October 10

TOP STORY   

Who Were the Holy Translators?

This Saturday, October 11, is the annual feast day for a group of saints unique to the Armenian Church: the Holy Translators. The Armenian Church calendar lists the following saints under that title: Sahag the Parthian, Mesrob Mashdots, Yeghishe Vartabed, Movses the Grammarian, David the Invincible, Gregory of Narek, and Nersess Shnorhali of Hromgla.

The English word “translator” hardly does justice to the Armenian word tarkmanich. To our ances­tors the word tarkmanich had the meaning not only of translator, but also of commentator, narrator, writer, poet, rhetorician, historian, intellec­tual, and philosopher.

For this reason, the group of saints labeled as Holy Translators includes the familiar names of Sahag and Mesrob, but also the names of a 5th-century historian, a 6th-century grammarian, a 6th-century philosopher, a 10th-century poet, and a 12th-century theologian.

The Translators are considered major saints of the Armenian Church for their efforts to bring spiritual and intellectual enlightenment to the Armenian people. Their mission began when Mesrob Mashdots, under the inspiration of God and the sponsorship of Catholicos Sahag, created the Armenian alphabetic script in A.D. 406. He undertook the task primarily to trans­late the Holy Scriptures into Armenian; but the effort ignited a decades-long “Golden Age” of cultural flourishing, which saw schools established, a new generation educated, and the word of God transmitted across Armenia and its neigh­boring regions.

Learn more about the Holy Translators by clicking here.. And this Saturday, try to reflect on the great mission they led—and the incomparable gift we have inherited from them.

Above: Detail of Krikor Khanjian’s masterful mural, “The Creation of the Armenian Alphabet” (1992-94).

October 12, 2025

SUNDAY

SCHEDULE

Morning Service 

10:00 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:30 AM

Celebrant

Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan

Usher

Ms.Marina Gagikyan

Parish Council Member on Duty

Mrs. Svetlana Hovhannisyan

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings

Isaiah 19:1-11

Galatians 2:1-10

Mark 12:35-44

HOKEHANKIST

REQUIEM SERVICE

For the Soul of:

 Merilyn Ziver( 40 days)

Requested by:

Magda Ziver, Lily Hekimian, and families

For the Soul of:

Arsen Sayan (7th anniversary)

Requested by:

Catherine Sayan

Altar Flowers Offered by:

Catherine Sayan

Hospitality Table is hosted by:

Magda Ziver, Lily Hekimian, and families

To request a Hokehankist/Requiem Service 

Please contact the Church Office

by 12:00 Noon on Thursday

202-363-1923

or Click here to see the form

Prayer of the week

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

With your peace, Christ our savior, which surpasses all understanding and speech, defend us and keep us fearless of all evil. Make us equal to your true worshipers, who worship you in spirit and in truth; for to the most-holy Trinity is befitting glory, dominion, and honor, now and always. Amen.

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

Celebrating 77 Years of Flavor and Fellowship

The 77th Annual Fall Food Festival of St. Mary Armenian Church, held on October 3–5, once again filled our parish hall with the aroma of beloved Armenian dishes, the warmth of friendship, and the joyful energy of community. What began as a food festival quickly blossomed into a true celebration of faith, heritage, and togetherness, drawing neighbors, parishioners, and guests from near and far.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our extraordinary volunteers, whose dedication shone in every moment — from the kitchen to the serving line, from setup to cleanup, from greeting guests to sharing stories. Their hard work and hospitality are the heart of this long-standing tradition. A big "thank you" to our sponsors. Their generosity and continued support are deeply appreciated and mean the world to us. Our thanks also go to the Gift Shop team, who once again filled their space with the spirit of Little Armenia through their beautiful displays of Armenian products and handicrafts.

The festival’s atmosphere was further enriched by a vibrant cultural program that filled the hall with music, dance, and creativity. Renowned violinist and educator Christine Kharazian graced us with a breathtaking performance, while marc2ray lifted spirits with his unique musical style and spoken word. Talar Berberian generously shared both her embroidery talents and a moving cello performance. The Hayi Hoki Dance Ensemble brought traditional Armenian dances to life and invited the audience to join in. Shnorhali School students, under the guidance of Ms. Armine Khachatryan, offered a joyful rendition of Yerevan Erepouni in honor of the 2806th anniversary of the Erebouni Fortress. Our own young parishioners, Michael Derdzakyan and Andre Alexandrian, contributed beautifully with piano performances. The Armenia Booth, organized by Hermine Mnatsakanyan-Barbalace and her family, provided information and education for guests wishing to learn more about our heritage, while tours of the sanctuary were graciously led by Ara Stepanyan. The entire program was seamlessly presented with grace and humor by Ms. Milena Oganesian, to whom we are especially grateful.

As we bring this year’s festival to a close, we do so with full hearts and renewed gratitude. For 77 years, this event has stood as a testament to the strength of our community — not just in food and tradition, but in service, generosity, and love. May God grant us many more years to gather, to serve, and to celebrate together.

Visiting Celebrant at St. Mary – Sunday, October 5

This past Sunday, October 5, St. Mary Armenian Church was blessed to welcome Very Rev. Fr. Aghan Gogchyan from the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem as our guest celebrant. Fr. Aghan presided over the Divine Liturgy, and was warmly introduced by our pastor, Fr. Hovsep.

Hayr Soorp, born in Armenia, pursued his theological formation at the Armenian Seminary in Jerusalem, where he was ordained a deacon in 2012 and a celibate priest in 2014. He has served the Patriarchate in various leadership roles, and currently holds the distinguished position of Chancellor of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, also serving as its representative to the Heads of Churches and the Status Quo Committee of the Holy Places. In 2023, he was elevated to the rank of Archimandrite (Vardapet) and elected to the Holy Synod.

It was a joy and an honor to host Fr. Aghan, and we pray for his continued ministry in the service of our Holy Church.

Join the St. Mary Teen Youth Group!

The ACYOA Juniors, for teens from 13 to 18 years of age (12-year-olds to participate in local events), provides a vehicle through which young people may express themselves and demonstrate their abilities, skills, interests, concerns, and faith; developing programs through which the young people may participate, receive information, experience meaningful relationships, feel a sense of belonging, and gain exposure to the Armenian Christian faith and cultural heritage. 

Typically, the group holds a monthly membership meeting (after church with pizza in the office) to plan events, socialize, and hear a brief speaker. Then, the teens participate in a service project, party, or activity (such as bowling, skating, or volleyball) once a month. The teens also travel to Eastern Diocese sports weekend events once or twice a year.  

If you have a teen who might be interested please email StMaryYouthDC@gmail.com with your name/email/phone and the name and birth date of your teen (DD/MM/YYYY). 

JOIN SHNORHALI SCHOOL'S VOLUNTEER PROGRAM!

Shnorhali School is excited to open registrations for our Volunteer Program for the 2025–2026 school year! This is a wonderful opportunity for students, parents, and community members to make a lasting impact while staying connected to our Armenian heritage.

As a certified organization of the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA), Shnorhali School proudly offers our registered volunteers the chance to earn this prestigious national recognition for their service. In addition, volunteers will receive Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for their contributions.

Through this program, participants will:

• Strengthen and share their Armenian language and cultural skills
• Develop valuable leadership qualities and grow as future community leaders
• Support the school in its mission to nurture and inspire the next generation

Whether you are a student looking to give back, a parent eager to contribute, or a community member wanting to share your talents, this program provides meaningful opportunities for everyone.

Register now to become a Shnorhali Volunteer and be part of something bigger than yourself!

DIOCESAN & OTHER NEWS

Witnessing Faith in Action: FAR’s Board of Directors in Armenia

Last week, members of the Fund for Armenian Relief Board of Directors—led by Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, and FAR Board Chairman Randy Sapah-Gulian—traveled across the breadth of Armenia to view FAR’s numerous projects in person. They met with people from every walk of life who have benefited from FAR’s three decades of humanitarian outreach and societal development in our homeland.

“Everywhere we went,” said Bishop Mesrop, “we witnessed the incredible power of faith in action.”

The group’s journey began in Armenia’s western Aramavir Province, with a visit to the James and Marta Batmasian Vocational Training Center in Parakar, revitalized in 2019. Here, students with and without disabilities learn side by side, gaining skills in mechanics, carpet weaving, culinary arts, hairstyling, gardening, and more.

The final stop was in Tavush Province, in Armenia’s northeast, where FAR has been implementing the Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Program (BCPP), made possible through the generous support of FAR Board Member Edward Mardigian and the family foundation.

In between, the FAR board visited the Mardigian Child Protection Center in Yerevan; Vanadzor Old Age Home, where a heartwarming celebration marked National Seniors Day; Vanadzor Art School; the Janet Mardigian Kindergarten; Dilijan State Art College; and more.

In Tavush, FAR-supported entrepreneurs, including a number displaced from Artsakh, proudly showcased their handmade goods, inviting the guests to try their products. And in Gyumri, at GITC’s Armenian Creative Technologies (ACT) College, the board members opened new technology labs, and met the inspiring young women of the SheCan program, who are poised to reshape Armenia’s future.

The weeklong journey concluded at Holy Etchmiadzin, where His Holiness Karekin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians, received the board members with fatherly warmth, blessed FAR’s mission, and expressed his deep appreciation for FAR’s decades of service. His Holiness also led the board members through the restored Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, the museums of the Mother See, and the Pontifical Residence.

Bishop Mesrop summed up his impressions of the trip: “Through FAR’s work, faith and generosity unite to transform lives: feeding the hungry, educating the young, honoring the elderly, empowering women, and renewing Armenia’s strength. This is faith in action—sacred work that restores dignity and inspires hope.”

Click the following links to view photo highlights of the trip; and explore each day’s visits through a series of in-depth photo galleries.

Learn more about the work of the Fund for Armenian Relief, and how to support its work, on the FAR website.

Diocese Welcomes New Youth Ministry Coordinator

The Eastern Diocese is pleased to announce the appointment of Serien Keleshian as the new Youth and Young Adult Ministry Coordinator (ACYOA Juniors) in the Diocese’s Department of Ministries.

In her new role, Serien will lead ACYOA Juniors programming across the Diocese; support parish chapters; and organize leadership conferences, retreats, and service initiatives. She will also play a vital role in nurturing the spiritual growth and Armenian Christian identity of our youth, while contributing to Diocesan educational resources—including youth Bible studies and content for Vemkar Weekly.

A Texas native with strong Armenian roots from Lebanon, Serien holds a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering. She has been deeply involved in the Armenian Church since childhood, and has long felt a calling to serve Christ and His church through ministry.

Serien’s new role went into effect September 29. We are confident that her faith, energy, and dedication will greatly enrich our ministry to ACYOA Juniors throughout the Diocese, and will complement the ongoing work of longtime Diocesan youth minister Jennifer Morris with the ACYOA Seniors.

Click here to read more

Help Plan for the Future of Your Church

Over the past year, people across the Eastern Diocese have used our Planned Giving website to explore ways to leave a legacy gift to their church: one that will have an impact for generations to come.

The website presents information in an easy-to-understand, user-friendly format, and the current month of August — “National Make-A-Will Month” — is the perfect opportunity to create or update your will to include a planned gift to our Diocese.

“Planned Giving” is a donation given over time, or as part of your estate, that can become a long-term source of income to sustain the mission and operations of the Eastern Diocese.

The Diocese’s Planned Giving website has many features to help you decide if a gift from a will or trust is right for you. It includes explanations and illustrations of various planned giving options and tools — including a free, downloadable guide to estate planning; a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, with answers to common questions; and examples of planned giving, such as gifts from a will or trust that will take effect only after your other obligations are fulfilled.

These tools will help you understand how to transfer assets to support the Diocese’s mission — without reducing your income or diminishing your savings. Visit the site to learn more.

“We believe that planning your estate and legacy for future generations, including your charitable interests, requires careful evaluation,” says Diocesan Development director Laurie Onanian. “I welcome the chance to discuss charitable wishes with our faithful, and find the right way to ensure that a person’s gift will be used according to their preference. Utilizing the features on our Planned Giving website is a great ‘first step’ for anyone who is considering making a generous contribution to our church.”

Feel free to contact Laurie Onanian by phone at (212) 686-0710, ext. 144, or via e-mail at laurieo@armeniandiocese.org. You can also use the online “Request for Information“ form at the Planned Giving site, to pursue these important matters person-to-person, in greater detail.

Click here to learn more.

St. Nersess Seminary to Honor its Third Group of 12 Alumni on Nov. 22

St. Nersess Armenian Seminary will celebrate the vocations of 12 alumni—three bishops, seven priests, a deacon, and a lay minister—with a gala banquet on Saturday, November 22.

This will be the third in a series of tribute events featuring alumni of St. Nersess who serve the Armenian Church in various capacities. The prior celebrations in 2021 and 2023 established the “12 Vocations” theme—which will continue in the upcoming event, titled: 12 Vocations: Variety of Gifts, One Spirit.

This year’s honorees will include the following—listed here by ordination or graduation date: Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian (ordained 1990), Bishop Nareg Berberian (1992), Bishop Daniel Findikyan (1997), Fr. Vartan Joulfayan (1998), Fr. Hovhan Khoja-Eynatian (2010), Fr. Ghevond Ajamian (2013), Fr. Samuel Rith-Najarian (2014), Fr. Yeghishe Ksachikyan (2015), Fr. Avedis Kalayjian (2016), Fr. Armash Bagdasarian (2016); Dn. Rubik Mailian (graduated 1998), and Maria Derderian (2007).

The celebratory evening will be filled with nostalgic reflections, special awards, and entertainment by Dottie Bengoian, who will present “God’s Gift: Humor and Hope.”

Invitations will be mailed in September, and information on how to include a message to the honorees in a commemorative keepsake booklet will be shared in August. All proceeds from the event will support the ongoing mission of St. Nersess Seminary. For questions, contact co-chair Lynn Beylerian at lynnbeylerian@gmail.com.

Discover the Armenian Wonders of the Holy Land

The Eastern Diocese is sponsoring a pilgrimage to the Holy Land for January of 2026. The trip will run January 15 to 26, 2026—a period coinciding with the celebration of Armenian Christmas in the city of Bethlehem (January 18/19).

The pilgrimage will be led by Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, assisted by Fr. Mardiros Chevian. Pilgrims will attend the Christmas badarak at Bethlehem’s Church of the Holy Nativity; view holy sites in and around Jerusalem; travel to Jericho, Qumran, Galilee, and Jaffa; spend time in the famous Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem; and experience our Armenian Patriarchate of Sts. James.

Click the following link to view a four-page pamphlet with the itinerary and full details. The registration deadline is Nov. 1, 2025. For information, contact Educational Opportunities Tours at (800) 247-0017, ext. 338.

FAR NEWS

Empowering Nurses to Become Leaders

Through its “Continuing Professional Development Program for Head Nurses,” the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) is strengthening Armenia’s healthcare system by equipping regional head nurses with modern leadership skills and up-to-date medical knowledge.

Launched in 2022, the program combines in-person workshops with online learning to help Armenia’s nurses lead more effective teams, improve patient care, and foster trust within their communities. One participant, Manushak Gabrielyan of Medzamor, has served her community for more than 30 years. After completing the program, she now leads her team with renewed confidence and empathy.

To date, 116 head nurses—including participants from Artsakh—have enhanced their professional qualifications through the program. Their new skills are transforming the quality of care in hospitals across Armenia.

Learn more on FAR’s website.

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.

October 14 Bible Study "Come and See"

October 21 Bible Study "Bread of Life"

October 26 Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross

November 21 Presentation of the Holy Mother-of-God to the Temple

December 9    Feast of the Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary

35 While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, "Why do the teachers of the law say that the Messiah is the son of David? 36 David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared:" 'The Lord said to my Lord:"Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet."' 37 David himself calls him 'Lord.' How then can he be his son?" The large crowd listened to him with delight. 38 As he taught, Jesus said, "Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39 and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely." 41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything- all she had to live on."

Mark 12:35-44

35 Մինչ Յիսուս ուսուցանում էր տաճարում, հարց տուեց ժողովրդին ու ասաց. «Ինչպէ՞ս են ասում օրէնսգէտները, թէ Քրիստոս Դաւթի Որդի է, 36 մինչ Դաւիթն ինքը Սուրբ Հոգով ասում է. "Տէրն իմ Տիրոջն ասաց. նստի՛ր իմ աջում, մինչեւ որ քո թշնամիներին քո ոտքերի համար պատուանդան դնեմ"։ 37 Արդ, եթէ Դաւիթն ինքն իսկ նրան Տէր է կոչում, ինչպէ՞ս նրա Որդին կը լինի»։ Եւ շատ ժողովուրդ նրան լսում էր սիրով։ 38 Եւ սովորեցնելով՝ նա իր ուսուցման ընթացքում ասում էր. «Զգո՛յշ եղէք այդ օրէնսգէտներից, որ ուզում են աչքի զարնող զգեստներով ման գալ, հրապարակներում յարգանքի ողջոյններ որոնել, 39 ժողովարաններում՝ առաջին աթոռները եւ ընթրիքների ժամանակ՝ պատուոյ տեղերը։ 40 Նրանք ուտում են այրիների տները, ցուցադրաբար երկարացնում են աղօթքները, որպէսզի աւելի խիստ դատաստան ընդունեն»։ 41 Յիսուս կանգնած էր գանձանակի դիմաց. դիտում էր, թէ ինչպէս ժողովուրդը պղինձ դրամ է գցում գանձանակի մէջ։ Եւ շատ մեծահարուստներ շատ բան գցեցին։ 42 Մի այրի կին եկաւ եւ երկու լումայ գցեց, որ մի գրոշ է։ 43 Եւ Յիսուս իր մօտ կանչելով իր աշակերտներին՝ նրանց ասաց. «Ճշմարիտ եմ ասում ձեզ, որ այդ չքաւոր այրին աւելի շատ գցեց, քան գանձանակի մէջ միւս բոլոր դրամ գցողները, 44 քանի որ ամէնքը իրենց աւելորդից գցեցին, իսկ նա, իր չքաւորութիւնից, գցեց ամէն ինչ, որ ունէր՝ իր ամբողջ ապրուստը»։

Մարկոս 12:35-44

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