ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH 
SHNORHALI E-NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 2018
New Year's Eve Celebrations in Washington, D.C.

The Armenian community of Greater Washington and Baltimore ushered in the 2018 New Year at the ballroom of Hyatt Regency in downtown Bethesda, Maryland. Organized by the Armenian Community Events Planners, over 400 guests enjoyed the back drop of festive holiday lights and welcoming remarks by committee members, Sintia Petrosian and Garbo Afarian, thanking supporters in advancing the group's mission of bringing both area churches and its parishioners together. Der Hovsep Karapetyan of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church and Der Sarkis Aktavoukian of Soorp Khatch Armenian Apostolic Church were invited to offer their prayers and good wishes for the New Year and Soorp Dznount.

The evening's entertainer Armen Aloyan and his band took the stage to warm up the crowd with Armenian music while everyone enjoyed a three-course dinner. Also enjoyed was dancing to Armenian rhythms and pop songs selected by DJ Chris Habibian. At the stroke of midnight came cheer, champagne, and platters of choreg and cheese for each table and dancing until two in the morning. 
Feast of Nativity and Theophany Celebrated at St. Mary

On January 5 the Jragalouits Badarak began with readings from the Old and New Testaments by our school students who read passages from the scriptures pointing to the Nativity of Christ. After the Badarak, parishioners and friends enjoyed the traditional Home Blessing service in our church hall and a reception sponsored by the Parish Council.

St. Mary Church then celebrated the glorious Feast of the Birth and Baptism of our Lord with the Divine Liturgy and Blessing of the Water Service on January 6.

We congratulate Andre Alexandrian, the son of Edvik and Lena Alexandrian, who served as the Godfather for the Blessing of the Water. Parishioners participated in the liturgy on both days and greeted one another with the renewing and joyous news of our Lord's Revelation "To you and us good news! Tzez yev mez Medz Avedis! Christ is born and revealed. Kristos tsnav yev haytnetsav. Blessed is the revelation of Christ. Orhnyal e haytnutyunn Kristosi.".

Ararat Avak Society Festive Luncheon

After our parishioners celebrated the Feast of the Birth and Baptism of our Lord on January 6 they enjoyed a festive luncheon presented by the Ararat Avak Society. Nearly 100 people attended a lavish meal of koufta soup, rice pilaf, mushroom chicken, vegetables, green salad, and traditional anoush abour dessert. 

During this festive occasion we enjoyed the singing from some of our choir members and members of the congregation who sang traditional Christmas songs in Armenian and English, accompanied by an expert pianist. The parishioners celebrated the holiday in a lovely setting within our church community of friends and family .
Badarak and Blessing of the Water Service

The Annual Badarak and Blessing of Water ceremony took place in the Baltimore Armenian Community on January 9 at St. Philip Nari Catholic Church of Linthicum, MD. The St. Mary Choir and Deacons joined Der Hovsep for this mission trip of celebrating and bringing the good news of our Lord's revelation to the Baltimore community members. 

The Godfather of Jrorhnek service this year was Emin Shahverdian, the son of Urik and Anahit Shahverdian of Baltimore. As in years past, this event was organized by the Armenian Association of Greater Baltimore, under the leadership of Mr. Zakar Shahverdian. A festive dinner was served after the Badarak and Blessing of the Water Service. 

Women's Guild Election Meeting

On Saturday, January 20 the Women's Guild held their 2017 elections and general meeting with a potluck lunch. There were 30 members present with the Nominating Committee leading the elections. Numerous nominees were taken off the floor and added to the draft ballot. Once voting was complete the Nominating Committee had the responsibility of counting the ballots. In the meantime, the rest of the membership concluded their general meeting and the event soon turned social. The day concluded with the Nominating Committee announcing the results of the elections. There was definitely excitement among the members about the new fresh faces that are eager to serve. 

We congratulate our new Executive Committee members: Nadya Chubukian, Siran Demergi, Jermene Hallajian, Suzanne Harutunian, Arda Habert, Catherine Kapikian, Rita Koudoussian, Kristie Siroonian and Lusin Simone. We wish the new committee a great success in their endeavors in serving the Lord and His Church.   
ACYOA Jr. Laser Tag 

St. Mary ACYOA Juniors enjoyed a fun filled day on Saturday, January 20 by playing laser tag at Ultrazone Laser Tag in Falls Church, VA. Fourteen of our youth, plus one brave parent, had a great time playing for 1.5 hours, then they welcomed much needed pizza and soft drinks after the game. The ACYOA Juniors continue to plan more exciting events for the year. Not to be missed is the upcoming Super Bowl Party on Sunday, February 4 to be hosted by the Boghosian Family in Alexandria, VA. For more details about the persons to contact and RSVP please see the flyer in our E-Newsletter and in the church vestibule.
Hokehankists - Requiem Services

January 7, 2018
For the Soul of: Varoujan Habibian
Requested by: Armig Habibian (Wife)
Mr. and Mrs. Manoug and Talin Habibian (Son and Daughter-in-Law) and Charles Habibian (Grandson), Christapor Habibian (Son)

For the Souls of: Avedis and Alice Marashlians
Requested by : Kevork, Vartiter and Alis Marashlians

For the Souls of: Bayzar Vorperian and Varojan Yazejian
Requested by: Vorperian and Yezejian Families

January 14, 2018
For the Soul of: Arsaluys Cekci
Requested by: Onnik Cekci and Family and Eva Shafakian

For the Souls of: Shukri Istepanian and Golizar Arten Babolian
Requested by : Rita Istepanian
January 21, 2018
For the Soul of: Hrant Dink 
Requested by: St. Mary Parish Council and Der Hayr

For the Souls of: Sona Kohar Semerjian (35 years)
Diruhi Semerjian (11 years)
Requested by: Hratch Semerjian, Tamar and Ara

January 28, 2018
For the Soul of: Araxe Cherishian (40 Days) 
Requested by: Kolenick Family

For the Souls of: Arousiag Boursalian (Mother), Peter Boursalian (Son), Pierre Boursalian (Brother)
Requested by: Noubar and Linda Boursalian 

For the Soul of: Bedros Sarkis Kolandjian (3rd Anniversary)
Requested by: Mr. and Mrs. Emad and Karina Kronfli, Anthony and Dahlia Kronfli, Mr. and Mrs. David and Hasmig Bozadjian, Mr. and Mrs. George and Maral Bozadjian and Tavit, Kevork, Siroun and Masis Bozadjian, Araxi and Victor Bozadjian

For the Soul of: Mary Maghrabelian-Bozadjian (7th Anniversary)
Requested by : Mr. and Mrs. David and Hasmig Bozadjian, Mr. and Mrs. George and Maral Bozadjian and Tavit, Kevork, Siroun and Masis Bozadjian, Araxi and Victor Bozadjian


May God rest their souls in peace and may His loving favor be with the loved ones.  
Baptism and Confirmation

January 18, 2018
Tigran Hovhannisyan
Son of Petros Hovhannisyan and Bella Kristosturyan
Godparents: Ruben Kristosturyan and Nune Atyan

January 27, 2018
Vivienne Rae Kristosturyan
Daughter of Vahan Kristosturyan and Tatevik Mikaelyan
Godparents: Tigran Hovhannisyan and Gohar Torosyan

May God bless our newly baptized with His love and may His protection and guidance always be with them.
Funeral

Jaunary 3, 2018
Vagharshak Der Hovsepian
Beloved husband of Astghik Der Hovsepian, Beloved Father of Hrair and Hilda Hovsepian, Jirair and Arax Hovsepian and Evelyn and Vahag Shahnazarian,  
Beloved Grandfather of Levik, Narbeh, Anie, Nayiri, Alina, Lilia, Arpa,
Beloved Great  Grandfather  of Arsen, Artem, Vana, Arno.

May the Lord rest His soul in peace and grant comfort to the family members and friends.
St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church 
Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, Pastor
4125 Fessenden Street NW, Washington, DC 20016 
202-363-1923 / www.stmaryaac.org
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