April 26

TOP STORY   

The Apparition of the Holy Cross

On May 7 in the year 351, those living in Jerusalem witnessed an intensely illumined cross appear in the sky extending from Golgotha to the Mount of Olives, a span of almost two miles. As it remained visible for several hours, the population of Jerusalem assembled in the church to praise Jesus Christ for the miraculous sign, but this apparition not only affected the locals. St. Cyril, the Bishop of Jerusalem, wrote about the miracle in a letter to the Emperor Constantius of Constantinople, who, at the time, believed in the Arian heresy, which denies Jesus is God and claims He was a created being, subordinate to God the Father. Upon reading the letter, Emperor Constantius was deeply moved and returned to the orthodox teaching of the Church that Jesus is God, equal in nature to the Father.

April 28, 2024

SUNDAY

SCHEDULE

Morning Service 

10:00 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:30 AM

Celebrant

Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan 

Usher

Garbis Chubukian

Parish Council Members on Duty

Ohannes Sivaslian

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings:

Acts 17:1-15

1 John 1:1-10

 John 7:14-23

HOKEHANKIST

REQUIEM SERVICE

For the soul of:

John Gueriguian (40 days)

Requested by:

Ida, Leo, Vincent Gueriguian and Families

For the soul of:

Virgin Maghrablian (1 year)

Daniel Maghrablian (6 years)

Requested by:

Levon Maghrablian

For the soul of:

Flora Pashinyan (40 days)

Requested by:

Ashot, Karine, Alexander, Michael and Narine Nazarian

Hospitality table is Hosted by:

Gueriguian Family

To request a Hokehankist/Requiem Service 

Please contact the Church Office

by 12:00 Noon on Thursday

202-363-1923

or Click here to see the form

Prayer of the Week

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

   Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou are with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

   Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Please tune in to St. Mary YouTube channel for the upcoming services and Badaraks

Day of Remembrance: A Solemn Commemoration at St. Mary Armenian Church

On April 21st, St. Mary Armenian Church solemnly commemorated the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide with a Day of Remembrance. The event began with a Badarak (Divine Liturgy), honoring the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for their faith and homeland during the Armenian Genocide.

Following the liturgy, participants gathered around the Khatchkar in St. Mary's courtyard for the Intersesary Prayer. This service called upon the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide, seeking their intercession, and offered a moment for the community to unite in solemn reflection. The involvement of the Shnorhali School children added a touching and meaningful dimension to the observance.

The commemoration continued with a heartfelt presentation by the students of the Shnorhali School. Through speeches, poetry, and music, these young individuals paid tribute to the Holy Martyrs, educating and inspiring attendees with their expressive contributions. Directed by Haykaram Nahapetyan, the program focused on prominent Armenians descended from genocide survivors, underscoring their significant contributions to both Armenian communities and humanity at large. The program served as a memorial and, at the same time, as a message of the ingenuity, resilience, and unbreakable spirit of the Armenian people.

St. Mary Armenian Church extends heartfelt thanks to all participants. Special appreciation to Marina Gagikyand for donating the flowers for the altar and Raffi Sahakyan for preparing the Madagh.

Shnorhali School Genocide Commemoration Event

On April 21, students of Shnorhali School at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church organized the profoundly moving "Rising from Ashes as a Phoenix" event, a poignant homage to the Holy Martyrs of the 1915 Armenian Genocide and the indomitable spirit of the Armenian people.

This commemorative gathering not only paid respects to the lives lost in the Genocide's atrocities but also celebrated the resilience and invaluable contributions of Armenians worldwide. Through captivating presentations, the students of Shnorhali School eloquently illustrated the enduring legacies of luminaries such as Charles Aznavour, William Saroyan, Alex Manukyan, Raymond Damadian, Paul Ignatius, Kirk Kerkorian, and others. These figures, with their remarkable talents and achievements, stood as beacons of hope amid adversity, inspiring generations to come. 

The event underscored the profound impact of the Genocide on Armenian culture and identity while showcasing the remarkable resurgence of science and culture in its aftermath.

 A notable figure honored during the event was Colonel George Juskalian, a decorated military veteran whose unwavering courage epitomized the strength of the Armenian spirit. Animated tributes vividly portrayed Colonel Juskalian's illustrious career, paying homage to his service to both the American and Armenian communities. Among the distinguished guests were Colonel Juskalian's family members, including his widow, Lusine Juskalian-Barsoumyan, daughter Elisa, and grandson George. 



Through heartfelt tributes and reflective moments, the students of Shnorhali School honored the past while embracing a future brimming with hope and possibility. As we contemplate the legacy of Colonel George Juskalian and other revered figures, let us draw inspiration from their courage, service, and determination. With heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to this meaningful occasion, we look forward to continuing our journey of remembrance, celebration, and inspiration.

ACYOA Juniors' Annual Lock-In Retreat

On the evening of April 19th, the ACYOA Jr. teen youth group gathered at St. Mary Church for their eagerly awaited annual retreat. Equipped with sleeping bags and an eagerness to connect, the group kicked off the night with dinner, followed by Bible Study and some lively games and worship service.

A thought-provoking Bible study was led by Patricia Yeghissian, delving into the challenges of our hectic lifestyles, God’s assurances of care, and the crucial need to create space in our lives for God and family. This session provided valuable insights and sparked meaningful discussions among the participants.

After enjoying some dessert, the group gathered in the sanctuary for an evening service led by Der Hovsep, which included a question-and-answer period, allowing the teens to deepen their understanding of their faith.

As the night progressed, the teens engaged in a series of "crazy games" in the hall and their traditional game of hide and seek. Some stayed up late into the night playing UNO, while others opted for some rest in the designated "sleeping quarters" set up in the classrooms.

The following morning, as they enjoyed breakfast, the participants used a portable whiteboard in the church hall to share their favorite moments from the retreat, reflecting on the experiences that had made the event so special.

Special thanks go to Der Hayr and Patricia Yeghissian for their inspirational leadership, making this retreat a memorable and enriching experience for all the teens involved.

Our utmost appreciation to Becky Bagdasarian, whose tireless efforts made the retreat possible. Her dedication to organizing this event year after year ensures that the ACYOA Juniors have a nurturing space to grow spiritually and socially.

The Historical Presence of Armenians in Jerusalem Explored at Virginia Tech Lecture

On April 15, at Virginia Tech's School of Public and International Affairs, located at the Arlington Campus, the academic community delved into the deep-rooted presence of Armenians in Jerusalem. The lecture was presented by Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, who highlighted the extensive and historical ties Armenians have with Jerusalem, dating back to the early centuries of Christianity.

Fr. Hovsep captivated the audience of undergraduate students with a discussion that spanned ancient testimonies to contemporary challenges. He emphasized the continuous presence of Armenians in the Holy Land and highlighted their contributions and the trials they have faced over the centuries.

As Fr. Hovsep illustrated, the Armenians have not only been historical witnesses but also active participants in Jerusalem's cultural and religious tapestry. Their legacy includes the preservation of numerous historical sites, religious practices, and a rich heritage that continues to influence the broader historical narratives of the region.

Adding to the significance of the evening, Fr. Hovsep was introduced by Dr. Nareg Seferian, a recent Virginia Tech doctoral graduate, who underscored the importance of understanding these deep historical connections.

The lecture served both as an academic exploration and as a bridge connecting Virginia Tech students and interns with the historical narratives of a community that has played a pivotal role in the history of Jerusalem. It provided the students with a unique opportunity to gain insight into the Armenian experience and their enduring spirit in the Holy Land.

Attention All High School and College Graduates!

As the graduation season approaches, we are eager to celebrate the wonderful achievements of our high school and college graduates. We invite all graduates or their parents to submit the graduates' names, schools, and future plans to St. Mary’s Church office at stmarychurchdc@gmail.com. 

We look forward to recognizing and honoring their hard work and dedication. Let’s celebrate this significant milestone together!

Join Us for the St. Mary Annual Spring Food Festival!

At St. Mary, we are very excited to host the 14th Annual Armenian Spring Food Festival on May 17th, 18th, and 19th, again bringing the culinary delights and cultural riches of Armenian heritage to the Greater Washington, DC area.

Our community is hard at work preparing for the Food Festival, but we need your support and sponsorship for it to be a success.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to enjoy great food, connect with your community, and support St. Mary in our biggest event of the year.

To donate, pre-order, or sign up to contribute, please visit the links provided below. Your generosity and spirit are what make this festival possible.

All donations are tax-deductible.

St. Mary Annual Armenian Spring Food Festival

Dear Parishioners,



St. Mary is preparing for its 2024 Spring Food Festival, and we are seeking your participation. The workshops are an opportunity to learn how to make traditional Armenian food and learn from our culinary experts in these classic dishes.

Please click on the link below to complete the volunteer form, if you would like to participate in any of the workshops. 

We look forward to hearing from you.

Across the World on Martyrs Day, Vows to Remember

His Holiness Karekin II began this year’s solemn April 24 commemoration by visiting the Armenian Genocide Memorial at Dzidzernagapert, to lay wreaths and offer prayers at the eternal flame.

Leading a delegation from the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians joined the great throng of fellow Armenians paying their respects on the occasion. Accompanying the Catholicos was the visiting Roman Catholic Archbishop of Marseille, Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline.

At Holy Etchmiadzin on the same day, Catholicos Karekin II presided over the Divine Liturgy at St. Gayane Monastery, marking the Feast of the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide. As part of the service, a holy relic of one of the Genocide Saints was brought out for reverence by the faithful.

In a message to the public on the occasion, His Holiness observed that this year’s Genocide commemoration comes at a time “when our people are facing new existential threats and the most serious security concerns. After the genocidal actions inflicted upon our people of Artsakh, and the collapse of Artsakh’s surrounding regions, we now worry about the dire situation threatening Armenia’s own borders.”

But he expressed confidence that “our people will find strength in their heroic past, and the determination of our ancestors to never submit to evil.”

Click here to read the entire message. Click the following links to view photos, and to find video of the Martyrs Day ceremonies on Holy Etchmiadzin’s Facebook page.

Half way around the world, in New York City on Sunday, April 21, Diocesan Vicar Fr. Simeon Odabashian, representing Primate of the Eastern Diocese Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, offered a closing prayer for the Times Square Genocide Commemoration, organized by the Knights of Vartan and a host of Armenian groups.

“The souls we remember today endured their martyrdom 109 years ago,” he prayed. “But we are aware, Lord, that the hostility they faced, the cause they died for, did not end, but continues to this day, against the Armenian land and people of our precious, holy Artsakh. We feel grief that our people—your people—still live under this shadow of destructive hatred, aimed at us, our children, our homeland, our entire civilization.”

“In that awareness, Lord,” he went on, “we ask you to keep watch over your faithful people; strengthen those who have fled persecution seeking refuge; and protect the holy soil of Armenia—now and always.” Click here to watch a video clip of Fr. Odabashian’s prayer in Times Square.

In his own message to the faithful on Wednesday, April 24, Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan echoed the thoughts expressed by Catholicos Karekin II, adding: “Today, we stand united, hearts intertwined, as we remember the sacred memory of our holy martyrs: the brave souls of the Armenian Genocide. These were men, women, and children who, in their darkest hour, held onto their faith with unwavering love and dedication to our nation and homeland. They accepted the crown of martyrdom—and in doing so, they left us a legacy of their indomitable spirit and sanctified sacrifice.”

Finally, the significance of April 24, 1915, as the start of the Armenian Genocide was explicitly noted in a message from the White House and U.S. President Biden. Click here to read it.

Half-Way to Reaching Our Goal!

Readers of this newsletter are aware that our Diocese is undertaking a major project to restore and renovate the great edifice that unites our community of faith: St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral.

Our beloved Diocesan cathedral currently stands under a network of scaffolding, as exterior restoration work moves forward. This first phase is making desperately-needed repairs to the structure’s limestone facing and roof.

A renovation of the interior will follow in subsequent phases. In the meantime, St. Vartan Cathedral remains open for worship, candle-lighting, and visits of prayer—as it was throughout Holy Week and Easter.

Last week, the cathedral restoration committee announced that it has reached the halfway point in its goal of raising $28 million to fund the project!

Still, the committee remains hard at work raising the necessary funds, and creating resources to inform and involve the public—including an attractive website titled “Renewing the Vision, Cementing the Future,” where people can learn more about the project and watch its progress.

 Click the links below to:

• VISIT the Cathedral Project website.
• WATCH the promotional video.
• MAKE A GIFT to the Cathedral Restoration Project.

22nd Diocesan Assembly Convenes Next Week

Next week, the 122nd Diocesan Assembly will convene at the Marriott Hotel in Springfield, MA. St. Mark Armenian Church of Springfield will host the Clergy Conference (meeting April 30-May 2), and the Diocesan Assembly (meeting May 2-4), bringing together hundreds of Armenian Church leaders from the Eastern Diocese.

Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan will preside over the gathering, which marks the second Diocesan Assembly since his election as Primate, and the first assembly he will lead as a bishop of the church.

The General Sessions—scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, May 2 through 4—will go forward under the theme “Be My Witnesses.” In one of several sets of formal remarks, the Primate will introduce the theme during the Friday morning session, and delegates will then spend time in roundtable discussions, exploring their ideas to encourage Christian witnessing at the local parish level.

Other highlights include an update on the campaign for the restoration of St. Vartan Cathedral, and presentations from the Fund for Armenian Relief, Armenian Church Endowment Fund, and Diocesan program departments, ministries, and auxiliary organizations.

Assembly business will also include elections for the Diocesan Board of Trustees, and other official committees.

The annual awards banquet will take place at the Springfield Marriott Hotel on Friday, May 3. At that time, the Rev. Fr. Mampre Kouzouian will be honored as this year’s “Armenian Church Member of the Year,” and the Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace, will receive the “Friend of the Armenians” award.

Running concurrently with the Diocesan Assembly will be the 35th Women’s Guild Assembly, organized by the Women’s Guild Central Council. The WGCC will hold its 11th “Women of Wonder” award luncheon on Saturday, May 4, at 12:30 p.m. (Click the following links to view a flyer, and find further details.)

The Divine Liturgy, with the Primate presiding, will conclude the assembly on Sunday, May 5.

Find detailed information about the schedule of events on the host parish’s website, by clicking here. Check the Eastern Diocese’s website and Facebook page for updates on the Diocesan Assembly proceedings.

Helping Children of Artsakh Put Down New Roots

Just in time for the start of spring, the Fund for Armenian Relief’s “Ayo!” platform has launched a new campaign for children of Artsakh now living in Armenia, called “Put Down Roots.”

In partnership with the Yerevan Botanical Garden, Ayo! aims to establish a therapeutic garden for forcibly displaced children of Artsakh, where they can find relief from stress, get their hands dirty, and learn about nature. Once completed, this dedicated area within the Botanical Garden will remain accessible to children and youth for years to come.

To bring this vision to life, Ayo! is working to raise just over $25,000 this spring. The funds will be used to build the special garden equipped with an educational pavilion, benches, raised gardening beds, an irrigation system, lighting, accessible bathrooms and other features.

You can learn more about the “Put Down Roots” campaign by clicking here: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/ayoisyou/



The Eastern Diocese’s ACYOA Central Council was so excited by “Put Down Roots” that it generously committed to donate half of the proceeds from the upcoming Bishop’s 5k Run/Walk towards the project!

A Displaced Doctor Focuses on Helping Families

When she moved to Artsakh in 2014, Dr. Irina Saghyan dedicated her medical practice to supporting new mothers. As an Ob/Gyn, she has helped to bring 289 children into the world, safely and healthily. And she still remains in touch with the families of many of those babies.

Through the years, she has witnessed their moments of joy, and also the challenging realities that life in Artsakh presented to these new parents. But nothing compared to the 2023 blockade, when Irina felt powerless to fully assist mothers-to-be—especially those who were in the most delicate stage of pregnancy. The subsequent evacuation of Artsakh’s Armenian population—when Irina herself was forced to flee her home, along with countless refugees—only compounded the crisis faced by her patients.

Eventually, Irina was able to settle in Yerevan. And she gives thanks to the one helping hand that allowed her to move forward in this stressful time: the Fund for Armenian Relief. It was FAR that gave her financial support while Irina pursued her residency in Reproductive Medicine at Yerevan State Medical University. As a result, she is now working at the city’s Astghik Medical Center, where she plans to focus on in vitro fertilization (IVF) to assist couples desperate to start their own families.

“This has been the fulfillment of a primary passion in my medical career,” Dr. Saghyan says today. You can learn more about programs to support displaced healthcare professionals on FAR’s blog.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECYCLING PROGRAM NEWS

Thanks to our Recycling Committee for their work in sorting and bringing home the recyclables every Sunday, especially during our recent Food Festival. What has been discouraging, though, is that people continue to throw half-full coffee cups and food into the container, which makes it very messy for us. Please put only the following in the container:

Empty plastic bottles

Empty aluminum cans

Empty glass bottles

Nothing else!!

No paper, no plastic silverware, no coffee cups, no paper plates, no food. We are trying to keep things simple.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please email Roxanne Paul at rangerrox@msn.com. Thank you for being so supportive in helping keep our planet cleaner!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Special Gift for St. Mary Gift Shop

St. Mary gift shop is offering limited numbers of imported bottles of medieval Armenian health elixirs formulated from ancient manuscripts deciphered at the Matendaran Museum of Ancient Armenian Manuscripts. These elixirs are made in Armenia by Armen Sahakyan, a pharmacologist and botanical scholar who has been working at the Matenadaran Museum for the last several decades. A trained medical doctor ordained a deacon in 1997, Sahakyan has dedicated his life to the maintenance of Armenia’s sacred botanical traditions.

The three different batches available at our gift shop (Royal Elixir, Arates Elixir and Arates Tonic) are made from a codified recipe of medieval Armenian medicine, using a special distillation process. They contain medicinal and aromatic plants, known for their healing properties. Through the distillation and aging process alcohol is created, so think of them as perhaps Armenia’s first (healthy) cognac! 

The supplies are limited and each bottle is numbered, including the batch and year of production. All of the bottles were donated to St Mary Church, so 100% of the proceeds will go to the St Mary Endowment Fund, with a portion also going to support Armenian clergy serving in Artsakh.

"Embrace the Future" Endowment Fund

Dear Parishioners and Friends, 

This year, we celebrate the 92nd Anniversary of the St. Mary Community and Church. "Embrace the Future" Endowment Fund was established on the occasion of the 90th anniversary and continues to help ensure our church has the resources needed to continue serving our beloved community.  

Just as you plan for your future and that of your family, please join us in planning for the future of St. Mary Church. 

We are asking for your support so that St. Mary will be able to continue to fulfill her mission for future generations.  

The link below lists various opportunities for you to make a meaningful gift of lasting significance that will help support our church's long-term security, visibility, and vitality. Please consider making either a one-time gift or pledge, which would allow you to make payments over a five-year period.

Join St. Mary's Prayer Group

We are initiating a new form of ministry at St. Mary Armenian Church. For parishioners who would like to make an electronic prayer request, they can do so by Clicking Here

A group of volunteers will receive the request and pray at their earliest convenience. Additionally, a new physical prayer request box will be placed at the entrance of St. Mary Armenian Church with blank forms that anyone can fill out and drop in the box. These requests will be retrieved weekly and delivered to the members of the volunteer prayer group. If you would like to become one of the volunteers of the Prayer Group please email us. 

Please click on the link below to present your request. 

Buy a Brick and Leave Your Legacy at

St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church

Bricks can be ordered and purchased by clicking below and

filling out a simple online order form.

You can choose to have a 4" x 8" brick

which includes your preselected

3 lines of 20 characters per line of text.

Or you can choose to have the

Armenian Cross artwork on the 4" x 8" brick

which includes your preselected

3 lines of 15 characters per line of text.

Order Today While Quantities Last!

Payment can be made with PayPal or a Credit Card.

Legacy Brick Donations are Tax Deductible.

May 1, 8 Backgammon Tournament (see flyer for details)

May 9 Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ

May 17, 18,19 Spring Food Festival

June 8 Dinner Dance with Bartev (see flyer for details)

ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH WED EDUCATIONAL

FUND SCHOLARSHIP

Application for the WED Educational Fund Scholarship is now available at St. Mary's website www.stmaryaac.org. The application deadline for the 2024-2025 academic year is

May 31, 2024.

Click here to access the scholarship application. If you have questions, contact the St. Mary Church office at stmarychurchdc@gmail.com

14Տօնակատարութեան կէսին Յիսուս տաճար ելաւ եւ ուսուցանում էր։ 15Հրեաները զարմանում էին ու ասում. «Սա ինչպէ՞ս գիտէ Գըրուածքները, քանի որ բնաւ չի սովորել»։ 16Յիսուս նրանց պատասխան տուեց ու ասաց. «Իմ ուսուցումն իմը չէ, այլ՝ նրանը, ով ինձ ու¬ղարկեց։ 17Եթէ մէկը ուզում է նրա կամքը կատարել, կ՚իմանայ այս ուսուցման մասին, թէ Աստծո՞ւց է արդեօք, թէ՞ ես ինքս ինձնից եմ խօսում։ 18Ով ինքն իրենից է խօսում, իր համար է փառք փնտռում, իսկ ով փնտռում է նրա՛ փառքը, ով իրեն ուղարկել է, նա ճշմարիտ է, եւ նրա մէջ սուտ բան չկայ։ 19Օրէնքը ձեզ Մովսէսը չտուե՞ց, բայց ձեզնից ոչ ոք Օրէնքը չի կատարում։ 20Ինչո՞ւ էք ուզում ինձ սպանել»։ Ժողովուրդը պատասխան տուեց ու ասաց. «Քո մէջ դեւ կայ, ո՞վ է ուզում քեզ սպանել»։ 21Յիսուս պատասխան տուեց նրանց ու ասաց. «Մի գործ արեցի, եւ ամէնքդ զարմացել էք։ 22Մովսէսը դրա համար ձեզ տուեց թլփատութիւնը (թէեւ այդ ոչ թէ Մովսէսից էր, այլ՝ հայրերից)։ 23Եւ շաբաթ օրով մարդ էք թլփատում։ Իսկ արդ, եթէ մարդը շաբաթ օրով թլփատւում է, որպէսզի Մովսէսի Օրէնքը չըխախտուի, իմ վրա՞յ էք բարկացած, որ շաբաթ օրով մի ամբողջ մարդ բժշկեցի։

(Յովհ. 7:14-23)

In the middle of the feast, Jesus went up into the temple and taught. The Jews marveled at it, saying, "How is it that this man has learning when he has never studied?" So Jesus answered them, "My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me; if any man's will is to do his will, he shall know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. He who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory, but he who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him, there is no falsehood. Did not Moses give you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why do you seek to kill me?" The people answered, "You have a demon! Who is seeking to kill you?" Jesus answered them, "I did one deed, and you all marvel at it. Moses gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man upon the sabbath. If on the sabbath a man receives circumcision, so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because on the sabbath I made a man's whole body well?"

(John 7:14-23)

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, tapestry icons, children's and adult books, T-shirts, hats, bags, Armenian CDs, Armenian artwork, and much more. 

The Gift Shop is open every Sunday after Church service and by appointment, call the church office at 202-363-1923 or send an e-mail to stmarychurchdc@gmail.com