October 20

TOP STORY   

Feast of the Evangelists Sts. Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John

On October 21, the Armenian Apostolic Church commemorates the Feast of the Holy Evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Matthew the Evangelist, the author of the first gospel account, is symbolized by a winged man or angel. Matthew's gospel starts with Joseph's genealogy from Abraham; it represents Jesus' Incarnation, and so Christ's human nature. This signifies that Christians should use their reason for salvation.

Mark the Evangelist, the author of the second gospel account, is symbolized by a winged lion - a figure of courage and monarchy. Mark has John the Baptist preaching "like a lion roaring" at the beginning of his Gospel. It also represents Jesus' Resurrection and Christ as king. This signifies that Christians should be courageous on the path of salvation.

Luke the Evangelist, the author of the third gospel account (and the Acts of the Apostles) is symbolized by a winged ox or bull - a figure of sacrifice, service, and strength. Luke's account begins with the duties of Zacharias in the temple; it represents Jesus' sacrifice in His Passion and Crucifixion, as well as Christ being a High priest (this also represents Mary's obedience). The ox signifies that Christians should be prepared to sacrifice themselves to follow Christ.

John the Evangelist, the author of the fourth gospel account, is symbolized by an eagle - a figure of the sky and believed to be able to look straight into the sun. John starts with an eternal overview of Jesus the Logos and goes on to describe many things with a "higher" Christology than the other three (synoptic) gospels; it represents Jesus' Ascension and Christ's divine nature. This represents that Christians should look at eternity without hesitation and fear. 

October 22, 2023

Morning Service 

10:00 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:30 AM

Celebrant

Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan

Usher

Garbis Chubukian

Parish Council Members on Duty

Ohannes Sivaslian

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings: 

Is 20:2-21:6

Gal 4:3-18

Lk 4:14-23

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.

In faith, I confess and bow down to you, Father and Son and Holy Spirit, uncreated and immortal nature, creator of angels, of men, and of all things. Have mercy upon your creatures, and upon me, great sinner that I am. Amen.

For the Soul of :

 Sarkis Pakoyan

Requested by:

Nairy Pakoyan and Kohar and Harutyun Apel 

For the Soul of :

Ronald Baldadian

Requested by:

Dolores and George Baldadian

For the Souls of :

Evelyn Vartabedian, Alice Baker, Ella Kartashyan, and Alyce Tamzarian

Requested by:

 Daughters of Vartan 

For the Soul of :

Hripsime Zenopian and

Arto Satian

Requested by:

 Margie Satian and Family    

For the Soul of :

Rita Anbarjian

Requested by:

 Kegham Anbarjian, Kumkumian families & Schweitzer family

For the Soul of :

Hakop Shafakian

Requested by:

Eva Shafakian

Hospitality Table is Hosted by:

Nairy Pakoyan & Family, Margie Satian & Family, and Daughters of Vartan 

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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

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

St. Nerses Shnorhali's Life and Legacy Celebrated at St. Mary Armenian Church

On Sunday, October 15, the parishioners and friends of St. Mary Armenian Church came together for a profound and enlightening lecture on the life and works of one of the Armenian church's most distinguished figures, St. Nerses Shnorhali. As we commemorate the 850th year of his passing, the lecture couldn't have been timelier.

The church was honored to host Dr. Jesse Arlen, the Director of the Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center at the Eastern Diocese and a postdoctoral research fellow at Fordham University. With his profound understanding and research, Dr. Arlen took the audience on a journey through the life, literary works, and enduring legacy of St. Nerses Shnorhali.

Born in the 12th century, around 1100, St. Nerses Shnorhali was not just a revered catholicos but also a poet, musician, theologian, and ecumenist. His contributions to the Armenian and universal church have solidified his place as one of the preeminent figures in church history. Dr. Arlen emphasized how Shnorhali’s multifaceted role in the church had a profound impact on the development of Armenian religious thought, literature, and music.

The lecture helped attendees gain a deeper appreciation for the legacy of this great figure of the 12th century, reminding them of his lasting influence and how his impact is still palpable today.

As the lecture came to a close, it was evident that the audience left with a renewed sense of admiration and awe for St. Nerses Shnorhali, understanding better his role not only in the Armenian church but in the broader tapestry of religious history. The gathering at St. Mary Armenian Church was not just a tribute to the past but also a testament to how the teachings and works of great figures like St. Nerses Shnorhali continue to resonate and inspire generations today.

Prayer for Healing Service & Bible Study at St. Mary

On Tuesday, October 17, St. Mary Armenian Church witnessed a spiritually enriching gathering with its Healing Prayer Service followed by a Bible study session. The sanctuary echoed with the calming and uplifting Healing Prayers, rendered in accordance with the time-honored traditions of the Armenian Church. Those in attendance immersed themselves in these prayers, seeking solace, healing, and a closer connection with the divine.

Following the prayer service, attendees settled into a thought-provoking Bible study. The focus was on "The Healing of the Blind Men" from the book of Matthew (9:27-31). This powerful passage recounts the poignant story of two blind men whose unwavering faith in Jesus leads to their miraculous healing.

In the story, the blind men fervently call out to Jesus, addressing him as the "Son of David." Recognizing their faith, Jesus touches their eyes and says, "According to your faith, let it be done to you." Immediately, they regain their sight. This passage not only underscores Jesus' divine power and boundless compassion but also places a strong emphasis on the role of faith in the process of healing.

The relevance of this passage in today's world is profound. In a time when many grapple with various forms of "blindness" – be it physical, emotional, or spiritual – the story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith. It encourages believers to maintain their trust in the divine, especially during times of adversity, ensuring that with unwavering faith, healing and restoration are possible.

The evening at St. Mary Armenian Church was not just about revisiting a biblical passage but also about understanding its profound significance in contemporary times.

Prayer of Healing and Bible Discussions will continue to be offered every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. 

St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church

Ararat Avak Society

Invites you to Join

The Armenian Style Brunch

Հայկական Նախաճաշ

on Saturday, November 11, 2023

at 11:30 PM

At St. Mary Church Hall



Donation: $25

Everybody is welcome!

For More Information or to Reserve Your Seat Call:

Takuhi Hallajian (301) 219-4041

Raffi Sahakian (301) 221-4533

Come to the St. Mary ACYOA Juniors



Bake Sale

To benefit Artsakh relief

Sunday, October 29th

After badarak in the small hall

Please come visit with the teens,

make a donation of $5,

and select some baked goods.

The funds will be forwarded to the Fund For Armenian Relief (FAR)

https://www.farusa.org/ for the Artsakh refugee relief effort.

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

A Divine Homecoming: Bishop Mesrop’s Return Badarak

A joyous homecoming took place on Saturday, October 14, when newly-ordained Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan returned to New York City’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral to celebrate his first episcopal Divine Liturgy as the bishop of the Eastern Diocese.

The Primate, who had been consecrated as a bishop at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin a week earlier by His Holiness Karekin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians, presided over the special badarak before a large gathering of clergy and lay people from near and far.

In a time of heartache for Armenians in the homeland and around the world, Bishop Mesrop’s message of unwavering faith and optimism for the future of the Armenian Church and its faithful instilled feelings of hope and perseverance in all who heard his message.

“Today, I am overcome with a spirit of thanks to the Lord, who took my life in His hands, shaped my soul, inspired my heart, rescued me from the shadow of death and guided me step by step to this ministry in His service,” he said.

He acknowledged the pivotal role his family, colleagues, and fellow clergy have collectively played in nourishing his spiritual development throughout his life’s journey. He expressed special gratitude to Catholicos Karekin II, and Berge Setrakian, the president of AGBU who stood as Bishop Mesrop’s godfather during his episcopal ordination.

After poignant, fatherly words about the tragedy of Artsakh, he went on to speak of his vision for the Diocese, delineating three tasks—Evangelization, Spirituality, and Love—that he intends to make hallmarks of his role as Primate. (Click the link to watch a recording of his sermon.)

Thousands of people from across the Diocese and the world shared in the service as it was broadcast over the Internet. Following the badarak, worshippers adjourned to a bounteous reception sponsored by Berge and Vera Setrakian, where the large crowd could greet their new bishop, receive his blessing, and wish him well in his leadership of the Eastern Diocese.

Click the following links to:

• READ much more in an article by journalist Stephan Nigohosian.
• VIEW an extensive photo gallery by photographer Harout Barsoumian.
• WATCH a recording of Bishop Mesrop’s homecoming badarak.

Reach Out Through the Diocesan-Wide “Artsakh Refugee Fund”

In a message to the Diocesan faithful early this month, Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan announced a Diocesan-wide fundraising effort to bring aid to Artsakh refugees now forced to flee the land of their birth.

The “Artsakh Refugee Fund” was announced in all our parishes as a unified effort of the entire Eastern Diocese to respond to this time of grave crisis for the Armenian people.

You can support the Eastern Diocese’s “Artsakh Refugee Fund” by making an online contribution. Please note that all the fundraising proceeds will go to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin for direct distribution to the Artsakh refugees.

Click here to donate now, using the Diocese’s secure server. Make sure to select “Artsakh Refugee Fund” from the dropdown menu.

In addition, our Diocese’s Fund for Armenian Relief is doing urgently needed work to help the refugee population, including on-the-ground, person-to-person efforts through its Ayo! crowdfunding platform. (See the FAR item below for links.)

Please lend a helping hand to this effort and keep our sisters and brothers of Artsakh in your prayers during these urgent times. May God support and protect our people.

UPCOMING EVENTS

“The Lord heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” Psalms 147

Prayers for Healing

Աղօթք Բժշկութեան

Join us in this ancient Armenian Church tradition:

A brief prayer service, holy Scripture, and blessing of holy water asking God to ease the pains of body, mind, and soul and bestow his peace.

The Bible Discussions on the healing miracles of our Lord will follow the services.

Prayer of Healing and Bible Discussions will be offered every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

ALL ARE WELCOME

CLASSIFIED ANNOUNCEMENT

St. Nersess to Honor 12 Priests and Lay Alumni on Nov. 4



St. Nersess Armenian Seminary will highlight the vocations of 12 alumni priests and lay ministers, with a gala banquet on Saturday, November 4, 2023.

This will be the second in a series of tribute events featuring alumni of St. Nersess who serve the Armenian Church in various capacities. The first celebration took place in November 2021 and established the “12 Vocations” theme. The upcoming event will build on that idea, under the title: “12 Vocations: Broadening the Call.”

This year, the event will honor a seminary graduate who became a hierarch of the Armenian Church: Archbishop Avak Asadourian (priestly ordination in 1977, episcopal consecration in 1982), who recently retired after a long tenure as Primate of the Diocese of Iraq.

He will be honored along with seven clergymen and four lay ministers—listed here by ordination or graduation date: Fr. Krikor Sabounjian (ordained 1998); Fr. Sarkis Petoyan (ordained 1998); Fr. Abraham Ohanessian (ordained 1999); Fr. Mikael Devejian (ordained 2000); Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan (ordained 2004); Fr. Aren Jebejian (ordained 2004); Fr. Bedros Kadehjian (ordained 2005); Mka. Valerie Goekjian Zahirsky (graduated 1974); Yn. Sirarpi Feredjian Aivazian (graduated 1978); Nancy Basmajian (graduated 1979); and Shaké Ajamian Derderian (graduated 1989).

Invitations and further details on the November 4 banquet will be coming soon. Contact event co-chair Lynn Beylerian at lynnbeylerian@gmail.com or access the seminary website: www.stnersess.edu. 

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.

October 28 Gift Shop 12th Anniversary Celebration POSTPONED Date TBD

October 29  Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross

October 29 Family Worship Sunday (Babysitting will be provided)

October 29 Shnorhali School Talent Show

October 29 ACYOA Juniors Bake Sale

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

December 9   Feast of the Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary

December 10 Celebration Of the 91st Anniversary of the Church

December 16 ACYOA Seniors Fundraising Event

December 24 Shnorhali School Christmas Celebration

14Եւ Յիսուս Հոգու զօրութեամբ վերադարձաւ Գալիլիա, ու գաւառի բոլոր կողմերում նրա համբաւը տարածուեց։ 15Եւ նա ուսուցանում էր նրանց ժողովարաններում՝ փառաւորուելով բոլորից։ 16Եւ եկաւ Նազարէթ, ուր նա սնուել մեծացել էր. եւ ըստ իր սովորութեան՝ շաբաթ օրը ժողովարան մտաւ։ 17Եւ նրան տուին Եսայի մարգարէի գիրքը. եւ նա վեր կացաւ ընթերցելու. եւ երբ գիրքը բացեց, գտաւ այն տեղը, ուր գրուած էր. 18«Տիրոջ Հոգին իմ վրայ է, դրա համար իսկ օծեց ինձ, ինձ ուղարկեց աղքատներին աւետարանելու, սրտով բեկեալներին բժշկելու, 19գերիներին ազատում քարոզելու եւ կոյրերին՝ տեսողութիւն, կեղեքուածներին ազատ արձակելու, Տիրոջը ընդունելի տարին հռչակելու»։ 20Եւ փակելով գիրքը՝ տուեց պաշտօնեային ու նստեց. եւ ժողովարանում գտնուողների բոլորի աչքերը նրա վրայ էին սեւեռուած։ 21Սկսեց ասել նրանց. «Այսօր այս գրուածքները կատարուեցին, երբ լսում էիք ձեր ականջներով»։ 22Եւ բոլորը վկայում էին ու զարմանում նրա բերանից ելած շնորհալի խօսքերի վրայ ու ասում. «Սա Յովսէփի որդին չէ՞»։ 23Եւ նա ասաց նրանց. «Անշուշտ, ինձ այս առածը կ՚ասէք. «Բժի՛շկ, բժշկի՛ր ինքդ քեզ»։ Այն ամէնը, ինչ արել ես Կափառնայումում, որչափ որ լսեցինք, արա՛ եւ այստեղ, քո գաւառում»։

(Ղուկաս 4:14-23)

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and a report concerning him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; and he went to the synagogue, as his custom was, on the sabbath day. And he stood up to read, and there was given to him the book of the prophet Isaiah. He opened the book and found the place where it was written, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." And all spoke well of him, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth; and they said, "Is not this Joseph's son?" And he said to them, "Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, `Physician, heal yourself; what we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here also in your own country.'"

(Luke 4:14-23)

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