February 23

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Sunday of the Prodigal Son

This third Sunday of Great Lent takes its lesson from the "Parable of the Prodigal Son"-arguably the most concise, profound, and beautiful of our Lord's statements on the nature of God's love. 

In a story of fewer than 600 words (related in Luke 15:11-32), Jesus depicts the follies of our fallen nature, the shame and self-loathing that lie at the heart of human vice, the tender love that can heal a fractured world, and the price such love exacts. And these grand ideas are all conveyed through characters one might find in an ordinary domestic comedy: "There once was a man who had two sons..."

Like all great works of storytelling, this parable invites the reader to approach it at different times in his or her life as a child, an adult, a sibling, or a parent to experience it anew and to discover new rewards, and new wisdom, with each encounter.

This Sunday in the church is the perfect opportunity to have that encounter, and perhaps to engage in the self-examination that is one hallmark of the Lenten season.

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.

February 25, 2024

SUNDAY

SCHEDULE

Morning Service 

9:30 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:00 AM

Celebrant

Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan 

Usher

Mrs. Patricia Yeghissian

Parish Council Members on Duty

Mr. Sean McClure

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings:

Isaiah 54.11-55.13

2 Corinthians 6.1-7.1

Luke 15: 1-32

HOKEHANKIST

REQUIEM SERVICE

For the Souls of :

Those who perished during the tragic events of Sumgait (36th anniversary)

Requested by:

Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan and the Parish Council

For the Souls of:

George & Margaret Krikorian and Harry & Anne Attanossian

Requested by:

Sonya Krikorian-Kalian

For the Souls of :

Sirun Derderian (72nd anniversary), Maryam Derderian (9th anniversary), Harutyun Derderian (2nd anniversary), & Yerchanik Delikahya (2nd anniversary)

Requested by:

Setrak Derian, Simon Erdogan, Melkon Delikahya & Families

Hospitality Table is hosted by:

Krikorian-Kalian & Derian Families

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.

Accept with sweetness, almighty Lord, my bitter prayers. Look with pity upon my mournful face. Dispel, all-bestowing God, my shameful sadness. Lift, merciful God, my unbearable burden. For you are glorified by all creation, forever and ever. Amen.

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

Annual Parish Assembly Sunday - February 18, 2024

The Annual Parish Assembly of St. Mary took place on February 18th in the Cultural Hall, following Badarak, with the participation of 64 dues-paying members. The assembly featured the presentation and approval of annual statements and reports from various organizations, along with the endorsement of the budget for the forthcoming year.

We are delighted to announce the election and re-election of the following individuals to serve on the Parish Council and various committees:

Parish Council: Artur Sivaslian, Onik Sivaslian, Sean McClure, Vazrick Nishanian, Harout Tchekrekdjian, (Alternate: Shoghig Sahakyan). Nominating Committee: Lucy Murad, Zaven Kalayjian, Mark Krikorian (Alternate: Ani Derderian). Auditing Committee: Anna Seferian, Vladimir Shekoyan. Investment Committee: David Sayan (Alternate: John Asadoorian). WED Scholarship Committee: Bagrat Bayburtian (Alternate: Dale Turza).

Congratulations to the newly elected members. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the members who are stepping down for their dedicated service.

St. Mary's Inaugural Service: Embracing the Call to Witness

On February 16th, St. Mary's Church was filled with the spirit of renewal and faith as it hosted its first Lenten Service of the year, marking the beginning of a journey of reflection and spiritual growth. After the prayer service Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, introduced the theme of the year: "Be my witnesses." This theme, deeply rooted in the Christian tradition and particularly resonant with the Armenian Church's heritage, invites the faithful to reflect on their role as bearers of witness to their faith, history, and the enduring spirit of Christianity.

Der Hary unfolded the theme, drawing from the biblical charge in Acts 1:8, which calls Christians to be witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This mandate, he explained, is not just a historical mission but a living, breathing commitment that transcends time, reaching from the early disciples to us today. Through his presentation, he connected this biblical foundation to the rich tapestry of the Armenian Church's history—from the early days of St. Gregory the Illuminator, through the trials of the Armenian Genocide, to the resilience in the face of contemporary challenges. His message was clear: to be a witness is to embody the faith and courage of our ancestors, living out the Christian values in every aspect of life.

The Service also set the stage for a fellowship hour dinner, generously sponsored by the St. Mary Parish Council. The dinner provided not just nourishment for the body but also the soul, as those gathered had the privilege of hearing from Jack Bournazian. Mr. Bournazian shared inspiring insights into his work with the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, focusing on their humanitarian efforts to aid Artsakhi refugees in Armenia.

Please join us every Wednesday at 7:00 PM throughout Lent for Spiritual Journey Toward Easter: Lenten Worship Service, Spiritual Discussion, and Lenten Dinner.

ACYOA Juniors Bowling

The ACYOA Juniors (ages 12-18) had a wonderful time of fellowship on Saturday, February 10th at the Bowlero in Falls Church.  The teens bowled, played arcade games, ate pizza, and made new friends. Some of the adult chaperons donned bowling shoes and took down a few pins as well!

If you have a teen who would like to come join in the fun, please contact RebeccaBagdasarian@yahoo.com to be added to the Juniors email list.

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

The second Lenten Service and Discussion at St. Mary, held on Wednesday, February 22, centered around the theme "Be my witnesses." This event offered an evening of prayer, reflection, and communal learning. Dr. Nairy Ohanian led a meditation and discussion, focusing on the significance of being witnesses through prayer. She highlighted the dual aspect of prayer as a personal spiritual practice and a way to extend support to others, emphasizing the impact of letting others know they are being prayed for during their times of need. This message deeply resonated with attendees, underscoring the importance of community and solidarity.

The evening also featured insights from Vasken Yakoubian, the AGBU President of the Yerevan Office & Board Member, who provided updates on AGBU-sponsored programs in Armenia and the Middle East. This offered the community a glimpse into the broader impact of their support and the global reach of Armenian cultural and humanitarian efforts.

Special guest Fr. Tadeos Barseghyan, the pastor of the Armenian Church of Our Saviour in Worcester, MA, and his family were warmly welcomed. The attendees also enjoyed a dinner sponsored by the ACYOA seniors and juniors, symbolizing communal togetherness and the shared journey through Lent.

As the Lenten season progresses, the lessons and themes from this service promise to inspire and guide the congregation on their spiritual journey toward Easter. Everyone is invited to join us on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm for continued reflection and fellowship.

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

Supreme Spiritual Council Convenes at Holy Etchmiadzin

Throughout the past week, the Armenian Church’s Supreme Spiritual Council has been in session at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in Armenia. His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, has been presiding over the gathering, which held its opening session on February 20.

Among the bishops and Armenian Church leaders in attendance was the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople, His Beatitude Archbishop Sahak Mashalian, whose presence was welcomed by His Holiness at the opening session. During the course of the week’s worship services, Catholicos Karekin II and Patriarch Sahak led the council members and the clergy of the Mother See in an Arevagal (Sunrise) service at Etchmiadzin’s St. John the Baptist Chapel (watch a short video of the service here).

As a member of the council, Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, has been in Armenia this week for the meeting. Also participating from the Eastern Diocese is Mr. Sarkis Jebejian, who joined the gathering at His Holiness’ invitation.

Concerns over the status of the Artsakh refugees, the preservation of Artsakh’s Armenian Christian heritage, and developments in Armenia were prominent among the topics under discussion. Other agenda items included the restoration of the Mother Cathedral, plans for the Blessing of the Holy Muron (rescheduled from last fall), and educational and ecclesiastical matters facing the church.

Click the following links to watch a short video and view photos of the meeting.

The Tragedy of Sumgait: 1988 and Today

The coming days will mark 36 years since the anti-Armenian pogroms in Sumgait. It was in late February of 1988 that Armenians in the town of Sumgait, Azerbaijan, were targeted for violence, murder, and expulsion by mobs of Azerbaijanis acting with the complicity of the government and police.

The pogroms were unleashed in retaliation for the Karabagh independence movement, then in its earliest stages. Other anti-Armenian atrocities would follow in subsequent months. As a result, nearly the entire Armenian population was forced to flee Azerbaijan over a short period.

After more than a generation, the Armenians who survived those bitter days have overcome great adversity to build their lives anew. Yet the greater tragedy of Sumgait—as well as Baku, Kirovabad, and Artsakh itself—still continues 36 years later, and is still painfully present among our people. We are all bearing witness to the bitter culmination of those events, endured today by our people of Artsakh and Armenia.

This Sunday, many churches will offer prayers of remembrance for the Armenian souls lost during that dark time. In the days to come, solemnly remember those who perished in 1988; and remember, too, all those who have lost their lives in the ongoing struggle of our people. Finally, offer a prayer of gratitude for those whom God saved—36 years ago, and down to the present day.

Two Former Orphans Build a New Family

Arsen and Nelly, now both 27, met at the Vanadzor Orphanage when they were teens, finding solace and support in each other's company. Thanks to assistance from the Fund for Armenian Relief, they have been able to transition into a stable, nurturing family, now blessed with two children: Tigran (age 4) and Nona (age 2).

The couple credits FAR as having played an important role in their love story. Backed by FAR’s Gulamerian scholarship, Nelly pursued hairstyling and management courses. Arsen graduated from the Yerevan Crisis Management Academy with FAR's assistance and now works as a rescue team member at the Emergency Situations Center in Yeghvard. When they decided to tie the knot in 2018, FAR supported the couple with furnishings for their new home.

On Valentine’s Day, Arsen fondly remembered the first time he bought flowers for Nelly. Now, he makes it a tradition to buy them every 27th of the month, symbolizing their marriage anniversary on April 27. “Being young parents and an orphanage alumni couple has its hurdles,” Aren shared. “But we take pride in our love and care for each other. That's what truly matters to both of us.”

Join FAR as it helps couples like Arsen and Nelly overcome life’s challenges to build enduring and resilient families. Read more on FAR’s blog.

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.

February 28

Lenten Worship Service and Spiritual Discussion

February 25

Family Sunday (Babysitting is available)

March 6

Median Day of Lent

March 6, 13, 20

Lenten Worship Service and Spiritual Discussion

March 24

Palm Sunday

March 31

Easter Sunday

1Եւ բոլոր մաքսաւորներն ու մեղաւորները նրա մօտ էին, որպէսզի լսեն նրան: 2 Փարիսեցիներն ու օրէնսգէտները տրտնջում էին եւ ասում. «Ինչո՞ւ է նա ընդունում մեղաւորներին եւ ուտում նրանց հետ»: 3 Յիսուս նրանց այս առակն ասաց. 4 «Ձեզնից ո՞վ է այն մարդը, որ երբ հարիւր ոչխար ունենայ եւ կորցնի նրանցից մէկը, արօտավայրում չի թողնի իննսունիննին եւ չի գնայ կորածի յետեւից, մինչեւ որ այն գտնի: 5 Եւ երբ այն գտնի, կդնի այն իր ուսերի վրայ խնդութեամբ 6 եւ կգնայ տուն, կկանչի բարեկամներին ու հարեւաններին եւ նրանց կասի. ուրախացէ՛ք ինձ հետ, որովհետեւ գտայ իմ կորած ոչխարը: 7 Ասում եմ ձեզ, որ այսպէս ուրախութիւն կլինի երկնքում մի մեղաւորի համար, որն ապաշխարում է, քան իննսունինը արդարների համար, որոնց ապաշխարութիւն պէտք չէ: 8 Կամ ո՞վ է այն կինը, որ երբ տասը դրամ ունենայ եւ մի դրամ կորցնի, ճրագ չի վառի եւ չի աւլի տունը փութով ու չի փնտրի, մինչեւ որ գտնի: 9 Եւ երբ գտնի, կկանչի բարեկամներին ու հարեւաններին եւ կասի. «Ուրախացէ՛ք ինձ հետ, որովհետեւ գտայ իմ կորցրած դրամը»: 10 Ասում եմ ձեզ. Աստծոյ հրեշտակների առաջ այսպէս ուրախութիւն կլինի մէկ մեղաւորի համար, որն ապաշխարում է»: 11 Եւ ասաց. «Մի մարդ երկու որդի ունէր. 12 նրանցից կրտսերը հօրն ասաց. “Հա՛յր, տո՛ւր քո ունեցուածքից ինձ ընկնող բաժինը”: Եւ նա ունեցուածքը բաժանեց նրանց: 13 Քիչ օրեր յետոյ կրտսեր որդին, փողի վերածելով ամէն ինչ, գնաց հեռու աշխարհ եւ այնտեղ վատնեց իր ունեցուածքը, որովհետեւ անառակ կեանքով էր ապրում: 14 Եւ երբ ամէն ինչ սպառեց, այդ երկրում սաստիկ սով եղաւ, եւ նա սկսեց չքաւոր դառնալ: 15 Գնաց դիմեց այդ երկրի քաղաքացիներից մէկին, եւ սա ուղարկեց նրան իր ագարակը՝ խոզեր արածեցնելու: 16 Եւ նա ցանկանում էր իր որովայնը լցնել եղջերենու պտղով, որ խոզերն էին ուտում, բայց ոչ ոք այդ նրան չէր տալիս: 17 Ապա խելքի եկաւ եւ ասաց. “Քանի՜ վարձու աշխատաւորներ կան իմ հօր տանը, որ առատ հաց ունեն, եւ ես այստեղ սովամահ կորչում եմ: 18 Վեր կենամ գնամ իմ հօր մօտ եւ նրան ասեմ. հա՛յր, մեղանչեցի երկնքի դէմ ու քո առաջ 19 եւ այլեւս արժանի չեմ քո որդին կոչուելու, ինձ վերցրո՛ւ իբրեւ քո աշխատաւորներից մէկը”: 20 Եւ վեր կացաւ եկաւ իր հօր մօտ. եւ մինչդեռ հեռու էր, հայրը տեսաւ նրան եւ գթաց. վեր կացաւ ու վազեց նրան ընդառաջ, ընկաւ նրա պարանոցով եւ համբուրեց նրան: 21 Եւ որդին ասաց նրան. “Հա՛յր, մեղանչեցի երկնքի դէմ եւ քո առաջ, այլեւս արժանի չեմ քո որդին կոչուելու”: 22 Հայրն իր ծառաներին ասաց. “Անմիջապէս հանեցէ՛ք նրա նախկին պատմուճանը եւ հագցրէք նրան, մատանին նրա մատը դրէք եւ նրա ոտքերին՝ կօշիկներ. 23 բերէ՛ք պարարտ եզը, մորթեցէ՛ք, ուտենք եւ ուրախ լինենք, 24 որովհետեւ իմ այս որդին մեռած էր եւ կենդանացաւ, կորած էր եւ գտնուեց”. եւ սկսեցին ուրախանալ: 25 Իսկ նրա աւագ որդին ագարակում էր. եւ մինչ գալիս էր եւ տանը մօտեցաւ, լսեց երգերի եւ պարերի ձայնը. 26 եւ իր մօտ կանչելով ծառաներից մէկին՝ հարցրեց, թէ այդ ինչ է: 27 Եւ սա նրան ասաց. “Քո եղբայրը եկել է, եւ քո հայրը մորթեց պարարտ եզը, որովհետեւ ողջ-առողջ ընդունեց նրան”: 28 Նա բարկացաւ եւ չէր ուզում ներս մտնել. իսկ հայրը դուրս ելնելով աղաչում էր նրան: 29 Որդին պատասխանեց եւ ասաց հօրը. “Այս քանի՜ տարի է, որ ծառայում եմ քեզ եւ երբեք քո հրամանները զանց չեմ առել. ինձ երբեք մի ուլ չտուեցիր, որ բարեկամներիս հետ ուրախութիւն անեմ: 30 Երբ եկաւ քո այդ որդին, որը քո ունեցուածքը կերաւ պոռնիկների հետ, պարարտ եզը նրա համար մորթեցիր”: 31 Հայրը նրան ասաց. “Որդեա՛կ, դու միշտ ինձ հետ ես, եւ ամէն ինչ, որ իմն է, քոնն է. 32 բայց պէտք էր ուրախ լինել եւ ցնծալ, որովհետեւ քո այս եղբայրը մեռած էր եւ կենդանացաւ, կորած էր եւ գտնուեց”»:

Ղուկասի 15:1-32

15 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.”3 So he told them this parable: 4 “Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.8 “Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? 9 When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ 10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”11 Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. 14 When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16 He would gladly have filled himself with[c] the pods that the pigs were eating, and no one gave him anything. 17 But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.”’ 20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 22 But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.25 “Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 27 He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf because he has got him back safe and sound.’ 28 Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command, yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ 31 Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and rejoice because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’”

Luke 15:1-32

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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