ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH 
SHNORHALI MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 2020
New Year's Eve in Washington, D.C.

The Armenian community of Greater Washington and Baltimore ushered in the 2020 New Year at the Gaithersburg Marriott Washington Center, Maryland. Organized by the Armenian Community Events Planners, over 350 guests enjoyed the back drop of festive holiday lights and welcoming remarks by Onnik Sivaslian 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 entertainers Artur (Mister X), Ani Christy and Violinist Merujan Margarian took the stage to warm up and welcome the crowd with Armenian music while everyone enjoyed a three-course dinner. Also enjoyed was dancing to the 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 the Evening Service. 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 congratulated Ruben Karapetyan, 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."

A festive luncheon was hosted by the Ararat Avak Society and enjoyed by over 85 parishioners at the Church Hall fallowing the Badarak. 
Avak Society Nativity 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. Over 85 people attended a soup, rice pilaf, Turkey, vegetables, green salad sweet potato, and traditional anoush abour dessert.
Those present celebrated the holiday in a lovely setting within our church community of friends and family
 ACYOA Juniors Meeting and Game Night

The ACYOA Juniors held their monthly Executive Committee meeting on January 9th. A total of 11 officers and members gathered to plan for the upcoming year. The meeting was kicked off with a spiritual devotional message given by Edwin Tilimian. Afterward, the meeting was lead by Chairman Haig Jamgochian. The ACYOA Jrs are looking forward to a year full of activities and service projects. For more information or to subscribe to receive updates, please email your contact information to stmaryyouthdc@gmail.com.

On January 17th the ACYOA Juniors held a fun and friendly Game Night at the Chubukian Residence. 15 teens enjoyed pizza, snacks and drinks while competing in board and card games. A fun time was had by all and special appreciation goes to the Chubukian Family for welcoming us into their home and providing such a fun night of fellowship for our teens!
St Mary Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

Our pilgrims have return safely from 10 day renewing and uplifting pilgrimage to the Holy Land where they celebrated the Feast of the Nativity and Theophanvy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Twenty three pilgrims had a wonderful time in the Holy Land, walking through the footsteps of our Lord, visiting holy sights and participating in the celebration of the birth and baptism of our Lord. They visited Bethlehem, Mount of Olive, St. Mary's tomb, journeyed to the Sea of Galilee and the area of Nazareth where our Lord performed His public ministry. With Christ in their hearts, they visited the Wilderness of Judea, Mt. of Temptation, the Tomb of Lazarus and the baptismal site of our Lord at River Jordan. They walked through the way of the cross and attended early morning Badarak at the church of the Holy Sepulcher at the empty tomb from where Jesus was resurrected. The highlight of the pilgrimage was the celebration of the Feast of Nativity and Theophany of our Lord in Bethlehem. the pilgrims stayed for midnight service and participated in the early morning Badarak at the Church of Nativity, in the manger where the Lord was born.
Everyone returned home safely with renewed faith and uplifted spirits, cherishing the good memories and great spiritual experiences and blessings they received as pilgrims.
Making Mahs 

This week our devoted team of "Mahs Bakers" gathered within St. Mary Church's kitchen to make mahs. Our special thanks to Lola Pickering, Gulbahar Ozkayan, Verjin Bolat, and Takuhi Ozbenian who skillfully mixed the ingredients to make the mahs. 

The Armenian word "mahs" means a portion. It is blessed, unconsecrated bread (not Holy Communion) that is given to the faithful to take to those who were unable to share in Holy Communion. It becomes their "portion" of the Badarak. When you receive mahs, extend your right hand so that the small piece of bread can be placed on the back of your hand, and as you receive the mahs say "Pazheen eem Asdvadz haveedyan" (God is my portion forever).
Special Presentation by Mr. Pakrat Estukyan Honoring the memory of Hrant Dink's

This past Friday, the St. Mary community honored the memory of Hrant Dink on the occasion of 13 years since his assassination. The main speaker of the evening was Mr. Pakrat Estukyan, who is the editor in chief of the Armenian Section of Agos Newspaper, as well as a novelist and author. During his presentation, Mr. Estukyan reflected on the persona and life philosophy of Hrant Dink and the influence and impact that Dink's assassination left in the minds and hearts of thousands of people living in Turkey. He also discussed the current situation of the Armenian community in Turkey, particularly in Istanbul.

At the conclusion of the presentation, the public had an opportunity to ask questions and enjoyed a reception. The event was organized and hosted by St. Mary Parish Council.
Hokehankists - Requiem Services

January 12, 2020
For the soul of: Mary Zulik
Requested by :  Annaliza and Nurhan Zulik

January 19, 2020
For the soul of: Hrant Dink (13th anniversary)
Requested by: St. Mary Parish Council

For the soul of: Mariya Babayan
Requested by : Diana Sargsyan

For the soul of: Bedros Kolandjian
Requested by :  Karina & Emad Kronfli(daughter & son in law).Takouhi Yenovkian(sister).Hasmig &David Bozadjian(sister &brother in law)Niece and Nephews, Araxi,George and Victor Bozadjian. Manoug,Hagop and George Yenovkian.

January 26, 2020
For the soul of: Robert Shakhbazyan (40 day)
Requested by: Bagrat and Lilit Bayburtian

For the soul of: Charles Kumkumian
Requested by:   Kumkumian, Schweitzer and Anbarjian families

May God rest Their Souls in peace and may His loving favor be with their loved ones. 
Funeral

January 15, 2020
Ann Sadenig Mirijanian
Ann survived by her children Diane, Harry, Janice and Peter and nine grandchildren

January 28, 2020
Hilda Witherspoon
Beloved wife of Robert Witherspoon; mother of Eric Bentley Raffi Witherspoon (Eric); mother in law of Elizabeth Regnier Witherspoon (Liz); grandmother of Eliot Oshin Witherspoon, Conlan Hagop Witherspoon and Cora Mari Witherspoon.

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