March 9

TOP STORY   

Sunday of the Expulsion

The cycle of Sundays in Great Lent begins this weekend with the Sunday of the Expulsion, a reference to the exile of Adam and Eve from Paradise.

This day reminds us of the loss of man's happiness due to his disobedience. During this day's service the hymn of St. Nersess the Graceful, Vor Zorenes Serpoutian, describes man's fall: how Adam and Eve experienced the bitterness of sin and death, how they first felt "fear" in their hearts, and "hid from the presence of the Lord God among the trees in the garden."

Thereafter, the re-establishment of the friendship between God and man had to await God's entry into our lives. Through this act of grace, man is able to search his heart, perceive his condition as an exile of "paradise lost," and see that God has given human beings the opportunity to regain their former status.

The Diocese has published a beautiful resource for families and parishes: a Lenten Family Calendar, to guide young people day by day through the spiritual journey of Lent. Click here to download the digital file—or pick up a copy through your local parish Sunday School. Additional Lenten resources for children, youth, and adults can be found on the VEMKAR website.

Please join us every Wednesday at 7:00 PM throughout Lent for Spiritual Journey To Prepare for Holy Resurrection: Lenten Worship Service, Spiritual Discussion, and Lenten Dinner. To see the 2025 Lenten Series flyer, Click Here.

March 9, 2025

SUNDAY

SCHEDULE

Sunrise Service 

10:00 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:30 AM

Celebrant

Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan

Usher

Mrs. Anna Seferian

Parish Council Members on Duty

Mr. Artur Sivaslian

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings:

Isaiah 33.2-22

Romans 12.1-13.10

Matthew 5.17-48

HOKEHANKIST

REQUIEM SERVICE

For The Soul of:

Melik Hakobyan (40 days) 

Requested by: 

Azat and Vram Hakobyan

For the soul of:

Rima Apriamova Oganyan

Requested by:

Rafael Saakyan, grandson, and Marina Saakova, daughter

Hospitality Table hosted by:

Hakobyan and Saakyan 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

Prayer of the week

Christ, guardian of all creatures, let your right hand be a shadow over me day and night, tarrying at home and traveling, sleeping and rising, that I may never fail. Have mercy upon your creatures, and upon me, a great sinner.

   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

Join Us for a Meaningful Lenten Journey

As we enter this sacred season of Lent, we invite you to take part in our special Sunday and Wednesday services, offering a time for spiritual renewal and preparation of the heart for Christ’s resurrection.

Each Sunday during Lent, experience the beauty of the Sunrise Service at 10:00 AM, followed by the Divine Liturgy—a time to reflect, pray, and grow together as a faith community.

In addition, join us on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM for our Lenten Vigil Service, discussions, and dinners, providing an opportunity for deeper reflection, fellowship, and nourishment. Click here for details.

Let us walk this Lenten journey together, strengthening our faith and drawing closer to God. We look forward to seeing you!

Reflecting on the Call to Repentance: The First Wednesday of Lent

On Wednesday, March 5, our parish gathered for the first evening of our Lenten Journey 2025, marking the beginning of a season dedicated to prayer, reflection, and renewal. The evening began with the Rest Hour Prayer Service in the sanctuary, following which Fr. Hovsep led a reflection on the theme "The Call to Repentance: Returning to God", inspired by the words of the Prophet Joel: "Return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning" (Joel 2:12).

Fr. Hovsep emphasized that repentance (Ապաշխարութիւն - Metanoia) is not simply an act of regret, but a daily movement of the heart toward God. Drawing from the teachings of St. Nerses Shnorhali, he introduced the prayer "I Confess with Faith" (Հաւատով խոստովանիմ), a deeply personal and penitential prayer that has guided the faithful for centuries. Through its powerful verses, we were reminded that true repentance consists of three essential movements: Humility – Recognizing our need for God’s mercy, just as the tax collector in Jesus' parable humbly cried out, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!" (Luke 18:13). Sincere Sorrow – A deep awareness of our sins, acknowledging that sin is not just a matter of action but of heart, mind, and soul. Desire for Change – A longing for transformation, asking God to turn our hearts away from sinful habits and toward holiness. He ended with the profound truth that repentance is not a burden but a gift—an invitation to return to the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father.

The evening concluded with a Lenten fellowship dinner sponsored by St. Mary's Parish Council. We invite everyone to join us each Wednesday at 7:00 PM as we journey together in faith, prayer, and renewal.

Shnorhali School Brings Barekendan Traditions to Life with Vibrant Celebration

On Sunday, March 2nd, 2025, Shnorhali School at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church brought one of Armenia’s most cherished traditions to life - Barekendan. This celebration was a true embodiment of the vibrant Armenian culture, weaving together history, religion, and beloved customs into an unforgettable event.

The students presented a captivating and dynamic exploration of Barekendan, combining educational insights with moments of lighthearted fun. Their spirited performance transported the audience through time, skillfully blending Tumanyan's famous Barekendan tale with lively demonstrations of traditional Armenian songs. A humorous wedding re-enactment, brimming with witty jokes, created a delightful fusion of past and present, engaging both young and old alike.

Adding richness and depth to the celebration were the beautifully crafted traditional ritual dolls. These symbolic figures embodied the essence of Barekendan—Grandmother Utis, with her ladle of abundance, and Grandfather Aklatis, a symbol of passion, moderation, and tradition. The dolls were more than just decorations; they were a tangible connection to the spirit of the holiday, adding layers of meaning to the festivities. Read more

ACYOA Juniors Engage in Lenten Good Deed This Sunday

This Sunday, March 9th, the Kumkumian family is generously organizing a special Lenten "good deed" for our ACYOA Juniors. As part of their spiritual journey during Lent, our teens will come together to prepare sandwiches for those in need, embracing Christ’s call to serve others with love and compassion.

We are grateful to the Kumkumian family for their support and to our ACYOA Juniors for their commitment to making a difference. May this good deed inspire us all to extend kindness and generosity to those in need throughout the Lenten season.

Supporting St. Vartan Cathedral – A Lenten Good Deed Project by Our Shnorhali Students

As we journey through the season of Lent, our Shnorhali School students are embracing the spirit of faith, generosity, and community through their annual Lenten Good Deed Project. This year, they are dedicating their efforts to support our Mother Cathedral, St. Vartan, which is in urgent need of restoration. Time and the elements have taken their toll, and it is now our turn to ensure that this cherished symbol of strength and hope remains a beacon for generations to come.

Each student has received a collection box to take home, encouraging them to practice almsgiving—a vital Lenten tradition—by making small contributions throughout the season. More than just a fundraiser, this project teaches our children the values of giving, compassion, and stewardship. By participating, they develop a deeper sense of belonging, ownership, and connection to our Mother Cathedral in New York, understanding that their support plays a role in preserving our spiritual heritage.

We invite our entire parish community to encourage and support our students in this meaningful endeavor. Collection boxes will be returned to the school by Sunday, April 13th. Let us come together in the true spirit of Lent, ensuring that our faith and traditions continue to thrive.

If you would like to make your own contribution to the St. Vartan Cathedral Renovation Fund, click on the following link: https://stvartan.org/

DIOCESAN & OTHER NEWS

Catholicos Honors Eight Diocesan Clergymen on Ghevontiantz Day

At the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin on February 25, His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, presided over the Feast of Sts. Ghevontiantz, with some 250 clergy from dioceses throughout Armenia participating.

The feast day was an occasion to acknowledge special milestones in the service of individual clergymen. Several dozen Armenian clergymen from around the world received distinctions and honors from His Holiness, among them several from the Eastern Diocese of America.

Four long serving priests of our Diocese were awarded the honored title of Senior Priest, or “Avak Kahana,” along with the honor of wearing the “dzaghga pilon” (floral cloak) and cross. They are Fr. Vasken Kouzouian (of Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge, MA), Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian (St. Peter Church, Watervliet, NY), Fr. Krikor Sabounjian (Holy Translators Church, Framingham, MA), and Fr. Arakel Aljalian (St. James Church, Watertown, MA).

Additionally, four devoted priests of our Diocese were distinguished with the right to wear the floral pilon. They are Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan (St. Mary Church, Washington, DC), Fr. Kapriel Mouradjian (St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Binghamton, NY), Fr. Khachatur Kesablyan (Sts. Vartanantz Church, Chelmsford, MA), and Fr. Abraham Ohanesian (visiting priest at several mission parishes).

“The feast of Sts. Ghevontiantz is a reminder of the exemplary model for all Armenian clergymen, directing them to renew the priestly mission of selfless service to the spiritual and community life of the people,” His Holiness said at the ceremony’s conclusion.

Click here to read more.

Primate Urges President to Help Artsakh Detainees

Last week, Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, sent a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump asking for his administration’s support in freeing the Armenian detainees and prisoners of the Artsakh war, currently held in illegal captivity by Azerbaijan.

After referencing the 2020 Artsakh war, and the subsequent Azeri attacks on Artsakh, culminating in the ethnic cleansing of its Armenian population in 2023, Bishop Mesrop addressed the plight of Armenian prisoners being illegally held in inhuman conditions.

“As Artsakh’s Armenians were fleeing from home for their lives, Azerbaijani forces arrested more than a dozen officials of the independent Armenian government of Nagorno-Karabagh and sent them to prison in Baku to await trial,” the letter states. “For two years they have languished in conditions that human rights organizations have condemned as cruel and inhuman. The trials themselves are not open to public scrutiny, and the Armenian defendants have been denied the basic rights of due process, including a clear articulation of the charges brought against them.”

He continued: “We are hopeful, President Trump, that a clear signal from the United States would put an end to the ongoing cruelty against the Armenian detainees in the hands of Azerbaijan, avert further bloodshed, and permit a just and humane outcome to prevail in the region.”

Click the link to read the letter in its entirety.

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 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

17 Մի՛ կարծէք, թէ օրէնքը կամ մարգարէներին ջնջելու եկայ. չեկայ ջնջելու, այլ՝ լրացնելու: 18 Ճշմարիտ եմ ասում ձեզ. մինչեւ որ երկինք ու երկիր անցնեն, մի յովտ իսկ, որ մի նշանախեց է, օրէնքից եւ մարգարէներից չի անցնի, մինչեւ որ այս բոլորը կատարուի: 19 Ով որ այս պատուիրաններից, փոքրերից անգամ, մի բան ջնջի եւ մարդկանց այդպէս ուսուցանի, երկնքի արքայութեան մէջ փոքր պիտի համարուի. իսկ ով կատարի եւ ուսուցանի, երկնքի արքայութեան մէջ նա մեծ պիտի համարուի: 20 Բայց ասում եմ ձեզ, որ եթէ ձեր արդարութիւնը աւելի չլինի, քան օրէնսգէտներինը եւ փարիսեցիներինը, երկնքի արքայութիւնը չէք մտնի: 21 Լսել էք, թէ ինչ ասուեց նախնիներին. “Մի՛ սպանիր”, որովհետեւ ով որ սպանի, ենթակայ կլինի դատաստանի: 22 Իսկ ես ձեզ ասում եմ, թէ՝ ամէն մարդ, որ զուր տեղը բարկանում է իր եղբօր վրայ, ենթակայ կլինի դատաստանի, եւ ով իր եղբօրն ասի յիմար, ենթակայ կլինի ատեանի, եւ ով իր եղբօրն ասի ապուշ, ենթակայ կլինի գեհենի կրակին: 23 Եթէ սեղանի վրայ քո ընծան մատուցելու լինես եւ այնտեղ յիշես, թէ քո եղբայրը քո դէմ մի ոխ ունի, 24 քո ընծան թող սեղանի առաջ եւ գնա, նախ հաշտուիր քո եղբօր հետ եւ ապա եկ, քո ընծան մատուցիր: 25 Եթէ մէկը քեզ հետ խնդիր ունի եւ քեզ դատի է կանչում, մինչ նրա հետ դեռ ճանապարհին ես, եղիր իրաւախոհ կանխաւ. գուցէ նա քեզ դատաւորին յանձնի, եւ դատաւորը՝ դահճին, ու դու բանտ նետուես: 26 Ճշմարիտ եմ ասում քեզ. այնտեղից դուրս չես գայ, մինչեւ չվճարես վերջին դահեկանը: 27 Լսել էք, թէ ինչ ասուեց. “Մի՛ շնացիր”, 28 իսկ ես ձեզ ասում եմ. ամէն մարդ, որ կնոջը նայում է նրան ցանկանալով, արդէն շնացաւ նրա հետ իր սրտում: 29 Եթէ քո աջ աչքը քեզ գայթակղում է, հանի՛ր այն եւ դէ՛ն գցիր քեզնից. որովհետեւ քեզ համար լաւ է, որ քո անդամներից մէկը կորչի, եւ քո ամբողջ մարմինը չընկնի գեհեն: 30 Եւ եթէ քո աջ ձեռքը քեզ գայթակղում է, կտրի՛ր այն եւ դէ՛ն գցիր քեզնից. որովհետեւ քեզ համար լաւ է, որ քո անդամներից մէկը կորչի, եւ քո ամբողջ մարմինը չընկնի գեհեն:

Մատթեոսի 5:17-48

17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.21 “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister,[c] you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult[d] a brother or sister,[e] you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell[f] of fire. 23 So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister[g] has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go; first, be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court[i] with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.30 And if your right-hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.

Matthew 5:17-48

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