September 15

TOP STORY   

From Symbol of Death to Promise of Life

We see it soaring atop church spires and standing solemnly over graves. It ornaments our places of worship and dangles from the neck to rest close to the heart. It flashes through our field of vision when an ambulance speeds by on a mission of mercy and lends a reserved dignity to the crests of great universities.

It is the Sign of the Cross: the universal symbol of Christianity, which lends its eloquent simplicity of form to the distinctive virtues of our religion. Faith, hope, and charity. Righteousness, compassion, and mercy. Comfort in the trials of living, and the promise of life after death.

These are the impressions we take for granted after 2,000 years of Christian civilization. But it was not always this way. In ancient times, the cross was an object of fear and loathing—and in this guise, the cross was the instrument of painful death for our Lord, Jesus Christ. But the light cast by his resurrection gave the cross a new symbolic meaning.

Christ’s apostle St. James was the first to perceive the cross not with fear, but with reverence and awe. In raising up the cross, and bowing before it, St. James showed the world that Christ’s resurrection marked a decisive turning point in history. The old era’s symbol of death would henceforth be known as the Christian era’s symbol of everlasting Life.

This is one of the stories the Armenian Church will remember this Sunday on Khatchveratz: the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. As a major feast day of the church calendar, it’s the first of several celebrations in the season of our Lord’s Cross. Click here to view a Bread and Salt video on the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

After the Badarak Anantasdan service (blessing of the fields) will be conducted during which the processional cross will be adorned with basil (a symbol of royalty) and the four corners of the church will be blessed as a sign of the sanctification of the world. The association of this sweet-smelling plant with the celebration of this Feast is because basil in the early decades of Christianity was a symbol of royalty, befitting the Saviour who was crucified as a King.

Church traditions preserve also a beautiful story of the miraculous growth of basil on the ground at the foot of the Cross of the Lord after it had been removed from there. Basil, according to pious traditions, continued to grow on that ground despite the faithful cutting and taking it home.

September 17, 2023

Morning Service 

10:00 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:30 AM

Celebrant

Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan

Usher

All ushers

Parish Council Members on Duty

All Parish Council Members

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings: 

Isaiah 49.13-23

Galatians 6.14-18

John 3.13-21

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

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Prayer of the Week

Lord, please keep watch over your faithful people, and protect the holy soil of Artsakh and Armenia—now and always. Foil every aggressor against our homeland. Defend the innocent and voiceless, Lord. 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.

    Guard us, O Christ our God, in peace under the shadow of your holy and venerable Cross. Deliver us from the visible and invisible enemy. Make us worthy to give you thanks and to glorify you together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and always. Amen.

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

ST. MARY ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH

FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

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Please join us for this meaningful and significant feast. Let us come together as a community to celebrate the life-giving power of the Holy Cross and find inspiration in the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Sunday, September 17, 2023

10:00 AM: Moring Service

10:30 AM: Divine Liturgy

12:30 PM: Antasdan Service (Blessing of the Fields)- During the Procession, the Cross is adorned with basil (a symbol of royalty), and the four corners of the church are blessed as a sign of the sanctification of the world with the symbol of our salvation, the Holy Cross.

1:00 PM: Blessing of Madagh – To follow in the Church Hall sponsored by the Young Professional Group of St. Mary Armenian Church.

Donations of Sweet Basil (Rehan) for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross are graciously welcomed. If you'd like to contribute, please contact the church office at (202) 363-1923, or feel free to bring your own Sweet Basil directly to the church.

Prayers for Healing and Bible Study

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" (Psalms 147). With these words in mind, St. Mary parishioners gathered on September 12th, 2023, for the first Prayer of Healing and Bible Study.

In this ancient Armenian Church tradition, we embarked on a unique journey. Together, we engaged in a brief and meaningful prayer service that sought to invite God's presence into our lives, to heal the pains of our bodies, minds, and souls, and to bestow upon us a deep sense of peace.

As we joined our voices in prayer and received the blessing of holy water, we humbly opened ourselves to the healing power of our Lord. We offered our intentions and supplications for ourselves, our loved ones, and the greater community.

Following the beautiful Prayer of Healing service, we transitioned into the enlightening Bible Discussions focused on the Healing miracles performed by our Lord Jesus Christ. In this study, we delved deeper into the meaning of Matthew 8:1-4 discussing the healing power of our Lord, and explored how it resonates in our lives today. Through lively conversations and heartfelt reflections, we found guidance, inspiration, and hope.

This powerful evening of unity and faith was just the beginning. We are thrilled to announce that the Prayer of Healing and Bible Discussions will continue to be offered every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. 

Everyone is invited to join us on this transformative journey. Whether you seek solace, physical healing, emotional restoration, or spiritual renewal, we extend our open arms to you. Together, we can uplift and support one another on our unique paths toward wholeness.

Let the healing power of prayer bring us closer to the divine, creating an unwavering bond within our church community and beyond. Come and experience the profound grace and love of God as we gather, week after week, to seek healing and enlightenment together.

A Spiritual Journey: St. Mary ACYOA Visits the Museum of the Bible

On Saturday, September 9th, the ACYOA (Armenian Church Youth Organization of America) members of St. Mary Armenian Church embarked on a unique spiritual journey. The group was graciously welcomed at the Museum of the Bible by the curator and staff. The experience proved to be uplifting and inspirational for all participants, enriching their understanding of the sacred texts that serve as the bedrock of their faith.

Upon arrival, the curator and staff member of the Museum of the Bible greeted Fr. Hovsep and the ACYOA members warmly. Their hospitality set the tone for an immersive and educational tour, offering an intimate look into the history, context, and impact of the Bible through various exhibitions and artifacts.

The Museum of the Bible holds a wide array of biblically significant artifacts, interactive displays, and thought-provoking exhibitions that appeal to both the devout and the curious. For the ACYOA members, the visit was not just informative but also deeply spiritual.

As a special treat, the group had the chance to explore an exhibition focused on the ancient traditions of manuscript illumination, including Armenian. "Seeing our Armenian heritage intertwined with the broader Christian tradition was awe-inspiring," said one of the members.

As they wrapped up their visit, ACYOA members left the Museum of the Bible with a renewed sense of purpose and spiritual enrichment. The staff member of the museum, with her wealth of knowledge and gracious hospitality, made the group's visit a memorable one.

The experience reminded all attendees of the timelessness and universal appeal of the Bible's teachings. Fr. Hovsep summarized the visit succinctly, saying, "Today, we not only explored the history of the Bible but felt its living presence among us. It was a visit that inspired us to delve deeper into our faith."

The journey to the Museum of the Bible was not just a day trip; it was a pilgrimage of sorts that brought the ACYOA members closer, fortified their faith, and left an indelible mark on their spiritual lives.

Pakhlava , Bourma and Simit Workshop

On Saturday, September 9, members and friends of the St. Mary Women's Guild gathered to make trays of baklava and bourma for our upcoming Food Festival in October. In all, 650 pieces of pakhlava, 622 bourma and 697 simit were made. Thanks to all the hard-working women who made this possible!

A Special Thank You to Avak Permian and Raffi Sahakyan



We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Avak Permian and Raffi Sahakyan for their recent act of service to our church. They took it upon themselves to wash and seal the wooden carved door at the main entrance of our beloved St. Mary Armenian Church, in addition, power washed the stairs and patio.

For years, Avak Permian has been tirelessly dedicating his time and efforts to maintain the beauty and longevity of our church doors. This year, Raffi Sahakyan joined him in this noble task, ensuring that the intricate woodwork continues to welcome parishioners and visitors alike for years to come.

Their labor of love not only preserves the physical structure of our church but also serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of community and service that thrives within our parish.

Thank you, Avak and Raffi, for your dedication and for providing such a tangible expression of your love for our church. May God bless you abundantly for your kindness.

Fresh New Look for St. Mary's Social Halls



If you visit St. Mary this Sunday and join us at the church's cultural hall after the Liturgy, you will notice a drastic change. We are thrilled to announce that both our large and small halls have recently received a beautiful painting facelift!

The transformation has given a fresh and uplifting aura to the spaces where we gather for fellowship, celebrations, and community events. The new paint has revitalized the halls, making them even more inviting and conducive to spiritual and social gatherings.

A special word of thanks to Emma Hakobian for her invaluable contributions to this project. Emma's designer skills were instrumental in helping us pick the perfect colors that both complement our church's aesthetic and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

We invite all parishioners to experience the rejuvenated spaces!

AURORA’S SUNRISE 

An extraordinary animated feature film on the Armenian Genocide and its aftermath, titled Aurora’s Sunrise will be screened in Washington, DC (Freer Gallery of Art, Meyer Auditorium) on September 17, at 2 p.m.

The film by director Inna Sahakyan tells the story of Aurora Mardiganian, who lost everything as a 14-year-old enduring the horror of the Armenian Genocide. Two years later, through luck and courage, she escaped to New York, where her story became a media sensation. Starring as herself in “Auction of Souls,” an early Hollywood blockbuster, Aurora became the face of one of the largest charity campaigns in American history. With a blend of vivid animation, interviews with Aurora herself, and 18 minutes of surviving footage from her lost silent epic, Aurora’s Sunrise revives a forgotten story of survival.

  For more information: https://asia.si.edu/whats-on/events/search/event:169231789/

Act Now to Advocate for Artsakh and Prevent Another Genocide

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Our brothers and sisters in Artsakh are experiencing a grave crisis, the one that threatens their lives, culture, and their very existence. The disturbing echoes of past genocides reverberate in the present situation, making our intervention crucial.

I encourage you to take a moment to write a letter to your local representative, senator, or any influential person in your network. Advocate for peace in Artsakh and call for preventative measures against another potential genocide. Your voice matters, and it can make a difference.

The attached letter is for your convenience. It highlights the historical and cultural significance of Artsakh, the human rights abuses currently taking place, and the urgent need for international intervention. You can also access the Armenian Assembly of America and the Armenian National Committee website and use their platforms. 

Remember, each letter counts, each voice matters, and each prayer has the potential to change the course of events. Let's stand in solidarity with our brethren in Artsakh and do our part to avert another tragic chapter in history.

May God grant us the strength and guidance to make a difference in this critical situation. Your prayers and actions will undoubtedly bring comfort to those suffering in Artsakh.

May God's peace, blessings, and protection be upon our people of Artsakh.

Prayerfully,

Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan

“The Lord heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” Psalms 147

Prayers for Healing

Աղօթք Բժշկութեան

Join us in this ancient Armenian Church tradition:

A brief prayer service, holy Scripture, and blessing of holy water asking God to ease the pains of body, mind, and soul and bestow his peace.

The Bible Discussions on the healing miracles of our Lord will follow the services.

Prayer of Healing and Bible Discussions will be offered every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

ALL ARE WELCOME

 THE FIRST SERVICE WILL BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 12th, 2023

St. Mary Food Festival -Sponsorship Opportunities

Dear Friends, 

At St. Mary, we are very excited to host the 75th Annual Armenian Fall Food Festival on October 6, 7 and 8, again bringing the culinary delights and cultural riches of Armenian heritage to the Greater Washington, DC area. 

Our community is hard at work preparing for the Food Festival, but we need your support and sponsorship for it to be a success.

Please Click on the Link Below to BECOME A SPONSOR. 

All donations are tax-deductible.

Dear Parish Community,

The staff and teachers of Shnorhali Armenian School are delighted to welcome you to the 2023-2024 academic year. The registration is now open. We are happy to see our school once again filled with positivity and learning and fueled by kids’ laughter and joy!

Please click on the link below for more information.

SHNORHALI SCHOOL CALENDAR

• Sunday, September 24th - Back to School fun event after school for students and parents, Book Fair, and the School Yearbook sale

UPCOMING EVENTS

St. Nersess to Honor 12 Priests and Lay Alumni on Nov. 4



St. Nersess Armenian Seminary will highlight the vocations of 12 alumni priests and lay ministers, with a gala banquet on Saturday, November 4, 2023.

This will be the second in a series of tribute events featuring alumni of St. Nersess who serve the Armenian Church in various capacities. The first celebration took place in November 2021 and established the “12 Vocations” theme. The upcoming event will build on that idea, under the title: “12 Vocations: Broadening the Call.”

This year, the event will honor a seminary graduate who became a hierarch of the Armenian Church: Archbishop Avak Asadourian (priestly ordination in 1977, episcopal consecration in 1982), who recently retired after a long tenure as Primate of the Diocese of Iraq.

He will be honored along with seven clergymen and four lay ministers—listed here by ordination or graduation date: Fr. Krikor Sabounjian (ordained 1998); Fr. Sarkis Petoyan (ordained 1998); Fr. Abraham Ohanessian (ordained 1999); Fr. Mikael Devejian (ordained 2000); Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan (ordained 2004); Fr. Aren Jebejian (ordained 2004); Fr. Bedros Kadehjian (ordained 2005); Mka. Valerie Goekjian Zahirsky (graduated 1974); Yn. Sirarpi Feredjian Aivazian (graduated 1978); Nancy Basmajian (graduated 1979); and Shaké Ajamian Derderian (graduated 1989).

Invitations and further details on the November 4 banquet will be coming soon. Contact event co-chair Lynn Beylerian at lynnbeylerian@gmail.com or access the seminary website: www.stnersess.edu. 

DIOCESAN & OTHER NEWS

Welcome Our Newly-Ordained Primate Back to America on Oct. 14

With autumn upon us, our Diocese is approaching some uplifting milestones, revolving around our Mother See in the homeland, the ministry of our Primate, and all the faithful people he serves throughout our local parish communities.

As reported here previously, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin on Sunday, October 1, His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, will lead the sacred ceremony of the “Blessing of the Holy Muron”—the first time the blessing service will have taken place since 2015.

A week later, on October 8, Catholicos Karekin II will celebrate an Episcopal Consecration service, wherein he will ordain several new bishops for the Armenian Church. Among those receiving the sacrament of episcopal ordination will be our Primate, the Very Reverend Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan.

Finally, on Saturday, October 14, the faithful of our Diocese will be able to welcome our newly-ordained Primate back home. The newly-ordained Bishop Mesrop will celebrate his first episcopal badarak at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in New York, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

The entire public is invited to witness this joyous occasion, when our Primate will officially greet his people as our new bishop. A reception, hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Berge and Vera Setrakian, will follow in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium.

Click here to view a flyer for the October 14 badarak. Parishes across our Diocese are arranging pilgrimages to St. Vartan Cathedral for the occasion (check with your local parish for details). Plans also call for the service to be broadcast over the Internet.

Whatever way you can participate, please help us welcome our Primate Bishop Mesrop on October 14, and join together in prayerful goodwill for the future of our Diocese. Until then, we offer prayers of thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ, for guiding us to these bright developments, and for shining His holy light on our people always.

Diocese Hosts Armenian School Teachers’ Symposium

On Saturday, September 9, the Eastern Diocese hosted a symposium for Armenian School principals and instructors, at the Diocesan complex in New York. It was organized by the Diocese’s Armenian Language Ministry, led by Norayr Kazazian.

Diocesan Primate Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan presided over the occasion. “I was inspired by the commitment and dedication I witnessed,” he said.

“As Primate of the Eastern Diocese, my responsibilities extend to the various aspects of our community life, including education,” Fr. Mesrop went on. “I’ve observed that our educators are not just instructors, but stewards of our culture, faith, and history. They shoulder the noble task of imparting these values to our younger generation.”

For the participants, the symposium was a valuable opportunity to exchange best practices, explore innovative techniques, and rekindle the passion that calls them to the teaching profession.

“It was a reminder that while we must adapt to the changing landscape of modern education, we must also honor the deep roots of our Armenian heritage,” the Primate said. “A heartfelt thank you to all who organized, attended, and contributed to this enriching event, and to all the educators. Your efforts, commitment, and spirit are invaluable. Thank you for your tireless work and devotion. May God bless each of you abundantly in your endeavors.”

Click here to view photos.

Coming up next for the Armenian Ministry program is opening day for the Khrimian Lyceum: the Diocese’s long-running “immersion course” in all aspects of the Armenian culture and heritage. Classes begin on October 7, and will continue meeting one Saturday per month up to June, at the St. Vartan Cathedral complex.

Khrimian Lyceum is open to students who have graduated from parish Armenian language schools in the New York region. Plans are also being laid to open “satellite” Khrimian Lyceum programs in other regions of the Eastern Diocese.

Click the following links to view an informative flyer, and to download the Khrimian Lyceum registration form.

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.

Dear Parishioner,



St Mary’s is preparing for its FY 2023 Fall Food Festival, and we are seeking your participation. The Woman’s Guild makes excellent traditional food and dishes. The workshops are an opportunity to learn how to make traditional Armenian food and learn from our culinary experts in these classic dishes. Please click on the link below to complete the volunteer form, if you would like to participate in any of the workshops. 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4DA4A82FA6F5C25-fall 



We look forward to hearing from you.

NEW RECYCLING PROGRAM AT ST. MARY'S



There is now a blue recycling bin in the hall at St. Mary Church. Please only deposit empty plastic bottles and aluminum cans in the container. We are looking for volunteers to sign up about once a month to take the recyclables home with them after church or during the Food Festival. It involves sorting through what's in the clear recycling bag and discarding any trash that might have been put in the bag. Then, you replace the clear bag with one from the box in the kitchen marked "Recycling Bags, Not for Trash". I have created a SignUp Genius link to sign up for a slot. Please see St Mary's Armenian Apostolic Church: St. Mary's Recycling Committee (signupgenius.com). If you have any questions, please email me at rangerrox@msn.com. Thanks for your help in keeping God's good earth cleaner!

FAR NEWS

FAR Honors Dr. Raffy Hovanessian’s Legacy of Hope

Three years after his passing, the lasting impact that the late Dr. Raffy Hovanessian had on the Fund for Armenian Relief continues to shine brightly.

Recognizing the vital link between a nation’s success and the health of its people, Dr. Hovanessian passionately supported FAR’s Continuing Medical Education (CME) and “Doctors for Artsakh” initiatives. The CME program provides 1,300 doctors and nurses in remote Armenian and Artsakh regions with opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Following the second Artsakh war, the “Doctors for Artsakh” program was launched to address healthcare gaps by rotating leading doctors from Armenian medical centers. This initiative not only delivered critical healthcare support, but also instilled hope for positive change.

Dr. Hovanessian's influence also extended globally, as he sponsored international medical conferences, fostering cross-border collaboration and a commitment to medical excellence.

To carry forward Dr. Hovanessian's legacy, his family, alongside friends and colleagues, established the “Dr. Raffy Hovanessian Education Fund” through FAR. This fund continues to sustain transformative projects, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for generations to come.

Read more about Dr. Hovanessian’s enduring legacy on FAR’s blog.

Have you ever pondered what could be created from pig intestines? It's an unconventional focus, but that's the daily work of Zaruhi Karabekyan, an award-winning Armenian scientist leading a groundbreaking effort to revolutionize wound treatment. Motivated by the 2020 Artsakh war and the scarcity of artificial skin models in Armenia, she and her team are crafting a unique skin substitute from pig intestines. As a first-time recipient of the Fund for Armenian Relief's (FAR) Yervant Terzian Armenian National Science and Education Fund (ANSEF), Ms. Karabekyan's innovative project aims to provide an affordable, locally sourced alternative to imported skin substitutes. Her team's pioneering approach promises to reshape wound healing by turning challenges into stepping stones on the path to progress. And she's just one of the many stellar researchers receiving vital funding from FAR. Read more here: https://www.farusa.org/post/engineering-science-for-healthcare

September 17 Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

September 24 Shnorhali School Back to School Night

September 24 Family Sunday (Last Sunday each month - babysitting available)

October 1       Feast of Holy Cross of Varak

October 6-7-8 Fall Food Festival

October 15 Lecture on Nersess Shnorhali by Dr. Jesse S. Arlen -Director of Zohrab Center

October 28 Celebration of the 12th Anniversary of the Church Gift Store

October 29   Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross

October 29 Shnorhali School Talent Show

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

December 9   Feast of the Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary

December 10 Celebration Of the 91st Anniversary of the Church

December 24 Shnorhali School Christmas Celebration

"No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life." "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned, but those who do not believe are condemned already because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God. John 3:13-21

Արդ, ոչ ոք երկինք չի ելել, եթէ ոչ նա, որ իջաւ երկնքից՝ մարդու Որդին, որ երկնքից էր։ 14Եւ ինչպէս որ Մովսէսը անապատում բարձրացրեց օձը, այնպէս էլ մարդու Որդին պէտք է բարձրանայ, 15որպէս¬զի, ով նրան հաւատում է, յաւիտենական կեանքն ընդունի. 16քանի որ Աստուած այնքան սիրեց աշխարհը, որ մինչեւ իսկ իր միածին Որդուն տուեց, որպէսզի, ով նրան հաւատում է, չկորչի, այլ ընդունի յաւիտենական կեանքը. 17որովհետեւ Աստուած իր Որդուն չուղարկեց աշխարհ, որ դատապարտի աշխարհը, այլ՝ որպէսզի աշխարհը նրանով փրկուի։ 18Ով նրան հաւատում է, չպիտի դատապարտուի, եւ ով նրան չի հաւատում, արդէն իսկ դատապարտուած է, քանի որ Աստըծու միածին Որդու անուանը չհաւատաց։ 19Եւ դատաստանը այսպէ՛ս իսկ է. որ լոյսը եկաւ աշխարհ, սակայն մարդիկ խաւարն աւելի սիրեցին, քան լոյսը, որովհետեւ իրենց գործեր ը չար էին. 20որովհետեւ, ով չարիք է գործում, ատում է լոյսը եւ չի գալիս դէպի լոյսը, որպէսզի նրա գործերը իր երեսովը չտան։ 21Իսկ ով կատարում է այն, ինչ ճշմարիտ է, գալիս է դէպի լոյսը, որպէսզի նրա գործերը յայտնի լինեն, թէ Աստուծով կատարուեցին»։ Յովհաննէս 3:13-21

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