June 2

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Welcome the Stranger



He was a man of holiness and generosity; but also a man who could tolerate the cruelest violence. His very name confessed his loyalty to God—but also echoed the loneliness that can follow a man of such loyalties.

He was Elijah the Tishbite, Elijah “the Stranger”: the Hebrew prophet the Armenian Church will remember this Sunday.

As the “model” prophet, Elijah cuts a gigantic figure in the Old Testament, with his name and influence echoing throughout the New. But he was an isolated figure in his day: a friend of God in an age when his countrymen had abandoned their holy heritage; when profane leaders had infected the people with the disease of idolatry.

In preparation for this Sunday, read more about Elijah on our blog.

June 4, 2023

Morning Service 

10:00 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:30 AM

Celebrant

H. E. Abp. Vicken Aykazian

Usher

Garbis Chubukian

Parish Council Members on Duty

Sahnur Bostan

Choir

Mrs.Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings: 

Jas 5:16-20

Lk 4:25-30

For the Souls of :

Vergine Maghrablian (40 Days) & Daniel Maghrablian (8 years)

Requested by:

Levon, William, Nora & Liza Maghrablian

For the Soul of :

Artyom Iskandarian (40 Days)

Requested by:

Arsen Markarov

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 and the holy soil of Artsakh and Armenia, now and always. Foil every aggressor against our homeland. Defend the innocent and voiceless, Lord. Deliver the world from every 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.

New Parish Council Officers Elected

We are pleased to introduce to our parishioners the elected Officers of the Parish Council for the year 2023: Chair-Shoghig Sahakyan; Vice-Chair-John Asadoorian; Recording Secretary-Svetlana Hovhannisyan; Corresponding Secretary-Shahnur Bostan; Treasurer-Jack Guiragossian; Assistant Treasurer Catherine Sahakian; Member-Vazrik Nishanian; Member-Sean McClure; Member-Ohannes Sivaslian.

We pray for wisdom and strength for our newly elected Parish Council Officers in their service to God and His church.

CHESS TOURNAMENT AT SHNORHALI SCHOOL

Armenia is one of the strongest chess nations in the world today, and as a small country, it has managed to produce one of the greatest numbers of chess grandmasters per capita in the world.

Following our national tradition, Shnorhali school has planned and initiated a Chess Club for its students. For the past several months, the Chess Club under the supervision and guidance of its Head Coach Ohan Semirjyan, has been providing instructions so that our children can explore and understand the beauty of chess and to help sharpen young curious minds. Ohan has been focusing on teaching students how to think critically and to learn and discover attack moves, sacrifices, traps, and many other chess tricks.

Shnorhali Armenian School’s Chess Club organized end of year Chess Tournament for all young people in our community from ages 7-13. The Tournament took place at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church on May 28th. More than 20 students participated in the competitions and the winners earned medals. Our Tournament winners are:

Davit Azizyan - 1st place.

Levon Zanyan - 2nd place.

Davit Moini - 3rd place.

Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to everyone who participated and helped to make this contest a success!

BOOK PRESENTATION AT SHNORHALI SCHOOL

On May 28, Shnorali School hosted the president of Armenia's "PEN" Center, novelist Armen (Hayastanci) Ohanyan, who presented the children's book "Uno, Beno and the Wings of Freedom" co-authored by him and illustrator Harutyun Tumaghyan.

The author had a discussion with children using the book’s characters, the freedom lover Uno the Unicorn and his close friend, Beno the Dog, in the hope that like the book's heroes, school-age readers will find their wings of freedom, and the meeting participant adults, educators and parents, will help children value the human rights and fundamental freedoms given to all of us at birth. At the end of the meeting, Mr. Ohanyan donated copies of the book as well as related materials to the school.

The book "Uno, Beno and the Wings of Freedom" was created and published with the support of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and is recommended as educational material by the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Armenia.

Our congratulations to all 2023 Senior High Graduates.

May God continue to bless and guide 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!

UPCOMING EVENTS

WED Educational Fund Scholarship



Application for WED Educational Fund Scholarship is now available at St. Mary's website www.stmaryaac.org. The application deadline for the 2023-2024 academic year is

May 31, 2023.

Click here to access the scholarship application. If you have questions, contact the St. Mary Church office at stmarychurchdc@gmail.com

There is a wonderful opportunities for our children to participate in Armenian camps and conferences this summer. St. Vartan Camp and St. Nersess Summer Conferences and trainnigs are now oper for registration. If your child is interested please contact the the church office at stmarychurchdc@gmail.com and provide your name, contact information (phone and email) and your student’s name/age. Put "St Vartan Camp," or "St. Nersess" in the subject line.  An interest meeting will be arranged, where parents/students can ask questions and arrange carpools.

This year, through generous donations made to a number of memorial funds, St. Mary will be able to offer a discount for each camper.   

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. 

Armenian Speaking Caregivers Available

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

Part-time help needed

Rockville Town Center (a few minutes walk from the Rockville Metro stop on the Red Line), for details, contact Lilit at "Saints Valley" Boutique:   https://www.instagram.com/saintsvalley/?hl=en

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.

DIOCESAN & OTHER NEWS

Primate Presides Over Meeting of New Diocesan Council

The recently-elected Diocesan Council met at the Diocesan Center in New York on Friday, May 19, with Diocesan Primate Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan presiding. Outgoing Diocesan Council chair Fr. Krikor Sabounjian led the meeting and updated new members regarding various matters on the Diocesan Council’s agenda. The outgoing and incoming council members had previously met briefly during the 121st Diocesan Assembly in Dallas, TX.

During the May 19 meeting, the new council elected its Executive Committee (or Tivan). The council and its officers are: Richard Papalian, chairman; Lisa Esayian, vice chair; Alex Topakbashian, treasurer; Gregory Kolligian, assistant treasurer; Dr. Garo Garibian, secretary; Mona Karoghlanian, assistant secretary; and advisors Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian, Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, Fr. Ghevond Ajamian, Fr. Hratch Sargsyan, and Dn. Levon Altiparmakian.

In an installation ceremony in St. Vartan Cathedral, the Primate congratulated the new council members and officers. He also expressed his deep gratitude to the outgoing council members—Fr. Krikor Sabounjian, Fr. Vasken Kouzouian, Roseann Manoogian Attar, and Lisa Kouzoujian—for their selfless dedication to the Armenian Church, and their service to our Diocese.

May our Lord grant wisdom, foresight, and spiritual strength to our Diocesan Council members, as they undertake their duties for the advancement of our church and people. Click the following links to read more and view photos.

FAR Board Meets at Diocesan Center

Diocesan Primate Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan presided over a meeting of the Fund for Armenian Relief Board on May 23. While the FAR Board had met frequently in online gatherings throughout the pandemic period, their latest meeting was the first time the board had gathered in person since 2020.

It was also Fr. Mesrop’s first time welcoming the board members to the tahlij of the Diocesan Center in New York. “What a joyous and blessed occasion it was to gather with the incredible board members of the Fund for Armenia Relief after such a long time,” he said. “The warmth and enthusiasm in the room were palpable as we embraced one another, united in our commitment to supporting the people of Armenia.”

Over the past years, FAR has tirelessly worked towards alleviating the hardships faced by the people of Armenia, especially during these challenging times. From healthcare initiatives to educational programs, from humanitarian aid to sustainable development projects, FAR’s impact has been profound and far-reaching.

"The camaraderie among the board members is truly inspiring,” the Primate said. “Each person brings their unique expertise and perspective, fostering an environment of collaboration and unity. Together, we are a force that can overcome any obstacle, and bring hope to those in need.”

Ayo is the crowdfunding platform of Fund for Armenian Relief, the social arm of the Eastern Diocese. We’re passionate about partnering with Armenians all over the world to promote sustainable development through low-budget, big-impact projects.

This summer, Ayo! is partnering with GOALS (Girls of Armenia Leadership in Sports) to organize a sports camp for kids aged 11-17. It will intertwine learning and fun through games, promoting positive values such as teamwork, leadership, respect, and gender equality. 

The camp will be held in the rural Shirak region for 70 boys and girls from surrounding villages. In addition to soccer, basketball, and tennis, lacrosse will be introduced this year!

It costs $125 to sponsor one village child’s unforgettable week of camp.

Get involved!

• Donate tax-deductible through Ayo’s website here:

www.weareayo.org/donate

• One day of camp, including meals, costs $25/month

Click Here to DONATE!

We’re turning 10 this year!

With the support of Hilton, we’re organizing a special all-expenses paid trip to Armenia for one lucky person (chosen at random).

Enter here!

June 4 Shnorhali School End of Year Handes

June 18 Father's Day carry-out luncheon

25 Արդարեւ, ասում եմ ձեզ, որ Եղիայի օրով Իսրայէլում բազում այրիներ կային, երբ երկինքը փակուեց երեք տարի ու վեց ամիս, եւ ամբողջ երկրի վրայ մեծ սով եղաւ: 26 Սակայն նրանցից ոչ մէկի մօտ Եղիան չուղարկուեց, այլ միայն` մի այրի կնոջ` սիդոնացիների Սարեփթա քաղաքում: 27 Նաեւ` Իսրայէլում Եղիսէ մարգարէի օրով բազում բորոտներ կային, եւ սակայն նրանցից ոչ մէկը չմաքրուեց, այլ միայն` Նէեման ասորին»: 28 Երբ այս լսեցին, ժողովարանում բոլորը լցուեցին բարկութեամբ. 29 եւ վեր կենալով` նրան քաղաքից դուրս հանեցին ու տարան մինչեւ դարաւանդը այն լերան, որի վրայ շինուած էր իրենց քաղաքը, որպէսզի նրան գահավէժ անեն: 30 Իսկ նա, անցնելով նրանց միջով, գնաց:

Ղուկաս 4:25-30

25 But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Eli'jah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when there came a great famine over all the land; 26 and Eli'jah was sent to none of them but only to Zar'ephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Eli'sha; and none of them was cleansed, but only Na'aman the Syrian." 28 When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. 29 And they rose up and put him out of the city, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw him down headlong. 30 But passing through the midst of them he went away.

Luke 4:25-30