January 24

TOP STORY   

Feast of Saints Athanasius and Cyril of Alexandria

This Saturday, January 25, the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of St. Athanasius and St. Cyril of Alexandria, two towering figures of early Christianity whose steadfast defense of Orthodoxy shaped our understanding of Jesus Christ and safeguarded the truth of the faith. This year also marks the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea (325), where St. Athanasius played a pivotal role in defining core Christian doctrine.

St. Athanasius (c. 296–373), known as the “Father of Orthodoxy,” attended the First Council of Nicaea as a young deacon and theological advisor to Bishop Alexander of Alexandria. There, he vigorously opposed the Arian heresy, which denied the full divinity of Christ, and defended the Church’s teaching that Jesus Christ, the Word of God, is homoousios—“of the same being”—with God the Father. This declaration affirmed that Christ is fully divine, a cornerstone of the Nicene Creed, which continues to unite Christians to this day. St. Athanasius later expanded on these teachings, clarifying the mystery of the Incarnation and proclaiming that only through Christ’s unity of divine and human natures could salvation be achieved. Despite enduring exile and opposition, his steadfastness earned him the enduring title “Champion of Orthodoxy.”

St. Cyril of Alexandria (c. 376–444) is equally celebrated for his brilliant theological defense of Christ’s full divinity and humanity during the Nestorian controversy. He upheld Mary’s title as Theotokos (“God-bearer”), affirming that Jesus Christ is one person with two natures—divine and human—inseparably united. As the leader of the Third Ecumenical Council in Ephesus (431), he preserved the Church’s teaching on the Incarnation and safeguarded its unity. Through his extensive writings, sermons, and treatises, St. Cyril clarified the doctrines of the Trinity and the Incarnation, leaving a legacy that continues to shape Christian theology.

The Armenian Church, together with the universal Orthodox tradition, honors these Holy Fathers for their unwavering commitment to the truth of the Gospel. As we commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, we are reminded of their vital contributions to the faith we profess today. Their lives inspire us to stand firm in our faith and grow in our understanding of the mystery of Christ, who is fully God and fully man, the Savior of the world.

To mark this significant anniversary, St. Mary is hosting a study on the Nicene Creed every Thursday at 7:00 PM. We invite all parishioners to join us as we explore the rich theological heritage that continues to guide our faith. May the memory of St. Athanasius and St. Cyril strengthen us in our journey of faith and devotion.

January 26, 2025

SUNDAY

SCHEDULE

Morning Service 

10:00 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:30 AM

Celebrant

Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan

Usher

Mr. Garbis Chubukian

Parish Council Members on Duty

Mr. Vazrik Nishanian 



Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings: 

Is 58:13-59:7, 

1 Tim 4:12-5:10,

Jn 3:13-21

HOKEHANKIST

REQUIEM SERVICE

For the Souls of:

Charles and Arousiag Kumkumian,

Linda Kumkumian,

Vosgan, Rita, and Alain Anbarjian

Requested by:

 Kegham Anbarjian,

Schweitzer

and Kumkumian Families

Hospitality Table hosted:

Schweitzer

and Kumkumian Families

Prayer of the week

Heavenly King, grant me your kingdom which you promised to your beloved, and strengthen my heart to hate sin and to love you only and to do your will. Have mercy upon your creatures, and upon me, a great sinner.

Lord, please keep watch over your faithful people, strengthen those fleeing persecution, and protect the holy soil of Armenia.

Preserve the spirit of Artsakh in our hearts; console those who grieve; 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

St. Mary Armenian Church Commemorates Hrant Dink’s 18th Anniversary

On Sunday, January 19, St. Mary Armenian Church commemorated the 18th anniversary of Hrant Dink’s assassination, honoring the legacy of the visionary journalist and advocate for truth, justice, and reconciliation.

During the Divine Liturgy, a Hokehankist (Requiem Service) was offered for the repose of his soul, bringing the community together in prayerful remembrance.

Following the service, parishioners gathered in the church hall for a meaningful commemoration. The Avak Society hosted a hospitality table in Dink’s memory, fostering fellowship and reflection among attendees. A short film about his life and enduring impact was shown, offering a powerful reminder of his courageous work and the challenges he faced.

This commemoration served as a tribute to Hrant Dink’s life and legacy, reaffirming the community’s dedication to the values he championed. St. Mary Armenian Church remains committed to preserving his memory and drawing inspiration from his vision for truth and reconciliation.

5-Week Study on the Nicene Creed: Week Three Focuses on Jesus Christ, the Son of God

On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church welcomed friends and members for the third session of the 5-week study on the Nicene Creed. This series commemorates the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, highlighting the theological depth and enduring significance of the Creed.Led by Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, this session delved into the Creed’s proclamation of Jesus Christ as the eternal Son of God. Participants reflected on the bold declaration that Jesus is “true God from true God” and “of the same substance as the Father,” rejecting heresies like Arianism, which denied His full divinity.

The session emphasized the historical and spiritual significance of calling Jesus “Lord,” a term that not only proclaims His divine authority but also challenges earthly claims to power. Attendees discussed how this declaration of faith remains relevant in modern cultural and political contexts.

Key phrases from the Creed, such as “God from God, Light from Light” and “begotten, not made,” affirmations that highlight Jesus’ divine essence, eternal nature, and role as Creator, deepening participants’ understanding of His relationship to the Father and their own faith journeys.

This series continues every Tuesday and presents a great opportunity for spiritual growth and theological reflection, honoring the legacy of the Council of Nicaea and its foundational role in the Christian faith.

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 shows 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.



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.

DIOCESAN & OTHER NEWS

Bishop Mesrop Offers a Prayer for Christian Unity

Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan was among the distinguished church leaders from throughout New York City, who gathered for the city’s annual “Prayer Service for Christian Unity.”

The service went forward on Sunday evening, January 19, amid the soaring, Gothic vaults of the city’s Episcopal Cathedral of St. John the Divine. This year’s gathering—part of the international “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity” (January 18-25)—marked the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, and laid special emphasis on the Nicene Creed.

As the evening’s host, Episcopal Bishop of New York Matthew Heyd warmly welcomed the clergy and worshippers from Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions, noting that the Creed plays a unifying role among the various Christian denominations.

The Creed also served as the liturgical centerpiece of the evening, rendered in a new musical setting based on an English text of the Creed, with specific clauses sung in Armenian, Syriac, and Latin. (Click here to listen.)

Bishop Mesrop was one of several church leaders offering formal prayers for Christian unity during the service. “Increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and love, Lord, that we may walk in harmony as one body, living according to your will and shining as lights in the world,” he said.

“Give us the strength to shine your light into the dark places of our world, where our brothers and sisters endure persecution, injustice, and war. Bless them, Lord; inspire their hearts with hope, their spirits with resolve. For their sake, help us to bear witness to the Good News of Christ, in our words, in our actions, and in the spirit of our lives.”

Diocesan Vicar Fr. Simeon Odabashian accompanied the Primate to the service, joining fellow clergy from the broad range of Christian traditions in the metropolitan area.

The 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity drew its theme from a verse in St. John’s Gospel: “Do you believe this?” (Jn 11:26). It occurs in the dramatic exchange between Jesus and his follower Martha, before the tomb of her dead brother Lazarus. Jesus says: “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Do you believe this?” And Martha responds: “I do believe, Lord.”

As a profound personal statement of faith in Jesus Christ, the Gospel passage resonates deeply with the meaning of the Creed, and its opening words “We believe,” or “Havadamk” in Armenian.

Click the following links to:

• WATCH Bishop Mesrop’s prayer during the service.
• WATCH a recording of the full “Prayer for Christian Unity” service.
• VIEW a gallery of photos.
• READ more on the Eastern Diocese’s website.

WATCH: The Restored Splendor of Holy Etchmiadzin

This week, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin released a short “video tour” of the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, showing its exterior and interior details restored to the splendor of former times.

Readers of this newsletter are aware that Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral recently completed a decade-long restoration project, inaugurated at the order of His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. When it reopened again last September, in a magnificent re-consecration ceremony led by His Holiness, worshippers received their first glimpse of the cathedral’s stunningly renewed beauty.

Now in this new video, aerial drone photography gives viewers across the world a rare “bird’s eye” view of the Mother Cathedral, its magnificent archways and frescoes, and the dramatic lighting that illuminates the exterior at night. Some of these details have been obscured, covered, or otherwise hidden from view for centuries. But they have now been rendered visible, in all their former glory, for our generation and beyond.

Click here to watch.

Աքսորական սրբութիւն–Վահան Գողթնացի

Հայ Եկեղեցւոյ Տօնացոյցը այսօր կը յիշատակէ Սբ. Վահան Գողթնացին, 8-րդ դարու մարտիրոսը, որուն աստանդական եւ աքսորի կեանքը՝ վկայութիւն անոր համբերատար հաւատքին՝ հայ ժողովուրդին պատմութիւնը կ’արձագանգէ:

Մանուկ Վահան, ուրիշ հայ իշխանազուն մանուկներու հետ միասին, որոնց ծնողները սպաննուած էին իրենց հաւատքին համար, պատանդ տարուեցաւ: Արաբ հէները տարին հայ մանուկները Դամասկոս եւ սնուցին զանոնք իսլամական հաւատքով եւ դպրութեամբ: Վահան իր ուշիմութեամբ յառաջադէմ՝ զարգացաւ եւ բարձրացաւ մեծ պաշտօններու: Հազիւ թէ մեծահասակ իշխանազուններուն հայրենիք վերադառնալու կարելիութիւնը շնորհուեցաւ, Վահան անմիջապէս քաղեց առիթը եւ վերադարձաւ իր հողերը:

Հայրենիք վերադարձին՝ Վահան դարձաւ իր քրիստոնէական հաւատքին. ամուսնացաւ եւ նուիրուեցաւ իր հայրենի հողերը մատակարարելու գործին: Բայց արաբ տիրակալները պահանջեցին Վահանի վերադարձը արքունիք. եւ այսպէս սկսաւ անոր աստանդական պանդխտութիւնը, երկիրէ երկիր, վանքէ վանք (ներառեալ Երաշխաւորի Հրաշագործ Սուրբ Նշան Վանքը, տես ներփակ լուսանկարը), միշտ մտահոգ ուրիշներու կեանքը չվտանգելու ծանրութեամբ:

Ի վերջոյ Վահան ներկայացաւ արքունիք իր հաւատքը խոստովանելու եւ պաշտպանելու. կարճ բանտարկութենէ եւ դատավարութենէ ետք՝ գլխատուեցաւ Քրիստոսի հանդէպ իր հաւատքին համար: Անոր քաջարի նահատակութիւնը կը յիշուի մեր եկեղեցւոյ շարականներով եւ տօնակատարութեամբ:

Վահանի կեանքին եւ մարտիրոսութեան մասին կրնաս աւելին կարդալ այստեղ:

Eastern Diocese Urges Support for California Wildfire Victims

In a message to Diocesan leaders last week, Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan urged the faithful to lend aid to the victims of the California wildfires, by supporting the outreach efforts of our sister Western Diocese. 

“The California wildfires have been the utmost urgent concern for our brothers and sisters of the Western Diocese,” Bishop Mesrop said in his message. “Under the leadership of their esteemed Primate, my Brother in Christ Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the Western Diocese has been undertaking a comprehensive outreach effort to the fire victims, and especially to our fellow Armenian-Americans whose lives have been disrupted by the disaster.”

For weeks now, wildfires have burned a horrifying path through much of California, destroying property, driving people from their homes, and taking a dreadful toll in life. Armenian churches in the disaster area—St. Gregory the Illuminator in Pasadena, and St. James in the Pacific Palisades and Malibu—have reported that, by God’s grace, there have been no casualties among their faithful to this point. But members of both communities have lost their homes and all their personal belongings. The Western Diocese lists some 70 Armenian families severely affected by the fires. 

Bishop Mesrop’s message concluded: “As the faithful of the Eastern Diocese, we stand in solidarity with Archbishop Hovnan, our brothers and sisters of the Western Diocese, and all the people of California in this crisis. And we strongly encourage our people across the Eastern Diocese to support the Western Diocese’s efforts, and to avail themselves of the resources our sister diocese is providing to help all the victims.”

Parishes of the Eastern Diocese offered a special prayer and held a collection on Sunday, January 19, in support of the Western Diocese’s wildfire outreach efforts. This week, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian expressed thanks to Bishop Mesrop and the Eastern Diocese’s faithful for their concern, solidarity, and support.

Click the following links to read Bishop Mesrop’s directive, and to learn more and lend help on the Western Diocese’s website.

Constantinople, Nicaea, Armenia: Walk in the Footsteps of Faith

The Eastern Diocese and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America have announced a joint pilgrimage to Constantinople, Nicaea, and Armenia in the summer of 2025. This momentous journey will commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea—a pivotal moment in Christian history that established the Creed of Nicaea as a foundational confession of the Christian faith, shared by the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox churches.

Led by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, pilgrims will embark on a profound journey of faith and discovery, from August 29 to September 8. This will be the first joint pilgrimage of the Eastern Diocese and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.

In Constantinople, pilgrims will visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate (the center of Eastern Orthodoxy) and see iconic landmarks such as the Theological School of Halki, Hagia Sophia, and the Armenian Patriarchate in Constantinople.

In Nicaea, they will explore the ancient city where the council convened in A.D. 325: a site of immense historical and theological significance to all Christians.

Finally, in Armenia pilgrims will visit the Ancient Manuscript Repository (Matenadaran), Khor Virab Monastery (where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned), and the ancient cave of Areni (considered to be the world’s oldest-known winery). They will also experience the beauty of Lake Sevan and Sevan Monastery, and worship at the newly-restored Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin.

Spaces are limited, so early registration is strongly encouraged. For inquiries and reservations, contact Cloud Tours at (718) 721-3808, or e-mail stephen@cloudtours.com. Detailed information regarding costs, travel arrangements, and accommodations will be provided upon request.

Click here to view a flyer with details.

FAR’s Humanitarian Aid Helps Families Endure Winter

​“Good wood warms you three times,” says 58-year-old Shirin Stepanyan, after a quick swing of his axe. “Once when you cut it; once when you stack it; and finally when you burn it.” After displacement from their native Artsakh in 2023, the Stepanyan family settled in the village of Zorakan on Armenia’s eastern border.

Thanks to the firewood, humanitarian aid, and psychological counseling provided by the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR), Shirin’s 10-member family will be able to make it through the harsh winter in the old two-story house the village provided for them, rent-free. 

“This support means everything to us,” says Shirin’s wife Gyulnara, 52 (seen here). Once prosperous farmers in Artsakh, the Stepanyans lost everything in the war, including their livestock and orchards. 

FAR and its partner organizations continue to support more than 400 displaced families like the Stepanyans—thanks in part to a generous grant from the German Federal Foreign Office. The support offers these families the vital assistance they need to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of their exile from Artsakh. 

Click here to learn more on FAR’s blog.

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 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 28 Bible Study at 7 pm

February 4 and 11 Bible Study at 7 pm

February 15 Saint Sarkis Day Celebration and Armenian Style Brunch

13 Արդ, ոչ ոք երկինք չի ելել, եթէ ոչ՝ նա, որ իջաւ երկնքից՝ մարդու Որդին, որ երկնքից էր: 14 Եւ ինչպէս որ Մովսէսը անապատում բարձրացրեց օձը, այնպէս էլ մարդու Որդին պէտք է բարձրանայ, 15 որպէսզի ով նրան հաւատում է, յաւիտենական կեանքն ընդունի. 16 քանի որ Աստուած այնքան սիրեց աշխարհը, որ մինչեւ իսկ իր միածին Որդուն տուեց, որպէսզի ով նրան հաւատում է, չկորչի, այլ ընդունի յաւիտենական կեանքը. 17 որովհետեւ Աստուած իր Որդուն չուղարկեց աշխարհ, որ դատապարտի աշխարհը, այլ՝ որպէսզի աշխարհը նրանով փրկուի: 18 Ով նրան հաւատում է, չպիտի դատապարտուի, եւ ով նրան չի հաւատում, արդէն իսկ դատապարտուած է, քանի որ Աստծոյ միածին Որդու անուանը չհաւատաց: 19 Եւ դատաստանը այսպէս իսկ է. որ լոյսը եկաւ աշխարհ, սակայն մարդիկ խաւարն աւելի սիրեցին, քան լոյսը, որովհետեւ իրենց գործերը չար էին. 20 որովհետեւ ով չարիք է գործում, ատում է լոյսը եւ չի գալիս դէպի լոյսը, որպէսզի նրա գործերը յայտնի չդառնան: 21 Իսկ ով կատարում է այն, ինչ ճշմարիտ է, գալիս է դէպի լոյսը, որպէսզի նրա գործերը յայտնի լինեն, թէ Աստծով կատարուեցին»:                                

  Հովհաննես 3.13-21

13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

John 3.13-21

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