St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church
Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, Pastor
Address: 4125 Fessenden St. NW, Washington, DC 20016
Tel: 202-363-1923
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Saint Sarkis The Warrior And His Son Martiros And His Fourteen Soldiers
He became a figure of enduring spiritual stature in the Armenian Church. But he began his sojourn among our people as a stranger. This Saturday we will honor his memory once more-some 17 centuries after his death-during the Feast of St. Sarkis the Warrior.
Sarkis, or Sergius, was a 4th-century Roman soldier who became a Christian and was persecuted for his faith. Fleeing Rome with his son Mardiros, Sarkis found refuge in Armenia, which at the time had been a Christian nation for two generations.
Father and son were eventually martyred in Persia. But years later, their relics were retrieved by St. Mesrob Mashdots, and brought back to Armenia-where Sarkis has remained a beloved saint, and an inspiring example of courage and conviction for our people.
It's noteworthy that St. Sarkis came to our homeland seeking refuge. What he found in Armenia was a welcoming home, a sanctuary of safety and acceptance, and a place where his memory would make a lasting, inspirational impression.
To learn more about his story, which still holds meaning for us today, click here.
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HOKEHANKIST
REQUIEM SERVICE
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For the Soul of:
Tania Chichmanian (40th Day)
Requested by:
Rudolf Kharatyan
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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
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Prayer of the Week
O Lord our God, turn not your face from me. O, beneficent Lord, I beseech you, be my helper. O Lord, despise me not and forsake me not, O God, my Savior.
Lord, please keep watch over your faithful people and the holy soil of Artsakh and Armenia, now and always. Grant them strength, and lead us together through the present time of trial. Amen.
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Morning Service
10:00 AM
Holy Badarak
10:30 AM
Celebrant
Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan
Ushers
Mr. Garbis Chubukian
Parish Council Members on Duty
Mrs.Catherine Sahakian
Choir
Mrs. Edita Kalayjian
Organist
Mrs. Karine Muradyan
Bible Readings:
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Please tune in to St. Mary YouTube channel for the upcoming services and Badaraks |
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Upcoming Parish Assembly - February 20, 2022
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Diocese allows each parish to decide how to proceed with the Annual Parish Assembly. The St. Mary Parish Council has decided just like last year to allow members to attend the meeting in person or virtually. The Parish Assembly meeting will take place on February 20th in the sanctuary, after Badarak.
If you are not comfortable attending in person, you may attend virtually via a Zoom meeting. If you are a dues-paying member and would like to attend the February 20 meeting via Zoom, please send your name, phone number, and email address to the office stmarychurchdc@gmail.com by February 15. The dues-paying members attending the meeting virtually will vote anonymously via Zoom. If there are two voting members in one household attending virtually, each one must pre-register with the office. To vote, each member must log in to the meeting via a separate device, such as a computer, tablet, or cell phone. More detail will be provided at a later date. |
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Armenian Culture Celebration at the Museum of the Bible
The Armenian Culture was celebrated at the U.S. Museum of the Bible on Saturday, January 29, 2022. The program included lectures about the Armenian Church, the history of the Armenian Bible, and images from the occupied areas of Artsakh.
The Gift Shop of St. Mary Church participated as of the Artisans who displayed Armenian delicacies imported from Armenia.
St. Mary Shnorhali School students were also among the participants. They presented a beautiful program featuring short Christian-themed plays, including the story of the pious shoemaker and God. Students also performed Armenian poems, songs, and dances. The musical works of Armenian classical and modern composers (Komitas, Aram Khachatryan, and Ara Gevorgyan) were staged. Ani Nishanian danced the White Dove by Khachatur Avetisyan and also the Uzundara; Levon and Elona Zanyans danced to Ara Gevorgyan's Artsakh instrumental folk song, and Taguhi Gomtsyan sang the Pontifical Prayer of Komitas.
The Ani Choral Group that was one of the foundations of Washington’s Armenian cultural life has been disbanded since the death of our Maestro Arsen Sayan. To fill the gap for this occasion, a limited number of the members of Saint Mary and Holly Cross Churches came together to form the Hye Choral Group and sing at this celebration of Armenian culture. The Armenian folk songs and hymns they sang included Ov Hayots Ashkharh, Mayr Araksi Aperov, Sourp, Sourp (M. Yegmalian), Der Voghormyah (M. Yegmalian), Hayrabedagan Orhnerk (Gomidas Vartabed), Yerevan-Erepooni, Hay Herossneree Yerkuh, and Tzayn muh Hunchetz. Hye Choral Group members included: Clara Andonian, Emma Artinian, Hilda Bolat, Vivian Chakarian, Hasmik Malumian, Eva Shafakian (Soprano); Janet Arabian, Anik Galooshian, Asanet Hacikoglu, Takuhi Hallajian, Nadya Koseyan, Zaruhi Mutafyan (Alto); Vrej Beshirian, Voskan Galooshian, Kajaz Safarian, Hratch Semerjian (Tenor); and Berc Hacikoglu Murat Matikyan, Onnik Mutafian (Bass). Piano accompaniment was provided by Karine Muradyan.
This was a joyous occasion for our community to celebrate Armenian culture and Christian heritage.
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Kitchen Renovation in Progress
Dear parishioners,
We are glad to announce that we have reached the final stages of our church's kitchen renovation. While the work is in progress, we apologize for the inconvenience it might cause during this period.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our generous donor Boris Ghazarian for donating the backsplash for the entire kitchen. Because of donors like him, our church strives to provide the best to its parishioners.
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Dear Parishioner and Friends,
It is that time of the year again to remind our dear parishioners and friends of their dues and pledges to St. Mary Armenian Church.
As a reminder, the dues are $250 per person and $500 per family and are due by December 31, 2021.
We depend on our faithful donors and their monetary contributions. Your membership dues not only ensure your voting privileges during our annual assembly but also shows your commitment to your church. Your support enables us to continue our mission in preaching the Word of God, reaching out to our community, and bringing the rich and wonderful blessings of our heritage and identity to all for the glory of God.
We thank you for your generous past support and hope you will continue your commitment to your church.
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St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church relies on the generosity of individual donors so that it may continue ensuring service to God and fellowship to the Armenian Community. Your support is deeply appreciated. |
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LAST CALL
LIMITED QUANTITY REMAINED
St. Mary Armenian Church
Legacy Brick Drive
Buy A Brick ... Leave A Legacy
Buy a brick and leave your legacy at St. Mary Armenian Church.
When you buy a brick, it is then engraved with your specified words or message, installed in front of the church, and becomes a memory to view for years to come.
Laser engraved bricks will replace the existing bricks in our Church plaza,
in front of our beautiful Khatchkar, and can be dedicated to those
you wish to remember, honor Loved Ones, commemorate
a special milestone like a baptism or wedding, or
acknowledge an organization or business.
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Teacher Vacancy Announcement
Dear Parish Community,
St. Mary’s Shnorhali Armenian School is looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated, and devoted individual who has a love for the Armenian language and a passion for helping to educate our children.
We are looking for a vibrant Junior Kindergarten teacher to educate, care for, and inspire the young minds at our Junior Kindergarten group.
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INTEREST SURVEY: St Mary Juniors Online Bible Study for 2022
Are you interested in participating in a Bible Study, but are unable to attend the Sunday morning Youth Bible Study? We have been thinking about forming a teen Bible study group that will meet virtually one evening during the week or on Saturday. If you are interested, please email RebeccaBagdasarian@yahoo.com and include the evenings/times which are good for you to meet.
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Hope for the Weary Spirit: A Pastoral Message from Bishop Daniel
“Even in normal times,” says Bishop Daniel in a special message to the faithful, “the cold, dark days of winter can be a period of low spirits. But after two years of the Covid pandemic—and the additional burdens our people have suffered during this time—we are feeling spiritually exhausted.”
The Primate’s pastoral message continues: “We all feel separated from loved ones—separated from life—while carrying heavy burdens of anxiety and grief.
“But dear friends, if you are feeling spiritually exhausted in these dark days of winter—or at any time before or after—please know that you are not alone. Countless faithful people are having the same experience.
“More importantly, be assured that our Savior Jesus Christ has been where you are, too; and he overcame the worst of the world, for your sake.
“What he gave us, out of the deepest love ever conceived, was the promise of Hope. He took all of mankind’s ills upon himself: our sins and transgressions, to be sure; but also our loneliness, our afflictions, our infirmities, our spiritual desolation. And through his suffering, death, and resurrection, he conquered them—and gave us hope to do the same, through him.
“He stands beside you now, ready to share his strength, consolation, and hope. You have only to pray and ask, and these gifts will be given by our Lord, with love.”
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“For the Sake of Faith and Homeland”
On January 27, His Holiness Karekin II led a solemn prayer service on the eve of Armenia’s Armed Forces Day, observed every year on January 28.
The Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians presided over the service at St. Asdvadzadzin Church of the Armavir diocese, where high-ranking officers of the Republic of Armenia’s Armed Forces, members of the monastic brotherhood of the Mother See, chaplains of Armenia’s military services, and the faithful gathered to pay respectful tribute to those who have defended their homeland, and sacrificed in the cause of its independence, over the past 30 years.
In formal remarks, the Catholicos of All Armenians addressed the worshipers and the country as a whole. “Today, on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Army,” he said, “we are united to pray for the peace of our country, and to ask the Lord to always bless, protect, and support the Armenian Armed Forces.”
He went on: “Our people have often found themselves in difficult geopolitical situations throughout history, when they were forced to defend their homeland and sacred places by fighting to the death, proving their godliness and patriotism. For centuries, the deep Christian conviction that ‘God is with us,’ and the inspiring slogan ‘for the sake of faith, for the sake of the homeland,’ have guided Armenian soldiers in the patriotic, sacred mission to defend the homeland.
Following the service, a reception was held in the ceremonial hall of Gevorgian Theological Seminary, where the Catholicos awarded honors to the military representatives present. The following day, January 28, he visited Yerablur military cemetery, to pray and pay his respects to Armenia’s fallen heroes.
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Employment Opportunity at the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR)
The Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) is searching for a qualified Bookkeeper / Accountant to replace a retiring employee in its New York City offices. The ideal candidate would be skilled in the accounting field, have experience working in the not-for-profit sector, be proficient in CYMA (or an equivalent accounting software) and other programs, and be fluent in English and Armenian (spoken and written). It is a full-time position, with salary and benefits subject to experience and qualifications.
Applicants should send a letter of intent and CV to Garnik Nanagoulian at gnanagoulian@farusa.org. The deadline for applications is February 20, 2022.
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"Setting the Table," a Fund for Armenian Relief project
"Set the Table" is the newest project of Ayo!, the Fund for Armenian Relief’s crowdfunding platform. You can help ensure that 462 children's brains are fueled to learn! There are 10 village schools in a depressed area of Armenia whose cafeterias don't have furniture, dishware, and/or kitchenware. Once they are equipped, the schools can begin to cook and serve healthy meals for their students. To help furnish them, visit www.weareayo.org.
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CALENDAR OF UPCOMING FEASTS AND EVENTS |
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February 13
Ararat Avak Society Saint Sarkis Feast Day carry-out luncheon
February 14
The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord to the Temple
February 20
Annual Parish Assembly
February 28
First day of Great Lent
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PRAYERS FOR SPEEDY RECOVERY FOR |
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Anne Andonian, Aram Andonian, Hripsime Apkarian, Lucy Badalian, Ellen Boudreau, Mari Dogum, Anahit Greene, Antaram Grigoryan, Susana Grigoryan, Simon Gukasyan, Karen Hatchik, Charles Hoke, Tamara Hramushina, Takvur Hubi, Jo-Anna Jacob, Edward Jamgochian, Yn. Anahid Kalayjian, Meline Kaehn, Michael Kolenick, Jack Kooyoomjian, Anahid Ghazarian Luka, Queen Manoogian, Susanna Mkrtchyan, Virginia (Corkigian) Mule, Armen Mark Nostrant, Hacik Ozdul, Mary Levon Panossian, Robert Schlee, Tamara Shatvoryan, Bob Semonian, Mihran Tavoukjian
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15 Երբ Յիսուս իմացաւ, որ գալու են իրեն բռնել-տանելու, որպէսզի իրեն թագաւոր անեն, դարձեալ միայնակ դէպի լեռը գնաց: 16 Եւ երբ երեկոյ եղաւ, նրա աշակերտները ծովեզերք իջան: 17 Եւ նաւակ նստելով՝ գալիս էին դէպի ծովի միւս կողմը՝ դէպի Կափառնայում: Եւ երբ մութն ընկաւ, Յիսուս դեռ իրենց մօտ չէր եկել. 18 եւ ծովը հողմի ուժգին փչելուց փոթորկւում էր: 19 Երբ շուրջ քսանհինգ կամ երեսուն ասպարէզ թիավարելուց յետոյ տեսան Յիսուսին, որ քայլում էր ծովի վրայով եւ նաւակին էր մօտեցել, սաստիկ վախեցան: 20 Եւ նա ասաց նրանց. «Ես եմ. մի՛ վախեցէք»: 21 Եւ ուզում էին նրան նաւակի մէջ առնել. եւ նաւակը շուտով հասաւ այն տեղը, ուր գնում էին: Հովհաննես 6:15-21
15 When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.
Jesus Walks on the Water
16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. 20 But he said to them, “It is I;[b] do not be afraid.” 21 Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going.
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Please Stay Current with Your Membership
St. Mary Church brings us together to worship, educate, and serve, yet we need your help to sustain this mission. We call upon you to renew, or become a new member, because dues are the largest part of our church income to help keep our beloved parish doors open.
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Your Membership
MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Help us fulfill our mission to sustain and grow our ministries, worship programs and activities to strengthen our church family for generations to come. Thank you for your generosity and support. To Learn More About Membership
To Become A Member
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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 and tapestry icons, children and adult books, T-shirts, hats, bags, Armenian CDs, Armenian artwork, and much more.
The Gift Shop is open every Sunday after Church services and by appointment, call the church office at 202-363-1923 or send an e-mail to stmarychurchdc@gmail.com
Click here to see the items available for sale in the Gift Store .
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Please check out newly arrived Armenian Souvenirs directly from Artsakh at our Gift Shop. |
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Before COVID 19 and before the 2020 aggression against free and democratic Armenian Artsakh, the number of tourists visiting our second Armenian homeland was nearing 50.000 tourists per year. Today, during the first six months of 2021, the number was less than 1.500. Artsakh’s economy has suffered significantly because of the war. At st Mary’s gift store, we sell souvenirs that arrived directly from Artsakh. By purchasing gifts from Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, we help the people of our homeland; we highlight that our solidarity.
Please visit our store or contact us if interested. We receive coffee-jazzve, souvenir-plates, souvenir magnets, and many more directly from Stepanakert.
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St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church
Serves the Greater Washington, DC and Baltimore communities. Our mission is to proclaim and grow together in our Apostolic Faith in Christ Jesus and to sustain our Christian Armenian identity. We celebrate our long and enduring legacy,
the beautiful traditions of our religious and national heritage, with Christian servitude, and with love and reverence towards our Church.
We invite you and welcome you to be a part of our church,worship with us, and experience the true love of Christ as we grow together as a community.
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Signup / Stay Connected with St. Mary Church E-Newsletters and Correspondence.
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St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church relies on the generosity of individual donors so that it may continue ensuring service to God and fellowship to the Armenian Community. Your support is deeply appreciated. |
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St. Mary Armenian Church, Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, Pastor
4125 Fessenden St. NW, Washington, DC 20016 | stmarychurchdc@gmail.com
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See what's happening on our social site |
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