February 21

TOP STORY   

St. Sahak Partev

On February 22, the Armenian Church will commemorate the feast of Catholicos St. Sahag Partev. St. Sahak is one of the most well-known figures in Armenian history. As Catholicos, he supported the work of Mesrob Mashdots in the creation of the Armenian alphabet and the translation of the Bible into Armenian. A scholar and theologian himself, he is counted among the Holy Translators. The trio of King Vramshapuh, Catholicos Sahak, and Mesrob Mashdots together oversaw the flurry of translation into Armenian and an emergent new Armenian-language literature following the invention of the alphabet in 405 A.D. Churches are often named “Sts. Sahak and Mesrob” in acknowledgment of the crucial work these two men did together. This coming Saturday, the Armenian Apostolic Church commemorates this beloved Armenian saint.

Yet St. Sahak also presided over a tumultuous period in Armenian history. The invention of the alphabet itself emerged from the need to hold the two halves of Armenia together. At the time of St. Sahak’s birth in 354 A.D., Armenia was already used to its status as the crossroads and borderland between the Persian and Roman empires. As George Bournoutian describes, in 64 A.D., “Rome accepted the compromise of co-suzerainty” (55), meaning that the Armenian dynasty known as the Arshakuni or Arsacid would come from the royal Parthian dynasty, “while their authority would be bestowed in Rome.” Through some troubled periods, this arrangement lasted for nearly two centuries, until 224 A.D. when the Persian Parthians were overthrown, and the new Sasanian Persian empire emerged. The new Sasanian Empire tried to impose a more direct rule over Armenia. It is in this context that the conversion of Armenia to Christianity occurred, as Armenians tried to balance between Rome and a newly aggressive Persian empire. However, after the adoption of Christianity, in 387 A.D., Emperor Theodosius and Shapur III partitioned Armenia between them.

Click here to read more.

February 23, 2025

SUNDAY

SCHEDULE

Morning Service 

9:30 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:00 AM

Celebrant

Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan

Usher

Ms. Patricia Yeghissian

Parish Council Members on Duty

Mrs. Shoghig Sahakian

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings: 

Isaiah 63:18-64.12

 Titus 1:1-11

John 7:37-52

HOKEHANKIST

REQUIEM SERVICE

For the Souls of:

Harutyun, Maryam and Sirun Derderian; Yercanik Delikahya

Requested by:

Setrak Derian and family,

Simon Erdogan and family, and Melkon Delikahya

For the Souls of:

Shunt Apram Nishanian

Requested by:

Vazrik Nishanian, Artemis Nishanian, Azad Nishanian

and Family

Hospitality Table provided by:

Nishanian family

Prayer of the week

My soul is always in your hands and I place my hope in your Holy Cross, O Heavenly King. May the multitude of your saints intercede on my behalf. You who are patient with everyone, do not neglect me who trusts in you, but keep me in peace with your precious and Holy Cross.

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

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

Conclusion of the Six-Week Study on the Nicene Creed

On Tuesday, February 19, we concluded our six-week study on the Nicene Creed, marking a special dedication to the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea (325 AD). This series has been a journey through the foundational truths of our faith, deepening our understanding of the Triune God, Christ’s divinity, the Holy Spirit, the Church, baptism, and the hope of eternal life.

The final session focused on the closing lines of the Creed, which affirm our belief in one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church; one baptism; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the dead; and eternal life in God’s kingdom. These statements remind us that faith is not lived in isolation but within the community of believers, that through baptism and repentance, we are continually renewed, and that our ultimate hope is in the resurrection and eternal life with Christ.

As we move forward from this study, we invite everyone to continue their faith journey by joining us for our Lenten series, beginning on Wednesday, March 5, at 7:00 PM. This series will take place every Wednesday until April 9, offering a time for reflection, prayer, and spiritual renewal as we prepare for Easter.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this study—may the truths of the Creed continue to guide and strengthen our faith.

St. Sarkis Day Celebration & Armenian Brunch at St. Mary

The St. Sarkis Day Celebration and Armenian Brunch, sponsored by the St. Mary Ararat Avak Society, was a great success, bringing together over 80 parishioners for a day of faith, fellowship, and delicious homemade food.

The event began with a special introduction by Der Hovsep, who briefly explained the history, meaning, and traditions associated with the Feast of St. Sarkis, a beloved saint of the Armenian Church. This was followed by a heartfelt prayer, asking for St. Sarkis’ intercession in the lives of all gathered.

Following this, attendees enjoyed a bountiful Armenian-style brunch prepared with love and dedication by the Avak Society organizing committee members. The spread featured gata, cheese boreg, feta and Armenian cheeses, soujukh with eggs, milk cream (ser), chorek, assorted jams, and desserts!

The celebration continued with an engaging educational trivia session about St. Sarkis, led by Anna Seferian, enriching attendees' knowledge about the saint’s life and legacy. Adding to the festive spirit, a wonderful cultural program showcased the talents of Cristina Kharazian, Vartkes Keshishian, and Milena Oganisyan, who captivated the audience with their recitations, performances, and songs—bringing Armenian history and culture to life.

A special thanks goes to the dedicated committee members who worked tirelessly to make this event possible: Takuhi Haladjian, Mary Shafakian, and Eva Shafakian, along with Raffi Sahakyan.

Annual Parish Assembly – Sunday, February 16, 2025

The Annual Parish Assembly of St. Mary Armenian Church was held on February 16 in the Cultural Hall, following the Badarak. The assembly included the presentation and approval of annual reports from various church organizations, as well as the endorsement of the budget for the upcoming year.

We are pleased to announce the election and re-election of the following individuals to serve in various church committees: Parish Council: Jack Guiragossian, Shahnur Bostan, Garbis Chubukian, Svetlana Hovhanissian (Alternate: Alex Madajian). Diocesan Delegates: Zaven Kalayjian, Onnik Sivaslian, Sarine Zenian (Alternate: Alex Madajian). Nominating Committee: Becky Bagdasarian, Lucy Murad, Natale Grigorian (Alternate: Talar Keshishian). Auditing Committee: Robert George (Alternate: Armine Khachatryan). Investment Committee: Wright Sigmund (Alternate: Sarine Zenian). WED Scholarship Committee: Ivan Zhivkov (Alternate: Dale Turza).

Congratulations to all the newly elected members! We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to those who are stepping down for their dedicated service and commitment to our parish. May God continue to bless and guide our church community in the year ahead.

Shnorhali School to Celebrate Barekendan on March 2, 2025

Shnorhali School is pleased to announce its Annual Barekendan Celebration, taking place on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church. This event will showcase the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of Barekendan through student performances, traditional Armenian music and dance, interactive games, humor, and a reenactment of a traditional wedding ceremony. The program will also offer reflections on the significance of Great Lent, emphasizing the themes of prayer, fasting, and spiritual renewal leading up to Easter.

The community is warmly invited to attend this meaningful and festive celebration of Armenian heritage.

Bikes For Kids

Fund for Armenian Relief sends its thanks to the St. Mary community for your support in their Christmas Wishlist campaign. This week, FAR's Ayo! team distributed bikes to 269 kids, from tots to teens in the Sisian region of Syunik. This is a vulnerable yet strategic part of Armenia. FAR is continuing to stand by the many families displaced from Artsakh who have resettled there, helping them establish new lives. You can take a look at a sweet video from the bike distribution here. 



Your support, as always, means the world to us and the people we serve.

Thank you!!

DIOCESAN & OTHER NEWS

Outnumbered, Defeated—But Never Forgotten

Every year on the Thursday preceding Great Lent, Armenians throughout the world commemorate the Battle of Avarayr (A.D. 451). The armed forces of Armenia confronted the Persian Empire, which aimed to convert the world's first Christian nation to Zoroastrianism. 

Armenia’s soldiers fighting under the leadership of St. Vartan Mamigonian are known as the Vartanank, and their day of remembrance is Vartanantz. We’ll mark it next week, on February 27. 

On the field of Avarayr, outnumbered Armenian fighters faced a mighty Persian army. St. Vartan and his companions saw a military defeat; but their unyielding commitment to defend their faith ultimately thwarted the Persians, and ensured that Christianity would endure in Armenia. 

Click here to read more about the Battle of Avarayr on our website, or download the Diocese’s iBook for an interactive introduction to St. Vartan’s historic campaign. 

The Feast of Sts. Vartanantz on Thursday, February 27 will be observed in parishes across the Eastern Diocese. The evening badarak at New York’s St. Vartan Cathedral will be broadcast live on its Facebook page; it will include a special blessing of icons ceremony. A dinner and program will follow. See below under “Events” for details.

Two days prior to Vartanantz, the Armenian Church will remember the sacrifice of St. Ghevont (Leontius) the priest and his companions. St. Ghevont is one of the great exemplars of the Armenian priesthood, remembered for his rare courage and resolution at the Battle of Avarayr. Click here to learn more about St. Ghevont and his companions. 

In observance of Ghevontiantz Day, the clergy of the Eastern Diocese will hold regional gatherings at St. Leon Church in Fair Lawn, NJ; St. George Church in Waukegan, IL; and Holy Archangels Church in Haverhill, MA. 

Above: A fine modern illustration of Vartan leading his troops across the plain of Avarayr, from Roger Kupelian’s “East of Byzantium” saga.

This Weekend: Priestly Ordination in Minnesota

St. Sahag Church of Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN, will experience a blessed milestone in its history this weekend when Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan ordains and anoints Deacon Serop Krajekian into the Holy Priesthood of the Armenian Church. 

The Service of Calling will take place on Friday, February 21 at 5:30 p.m., followed by a fellowship hour in Yerevan Hall at St. Sahag Church. 

The Divine Liturgy and Ordination will take place on Saturday, February 22 at 10 a.m., followed by a banquet in St. Sahag Church’s Ararat Hall. Dn. Serop's sponsoring priest will be Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, and his ordination godfather will be Avo Toghramadjian. 

This will also be a milestone in Bishop Mesrop's ministry: his first ordination of a priest in the Eastern Diocese. He has previously ordained several clergy in Armenia.

Dn. Serop Krajekian is a native of Syria, and a 2023 graduate of St. Nersess Seminary, in its Late Vocations program. Most recently, he has been serving at St. Sarkis Church in Charlotte, NC. He and his wife Sevan have two teenage children, Aram and Meghry. 

Plans call for the ordination services to be broadcast over the St. Sahag Church Facebook page, with a recording to be released subsequently. 

Click the following links to read more, and to find details of the weekend on the St. Sahag Church website.

Above: Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan and Dn. Serop Krajekian, during the latter’s graduation from St. Nersess Seminary in 2023.

Constantinople, Nicaea, Armenia: Walk in the Footsteps of Faith

The Eastern Diocese and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America have announced a joint pilgrimage to Constantinople, Nicaea, and Armenia in the summer of 2025. This momentous journey will commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea—a pivotal moment in Christian history that established the Creed of Nicaea as a foundational confession of the Christian faith, shared by the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox churches.

Led by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, pilgrims will embark on a profound journey of faith and discovery, from August 29 to September 8. This will be the first joint pilgrimage of the Eastern Diocese and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.

In Constantinople, pilgrims will visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate (the center of Eastern Orthodoxy) and see iconic landmarks such as the Theological School of Halki, Hagia Sophia, and the Armenian Patriarchate in Constantinople.

In Nicaea, they will explore the ancient city where the council convened in A.D. 325: a site of immense historical and theological significance to all Christians.

Finally, in Armenia pilgrims will visit the Ancient Manuscript Repository (Matenadaran), Khor Virab Monastery (where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned), and the ancient cave of Areni (considered to be the world’s oldest-known winery). They will also experience the beauty of Lake Sevan and Sevan Monastery, and worship at the newly-restored Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin.

Spaces are limited, so early registration is strongly encouraged. For inquiries and reservations, contact Cloud Tours at (718) 721-3808, or e-mail stephen@cloudtours.com. Detailed information regarding costs, travel arrangements, and accommodations will be provided upon request.

Click here to view a flyer with details.

The Science of Botany is Blossoming in Armenia

Thanks to major support from the Fund for Armenian Relief, Armenia’s Institute of Botany has launched a new Graduate Research Center, offering the country’s first-ever Master’s Degree program in Biodiversity and Conservation.

Funded by Ara Cherchian through FAR’s “STEM for Rural Armenia” initiative, the center is designed to inspire young researchers to explore Armenia's wildlife, plant life, ecology and climate.

The new center includes a dedicated space for education: a facility that the Institute of Botany lacked until today. The opportunities on offer are already attracting students (like the ones seen here). Among them is Marianna Sargsyan, a mother of two from Artsakh, who is pursuing her dream degree thanks to a FAR scholarship.

This initiative, along with the FAR-funded “Eco Education Center” at Yerevan’s Botanical Gardens, is igniting a passion for science in Armenia’s next generation of conservationists. Read more on FAR’s blog

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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 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.

March 5 A Spiritual Journey- Lenten Worship Service and Dinner 7PM

March 12 A Spiritual Journey- Lenten Worship Service and Dinner 7PM

March 19 A Spiritual Journey- Lenten Worship Service and Dinner 7PM

March 26 A Spiritual Journey- Lenten Worship Service and Dinner 7PM

April 2 A Spiritual Journey- Lenten Worship Service and Dinner 7PM

April 9 A Spiritual Journey- Lenten Worship Service and Dinner 7PM

37 Մեծ տօնի վերջին օրը Յիսուս կանգնած էր եւ աղաղակում էր՝ ասելով. «Եթէ մէկը ծարաւ է, թող ինձ մօտ գայ եւ խմի: 38 Ով ինձ հաւատում է, ինչպէս Գիրքն է ասում, նրա ներսից կենդանի ջրերի գետեր պիտի բխեն»: 39 Նա այս ասում էր Հոգու մասին, որին ընդունելու էին իրեն հաւատացողները. քանի որ Հոգին դեռեւս չկար, որովհետեւ Յիսուս դեռ փառաւորուած չէր: 40 Ժողովրդից ոմանք, երբ լսում էին այս խօսքերը, ասում էին. «Սա է ճշմարիտ մարգարէն». 41 ուրիշներն ասում էին. «Սա է Քրիստոսը». իսկ դեռ ուրիշներ ասում էին. «Մի՞թէ Քրիստոս Գալիլիայից է գալու. 42 չէ՞ որ Գիրքն ասում է, թէ Քրիստոս գալու է Դաւթի սերնդից եւ Բեթղեհէմ գիւղից, որտեղից Դաւիթն էր»: 43 Եւ ժողովրդի մէջ նրա պատճառով պառակտում եղաւ: 44 Եւ նրանցից ոմանք ուզեցին բռնել նրան, բայց ոչ ոք նրա վրայ ձեռք չդրեց: 45 Իսկ սպասաւորները վերադարձան քահանայապետների եւ փարիսեցիների մօտ. եւ սրանք նրանց ասացին. «Ինչո՞ւ նրան այստեղ չբերեցիք»: 46 Սպասաւորները պատասխանեցին ու ասացին. «Ոչ մի մարդ երբեք այնպէս չի խօսել, ինչպէս այն մարդը»: 47 Փարիսեցիներն ասացին. «Մի՞թէ դուք էլ էք մոլորուել: 48 Մի՞թէ իշխանաւորներից կամ փարիսեցիներից որեւէ մէկը հաւատաց նրան, 49 բացի այն խաժամուժ ամբոխից, որ օրէնք չգիտէ եւ նզովեալ է»: 50 Նիկոդեմոսը, որ նախապէս գիշերով եկել էր նրա մօտ եւ նրանցից մէկն էր, նրանց ասաց. 51 «Մի՞թէ մեր օրէնքը դատապարտում է մարդուն, եթէ նախ նրանից լսած եւ կամ իմացած չլինի, թէ ինչ է գործել նա»: 52 Նրան պատասխանեցին ու ասացին. «Մի՞թէ դու էլ Գալիլիայից ես. քննի՛ր ու տե՛ս, որ Գալիլիայից մարգարէ դուրս չի գալիս»: Հովհաննես 7:37-52

37 On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, 38 and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit because Jesus was not yet glorified.40 When they heard these words, some in the crowd said, “This is really the prophet.” 41 Others said, “This is the Messiah.”But some asked, “Surely the Messiah does not come from Galilee, does he? 42 Has not the scripture said that the Messiah is descended from David and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?” 43 So there was a division in the crowd because of him. 44 Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.45 Then the temple police went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why did you not arrest him?” 46 The police answered, “Never has anyone spoken like this!” 47 Then the Pharisees replied, “Surely you have not been deceived too, have you? 48 Has any one of the authorities or of the Pharisees believed in him? 49 But this crowd, which does not know the law—they are accursed.” 50 Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus before, and who was one of them, asked, 51 “Our law does not judge people without first giving them a hearing to find out what they are doing, does it?” 52 They replied, “Surely you are not also from Galilee, are you? Search and you will see that no prophet is to arise from Galilee.” John 7:37-52

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