December 19

TOP STORY   

Saint Abgar the Witness and the First Christian King

According to tradition, St. Abgar was the first Christian king of the 1st century, the son of the Parthian king Arshakunie Arsham. He was also called “senior man” as he was the wisest of all and of genius. Historian Moses of Khoronk, Assyrian historian Labubnia of Yedessia, Greek historians Procopis and Yeusebius have told about the king Abgar. He built the city of Yedessia on the site where the Armenian army protected the ford of the river Euphrates from the Roman captain Casius. Later, the king moved the royal palace and all idols from Nisibis to that city.

It is during the period of the reign of King Abgar that Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, was born. And Abgar, who was incurable, becoming aware of the wonders worked by Christ, believed in Christ and by means of his delegates sent a letter-petition to Jerusalem, to the Savior, asking Him to come and heal him. In the response letter, it was said, that Christ still had important things to do in Jerusalem, but He should send one of His disciples to the king to heal him. After the Ascension of the Savior, Apostle St. Thaddeus came to Yedessia, healed the king Abgar, the sick, preached the Gospel, and appointed Adde, the silk-weaver, to be his successor. Jesus had sent his portrait to Abgar and it was kept for a long time in Yedessia, and later in the churches of various cities and towns.

After that, King Abgar sent letters to King Tiberius and King Nerseh of Assyria exhorting them to admit Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Savior.

King Abgar passed away probably in the first half of the 1st century.

December 21, 2025

SUNDAY

SCHEDULE

Morning Service 

10:00 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:30 AM

Celebrant

Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan

Usher

Mrs. Suzy Simonyan

Parish Council Member on Duty

Mr. Ohannes Sivaslian

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings

Isaiah 40:18-31,

Hebrews 4:16-5:10

Luke 18:9-14

HOKEHANKIST

REQUIEM SERVICE

For the soul of:

Lucine Kechichian

Requested by:

Nvart, Khajag, Nayrie, and Garine Tahmazian

For the soul of:

Araxi Bostanian Kobrin (6th anniversary); Dikran and Armina Bostanian; Sarkis and Esther Bostanian; John, Elizabeth, and Joyce Shanlian; Avedis and Kohar Shanlian; Kerop and Sarah Arsenian 

Requested by:

Melanie Kobrin

(daughter of Araxi Bostanian Kobrin)

For the soul of:

Vazganush Khachatryan 

Requested by:

Loved one

Prayer of the week

With your peace, Christ our savior, which surpasses all understanding and speech, defend us and keep us fearless of all evil.

   Please keep watch over your faithful people and strengthen those fleeing persecution. 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. Protect the holy soil of Armenia; foil every aggressor against our homeland. Defend the innocent and voiceless, Lord.

   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

A Joyful Return of St. Mary’s Christmas Market

The Christmas Market joyfully returned to St. Mary, filling our parish with festive spirit and warm fellowship. We extend our deepest appreciation to all our volunteers and supporters whose dedication and generosity made this beloved event a wonderful success.

We are especially grateful for the special visit from Santa, warmly portrayed by Mark Krikorian, and for the beautiful Christmas backdrop generously provided by Talin and Manoug Habibian. Alene Boghossian and Lena Nalchayan joyfully shared their artistic talents by painting faces—not only of our youngest parishioners, but also of the young at heart. A heartfelt thank-you is also extended to Tamara Sarkisian for her lovingly baked and beautifully packaged Russian Tea cookies, which were enjoyed by all.

This event would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our volunteers, who worked diligently behind the scenes—from setting up the hall for our vendors to preparing and serving delicious lentil soup and lahmajun. We are also thankful to Zaruhi Mutafian for providing her much-loved gatnabour (rice pudding) and to Eva Shafakian for preparing traditional Armenian coffee.

The St. Mary Gift Shop Committee, together with their dedicated volunteers, presented newly arrived delicacies and artifacts, offering wonderful Christmas gift ideas for our parish family. The Christmas Market was also highlighted by a visit and interview from a DC News Now reporter, helping share the joy of our community with a wider audience.

We are deeply moved by the continued support of our parishioners, neighbors, and friends who joined us despite the cold weather. Wishing you all love and blessings throughout the season—and let us always remember that Jesus is the reason for the season.

Women’s Guild Christmas Party

The St. Mary Women’s Guild Christmas Party on Saturday, December 13th was a joyful celebration filled with delicious food, laughter, and wonderful fellowship. Every woman in attendance brought a dish to share, creating a truly amazing spread that everyone enjoyed. The excitement continued when Santa Claus made a special visit, delighting the group as he handed out White Elephant gifts to all.

From the festive food to the fun surprises and heartfelt camaraderie, it was a beautiful way to celebrate the season together.  

St. Mary ACYOA Jr. Christmas Party

On December 13, more than 30 St. Mary ACYOA Juniors (teens), together with their parents, gathered in the church hall for a joyful Christmas celebration. The evening began with a festive potluck dinner, creating a warm atmosphere of fellowship and community.

Following the meal, Der Hovsep led the teens in the Evening Prayer Service. His reflection focused on the seasons of Advent and Christmas, emphasizing the true meaning of the gift God has given us in the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. The prayer service provided a meaningful spiritual foundation for the evening’s activities.

Afterwards, the teens divided into teams for the “Crazy Christmas Competition,” a series of fun and engaging challenges that tested their observation skills, coordination, and teamwork. Their creativity shone brightly in the final event, titled “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” At the conclusion of the competition, each participant received a small prize in recognition of their team’s efforts.

In the true spirit of Christmas and Christian service, the teens also collected and donated toys for the benefit of Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., sharing the joy of the season with those in need.

May the joy, love, and generosity experienced during this celebration continue to inspire our parish family throughout the coming year.

ACYOA Seniors Spread Christmas Joy Through Bake Sale

On December 13 and 14, our ACYOA Seniors organized a successful bake sale in support of Ayo!’s Christmas Wishlist 2025, raising nearly $900 for this meaningful cause.

Through their generous efforts, the fundraiser will help provide Christmas trees, festive lights, and food packages to vulnerable families in Armenia, bringing warmth, hope, and the joy of Christmas to those in need.

We are deeply grateful to our parishioners and to all who baked, donated, purchased, and supported this initiative. Your generosity and encouragement made this fundraiser a beautiful expression of faith in action and Christian love.

May the spirit of giving shown by our youth continue to inspire our parish family throughout the Christmas season and beyond.

Blessing of Pomegranates Service

December 28, 2025

Following the Divine Liturgy

As the year draws to a close, join us for the beautiful and meaningful tradition of the Blessing of Pomegranates. The pomegranate - a timeless symbol of life, prosperity, and fertility in Armenian culture - has graced our art, architecture, literature, and faith for centuries.

Be a part of this inspiring ceremony of hope, renewal, and abundance.

Pomegranates will be blessed and joyfully shared with everyone following the service.

Whether you are a lifelong parishioner or visiting for the first time, we warmly invite you to join us in fellowship and gratitude.

St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church

4125 Fessenden St. NW, Washington, DC 20016

May this season bring you joy, health, and prosperity. We look forward to seeing you there!

Click Here to See the Flyer

Shnorhali School Christmas Celebrations & Holiday Initiatives 



This Christmas season, Shnorhali School is celebrating with a series of meaningful events that bring our students, families, and church community together.

On December 21 at 2:00 PM, students will enjoy our Christmas Party filled with festive crafts, games, a short performance, and a visit from Santa.

We will continue our celebrations with the Christmas Handes on January 4, a cherished Shnorhali tradition, followed by the Christmas Candlelight Service (Ճրագալույց) on January 5. Students will participate in Patarag readings from 4:00–7:00 PM, with a light dinner and readings beginning at 6:00 PM.

These moments remind us that the season is about faith, togetherness, and joyful preparation for Christ’s birth.

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 and are due by December 31, 2025.

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.

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.

DIOCESAN & OTHER NEWS

Reflections on the Holy Land at the Museum of the Bible

Distinguished leaders from various Christian traditions assembled at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, on Friday, November 21, for a “day of inspiration, conversation, and communion in faith.”

The gathering took place in the context of the museum’s landmark exhibit, “The Dead Sea Scrolls,” which features authentic fragments from Qumran and hundreds of artifacts from the Holy Land. Central to the exhibit is the Magdala Stone: a first-century artifact discovered in the hometown of Mary Magdalene. The stone’s carved imagery includes one of the earliest depictions of the Jerusalem Temple, and gives insight into the religious and historical realities of the region during the time of Christ.

The Armenian Church was represented at the museum conference by Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, who attended on behalf of Diocesan Legate and Ecumenical Director Archbishop Vicken Aykazian. Fr. Karapetyan, the pastor of St. Mary Church in Washington, was joined by two of his young parishioners: Sarkis Simonian and Alex Madajian.

As a panelist in the discussion session, Fr. Karapetyan spoke on the ancient and enduring Armenian Christian presence in the Holy Land, describing the centuries-long mission of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the preservation of sacred sites and manuscripts, and the distinctive role Armenians have played as guardians of the Christian heritage in Jerusalem and throughout the region.

He underscored the critical need for awareness, solidarity, and advocacy on behalf of the Armenian presence in Jerusalem, one of the world’s oldest continuous Christian communities.

The event at the Museum of the Bible, titled “One Step Closer,” was organized with the Magdala Center in the Holy Land: an archaeological site and retreat center run by the Roman Catholic clerical congregation called the Legionaries of Christ. The Magdala Center’s Fr. Eamon Kelly was among the presenters at the conference.

Click the following links to read more and view photos.

Honoring the First Enlighteners of the Armenian People

In a unique ceremony on November 29, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin remembered the holy apostles of Jesus Christ who first brought Christianity to Armenia, during the Feast of Sts. Thaddeus and Bartholomew.

This day dedicated to the “first enlighteners of Armenia” is the annual occasion on which one of the most precious relics of the Armenian Church—the Holy Lance of Keghart, held to be the spear-point that pierced Christ’s body at His crucifixion—is brought forth for public viewing and veneration.

Bearing the relic in his hands, His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, led a procession into the Mother Cathedral, where the Divine Liturgy was celebrated.

As the celebrant, Bishop Daniel Findikyan—Director of Postgraduate Studies at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, and formerly the 12th Primate of the Eastern Diocese—delivered a stirring sermon on the meaning of the Apostolic mission to the Armenians.

“The apostles did not come to Armenia with an army,” he said; “they did not come with political programs, or promises of national glory. They came with the love of Jesus Christ, and the hope of His kingdom. And that Gospel message gave birth to the first Christian nation.”

“This is our true treasure; this is our heritage; and this is the soul of Armenia,” he said.

Speaking to the trials of our own day, Bishop Daniel emphasized that the Armenian people have preserved their unique identity through joint struggle, joint suffering, and faith. “We have sustained each other during times of exile, genocide, and persecution,” he said. “We did not survive because we were powerful in a worldly sense, but because we were one body: one church, one prayer, one vision, one hope in the crucified and risen Christ.”

“Likewise," he concluded, "the apostles remind us today that the hope of our people lies not in worldly power, but in spiritual resurrection and living in holiness.”

To conclude the Divine Liturgy, the crowd of faithful worshippers gathered around Catholicos Karekin II to be blessed with the relic of the Holy Lance of Keghart.

Click here to view photos.

2026 ACYOA Mission Trip Now Open for Applications

The ACYOA Central Council is pleased to announce that the 2026 ACYOA Mission Trip will take place February 26 through March 1, 2026, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and St. Nerses Shnorhali Armenian Church of Jacksonville, FL. This faith-based service weekend invites young adults (ages 18-30) to serve a mission parish and its local community while working on a Habitat home build.

Led by Fr. Yeprem Kelegian and Jennifer Morris, the trip is fully funded through the generosity of the Dadourian Foundation and includes lodging, ground transportation, meals, and a donation to Habitat for Humanity. Participants are responsible only for their travel to and from Jacksonville (arrival by February 26 at 9 p.m.; departure after 5 p.m. on March 1).

Space is limited to 18 participants, with priority given to first-time attendees. Applications are due January 10, with acceptances sent by January 15.

The Registration Link and the Fact Sheet are available on the ACYOA website. For questions, contact Jennifer Morris at jenniferm@armeniandiocese.org or (248) 648-0702.

FAR NEWS

Spreading Christmas Joy in Armenia’s Border Villages

This week, Ayo!—the crowdfunding platform of the Fund for Armenian Relief—launched its annual Christmas Wishlist project, which aims to bring warmth and cheer to 200 vulnerable families (each with three or more children) living in Armenia’s Syunik region.

The target beneficiaries include both local families from Syunik, as well as families displaced from Artsakh who live in border regions.

Ayo! is inviting churches across the Eastern Diocese—through their respective Sunday Schools and ACYOA chapters—to raise funds to sponsor several families via the Christmas Wishlist project.

An entire family can be sponsored for $100—which will deliver a Christmas tree, ornaments, lights, and festive foods to the household, to help realize the beauty and hope of the season.

 Click here to sponsor a family—and make sure to note your home parish when you make a contribution.

FAR NEWS

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. 

St. Mary Armenian Church

Legacy Brick Drive

Honor your loved ones with

a memorial that will last a lifetime

Buy a brick and leave your legacy at St. Mary Armenian Church.

When you buy a brick, it is then engraved with your specified words or message, installed in front of the church, and becomes

a memory to view for years to come.

Laser engraved bricks will be displayed in our Church plaza,

on both sides of our beautiful Khatchkar, and can be dedicated to those

you wish to remember, honor Loved Ones, commemorate a

a special milestone like a baptism or wedding, or

acknowledge an organization or business.

Payment can be made with PayPal or a Credit Card.

Legacy Brick Donations are Tax Deductible.

CLASSIFIED ANNOUNCEMENT

 Armenian-Speaking Caregiver Available

For information, please 📞 Contact the Church Office

Phone: 202-363-1923

Email: stmarychurchdc@gmail.com

December 21 Shnorhali School Christmas Party

December 28 Blessing of Pomegranates

December 31 New Year Celebration @ St. Mary Cultural Hall @ 8 pm

January 5 Shorhali School Christmas Eve Scripture Reading

January 6 Ararat Avak Society Christmas Luncheon at the Church Hall @ 1 pm

9 Այս առակն էլ ասաց ոմանց, ովքեր իրենց ներսում պարծենում էին, թէ արդար են, եւ արհամարհում էին ուրիշ շատերին: 10 «Երկու մարդ տաճար ելաւ աղօթքի կանգնելու. մէկը՝ փարիսեցի, միւսը՝ մաքսաւոր: 11 Փարիսեցին կանգնած էր մեկուսի եւ ինքն իրեն այս աղօթքն էր ասում. "Աստուա՛ծ իմ, շնորհակալ եմ քեզնից, որ ես նման չեմ ուրիշ մարդկանց, ինչպէս յափշտակողները, անիրաւներն ու շնացողները եւ կամ ինչպէս այս մաքսաւորը. 12 այլ շաբաթը երկու անգամ ծոմ եմ պահում եւ տասանորդ եմ տալիս իմ ամբողջ եկամտից": 13 Իսկ մաքսաւորը կանգնած էր մեկուսի եւ չէր իսկ կամենում իր աչքերը երկինք բարձրացնել, այլ ծեծում էր կուրծքը եւ ասում. "Աստուա՛ծ, ների՛ր ինձ՝ մեղաւորիս": 14 Ասում եմ ձեզ. սա՛ իջաւ իր տունը արդարացած, ոչ թէ՝ միւսը. ով որ բարձրացնում է իր անձը, կխոնարհուի, եւ ով որ խոնարհեցնում է իր անձը, կբարձրացուի»

 (Ղուկաս 18.9-14)

9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.' 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' 14 I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."

(Luke 18:9-14)

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

St. Mary Armenian Church, Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, Pastor

4125 Fessenden St. NW, Washington, DC 20016 | stmarychurchdc@gmail.com

| 202-363-1923 | www.stmaryaac.org