Deember 8

TOP STORY   

Feast of the Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary

The Armenian Church styles her Sourp Asdvadzadzin: the “Holy Mother-of-God”—an almost cosmic title which has elicited reverent love from generations of Armenian Christians, and is honored in the name of many of our churches.

In more common parlance she is St. Mary: the girl of humble piety who carried the Hope of the world within her body, and delivered Him as a baby in Bethlehem.

Saturday, December 9, marks the Feast of the Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary: one of a cluster of holy days on which the Armenian Church expresses its tender devotion to the mother of Jesus Christ.

Through her life of holiness and purity, and her graceful acceptance of the role to which God called her, Mary ranks among the pre-eminent exemplars of the Christian faith, whose birth and very conception are occasions for celebration.

Click here to watch the feast day service at New York’s St. Vartan Cathedral, beginning at 9 a.m. EST on December 9. Learn more about St. Mary by clicking here.

December 10, 2023

SUNDAY

SCHEDULE

Morning Service 

10:00 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:30 AM

Celebrant

H. E. Abp. Vicken Aykazian

Usher

All Ushers

Parish Council Members on Duty

All Members

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings: 

Is. 37:14-38

2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

Luke 14:12-24

HOKEHANKIST

REQUIEM SERVICE

During the Hokehankist Service we will pray for the souls of all of St. Mary's Departed Dedicated Parishioners and Loved Ones.

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

St. 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.

   Let us hold the holy Mother-of-God and all the saints as intercessors with the Father in Heaven, that He may be pleased to have mercy and compassion on us, His creatures, and save us. Almighty Lord, our God, save us and have mercy on us. Amen.

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

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

The Lay of the Land: Armenian Monasteries in Their Local Landscapes- Presentation at St. Mary Church's

On December 3rd, following the Divine Liturgy at St. Mary, the community was privileged to host Whitney Adana Kite, a Junior Fellow in Byzantine Studies, for a captivating presentation titled “The Lay of the Land: Armenian Monasteries in their Local Landscapes.” Whitney, a distinguished Ph.D. candidate at Columbia University, brought an insightful perspective to the harmonious relationship between iconic Armenian monasteries and their mesmerizing natural surroundings.

Her presentation delved into three significant sites: Geghard, Hoṙomos, and Tat’ev. Each monastery, with its unique setting and architectural marvels, showcased the profound connection between medieval Armenian architecture and the natural world. Whitney eloquently explored Geghard, a rock-cut monastery cradled by a sacred spring, sharing its tales of divinity. She then transported the audience to Hoṙomos, a grandiose, multi-level complex sprawled across a flood plain, exemplifying architectural genius. Finally, the lecture took a turn to Tat’ev, majestically perched on a cliff overseeing a fertile valley, symbolizing the serene alliance of humanity and nature.

Whitney's approach, blending medieval texts with her on-site observations, revealed how these locales resonate with the essence of the land, its material wealth, and the stories they narrate. Her presentation was not just an architectural exploration but also a journey into the ways medieval Armenians forged spiritual and physical connections with their environment.

The lecture was more than an academic discourse; it was an invitation to appreciate the deep ties that ancient communities had with their landscapes. Whitney’s current research, exploring the intersection of monastic architecture and topography in the South Caucasus, provided the audience with a fresh and intriguing perspective on these revered Armenian landmarks. Her passion and expertise made “The Lay of the Land” a truly enlightening experience for all attendees at St. Mary.

Advent by Candlelight: An Evening of Music and Generosity at St. Mary's

December 2nd marked a special evening at St. Mary's church hall, where the St. Mary Women's Guild Executive Committee hosted their Advent by Candlelight event. This gathering, steeped in reflection and community spirit, was a celebration of the Advent themes: Love, Peace, Hope, and Joy.

Yn. Jennifer Karapetyan warmly welcomed the attendees, setting a tone of unity and anticipation. The event featured profound talks on key Advent themes. Andrea Mourad eloquently spoke on Love, Anahit Tevosyan on Peace, Lilit Bayburtyan and Liana Matevosyan on Hope, and Dr. Nairy Ohanian on Joy. Each speaker brought unique insights and reflections, deeply resonating with the audience.

A highlight of the evening was the musical performance by the Chamasyan Sisters. Their renditions of "Song of First Love," "Adagio," "Moonlighting," and the vibrant folk tune "Kochari" captivated the audience. Their music was not just an entertainment piece but a profound expression of the evening's themes.

The event was not only a celebration but also a mission of generosity. Attendees were informed about the charitable initiatives supported by the evening's collections. Contributions were directed to The Children of Armenia Sponsorship Program (CASP) and Seeds of Hope. The capstone of the evening was when the entire audience was led in transitional Christmas caroling by the talented and dedicated Karine Muratyan.

The Advent by Candlelight at St. Mary's was more than a festive gathering; it was a night where the community came together in the spirit of reflection, music, and philanthropy. The St. Mary Women's Guild Executive Committee created an event that not only embraced the essence of Advent but also reflected the community's commitment to helping those in need.

Prayer for Healing service & Bible Studies St. Mary

On Tuesday, December 5, St. Mary Armenian Church hosted its consequent Healing Prayer Service with a Bible Study session. The Bible Study focused on Mark 10:46-52, a passage that narrates the story of Jesus healing a blind man named Bartimaeus. This passage, rich in symbolism and teachings, offers profound insights relevant to contemporary life.

The central theme of the study revolved around the transformative power of faith and persistence in seeking divine intervention. Bartimaeus, despite his blindness and the discouragements from the crowd, persistently called out to Jesus for mercy. His unwavering faith and recognition of Jesus as a miraculous healer were pivotal in his healing.

This narrative emphasizes the importance of faith in times of adversity and the need to seek God's presence earnestly, regardless of external discouragements. The significance of this passage for today's audience lies in its message of hope and empowerment. It encourages individuals to remain steadfast in their faith, even when facing obstacles or skepticism from others. The story of Bartimaeus serves as a reminder that faith in God's power can lead to miraculous changes in one's life, both spiritually and physically.

This Bible Study at St. Mary Armenian Church, coupled with the Healing Prayer Service, provided a holistic approach to spiritual growth, blending scriptural understanding with a communal seeking of God’s healing grace. It is a wonderful opportunity for parishioners to delve deeper into the scriptures and apply their timeless lessons to contemporary challenges, fostering a community of faith that supports and uplifts each other.

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

Shnorhali School Students Decorate the Christmas Tree 2023



On December 3^rd, to commence the festive season, Shnorhali students enthusiastically gathered in the Cultural Hall of the St. Mary Armenian Church to adorn the church's Christmas tree. This joyful and exciting project not only allowed students to showcase their creativity but also allowed students to come together and experience the beginning of our Holy Christmas season together.

In Christianity, the Christmas tree holds significance symbolizing our eternal life with Jesus Christ. Among the ornaments placed by the students are crosses, angels, the nativity scene, and representations of wise men. Each ornament contributes to the visual narrative, conveying the profound story of the Christian faith during the joyous celebration of Christmas.

 This heartwarming occasion was made possible with the invaluable support of parents and volunteers, who wholeheartedly assisted the children in decorating and fostering the joyous spirit of Christmas. The dedication and involvement of students, parents, and volunteers truly added to the warmth and spirit of the holiday season. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all those who contributed to making this festive kickoff a memorable and joy-filled experience for our Church community.

Please stop by and select a Christmas ornament of your taste made with love by our incredible Shnorhali School students from recycled materials.

The funds will be sent to the Fund For Armenian Relief (FAR) / for the Artsakh refugee relief effort.

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!

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 December 17^th, after school students will participate in an enlightening educational presentation where students will learn the true meaning of Christmas, explore its symbols, and delve into both national and international Christmas traditions. This unique opportunity allows our students to deepen their understanding of the season's significance. Following these insightful sessions, a plethora of engaging activities await our students. Through festive arts and crafts to exciting hands-on activities, students will get an opportunity to unleash their creativity with Christmas-themed cupcake decorations, experience the magic of face/hand painting, make their own magical reindeer food, Christmas ornament decorating, and enjoy coloring pages that capture the spirit of the season. As the festivities draw to a close, students will have the chance to meet and capture precious moments with Santa Claus! 

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

Remembering the Heartache of 1988

Today—December 7, 2023—marks the passage of 35 years since the terrible earthquake that rocked Armenia. December of 1988 was a time of heartache for all Armenians. But its aftermath also brought our people together, opened a new path in our national history, and offered lessons that remain powerful, and meaningful, in our present day.

The repercussions of the earthquake were so great that they can hardly be enumerated. For the people of Armenia, it was a time of the deepest grief—an uncertain transformation in their way of life. For Armenians in our Diocese and around the world, it was a call to turn away from parochial divisions and to focus our united efforts on the greater cause of our homeland.

As we mark the 35th anniversary of the earthquake, the pain of that disaster is still sharp. We still utter requiem prayers for every lost life; we still mourn every tragedy suffered. At the same time, we acknowledge that a day of profound darkness ultimately marked the beginning of a new chapter in the ongoing story of the Armenian nation. In the face of an unimaginable crisis, our people did not lose heart, but placed their trust in God.

If, in the ensuing years, that lesson has been occasionally forgotten, it has not been lost. The spirit of common purpose that united Armenians after the earthquake is always waiting to be reborn in us, according to God’s will.

Let that godly spirit guide us through our present time of profound grief and uncertainty.

In the days to come, please take a moment to pray for the precious souls our Lord drew to His kingdom 35 years ago. May He remember them alongside those who, in our own troubling time, have laid down their lives and suffered great deprivation in defense of Armenia and Artsakh. May He always bless our holy homeland, and lead our people through every time of trial.

Above: His Holiness Vasken I, of blessed memory, the 130th Catholicos of All Armenians, among his people in the aftermath of the 1988 earthquake in Armenia. A pair of articles currently on the Diocesan website recall how the events of the time were experienced by people in the Eastern Diocese; click the following links to read Part I and Part II.

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

“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.

December 9   Feast of the Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary

December 9 ACYOA Juniors Christmas Party

December 10 Celebration Of the 91st Anniversary of the Church

December 16 ACYOA Seniors Fundraising Event

December 16 Beet Salad Cooking Workshop with Anna

December 17 School's Christmas Party

December 31 Family Sunday (Babysitting available)

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

12 Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."15 When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, "Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God."16 Jesus replied: "A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.'18 "But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.'19 "Another said, 'I have just bought five yokes of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.' 20 "Still another said, 'I just got married, so I can't come.'21 "The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.'22 "'Sir,' the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.' 23 "Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in so that my house will be full. 24 I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.'"

(Luke 14:12-24)

12 Իրեն հրաւիրողին էլ ասաց. «Երբ ճաշ կամ ընթրիք ես տալիս, մի° կանչիր ո°չ քո բարեկամներին, ո°չ քո եղբայրներին, ո°չ քո ազգականներին եւ ո°չ էլ քո հարուստ հարեւաններին, որպէսզի նրանք էլ փոխարէնը քեզ չհրաւիրեն, եւ քեզ հատուցում լինի: 13 Այլ, երբ ընդունելութիւն անես, կանչի°ր աղքատներին, խեղանդամներին, կաղերին ու կոյրերին 14 եւ երանելի կը լինես, որովհետեւ փոխարէնը քեզ հատուցելու ոչինչ չունեն: Եւ դրա փոխարէն քեզ կը հատուցուի արդարների յարութեան օրը»:15 Երբ սեղանակիցներից մէկը այս լսեց, ասաց նրան. «Երանի¯ նրան, ով ճաշ կուտի Աստծու արքայութեան մէջ»: 16 Եւ Յիսուս ասաց. «Մի մարդ ընթրիք սարքեց եւ հրաւիրեց շատերին: 17 Եւ ընթրիքի ժամին իր ծառային ուղարկեց` կանչելու հրաւիրուածներին, թէ` "Եկէ°ք, որովհետեւ ահա ամէն ինչ պատրաստ է": 18 Եւ ամէնքը մէկ-մէկ սկսեցին հրաժարուել: Առաջինն ասաց. "Ագարակ գնեցի եւ պէտք է, որ գնամ տեսնեմ. խնդրում եմ քեզ, ինձ հրաժարուա°ծ համարիր": 19 Եւ միւսն ասաց. "Հինգ լուծ եզներ գնեցի. գնում եմ դրանք փորձելու. խնդրում եմ քեզ, ինձ հրաժարուա°ծ համարիր": 20 Իսկ միւսն ասաց. "Կին եմ առել, դրա համար էլ չեմ կարող գալ": 21 Եւ ծառան եկաւ ու իր տիրոջը պատմեց այս: Այդ ժամանակ, բարկանալով, տանտէրն իր ծառային ասաց. "Իսկոյն դո°ւրս եկ քաղաքի հրապարակներն ու փողոցները եւ աղքատներին, խեղանդամներին, կաղերին ու կոյրերին բեր մտցրո°ւ այստեղ": 22 Եւ ծառան ասաց. "Տէ°ր, ինչ հրամայեցիր` կատարուեց եւ էլի տեղ կայ": 23 Եւ տէրը ծառային ասաց. "Դո°ւրս եկ ճանապարհներն ու ցանկապատների առաջ եւ մարդկանց այստեղ մտցրո°ւ, որպէսզի տունս լցուի": 24 Ասում եմ ձեզ, որ այդ հրաւիրուածներից ոչ ոք իմ ընթրիքից չի ճաշակի»:

(Ղուկաս 14:12-24)

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