September 22

TOP STORY   

Solemn, Sorrowful Days for Our Homeland

“We awoke this morning to the news that weighs heavily on our hearts,” wrote Diocesan Primate Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan in a solemn message on the morning of September 19.

The Primate sent his message to the faithful of the Eastern Diocese as news broke of yet another large-scale military attack on Artsakh, this time resulting in the shelling of peaceful communities, and the targeting of Artsakh’s capital city, Stepanakert.

“In times like this, we turn to our faith for strength and guidance,” Fr. Mesrop continued. “The people of Artsakh, our brothers and sisters, need our prayers now. As the Psalms assure us: ‘The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit’ (Psalm 34:18).”

What followed were tense hours for Armenians across the world. By midweek the attack had ended in a ceasefire; but it came at a great cost to the Armenians of Artsakh, with painful casualties among soldiers and civilians, the disarming of Artsakh’s defense forces, and a desperate reality emerging for future life there.

Earlier today, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II addressed these grave developments in a special message marking the 32nd anniversary of the Republic of Armenia’s independence. “As we welcome this anniversary, we are in the midst of great anxieties and worries, and the pain of new losses,” he said. “Today, our people in Artsakh are facing a dire, existential threat. A century after the Armenian Genocide, under the eyes of the civilized world, our people are once again tasting the bitterness of genocide.”

His Holiness concluded: “In this sorrowful time, let us all follow the example of our ancestors who overcame the storms of history, and find the strength of spirit in the words of the Psalmist: ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For thou art with me, Lord: thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me’ (Psalm 23:4).”

Click here to read his entire message, in English and Armenian.

In the days and weeks to come, please keep these calls to a united effort in your heart. And please offer prayers of your own for the Lord’s protection over our brave Armenian sisters and brothers in Artsakh.

Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak



On Sunday, September 24, Armenian Christians worldwide will mark the Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak—an observance unique to the Armenian Church.

In the 7th century, a monk named Totig had a vision of a brilliant cross descending from Mount Varak in historic Armenia and coming to rest on the monastery at the mountain’s foot. Totig raced to where the vision had led him, and there found a miraculous Christian relic: a fragment of the True Cross of Jesus Christ!

How had it gotten there? The relic had been brought to Armenia by St. Hripsime, in the late 3rd century, during her flight to find refuge from the persecutions of pagan Rome. When St. Hripsime was martyred by King Drtad, the hiding place of the cross was forgotten—and the holy relic had languished in its secret place for nearly 300 years, before being found again by the monk Totig.

To commemorate this discovery, the Catholicos of the time, St. Nersess the Builder, established a feast day. And the Holy Cross became a relic of great power in Armenia, moving from Varak to Sepastia and finally to Van, where it still could be seen by pilgrims—until the time of the Genocide.

Click here to read more about the Armenian Church’s Season of the Holy Cross.

September 24, 2023

Morning Service 

10:00 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:30 AM

Celebrant

Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan

Usher

Rouzanna Oganissian

Parish Council Members on Duty

John Asadoorian

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian

Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings: 

Is 14:3-17

2 Cor 10:18-11:10

Mk 10:1-12

Prayer of the Week

Lord, please keep watch over your faithful people and the holy soil of Artsakh and Armenia, now and always. Grant them strength, and lead us together through the present time of trial.

    O Lord our God, listen to the voice of supplications of your servants and keep unshaken the Republic of Armenia, which you restored through the grace of your mercy. Bless, O Lord, our ancestral land, so that the site where you first established the blessed paradise would again bloom with flowers. Bless, O Lord, everything that is good in it, and especially its appellation, the name Armenia. Amen.

For the Souls of:

Victims of Azerbaijan's aggression



For the Soul of :

Zhora Azizyan

Requested by:

Artak and Karine Azizyan

For the Soul of :

Berjouhi Kazanjian

Requested by:

Ani Kazanjian

For the Souls of:

 Alphonse Tomasian (14th anniversary)

George Dunyan (13th anniversary)

 Requested by:

Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan and the Parish Council 

For the Soul of:

Qajik Stepanyan

Requested by:

Stepanyan- Zenyan Family 

For the Soul of:

Kevork Bolat (40 Days; Australia)

Requested by:

Krikor Bolat (brother), nephews and nieces

For the Souls of:

Stephen Berberian, Jean Berberian, Tatos Bazoian, Hripsime Bazoian, Krikor Berberian, Hripsime Berberian, Krikor Mahakyan

Requested by:

Brenda and Debora Berberian

For the Souls of:

Albert (60 anniversary) Dorothy (6 anniversary) Chakarian

Requested by:

Dale Chakarian Turza and Peter Turza

The Hospitality Table is hosted by:

Ani Kazanjian & Bolat Families

--------------------------------------------

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

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

A Prayer for the Republic of Armenia

During this tense, disheartening time for all Armenians, we cannot forget that September 21, marks the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Armenia. The rebirth of the Armenian homeland remains one of the most momentous developments in the history of the Armenian people. Armenia’s citizens voted for independence from the Soviet Union on September 21, 1991, and the resulting free republic became a member of the United Nations on March 2, 1992.

On Sunday, September 24, parishes of the Eastern Diocese will conduct the “Order of Thanksgiving Prayer of the Republic of Armenia.” Click here to download the prayer booklet.

In typical times, the occasion is marked by celebrations in the Armenian Republic and in our communities across the diaspora. In light of recent developments, our hearts are intensely focused on the well-being of Artsakh and Armenia, the health and safety of our people, and the enduring security of our homeland. Our prayers in this cause have never been so urgent—or so meaningful.

May our risen Lord bestow his eternal grace upon our homeland and keep it strong under his loving protection. May He bless the souls of all who have sacrificed in its cause and guide all its citizens in their heroic efforts to overcome adversity and endure.

St. Mary Armenian Church Celebrates Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, one of the five Dominical Feasts in the liturgical calendar of the Armenian Chruch, was observed with great reverence and joy at St. Mary Armenian Church on Sunday, September 17. The day was filled with prayer, fellowship, and the rich traditions of the Armenian Church.

The day commenced with the morning service, setting a solemn and reflective tone. This was followed by Badarak, where parishioners filled the sanctuary to partake in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. The spiritual highlight of the day was the blessing for the four corners of the world service, a unique and profound ritual that involves the Cross and sweet smiling basil, signifying the spread of Christ's blessings to all corners of the earth.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the fellowship hour allowed parishioners to connect and share their experiences. It was during this time that the blessing of the Madagh took place. The Madagh, a traditional Armenian sacrificial meal, was generously donated by St. Mary Church Young Professional Group. This act of giving not only reflects the spirit of the feast but also underscores our young professionals' commitment to our church's life and mission.

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross serves as a reminder of the Cross' central role in Christian faith and salvation. It is a day to reflect on the love of Christ, His sacrifice, and the hope it brings to all believers.

We express our gratitude to the St. Mary Church Young Professional Group for their generous donation and to all the parishioners who participated in this sacred celebration. We look forward to many more such events that strengthen our faith and bring us together as a community.

St. Mary Armenian Church Hosts Second Prayer for Healing Service

On Monday, September 19, St. Mary Armenian Church held its second service of Prayer for Healing, gathering parishioners for a time of prayer, reflection, and healing.

The evening began with a brief healing prayer service, with the blessings of holy water, asking God's intervention to ease the pains of the body, mind, and soul and to bestow His peace upon all present. 

The primary focus of the day was to fervently pray for the peace, justice, and well-being of Artsakh and its people during these perilous times.

Following the Prayer for Healing service, those present engaged in a Bible Study focusing on Matthew 8:5-13. This passage, which narrates the faith of the Centurion and the healing of his servant, served as a fitting conclusion to the evening, reinforcing the message of faith and divine healing.

We are thrilled to announce that the Prayer of Healing and Bible Discussions will continue to be offered every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. 

White Elephant Sale/ Fall Festival

We are having our traditional White Elephant Sale during Fall Festival, so please bring your quality, gently used items to church on Sunday mornings, or Monday through Friday between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.

Space is limited, we appreciate donations (no clothes, books, or large items).

Thank you for your generous support through monetary donations or through the donation of time to make our Annual Food Festival a success.

Fresh New Look for St. Mary's Social Halls



If you visit St. Mary this Sunday and join us at the church's cultural hall after the Liturgy, you will notice a drastic change. We are thrilled to announce that both our large and small halls have recently received a beautiful painting facelift!

The transformation has given a fresh and uplifting aura to the spaces where we gather for fellowship, celebrations, and community events. The new paint has revitalized the halls, making them even more inviting and conducive to spiritual and social gatherings.

A special word of thanks to Emma Hakobian for her invaluable contributions to this project. Emma's designer skills were instrumental in helping us pick the perfect colors that both complement our church's aesthetic and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

We invite all parishioners to experience the rejuvenated spaces!

“The Lord heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” Psalms 147

Prayers for Healing

Աղօթք Բժշկութեան

Join us in this ancient Armenian Church tradition:

A brief prayer service, holy Scripture, and blessing of holy water asking God to ease the pains of body, mind, and soul and bestow his peace.

The Bible Discussions on the healing miracles of our Lord will follow the services.

Prayer of Healing and Bible Discussions will be offered every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

ALL ARE WELCOME

 THE FIRST SERVICE WILL BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 12th, 2023

St. Mary Food Festival -Sponsorship Opportunities

Dear Friends, 

At St. Mary, we are very excited to host the 75th Annual Armenian Fall Food Festival on October 6, 7 and 8, 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.

Please Click on the Link Below to BECOME A SPONSOR. 

All donations are tax-deductible.

Dear Parish Community,

The staff and teachers of Shnorhali Armenian School are delighted to welcome you to the 2023-2024 academic year. The registration is now open. We are happy to see our school once again filled with positivity and learning and fueled by kids’ laughter and joy!

Please click on the link below for more information.

SHNORHALI SCHOOL CALENDAR

• Sunday, September 24th - Back to School fun event after school for students and parents, Book Fair, and the School Yearbook sale

UPCOMING EVENTS

St. Nersess to Honor 12 Priests and Lay Alumni on Nov. 4



St. Nersess Armenian Seminary will highlight the vocations of 12 alumni priests and lay ministers, with a gala banquet on Saturday, November 4, 2023.

This will be the second in a series of tribute events featuring alumni of St. Nersess who serve the Armenian Church in various capacities. The first celebration took place in November 2021 and established the “12 Vocations” theme. The upcoming event will build on that idea, under the title: “12 Vocations: Broadening the Call.”

This year, the event will honor a seminary graduate who became a hierarch of the Armenian Church: Archbishop Avak Asadourian (priestly ordination in 1977, episcopal consecration in 1982), who recently retired after a long tenure as Primate of the Diocese of Iraq.

He will be honored along with seven clergymen and four lay ministers—listed here by ordination or graduation date: Fr. Krikor Sabounjian (ordained 1998); Fr. Sarkis Petoyan (ordained 1998); Fr. Abraham Ohanessian (ordained 1999); Fr. Mikael Devejian (ordained 2000); Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan (ordained 2004); Fr. Aren Jebejian (ordained 2004); Fr. Bedros Kadehjian (ordained 2005); Mka. Valerie Goekjian Zahirsky (graduated 1974); Yn. Sirarpi Feredjian Aivazian (graduated 1978); Nancy Basmajian (graduated 1979); and Shaké Ajamian Derderian (graduated 1989).

Invitations and further details on the November 4 banquet will be coming soon. Contact event co-chair Lynn Beylerian at lynnbeylerian@gmail.com or access the seminary website: www.stnersess.edu. 

DIOCESAN & OTHER NEWS

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 90th Anniversary of the St. Mary Community and Church with the launch of the new "Embrace the Future" Endowment Fund 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.

Dear Parishioner,



St Mary’s is preparing for its FY 2023 Fall Food Festival, and we are seeking your participation. The Woman’s Guild makes excellent traditional food and dishes. 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. 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4DA4A82FA6F5C25-fall 



We look forward to hearing from you.

NEW RECYCLING PROGRAM AT ST. MARY'S



There is now a blue recycling bin in the hall at St. Mary Church. Please only deposit empty plastic bottles and aluminum cans in the container. We are looking for volunteers to sign up about once a month to take the recyclables home with them after church or during the Food Festival. It involves sorting through what's in the clear recycling bag and discarding any trash that might have been put in the bag. Then, you replace the clear bag with one from the box in the kitchen marked "Recycling Bags, Not for Trash". I have created a SignUp Genius link to sign up for a slot. Please see St Mary's Armenian Apostolic Church: St. Mary's Recycling Committee (signupgenius.com). If you have any questions, please email me at rangerrox@msn.com. Thanks for your help in keeping God's good earth cleaner!

September 24 Shnorhali School Back to School Night

September 24 Family Sunday (Last Sunday each month - babysitting available)

October 1       Feast of Holy Cross of Varak

October 6-7-8 Fall Food Festival

October 15 Lecture on Nersess Shnorhali by Dr. Jesse S. Arlen -Director of Zohrab Center

October 28 Celebration of the 12th Anniversary of the Church Gift Store

October 29  Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross

October 29 Shnorhali School Talent Show

November 21 Presentation of the Holy Mother-of-God to the Temple

December 9   Feast of the Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary

December 10 Celebration Of the 91st Anniversary of the Church

December 24 Shnorhali School Christmas Celebration

Յիսուս այնտեղից վեր կացաւ եկաւ Հրէաստանի սահմանները, Յորդանանի միւս կողմը. եւ ժողովուրդը դարձեալ գնում խռնւում էր նրա շուրջը, եւ նա, ինչպէս սովոր էր, նորից ուսուցանում էր նրանց։ 2Իսկ փարիսեցիները մօ¬տե-ցան եւ նրան փորձելով՝ հարց տուին ու ասացին. «Օրինաւո՞ր է, որ մարդ իր կնոջն արձակի»։ 3Նա պատասխան տուեց նրանց եւ ասաց. «Մով¬սէսը ձեզ ի՞նչ պատուիրեց»։ 4Եւ նրանք ասացին. «Մովսէսը հրաման տուեց արձակելու թուղթ գրել եւ արձակել»։ 5Յիսուս պատասխանեց եւ ասաց նը-րանց. «Ձեր խստասրտութեան պատճառով գրեց այդ պատուիրանը, 6մինչ-դեռ արարչագործութեան սկզբից Աստուած արու եւ էգ ստեղծեց նրանց»։ 7Եւ ասաց. «Դրա համար տղամարդը պիտի թողնի իր հօրն ու մօրը եւ պի¬տի գնայ իր կնոջ յետեւից։ 8Եւ երկուսը մի մարմին պիտի լինեն, եւ այլեւս եր¬կու չեն, այլ՝ մէկ մարմին։ 9Արդ, ինչ որ Աստուած միացրեց, մարդը թող չբաժանի»։ 10Եւ աշակերտները տան մէջ դարձեալ նոյնը հարցրին նրան։ 11Եւ նրանց ասաց. «Եթէ մի մարդ արձակի իր կնոջը եւ ուրիշին առնի, շնու-թիւն արած կը լինի։ 12Եւ մի կին եթէ թողնի իր ամուսնուն եւ ուրիշ մարդու կին լինի, շնութիւն արած կը լինի»։

Մարկոս 10:1-12

And he left there and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan, and crowds gathered to him again; and again, as his custom was, he taught them. And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" He answered them, "What did Moses command you?" They said, "Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to put her away." But Jesus said to them, "For your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, `God made them male and female.' `For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one.' So they are no longer two but one. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder." And in the house, the disciples asked him again about this matter. And he said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another, commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery."

Mark 10:1-12

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