March 1

TOP STORY   

Sunday of the Unjust Steward



Jesus’ parable about an unjust steward who was accused of cheating his master (Luke 16:1-17—the reading for Sunday, March 3) is famous for being difficult to understand. But it gives very concrete clues about what it means to be a “good steward.”

The steward is a figure who comes up in many of Jesus’ parables—a “stock character,” we might say, who would have been very recognizable to Christ’s listeners. What did stewards do, in the time of Jesus? What made them so interesting to our Lord? And what does this occupation tell us about our own obligations to God?

Click here to read more.

Please join us every Wednesday at 7:00 PM throughout Lent for

Spiritual Journey Toward Easter: Lenten Worship Service, Spiritual Discussion, and Lenten Dinner.



To see the 2024 Lenten Series flyer, click here.

March 3, 2024

SUNDAY

SCHEDULE

Morning Service 

10:00 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:30 AM

Celebrant

Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan 

Usher

Ms. Arlin Diratsuyan

Parish Council Members on Duty

Mrs. Shoghig Sahakyan

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings:



Isaiah 56:1-57:21

Ephesians 4:17-5:14

Luke 16:1-31

HOKEHANKIST

REQUIEM SERVICE

For the Soul of :

Victoria Sakayan (40 Days)

Requested by:

Harold Sakayan, Michelle Sakayan (Michael Wilkinson), Claudine Ozzello (Paul Ozzello), and Families 

Mid Lenten Luncheon is Sponsored by : 

  Sakayan Family in memory of the late Victoria Sakayan 

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.

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

Artistic Aromas: A Fusion of Armenian Coffee and Creativity at the Soorj & Paint Morning

The St. Mary Armenian Church hosted a unique and delightful event, the Soorj & Paint morning, organized by the Women's Guild on Saturday, February 24. This engaging event combined the traditional Armenian practice of enjoying Soorj, Armenian coffee, with the creative pleasure of painting, offering attendees a one-of-a-kind cultural and artistic experience.

The morning began with the aromatic preparation of Soorj, expertly brewed by Rita Istepanian. Participants were treated to the rich flavors of Armenian coffee, known for its strong taste and the ritualistic way it is made and served. The coffee session set a warm and inviting tone for the event, allowing guests to mingle, chat, and enjoy the comfort of shared cultural traditions.

Following the coffee, Dee Rogers led the paint workshop, where attendees had the chance to express their creativity by painting wine glasses. This hands-on activity was a testament to the artistic spirit inherent in the Armenian culture and provided a unique opportunity for participants to create personalized keepsakes. Dee guided the participants through the painting process, offering tips and encouragement, making the experience enjoyable for painters of all skill levels.

The Soorj & Paint event was more than just an art class or a coffee tasting; it was a celebration of Armenian culture, creativity, and community. By blending traditional elements with creative expression, the Women's Guild of St. Mary Armenian Church created a memorable and enjoyable morning for all who attended.

Reflecting and Witnessing Together: A Lenten Journey at St. Mary Continues

The third Lenten Service and Discussion at St. Mary, held on Wednesday, February 28, embraced the profound theme "Witness through Fasting." Following the Repose Hours prayer service, Dn. Mark Krikorian led a thoughtful meditation on the essence and significance of fasting as a form of witness. He outlined what fasting is not and what it truly is, underscoring its importance in spiritual life, thereby transforming fasting into a powerful testimony of faith. The discussion further explored how fasting serves as a personal journey towards self-improvement and spiritual enlightenment, which, when shared, becomes a witness to others about the depth and sincerity of one's faith.

The evening also featured a special presentation by Lucy Mourad, who spoke passionately about the work of the Christian Armenian Sponsorship Program (CASP) from its inception to the present day. Her presentation shed light on the organization's enduring commitment to providing aid and support to orphaned Armenian children. Click here to learn more about CASP.

The dinner that evening was graciously sponsored by the St. Mary Women's Guild, bringing everyone together in communal warmth, unity, and generosity, which underscored the spirit of Lenten observance.

Everyone is encouraged to attend future services, held every Wednesday at 7:00 pm, for opportunities to reflect, learn, and grow together in faith and community spirit.

Opportunity to do a Lenten Good Deed!

The annual Shnorhali School Lenten Good Deed is underway and the entire church is invited to participate by bringing small toys to the collection box by the office. 

The toys will be used to entertain children ages 4-16, pre- and post-surgery. These children will be getting Cleft Lip/Palate operations in developing countries, via Operation Smile (OperationSmile.org).   



DONATION LIST

·        New/Gently Used Small Toys (6 inches or smaller)

·        Blowing Bubbles (non-toxic)

·        Pipe Cleaners for crafts

·        Small Balls (tennis ball size or smaller)

·        Sidewalk Chalk

·        Crayons, Colored Pencils/Markers

·        Coloring Books

·        Small Watercolor Paint Sets with Brush

·        UNO or Playing Cards

·        Stickers

CHESS CLUB at SHNORHALI SCHOOL

We are thrilled to announce the commencement of Shnorhali School's Chess Club, a haven for students eager to explore the intricate world of chess strategy and tactics. The club holds its meetings every Sunday, providing a platform for enthusiasts to gather and engage in the intellectual and strategic pursuit of the game. The Chess Club is not just about mastering the moves on the board; it is an opportunity for students to enhance their critical thinking skills, foster camaraderie, and immerse themselves in the stimulating world of chess. Each Sunday meeting promises a dynamic environment where students can exchange ideas, learn new strategies, and refine their gameplay. Whether you are a seasoned player or a beginner taking the first steps in this captivating mind sport, the Chess Club welcomes all skill levels. The aim is to create an inclusive and supportive community that shares a passion for chess and its myriad complexities. Join us on Sundays to embark on a journey of intellectual growth, strategic thinking, and, above all, the sheer joy of playing chess. Checkmate awaits!

SHNORHALI SCHOOL LAUNCHES ARMENIAN FINE ARTS AND CULTURE CLUB

We are proud to announce the launch of the Armenian Fine Arts and Culture Club at Shnorhali School. This initiative is designed to immerse students aged 8-15 in the rich and diverse tapestry of Armenian arts, history, music, and dance.

Our club meetings are meticulously curated to offer an interactive and immersive experience, with each session revolving around a captivating theme. Throughout our gatherings, students will explore a range of topics, including the lives of notable individuals of Armenian descent, significant historical events, and captivating religious tales from Armenian heritage. Beyond the educational aspect, our club members will have the opportunity to embrace the vibrancy of Armenian traditions by learning popular dances, and songs, and engaging in artistic expression that reflects the essence of Armenian creativity. Our goal is to instill a sense of pride and connection to Armenian heritage within our students, making each club meeting a joyful celebration of our shared cultural identity. We are committed to creating an enriching environment that fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Armenian culture among our students. We look forward to the meaningful experiences and connections that will emerge through our Armenian Fine Arts and Culture Club. The club meets every Sunday after school.

DIOCESAN & OTHER NEWS

A Prayer for Renewal at Holy Etchmiadzin

As last week’s meeting of the Armenian Church’s Supreme Spiritual Council drew to a close, the participating council members had a special opportunity to tour the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, and view the results of the multi-year project to renovate and restore the ancient “mother sanctuary” of the Armenian Church.

Guiding the visitors was the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Karekin II, who led the group of bishops from across the world into the cathedral.

The comprehensive restoration of the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin has been proceeding for several years now, and is at last reaching its final phase. The Armenian Church leaders touring the sanctuary met with artisans who have been undertaking the painstaking process of repair and restoration—which has brought new life to Etchmiadzin’s artistic treasures, and has revealed features of its devotional art that had been hidden from view for generations—but will now be visible again, in all their splendor, for the edification of the faithful.

Naturally, the visit to the Mother Cathedral was an occasion for the leaders of the church to join in prayer for the future stability of Holy Etchmiadzin, for the perseverance of the Armenian Church, and for the spiritual fortitude of its faithful people.

Among the clergymen viewing the holy site with the Catholicos was Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese and a member of the Supreme Spiritual Council. In the video linked below, produced by the Mother See, the Primate offers his thoughts on the meaning of Holy Etchmiadzin to its faithful children across the world.

“Entering the Mother Cathedral raises indescribable emotions within every faithful Armenian,” says Bishop Mesrop. “And to enter this sacred space now, especially after it’s been closed for renovations these past years, the feeling of spiritual uplift is overwhelming.”

He continues: “For myself, during these days of Lent, I felt a sense of renewal—even as the Mother Cathedral is being renewed physically; even as we are all living through a time of renewal and renovation for our people. It is the prayer of all of us that soon, with the re-opening and re-anointing of Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral, our faithful will also experience an awakening of the spirit.”

A date for that re-opening was announced this week, in the wake of the Supreme Spiritual Council meeting. The Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin will open its doors again this fall, with a grand re-consecration service, led by His Holiness Karekin II.

The following day, Catholicos Karekin II will preside over the Blessing of the Holy Muron—a ceremony that had to be postponed last fall, due to the crisis in Artsakh.

Now, these meaningful events are scheduled to take place on Saturday and Sunday, September 28-29, 2024. Look for further details in the near future, as well as information on how you can be a part of them.

Click the following links to view the video of the Supreme Spiritual Council members’ tour of Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral, and to view photos.

Finally, please remember that our Diocesan Cathedral of St. Vartan is undergoing its own extensive restoration process, to repair its structure and restore its original beauty. See the item below under Diocesan News to learn more.

Diocesan Resources to Enrich Your Experience of Lent

To help our faithful realize a more meaningful experience of Great Lent, the Eastern Diocese has created a number of resources—available online, in print, and through our local parishes.

An online discussion series is meeting each week of Lent, as part of the Diocesan Ministries department’s VEMKAR digital ministries program. The sessions meet Tuesday evenings through March 19, at 7 p.m. EST, over the Zoom video platform. Click the following link to find the schedule of speakers and topics, and find details on how to join. View recordings of the presentations so far by clicking here.

Also, 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 hard copy at your local parish.

Additional Lenten resources for children, youth, and adults can be found on the VEMKAR website.

The Diocesan website and Facebook page are frequently updated with thought-provoking essays, images, and information on the theme of Lent—like last Friday’s “art history” journey through depictions of the Prodigal Son.

Lenten Retreats for young adults have been organized by the ACYOA in several regions of the Diocese. And Lenten Clergy Retreats are ongoing throughout the season.

In addition, many Diocesan parishes are holding Lenten services and lectures throughout the coming weeks. Scan the Calendar listings below, or check with your local parish for details.

Engineering Big Dreams for Vanadzor

Hayk Grigoryan, a 16-year-old aspiring architect, is pursuing his passion at the Vanadzor Engineering Education Center. There, Hayk has had the chance to enroll in a two-year course of study learning SolidWorks, computer programming, and engineering.

The Vanadzor Engineering Education Center exists thanks to the financial support of Fund for Armenian Relief benefactors Ara and Valerie Cherchian and the Armenian Educational Foundation (AEF). Currently, 31 students ages 14 to 16 are enrolled, including 15 young women.

Hayk himself is eager to contribute to the infrastructural development of his own community, and wants to pursue his first building project in Vanadzor itself. For the teenaged Hayk, that goal is still down the road, of course. But for now, he’s blossoming in the lab, and gaining skills in math, computer programming, and engineering.

Supporting FAR helps to empower young Armenians like Hayk who are eager to develop and build a strong Armenia. Learn more on FAR’s website.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Transportation is available departing from St. Mary Armenian Chruch at 4 pm. Please call the church office at 202-363-1923 by March 19 to RSVP.

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.

March 3

Mid-Lenten Luncheon /Mitchink Luncheon (WG event)

March 6

Median Day of Lent

March 6, 13, 20

Lenten Worship Service and Spiritual Discussion

March 24

Palm Sunday

March 31

Easter Sunday

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

11 Եւ Յիսուս իր աշակերտներին ասաց. «Մի մեծահարուստ մարդ կար, որ մի տնտես ունէր. եւ նրա մասին ամբաստանութիւն եղաւ, որպէս թէ վատնում է իր տիրոջ ունեցուածքը: 2 Տէրը կանչեց նրան ու ասաց. “Այս ի՞նչ եմ լսում քո մասին. տո՛ւր քո տնտեսութեան հաշիւը, որովհետեւ այլեւս տնտես լինել չես կարող”: 3 Տնտեսն իր մտքում ասաց. “Ի՞նչ պէտք է անեմ, քանի որ իմ տէրը տնտեսութիւնս ինձնից վերցնում է. հողի վրայ աշխատել չեմ կարող, մուրալ ամաչում եմ: 4 Գիտեմ, թէ ինչ պիտի անեմ, որպէսզի երբ տնտեսութիւնիցս հեռացուեմ, ընունեն ինձ իրենց տները”: 5 Եւ իր տիրոջ պարտապաններից իւրաքանչիւրին մէկ առ մէկ իր մօտ կանչելով՝ առաջինին ասում է. “Իմ տիրոջն ինչքա՞ն պարտք ունես”: 6 Եւ սա ասում է. “Հարիւր տակառիկ ձէթ”. եւ տնտեսը նրան ասում է. “Ա՛ռ քո մուրհակը եւ նստի՛ր ու անմիջապէս գրիր յիսուն”: 7 Ապա դարձեալ միւսին ասում է. “Դու ինչքա՞ն պարտք ունես”. եւ սա ասաց. “Հինգ հարիւր պարկ ցորեն”: Տնտեսը նրան ասաց. “Ա՛ռ քո մուրհակը եւ նստի՛ր ու գրիր չորս հարիւր”: 8 Եւ տէրը գովեց անիրաւ տնտեսին, որովհետեւ հնարամտութեամբ գործեց, քանի որ այս աշխարհի որդիները աւելի հնարամիտ են, քան լոյսի որդիներն իրենց սերնդի մէջ: 9 Եւ ես ձեզ ասում եմ. անիրաւ մամոնայից ձեզ համար բարեկամներ արէք, որպէսզի երբ այն պակասի, յաւիտենական յարկերի տակ ընդունեն ձեզ: 10 Քչի մէջ հաւատարիմը շատի մէջ էլ հաւատարիմ է. իսկ քչի մէջ անիրաւը շատի մէջ էլ անիրաւ է: 11 Արդ, եթէ անիրաւ մամոնայի մէջ հաւատարիմ չեղաք, ձեզ ո՞վ կվստահի ճշմարիտը: 12 Եւ եթէ ուրիշինի մէջ հաւատարիմ չեղաք, ձերը ո՞վ կտայ ձեզ: 13 Ոչ մի ծառայ երկու տիրոջ ծառայել չի կարող. որովհետեւ եթէ մէկին ատի, միւսին կսիրի. կամ եթէ մէկին մեծարի, միւսին էլ կարհամարհի: Չէք կարող ե՛ւ Աստծուն ծառայել, ե՛ւ մամոնային»: 14 Երբ փարիսեցիները լսում էին այս բոլորը, նրան պախարակում էին, քանի որ արծաթասէր էին: 15 Եւ նրանց ասաց. «Դուք էք, որ մարդկանց առաջ ձեզ արդար էք ձեւացնում, սակայն Աստուած ձեր սրտերը գիտէ. որովհետեւ այն, որ մարդկանց առաջ բարձր է, Աստծոյ առաջ զազրելի է: 16 Օրէնքն ու մարգարէները մինչեւ Յովհաննէսն էին. այնուհետեւ աւետարանւում է Աստծոյ արքայութիւնը, եւ ամէն ոք ուժով է այն նուաճում: 17 Աւելի հեշտ է, որ երկինք ու երկիր անցնեն, քան թէ օրէնքից մէկ նշանախեց ընկնի: 18 Ով որ իր կնոջն արձակում է եւ մի ուրիշին առնում, շնանում է. իսկ ով որ արձակուածին է առնում, շնանում է: 19 Մի մեծահարուստ մարդ կար, որ բեհեզ ու ծիրանի էր հագնում եւ ամէն օր առատապէս ուրախութիւն էր անում: 20 Եւ Ղազարոս անունով մի աղքատ մարդ ընկած էր նրա դռան առաջ վէրքերով ծածկուած: 21 Եւ ցանկանում էր լցնել իր որովայնը այն փշրանքներով, որոնք թափւում էին մեծահարուստի սեղանից: Եւ դեռ շներն էլ գալիս էին ու լիզում նրա վէրքերը: 22 Երբ աղքատը մեռաւ, հրեշտակները նրան տարան Աբրահամի գոգը. մեծահարուստն էլ մեռաւ ու թաղուեց: 23 Եւ դժոխքում, մինչ սա տանջանքների մէջ էր, բարձրացրեց իր աչքերը, հեռուից տեսաւ Աբրահամին եւ Ղազարոսին էլ՝ նրա գրկում հանգստացած: 24 Եւ նա աղաղակեց ու ասաց. “Հա՛յր Աբրահամ, ողորմի՛ր ինձ եւ ուղարկի՛ր Ղազարոսին, որ իր մատի ծայրը թրջի ջրով ու զովացնի լեզուս, որովհետեւ այս տապից պապակում եմ”: 25 Եւ Աբրահամը նրան ասաց. “Որդեա՛կ, յիշի՛ր, որ դու ստացար քո բարիքները այնտեղ՝ քո կեանքի ընթացքում, իսկ Ղազարոսն էլ՝ չարչարանքները. այժմ սա այստեղ մխիթարւում է, իսկ դու այդտեղ պապակում ես: 26 Եւ այս բոլորից բացի, մեծ վիհ կայ մեր եւ ձեր միջեւ. եթէ ուզեն այստեղից ձեզ մօտ անցնել, չեն կարողանայ. ոչ էլ այդտեղից մէկը կարող է մեզ մօտ անցնել”: 27 Մեծահարուստն ասաց. “Արդ, աղաչում եմ քեզ, հա՛յր, որ Ղազարոսին ուղարկես իմ հօր տունը, 28 որտեղ ես հինգ եղբայրներ ունեմ, որպէսզի նրանց վկայութիւն տայ, որ նրանք էլ չգան տանջանքների այս վայրը”: 29 Եւ Աբրահամն ասաց. “Նրանք ունեն Մովսէս եւ մարգարէներ, թող նրանց լսեն”: 30 Եւ նա ասաց. “Ո՛չ, հա՛յր Աբրահամ. բայց եթէ մեռելներից մէկը նրանց մօտ գնայ, նրանք կապաշխարեն”: 31 Եւ Աբրահամը նրան ասաց. “Եթէ Մովսէսին եւ մարգարէներին չեն լսում, մեռելներից մէկն էլ եթէ յարութիւն առնի, չպիտի համոզուեն”»: Ղուկասի 16:1-31

16 Then Jesus[a] said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was squandering his property. 2 So he summoned him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Give me an accounting of your management, because you cannot be my manager any longer.’ 3 Then the manager said to himself, ‘What will I do, now that my master is taking the position away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. 4 I have decided what to do so that, when I am dismissed as manager, people may welcome me into their homes.’ 5 So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6 He answered, ‘A hundred jugs of olive oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it fifty.’ 7 Then he asked another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ He replied, ‘A hundred containers of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill and make it eighty.’ 8 And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light. 9 And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes.10 “Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much, and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. 11 If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? 12 And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own? 13 No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”14 The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all this, and they ridiculed him. 15 So he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of others, but God knows your hearts; for what is prized by human beings is an abomination in the sight of God.16 “The law and the prophets were in effect until John came; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is proclaimed, and everyone tries to enter it by force. 17 But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one stroke of a letter in the law to be dropped.18 “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and whoever marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. 24 He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. 26 Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.’ 27 He said, ‘Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house— 28 for I have five brothers—that he may warn them so that they will not also come into this place of torment.’ 29 Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.’ 30 He said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’” Luke 16:1-31

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