May 24

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Welcome the Stranger



He was a man of holiness and generosity; but also a man who could tolerate the cruelest violence. His very name confessed his loyalty to God—but also echoed the loneliness that can follow a man of such loyalties.

He was Elijah the Tishbite, Elijah “the Stranger”: the Hebrew prophet the Armenian Church will remember this Sunday.

As the “model” prophet, Elijah cuts a gigantic figure in the Old Testament, with his name and influence echoing throughout the New. But he was an isolated figure in his day: a friend of God in an age when his countrymen had abandoned their holy heritage; when profane leaders had infected the people with the disease of idolatry.

In preparation for this Sunday, read more about Elijah on our blog.

May 26, 2024

SUNDAY

SCHEDULE

Morning Service 

10:00 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:30 AM

Celebrant

Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan 

Usher

Arlin Diratsuyan

Parish Council Members on Duty

Shoghig Sahakyan

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings:

Jas 5:16-20

Lk 4:25-30

HOKEHANKIST

REQUIEM SERVICE

To request a Hokehankist/Requiem Service 

Please contact the Church Office

by Noon on Thursday

202-363-1923

or Click here to see the form

Prayer of the Week

Lord, please keep watch over your faithful people and the holy soil of Artsakh and Armenia, now and always. Foil every aggressor against our homeland. Defend the innocent and voiceless, Lord. Deliver the world from every conflict, and bestow your peace on all mankind.

   Look with love, O merciful Father, on the created works of your hand, and grant the camps of the angels to be guardians of our feeble persons. Deliver us from temptation, from the wandering demons of night, that by day and by night we may give you glory incessantly. Amen.

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

St. Mary Annual Spring Food Festival!

St. Mary's 14th Annual Armenian Spring Food Festival, held from May 17th to 19th, was a resounding success, bringing the vibrant flavors and cultural richness of Armenian heritage to the Greater Washington, DC area.

The festival kicked off on Friday with a captivating performance by junior pianist Edward Vardanyan, setting a delightful tone for the weekend. In the afternoon, live coverage by Fox 5 News featured the festival. Saturday was filled with an inspiring piano recital from young adult pianist Michael Derdzakyan. The evening was highlighted by a beautiful performance from St. Mary's Handbell Ensemble and the energetic dances of the Hayi Hoki Dance Ensemble. Sunday featured a heartwarming performance by students from the Shnorhali School, showcasing their talent and dedication.

Throughout the festival, attendees enjoyed guided tours of the sanctuary, shopped for unique items at the St. Mary Gift Shop and White Elephant Table, and explored various vendor offerings as well as Live Auction.

We extend our utmost appreciation to our Business and Individual Supporters. Special thanks to Yerevan Cafe and Classic Bakery, and all individuals who took the initiative to provide sweets for the infamous Bake Table.

Special thanks to the Parish Council, the Women's Guild, and our dedicated volunteers for their unwavering support and hard work. Your efforts were instrumental in making this event a success.

Thank you to everyone who participated and supported St. Mary in one of our biggest events of the year. We look forward to seeing you again next fall!

Click here for our sponsors.

End of the School Year Handes

Dear Community Members,

The Shnorhali School at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church cordially invites

you to join us in celebrating our students' academic accomplishments and the

dedication of our teachers. We have planned two special events, to be held in the

Cultural Hall of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, at 1:00 PM on Sunday,

June 2nd, and Sunday, June 9th.

For 106 Years, a Lesson in Heroism

Each year on May 28, Armenians around the world honor the anniversary of the Battle of Sardarabad and the establishment of the First Armenian Republic (1918-1920). Next week will mark 106 years since those fateful events.

In the depths of the Armenian Genocide, Ottoman forces advanced on Eastern Armenia—coming within striking distance of the capital city Yerevan and Holy Etchmiadzin. But they were repelled by the native Armenians in a series of battles at Sardarabad, Abaran, and Karakilisa—which have come to be known as the “Heroic Battles of May.”

In their life-or-death struggle to defend the remnant of their ancient homeland, the courage and unity of the Armenian people a century ago remains an inspiration and an example to us today.

Click on the link to learn more about the Battle of Sardarabad.

* * *

With the commemoration of Sardarabad, and also Memorial Day, on the immediate horizon, please take time to remember that our own day is a grave time for our sisters and brothers in the homeland—especially for those expelled from their native Artsakh.

The Eastern Diocese has an ongoing “Artsakh Refugee Fund,” through which you can lend support in this time of trial. Click here to donate now, using the Diocese’s secure server (select “Artsakh Refugee Fund” from the dropdown menu).

Our Diocese’s Fund for Armenian Relief is likewise doing urgently-needed work to help the refugee population, including on-the-ground, person-to-person efforts through its Ayo! crowdfunding platform. Please lend a helping hand to all these efforts, and keep our countrymen in your prayers.

Our congratulations to all 2024 Senior High and College Graduates.

May God continue to bless and guide you!

Attention All High School and College Graduates!

As the graduation season approaches, we are eager to celebrate the wonderful achievements of our high school and college graduates. We invite all graduates or their parents to submit the graduates' names, schools, contact info - email or phone and future plans to St. Mary’s Church office at stmarychurchdc@gmail.com. 

We look forward to recognizing and honoring their hard work and dedication. Let’s celebrate this significant milestone together!

On Monday, May 27, 2024, Americans across this nation and citizens located around the world will pause throughout the day to observe Memorial Day. Since its first official observation on May 5, 1868, when it was called Declaration Day, it has been a day of remembrance for those who sacrificed and died in our nation's service. And while it was originally dedicated to honor Civil War soldiers, we know it today as a celebration in memory of all who have fought for and defended our right to freedom.

Honoring a Half Century of Pioneering Ministry

On the evening of May 18, friends, family, and brother clergymen gathered at St. Nersess Seminary to honor a remarkable spiritual leader, the Reverend Fr. Karekin Kasparian, for his 50 years as a priest of the Armenian Church, serving the Lord and His people with love, faith, and devotion.

“Der Karekin’s leadership, marked by warmth and tireless energy, has not only influenced his community in Westchester County but has ignited our entire Diocese,” said Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan at the tribute. “He has been a true pioneer, infusing our church’s mission with innovative ideas and heartfelt dedication.”

The evening also recognized the unwavering support of Yeretzgin Dawn Kasparian, whose partnership and love have been indispensable to her husband’s ministry. Together with their daughters Meline and Lori, the Kasparian family has exemplified unity and strength in their service to the Lord.

“On behalf of the Diocese and the faithful, I extend heartfelt gratitude to Der Karekin for his 50 years of service, love, and dedication,” the Primate concluded. “You have been an inspiration and a true shepherd to your flock. We pray that God continues to bless you with health, joy, and the strength to bear witness to His love and grace for many more years.”

Among Fr. Karekin’s pioneering efforts was the establishment of “Clinical Pastoral Education” (CPE) as a standard part of the education seminarians receive while preparing for the Armenian priesthood in our Diocese. It has since become a feature of education for aspiring Armenian clergy across the globe. A decade ago, the Diocese honored that achievement in a video, in which Fr. Karekin described his early days and the meaning his ministry has held for him.

To watch it now is to be reminded of the gentle virtues and deep convictions that have made Der Karekin an exemplary servant of Christ, an inspiration to several generations of clergy and faithful, and a pastor who has been embraced with love by all who know him.

Click the following links to watch the video, and to view photos from his 50th-anniversary tribute.

Employment Opportunity at the Eastern Diocese

The Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) is currently seeking candidates to fill the position of Executive Director of the Eastern Diocese.

The Executive Director will be responsible for all administrative and operating functions for the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern). This includes oversight of Administration and Operations, Finance, Communications, Facilities, Business Function/Rentals, Development, and Information Technology. The Executive Director will coordinate with the Director of Ministries for executional aspects; manage Human Resources services, including salaries; and provide support as needed.

The Executive Director will report directly to the Primate and the chair of the Diocesan Council, in accordance with the directives and policies established by the Primate and the Diocesan Council.

Please consult the job description and list of qualifications posted on the Eastern Diocese’s website. Qualified applicants should contact the Diocese via e-mail at jobs@armeniandiocese.org.

FAR Seeks Executive Director of Operations

The Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) is seeking an experienced Director of Operations to oversee the organization's administrative functions, bringing at least 10 years of managerial experience in the non-profit sector. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in driving the strategic growth of one of the most respected diasporan organizations, with impactful projects in Armenia.

FAR’s work is focused on five key program areas: education, child protection, economic development, healthcare, and social services. It is dedicated to empowering individuals, families, and communities through support and opportunities, and building and strengthening infrastructure and systems in Armenia.

The Executive Director of FAR Operations will oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring smooth and efficient functioning of all aspects of the organization, including the overall administrative functions as they relate to FAR's Armenia offices. The ideal candidate will be able to effectively develop and maintain broad based relationships throughout Armenia with an emphasis on developing the right framework to ensure the continued excellence and efficiency for which FAR is well known.

If you are passionate about Armenia and share FAR’s commitment to its mission, and if you possess more than 10 years of managerial experience in the non-profit sector, FAR invites you to apply. Please send CV and cover letter to Garnik Nanagoulian at gnanagoulian@farusa.org, and Bree Carriglio at bree@farusa.org.

Go to www.farusa.org to see the full job description.

Half-Way to Reaching Our Goal!

Readers of this newsletter are aware that our Diocese is undertaking a major project to restore and renovate the great edifice that unites our community of faith: St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral.

Our beloved Diocesan cathedral currently stands under a network of scaffolding, as exterior restoration work moves forward. This first phase is making desperately-needed repairs to the structure’s limestone facing and roof.

A renovation of the interior will follow in subsequent phases. In the meantime, St. Vartan Cathedral remains open for worship, candle-lighting, and visits of prayer—as it was throughout Holy Week and Easter.

Last week, the cathedral restoration committee announced that it has reached the halfway point in its goal of raising $28 million to fund the project!

Still, the committee remains hard at work raising the necessary funds, and creating resources to inform and involve the public—including an attractive website titled “Renewing the Vision, Cementing the Future,” where people can learn more about the project and watch its progress.

 Click the links below to:

• VISIT the Cathedral Project website.
• WATCH the promotional video.
• MAKE A GIFT to the Cathedral Restoration Project.

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 92nd Anniversary of the St. Mary Community and Church. "Embrace the Future" Endowment Fund was established on the occasion of the 90th anniversary and continues 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.

June 2 Shnorhali School Handes

June 8 Dinner Dance with Bartev (see flyer for details)

June 9 Shnorhali School Handes

ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH WED EDUCATIONAL

FUND SCHOLARSHIP

Application for the WED Educational Fund Scholarship is now available at St. Mary's website www.stmaryaac.org. The application deadline for the 2024-2025 academic year is

May 31, 2024.

Click here to access the scholarship application. If you have questions, contact the St. Mary Church office at stmarychurchdc@gmail.com

25 Արդարեւ, ասում եմ ձեզ, որ Եղիայի օրով Իսրայէլում բազում այրիներ կային, երբ երկինքը փակուեց երեք տարի ու վեց ամիս, եւ ամբողջ երկրի վրայ մեծ սով եղաւ: 26 Սակայն նրանցից ոչ մէկի մօտ Եղիան չուղարկուեց, այլ միայն` մի այրի կնոջ` սիդոնացիների Սարեփթա քաղաքում: 27 Նաեւ` Իսրայէլում Եղիսէ մարգարէի օրով բազում բորոտներ կային, եւ սակայն նրանցից ոչ մէկը չմաքրուեց, այլ միայն` Նէեման ասորին»: 28 Երբ այս լսեցին, ժողովարանում բոլորը լցուեցին բարկութեամբ. 29 եւ վեր կենալով` նրան քաղաքից դուրս հանեցին ու տարան մինչեւ դարաւանդը այն լերան, որի վրայ շինուած էր իրենց քաղաքը, որպէսզի նրան գահավէժ անեն: 30 Իսկ նա, անցնելով նրանց միջով, գնաց:

Ղուկաս 4:25-30

25 But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Eli'jah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when there came a great famine over all the land; 26 and Eli'jah was sent to none of them but only to Zar'ephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Eli'sha; and none of them was cleansed, but only Na'aman the Syrian." 28 When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. 29 And they rose up and put him out of the city, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw him down headlong. 30 But passing through the midst of them he went away.

Luke 4:25-30

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