November 8

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FEAST OF THE ARCHANGELS GABRIEL AND MICHAEL AND ALL THE HEAVENLY HOSTS

On November 9 the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of the Archangels Gabriel and Michael and All the Heavenly Hosts. According to the Angelology of the Armenian Church, the angels are fleshless, spiritual, independent, always moving, immortal creatures, and God's servants. According to the Church Fathers, the angels, as luminous creatures, have been created on the first day of creation, together with the light. By God's order, they are servants, they have been created to serve the human being. Therefore, they are servants who despite being celestial, participate in earthly life, and act together with the human being living in time and space. The angels are called the messengers and agents of God, who realize God's will. According to Dionysius of Areopagus (Areopagite), there are nine orders of angels - Angels, Archangels, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Dominations, Throne, Cherubim, and Seraphim.

Archangel Gabriel, whose name means "God's man", is God's direct servant, who is granted the grace to evangelize the Lord's mysteries. It was Archangel Gabriel, who was sent by the Lord to bring the good news to the Virgin about the birth of the Savior, and to Zechariah - to bring the good news about the birth of John the Baptist.

Archangel Michael, whose name means "Who is like God?", is the advocate for the Heavenly King's glory and His people's protector, who is granted the virtue to govern and rule. The name of Archangel Michael is mentioned in the Holy Scriptures four times (The Book of Daniel,10:13, 12:1, The Letter from Jude 1:9, The Revelation to John 11:7)

November 10, 2024

SUNDAY

SCHEDULE

Morning Service 

10:00 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:30 AM

Celebrant

Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan

Usher

Garbis Chubukian

Parish Council Members on Duty

Vazrik Nishanian

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings: 

Isaiah 24.1-12,

 Ephesians 5.15-33

Luke 8.49-56

HOKEHANKIST

REQUIEM SERVICE

For the Souls of: Our brave soldiers who gave their lives for Artsakh and Armenia

Requested by: Der Hayr and Parish Council

For the Soul of: Eva Asoryan

Requested by: Talin and Kirkor Saraydaroglu

Prayer of the Week

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

   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.

   O Lord our God, turn not your face from me! O beneficent Lord, I beseech you, be my helper.

   O Lord, despise me not and forsake me not, O God, my Savior. Amen.

Happy Veteran's Day

The eleventh day of November is a special day. In the United States, the day is called Veterans Day. In some other parts of the world, it is called Remembrance Day, a day to honor military folk, who served during war.

This day draws the nation's attention to the sacrifices made by its war heroes.

Let us remember all the sacrifices made by our military so that we could have a safer life. No amount of appreciation will be sufficient enough to honor them. Let us just pray for them and their families.

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

Please Join Us for a

Weekend of Celebration

Celebrating 92 Years of St Mary’s Faith and Service

Honoring Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan’s 20th Anniversary of Ordination into the Holy Priesthood

Witnessing Ordination of Deacons and Sub-Deacons

Special Prayer Service for Artsakh Armenians in Captivity

We invite all parishioners, families, and friends to join us in a heartfelt prayer service dedicated to the Artsakh Armenians who remain in captivity. This gathering is an opportunity to unite as a community, offering hope, strength, and support through collective prayer for those facing unimaginable hardship and uncertainty. Together, let us lift our voices in solidarity, shining a light on their struggle and advocating for their freedom.

In these challenging times, our prayers and faith become beacons of hope. Let us stand as one, embodying the spirit of compassion and resilience that defines our community. Through our shared prayer, we can provide strength and comfort to those in need, trusting that, as Psalm 34:17 reminds us, "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles."

Date: Sunday, November 10th

Time: 12:30 PM

Location: St. Mary’s Armenian Church, 4125 Fessenden St. NW, Washington, DC 20016

Please consider joining this special service to show our unwavering support. For more information, feel free to reach out via email at stmarychurchdc@gmail.com.

Let us come together as one family of faith, bound by love and compassion, to lift up those in need.

SHNORHALI SCHOOL TALENT SHOW: 



Honoring St. Nerses Shnorhali!

On Sunday, November 10th, Shnorhali School at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church will host its annual Talent Show, dedicated to the venerated Armenian Saint and Pontif, St. Nerses Shnorhali. The event will commence with an informative presentation entitled "Shnorhali, the Gracious, which will explain the significant contributions of St. Nerses to the Armenian Church and Christian heritage. This presentation will explore his role as a theologian, poet, and intellectual, emphasizing his enduring impact on Armenian religious life and cultural identity.

Following the educational segment, students will showcase their diverse talents in celebration of their Armenian heritage. Attendees can look forward to a variety of performances, including a gallery of student artwork, video presentations of athletic achievements and unique skills, and live performances where students will recite poetry, sing, dance, and play musical instruments—all in Armenian. A selection of traditional Armenian dishes, lovingly prepared by our dedicated teachers and parents, will also be served.

We warmly invite all members of our community to join us in this enriching celebration, which aims to deepen appreciation for our cultural legacy and the impactful contributions of St. Nerses Shnorhali.

Twenty-Five Years on the Pontifical Throne

On November 3, St. Mary Armenian Church gathered in solemn prayer to honor the 25th anniversary of His Holiness Karekin II's enthronement as the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. This profound milestone celebrated His Holiness’ unwavering dedication, which began with his consecration on November 4, 1999, at the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin in Armenia.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the congregation offered a special prayer for His Holiness, asking God to "keep our Catholicos, whom He chose as patriarch and leader of the Armenian people, firm in his great calling for a long time." This heartfelt prayer expressed our gratitude for his inspiring leadership and our hope for his continued health and strength.

As we reflect on this milestone, we are reminded of the strength and unity that His Holiness Karekin II has inspired in the Armenian faithful worldwide. His unwavering dedication over the past 25 years has been a source of hope and guidance through times of both joy and challenge. May this anniversary serve as an opportunity for us all to renew our own commitment, fostering a spirit of faith, resilience, and peace within our community and beyond.

The Women's Guild is excited to share that it will hold a Thanksgiving Bake Sale on Sunday, Nov. 24th from 1 pm-3 pm. Drop by for your favorite Armenian Holiday breads, cookies, and treats!

If you would like to contribute by donating items, please use the following link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4DA4A82FA6F5C25-fall#/

All contributions can be dropped off at the Church on Sat Nov. 23 between 10 am - 1 pm or on Sun Nov. 24th before 11 am. For questions, please email stmarywgdc@gmail.com

New ACYOA Juniors Officers Elected



At their monthly membership meeting on November 3rd the ACYOA Juniors (ages 12-18) enjoyed pizza and fellowship, created posters to promote their "Toiletries for Teens" collection effort, participated in a spiritual discussion about reaching out to others in the name of Christ, and held elections. Congratulations to the new youth council officers, may God direct your steps and inspire you to serve others.

Co-Chairs: Taggie Gomstyan and Yeva Grigoryan

Co-Vice Chairs: Mariam Karapetyan and Rafayel Sargsyan

Treasurer: Tigran Gomstyan

Secretary: Alec Seferian

At Large Member: Sophia Sarkisian (focusing on service projects)

Toiletries for Teens - Opportunity for a Good Deed

The ACYOA juniors are sponsoring a parish wide good deed, collecting toiletries for teens, to benefit needy teens in the metro area. This past Sunday, at their monthly meeting, the teens created posters to remind the parish of the drive.  The posters will be displayed, a different one each week, at the collection bin in the small hall. 

Come admire the teens' artistry and bring a toiletry from the list below:

   o Toothbrushes (individually packaged)

   o Toothpaste

   o Deodorant (full size)

   o Bar soap (individually packaged)

   o Maxi pads

to the donation box in the parish hall during the month of November. 

The toiletries will be given to needy teens via the https://www.foodforneighbors.org/ organization, which operates snack and toiletries closets in public schools.

Shnorhali School Patarag Education: Celebrating The Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross 

The Patarag Education program at Shnorhali School offers students a rich experience of our Holy Liturgy, exploring its structure, themes, and significance of important feast days. This past Sunday, the students gathered for a special session focused on The Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross, a cherished celebration in our faith. Led by our beloved pastor, Der Hovsep Karapetyan, and Deacon Serop Krajekian, the students learned the story behind this sacred feast and its lasting impact on our heritage.

Guided by Garegin Vardanyan, students also learned hymns from the liturgy, which deepened their engagement and brought the beauty of our worship to life. The Patarag Education program is dedicated to helping students understand the parts and meaning of our Divine Liturgy, empowering them to participate in it more fully and joyfully. Through discussions, singing, and reflection, they not only gain knowledge but also cultivate a deep reverence and love for their faith—one that will grow and remain with them for years to come.

BUILDING FAITH AND FELLOWSHIP: A Spiritual Fall Gathering for Our School's Young Students

This Sunday, the first, second, and third-grade religion classes gathered for a spiritual fall party. The students engaged in a craft inspired by the Bible verse 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline". Students not only were excited to participate in a fun activity but were also thrilled to learn how much their lives can change for the better once they accept God and build a meaningful relationship with Him. The sight of our young students sitting next to each other, learning about our Lord, and lending a helping hand to one another as they built their crafts was the heartwarming highlight of the party. 

During the event, the children learned that accepting God into their hearts empowers them to be fearless, love one another, and take control of their actions. With God by their side, no problem is too big to overcome. They discovered that they can ease their anxieties by praying and that, with God's grace, they can maintain self-control in any situation. They also recognized the importance of being kind and loving, as we are all created in God's image and likeness. Together, we can walk boldly and lovingly with God beside us.

Avatar Math Brings Exciting Math Trivia to Shnorhali School!



Avatar Learning Center recently energized St. Mary’s Armenian Church with an interactive Math Trivia event for Shnorhali School students! The room buzzed with excitement as students teamed up to tackle math questions designed for different age groups, transforming learning into a fun-filled, hands-on experience. Parents, teachers, and students cheered each other on, sharing laughs and celebrating each success.

The Math Trivia game inspired students to explore new math concepts, apply problem-solving skills, and celebrate their achievements in a lively and supportive environment. Parents and teachers were thrilled by the unique combination of education and entertainment, with many commenting on how the event made learning feel like a true celebration. To learn more about Avatar Math and its engaging educational programs, visit https://avatarlc.com/blog.

A Day of Creativity and Learning in Kindergarten at Shnorhali School

Shnorhali School Kindergarten classroom was brimming with excitement and discovery last Sunday. Our young learners had an inspiring day filled with hands-on, educational activities. A highlight of the day was an immersive clay-sculpting experience where students explored creativity by shaping little figurines that captured their imagination.

The day was more than just fun—each step helped expand their Armenian vocabulary and deepen their knowledge through songs, poems, storytelling, and drawing exercises. Working with clay offered an engaging way to explore colors, shapes, and their environment while bringing the Armenian language to life in a hands-on way. The clay-sculpting not only nurtured their creativity but also honed their fine motor skills, as each student carefully molded and crafted their unique creations. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and we were thrilled to see their pride in each completed figurine! On November 24th, we have an exciting birdhouse-building activity planned, during which we’ll learn Armenian vocabulary while discovering the importance of caring for our environment and our feathery friends.

Upcoming Book Presentation: "Odes of Saint Nersess the Graceful"

Join us on Sunday, December 15th at 1:30 PM, following Badarak, for a special book presentation by Dr. Jesse S. Arlen at St. Mary Armenian Church (4125 Fessenden St., NW, Washington, DC 20016). Dr. Arlen will introduce the newly releasedOdes of Saint Nersess the Graceful, an annotated translation of the hymns and prayers of Saint Nerses Shnorhali (1102–1173), a revered figure in the medieval Armenian Church. This work, co-authored with Matthew J. Sarkisian, brings these spiritual treasures into English for modern readers, highlighting their theological and poetic depth. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore an essential part of Armenian Christian heritage.

World Council of Churches to Join Prayer to Release the Captives

As reported previously, Armenian faithful around the world will join their voices on Sunday, November 10, in a special prayer service for 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.

At the request of His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, Armenian churches worldwide—from the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin to every local parish—will conduct prayer services for the liberation of the Armenian captives.

This week, in response to Catholicos Karekin II’s call, the World Council of Churches (WCC) invited its member churches around the globe to pray on November 10 in support of Armenia and its people: for peace, for support of refugees, and for the release of war hostages.

Click the link to read more on the WCC website.

Faithful and friends of the Eastern Diocese will also join in the prayer at their local parishes.

Please join our entire faith community in prayer on Sunday, November 10. And continue to offer personal prayers for our countrymen being held in captivity, and for all our beleaguered people of Artsakh and Armenia.

FAR NEWS

FAR Helps an Armenian Orchard Grow

​With support from the Fund for Armenian Relief, Vardan Tsaturyan has dramatically expanded his orchard in the Armenian border village of Paravakar. Working with FAR’s “Start Your Business” initiative, Vardan has been able to increase his peach and persimmon groves tenfold—growing from 50 trees to 500.

Previously, Vardan’s farming efforts were limited because he had to manually irrigate his trees. But Vardan now enjoys a sustainable irrigation system that keeps his orchard flourishing. This autumn, the father of three celebrated his first harvest after installing the transformative irrigation technology. In just a few years, he anticipates yielding between 20 and 30 kilograms of fruit per tree—totaling about one ton.

Vardan’s success is one of many emerging from Armenia’s Berd region. Thanks to the Mardigian Family Foundation-funded “Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in Tavush” program, FAR is empowering aspiring entrepreneurs like Vardan to achieve economic independence and build brighter futures.

Learn more 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 name.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

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.

November 10 Prayer for the release of the Artsakh captives

November 10 Talent Show at 2 PM by Shnorhali School Students

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

November 24 Women's Guild Thanksgiving Bake Sale

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

December 14 Christmas Market hosted by the Parish Council

 49 Եւ մինչ նա խօսում էր, ժողովրդապետի տնից մէկը եկաւ եւ Յայրոսին ասաց. «Աղջիկդ մեռաւ, յոգնութիւն մի՛ պատճառիր նրան»: 50 Իսկ երբ Յիսուս լսեց, նրան պատասխանեց եւ ասաց. «Մի՛ վախեցիր, միայն հաւատա՛, եւ նա կապրի»: 51 Եւ նրա տունը մտնելով՝ ոչ ոքի չթողեց ներս մտնել, բացի Պետրոսից, Յակոբոսից, Յովհաննէսից եւ երեխայի հօրից ու մօրից: 52 Ամէնքը լալիս ու ողբում էին նրա վրայ: Եւ նա ասաց. «Լաց մի՛ եղէք, որովհետեւ մեռած չէ, այլ ննջում է»: 53 Իսկ նրանք ծաղրում էին նրան, որովհետեւ գիտէին, որ մեռած էր: 54 Եւ ամէնքին դուրս հանելով՝ բռնեց նրա ձեռքից, գոչեց եւ ասաց. «Վե՛ր կաց, կանգնի՛ր, ո՛վ մանուկ»: 55 Եւ նրա հոգին վերադարձաւ, եւ մանուկն իսկոյն կանգնեց: Եւ Յիսուս հրամայեց, որ նրան ուտելու բան տան: 56 Եւ նրա ծնողները զարմացած մնացին, իսկ նա պատուիրեց, որ ոչ ոքի չասեն, ինչ որ եղել էր:

Ղուկասի 8.49-56

49 While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.” 50 Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” 51 When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. 52 Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.” 53 They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” 55 Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. 56 Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

Luke 8.49-56

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