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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2018
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Morning Service
10:00 AM
Holy Badarak
10:30 AM
Celebrant
Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan
Ushers
Parish Council Members on Duty
Mr. Onnik Sivaslian
Mr. Zakar Shahverdian
Mr. Arthur Sivaslian
Mrs. Edita Kalayjian
Organist
Bible Reading
Isaiah 49:13-23, Galatians 6:14-18, John 3:13-21
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HOKEHANKIST
REQUIEM SERVICE
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No Hokehankist on Dominical Feast Days
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To request a Hokehankist/Requiem Service
please contact the Church Office
by 12:00 Noon on Thursday
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THIS SUNDAY
After the Badarak Anantasdan service (blessing of the fields) will be conducted during which the processional cross is adorned with basil (a symbol of royalty) and the four corners of the church are blessed as a sign of the sanctification of the world. The association of this sweet-smelling plant with the celebration of this Feast is because basil in the early decades of Christianity was a symbol of royalty, befitting the Saviour who was crucified as a King.
Church traditions preserve also a beautiful story of the miraculous growth of basil on the ground at the foot of the Cross of the Lord after it had been removed from there. Basil, according to pious traditions, continued to grow on that ground despite the faithful cutting and taking it home.
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A special thanksgiving prayer for the
Republic of Armenia will take place on
Sunday, September 23 marking the
27th Anniversary of Armenia's Independence, which occurred on September 21, 1991.
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We thank everyone who contributed towards
Grape Blessing Donations.
To see the list of names
click here
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ST. MARY CHURCH RENOVATION
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Feast of the Exaltation of t
he Holy Cross
September 22
ACYOA Juniors Fall Cookout
September 23
St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church Parish Council Knights and Daughters of Vartan Celebrating 27th Anniversary of the Independence of Armenia
The Armenian Assembly of America National Advocacy Conference & Gala
October 4-7
Armenian Fall Food Festival
December 31
Internationally Acclaimed
Bartev and His Band
New Year's Eve Celebration and DJ
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CALENDAR OF FEASTS & EVENTS
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September 16
Feast of the Exaltation of
The Holy Cross
September 22
ACYOA Juniors Fall Cookout
September 23
St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church Parish Council Knights and Daughters of Vartan Celebrating 27th Anniversary of the Independence of Armenia
September 24 and 25
The Armenian Assembly of America National Advocacy Conference & Gala
September 28
Feast of Discovery of the Holy Cross
October 4, 5, 6 and 7
Armenian Fall Food Festival
November 18
Women's Guild Thanksgiving
December 1
Women's Guild Christmas Party
December 9
86th Anniversary Celebration
December 31
Internationally Acclaimed
Bartev and His Band
New Year's Eve Celebration and DJ
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FAR-Supported Summer Camp Encourages Children's Interest in Science
Sun observations and planet gazes were the must-do activities at Byurakan Science Camp this year. The summer camp held at Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory hosted 50 children (aged 9 to 14). FAR has supported the camp for five years. It enables children to combine study and leisure, art and science through different mediums. On one day, campers may hear lectures about astrophysics and civil rights. On another day, they may visit churches and castles, draw pictures or make videos.
"We hope that the days spent here and the knowledge we deliver will encourage children to be interested in astronomy, or at least in science," said Camp Coordinator Sona Farmanyan. To learn more, go to:
LINK
To support FAR's youth and education programs, go to:
LINK
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Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross
We see it soaring atop church spires and standing solemnly over graves. It ornaments our places of worship, and dangles from the neck to rest close to the heart. It flashes through our field of vision when an ambulance speeds by on a mission of mercy, and lends a reserved dignity to the crests of great universities.
It is the sign of the Cross: the universal symbol of Christianity, which lends its eloquent simplicity of form to the distinctive virtues of our religion. Faith, hope, and charity. Righteousness, compassion, and mercy. Humble appreciation for learning, and for conveying the fruits of accumulated knowledge. Comfort in the trials of living, and the promise of life after death.
These are the impressions we take for granted after 2,000 years of Christian civilization. But it was not always this way. In ancient times, the cross was an object of fear and loathing; and it was in this guise that the cross was made the instrument of painful death for our Lord, Jesus Christ. It was only in the light cast by his resurrection that the cross took on a new symbolic meaning.
Christ's apostle St. James was the first to perceive the cross not with fear, but with reverence and awe. In raising up the cross, and bowing before it, St. James showed the world that Christ's resurrection marked a decisive turning point in history. The old era's symbol of death would henceforth be known as the Christian era's symbol of everlasting life.
This is a story the Armenian Church will remember this Sunday, on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. It's one of the major feast days of the church calendar, and the first of several celebrations marking the season of our Lord's Cross.
Click here
to read a special feature on the Exaltation posted in honor of this week's 17th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
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Խաչվերաց
Խաչվերացը Հայ եկեղեցու հինգ տաղավար տոներից վերջինն է: Այն խաչին նվիրված տոներից ամենակարևորն է, որը նվիրված է գերությունից խաչի վերադարձի և փառաբանության հիշատակին: Հայ առաքելական եկեղեցին խաչվերացը տոնում է սեպտեմբերի 11-17-ն ընկած ժամանակահատվածում հանդիպող կիրակի օրը: Այս տարի խաչվերացը կտոնվի սեպտեմբերի 14-ին: Սուրբ Խաչը տոնվում է ի հիշատակ Տիրոջ խաչափայտի՝ պարսկական գերությունից Երուսաղեմ վերադարձի և Գողգոթայում կանգնեցման: 614թ. Պարսկաստանի Խոսրով թագավորը հարձակվում է Երուսաղեմի վրա, ավերում այն, սրի քաշում ժողովրդին և մեծ թվով գերիներ տանում: Որպես անարգանք քրիստոնյաներին՝ Սուրբ Հարության տաճարից գերևարվում և Պարսկաստան է տարվում նաև Տիրոջ խաչափայտը: Խաչափայտը գերության մեջ մնում է 14 տարի: 628թ. Բյուզանդիայի Հերակլ կայսրը քրիստոնեական մեծ բանակով հարձակվում է պարսիկների վրա և ազատագրում Սուրբ Խաչը ու այն վերադարձնում նախկին վայրը: Խաչը, ինչպես հայտնի է, հնում եղել է չարչարանքի գործիք: Երբ Հիսուս խաչվեց՝ այդ նույն խաչափայտը դադարեց չարչարանքի գործիք լինելուց: Խաչը դարձավ փրկության միջոց, Քրիստոսի սիրո արտահայտությունը: Ժողովուրդը Խաչվերացին կատարում է անթիվ ուխտագնացություններ:
Տոնի կիրակի երեկոյան կատարվում է Խաչի բարձրացման հանդիսավոր արարողություն և անդաստանի կարգ: Արարողությունը սկսվում է ռեհանով ու ծաղիկներով զարդարված Խաչը հանդիսավոր թափորով եկեղեցու բակ դուրս բերելով և պտտեցնելով եկեղեցու շուրջը: Այն արձագանքն է ազատագրված Խաչափայտի վերադարձը Հայկական լեռնաշխարհի ծաղկավետ վայրերով դեպի Երուսաղեմ: Զարդարված Խաչով թափորապետը խաչակնքում և օրհնում է աշխարհի արևելյան, արևմտյան, հարավային և հյուսիսային կողմերը`բարեկարգություն ու խաղաղություն հայցելով Աստծուց, և վարդաջուր ցողում հավատացյալների վրա, որից հետո Խաչը ներս է տարվում եկեղեցի և դրվում Սբ. Սեղանի վրա:
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A Longtime Choir Master is Remembered
On Saturday, September 8 the fellow choir members, family and friends of our late choir director Dr. Socrates Boyajian came together at St. Mary Church hall to commemorate the 10th anniversary of his passing. Dr. Boyajian was a dedicated member of St. Mary who brought his professional services to serve the community and God. His longtime dedication and love for his beloved church have not been forgotten as the fellow members of both Ani and St. Mary Choir during the commemoration and celebration of his life shared many wonderful stories and memories about him. The evening was filled with mixed emotions: his absence brought sadness to the hearts of many but the wonderful memories and tremendous legacy that he has left behind brought comfort and relief.
The evening also was marked with recognition and honor of Maestro Arsen Sayan for his establishment, contribution and longtime dedication to the Ani Chorale Group. Yn. Anahid Kalayjian and Ms. Clara Andonian also were honored during the commemoration as the original members of the group.
The next day, during the Hokehankist service, prayers was offered for the soul of Dr. Socrates Boyajian. During the Hokehankist, the community also prayed for the soul of Der Vertaness Avag Kahana Kalayjian on the occasion of his second anniversary of passing.
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Women's Guild General Meeting
On Saturday, September 8, the Women's Guild held their first general meeting after summer break with a delicious breakfast hosted by the Executive Committee. With 22 members in attendance, the meeting started with an opening prayer from Der Hayr, a devotional message from Clara Andonian and an inspirational message from Arda. Nadya Chubukian gave the Chairman's report which included the Fall Food Festival Workshop Schedule and a kitchen clean-up day. Numerous members volunteered to participate in the kitchen clean-up day to be held on Wednesday, September 12th. Nadya Chubukian also presented the proposed Calendar of Events for the remainder of 2018. This included a Cultural Event in October, Women's Guild Elections and Thanksgiving Lunch in November, and a Christmas Party and Bake Sale in December. The meeting adjourned with Der Hayr's closing prayer.
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Congratulations to our Graduate Aline Bogosion!
The last academic year at St. Mary's Sunday School marked a great achievement. For the first time in many years, it gave its first graduate, Aline Bogosian, the daughter of Ara and Joys Bogosian, special recognition. Aline graduated from the Diocesan Sunday School program by successfully completing the prescribed course of study and meeting the minimum requirements of Christian education in the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America.
St. Mary's Sunday School marked a great achievement during the last academic year. For the first time in many years, it had its first graduate. Alene Boghosian, the daughter of Ara and Joyce Bogosian, graduated from the Diocesan Sunday School program. She successfully completed the prescribed course of study and met the requirements of Christian education in the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America.
Throughout last year, Alene worked very hard under the guidance of her teacher Mrs. Patricia Yeghissian, who made sure she was prepared to complete and pass the graduation requirements and test. At the conclusion of the Badarak, on Sunday, September 9, Der Hovsep recognized Alene for her achievements, presented her with the Diploma and wished her success and new accomplishments in her life with God's blessings.
Special thanks to Mrs.Yeghissian as well as Ms. Becky Baghdasarian and Yn. Jennifer Karapetyan for their support and encouragement. Also, special appreciation to Ara and Joyce Boghosian for their dedication in preparing their daughter, Alene, for this valuable accomplishment. The Sunday School plans to continue this program and have more graduates for the 2018/2019 school year.
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Knights and Daughters of Vartan presentation by Aram Bakshian
On Tuesday, September 11, Hon. Aram Bakshian, Speech Writer for Presidents Nixon, Ford Director of Presidential Speech writing for Ronald Reagan spoke at the church hall, about the subject "At The White House With President Reagan and The Current Affairs In The White House Today".
The event started with one minute of silence in memory of of the victims of September 11 and was organized by Knights and Daughters of Vartan. Present were newly appointed Deputy chief of the Mission of the Armenian Embassy, Mr. Ara Magarian, newly appointed consul Arsen Mikayelyan, first and second secretaries Nareg Melikyana and David Janazian. David Zenian introduced the guest speaker, who presented the political periods of the presidents whom he worked with and reflected on the White House today.
Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, Pastor, made the closing remarks and blessed the public. In the picture, members of the Daughters of Vartan with Hon. Aram Bakshian.
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First Day of Shnorhali School 2018-2019
The Shnorhali Armenian School opened its doors for the academic year 2018-2019 on September 9, with classes in Armenian language and culture and Christian education taught to K-12 students. This year the School offers an Eastern Armenian language and Cultural heritage curriculum to seven grade levels, as well as one Western Armenian class. The Christian education curriculum is extended to include post graduate/high school levels. The Eastern Armenian classes for adults, the school started last year, will be taught this year as well.
As the registration process hasn't been completed the Shnorhali School would like to request parents' cooperation in timely registration of students.
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Fall Food Festival Schedule of Workshops
St. Mary's Annual Fall Food Festival will take place on October 4-7. The event is organized by the St. Mary Parish Council and Women's Guild who have spearheaded a number of workshops bringing together community members in preparation of the Food Fair. Please, join us and support the church.
Workshop Dates and Time:
Chees Boureg Prep - Friday September 14, 4:00 pm
Chees Boureg - Saturday September 15, 10:00 am
Baklava-Bourma - Wednesday, September 19, 10:00 am
Sauce Prep - Tuesday, September 25, 10:00 am
Eggplant/Sauce - Wednesday, September 26, 4:00 pm
Khadayeef - Friday, September 28, 5:00 pm
Meat Cutting - Saturday, September 29, 10:00 am
Yalanchi (Por-meechog) - Saturday, September 29, 1:00 pm
Yalanchi (Wrap) - Monday, October 1, 4:00 pm
Green Beans - Tuesday, October 2, 4:00 pm
Hall Set Up - Tuesday, October 2, 7:00 pm
Eggplant and Green Beans - Tuesday, October 2, 10:00 am
Hummus - Wednesday, October 3, 4:00 pm
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Visit Our New Website!
We are very pleased to announce the launch of St. Mary Armenia Church new website at
https://www.stmaryaac.org
With the support of a generous and technologically talented church member, we were able to re-introduce our presence on the web with a newer and more contemporary visibility.
All upcoming events and holidays will continue to be listed in our calendar of events in real time, event flyers are available for viewing on the home page, and the new online application pages provides our community the ability to present their interest in Baptisms, Matrimony, Church Hall rental, WED, and alike. And, we continue to present our Church and faith heritage with memorable photos and history.
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A Benchmark of International Friendship
Chicago's budding friendship with Armenia's capital city, Yerevan, took a step forward on September 9, during a special ceremony in Connor Park.
The busy corner just off of Chicago's famous Michigan Avenue was the setting for the unveiling of six park benches, donated by local Armenians, proclaiming the enduring partnership between the two cities. The benches share a "family resemblance" with ones familiar throughout Yerevan, and make for a cozy resting place amid Connor Park's beautiful landscaping and surrounding architecture.
The Honorary Consul for the Republic of Armenia in Chicago, Oscar Tatosian, welcomed the crowd to the dedication ceremony, which included formal speeches by dignitaries and a performance by youthful Armenian folk dancers.
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Argavand Music Students Celebrate School's 20th Anniversary
Students of the Argavand Music School recently gave a concert in honor of the school's 20th anniversary. Located in Armenia's Ararat Province, the school was renovated four years ago with the help of the Fund for Armenian Relief.
"The year 2014 brought new hope to our music school when FAR initiated its renovation, thanks to the generous support of Maestro Arsen Sayan," said the school's former principal Svetlana Simonyan. "Music education is a unique field that can shape children's tastes and personalities. Our rebirth has enabled us to give more children such an exceptional opportunity."
Indeed, following the school's renovation more parents have encouraged their children to study at Argavand, with enrolment doubling, from 50 to 100.
"The most difficult period was when the school had only four classrooms and held classes and concerts in the same place. Now, thanks to Mr. Sayan and FAR's formidable efforts, we have a lovely, large facility where we can hold training and concerts at the same time," Simonyan said.
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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.
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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READ MORE NEWS FROM DIOCESE
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"No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life." "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.
John 3:13-21
Արդ, ոչ ոք երկինք չի ելել, եթէ ոչ նա, որ իջաւ երկնքից՝ մարդու Որ¬դին, որ երկնքից էր։ 14Եւ ինչպէս որ Մովսէսը անապատում բարձ¬րաց¬րեց օձը, այնպէս էլ մարդու Որդին պէտք է բարձրանայ, 15որպէս¬զի, ով նրան հաւատում է, յաւիտենական կեանքն ընդունի. 16քանի որ Աստուած այնքան սիրեց աշխարհը, որ մինչեւ իսկ իր միածին Որ¬դուն տուեց, որպէսզի, ով նրան հաւատում է, չկորչի, այլ ընդունի յաւիտենական կեանքը. 17որովհետեւ Աստուած իր Որդուն չուղար¬կեց աշխարհ, որ դատապարտի աշխարհը, այլ՝ որպէսզի աշխարհը նրանով փրկուի։ 18Ով նրան հաւատում է, չպիտի դատապարտուի, եւ ով նրան չի հաւատում, արդէն իսկ դատապարտուած է, քանի որ Աս¬տըծու միածին Որդու անուանը չհաւատաց։ 19Եւ դատաստանը այս¬պէ՛ս իսկ է. որ լոյսը եկաւ աշխարհ, սակայն մարդիկ խաւարն աւելի սիրեցին, քան լոյսը, որովհետեւ իրենց գործեր ը չար էին. 20որովհե¬տեւ, ով չարիք է գործում, ատում է լոյսը եւ չի գալիս դէպի լոյսը, որ¬պէս¬զի նրա գործերը իր երեսովը չտան։ 21Իսկ ով կատարում է այն, ինչ ճշմարիտ է, գալիս է դէպի լոյսը, որպէսզի նրա գործերը յայտնի լինեն, թէ Աստուծով կատարուեցին»։
Յովհաննէս 3:13-21
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COME VISIT THE ST. MARY GIFT SHOP
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 week after Sunday
Church services and by appointment.
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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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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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