December 27

TOP STORY   

A Week of Re-Introductions

One of the wonderful things about the Christmas season is the way it re-introduces us to such interesting people. And it's not limited to friends and family: some of the most memorable re-introductions come from the surrounding culture. Who can suppress a warm smile at their first yearly sighting of Santa, Rudolph, and the elves? Or at the Grinch and the whole Peanuts gang?

But the church, too, is actively bringing some memorable people to our attention in the run-up to Christmas. It shares these vivid personalities with us through the feast days that occupy the weeks in the latter half of Advent.

We meet King David, poet and warrior; James, the apostle called the "Brother of the Lord"; Stephen, the first deacon of the church and its first martyr; Peter and Paul; and the brothers James and John. These are the stories the church re-introduces to us through the feasts of this week.

Somehow, getting to know these figures prepares us for that greatest re-introduction of all: when we will once more welcome the infant Jesus into our hearts and lives.

December 29, 2024

SUNDAY

SCHEDULE

Morning Service 

10:00 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:30 AM

Celebrant

Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan

Usher

Mrs. Anna Seferian

Parish Council Members on Duty

Mrs. Shoghig Sahakyan

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings: 

Isaiah 41.4-14,

 Hebrews 7.11-25, 

Luke 19.12-28

HOKEHANKIST

REQUIEM SERVICE

For the Soul of:

Nisan Kalatas (41st anniversary)

Requested by:

Mari Shafakian

Prayer of the week

Lord, please keep watch over your faithful people, strengthen those fleeing persecution, 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.

    With your peace, Christ our savior, which surpasses all understanding and speech, defend us and keep us fearless of all evil.

    Make us equal to your true worshipers, who worship you in spirit and in truth; for to the most-holy Trinity is befitting glory, dominion, and honor, now and always. Amen.

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

Blessing of Pomegranates Service

December 29, 2024

Following the Divine Liturgy

As the year draws to a close, join us for the beautiful and meaningful tradition of the Blessing of Pomegranates. The pomegranate - a timeless symbol of life, prosperity, and fertility in Armenian culture - has graced our art, architecture, literature, and faith for centuries.

Be a part of this inspiring ceremony of hope, renewal, and abundance.

Pomegranates will be blessed and joyfully shared with everyone following the service.

Whether you are a lifelong parishioner or visiting for the first time, we warmly invite you to join us in fellowship and gratitude.



St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church

4125 Fessenden St. NW, Washington, DC 20016

May this season bring you joy, health, and prosperity. We look forward to seeing you there!

Celebrate the Joy of Christmas at St. Mary Armenian Church!

Join us as we come together to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Jesus Christ at the St. Mary Armenian Church. Experience the warmth and wonder of the season on Sunday and Monday, January 5 and 6, 2025.

We look forward to sharing these sacred celebrations with you and your loved ones.

Click here for the full schedule of services and important details.

Let's celebrate faith, love, and the joy of Christmas together!

Shnorhali School Hosts a Joyful Christmas Celebration

On Sunday, December 22nd, Shnorhali School came alive with festive cheer as students came together to celebrate the joy and meaning of Christmas. This special event provided a meaningful opportunity for students to learn about the true essence of Christmas while fostering friendships and creating lasting memories in a joyful atmosphere. At the heart of the celebration was the aim to bring students closer to their Armenian roots, blending the spirit of faith, culture, and holiday cheer.

The celebration began with an inspiring message from Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, who shared the story of Jesus’ birth, reminding students of the love, hope, and compassion at the heart of the holiday. Religion Education Coordinator Nicolette Blackwell added an interactive element to the festivities with an engaging trivia game. The activity brought excitement and laughter while teaching students about the Christian symbolism behind popular holiday traditions and decorations. This blend of fun and learning helped deepen students' understanding of the cultural and spiritual significance of Christmas.

Adding a magical touch to the celebration, a special guest arrived - Santa Claus himself! Santa delighted the children as he chatted with them, listened to their Christmas wishes, and posed for memorable photos. His presence added a sense of wonder and excitement, making the day even more unforgettable.

The festivities continued with hands-on activities that encouraged creativity and togetherness. Students created festive Christmas crafts, wrote heartfelt letters to Santa, decorated Christmas cookies, and prepared "magical reindeer food" to ensure Santa’s helpers were well-fed for their journey. These activities allowed students to express their creativity and joy while strengthening their bonds with classmates in a fun, festive environment.

The event was a celebration of the holiday season, a testament to the school’s commitment to preserving Armenian traditions and fostering a sense of belonging among its students and an opportunity for students to learn, connect, and celebrate their faith and heritage together.



Merry Christmas and warm wishes from Shnorhali School!

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

It is that time of the year again to remind our dear parishioners and friends of their dues and pledges to St. Mary Armenian Church.

As a reminder, the dues are $250 per person and $500 per family and are due by December 31, 2024.

We depend on our faithful donors and their monetary contributions. Your membership dues not only ensure your voting privileges during our annual assembly but also shows your commitment to your church. Your support enables us to continue our mission of preaching the Word of God, reaching out to our community, and bringing the rich and wonderful blessings of our heritage and identity to all for the glory of God.

We thank you for your generous past support and hope you will continue your commitment to your church.

St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church relies on the generosity of individual donors so that it may continue ensuring service to God and fellowship to the Armenian Community. Your support is deeply appreciated.

Heaven and Earth Rejoiced!

In his video message for Christmas, Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, reflects on the joy that entered Creation when Jesus Christ was born.

“The Creator of the universe humbled Himself to walk among us!” Bishop Mesrop says. “He came as a baby, born in a manger, who would share our joys and sorrows, heal our wounds—and redeem our lives.

He continues: “When Christ walked among mankind, He showed us the heart of God. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, and welcomed the outcast. And He still walks with us, today. In every challenge, every joy, every moment of life, God is present.”

Click the links below to learn more by watching Bishop Mesrop’s video message, in English and Armenian:

Your Support of the Bishop’s Annual Appeal Makes a Difference!

Connecting with Parishes. Inspiring the Youth. Advancing Our Mission. Witnessing to the World.

These four actions lie at the heart of the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. Its purpose—the purpose of all of the Eastern Diocese’s efforts—is to support the blessed mission of our Armenian Church: to shine the Light of our Lord on the Armenian community, from our youngest to our eldest members.

With your generous support, the Bishop’s Annual Appeal will continue to provide vital services to local parishes; train the next generation of teachers; support youth groups and programs; represent our culture, history, and faith on the world stage; and continue our church’s mission of spreading the Gospel of our Lord.

“It’s your support, your prayers, your involvement that keep our ministries thriving!” Bishop Mesrop says. “Your generosity is a gift from God. And it’s making a difference!”

Please consider making an online contribution today to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.

Click the following link to DONATE NOW on our secure server.

FAR NEWS

Take FAR’s Online Community Survey

​As the humanitarian aid, development, and charitable arm of the Eastern Diocese, the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) works in partnership with our parishes to run impactful, transparent programs that empower Armenians in our homeland.

To better understand the needs of our parish communities, and to gauge awareness of its initiatives, FAR is conducting an online survey. We encourage you to take a few minutes to share your thoughts and help FAR to advance its mission.

Click the following link to take part in FAR’s short community survey.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CLASSIFIED ANNOUNCEMENT

Armenian Speaking Caregivers Available

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

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.

December 29 The Blessing of Pomegranates Following Badarak

December 31 New Year's Eve Celebration at Bethesda Marriott Hotel at 7 pm

January 4 St. Mary Women's Guild Christmas Party, meeting and election in the Church Social Hall at 10:30 am

January 5 Eve of the Theophany and Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ

January 6 Feast of the Theophany and Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, Christmas Luncheon hosted by Ararat Avak Society following Badarak

January 7 Bible Study at 7 pm

January 12 Shnorhali School's Christmas Handes

January 21 and 28 Bible Study at 7 pm

February 4 and 11 Bible Study at 7 pm

12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. 14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. 15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. 17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. 18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. 19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. 20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: 21 For I feared thee because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. 22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: 23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? 24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound and give it to him that hath ten pounds. 25 (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) 26 For I say unto you, That unto everyone which hath shall be given; and from him, that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. 27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. 28 And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.                                                                       

(Luke 19.12-28)

12 Նա ասաց. «Մի ազնուական մարդ գնաց հեռու աշխարհ իր թագաւորութիւնը ստանալու եւ վերադառնալու համար: 13 Եւ կանչելով իր ծառաներին՝ նրանց տասը մնաս տուեց ու ասաց. “Շահարկեցէ՛ք դրանք, մինչեւ որ գամ”: 14 Բայց նրա համաքաղաքացիները ատում էին նրան. պատգամաւորներ ուղարկեցին նրա յետեւից եւ ասացին. “Մենք չենք կամենում, որ նա մեզ վրայ թագաւորի”: 15 Եւ ազնուականը վերադարձաւ՝ իր թագաւորութիւնը ստացած, եւ կանչեց այն ծառաներին, որոնց տուել էր դրամը, որպէսզի իմանայ, թէ ով ինչ է շահել: 16 Եկաւ առաջինը եւ ասաց. “Տէ՛ր, քո մէկ մնասը տասը մնաս բերեց”: 17 Եւ տէրը նրան ասաց. “Ազնիւ եւ բարի՛ ծառայ, քանի որ այդ փոքր բանի մէջ հաւատարիմ եղար, իշխանութիւն ունեցիր տասը քաղաքների վրայ”: 18 Եկաւ երկրորդը եւ ասաց. “Քո մէկ մնասը հինգ մնաս բերեց”: 19 Տէրը նրան ասաց. “Դու էլ՝ հինգ քաղաքների վրայ”: 20 Միւսն էլ եկաւ ու ասաց. “Տէ՛ր, ահա՛ քո մնասը, որ թաշկինակի մէջ ծրարած պահում էի. 21 վախենում էի քեզնից, որովհետեւ խիստ մարդ ես. վերցնում ես, ինչ որ չես դրել, եւ հնձում ես, ինչ որ չես սերմանել”: 22 Եւ տէրը նրան ասաց. “Հէնց քո բերանով քեզ պիտի դատեմ, անհաւատարի՛մ ծառայ. գիտէիր, որ ես մի խիստ մարդ եմ, վերցնում եմ, ինչ որ չեմ դրել, եւ հնձում եմ, ուր չեմ սերմանել: 23 Հապա ինչո՞ւ իմ դրամը լումայափոխներին չտուեցիր, որպէսզի ես գալով՝ տոկոսներով հանդերձ պահանջէի այն”: 24 Եւ սպասաւորներին ասաց. “Վերցրէ՛ք դրանից մէկ մնասը եւ տարէք տուէք նրան, ով տասը մնաս ունի”: 25 Եւ ծառաներն ասացին նրան. “Տէ՛ր, արդէն նա տասը մնաս ունի”: 26 “Ասում եմ ձեզ, թէ ով որ ունի, նրան պիտի տրուի, իսկ նրանից, որ չունի, պիտի վերցուի եւ այն, ինչ որ ունի: 27 Բայց իմ այն թշնամիներին, որոնք չէին կամենում, որ ես թագաւորեմ իրենց վրայ, բերէ՛ք այստեղ եւ սպանեցէ՛ք իմ առաջ”»: 28 Եւ երբ այս ասաց, առաջ գնաց Երուսաղէմ ելնելու համար:

(Ղուկասի 19.12-28)

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