October 18

TOP STORY   

Feast of the Evangelists St. Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John

On October 19, the Armenian Apostolic Church commemorates the Feast of the Holy Evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Matthew the Evangelist, the author of the first gospel account, is symbolized by a winged man or angel. Matthew's gospel starts with Joseph's genealogy from Abraham; it represents Jesus' Incarnation, and so Christ's human nature. This signifies that Christians should use their reason for salvation.

Mark the Evangelist, the author of the second gospel account, is symbolized by a winged lion - a figure of courage and monarchy. Mark has John the Baptist preaching "like a lion roaring" at the beginning of his Gospel. It also represents Jesus' Resurrection and Christ as king. This signifies that Christians should be courageous on the path of salvation.

Luke the Evangelist, the author of the third gospel account (and the Acts of the Apostles) is symbolized by a winged ox or bull - a figure of sacrifice, service, and strength. Luke's account begins with the duties of Zacharias in the temple; it represents Jesus' sacrifice in His Passion and Crucifixion, as well as Christ being a High priest (this also represents Mary's obedience). The ox signifies that Christians should be prepared to sacrifice themselves to follow Christ.

John the Evangelist, the author of the fourth gospel account, is symbolized by an eagle - a figure of the sky and believed to be able to look straight into the sun. John starts with an eternal overview of Jesus the Logos and goes on to describe many things with a "higher" Christology than the other three (synoptic) gospels; it represents Jesus' Ascension and Christ's divine nature. This represents that Christians should look at eternity without hesitation and fear. 

October 20, 2024



SUNDAY

SCHEDULE

Morning Service 

10:00 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:30 AM

Celebrant

Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan

Usher

Sean McClure

Parish Council Members on Duty

Anna Seferian

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings: 

Is 20:2-21:6

Gal 4:3-18

Lk 4:14-23

HOKEHANKIST

REQUIEM SERVICE

For the Soul of :

Marina Oganesyan

Requested by:

Children: Milena Oganesyan, Ashot Oganesyan (Luiza)

and grandson Rafael Oganesyan. 

For the Souls of:

Haroutioun Bardizbanian  

(25th anniversary);

Angela Bardizbanian 

(10th anniversary);

Zareh Bardizbanian (1st anniversary);

Anthony C. Peters (10th anniversary);

Kathleen Ann Peters

(Maureen's Mother) (35th anniversary)

Requested by:

Raffie, Maureen, Arthur & Raffie Jr. Bardizbanian

For the Soul of :

 Peter Manoogian

Requested by:

The Manoogian and Harutunian families

For the Soul of :

Altoun Mardirosian (30th anniversary)

Requested by:

Vartiter, Kevork and Alis Marashlian

Hospitality Table is Hosted by:

The Bardizbanian and Harutunian families

Prayer of the Week

Lord, please keep watch over your faithful people and the holy soil of Artsakh and Armenia, now and always. Grant them strength, and lead us together through the present time of trial.

In faith, I confess and bow down to you, Father and Son and Holy Spirit, uncreated and immortal nature, creator of angels, of men, and of all things. Have mercy upon your creatures, and upon me, great sinner that I am. Amen.

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

St. Mary Junior ACYOA Participates in Juniors Fall Sports Weekend

Over the Columbus Day weekend, from October 11-14, more than 20 teens from St. Mary Junior ACYOA joined hundreds of young participants from across the Eastern Diocese at the ACYOA Juniors Fall Sports Weekend. Hosted by the ACYOA Juniors chapter of St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church in Wynnewood, PA, this year’s event, themed “Flying Hye,” brought together over 200 teenagers and 22 chaperones from 15 Diocesan parishes for a memorable weekend of faith, fellowship, and friendly competition.

The journey began early on Friday, as our enthusiastic group departed from the St. Mary Church parking lot in Washington, D.C., excited for the weekend ahead. Upon arrival, they joined participants from across the Diocese for an evening prayer service led by Fr. Armash Bagdasarian of the host parish, along with Fr. Tadeos Barseghyan, Fr. Hakob Gevorkyan, and our very own Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan.

Saturday was packed with exciting sports competitions held at Radnor Middle School. Our St. Mary teams competed in volleyball and basketball, and some individual sports showed great energy, teamwork, and resilience throughout each game. Though our teams did not advance to the finals, they played with determination and pride, embodying the spirit of camaraderie that defines the ACYOA community. In addition to the games, participants had the chance to enjoy famous Philly Cheesestakes for lunch, and even witnessed a surprise helicopter landing nearby, adding a touch of excitement to the day.

The fun didn’t end with the competitions. On Saturday night, our teens joined the rest of the ACYOA Juniors for a vibrant dance and games at St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church, where new friendships were made, and old ones strengthened. Sunday began with a beautiful badarak, bringing everyone together in worship. The weekend culminated in a delightful Awards Banquet Dinner on Sunday evening, prepared with love by the Wynnewood parish’s Women’s Guild, featuring live Armenian music that had everyone dancing and celebrating.

A special thanks go to our dedicated chaperones and organizers, Becky Bagdasarian, Yn. Jennifer Karapetyan, Sintia Petrosian, Kareen Guiragossian, and Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, whose support and encouragement made this trip possible for our youth. Their presence ensured a safe and joyful experience for all involved.

We are incredibly proud of our Junior ACYOA members for representing St. Mary with grace, spirit, and enthusiasm. We look forward to future opportunities to unite with our brothers and sisters from across the Diocese, sharing in the joy of fellowship, faith, and friendship.

Primate Holds Virtual Meeting with the St. Mary Parish Council to Strategize Future Growth

This Thursday, the St. Mary Parish Council members participated in a virtual meeting with the Primate, Bishop Mesrop, aimed at fostering collaboration and strategizing for future growth and engagement within the Church. Diocesan Vicar Fr. Simeon Odabashian and Diocesan Council member Mona Karoghlanian also attended the meeting.

The gathering began with an opening prayer led by Bishop Mesrop, which set a spiritual and reflective tone for the discussion. This was followed by a warm welcome from our Pastor, who introduced the Primate and highlighted the importance of the occasion. Each Parish Council member then introduced themselves, shared what makes our parish unique, and reflected on influential figures in their lives.

In his introductory remarks, Bishop Mesrop outlined the objectives of the meeting, emphasizing the need for proactive engagement and collaboration between the Diocese and local parishes. He introduced the Diocesan Council liaison Mona Karoghlanian, who facilitated the next portion of the meeting, focused on parish profiles and collaborative discussions.

A key part of the session included presentations from selected parish members Shoghig Sahakyan, Sean McClure and Svetlana Hovhannisyan, who shared inspiring examples of outreach, youth engagement, and the greeters ministry. These presentations highlighted ongoing efforts to make the Church more relevant and welcoming, both within the parish and in the broader local community. A short video, "Be My Witness," was shown to further underscore these themes and inspire new ideas for ministry.

The meeting concluded with a summary of key takeaways. Both Bishop Mesrop and Der Hovsep shared closing remarks, expressing gratitude for the collaborative spirit shown during the discussions and outlining next steps for continued growth and engagement. The meeting ended with a closing prayer, asking for guidance and blessings on future endeavors.

82 Years of Armenian Cultural Month

To Armenians in the United States, “Armenian Cultural Month” has been a feature of community life for as long as anyone can remember. It arrives every October—and with it a flurry of lectures, readings, exhibits, and sacred celebrations.

All of these events are meant to remind Armenians of the richness of their heritage and identity—and the faith that continues to sustain it. But how and when did Cultural Month begin? And why was October chosen as the annual showcase for Armenian culture?

Surprisingly, Armenian Cultural Month originated in the Eastern Diocese—and this month marks its 82nd anniversary!

Find out who started it, and why, by clicking here.

Above: “Crucifixion,” a 1973 work by Armenian painter Minas Avetisyan, the featured artist in the soon-to-be-released 2025 calendar of the Eastern Diocese.

Praying for Artsakh Armenians in Captivity

Armenian Church dioceses around the world received a communication from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin this week, regarding the plight of the Artsakh Armenians who are still being held captive in Azerbaijan—one year after the ethnic cleansing of our precious Artsakh, and four years after the surprise attack and subsequent war against our people there.

His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, announced that a special service will be held during the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin on Sunday, November 10, to pray for the well-being of the Armenians held captive in Azerbaijan, and to draw international attention to the illegal and immoral imprisonment of our fellow countrymen.

Also, Catholicos Karekin II requested that all Armenian churches around the globe join in the prayer service on that date. He further urged that churches contact their local government representatives, diplomats, ecumenical leaders, media, and other institutions to share in the service and bring light to the issue of defending the rights of Artsakh Armenians, and the urgent need to gain liberty for the Armenians still being held prisoner.

In keeping with His Holiness’ request, Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan has directed all parishes of the Eastern Diocese to conduct prayer services for the liberation of Armenian captives, on Sunday, November 10.

Please make an effort to join your community in prayer on that day. In the meantime, continue to offer prayers for our countrymen being held in captivity, and for all our beleaguered people of Artsakh and Armenia.

Catholicos Karekin II Addresses AGBU Assembly in New York

As reported in our last edition, His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, was in New York City last week to address the 93rd Assembly of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, meeting in the city October 10-12.

In his remarks to AGBU leaders gathered from around the world, His Holiness paid tribute to the organization and its mission of outreach to Armenians in the homeland and diaspora. “Throughout its history, but especially in turbulent times of hardship for our people, the AGBU has devoted its resources to the care and sustenance of the needy children of our nation,” he said in his formal address during the assembly’s October 12 session. “In doing so, this generation of leaders has fulfilled the vision of AGBU’s founders.”

During his assembly address, and also at the subsequent grand banquet over which he presided, Catholicos Karekin II blessed outgoing AGBU president Berge Setrakian and his wife Vera, praising his 22 years of productive and patriotic leadership, and his strong loyalty to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

His Holiness also blessed the incoming president of AGBU, Sam Simonian, as well as its board, officers, and world representatives, and expressed confidence that the venerable organization would continue its valuable support of the Armenian people under its new era of leadership.

Accompanying His Holiness throughout the gathering were Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, and Pontifical Legate of Western Europe Archbishop Khajag Barsamian. Catholicos Karekin II departed from the United States to return to Armenia on October 14.

FAR NEWS

FAR Provides Training for a Nurse from Artsakh

​Lina Chilingaryan (age 42) had enjoyed a rewarding healthcare career in Artsakh’s capital city of Stepanakert. She had been working as Head Nurse at the city’s Center for Maternal and Infant Health—until the dark days of September 2023, when Lina and her family were forcibly displaced from their homeland.

After relocating to Yerevan, however, Lina struggled to find work to support her family of three. Despite her experience, her lack of required professional credits made job hunting in her field difficult.

At last, in April 2024, she secured a position at a Medicine and Beauty Center that was contingent on obtaining those credits. In stepped the Fund for Armenian Relief, whose free “Continuing Professional Development” program for nurses allowed Lina to pursue this opportunity. Lina excitedly enrolled in the FAR program, and completed its two-week head nursing course, earning 48 crucial credits.

“Without FAR’s support, I would have struggled to afford the training,” she reflected. The program not only allowed her to continue working, but also enhanced Lina’s skills in areas like disinfection and antibiotic dosages. Now equipped with updated qualifications, Lina is ready to advance her career and embrace new opportunities as a head nurse.

Read more about Lina’s story on FAR’s blog.

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 (bowling, skating, 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 rebeccaBagdasarian@yahoo.com with your na

Register Now for the ACYOA Seniors National Fall Retreat

Online registration is now open for the ACYOA Seniors National Fall Retreat—scheduled to take place over the weekend of November 8-10, at Camp Washington in Lakeside, CT.

All young adults, 18 years and older, are encouraged to participate in this weekend-long program hosted by the ACYOA Central Council. Click the following links to download a Fact Sheet with background on the retreat (including arrival and departure information), and to view a flyer.

To field remaining questions, feel free to contact Jennifer Morris at jenniferm@armeniandiocese.org, or the ACYOA Central Council at acyoacc@gmail.com.

Click here to register online now. A confirmation e-mail containing further details will be sent to all registrants. The registration deadline is Friday, October 25.

Graduate Students: Apply for the Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fellowship

Beginning in 2022, the Eastern Diocese became one of a few Armenian institutions authorized to nominate one candidate per year for the Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Graduate Fellowship.

Through a generous bequest at her death, Mrs. Liebmann—daughter of the great early 20th-century Armenian writer and statesman Krikor Zohrab—created a perpetual charitable trust for the purpose of funding advanced education and graduate study grants in the United States of America.

Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Graduate Fellowships are to be awarded only to candidates who have outstanding undergraduate records, have demonstrated a need for financial assistance, are citizens of the United States of America, are enrolled in accredited colleges and universities in the United States, and have received baccalaureate degrees. The trustees welcome applications from students of all national origins who are U.S. citizens.

Qualified applicants should send materials to Dr. Jesse Arlen, director of the Eastern Diocese’s Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center. Click the link (and scroll down) for information and to download application forms.

The application deadline is December 15, 2024. Applicants will be notified of decisions in June 2025. Please direct any and all inquiries to Dr. Arlen at zohrabcenter@armeniandiocese.org.

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 92nd Anniversary of the St. Mary Community and Church. "Embrace the Future" Endowment Fund was established on the occasion of the 90th anniversary and continues 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 27 Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross

October 27 "Parallel Faiths and Fates: Armenians and Syriacs in their Ancestral Lands, Past and Present" Lecture by Julia Hintlian

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

December 7 and 8 St. Mary Church Anniversary

Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Der Hovsep's Ordination

December 9    Feast of the Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary

14Եւ Յիսուս Հոգու զօրութեամբ վերադարձաւ Գալիլիա, ու գաւառի բոլոր կողմերում նրա համբաւը տարածուեց։ 15Եւ նա ուսուցանում էր նրանց ժողովարաններում՝ փառաւորուելով բոլորից։ 16Եւ եկաւ Նազարէթ, ուր նա սնուել մեծացել էր. եւ ըստ իր սովորութեան՝ շաբաթ օրը ժողովարան մտաւ։ 17Եւ նրան տուին Եսայի մարգարէի գիրքը. եւ նա վեր կացաւ ընթերցելու. եւ երբ գիրքը բացեց, գտաւ այն տեղը, ուր գրուած էր. 18«Տիրոջ Հոգին իմ վրայ է, դրա համար իսկ օծեց ինձ, ինձ ուղարկեց աղքատներին աւետարանելու, սրտով բեկեալներին բժշկելու, 19գերիներին ազատում քարոզելու եւ կոյրերին՝ տեսողութիւն, կեղեքուածներին ազատ արձակելու, Տիրոջը ընդունելի տարին հռչակելու»։ 20Եւ փակելով գիրքը՝ տուեց պաշտօնեային ու նստեց. եւ ժողովարանում գտնուողների բոլորի աչքերը նրա վրայ էին սեւեռուած։ 21Սկսեց ասել նրանց. «Այսօր այս գրուածքները կատարուեցին, երբ լսում էիք ձեր ականջներով»։ 22Եւ բոլորը վկայում էին ու զարմանում նրա բերանից ելած շնորհալի խօսքերի վրայ ու ասում. «Սա Յովսէփի որդին չէ՞»։ 23Եւ նա ասաց նրանց. «Անշուշտ, ինձ այս առածը կ՚ասէք. «Բժի՛շկ, բժշկի՛ր ինքդ քեզ»։ Այն ամէնը, ինչ արել ես Կափառնայումում, որչափ որ լսեցինք, արա՛ եւ այստեղ, քո գաւառում»։

(Ղուկաս 4:14-23)

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and a report concerning him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; and he went to the synagogue, as his custom was, on the sabbath day. And he stood up to read, and there was given to him the book of the prophet Isaiah. He opened the book and found the place where it was written, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." And all spoke well of him, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth; and they said, "Is not this Joseph's son?" And he said to them, "Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, `Physician, heal yourself; what we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here also in your own country.'"

(Luke 4:14-23)

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