ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH 
SHNORHALI MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER
JUNE 2018
Feast of Holy Etchmiaszin and Shnorhali School 2018 End of Year Hantess

St. Mary celebrated the Feast of Holy Etchmiadzin on June 3rd. On this auspicious occasion a special prayer was offered for the Catholicos, the successor of St. Gregory the Illuminator. The service ended with the Blessing of the Four Corners of the World during which the Patriarchal See of Armenia was blessed in the name of the Holy Trinity "by the sign of the Holy Cross, the Gospel and the grace of this day."

After the service, families and friends gathered in the social hall to enjoy the beautiful performance by our Shnorhali School students at the year-end hantes presentation.
The second part of Shnorhali School year end hantes took place on June 10. Kindergarteners performed beautiful recitals and songs. The 4th graders played musical instruments, recited poems and performed a short skit. The 5/6th graders surprised everyone by presenting a stunning depiction of the life of St. Gregory of Narek. They contemplated on the biographical details of this great Saint of the Church and recited from his famous prayer book "Narek".  

Our utmost gratitude to all of our dedicated administration and teachers of the Shnorhali School for their love and guidance to our children.
Women's Guild Summer Kick off Luncheon & General Meeting

On Saturday, June 9th the Women's Guild gathered for their annual Summer Kick-Off Luncheon. The members were joined by Der Hovsep and Yeretzgin Jennifer at the Mon Ami Gabi restaurant in Bethesda. The menu offered everyone delicious options of chicken, steak or salmon followed by a dessert of their choice. Everyone had a wonderful time as they raved about their lunch and socialized about family, upcoming vacations, new recipes, etc. At the gathering the Executive Committee announced that they were transferring $7,000 to the Parish Council. The Women's Guild will reconvene at the end of August and wishes everyone a happy and safe summer.
ACYOA Bowling Day

St Mary ACYOA Seniors had their beginning of summer get together on Friday June 15. They enjoyed an evening of bowling, games and fellowship. A fun time was shared by everyone and the group is looking forward to other activities throughout the summer. 

Please visit the ACYOA Seniors Facebook page for the most up to date information on activities and events.
ACYOA Juniors Pool Party

On June 16, the ACYOA Juniors held their end of the year Pool Party. Gracious hosts, Paul and Lucy Murad opened their home to about 15 teens and parents who enjoyed swimming, barbecue and fun fellowship. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed this final activity before the summer vacation.  

Special thanks to Paul and Lucy Murad for hosting and to all the parents who pitched in with bringing delicious food. For more information on St. Mary Youth Activities, please contact Yn. Jennifer or Becky Bagdasarian at stmaryyouthdc@gmail.com.
Annual Father's Day Picnic in Baltimore

The Baltimore community's Annual Father's Day Picnic took place on June 17 at Piney Run Park in Carroll County. It was organized by the Armenian Association of Greater Baltimore. Families and friends came together to enjoy the beauty of nature and each other's company as well as pay tribute to Fathers. The lamb and chicken kabob, pilaf and salad, desserts and watermelon was followed by fishing, canoeing, hiking, volleyball, basketball, tennis and soccer games for the youth. As always, the Armenian music and dancing, and most importantly the Armenian Spirit, was present throughout the entire day. 

The Armenian Association of Greater Baltimore, under the leadership of Zakar Shahverdian, has been organizing different events, holding weekly Armenian School classes for the youth, organizing cultural programs, and the annual Nativity Badaraks for many years.
Andastan Service at the National Mall

On June 28, as a part of the Smithsonian Falklife Festival opening ceremonies, a special Service of the Blessing of the Fields (Andastan) took place at the National Mall. The Service was officiated by Very Reverend Fr. Daniel Findikian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, His Grace Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the Eastern Prelacy. In attendance were Fr. Mardiors Chevian, Dean of St. Nersess Seminary, Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian, Pastor of Soorp Khatch Church, Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, Pastor of St. Vartanantz Church, Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, Pastor of St. Mary Church and Dn. Mark Krikorian. 

The special guest during the prayer service was Armenia's President His Excellency Armen Sarkissian.

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival takes place on the National Mall between 12t and 14th streets from June 27-July 1 and July 4-8, 2018. Programs run most days from 11:30-6pm and evening concerts start at 6:30. 

This year's festival highlights cultural creativity from Armenia and Catalonia. Enjoy craft demonstrations, music and dance performances, discussions, wine tastings, great food, shopping, and more.
Hokehankists - Requiem Services

June 1, 2018
For the Soul of: Hacik Ozben (40 days)
Requested by: Zadik Ozbenian & family - Brother,Vartuvar Ozbenian & family - Brother and Gulbahar Ozkayan & family - Sister

For the Souls of: Yerchanik Bolat, Apraham Bolat, Sahak Bolat, Gulbenk Bolat and Bahar Bolat
Requested by: Vergin Bolat and Family 

June 10, 2018
For the Souls of:The Deceased Members of St. Mary Women's Guild

For the Soul of: Ardavazd Harutunian
Requested by : David & Gilda Andonian and Family, Mrs. Yeghiabet Harutunian and Family  

June 24, 2018
For the Soul of: Leo Sarkisian
Requested by: Tim Healy (The International Conservatory of Music), and Andonian Family

For the Soul of: Karina Kasabova
Requested by: Aida Kasabova (Sister) , Margarita Saringulyan (Niece)

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

June 3, 2018
Talar Noor Hawit
Daughter of Nader and Sophia Hawit
Godparents: Faris Ibrahim Hawit and Arda K Shahverdian

June 9, 2018
Taleen Noor Simon
Daughter of Girair and Jaime Simon
Godparents: David Gulugian and Kimberly Crane

June 23, 2018
Greyson Buchanan
Son of Cameron and Rubina Buchanan
Godparents: Jason Hand and Nanor Yakoubian

Owen Buchanan
Son of Cameron and Rubina Buchanan
Godparents:John Hand and Melinne Yakoubian

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

June 2, 2018  
Eric Krikor Ashbahian and Danielle Artemis Saroyan
Parents: Gregory and Janet Ashbahian
John and Gladys Saroyan    
Best Man: Timonty Ashbahian
Maid of Honor: Lynn Saroyan

June 23, 2017
Sevan Khachatoorian and Bridget Diane Corsini
Parents: Robert and Hermine Khatchatoorian
John and Diane Corsini
Best Man: Steve Rozenblat
Maid of Honor: Danna Laureano

Congratulations and may God make the newly married couples worthy of the desirable crown of Holy Matrimony.
Funeral

June 17, 2018
Varseniki Jefferson
Survived by Loving husband, Robert E Jefferson, Daughter Natalie A. Campbell, two Grandchildren Kerry and Emily Campbell, two Nieces in Istanbul Ani Nisanyan and Alin Samuelyan.

June 25, 2018
Arousiag "Alice" Kumkumian
Beloved wife of Charles Kumkumian; loving mother of Simon Kumkumian (Lenie), Greg Kumkumian (Katie), Roxanne Schweitzer (John) and the late Linda Kumkumian; grandmother of Jack, Alexis, Charles, William and Henry; sister of the late Vosgan Anbarjian; sister- in -law of Rita Anbarjian; aunt of Kegham Anbarjian, Ed Kumian, Mary Kumian and Suzanne Kumian and the late Alan Anbarjian. 

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