ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH 
SHNORHALI MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER
JULY 2018
Blessing of Khatchkar at the Smithsonian

On the concluding day of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, a special service of the Blessing of the Khatchkar took place at the National Mall. The two Khatchkars, one of which was brought from Armenia and the other one carved by an artist from Armenia, Bogdan Hovhannisyan, during the days of the festival, became objects of interest to many visitors. Prior to the blessing service, Prof. Levon Abrahamian spoke to the audience about the history and significance of Khatchkars. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar, who traveled from New York to preside over the blessing service, briefly explained and talked about the significance of the service of blessing. Participating in the service were also Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian and Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan. 

Khatchkars are unique to Armenia, where they are now a national symbol. Often used to commemorate an important event, mark a significant spot, or serve as a memorial gravestone, khatchkars are typically freestanding upright rectangular stone slabs with a carved cross on the side facing west, so that worshipers and tourists regard them like a rising sun. Sprouting and blooming motifs, which make the khatchkar a version of the Tree of Life, are prominent features.

The Feast of Transfiguration Celebrated at St. Mary 

The glorious Feast of Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ was celebrated at St. Mary on July 8. This feast is one of the five Tabernacle feasts of the Armenian Church. It is called the Holy Transfiguration because the appearance of Christ changed and became luminous indicating His divinity and His divine glory. In the Transfiguration, the Apostles see the glory of the Kingdom of God present in majesty in the person of Christ. They see that in Him, indeed, "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell," and that "in him, the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" [Col. 1:19, 2:9]. They see this before the crucifixion so that in the resurrection they might know who it is who has suffered for them, and what it is that this one, who is God, has prepared for those who love him. This is what the Church celebrates in the feast of the Holy Transfiguration.
The Knights of Vartan Charitable Programs in Armenia

On July 8, friends and parishioners enjoyed an informational presentation by Gohar Palyan, organized and hosted by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan. Mrs. Paylan, the Liaison of Knights of Vartan, Inc. Yerevan Communication Office made a comprehensive slideshow presentation on the Knights of Vartan Charitable Programs in Armenia. She also spoke about the nature of her job and the ways in which she is facilitating charitable work in Armenia. At the end of her presentation, Mrs. Palyan answered questions from the audience. The day's hospitality table was hosted by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan. 
Hokehankists - Requiem Services

July 15, 2018
For the Soul of: Mesrob Yeghiasarian (Sarian) (1 year anniversary )
Requested by: Anna Yeghiasarian, Esq.; Dr. Lara Yeghiasarian; Rosalin (Andrew) Panek; Grandfather of Diana and Isabel Panek (Illinois); Brother of Rubina Faulkner; Peproneh Yeghiasarian; Levon (Hermineh) Yeghiasarian (California); Arick (Nina) Yeghiasarian (Australia); Uncle of Cord Faulkner and Rene Faulkner-McDonagh; Armen and Anahid Yeghiasarian; Peggy Spratling and Danny Yeghiasarian. 

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

July 7, 2018
Robert Frey
Son of Robert Bryan and Ruzanna Frey
Godparents: Khachik Yevdogimov and N/A

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

July 11, 2018
Misak Mermer
Beloved Husband of Maryam Mermer; loving Son of Nazar Mermer; Son-in-Law of Zadik Ozbenian; Father of Aras, Jenna and Anayis Mermer; Brother of Silva Kuvvet, Brother-in-Law of Gary and Juliette Ozbenian and their Children, John and Jacqueline Ozbenian and Children, Uncle of Sayat and Ari Kuvvet.

May the Lord rest His soul 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