September 27

TOP STORY   

Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak

On Sunday, September 29th, Armenian Christians worldwide will mark the Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak—an observance unique to the Armenian Church.

In the 7th century, a monk named Totig received a vision of a brilliant cross descending from Mount Varak in historic Armenia and coming to rest on the monastery at the mountain’s foot. Totig raced to where the vision had led him, and there found a miraculous Christian relic: a fragment of the True Cross of Jesus Christ!

How had it gotten there? The relic had been brought to Armenia by St. Hripsime, in the late 3rd century, during her flight to find refuge from the persecutions of pagan Rome. When St. Hripsime was martyred by King Drtad, the hiding place of the cross was forgotten—and the holy relic had languished in its secret place for nearly 300 years, before being found again by the monk Totig.

To commemorate this discovery, the catholicos of the time, St. Nersess the Builder, established a feast day. And the Holy Cross became a relic of great power in Armenia, moving from Varak to Sepastia and finally to Van, where it still could be seen by pilgrims—until the time of the Genocide.

Click here to read more about the Armenian Church’s Season of the Holy Cross.

September 29, 2024

SUNDAY

SCHEDULE

Deacons' Service 10:30 AM

Usher

Anna Seferian

Parish Council Members on Duty

Ohannes Sivaslian

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings: 

Proverbs 3:18-26

Isaiah 65:22-25

Galatians 6:14-18

Matthew 24:30-36

HOKEHANKIST

REQUIEM SERVICE

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. Grant them strength, and lead us together through the present time of trial.

    Guard us, O Christ our God, in peace under the shadow of your holy and venerable Cross. Deliver us from visible and invisible enemies. 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

Hanrapetakan Maghtank

On Sunday, September 22, St. Mary Armenian Church celebrated Armenian Independence Day with a special Hanrapetakan Maghtank (Thanksgiving Prayer for the Republic of Armenia) following the Badarak. This was a moment of deep gratitude as the parishioners honored Armenia's 33rd anniversary of independence. Afterward, a Hokehankist (Requiem Service) was held to remember those who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of Artsakh and Armenia.

In his message, Der Hovsep highlighted the significance of this historic occasion, reminding us of the courageous choice made by the Armenian people in 1991. He spoke of Armenia’s resilience throughout the centuries, guided by faith and trust in God, especially in times of difficulty. He also encouraged the community, particularly the younger generation, to continue building a bright future for Armenia through acts of kindness, compassion, and faith, while finding concrete ways to contribute to the nation’s prosperity.

The celebration concluded with prayers for Armenia's protection and hope for peace, reminding us all of the importance of unity and the power of prayer. As we look ahead, let us continue to hold our homeland in our hearts and prayers, trusting in God’s providence as we face the future together.

This week's celebration serves as a reminder that, while we honor the sacrifices of the past, we are also called to actively participate in building a stronger future for Armenia. May God bless and protect our homeland and its people!

An Afternoon of Learning and Community at Shnorhali School’s Back-to-School Social



On September 22nd, the Shnorhali School hosted its vibrant Back-to-School Social, a delightful gathering of students, teachers, parents, and parishioners for an afternoon filled with cultural celebration and community spirit. The event beautifully showcased the rich Armenian language, heritage, and traditions while incorporating fun and creativity.

The afternoon began with a heartfelt prayer from Dn. Serop Krajekian, offering blessings for the children and the new academic year. This event was more than just a social gathering; it was a celebration of Armenian culture, religion, and creativity. It demonstrated that school is not just a place for structured learning, but also a lively environment for engagement, connection, and enjoyment.

Throughout the event, participants enjoyed a wide range of engaging activities—from arts and crafts to face painting and cupcake decorating. The Jeopardy-style trivia contest, We, Our Homeland, and Our Church, sparked excitement among students as they answered fun and educational questions about Armenian heritage. The afternoon concluded with Tagouhi Gomtsyan, the coach of the Armenian Art and Culture Club, teaching students a variation of the traditional Kochari dance, deepening their connection to Armenian culture. Even timid students found a sense of belonging, fostering a stronger tie to their cultural roots. The success of this wonderful event was made possible by the dedication of our volunteers, whose meticulous planning ensured a smooth and memorable experience for all.

Shnorhali School’s Back-to-School Social reaffirmed the school’s commitment to nurturing an environment where cultural heritage and community values thrive alongside academic learning. We eagerly anticipate more enriching events throughout the school year, building on the momentum of this joyous day!

Volunteer's Corner

A group of our parishioners gathered to peel a few hundred pounds of onion in preparation for the upcoming Fall Food Festival.

Energetic ladies, led by Anahit Tevosyan gathered together to bake authentic Artsakh Gata. Together they made 500 pieces to be available during the upcoming food festival. We are continuously in awe of the enthusiasm and willingness to serve expressed by all.

We are also thankful to Marina Gagikyan for her flower arrangement talents. She transformed an assortment of flowers into beautifully arranged bouquets. 

We are grateful for each and everyone's time and effort and look forward to seeing you all at the festival, which will take place from October 4th until the 6th at St. Mary Church.

Appreciation Corner: Honoring Our Generous Supporters

We are deeply grateful to Ms. Alis Marashelian for her incredibly generous donation of two stainless steel coffee urns, each with a 100-cup capacity. This thoughtful contribution will greatly enhance our community events and gatherings, providing us with a valuable resource that will be cherished for years to come. Ms. Marashelian’s kindness and willingness to support our church is truly heartwarming, and we are immensely appreciative of her actions.

In addition, we would like to express our sincere thanks to Mr. Voskan Galushian for his invaluable repairs to the church altar items, including the silver cross and incense box. His exceptional jewelry skills and dedication have made a significant impact on preserving these cherished items. We deeply appreciate his ongoing support of our church, and we are truly fortunate to have him as part of our community.

In this spirit of gratitude, we also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each member of our congregation who continuously supports our church in various capacities. Whether through volunteering time, offering skills, or making donations, your dedication is the foundation upon which our vibrant community is built. Your unwavering commitment and generous spirit are what keep our church thriving and ever-growing.

As we continue to serve one another and our greater community, let us remember that it is the collective effort and shared passion of all our members that enable us to create a nurturing and compassionate environment. Thank you all for your ongoing support and for making our church such a special place.

Join Us for the 76th Annual Armenian Fall Food Festival! 



St. Mary Armenian Church warmly invites you to our 76th Annual Armenian Fall Food Festival, a celebration of tradition, community, and, of course, incredible food!

Indulge in a variety of Traditional Armenian Dishes, including:

• Lamb Kabob Platter and Chicken Kabob Platter (both served with pilaf & salad)
• A selection of A la Carte Items: Yalanchi, Eech, Boreg, Eggplant, Hummus & more
• Delicious Desserts: Baklava, Haskanoush, Cheese Kadayif, Simit & more

Event Schedule:

• Friday, October 4: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• Saturday, October 5: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• Sunday, October 6: 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM
•  Location: St. Mary Armenian Church

Exciting Announcements!

• Vendors: Explore a variety of unique items and crafts from Friday through Sunday.
• Entertainment: Enjoy live music and dance performances throughout the festival.
• Silent Auction: Bid on wonderful items and experiences!

Come and be part of this joyful celebration, where delicious food, great company, and lively entertainment come together to create unforgettable memories.

See you there!

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/email/phone and the name and birth date of your teen.

Register Now for the ACYOA Seniors National Fall Retreat

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

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

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

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

WATCH: The Meaning of the Holy Muron

“Something beautiful, meaningful, and very rare is about to happen in our beloved Armenian Church,” says Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, in his latest video message to the faithful of the Eastern Diocese.

In the video, our Primate shares his eager anticipation for the special ceremonies that will take place at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in the coming days.

This Saturday, September 28, His Holiness Karekin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians, will lead the rare “Blessing of the Holy Muron” service, whereby the oil used in the sacraments of every Armenian Church across the globe will be sanctified.

A day later, on Sunday, September 29, His Holiness will re-consecrate the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, reopening the sanctuary to public worship after a decade-long restoration.

As Bishop Mesrop says, “We will all be united—all our faithful, around the world—by the sanctifying oil that will be blessed on September 28.”

Watch the Primate’s video here.

And watch the Blessing of the Holy Muron and cathedral re-consecration ceremonies as they are broadcast live via the online platforms of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. See the item below for details.

Catholicos Karekin II’s Independence Day Message

On September 21, Armenian Independence Day, a special prayer service for the Republic of Armenia went forward at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, with the blessing of His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

Marking the 33rd anniversary of Armenia’s independence referendum, the clergy of Etchmiadzin’s monastic brotherhood offered prayers for peace and security for the Armenian people.

On the same occasion, the Catholicos of All Armenians issued a special message to the faithful.

“More than three decades ago,” he wrote, “our people affirmed their independent statehood with a vision and commitment to embrace the sacred values ​​handed down by their ancestors, in order to build a bright future for the Motherland. In this noble aspiration, the children of our nation together faced difficulties and tribulations, while recording significant achievements and progress.”

Catholicos Karekin II noted that subsequent decades had seen tribulations and victories and that the present day is marked with its own severe trials. But the way to overcome—in the past, as well as the present—requires unity of spirit, gratitude for the existence of a free Armenian homeland, and a universal commitment to the common good for all Armenians.

He concluded: “Our prayer is that Almighty God will keep our homeland peaceful and safe, lead our people on the path of justice and solidarity, and deliver a safe and prosperous life to our entire nation, whether living in our homeland or in the diaspora.”

Click here to read more in English and Armenian.

The Cross is Shining—But the Work Goes On

As the scaffolding is gradually being withdrawn from St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, its new cross—ten feet tall, and gilded to a golden brightness—shines gloriously over New York City, as a beacon of our faith, and a powerful testimony to the world.

Your generosity made it possible—and continues to support the major project to restore our spiritual home to its original grandeur!

But the project is far from over: there is more work to be done, to repair the damage caused by decades of weathering.

Your contribution today will continue this exciting revitalization. Join the effort to Renew the Vision of our forefathers, and Cement the Future for generations to come.

Click here to donate now

And follow the progress of the restoration project at StVartan.org.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Employment Opportunity at the Eastern Diocese

The Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) is currently seeking candidates for the position of Executive Director of the Eastern Diocese.

The Executive Director will be responsible for all administrative and operating functions for the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern). This includes oversight of Administration and Operations, Finance, Communications, Facilities, Business Function/Rentals, Development, and Information Technology. The Executive Director will coordinate with the Director of Ministries for executional aspects; manage Human Resources services, including salaries; and provide support as needed.

The Executive Director will report directly to the Primate and the chair of the Diocesan Council, in accordance with the directives and policies established by the Primate and the Diocesan Council.

Please consult the job description and list of qualifications posted on the Eastern Diocese’s website. Qualified applicants should contact the Diocese via e-mail at jobs@armeniandiocese.org.

RECYCLING PROGRAM NEWS

Thanks to our Recycling Committee for their work in sorting and bringing home the recyclables every Sunday, especially during our recent Food Festival. What has been discouraging, though, is that people continue to throw half-full coffee cups and food into the container, which makes it very messy for us. Please put only the following in the container:

Empty plastic bottles

Empty aluminum cans

Empty glass bottles

Nothing else!!

No paper, no plastic silverware, no coffee cups, no paper plates, no food. We are trying to keep things simple.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please email Roxanne Paul at rangerrox@msn.com. Thank you for being so supportive in helping keep our planet cleaner!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Special Gift for St. Mary Gift Shop

St. Mary gift shop is offering limited numbers of imported bottles of medieval Armenian health elixirs formulated from ancient manuscripts deciphered at the Matendaran Museum of Ancient Armenian Manuscripts. These elixirs are made in Armenia by Armen Sahakyan, a pharmacologist and botanical scholar who has been working at the Matenadaran Museum for the last several decades. A trained medical doctor ordained a deacon in 1997, Sahakyan has dedicated his life to the maintenance of Armenia’s sacred botanical traditions.

The three different batches available at our gift shop (Royal Elixir, Arates Elixir and Arates Tonic) are made from a codified recipe of medieval Armenian medicine, using a special distillation process. They contain medicinal and aromatic plants, known for their healing properties. Through the distillation and aging process alcohol is created, so think of them as perhaps Armenia’s first (healthy) cognac! 

The supplies are limited and each bottle is numbered, including the batch and year of production. All of the bottles were donated to St Mary Church, so 100% of the proceeds will go to the St Mary Endowment Fund, with a portion also going to support Armenian clergy serving in Artsakh.

"Embrace the Future" Endowment Fund

Dear Parishioners and Friends, 

This year, we celebrate the 92nd Anniversary of the St. Mary Community and Church. "Embrace the Future" Endowment Fund was established on the occasion of the 90th anniversary and continues to help ensure our church has the resources needed to continue serving our beloved community.  

Just as you plan for your future and that of your family, please join us in planning for the future of St. Mary Church. 

We are asking for your support so that St. Mary will be able to continue to fulfill her mission for future generations.  

The link below lists various opportunities for you to make a meaningful gift of lasting significance that will help support our church's long-term security, visibility, and vitality. Please consider making either a one-time gift or pledge, which would allow you to make payments over a five-year period.

Join St. Mary's Prayer Group

We are initiating a new form of ministry at St. Mary Armenian Church. For parishioners who would like to make an electronic prayer request, they can do so by Clicking Here

A group of volunteers will receive the request and pray at their earliest convenience. Additionally, a new physical prayer request box will be placed at the entrance of St. Mary Armenian Church with blank forms that anyone can fill out and drop in the box. These requests will be retrieved weekly and delivered to the members of the volunteer prayer group. If you would like to become one of the volunteers of the Prayer Group please email us. 

Please click on the link below to present your request. 

Buy a Brick and Leave Your Legacy at

St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church

Bricks can be ordered and purchased by clicking below and

filling out a simple online order form.

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

which includes your preselected

3 lines of 20 characters per line of text.

Or you can choose to have the

Armenian Cross artwork on the 4" x 8" brick

which includes your preselected

3 lines of 15 characters per line of text.

Order Today While Quantities Last!

Payment can be made with PayPal or a Credit Card.

Legacy Brick Donations are Tax Deductible.

September 29 Feast of Holy Cross of Varak

October 4-5-6 Fall Food Festival

October 27 Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross

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

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

December 9    Feast of the Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary

Յիսուս այնտեղից վեր կացաւ եկաւ Հրէաստանի սահմանները, Յորդանանի միւս կողմը. եւ ժողովուրդը դարձեալ գնում խռնւում էր նրա շուրջը, եւ նա, ինչպէս սովոր էր, նորից ուսուցանում էր նրանց։ 2Իսկ փարիսեցիները մօ¬տե-ցան եւ նրան փորձելով՝ հարց տուին ու ասացին. «Օրինաւո՞ր է, որ մարդ իր կնոջն արձակի»։ 3Նա պատասխան տուեց նրանց եւ ասաց. «Մով¬սէսը ձեզ ի՞նչ պատուիրեց»։ 4Եւ նրանք ասացին. «Մովսէսը հրաման տուեց արձակելու թուղթ գրել եւ արձակել»։ 5Յիսուս պատասխանեց եւ ասաց նը-րանց. «Ձեր խստասրտութեան պատճառով գրեց այդ պատուիրանը, 6մինչ-դեռ արարչագործութեան սկզբից Աստուած արու եւ էգ ստեղծեց նրանց»։ 7Եւ ասաց. «Դրա համար տղամարդը պիտի թողնի իր հօրն ու մօրը եւ պի¬տի գնայ իր կնոջ յետեւից։ 8Եւ երկուսը մի մարմին պիտի լինեն, եւ այլեւս եր¬կու չեն, այլ՝ մէկ մարմին։ 9Արդ, ինչ որ Աստուած միացրեց, մարդը թող չբաժանի»։ 10Եւ աշակերտները տան մէջ դարձեալ նոյնը հարցրին նրան։ 11Եւ նրանց ասաց. «Եթէ մի մարդ արձակի իր կնոջը եւ ուրիշին առնի, շնու-թիւն արած կը լինի։ 12Եւ մի կին եթէ թողնի իր ամուսնուն եւ ուրիշ մարդու կին լինի, շնութիւն արած կը լինի»։

Մարկոս 10:1-12

And he left there and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan, and crowds gathered to him again; and again, as his custom was, he taught them. And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" He answered them, "What did Moses command you?" They said, "Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to put her away." But Jesus said to them, "For your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, `God made them male and female.' `For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one.' So they are no longer two but one. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder." And in the house, the disciples asked him again about this matter. And he said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another, commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery."

Mark 10:1-12

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