January 10

TOP STORY   

Manifestation, Circumcision, and Naming of our Lord Jesus Christ

Eight days after the Holy Nativity of our Lord, we celebrate His Circumcision, one of the Feasts of the Lord, on which - in accordance with Hebrew tradition - He received the name "Jesus": "And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the Child, His name was called Jesus, which was so named of the Angel before He was conceived in the womb" (Luke 2:21).

The name "Jesus" comes from Joshua or Yehoshuah, the Hebrew word for "savior" or "deliverer." Devotion to the Holy Name can be traced back to Paul's Letter to the Philippians, which says God highly exalted Jesus "and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" (Philippians 2:9-11). The true descendants of the Patriarch Abraham were separated from the other nations by the sign of circumcision (a prefigurement of Baptism: "the circumcision made without hands" [Colossians 2:1]) and thereby became members of the God-ruled community of the Old Testament; that is, through circumcision, they entered among the chosen People of God. Christ was now "made under the law," being conformed to the prescriptions of the Mosaic Law (Galatians 4:4) and "fulfilling" the Law (Matthew 3:15), in order to elevate the Church of the Law into a Church of Grace, into a new "Israel of God" (cf Galatians 6:16), into a Theanthropic organism-into His Body.

The Circumcision of our Lord inspired the Holy Church to institute a beautiful and deeply symbolic custom for the newborn children of Christians to be baptized eight days after birth.

Քրիստոսի Անվանակոչության տոն

Ըստ հրեական օրենքի` ծննդյան 8-րդ օրը Հիսուս, ինչպես նորածին ամեն մի արու զավակ, թլփատվեց և անվանակոչվեց: Այդ մասին վկայում է Ղուկաս Ավետարանիչը. «Եվ երբ ութ օրերը լրացան, և նա թլփատվեց, նրա անունը Հիսուս դրվեց, ինչպես հրեշտակի կողմից կոչվել էր, երբ դեռ չէր հղացվել մոր որովայնում» (Ղուկ. 2:21): Հիսուս եբրայերեն բառ է, որ նշանակում է Փրկիչ:

Գաբրիել հրեշտակը, Աստվածամորն ավետելով Աստծո Որդու ծննդյան մասին, Հիսուս անունն է հիշատակել: Այս մասին կրկին վկայում է նույն Ավետարանիչը. «Եվ ահա դու կհղիանաս և կծնես մի որդի և նրա անունը Հիսուս կդնես» (Ղուկ. 1:31): Հիսուս անվանը զուգահեռ Փրկչին տրվում է նաև Քրիստոս անունը: Այն հունարեն բառ է, որ նշանակում է Օծյալ և համապատասխանում է եբրայերենի Մեսիային: Փրկչի անվանակոչության տոնին հայոց բոլոր եկեղեցիներում մատուցվում է Սուրբ Պատարագ, իսկ նախորդ օրը երեկոյան ժամերգության ավարտին կատարվում է նախատոնակի արարողություն:

January 12, 2025

SUNDAY

SCHEDULE

Morning Service 

10:00 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:30 AM

Celebrant

Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan

Usher

Mrs. Patricia Yeghissian

Parish Council Members on Duty

Mrs. Catherine Sahakian

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings: 

Rom 1:1-7,

Lk 2:1-7

HOKEHANKIST

REQUIEM SERVICE

For the Souls of:

Maryam and Krikor Ozben

Pariz Atam and Avedis Ozkayan

Requested by:

Gulbahar Atam and Kamer Ozkayan

For the Souls of:

Lucine Missirian, Yervant Missirian,

Missak Missirian and Marie Joukhian

Requested by:

Raffi and Shoghig Sahakyan and family

Haynes and Sossi Mahoney and family

For the Souls of:

Arsalus Cekci (8th anniversary)

Requested by:

Onnik Cekci

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, strengthen those fleeing persecution, and protect the holy soil of Armenia. Preserve the spirit of Artsakh in our hearts; console those who grieve; deliver your faithful children from conflict, and bestow your peace on all mankind.

Look with love, O merciful Father, on the created works of your hand, and grant the camps of the angels to be guardians of our feeble persons. Deliver us from temptation, from the wandering demons of night, that by day and by night we may give you glory incessantly. Amen.

We thank all of our parishioners and friends

for making their



Yughakin, Poinsettias, and In Lieu of Christmas Card Donations

On the Occasion of the Feast of Nativity and Theophany of our Lord

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

Feast of Nativity and Theophany Celebrated at St. Mary

St. Mary Armenian Church joyfully commemorated the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord on January 5 and 6, marking this sacred time in our liturgical calendar. The celebrations began on the evening of January 5th with scriptural readings presented by the students of St. Mary Shnorhali School, setting a reflective and reverent tone for the evening.

The Nativity Eve Badarak was celebrated by Der Hovsep, who led the faithful in worship and prayer, drawing them deeper into the mystery of Christ's birth and revelation. The service concluded with a cherished Home Blessing ceremony, symbolizing the blessings of Christ's presence in our homes and lives. The evening's celebrations extended into a warm and welcoming fellowship hour, graciously hosted by the Parish Council, offering an opportunity for parishioners to gather in delight and community, taking the joy and the light of Christ to their homes.

On January 6th, despite the challenges of inclement weather, the church community gathered once again to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity and Baptism of our Lord. A highlight of the day was the Blessing of the Water Service, a moving tradition that symbolizes the baptism of Christ and His revelation as the Son of God. This year, the role of Godfather was honorably fulfilled by Maxim Ghazanchyan, one of the youngest members of our church and the beloved son of Manuk and Hasmik Ghazanchyan. Those present prayed together, giving thanks for the gift of renewal and grace that this feast brings to our hearts.

While the festive luncheon, organized by our Avak Society, had to be postponed to Sunday, January 12, due to the weather, the joy and spirit of the feast were not diminished. Throughout these two sacred days, the church resonated with the joyous proclamation of the Nativity: "To you and us good news! Tzez yev mez Medz Avedis! Christ is born and revealed. Kristos tsnav yev haytnetsav."

As we continue in the light of this blessed season, may the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord fill our hearts with renewed hope, enduring love, and spiritual strength. Let us carry the joy of Christ's birth and revelation into our daily lives, shining as beacons of faith in our world.

Celebrating the Spirit of Christmas: Shnorhali School's Heartfelt Observance of Theophany and Nativity at St. Mary Church



On January 5th, the students of Shnorhali School gathered at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church for a truly special occasion - the Eve of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ. This cherished event was a celebration of faith, learning, and community, beautifully brought to life through the participation of our students.

The evening began with a warm welcome and guidance from Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, who shared profound insights into the sacred significance of this day. He reminded everyone that, in the Armenian Church, Christmas is not only a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ but also a commemoration of His revelation to the world through His baptism. With Fr. Hovsep’s thoughtful explanations, students and families gained a deeper appreciation for the spiritual importance of this dual celebration.

As the evening unfolded, the Shnorhali students actively prepared their hearts and minds for the Holy Liturgy by presenting readings from the Armenian Scriptures. Their clear voices carried the timeless message of hope, faith, and joy to all who had gathered. They proclaimed the Savior’s birth and the Good News of His revelation through their heartfelt participation while fostering unity and reflection among classmates and parishioners alike. This moments of prayer and Scripture readings created a deeper connection within the community, highlighting and celebrating the enduring power of faith and the light that Christ’s birth brings into our lives.

Christmas Handes &

Christmas Luncheon

Shnorhali School students will provide the entertainment for this year’s Christmas luncheon! The event will begin with our kindergarten classes, who will charm the audience with their opening act, singing cherished Christmas songs that celebrate the season's joy. Following this, the rest of our students will take you on a beautiful journey to Bethlehem, where they will bring to life the holy birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Through song and heartfelt performances, our students will share the story of His birth, filling the room with the true spirit of Christmas!

Women’s Guild Christmas Party and Election

The Women’s Guild held their Christmas party on Saturday, January 4 and a good time was had by all. The morning started with a craft led by Dee Rogers, where members painted and decorated clay Christmas ornaments that had been hand-created by Dee.

After the craft, we had a membership meeting, which included elections for new officers. Ani Derderian, Hrip Sivaslian, Maha Kouri, Nadya Koseian and Beverly Sivaslian were newly elected officers to the Executive Committee. Roxanne Paul and Rita Istepanian will continue and finish out their terms on the Executive Committee. Lucy Murad was elected as delegate to the Women’s Guild Central Council and Malvina Brown was elected as an alternate to the Nominating Committee.

Roxanne thanked the outgoing Executive Committee members Dee Rogers and Janet Arabian for their service. She also thanked Yn. Jennifer and Ilda Bolat for their two years on the committee as well as this past year volunteering in an unofficial role, even though they had declined to run last year.

After the elections, we had a delicious meal catered by Nora’s Kebab. We are looking forward to another productive and fun year!

Roxanne Nersesian Paul

WG Secretary

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, 2024.

We depend on our faithful donors and their monetary contributions. Your membership dues not only ensure your voting privileges during our annual assembly but also shows your commitment to your church. Your support enables us to continue our mission of preaching the Word of God, reaching out to our community, and bringing the rich and wonderful blessings of our heritage and identity to all for the glory of God.

We thank you for your generous past support and hope you will continue your commitment to your church.

St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church relies on the generosity of individual donors so that it may continue ensuring service to God and fellowship to the Armenian Community. Your support is deeply appreciated.

“The Day Heaven Touched Earth”: Christmas at St. Vartan Cathedral

The Armenian Christmas Divine Liturgy on Monday, January 6, at New York’s St. Vartan Cathedral, once again united the Armenian Christian family to mark the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

As worshippers approached the edifice this year, the framework of scaffolding that had surrounded St. Vartan Cathedral throughout the first phase of its Restoration Project was noticeably absent. What now stands revealed is a renewed and revitalized façade, surmounted by a brilliantly gilded dome and an imposing new cross.

Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan celebrated the Divine Liturgy before the faithful in the cathedral sanctuary, as well as to a global audience via the live stream broadcast.

His homily focused on the glorious fact that the infinite eternal God chose to walk among mankind with the purpose of carrying our burdens and tribulations. Bishop Mesrop emphasized that Christmas was “the day that heaven and earth united,” as Creation welcomed its Creator in human flesh.

The Godfather of the Cross (Gunkahayr) for the Christmas Blessing of Water ceremony was Dr. Tavit O. Najarian, distinguished leader of St. Stepanos Church in Elberon, NJ, whose dedication and benevolence has served the Diocesan community as well as the worldwide Armenian community.

The Armenian Christmas Divine Liturgy went forward with the participation of Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar; Fr. Davit Karamyan, Vicar of St. Vartan Cathedral; Fr. Mesrob Hovsepyan, pastor of St. Gregory the Enlightener Church (White Plains, NY), as well as a large contingent of deacons and altar servers. Maestro Khoren Mekanejian directed the angelic voices of the St. Vartan Cathedral Choir, accompanied on the organ by Kris Kalfayan (Director of the Gomidas Choir).

A reception took place in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium of the Diocesan complex after the service. The online broadcast was directed by Yervant Keshishian, with Chris Zakian providing the narration. Mano Baghjajian operated the mobile videocam, and Dn. Diran Jebejian was photographed inside the sanctuary.

Click the following links to:

• READ more in an extensive article by Stephan Nigohosian.
• VIEW photos of Christmas at St. Vartan Cathedral.
• WATCH the full recording of the Christmas liturgy.
• WATCH Bishop Mesrop’s sermon in English and Armenian.

Home Blessing: New Year and New Life

Throughout history, Armenian Christians have considered the home to be a sacred place: the tranquil sanctuary of the family, where habits of virtue, pious traditions, and life-affirming customs are passed from one generation to another.

Above all, the home is where one’s faith in God is first kindled, and where that faith finds some of the most profound occasions for action.

According to the traditions of the Armenian Church, God is asked to bestow His blessing on our homes. Clergy can be invited to visit the homes of parishioners to perform the beautiful “Home Blessing” service—typically in the weeks following the Feast of our Lord's Nativity and the Feast of His Resurrection—as an affirmation of new life and God's abiding presence.

Today, the Home Blessing seems especially relevant to our spiritual life. In recent years, our clergy have become creative in adapting the traditional blessing to suit individual circumstances. So, contact your local pastor to arrange a Home Blessing ceremony for you and your family.

Click on the links to learn more about this tradition, to download the service booklet, and to watch a video.

“The Sun of Righteousness Rises”: H.H. Karekin II’s Christmas Sermon

His Holiness Karekin II delivered a delivered a stirring message on Armenian Christmas, January 6, reassuring the faithful that the reality of Christ is the answer to the world’s troubles.

He spoke during the Pontifical Divine Liturgy marking the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Christ, at the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin. It marked the first time the feast day has been celebrated in the sanctuary since the re-opening of the cathedral after a decade-long restoration.

In a message directed to Armenian faithful throughout the world, His Holiness assured listeners that “the Nativity of the Son of God is an incomprehensible mystery—unfathomable to the mind, yet knowable and perceivable through faith…. By receiving the swaddled Son of God, humanity is clothed with the grace of salvation, which becomes an inexhaustible fountain of heavenly blessings in the life of every believer.”

The Catholicos also cautioned that “the rejection of God’s path places humanity before evils and destructive threats.” He reflected that in modern times, “we are all witnesses to the bitter reality of a world turning away from God—embracing the idolatry of materialism, the pursuit of political and economic gain, and an insatiable lust for power, all at the cost of moral principles, global peaceful coexistence, happiness, and goodness.”

Yet Catholicos Karekin stressed that “even amidst the darkness of tribulation, God’s light shines forth, and the ‘Sun of Righteousness’ rises…. Through the mystery of the Holy Nativity, a heavenly invitation is once again extended to us: to walk the Lord’s path of love, reconciliation, and righteousness.”

Following the Christmas Divine Liturgy, His Holiness led the “Blessing of Water” ceremony, where Karen Nazaryan served as Godfather of the Cross. The Catholicos then spent time among the great throng of worshippers who had come to receive his blessing. He began the following day at Yerablur Military Cemetery, where he prayed and laid wreaths at the graves of Armenia’s departed defenders.

Click the following links to:

• READ His Holiness’s message in English and Armenian.
• VIEW PHOTOS of the Armenian Christmas badarak at Holy Etchmiadzin.
• WATCH a video digest of the service, including Catholicos Karekin II’s sermon.

Your Support of the Bishop’s Annual Appeal Makes a Difference!

Connecting with Parishes. Inspiring the Youth. Advancing Our Mission. Witnessing to the World.

These four actions lie at the heart of the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. Its purpose—the purpose of all of the Eastern Diocese’s efforts—is to support the blessed mission of our Armenian Church: to shine the Light of our Lord on the Armenian community, from our youngest to our eldest members.

With your generous support, the Bishop’s Annual Appeal will continue to provide vital services to local parishes; train the next generation of teachers; support youth groups and programs; represent our culture, history, and faith on the world stage; and continue our church’s mission of spreading the Gospel of our Lord.

“It’s your support, your prayers, your involvement that keep our ministries thriving!” Bishop Mesrop says. “Your generosity is a gift from God. And it’s making a difference!”

Please consider making an online contribution today to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.

Click the following link to DONATE NOW on our secure server.

FAR NEWS

FAR’s Enduring Commitment to Education in Armenia

​Thirty-six years ago, the Eastern Diocese established the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) as a heartfelt, humanitarian response to the 1988 earthquake that devastated Gyumri and the surrounding area.

Melanya Melkonyan, a teacher in the city’s His Holiness Vasken the First Secondary School, still recalls the harsh conditions immediately following the earthquake—and lasting for years—when classes were held in makeshift tents.

But she also recalls FAR’s intervention in 1997, which proved to be a turning point for the school. FAR provided not just the physical restoration of the school, but also restored a sense of emotional warmth and stability among the residents of the region.

New desks, furniture, and computers were greeted as great symbols of hope by students and teachers alike. Over the years, FAR has continued its support of the school, ensuring ongoing resources and improvements, such as the recent donation of a table tennis set and recreational equipment. Today, 365 students (like the ones seen here) thrive in the revitalized school: an enduring reminder of FAR’s dedication to Armenia, its people, and their education.

Click the link to learn more about FAR’s educational initiatives across Armenia on FAR’s blog.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CLASSIFIED ANNOUNCEMENT

Armenian Speaking Caregivers Available

For information, please contact the church office at 202-363-1923 or  stmarychurchdc@gmail.com

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.

Buy a Brick and Leave Your Legacy at

St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church

Bricks can be ordered and purchased by clicking below and

filling out a simple online order form.

You can choose to have a 4" x 8" brick

which includes your preselected

3 lines of 20 characters per line of text.

Or you can choose to have the

Armenian Cross artwork on the 4" x 8" brick

which includes your preselected

3 lines of 15 characters per line of text.

Order Today While Quantities Last!

Payment can be made with PayPal or a Credit Card.

Legacy Brick Donations are Tax Deductible.

January 12 Christmas Luncheon and Shnorhali School's Christmas Handes

January 21 and 28 Bible Study at 7 pm

February 4 and 11 Bible Study at 7 pm

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

(Lk 2:1-7)

1Այդ օրերը Օգոստոս կայսրէն հրամանագիր ելաւ, որ ամբողջ երկրագունդը արձանագրուի: 2(Այս առաջին աշխարհագիրը եղաւ՝ երբ Կիւրենոս Սուրիայի վրայ կառավարիչ էր:) 3Բոլորը կ՚երթային արձանագրուելու, իւրաքանչիւրը՝ իր քաղաքին մէջ: 4Յովսէփ ալ՝ Գալիլեայէն, Նազարէթ քաղաքէն, բարձրացաւ դէպի Հրէաստան՝ Դաւիթի քաղաքը, որ Բեթլեհէմ կը կոչուի, (քանի ինք Դաւիթի տունէն եւ գերդաստանէն էր,) 5արձանագրուելու Մարիամի հետ, որ իր նշանածն էր ու յղի էր: 6Երբ անոնք հոն էին՝ անոր ծնանելու օրերը լրացան. 7եւ իր անդրանիկ որդին ծնաւ, խանձարուրով փաթթեց զայն ու մսուրին մէջ պառկեցուց, որովհետեւ իջեւանին մէջ տեղ չկար իրենց:

(Ղուկասի 2:1-7)

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