October 16

TOP STORY   

Feast of the Evangelists St. Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John

On October 17, the Armenian Apostolic Church commemorates the Feast of the Holy Evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Matthew the Evangelist, the author of the first gospel account, is symbolized by a winged man or angel. Matthew's gospel starts with Joseph's genealogy from Abraham; it represents Jesus' Incarnation, and so Christ's human nature. This signifies that Christians should use their reason for salvation.

Mark the Evangelist, the author of the second gospel account, is symbolized by a winged lion - a figure of courage and monarchy. Mark has John the Baptist preaching "like a lion roaring" at the beginning of his Gospel. It also represents Jesus' Resurrection and Christ as king. This signifies that Christians should be courageous on the path of salvation.

Luke the Evangelist, the author of the third gospel account (and the Acts of the Apostles) is symbolized by a winged ox or bull - a figure of sacrifice, service, and strength. Luke's account begins with the duties of Zacharias in the temple; it represents Jesus' sacrifice in His Passion and Crucifixion, as well as Christ being a High priest (this also represents Mary's obedience). The ox signifies that Christians should be prepared to sacrifice themselves to follow Christ.

John the Evangelist, the author of the fourth gospel account, is symbolized by an eagle - a figure of the sky and believed to be able to look straight into the sun. John starts with an eternal overview of Jesus the Logos and goes on to describe many things with a "higher" Christology than the other three (synoptic) gospels; it represents Jesus' Ascension and Christ's divine nature. This represents that Christians should look at eternity without hesitation and fear. 

October 18, 2026

SUNDAY

SCHEDULE

Morning Service 

9:30 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:00 AM

Celebrant

Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan

Usher

Mrs. Suzy Simonyan

Parish Council Members on Duty

Mr. Shahnur Bostan

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings:

Is 20:2-21:6

Gal 4:3-18

Lk 4:14-23

 HOKEHANKIST

REQUIEM SERVICE 

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

O Lord, sanctify those who have greeted in love the beauty of your house. Glorify us with your divine power and forsake not those who put their trust in you. Grant peace to the whole world and to all your people.

   Keep watch over your faithful people, Lord. Remember those who have sacrificed in your name, and bestow your peace on all mankind. Amen.

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

Stand Up Sunday — United in Faith, United Against Hate

This Sunday, St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church will join six other parishes of the Eastern Diocese and faith communities across the United States in observing Stand Up Sunday, a nationwide initiative organized by the Appeal of Conscience Foundation in partnership with the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate.

The initiative brings together people of different religious traditions to stand united against antisemitism, religious hatred, discrimination, and intolerance, while promoting mutual respect, religious freedom, and human dignity.

As Armenian Christians, we understand the painful consequences of hatred and persecution. Our history reminds us of our responsibility to stand with those who suffer injustice and to defend the dignity of every human being.

Through our participation, we reaffirm Christ's commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12).

We invite our parishioners to join us in prayer and solidarity as we stand together for a world rooted in faith, understanding, love, and peace.

Christian Churches Together Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary in Birmingham

Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, pastor of St. Mary Armenian Church and a member of the Steering Committee of Christian Churches Together in the USA (CCT), participated in the organization’s 20th Anniversary Forum, held October 6–9, 2026, in Birmingham, Alabama.

Held under the theme “Giving Thanks, Renewing Hope,” the gathering brought together Christian leaders from 34 communions and organizations to celebrate two decades of ecumenical cooperation and renew their commitment to Christian unity, reconciliation, and common witness.

Fr. Hovsep participated in the forum’s discussions, prayer services, and activities. He also delivered a presentation introducing participants to Orthodox worship at Holy Trinity–Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral, helping them better understand the liturgical traditions and spirituality of the Orthodox Church.

A special highlight of the gathering was the recognition of Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Diocesan Legate and Ecumenical Director of the Eastern Diocese. Archbishop Aykazian delivered the forum’s Orthodox Family Address and was honored during the 20th Anniversary Banquet as one of CCT’s founding leaders, in recognition of his longstanding contributions to Christian unity and ecumenical dialogue.

The forum also featured an address by renowned civil rights leader Ambassador Andrew Young and visits to historic sites connected with Birmingham’s civil rights movement.



The anniversary celebration provided a meaningful opportunity to strengthen relationships among Christian communities and highlighted the Armenian Church’s continuing involvement in the broader Christian fellowship.

ACYOA Sports Weekend



This past weekend, twelve bright and enthusiastic teens from the St. Mary ACYOA Juniors embarked on an unforgettable journey to Providence, Rhode Island, for the annual ACYOA Juniors Sports Weekend, hosted by Sts. Sahag and Mesrop Armenian Church.

Throughout the action-packed weekend, our youth represented St. Mary with immense pride, passion, and true Christian sportsmanship. From spirited volleyball matches and intense basketball games to back-and-forth ping pong rallies, our teens poured their hearts into every competition. Beyond the athletic courts, the weekend offered invaluable opportunities for our youth to deepen their faith, reconnect with old friends, and form lifelong bonds with ACYOA members from parishes across the Eastern Diocese.

Highlights of the weekend included a fun Saturday night dance party, and on Sunday participating together in the Divine Liturgy and an incredible evening awards banquet and dance. The highlight of the weekend was watching our youth encourage one another, celebrate each other's achievements, and grow closer in unity. 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sts. Sahag and Mesrop Armenian Church for their warm hospitality and seamless organization. We also extend appreciation to our fearless chaperones Yervand Khoranian and Yn. Jennifer Karapetyan as well as the amazing coaches who helped prepare our teens by coaching them in the weeks prior: Greg Kumkumian, Sara Arabian, Julie Tilimian, and Ari Arzumanian. And deep appreciate to our beloved leader Becky Bagdasarian, who organized everything behind the scenes! As a community we are immensely proud of our St. Mary teens for their enthusiasm and exemplary representation of our parish!

DIOCESAN & OTHER NEWS

Planting Seeds in Providence

ACYOA Juniors from 17 Diocesan parishes gathered at Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church in Providence, RI, over Columbus Day weekend for the annual Fall Sports Weekend. Hosted by the local ACYOA Juniors chapter, the event welcomed 250 youth and nearly 40 chaperones under the theme “Planting Seeds,” honoring the ACYOA’s 80th anniversary and its roots in Providence.

The weekend featured sports competitions, fellowship, dancing, and Holy Badarak celebrated by His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan. Der Mardiros Chevian, Dean of St. Nersess Seminary, reflected on the ACYOA’s history, while Serien Keleshian encouraged youth to be “good soil” through Christ’s parable of the Sower.

We thank Fr. Sevak Gabrielyan and Yeretsgin Julietta, Youth Advisors Steve Megrdichian and Adam Parnagian, and all volunteers, host families, clergy, and chaperones for making this memorable weekend possible.

Clergy Explore Pastoral Care at Life’s End

Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan joined 14 clergy from the Mid-Atlantic region for a two-day Clergy Continuing Education gathering at St. Alphonso Retreat Center in Long Branch, NJ, focused on “Ministry to the Terminally Ill and Dying.”

Led by Dr. Sarah Byrne Martelli of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, the sessions explored compassionate pastoral care for those facing serious illness, end-of-life challenges, and grief.



The gathering also provided opportunities for prayer, fellowship, and shared experiences, including an evening service at St. Stepanos Armenian Church in Elberon, NJ, reinforcing the importance of continued education and mutual support among clergy.

Graduate Students: Apply for the Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fellowship

The Eastern Diocese is accepting applications for the Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Graduate Fellowship, which supports graduate studies in the United States. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens with outstanding academic records, demonstrated financial need, and a bachelor’s degree. Interested candidates should contact Hovannes Khosdeghian at zohrabcenter@armeniandiocese.org to request an application. Application deadline: December 20, 2026.

Register Now for the ACYOA Seniors National Fall Retreat!

Online registration is now open for the ACYOA Seniors National Fall Retreat—scheduled to take place over the weekend of November 6-8, at Camp Washington in Lakeside, CT.

Young adults 18 and older are invited to participate in this weekend-long program centered on the theme “Renewed in Hope.” Participants will have an opportunity to step away from the hectic schedules of everyday life, while deepening their faith, building relationships, and exploring the teachings of the Armenian Church.

Lodging and meals are provided by the ACYOA Central Council. Registration is due by Friday, October 23.

Click the following link to view a flyer.

To field questions, feel free to contact Jennifer Morris at jenniferm@armeniandiocese.org, or the ACYOA Central Council at acyoacc@gmail.com.

Click here to register online now.

FAR NEWS

A Reunion With Children Sponsored Through CASP

Recently, Aram Hintlian from Holy Trinity Church (Cambridge, MA) traveled to Armenia with his daughter, Ali, for a special reunion with five children he has supported through the “Children of Armenia Sponsorship Program” (CASP).

For more than 25 years, Aram and hundreds of other sponsors have helped provide opportunities and support to children of war veterans and single mothers. During his visit, Aram traveled to southern Armenia with a Fund for Armenian Relief team to meet the girls and their families, then brought them to Yerevan for a memorable weekend together, exploring Goris and Shaki waterfall along the way and enjoying time in the capital.

The trip was especially meaningful because one of the children Aram first sponsored, Marina, is now a university student. Still in touch after all these years, Marina—who is studying foreign languages—served as Aram’s translator during the visit, helping him connect with the other children.

Aram’s story is a beautiful reminder that CASP can be about much more than an annual gift of $250. Over time, sponsorship can grow into a lasting relationship.

Interested in becoming a sponsor or meeting the child you sponsor?

Contact nina@farusa.org to learn more.

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 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. 

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.

October 17 - Game Night @ 5 pm, organized by St. Mary Women's Guild

October 25 - Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross

October 31 - Feast of All Saints

November 10 - Bible Study Series 7pm

November 17 - Bible Study Series 7pm

November 21- Presentation of the Holy Mother-of-God to the Temple

November 21 Concert at the Church's Cultural Hall at 1 PM

November 24 - Bible Study Series 7pm

November 26 - Thanksgiving Day

14Եւ Յիսուս Հոգու զօրութեամբ վերադարձաւ Գալիլիա, ու գաւառի բոլոր կողմերում նրա համբաւը տարածուեց։ 15Եւ նա ուսուցանում էր նրանց ժողովարաններում՝ փառաւորուելով բոլորից։ 16Եւ եկաւ Նազարէթ, ուր նա սնուել մեծացել էր. եւ ըստ իր սովորութեան՝ շաբաթ օրը ժողովարան մտաւ։ 17Եւ նրան տուին Եսայի մարգարէի գիրքը. եւ նա վեր կացաւ ընթերցելու. եւ երբ գիրքը բացեց, գտաւ այն տեղը, ուր գրուած էր. 18«Տիրոջ Հոգին իմ վրայ է, դրա համար իսկ օծեց ինձ, ինձ ուղարկեց աղքատներին աւետարանելու, սրտով բեկեալներին բժշկելու, 19գերիներին ազատում քարոզելու եւ կոյրերին՝ տեսողութիւն, կեղեքուածներին ազատ արձակելու, Տիրոջը ընդունելի տարին հռչակելու»։ 20Եւ փակելով գիրքը՝ տուեց պաշտօնեային ու նստեց. եւ ժողովարանում գտնուողների բոլորի աչքերը նրա վրայ էին սեւեռուած։ 21Սկսեց ասել նրանց. «Այսօր այս գրուածքները կատարուեցին, երբ լսում էիք ձեր ականջներով»։ 22Եւ բոլորը վկայում էին ու զարմանում նրա բերանից ելած շնորհալի խօսքերի վրայ ու ասում. «Սա Յովսէփի որդին չէ՞»։ 23Եւ նա ասաց նրանց. «Անշուշտ, ինձ այս առածը կ՚ասէք. «Բժի՛շկ, բժշկի՛ր ինքդ քեզ»։ Այն ամէնը, ինչ արել ես Կափառնայումում, որչափ որ լսեցինք, արա՛ եւ այստեղ, քո գաւառում»։

(Ղուկաս 4:14-23)

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and a report concerning him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; and he went to the synagogue, as his custom was, on the sabbath day. And he stood up to read, and there was given to him the book of the prophet Isaiah. He opened the book and found the place where it was written, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." And all spoke well of him, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth; and they said, "Is not this Joseph's son?" And he said to them, "Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, `Physician, heal yourself; what we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here also in your own country.'"

(Luke 4:14-23)

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