St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church
Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, Pastor
Address: 4125 Fessenden St. NW, Washington, DC 20016
Tel: 202-363-1923
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Celebrate 93 Years of St. Mary’s Legacy
Join us for a weekend of joy and faith as we celebrate St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church's 93rd anniversary.
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Divine Liturgy: Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM, officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Vicken Aykazian
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Anniversary Luncheon & Program following the church service
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Special Honoree of the Year: Dn. Mark Krikorian
Don’t miss this historic weekend! Purchase your tickets online today, as the deadline is tonight.
Click Here to Purchase Tickets or Gift of Love Donation
Let’s come together to honor our past and invest in our future!
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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 that 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.
Monday, 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.
Learn more about St. Mary by clicking here.
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Morning Service
10:00 AM
Holy Badarak
10:30 AM
Celebrant
His Eminence Archbishop Vicken Aykazian
Usher
Mr. Garbis Chubukian
Parish Council Member on Duty
Mr. Sean McClure
Choir
Mrs. Edita Kalayjian
Organist
Mrs. Karine Muradyan
Bible Readings
Isa 37:14-38
1 Thessalonians 1:1-12
Luke 14:12-24
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HOKEHANKIST
REQUIEM SERVICE
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For the Souls of :
Victims of the 1988 Earthquake and
all of St. Mary's Departed, Dedicated Parishioners and Loved Ones
Click here to see the list
Requested by:
Der Hovsep, the Parish Council
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Prayer of the week
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.
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, and strengthen those in captivity.
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. Amen.
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Remembering the Heartache of 1988
December 7, 2025, marks 37 years since the devastating earthquake that shook Armenia. The repercussions of the tragedy were so great that they can hardly be enumerated. Years passed, but the pain of that disaster is still sharp. We still utter requiem prayers for every lost life; we still mourn every tragedy suffered. Please take a moment to pray for the precious souls our Lord drew to His kingdom 37 years ago.
| | Please tune in to St. Mary YouTube channel for the upcoming services and Badaraks | | |
Bible Study: “The Resurrection and the Call to Follow” — Final Session
On Tuesday, December 2, parishioners gathered for the final session of our fall Bible Study series on the Gospel of John. This concluding session explored Chapters 20 and 21—two of the most beautiful and hope-filled chapters in all of Scripture. We reflected on the empty tomb, the first appearances of the risen Christ, and the restoration of Peter.
The evening began with John’s account of the Resurrection, where Mary Magdalene encounters the risen Lord in the garden. Participants reflected on the tenderness of this moment—Christ calling Mary by name—and discussed how the Resurrection transforms fear into faith and sorrow into joy. We also considered the gift of peace Jesus breathes upon His disciples: “Peace be with you… Receive the Holy Spirit.”
The discussion continued with the final chapter, where the risen Jesus meets His disciples by the Sea of Galilee. In the miraculous catch of fish and the shared breakfast on the shore, we saw the gentleness of the Lord who feeds His followers and restores their hope. The session concluded with Christ’s threefold restoration of Peter—“Do you love Me?”—and His renewed call, “Follow Me,” reminding us that discipleship continues even after failure.
We closed the evening with gratitude for these nine weeks of prayer, reflection, and fellowship. Our next Bible Study series will begin in January 2026, and all parishioners are warmly invited to join us as we continue growing together in God’s Word.
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Shnorhali School Holiday Initiative: Bringing Hope to Displaced Artsakh Children
This holiday season, Shnorhali School is proud to launch a heartfelt initiative led by our youngest students in partnership with Amicus Youth, a youth-led nonprofit founded by our dedicated volunteer Ani Nishanian.
Our Elementary students are crafting hand-made bracelets as a gesture of love, care, and solidarity - from children to children - to support displaced children from Artsakh. Every bracelet, thoughtfully created by our students, represents a tangible way to make a difference and bring hope to those in need.
Bracelets are available for $3 each, with all proceeds going directly to the Anna Astvatsaturian Foundation’s Ser Artsakh program. This vital program provides essential supplies and support to displaced children and newborns, helping families rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. Through this project, our students are not only expressing creativity—they are learning the power of compassion, community service, and giving back.
We warmly invite our community to join us in donating, supporting, and sharing this initiative with friends and family so we can bring even more hope and joy to displaced Artsakh children this holiday season.
With gratitude,
Shnorhali School Administration
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Shnorhali School Welcomes the Christmas Season
As Christmas approaches, Shnorhali School is already filled with joy and excitement. Last Sunday in Religion class, our students decorated the Christmas tree with care and enthusiasm, bringing warmth and holiday spirit into our halls. Moments like these remind us that the beauty of the season is found in simple traditions and shared joy!
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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 7, our students will perform at St. Mary’s Anniversary Luncheon at 2:00 PM in honor of this special milestone. 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.
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ACYOA Seniors Bake Sale for Ayo’s Christmas Project
Join us for our Bake Sale on December 13th from 11:00 am–5:00 pm and on December 14th after Patarag!
All proceeds will support Ayo!’s mission to bring holiday joy to 200 vulnerable and displaced families in Sisian by providing Christmas trees, lights, ornaments, and festive food packages.
Thank you for helping us share warmth and hope this Christmas season!
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St. Nersess Seminary Honors 12 Gifted Graduates
In an evening of joyful remembrance and reunion, St. Nersess Armenian Seminary paid tribute to 12 graduates who have gone forward to serve the Armenian Church as bishops, priests, and lay ministers.
Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Diocesan Primate and President of the St. Nersess Board of Directors, presided over the event that went forward under the title, “12 Vocations: Variety of Gifts, One Spirit.” Some 225 guests filled the elegant ballroom of New Jersey’s Macaluso’s restaurant on Saturday, November 22.
The event’s theme was a sequel to the seminary galas of 2021 and 2023, where its first two dozen graduates were honored. This time again, the 12 distinguished honorees included students who went on to priestly ordination, as well as those who have gone on to meaningful and influential lay vocations.
Leading this year’s roster of distinguished graduates were three bishops: Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian (ordained into the priesthood in 1990; into the episcopate in 2011), Bishop Nareg Berberian (1992; 2014), and Bishop Daniel Findikyan (1997; 2019).
They were joined by Fr. Vartan Joulfayan (ordained 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).
Dn. Diran Jebejian served as master of ceremonies, with remarks given by Seminary Board chair Karnig Durgarian and several of the honorees. Dottie Bengoian entertained the crowd with a delightfully comedic monologue.
Fr. Chevian gave grateful acknowledgement to several benefactors: the Mardigian Family Foundation; Dean Shahinian; Ruth Bedevian and family, in memory of Sarkis Bedevian; and Vicken and Rosette Arslanian. He also recognized administrators and faculty from St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary and St. Nersess Seminary; and banquet co-chairs Margaret Kachigian Ajamian and Lynn Pinajian Beylerian.
Bishop Mesrop closed the evening by offering thoughts on the influence that the seminary and its graduates have had on so many lives. “We are here because Christ whispers in our ear: You are important,” he said. “St. Nersess continues to be a fountain of faith for all who answer, Yes. We thank our 12 honorees, who bring honor to the seminary.”
Click the following links to read an in-depth article about the event on the St. Nersess Seminary website, and to view a gallery of photos. To watch the commemorative video screened on the occasion, click here.
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Pope Leo Prays Alongside Patriarch Sahak at Armenian Patriarchate
Last Sunday, in a gesture of support for Christian unity and Christian minorities, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV met and prayed with His Beatitude Archbishop Sahak II, the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople, at the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Holy Mother-of-God.
The pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church was in Istanbul as part of a four-day visit marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. He visited the city (now known as Iznik) where the first Ecumenical Council took place in A.D. 325, which resulted in the universal statement of Christian belief known as the Nicene Creed.
At the Armenian Patriarchate on Sunday, November 30, Pope Leo and Patriarch Sahak entered a cathedral filled with some 500 worshippers, to jointly preside over a prayer service.
In his address, the Pope sent greetings to His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and expressed gratitude for the fraternal bonds that have united the Armenian and Catholic churches. He thanked God for “the courageous Christian witness of the Armenian people throughout history, often amid tragic circumstances.”
Patriarch Sahak said in his remarks that “the Papacy has long served as a moral compass, defending the dignity of every human being, championing peace, and giving voice to those who have none. The Armenian people do not forget the Popes who have raised their voices in our times of suffering, who stood with Christian communities in danger, and who upheld truth when the world hesitated.”
The prayer service was followed by a dedication ceremony, where an inscribed marble plaque was unveiled in Pope Leo’s honor.
Click the following links to read more about the visit, view photos, and watch a video clip.
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FAR’s Campaign to Fund ACT College Scholarships
Gor is a first-year Computer Science student at the Fund for Armenian Relief’s new "Armenian Creative Technologies College" (ACT). He grew up in Stepanakert dreaming of becoming a programmer. Despite being among the Armenians displaced from Artsakh in 2023, Gor is now thriving at ACT—thanks to a scholarship he received from FAR.
FAR’s crowdsourcing platform, Ayo!, is currently running its ACT for Armenia campaign, with the goal of helping 12 talented students like Gor with scholarships, in the amount of $2,500 each.
And this week, your gift can go twice as far: a generous FAR supporter, Sonya Hacet, has pledged to match all donations received through December 9. If FAR supporters raise $10,000—enough for four scholarships—she will match that amount, resulting in four more scholarships.
Help FAR unlock the full matching grant—and support Armenia’s next generation of innovators—by clicking here.
| | | | TO READ MORE NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE, CLICK HERE | | |
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!
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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.
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"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.
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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.
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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.
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Armenian-Speaking Caregiver Available
For information, please 📞 Contact the Church Office
Phone: 202-363-1923
Email: stmarychurchdc@gmail.com
| | CALENDAR OF UPCOMING FEASTS AND EVENTS | | |
December 7 93rd Anniversary of St. Mary's church
December 9 Feast of the Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary
December 13 Christmas Market – 10:00 AM -5:00 PM (Vendors and more)
December 13 ACYOA Seniors Christmas Bake Sale
December 13 ACYOA Juniors Christmas Party
December 31 New Year Celebration
| | PRAYERS FOR SPEEDY RECOVERY FOR | | Serooj Aghajanian, Aram Andonian, Tamara Vardanyan, Kristin Chakarian Turza, Kamer Ozkayan, Mikael Ovanesov, Karen Calabrese, Hripsime Apkarian, Lucy Badalian, Allison Bajger, Ellen Boudreau, Mari Dogum, Brian Drake, Anahit Greene, Antaram Grigoryan, Susana Grigoryan, Simon Gukasyan, Karen Hatchik, Charles Hoke, Tamara Hramushina, Takvur Hubi, Edward Jamgochian, Yn. Anahid Kalayjian, Michael Kolenick, Nancy Kolenick, Jack Kooyoomjian, Queen Manoogian, Susanna Mkrtchyan, Haik Nalchaian, Armen Mark Nostrant, Hacik Ozdul, Robert Schlee, Tamara Shatvoryan, Bob Semonian, Mihran Tavoukjian, David Tonyan, Jo-Anna Jacob, Mrs. Coleman | | |
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 ոչ քո բարեկամներին, ոչ քո եղբայրներին, ո°չ քո ազգականներին եւ ոչ էլ քո հարուստ հարեւաններին, որպէսզի նրանք էլ փոխարէնը քեզ չհրաւիրեն, եւ քեզ հատուցում լինի: 13 Այլ, երբ ընդունելութիւն անես, կանչիր 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` "Եկէք, 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 հրաժարուած համարիր": 19 Եւ միւսն ասաց. "Հինգ լուծ եզներ գնեցի. գնում եմ դրանք փորձելու. խնդրում եմ քեզ, ինձ հրաժարուած 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 դուրս եկ քաղաքի հրապարակներն ու փողոցները եւ աղքատներին, խեղանդամներին, կաղերին ու կոյրերին բեր մտցրու այստեղ": 22 Եւ ծառան ասաց. "Տէր, ինչ հրամայեցիր` կատարուեց եւ էլի տեղ կայ": 23 Եւ տէրը ծառային ասաց. "Դուրս եկ ճանապարհներն ու ցանկապատների առաջ եւ մարդկանց այստեղ մտցրու, որպէսզի տունս լցուի": 24 Ասում եմ ձեզ, որ այդ հրաւիրուածներից ոչ ոք իմ ընթրիքից չի ճաշակի»: (Ղուկաս 14:12-24)
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Please Stay Current with Your Membership
St. Mary Church brings us together to worship, educate, and serve, yet we need your help to sustain this mission. We call upon you to renew, or become a new member, because dues are the largest part of our church income to help keep our beloved parish doors open.
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Your Membership
MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Help us fulfill our mission to sustain and grow our ministries, worship programs and activities to strengthen our church family for generations to come. Thank you for your generosity and support. To Learn More About Membership
To Become A Member
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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
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St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church
Serves the Greater Washington, DC and Baltimore communities. Our mission is to proclaim and grow together in our Apostolic Faith in Christ Jesus and to sustain our Christian Armenian identity. We celebrate our long and enduring legacy,
the beautiful traditions of our religious and national heritage, with Christian servitude, and with love and reverence towards our Church.
We invite you and welcome you to be a part of our church,worship with us, and experience the true love of Christ as we grow together as a community.
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Signup / Stay Connected with St. Mary Church E-Newsletters and Correspondence.
| | 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. | | |
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
| | See what's happening on our social site | | | | |
