity Church in Cambridge, MA, represented the Eastern Diocese, along with Raffi Balian of Washington, DC (co-convenor of the NCC’s Christian Unity Convening Table) and St. Nersess Seminarian Dn. Garen Hamamjian.

Yn. Arpi spoke as a panelist in the session titled: “Religious Nationalism and the Persecution of Religious Minorities in Global Contexts, with a Focus on the Situation of Christians in India and Artsakh.” She gave an overview of the conditions in Artsakh, highlighting the history and roots of the conflict, and described recent atrocities inflicted on Armenians at the hands of Azeri forces.

“Despite many media reports stating otherwise,” stressed Yn. Kouzouian, “this exodus was not voluntary. It was a forced deportation: an ethnic cleansing—the next step in continuing the Genocide against the Armenian people.”

She also addressed the impact of the crisis on Armenian youth, and issues of inter-generational trauma. But she added that hope for our homeland lies in the determination of its young people. “They are resilient, and come from a long line of resiliency,” she said.

Finally, she expressed gratitude to the National Council of Churches for its longtime support on issues concerning Artsakh and Armenia. The NCC serves some 30 million Christians through its 37 member churches.

As a newly elected member-at-large of the NCC’s Governing Board, Yn. Arpi was present to witness the passing of the NCC’s strongly-worded “Statement on the Situation of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabagh.”

To read the full statement, click here. Click the following links to read an extensive article on the Artsakh panel at the NCC gathering, and to view photos.

Reach Out Through the Diocesan-Wide “Artsakh Refugee Fund”

In a message to the Diocesan faithful early this month, Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan announced a Diocesan-wide fundraising effort to bring aid to Artsakh refugees now forced to flee the land of their birth.

The “Artsakh Refugee Fund” was announced in all our parishes as a unified effort of the entire Eastern Diocese to respond to this time of grave crisis for the Armenian people.

You can support the Eastern Diocese’s “Artsakh Refugee Fund” by making an online contribution. Please note that all the fundraising proceeds will go to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin for direct distribution to the Artsakh refugees.

Click here to donate now, using the Diocese’s secure server. Make sure to select “Artsakh Refugee Fund” from the dropdown menu.

In addition, our Diocese’s Fund for Armenian Relief is doing urgently needed work to help the refugee population, including on-the-ground, person-to-person efforts through its Ayo! crowdfunding platform. (See the FAR item below for links.)

Please lend a helping hand to this effort and keep our sisters and brothers of Artsakh in your prayers during these urgent times. May God support and protect our people.

UPCOMING EVENTS

“The Lord heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” Psalms 147

Prayers for Healing

Աղօթք Բժշկութեան

Join us in this ancient Armenian Church tradition:

A brief prayer service, holy Scripture, and blessing of holy water asking God to ease the pains of body, mind, and soul and bestow his peace.

The Bible Discussions on the healing miracles of our Lord will follow the services.

Prayer of Healing and Bible Discussions will be offered every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

ALL ARE WELCOME

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 90th Anniversary of the St. Mary Community and Church with the launch of the new "Embrace the Future" Endowment Fund 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.

November 19 Women's Guild Annual Thanksgiving Bake Sale following Badarak

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

November 26 Family Sunday (babysitting is available)

December 2 Advent by Candlelight hosted by Women's Guild at 6:30 PM

December 3 Lecture on the Armenian Monasteries by Ms. Whitney Adana Kite

December 9   Feast of the Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary

December 10 Celebration Of the 91st Anniversary of the Church

December 16 ACYOA Seniors Fundraising Event

December 16 Beet Salad Cooking Class with Anna

December 24 Shnorhali School Christmas Celebration

44Եւ ամէնքը զարմանում էին Աստծու մեծագործութիւնների վրայ։ Եւ մինչդեռ բոլորը զարմանում էին այն ամենի վրայ, որ նա կատարում էր, նա իր աշակերտներին ասաց. «Ձեր ականջների մէջ պահեցէ՛ք դուք այս խօսքերը. որ մարդու Որդին մատնուելու է մարդկանց ձեռքը»։ 45Սակայն նրանք չէին ըմբռնում այս խօսքը, եւ դա ծածկուած էր նրանցից, որ չիմանան. եւ վախենում էին այդ խօսքի մասին հարց տալ նրան։ 46Աշակերտների մէջ մի վէճ առաջ եկաւ, թէ արդեօք իրենցից ո՛վ է մեծ։ 47Երբ Յիսուս իմացաւ նրանց սրտի խորհուրդները, վերցրեց մի մանուկ, կանգնեցրեց նրանց մէջ իր մօտ 48եւ ասաց նրանց. «Ով որ այս մանկանը ընդունի իմ անունով, ինձ է ընդունում. իսկ ով որ ինձ ընդունի, ընդունում է ինձ ուղարկողին. որովհետեւ, ով որ ձեր մէջ փոքրագոյնն է, նա՛ է մեծ»։ 49Յովհաննէսը պատասխանեց եւ ասաց. «Վարդապե՛տ, տեսանք մէկին, որ քո անունով դեւեր էր հանում, եւ արգելեցինք նրան, որովհետեւ մեզ հետ չի շրջում»։ 50Յիսուս ասաց նրանց. «Մի՛ արգելէք նրան, որովհետեւ, ով որ ձեր թշնամին չէ, ձեր կողմն է»։

(Luke 9:44-50)

44 "Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men." 45 But they did not understand what this meant. It was hidden from them so that they did not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it. 46 An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. 47 Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. 48 Then he said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest." 49 "Master," said John, "we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him because he is not one of us." 50 "Do not stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you."

(Ղուկաս 9:44-50)

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