Deember 15

TOP STORY   

The Saint Who Searched for the Ark

This Saturday, the Armenia Church will remember St. James of Nisibis—a favorite saint of the Armenians, who is considered to be a nephew of St. Gregory the Illuminator.

St. James (known as Hagop in Armenian) was a celebrated 4th-century ascetic and theologian. In A.D. 308 he was appointed as the second bishop of the Christian community in the Mesopotamian city of Nisibis—modern Nusaybin, situated near the Syrian border of historic Armenia. He was a signatory at the Council of Nicaea in 325, which devised the Nicene Creed (the Havadamk). St. James is also known as the first Christian to have searched for Noah’s Ark on Mount Ararat. He died around A.D. 338.

The Eastern Diocese has four parishes named for St. James—in Evanston, IL; Richmond, VA; St. Petersburg, FL; and Watertown, MA—where this weekend’s celebration of the saint’s feast day will hold special significance.

Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan will be in Watertown this Sunday to join the local parish in its annual St. James Name Day celebration.

Click here to learn about St. James of Nisibis.

December 17, 2023

SUNDAY

SCHEDULE

Morning Service 

10:00 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:30 AM

Celebrant

Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan

Usher

Anna Seferian

Parish Council Members on Duty

Shahnur Bostan

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings: 

Isaiah 38.1-8,

Hebrews 1:1-14

Luke 17.1-10

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.

   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.

HOKEHANKIST

REQUIEM SERVICE

For the Souls of:

Sahag Seraydarian and Shakeh Seraydarian, Hovannes Zenian and Endza Zenian, and Alice Zenian

Requested by:

 David and Leda Zenian, Chris and Sarine Tyson

For the Soul of :

 Gulbenk Sivasli

Requested by:

 Sivaslian and Koseian Families

For the Soul of:

Armenak Ozkanian

Requested by:

Vartevar & Takouhi Ozbenian

For the Soul of:

Gyulmara Ayvazyan (40 days)

Requested by:

Lilit Yedigaryan

For the Soul of :

Stepan Stepanian 

Requested by:

Gilbert & Armineh Stepanian & Family

Hospitality Table is hosted by:

Koseian , Sivaslian and Zenian Families

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

Our utmost thanks go to everyone who contributed to the

Gift of Love Donations



To see the list of donors, Click Here.

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

St. Mary Armenian Church in Washington D.C. Celebrates 91 Years of Faith and Community



On Sunday, December 10, 2023, St. Mary Armenian Church in Washington DC celebrated a significant milestone, its 91st anniversary. This day was not just a commemoration of its long-standing history but a vibrant testament to the church's enduring legacy and pivotal role in nurturing Armenian heritage and faith within the community.

The celebration commenced with an inspiring Divine Liturgy officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Vicken Aykazian. The commemorative luncheon and program, held in St. Mary’s social hall, filled the day with reflection, appreciation, and community spirit.

Mr. Avedis Seferian, serving as the Master of Ceremonies, skillfully guided the congregation through the day's events, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience. Mr. John Asadoorian, representing the Parish Council, extended a warm welcome to all.

Nadya Sivaslian's presentation on "Pilgrimage to the Holy Land" provided enlightening spiritual insights, while the musical performance by the St. Mary Shnorhali School students showcased the church's dedication to nurturing young talents and preserving Armenian heritage.

The event was further enriched by meaningful remarks from Dr. Greg Kumkumian, Mr. Robert Avetisyan, Mr. Arakel Semirjian, and Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, each adding their unique perspectives and enhancing the celebration's depth.

A particularly poignant moment was the presentation of the Diocesan St. Vartan Award to Dr. Hratch Semerjian by Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, on behalf of our Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, recognizing Dr. Semerjian’s exemplary leadership and devoted service to the church and community.

The anniversary also served as a time to reflect on the church's history. From its early days as a sanctuary for Armenian settlers to its evolution into a fully established parish, St. Mary Armenian Church has stood as a beacon of faith and heritage. Its growth and the development of various cultural and social groups underscore the resilience and adaptability of the Armenian community in Washington D.C.

As the day concluded, it was evident that such a successful celebration could not have been possible without the generous support of many. In this spirit of heartfelt appreciation, we wish to acknowledge those who have contributed significantly to this joyous occasion:

The luncheon was graciously sponsored by the St. Mary Parish Council, whose unwavering support continuously uplifts our community. The exquisite selection of wines was kindly donated by the Armenian Embassy in the United States. The anniversary cake, symbolizing our shared joy and unity, was beautifully crafted and generously provided by the renowned Classic Bakery, adding a touch of sweetness to our celebration. The sumptuous lunch, prepared with exceptional care and love, alongside the donation of wines, was provided by Nora’s Catering, bringing warmth and delight to our tables.

The 91st anniversary was a celebration of the past, present, and a hopeful look into the future, promising continued growth, unity, and spiritual fulfillment. Our deepest appreciation to everyone who contributed to this blessed event.

Shnorhali Students Showcase Their Talents at St. Mary's 91st Anniversary

St. Mary’s Armenian Church community joyously commemorated its 91st anniversary this past Sunday. As part of the celebration, Shnorhali students seized the opportunity to showcase their talents to parishioners during the celebration and luncheon. The students delivered a lovely performance featuring classic and patriotic Armenian songs. Their performance demonstrated their musical abilities and reflected their deep love and affection for Armenia and its rich heritage and culture. It served as a testament to their bright and young minds and their potential as future leaders of our church community. 

Alongside their devoted Music teacher, Armine Khachatryan playing the piano, students from first and second grade delighted the audience with their charming performance of the Armenian folk songs "Jan, jan, jan, ashun e" and “Jan Garnuk”, while those in third to eighth grade showcased their talent with a spirited rendition of "Zartnir, Lao" and “Azad Hayastan.” These dedicated students diligently practiced their songs for months, and their hard work truly shone through their amazing performance.

The singing performances by our talented Shnorhali students set the stage for the finale of student presentations. Seventh-grade student Ani Nishanian then took the stage and gracefully performed a traditional Armenian dance, “The Deer of Karabakh.” Ani's performance captivated the audience and served as a wonderful conclusion to the show. We are immensely proud of our Shnorhali students for their outstanding performances that left a lasting impression on everyone present!

ACYOA Juniors Celebrate the Spirit of Christmas

The ACYOA Juniors, our vibrant teen youth group, joyously gathered on Saturday, December 9th, for a special Christmas celebration. This year's festivities were graciously hosted at the welcoming home of Der Hovsep and Yn. Jennifer Karapetyan.

The evening began with a meaningful reflection by Der Hayr on the true essence of Christmas, followed by a blessing over the bountiful potluck dinner. The dinner provided a time for fellowship and the sharing of holiday cheer.

In the spirit of the season, the event featured an array of festive activities. The teens engaged in an entertaining game of Christmas charades, bringing laughter and lighthearted competition to the evening. The warmth of the fire pit was the perfect setting for making delicious s'mores, a delightful treat enjoyed by all. The highlight of the evening was the thrilling game of Santa's Revenge, which was thoroughly enjoyed by the teens.

In addition to the fun and games, the ACYOA Juniors demonstrated their commitment to giving back to the community. They participated in the local Toys for Tots drive, bringing unwrapped toys to spread joy to those less fortunate during the holiday season.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Karapetyan family for their generous hospitality in hosting this wonderful event. It was indeed a memorable and joyous evening, filled with laughter, fellowship, and the true spirit of Christmas.



As we reflect on this delightful gathering, we are reminded of the warmth and unity of our church family. Let us carry this spirit of love and generosity into the new year and beyond.

Final Prayer for Healing Service and Bible Study of the Year at St. Mary

On Tuesday, December 12th, St. Mary Armenian Church hosted its last Prayer for Healing Service and Bible Study for the year. After the Prayer of Healing service, the Bible Study focused on Matthew 17:14-21, which narrates the healing of the demon-possessed boy and highlights the transformative power of faith.

This passage was particularly significant for its emphasis on the strength of even the smallest faith. Jesus' words, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain... nothing will be impossible for you," were central to our discussion. This powerful concept is especially relevant in today's world, reminding us that faith, no matter how small, can lead to profound changes and miracles in our lives.

The practical implications of this teaching were explored, encouraging attendees to apply this lesson of faith in their daily lives. The story inspires believers to approach life's challenges with trust and confidence in God's power, reinforcing the idea that unwavering faith can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.

As we concluded this final session for the year, the message from Matthew 17:14-21 resonated deeply, serving as a reminder of the importance of nurturing our faith. The group looks forward to reconvening in mid-January to continue their spiritual journey and delve deeper into the teachings of the Bible.

Join us on Saturday, December 16th for the charity event of the holiday season.

Food will be made available and items will be for sale to help the Armenian refugees from Artsakh.

This event will focus on explaining to non-Armenians the dire humanitarian needs of our people, so all Armenians are encouraged to bring friends. After buying tickets for yourself, purchase a few extra and invite your charitable friends - and don't forget to share the flyer and link on social media!

Shnorhali School at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church is delighted to announce the festive details for this year's Christmas celebrations! The school will celebrate the season through several events.

On December 17^th, after school students will participate in an enlightening educational presentation where students will learn the true meaning of Christmas, explore its symbols, and delve into both national and international Christmas traditions. This unique opportunity allows our students to deepen their understanding of the season's significance. Following these insightful sessions, a plethora of engaging activities await our students. Through festive arts and crafts to exciting hands-on activities, students will get an opportunity to unleash their creativity with Christmas-themed cupcake decorations, experience the magic of face/hand painting, make their own magical reindeer food, Christmas ornament decorating, and enjoy coloring pages that capture the spirit of the season. As the festivities draw to a close, students will have the chance to meet and capture precious moments with Santa Claus! 

On January 5^th students will be part of the Christmas Eve events by reading from the Scriptures and participating in the Divine Liturgy.

On January 7^th, after-school students will culminate the celebration of events related to Christ’s Incarnation with our annual Christmas Handes, a delightful pageant that explores the symbols of Christmas and delves into the true meaning of the festive season. Students will share the wonderful news of our Savior’s birth through the retelling of Jesus’s birth story combined with classic carols and songs.



 Mark your calendars, as we extend a warm invitation to join us in the Cultural Hall of the St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church for an enriching and joyful experience.

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!

DIOCESAN & OTHER NEWS

Abp. Aykazian Leads Religious Forum on Global Refugee Crisis

This week, Diocesan Legate and Ecumenical Director Archbishop Vicken Aykazian led an international religious gathering on the plight of refugees around the globe. The December 12 gathering of religious leaders in Geneva, Switzerland, preceded the Global Refugee Forum (meeting in the same city December 13-15).

As vice-moderator of the World Council of Churches’ Central Committee, Archbishop Aykazian opened the event with his remarks. He noted that the WCC “is proud to host this meeting during Advent, preparing to celebrate Christmas. Christians see this as 'God on the move': coming into the world as a baby born to refugee parents, escaping political violence by crossing the border into Egypt.”

He added that today, “moving with the Holy Family are another 100 million people…. Displacement from and within countries like Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, Sudan – to name just a few – stems from longstanding destabilizing forces which the political community fails to halt. My own people, Armenians, once again this year have had to experience the tragedy of displacement.”

Over the past three years, Archbishop Aykazian has made a profound mark on the international ecumenical stage as an outspoken advocate for the Armenians of Artsakh, during the tribulations of war, blockade, and exile they have endured. His remarks throughout the forum cited the current situation of Armenia and Artsakh, including his eye-witness experiences.

Among the other figures addressing the forum was Greek Orthodox hierarch His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, who delivered a keynote address on the ecological and refugee crises facing the world.

The religious leaders forum concluded with the issuance of an official statement. The proceedings were broadcast over the Internet, and can be watched here.

Click the preceding links to read more on the WCC website. And click the following link to read Archbishop Aykazian’s opening remarks.

Fighting Malnutrition, Nourishing Hope

Elen is a young girl from Artsakh, whose once fear-filled eyes now reflect joy—thanks to the Ijevan Community Kindergarten, supported by the Fund for Armenian Relief. Displaced twice in three years, Elen's family found refuge in Ijevan, where the 4-year-old experienced an incredible transformation.

Elen’s health had deteriorated after having to endure the blockade, war, and displacement. But the kindergarten’s compassionate staff and FAR’s support brought about a remarkable turnaround. Within weeks, Elen gained nearly seven pounds, overcame malnutrition, and formed bonds with classmates—particularly fellow displaced children Hayk and Arsen.

Elen’s mother, Karine, gives thanks for the profound impact the kindergarten has made on Elen’s young life. Donating to FAR’s child aid programs helps to nourish children like Elen—and nourishes Armenia’s future, as well. Learn more about this and other projects on FAR’s website.

New Vemkar Topical Series Publications

New publications in the Diocesan Christian topical series - "VEMKAR Topical Series" - are designed to captivate and enlighten readers like you. It delves into various facets of our Christian faith, offering a profound understanding of its beliefs, practices, and traditions.

As believers, we understand that our faith is an ongoing journey, constantly evolving and expanding. It is crucial to seek a deeper comprehension of our beliefs, and this series aims to facilitate that exploration. By delving into Christianity's history, theology, and contemporary issues, we provide a thoughtful and informative pathway for you to navigate.

Whether you have been a devoted Christian for years or are simply curious about the faith, this series is tailored to meet your needs. Our aspiration is for these books to not only inform and educate but also inspire and uplift you on your personal spiritual journey.

Copies of this newly released series can be found in our church's narthex. We encourage you to use this wonderful new diocesan resource and share it with others.

These publications are also available in PDF and eBook format.

Click here to read and download VEMKAR Topical Series booklets.

Download the 2023-2024 Advent Calendar

The Eastern Diocese’s Department of Ministries has released a downloadable Advent Calendar to guide young faithful and their parents in the season leading to Christmas.

Each day features a Bible verse from the gospels of Matthew and Luke, which record the Nativity story of Jesus Christ, so readers can follow the story of our Lord’s birth day by day.

The major church feasts and fasts are also indicated on the Advent Calendar, to help families focus their daily activities on the message of God’s incarnation, as they progress to the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Jesus Christ on January 6, 2024.

The digital publication is a product of the Diocese’s Children and Family Ministries effort. To download a PDF file of the Diocese’s 2023-24 Advent Calendar, click here.

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.

December 16 ACYOA Seniors Fundraising Event

December 17 School's Christmas Party

December 31 Family Sunday (Babysitting available)

January 5 Nativity Eve Badarak

January 6 Nativity Day - Blessings of the Water

January 6 Avak Society Christmas Luncheon

January 7 Shnorhali School Christmas Celebration

1 Յիսուս ասաց նաեւ իր աշակերտներին. «Անկարելի է, որ գայթակղութիւնը չգայ, բայց վա՜յ նրան, որի ձեռքով կգայ: 2 Նրա համար լաւ կլինէր, եթէ իր պարանոցից երկանաքար վէմ կախուէր, եւ նա ծովը գցուէր, քան թէ այս փոքրիկներից մէկին գայթակղէր: 3 Զգո՛յշ եղէք ձեր անձերի համար: Եթէ քո եղբայրը մեղանչի, սաստի՛ր նրան. եւ եթէ զղջայ, ների՛ր նրան: 4 Եւ եթէ եօթ անգամ մեղանչի քո դէմ եւ եօթ անգամ դառնայ քեզ եւ ասի՝ զղջում եմ, ների՛ր նրան»: 5 Եւ առաքեալները Տիրոջն ասացին. «Աւելացրո՛ւ մեր հաւատը»: 6 Եւ Տէրն ասաց. «Եթէ մանանեխի հատիկի չափ հաւատ ունենաք եւ այս թթենուն ասէք՝ “Արմատախի՛լ եղիր եւ տնկուի՛ր ծովի մէջ”, նա իսկ կհնազանդուի ձեզ: 7 Իսկ ձեզնից ո՞վ է, որ հողագործ կամ հովիւ ծառայ ունի, երբ սա ագարակից տուն մտնի, նրան կասի իսկոյն. “Անցիր, սեղա՛ն նստիր”. 8 այլ նրան չի՞ ասի. “Պատրաստի՛ր, ինչ ընթրելու եմ, եւ գօտի կապած ծառայի՛ր ինձ, մինչեւ որ ուտեմ ու խմեմ, եւ ապա կուտես եւ կխմես դու”: 9 Մի՞թէ տէրը շնորհապարտ կլինի այդ ծառային, որ իր բոլոր հրամանները կատարեց: 10 Նոյնպէս եւ դուք, երբ կատարէք այն բոլորը, որ ձեզ հրամայուած է, ասացէք, թէ՝ “Անպիտան ծառաներ ենք. ինչ որ պարտաւոր էինք անել, այն արեցինք”»:

(Ղուկասի 17.1-10)

1 Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! 2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. 3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. 4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. 5 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. 6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. 7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? 8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? 9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. 10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

(Luke 17.1-10)

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