May 26

TOP STORY   

“The Dove Came Down”: Celebrate Pentecost

The Dove came down with great sound from on high,

Like the flashing of light. It armed the disciples with fire

While they were sitting in the holy Upper Room.…

Today, O new people, rejoice for the coming of the Holy Spirit!

These are the words of the sublime sharagan, Arakeloh Aghavnoh, sung in the Armenian Church on Pentecost—the feast day we will mark on Sunday, May 28.

After his ascension, Christ had promised to send a “comforter” to his disciples—and the disciples had faith that the Holy Spirit would make known God’s purpose for them. Pentecost—also observed as “Vocations Day”—encourages us to likewise consider how God has called us.

On the first Pentecost, the Holy Spirit inspired the birth of the Christian Church. In time the Spirit went forth to inspire two apostles to travel to Armenia, preach among the people, and plant the seeds for a spiritual revolution that would transform our homeland. That story is retold in “Tongues of Fire”: a video in the Bread & Salt series. 

Click here to view it—and share it with others—in preparation for Sunday.

Battle of Sardarabad and the Establishment of the Frist Armenian Republic

On May 28, Armenians worldwide will honor the anniversary of the Battle of Sardarabad and the establishment of the First Armenian Republic (1918-1920). 

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." 

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

May 28, 2023

Morning Service 

10:00 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:30 AM

Celebrant

Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan 

Usher

Rouzanna Oganissian

Parish Council Members on Duty

Mrs. Shoghig Sahakyan

Choir

Mrs.Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings: 

Acts 2:1-21

John 14:25-31

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

I glorify you, God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and give thanks to him who has kept me in peace this night, to him who has led me from darkness to light, from death to life, from ignorance to the knowledge of his truth.

    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 single conflict, and bestow your peace on all mankind. Amen.

On Monday, May 29, 2023, 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

Spring 2023 St. Mary's Food Festival was held from May 19th - May 21, 2023.  

We were all overwhelmed with joy to have witnessed the positive outcome of this Spring’s Food Festival.

First and foremost, we are thankful to our Parish Council for each and every member's tireless effort pre-festival, during and post festival arrangements. There is a great deal that happens to bring the festival to life. Second, our deep appreciation for the Women's Guild Executive Committee with Yn. Jennifer's efforts and filling the gaps where needed. To all the women, senior and junior, a million thank yous for putting in many hours to prepare the scrumptious meals. The Grill Masters did it again; both chicken and lamb kebab platters received many praises.  

We extended our utmost appreciation to our Business Supporters. Special thanks to our very own Yerevan Cafe YerevanDC and Classic Bakery Classic Bakery MD DC VA Wedding Cakes, Birthday Cakes, and More!  and all individuals who took the initiative to provide sweets for the infamous Bake Table. Click here for our sponsors

To our sponsors of the festival, we are deeply touched by your generosity that has sustained us to continue the mission of our church.

We are beyond grateful to all our volunteers who answered the call to service regardless how young or mature in age they were, this festival could not have been accomplished without their assistance.

Last but not least, we would not have had a fruitful festival without the participation of our devoted parishioners, loyal community members, neighbors, vendors. We had an unprecedented number of attendees for the 3-days. The highlight of this year's festival was the closure of the street on Saturday, which gave the festival the feeling of homey atmosphere. We would like to thank Mr. Shahnur Bostan for his efforts to make this happen. In addition, we were entertained by our young musicians; Edward Vardanyan (rising 6^th grader ), Michael Derdzakyan (rising 8^th grader), and Andre Alexanian (recently graduated High School). All 3 young musicians mesmerized festival attendees with their skillful fingers on the piano.

We look forward to seeing you all at our next event. All are welcome to participate and help us make future events as rewarding as this one. Please do not hesitate to reach out by sending an email to stmarychurchdc@gmail.com with the subject line "Volunteer Opportunities" with your interest so we'll add you to our army of volunteers!

Help Matt!



One of our parishioners, Matt Girardi, is going through some health issues. He needs all of our support! Let us all pray to God to help Matt to overcome these difficulties and restore his health.



Financial support will be very much appreciated as well.

Please consider donating to his campaign page by clicking on the link below.

Our congratulations to all 2023 Senior High Graduates.

May God continue to bless and guide you!

NEW RECYCLING PROGRAM AT ST. MARY'S



There is now a blue recycling bin in the hall at St. Mary Church. Please only deposit empty plastic bottles and aluminum cans in the container. We are looking for volunteers to sign up about once a month to take the recyclables home with them after church or during the Food Festival. It involves sorting through what's in the clear recycling bag and discarding any trash that might have been put in the bag. Then, you replace the clear bag with one from the box in the kitchen marked "Recycling Bags, Not for Trash". I have created a SignUp Genius link to sign up for a slot. Please see St Mary's Armenian Apostolic Church: St. Mary's Recycling Committee (signupgenius.com). If you have any questions, please email me at rangerrox@msn.com. Thanks for your help in keeping God's good earth cleaner!

UPCOMING EVENTS

WED Educational Fund Scholarship



Application for WED Educational Fund Scholarship is now available at St. Mary's website www.stmaryaac.org. The application deadline for the 2023-2024 academic year is

May 31, 2023.

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

There is a wonderful opportunities for our children to participate in Armenian camps and conferences this summer. St. Vartan Camp and St. Nersess Summer Conferences and trainnigs are now oper for registration. If your child is interested please contact the the church office at stmarychurchdc@gmail.com and provide your name, contact information (phone and email) and your student’s name/age. Put "St Vartan Camp," or "St. Nersess" in the subject line.  An interest meeting will be arranged, where parents/students can ask questions and arrange carpools.

This year, through generous donations made to a number of memorial funds, St. Mary will be able to offer a discount for each camper.   

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. 

Armenian Speaking Caregivers Available

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

Part-time help needed

Rockville Town Center (a few minutes walk from the Rockville Metro stop on the Red Line), for details, contact Lilit at "Saints Valley" Boutique:   https://www.instagram.com/saintsvalley/?hl=en

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.

Memorials and Memory

Memorial Day in America was inaugurated in the wake of the Civil War, and was later extended to honor all who have fallen in the defense of our country. The day is a welcome opportunity to reflect, with gratitude and admiration, on the departed souls who have secured our national way of life and shaped our individual lives. 

In the Armenian Church, memorial days of one kind or another are quite common. We observe merelots after the major feast days; we remember our departed loved ones on the karasoonk of their passing, and thereafter through annual hokehankisd services. 

Click here to visit our blog for a reflection on the interplay of memory, life, and death in Scripture and in everyday experience. 

FAR is Hiring a Development Director

The Fund for Armenian Relief is searching for a “Director of Institutional Marketing and Development.” The position will be responsible for the overall strategic development and management of the set of communications that FAR deploys to reach its audience.

The Development Director is expected to contribute to strengthening FAR’s image in the market and to further developing trust among the diaspora and make it the foundation of choice for individuals to consider when planning their charitable giving efforts. This position will report to Garnik Nanagoulian, Executive Director.

For complete information, click here.

Ayo is the crowdfunding platform of Fund for Armenian Relief, the social arm of the Eastern Diocese. We’re passionate about partnering with Armenians all over the world to promote sustainable development through low-budget, big-impact projects.

This summer, Ayo! is partnering with GOALS (Girls of Armenia Leadership in Sports) to organize a sports camp for kids aged 11-17. It will intertwine learning and fun through games, promoting positive values such as teamwork, leadership, respect, and gender equality. 

The camp will be held in the rural Shirak region for 70 boys and girls from surrounding villages. In addition to soccer, basketball, and tennis, lacrosse will be introduced this year!

It costs $125 to sponsor one village child’s unforgettable week of camp.

Get involved!

• Donate tax-deductible through Ayo’s website here:

www.weareayo.org/donate

• One day of camp, including meals, costs $25/month

Click Here to DONATE!

We’re turning 10 this year!

With the support of Hilton, we’re organizing a special all-expenses paid trip to Armenia for one lucky person (chosen at random).

Enter here!

May 28 Establishment of the First Armenian Republic

May 28 Chess Tournament

May 29 Memorial Day

June 4 Shnorhali School Handes

June 18 Father's Day cary-out lunchon

25Իսկ Մխիթարիչը՝ Սուրբ Հոգին, որին Հայրը կ՚ուղարկի իմ անունով, նա ձեզ ամէն բան կ՚ուսուցանի եւ ձեզ կը յիշեցնի այն ամէնը, ինչ ես ասացի ձեզ»։26«Խաղաղութիւն եմ թողնում ձեզ, իմ խաղաղութիւնն եմ տալիս ձեզ. ձեզ չեմ տալիս այնպէս, ինչպէս այս աշխարհն է տալիս. ձեր սրտերը թող չխռովուեն, եւ չվախենաք։ 27Լսեցիք, որ ձեզ ասացի, թէ՝ գնում եմ եւ կը գամ ձեզ մօտ. եթէ ինձ սիրէիք, ապա դուք ուրախ պիտի լինէիք, որ ես Հօր մօտ եմ գնում, որովհետեւ իմ Հայրը մեծ է, քան ես։ 28Եւ հիմա ասացի ձեզ, երբ դեռ չի եղել, որպէսզի, երբ լինի, հաւատաք։ 29Այլեւս երկար չեմ խօսի ձեզ հետ. գալիս է աշխարհի իշխանը եւ իմ վրայ ոչ մի իշխանութիւն չունի։ 30Իսկ որպէսզի աշխարհը գիտենայ, որ ես սիրում եմ Հօրը, այնպէս եմ անում, ինչպէս որ Հայրը պատուիրեց ինձ. դե՛հ, վե՛ր կացէք գնանք այստեղից»։

Յովհ. 14:25-31

25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my, Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it comes to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. 30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so, I do. Arise, let us go hence.

John 14:25-31