May 10

TOP STORY   

A Tribute to Mothers

“Mothers are the ambassadors of God’s love and providence on earth,” wrote the saintly Patriarch Shnork Kaloustian (1913-1990) in a Mother’s Day homily that has become a classic expression of Armenian Christian spirituality.

In a few heartfelt words, he cast his mind back to praise the qualities of Armenian motherhood throughout history: qualities that have been at least as responsible for the perseverance of the Armenian people as any other factor.

With Mother’s Day approaching this Sunday, take a moment to read Patriarch Shnork’s sermon, by clicking here.

 His reflections are especially poignant because Patriarch Shnork had been orphaned at the age of two, and raised in an orphanage run by American missionaries, so he never really knew his own mother. His plea towards the end of the sermon that “Nothing on this earth could be more precious than good mothers,” is deeply affecting from the perspective of his own life experience.

 Some of what he had to say might be considered “of its day.” But Patriarch Shnork’s deepest insights into motherhood are surely profound, and eternal. Indeed, it is especially valuable in an unsettling time like our own to recall the unshakeable aspects of character that have graced our people, no matter the circumstances of the surrounding world.

 In your prayers this Sunday, ask God to bless our precious mayrigs: those living among us, those parted from us, and those yet to be. We are blessed by them every day of our lives.

May 12, 2024

SUNDAY

SCHEDULE

Morning Service 

10:00 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:30 AM

Celebrant

Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan 

Usher

Patricia Yeghissian

Parish Council Members on Duty

Vazrik Nishanian

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings:

Acts 23:12-35

1 John 5:13-21

John 12:12-23

HOKEHANKIST

REQUIEM SERVICE

For the Souls of:

Aida Kechichian-Najarian

Dave and Anne Subramanian

Requested by:

Khajag, Nevart, Nyrie and Garine Tahmazian

Prayer of the Week

I glorify you, God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and give thanks to him who has kept me in peace this night, to him who has led me from darkness to light, from death to life, from ignorance to the knowledge of his truth.

   Lord, please keep watch over your faithful people and the holy soil of Artsakh and Armenia, now and always. Foil every aggressor against our homeland. Defend the innocent and voiceless, Lord. Deliver the world from every single conflict, and bestow your peace on all mankind. Amen.

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

122nd Diocesan Assembly Convenes in Springfield, MA

The Annual Clergy Conference and Diocesan Assembly this year took place at the Marriott Hotel in Springfield, MA. St. Mark Armenian Church of Springfield hosted the Clergy Conference from April 30 to May 2 and the Diocesan Assembly from May 2 to 4, bringing together Armenian Church leaders from the Eastern Diocese.

St. Mary Church participated in the Diocesan Assembly, with representatives including Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan (pastor), Mrs. Shoghig Sahakyan (Parish Council chair), Mr. Onnik Sivaslian, and Dr. Zaven Kalayjian (delegates). For the first time, the assembly invited youth representatives, and St. Mary was represented Mr. Armen Sivaslian as its youth observer. This year's gathering presided over by Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, emphasized the theme “Be My Witnesses.”

The General Sessions took place from May 2 to 4 and included insightful roundtable discussions on Christian witnessing at the parish level. Dr. Ann Bezzerides guided a workshop to explore the year's theme in depth. On May 3, the awards banquet at the Springfield Marriott Hotel celebrated Rev. Fr. Mampre Kouzouian as “Armenian Church Member of the Year” and Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon as the “Friend of the Armenians.”

In addition to reports and updates, the assembly highlighted efforts to restore St. Vartan Cathedral and showcased presentations from the Fund for Armenian Relief, the Armenian Church Endowment Fund, and various diocesan departments, ministries, and auxiliary organizations. Elections were also held for the Diocesan Board of Trustees and other official committees.

Running concurrently with the Diocesan Assembly was the 35th Women’s Guild Assembly, organized by the Women’s Guild Central Council. St. Mary was represented by Mrs. Lucy Murad and Mrs. Louisa Bashdasarian.

The assembly concluded on May 5 with the Divine Liturgy, presided over by Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan.

St. Mary's Handbell Ensemble Returns:

A New Opportunity for Young Musicians

St. Mary's Handbell Ensemble is back, and this is the perfect chance for young parishioners to embark on a rewarding musical journey! Led by the talented Maria Stepanyan, the ensemble invites children ages 10-18 to join and explore the wonderful world of handbell ringing.

Learning and Connection

As part of the ensemble, children will learn to master a unique instrument that requires both skill and teamwork. Maria will guide them through the intricacies of playing the handbells while fostering a supportive environment where creativity thrives. It's a wonderful opportunity to expand musical horizons and cultivate new friendships.

Weekly Practices

Practices are scheduled every Sunday from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m., giving participants consistent opportunities to hone their craft and bond with their fellow musicians.

Join Us!

Don't miss out on this chance to be part of something special. Encourage your young musicians to enroll and share in the joy of making music together. If you have any questions or want to learn more, feel free to contact Maria Stepanyan directly at smariaarmenia@gmail.com.

Let’s make the Handbell Ensemble a resounding success!

Backgammon Tournament in St. Mary

Over the past two weeks, St. Mary's was abuzz with excitement as it hosted a lively backgammon tournament featuring 14 participants. The atmosphere was charged with camaraderie and competitive spirit, while attendees savored the delicious Armenian cuisine and wine.

In a thrilling final round, Daniel Herbekian Zinn claimed the championship title, with Agop Ohanian, Vasken Vartanian, and Raffi Karahisar securing strong positions as runners-up. The event not only showcased strategic gameplay but also celebrated community and tradition.

Join Us for the St. Mary Annual Spring Food Festival!

We are excited to welcome you to the 14th Annual Armenian Spring Food Festival, happening May 17th, 18th, and 19th! This vibrant celebration will bring the culinary delights and cultural riches of Armenian heritage to the Greater Washington, DC area.

Event Highlights:

Friday, May 17th

5:00 p.m. - Edward Vardanyan, Junior Pianist

Saturday, May 18th

12:00 p.m. - Junior Performances by Levon Zanyan & Elona Zanyan

1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. - Michael Derdzakyan, Young Adult Pianist

5:30 p.m. - St. Mary's Handbell Ensemble, led by Maria Stepanyan

6:00 p.m. - Hayi Hoki Dance Ensemble

Sunday, May 19th

1:30 p.m. - Shnorhali School Students Performance

Throughout the Festival:

Sanctuary Tours with Ara Stepanyan and Anahit Tevosyan

St. Mary Gift Shop; White Elephant Table; Vendors & More!

Get Involved:

Support our community and make this event a success through donations, pre-orders, or signing up to volunteer. Your generosity makes this event possible.

All donations are tax-deductible. To contribute or learn more, visit the provided links. Don't miss this opportunity to savor great food, connect with friends, and support St. Mary in our biggest event of the year!

Attention All High School and College Graduates!

As the graduation season approaches, we are eager to celebrate the wonderful achievements of our high school and college graduates. We invite all graduates or their parents to submit the graduates' names, schools, and future plans to St. Mary’s Church office at stmarychurchdc@gmail.com. 

We look forward to recognizing and honoring their hard work and dedication. Let’s celebrate this significant milestone together!

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.

Supreme Spiritual Council Issues Statement on Tavush Border Protest

This week the Supreme Spiritual Council of the Armenian Church, under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, issued a statement on the preparations being made by the Armenian government to withdraw from several villages in the country’s Tavush province (located at Armenia’s northeastern border). The villages have been under Armenia’s military control since the early 1990s; withdrawal would effectively surrender the territories to Azerbaijan.

The withdrawal is currently a subject of intense discussion throughout Armenia. Armenia’s government officials say the unilateral concessions are necessary to prevent Azerbaijani military aggression against Armenia. Opponents of the policy say the concessions will encourage further demands of territory from Armenia.

The church’s position on the matter took on a special urgency this week when Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, Primate of the Tavush Diocese, announced that he would lead a protest march from the village of Kirants to Yerevan—a journey of 100 miles—so that the voices and concerns of the Tavush residents would be heard in the republic’s capital. Archbishop Galstanyan expected the protest marchers to reach Yerevan on May 9.

In its May 7 statement, the Supreme Spiritual Council asserted: “We urge all of our people to express their justifiable concerns and anxieties exclusively in peaceful ways; to show calm and restraint; and to refrain from illegal actions. Likewise, we expect that the services responsible for maintaining public order will work strictly within the confines of their role as stipulated in law.”

This week, in a message to the public, Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan said that the Eastern Diocese fully supports the position of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, and its efforts to promote peaceful resolutions with an eye to justice for the Armenian faithful, and genuine security for our homeland. Bishop Mesrop cited the words of the delegates to the recent 122nd Diocesan Assembly, who expressed their deep concern for the situation in “Artsakh, Tavush, and other regions, where Armenians, our churches, and civilization are threatened by ongoing genocidal efforts,” and who affirmed their support for the Mother See in these difficult times.

In the meantime, we pray that our merciful Lord Jesus will guide all of our people through the current troubling period, and bring lasting peace, justice, and security to our homeland.

Employment Opportunity at the Eastern Diocese

The Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) is currently seeking candidates to fill the position of Executive Director of the Eastern Diocese.

The Executive Director will be responsible for all administrative and operating functions for the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern). This includes oversight of Administration and Operations, Finance, Communications, Facilities, Business Function/Rentals, Development, and Information Technology. The Executive Director will coordinate with the Director of Ministries for executional aspects; manage Human Resources services, including salaries; and provide support as needed.

The Executive Director will report directly to the Primate and the chair of the Diocesan Council, in accordance with the directives and policies established by the Primate and the Diocesan Council.

Please consult the job description and list of qualifications posted on the Eastern Diocese’s website. Qualified applicants should contact the Diocese via e-mail at jobs@armeniandiocese.org.

Half-Way to Reaching Our Goal!

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—as it was throughout Holy Week and Easter.

Last week, the cathedral restoration committee announced that it has reached the halfway point in its goal of raising $28 million to fund the project!

Still, the 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:

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

FAR Gathering Will Honor the Legacy of Sirvart Hovnanian

The Fund for Armenian Relief is proud to announce a special tribute luncheon on Tuesday, June 4, in support of FAR’s Child Protection Center in Yerevan, Armenia. The event, hosted by the “Friends of the FAR Children’s Center,” will go forward under the auspices of Diocesan Primate and FAR President Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan.

The event will pay special tribute to FAR’s longtime champion and visionary leader, the late Mrs. Sirvart Hovanian. For years, Mrs. Hovnanian led “Friends of the FAR Children’s Center” as its Honorary Chair. Her example of compassionate devotion to this noble enterprise served to ignite a passion in numerous women across the Eastern Diocese, to lend their support to the cause of children in our homeland.

Since opening its doors in 2000, the FAR Children’s Center has been a beacon of hope for thousands of vulnerable children (like those shown above), providing them with a safe haven and a path to a brighter future. The June 4 luncheon is being hosted by the current dynamic co-chairs, Nadya Garipian and Sylva Torosian, who have been instrumental, alongside the members of the Friends organization, in sustaining and expanding the Children’s Center’s vital mission.

A special guest on the occasion will be the Executive Director of the Children’s Center, Dr. Mira Antonyan. Recognized as the first professional social worker in Armenia, Dr. Antonyan is president of the Armenian Association of Social Workers, and an associate professor at Yerevan State University (YSU). With 30 years of experience in helping children and families through crises, Mira will share her insights on the current state of children’s needs in Armenia.

Those interested in attending or supporting the event may do so by clicking here.

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.

May 17, 18,19 Spring Food Festival

June 8 Dinner Dance with Bartev (see flyer for details)

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

12Յաջորդ օրը, ժողովրդի բազմութիւնը, որ զատկի տօնին էր եկել, երբ լսեց, թէ Յիսուս Երուսաղէմ է գալիս, 13արմաւենիների ճիւղեր վերցրեց եւ Յիսուսին ընդառաջ ելաւ։ Աղաղակում էին ու ասում. «Ովսաննա՜, օրհնեա՜լ լինես դու, որ գալիս ես Տիրոջ անունով, ո՛վ թագաւոր Իսրայէլի»։ 14Եւ Յիսուս մի էշ գտնելով, նստեց նրա վրայ, ինչպէս որ գրուած է. 15«Մի՛ վախեցիր, ո՛վ դուստրդ Սիոնի, ահա քո թագաւորը գալիս է՝ նստած մի էշի քուռակի վրայ»։ 16Եւ նրա աշակերտները սկզբում այն չհասկացան, բայց երբ Յիսուս փառաւորուեց, այն ժամանակ յիշեցին, թէ այդ նրա մասին էր գըր¬ուած, եւ իրենք այդ էին արել նրան։ 17Իսկ ժողովուրդը, որ նրա հետ էր, վըկայում էր, որ Ղազարոսին հէնց գերեզմանից կանչեց եւ նրան մեռելներից կենդանացրեց։ 18Եւ դրա համար էլ նրան ընդառաջ ելաւ ժողովուրդը, որովհետեւ լսել էին, որ այդ նշաններն էր արել։ 19Իսկ փարիսեցիները միմեանց ասում էին. «Տեսնում էք, որ ոչ մի օգուտ չէք ստանում. ահաւասիկ ամբողջ աշխարհը նրա յետեւից գնաց»։20Այնտեղ կային նաեւ որոշ թուով հեթանոսներ՝ նրանց մէջ, որ Երուսաղէմ էին եկել, որպէսզի տօնի ժամանակ երկրպագութիւն անեն։ 21Նրանք մօտեցան Փիլիպպոսին, որ Գալիլիայի Բեթսայիդա քաղաքից էր. աղաչում էին նրան ու ասում. «Տէ՛ր, ուզում ենք Յիսուսին տեսնել»։ 22Փիլիպպոսը եկաւ եւ Անդրէասին ասաց։ Անդրէասը եւ Փիլիպպոսն էլ Յիսուսին ասացին։ 23Եւ Յիսուս նրանց պատասխանեց ու ասաց. «Հասաւ ժամը, որ փառաւորուի մարդու Որդին։

Յովհ.12:12-23

The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, "Ho-sanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" and Jesus found a young ass and sat upon it; as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on an ass's colt!" His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. The Pharisees then said to one another, "You see that you can do nothing; look, the world has gone after him." Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew went with Philip and they told Jesus. And Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified."

John 12:12-23

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