January 5

TOP STORY   

On this blessed and joyous occasion of the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ, we lift our hearts and prayers to the Almighty, asking Him to shower His boundless blessings upon us all. May He grace each soul with good health, boundless joy, and an everlasting peace.

To you and us good news!

Christ is born and revealed.

Blessed is the revelation of Christ.

With hearts overflowing with joy and gratitude, we wish you all a profoundly blessed and Merry Christmas.

Shnorhavor Soorb Dznoond!

SCHEDULE OF CHRISTMAS SERVICES

The Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Jesus Christ will be observed

at St. Mary Armenian Church on Friday and Saturday of

January 5 and 6, 2024.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2024

EVE OF THE THEOPHANY AND NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

Evening Service and Reading of the Scriptures   6:00 PM

Divine Liturgy   7:00 PM

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2024

FEAST OF THE THEOPHANY AND NATIVITY OF OUR LORD

JESUS CHRIST 

  Morning Service   10:00 AM

  Divine Liturgy   10:30 AM

  Blessing of the Water 12:00 Noon

Special Christmas Luncheon hosted by Ararat Avak Society following Badarak

Click here to see details

SUNDAY, JANUARY 7, 2024

REMEMBRANCE OF THE DEAD

  Morning Service   10:00 AM

  Divine Liturgy   10:30 AM

Shnorhali School Christman Hantess

Click here to view the special liturgical schedule in PDF

Click here to donate Christmas Yughakin as a Gift of Love in memory or in honor of your loved ones

January 7, 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 Officers

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings: 

Mk 1:1-13

Acts 6:8-8:2

John 12:24-26

HOKEHANKIST

REQUIEM SERVICE

For the Souls of :

Hakob Martirosyan, Donna Jean McClure & Mary Del Italia

Requested by:

Godfather, Mother & Grandmother, McClure & Simonyan Families

For the Souls of:

Sarkis, Isgouhie, Mihran and Bedros Kolanjian

Requested by:

Hasmig Bozadjian-Kolanjian

For the Souls of:

Marie, Krikor and Nubar Bozadjian

Requested by:

David Bozadjian

Hospitality Table is Hosted by:

McClure & Simonyan Families

Altar Flowers are Donated by:

Marina Gagikyan and Anna Sargsyan with La Luna Event Planners

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.

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

Renewal in Spirit and Mind: His Holiness’ Message for a New Year

In his New Year’s message to the worldwide faithful of the Armenian Church, His Holiness Karekin II welcomed 2024 with concern, but also hope. His message was transmitted in a special video released by the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

The Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians recalled the prior twelve months as “a challenging year,” one “filled with the relentless pain of immense losses in our hearts.” Naturally, he cited the occupation and depopulation of Artsakh, and the severe repercussions being felt in Armenia, as paramount among the travails of 2023.

But in an expression of fatherly assurance, the Catholicos reflected that “whether in moments of joy or distress, our people have always relied on God, always drawn strength from the Most High, believing that God is with us.”

“We are heirs of a nation that has known pain and suffering, but has never surrendered,” he said. “We experienced the Genocide, but we were not destroyed. We were massacred, but we did not die.”

He exhorted the Armenian faithful to reach out with love to the displaced Armenians of Artsakh, and to show a unified conviction across the world and throughout the Armenian homeland to preserve and strengthen the Armenian identity.

“Now, dear ones, let us renew ourselves in spirit and mind; let us be strengthened with hope,” he said.

To watch a video of Catholicos Karekin II’s message for the New Year, click here.

Click here to read the entire message in English translation and Armenian.

The Blessing of Pomegranates at St. Mary Church

On December 31st, St. Mary Church was graced with the traditional service of the Blessing of Pomegranates. This event, occurring after the Badarak, was a moment of joy and celebration for parishioners who gathered to witness this blessing.

The pomegranate, known for its plentiful seeds, is a symbol of life, fertility, and God's boundless grace. It signifies unity—just as its numerous seeds are encapsulated within a single fruit, it represents our collective journey of faith and life.

During this solemn ceremony, the pomegranates were blessed, symbolizing the invocation of God’s abundant blessings on the congregation and their loved ones. The ritual is a prayer for a year replete with life, health, and prosperity. It's a time to seek strength to face challenges and wisdom to seize forthcoming opportunities. The bursting forth of the pomegranate's seeds is a metaphor for our lives, hoping that they may be filled with the fruits of our faith, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

The service was not only a farewell to the old year but also a welcoming of the new. It served as a reminder to carry forward humility, service, and the blessings exemplified by the pomegranate. This new year is seen as an opportunity to further commit to living a life in harmony with the teachings of Jesus Christ.

The pomegranate holds a special place in Armenian culture, woven into its architecture, cuisine, art, literature, and religious garments, symbolizing life, fertility, and abundance. In 2015, this tradition was further enriched when His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of all Armenians, introduced the service of the Blessing of Pomegranates at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. This service honors the pomegranate as one of the seven biblical species of fruits and grains.

As a culmination of the service, the blessed pomegranates were distributed to the faithful. This act was more than a mere gesture; it was a wish for prosperity and abundance in the coming year, 2024.

Reflecting on a Joyous New Year's Eve Celebration

The Armenian community members of the Greater Washington area gathered on January 31 for a joyous welcome of the year 2024. The New Year's Eve celebration, held at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, was a memorable event that united our community in a night of festivity, tradition, and joy.

This event was a result of a collaborative effort by St. Mary and Soorp Khatch Armenian Apostolic Churches. Their dedication to fostering community spirit shone brightly throughout the event. The venue provided a warm and elegant setting, reflecting the vibrant energy of our community members as they gathered to bid farewell to 2023 and usher in the new year.

The evening was enlivened by the exceptional performance of Harout Bedrossian, a beloved singer from Toronto, and his band. Harout's music, a blend of traditional Armenian and contemporary styles, resonated with every attendee, creating a unique and inclusive atmosphere. His performance was not just entertainment but a celebration of our rich Armenian heritage. Adding to the excitement, DJ Chris Habibian's dynamic music selection kept the dance floor animated throughout the night. 

The New Year's Eve celebration was more than a social gathering; it was a reflection of our community's unity, resilience, and cultural richness. It provided a space for old friends to reunite and new friendships to be formed. The event was a vivid reminder of our shared values and traditions, which continue to thrive in the heart of Maryland.

The success of this event is a testament to the spirit of our community and the dedication of the Armenian Community Event Planners. We extend our appreciation to the committee members: Chairman Ohannes Sivaslian, Hripsime Sivaslian, Elda Hacobian, Kajaz Safarian, Garbo Afarian, Kevork Marachlian, Vartiter Marachlian, Lena Demirjian, Jemma Simonian, Irma Kassabian & Jack Guiragossian

As we reflect on this wonderful gathering, we are reminded of the importance of our community bonds and the joy that comes from celebrating together. Let us carry this spirit of togetherness throughout 2024 and look forward to creating more beautiful memories in the years to come.

Here's to a prosperous, joyful, and blessed 2024 for our Armenian community and beyond!

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.

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 show 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.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

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.

Shnorhali School at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church is delighted to announce the festive details for this year's Christmas celebrations! The school will celebrate the season through several events.

On January 5^th students will be part of the Christmas Eve events by reading from the Scriptures and participating in the Divine Liturgy.

On January 7^th, after-school students will culminate the celebration of events related to Christ’s Incarnation with our annual Christmas Handes, a delightful pageant that explores the symbols of Christmas and delves into the true meaning of the festive season. Students will share the wonderful news of our Savior’s birth through the retelling of Jesus’s birth story combined with classic carols and songs.



 Mark your calendars, as we extend a warm invitation to join us in the Cultural Hall of the St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church for an enriching and joyful experience.

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

New Vemkar Topical Series Publications

New publications in the Diocesan Christian topical series - "VEMKAR Topical Series" - are designed to captivate and enlighten readers like you. It delves into various facets of our Christian faith, offering a profound understanding of its beliefs, practices, and traditions.

As believers, we understand that our faith is an ongoing journey, constantly evolving and expanding. It is crucial to seek a deeper comprehension of our beliefs, and this series aims to facilitate that exploration. By delving into Christianity's history, theology, and contemporary issues, we provide a thoughtful and informative pathway for you to navigate.

Whether you have been a devoted Christian for years or are simply curious about the faith, this series is tailored to meet your needs. Our aspiration is for these books to not only inform and educate but also inspire and uplift you on your personal spiritual journey.

Copies of this newly released series can be found in our church's narthex. We encourage you to use this wonderful new diocesan resource and share it with others.

These publications are also available in PDF and eBook format.

Click here to read and download VEMKAR Topical Series booklets.

Download the 2023-2024 Advent Calendar

The Eastern Diocese’s Department of Ministries has released a downloadable Advent Calendar to guide young faithful and their parents in the season leading to Christmas.

Each day features a Bible verse from the gospels of Matthew and Luke, which record the Nativity story of Jesus Christ, so readers can follow the story of our Lord’s birth day by day.

The major church feasts and fasts are also indicated on the Advent Calendar, to help families focus their daily activities on the message of God’s incarnation, as they progress to the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Jesus Christ on January 6, 2024.

The digital publication is a product of the Diocese’s Children and Family Ministries effort. To download a PDF file of the Diocese’s 2023-24 Advent Calendar, click here.

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 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.

January 5 Nativity Eve Badarak

January 6 Nativity Day - Blessings of the Water

January 6 Avak Society Christmas Luncheon

January 7 Shnorhali School Christmas Celebration

24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

(John 12:24-26)

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