ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH 
SHNORHALI MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER
JUNE & JULY 2021
2nd Annual Father’s Day Celebration

This year Father’s Day was celebrated on June 20th with a feeling of somewhat relief from COVID 19 restrictions. The outpouring of support was heartwarming being provided by many volunteers who dedicated their time and shared their talents and skills.
We came together as a family and body of Christ to lift our prayers to our Heavenly Father for continuously pouring his blessings upon us. We celebrated Father Hovsep and his graceful leadership. A profound gratitude to our dedicated and loving parishioners and supportive community. The scrumptious meals were prepared by our very own Raffi Sahakyan and the team of seasoned chefs Takuhi Hallajian, Mari Shafakian, Margie Satian, Eva Shafakian, and Arda Kanderian-Hebert. We were fortunate to have our youngest volunteer in the group of senior chefs, Alexandra Kaloogian-Olson who meticulously and with much care prepared the colorful vegetables to be roasted to perfection. Preparing the meals was one aspect of the event. We couldn’t have done it without the expertise brought by Arlin Diratsuyan who ensured every order was filled and handed over to our returning volunteer Levon Yacoubian to the hands of our loyal supporters. In addition to the kitchen and the delivery operation, it was heartwarming to see our youthful parishioners Taleen Satian and Nicole Satian who answered the call to service. This event could not have been possible without the hard work of Berj Kalayjian who responded without any hesitation to offer his helping hands. Additionally, it was heartening to see our long-time parishioners John and Roxanne (Kumkumian) Schweitzer joining hands to put the final and most important touch to the day leaving the kitchen spotless and thoroughly organized. Likewise, we are indebted to Kevork and Varti Marachelians for their continued support. Last but not least, we extended our appreciation to the members of the St. Mary Gift Shop committee Aline Guiragossian and Ani Armani for overseeing the needs of our congregations perusing the array of products delivered directly from Armenia.
We look forward to seeing you all and to your participation in Sunday services.
Blessings in Christ,
St. Mary Parish Council
Book Signing and Presentation by Tatul Hakobyan

An Armenian journalist, reporter, independent political analyst, and author, specializing in the Karabakh issue and Armenia-Turkey relations Tatul Hakobyan, was the guest speaker at St. Mary Armenian Church on Sunday, July 11. Parishioners and friends have gathered to hear first-hand news about the current situation in Armenia and Artsakh. Mr. Hakobyan shared views about the recent election and what awaits Armenia and Artsakh in the future.
The speech was followed by a question and answer session and presentation of Mr. Hakobyan's books: Karabakh Diary: Black and Green, Armenians and Turks, The Valley of Death: 44-day catastrophe.
Yet Another Successful Lahmajun Carry Out Event

On Sunday, July 18, St. Mary Ararat AVAK Society Committee prepared Homemade Armenian-Lahmajun Carry-Out Meal.

Once again we extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated parishioners, friends, numerous volunteers, and especially The Avak Society Committee members who had done an incredible job to make this event possible and successful. Your continuous support of our church is very much appreciated. God bless you all.
Baptism and Confirmation

June 19, 2021
Mathias Aram Llerena
Son of German E Llerena and Nora Eva Shafakian
Godparents: Daniel A Llerena and Lerna Chaglassian

May God bless our newly-baptized with His love and may His protection and guidance always be with him.
Wedding

June 4, 2021
Nubar Atam and Ava Manokian
Parents: Hrayr Atam and Akabi Tomaskesis, Caro Manokian and Diane White
Best Man: Adam Atam
Maid of Honor: Mannik Manokian

July 8, 2021
Areg Bagdasarian and Janna Mosinyan
parents: George and Armine Bagdasarians, Aram Mosinyan and Karine Mkrtchyan
Best Man: Davit Avagyan
Maid of Honor: Lilit Sargsyan


Congratulations and may God make the newly married couple worthy of the desirable crown of Holy Matrimony.
Funeral

July 10, 2021
Dorothy Margaret Vartabedian Small
She was born on January 16, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York to Elise and Jack Vartabedian. She was the oldest of four children. Her siblings are Mihran, Mary, and Joseph.
She was a loving and devoted Mother to her five children, Linda, Laura, Luise, Allen, and to her precious daughter, Lauretta, who predeceased her in 2005.
 
July 20, 2021
Ani Bagdasaryan Keshishian
Ani Hera Keshishian was born in Istanbul, Turkey, on October 26, 1949, to Dr. Ara and Alis Bagdasaryan. She was the oldest of two siblings.
Ani is survived by her husband of fifty-three years: Vartkes Keshishian, her Daughters: Talar (Yeprem) Festekjian and Lilian (Peter) Festekjian. Grandchildren: Arlene, Alexander, Shaunt, and Christina.


Hokehankists - Requiem Services

June 6, 2021
For the Soul of:
Soghomon Bezik
Requested by:
Mrs. Toranj Khichadowr and daughter Jaklin Bezik & Family
Sons; Rafik & Razmik Bazikian and families

June 20, 2021
For the Souls of:
Mrs. Mary (Sarafian) Kooyoomjian and Mr. Thomas Vincent Smith (12th Year Anniversary)
Requested by:
 Kachig Jack and Geraldine A. (Smith) Kooyoomjian, and family
(Daughters) Jennifer (Anand), Melissa (Vinny), Jessica (Travis), and Kooyoomjian Family

For the Souls of:
Mr. Hovhanness Moosakhanian and daughter Mrs. Alvart Khatchatourian( 15th Year Anniversary)
Requested by:
Armik Khatchatourians (husband), son Aris Khatchatourians (fiance Brandy Terry), and daughter Ani (Raffie) Kehyaian and families
Alfred (Jenel) Moosakhanian and Medik (Ara) Georgian and families

June 27, 2021
For the Souls of:
Vahe and Keghouhi Aghabekian and Sylva Kapterian
Requested by:
Ara and Suzanne Kapterian, Andrew, Christine, George and Taylor Kapterian, Alex Moore and Nick Lord 

For the Souls of:
Mrs. Arousiag (Alice) Kumkumian
Dr. Charles Kumkumian and Ms.Linda Kumkumian
Requested by:
Greg Kumkumian, Simon Kumkumian, and Roxanne Schweitzer

For the Soul of:
Avag Akopov (40 Day Anniversary)
Requested by:
Mrs.Aida Akopov and daughter Laoura and son Albert
Mr.Valeri Akopov and family Asmik, Sima, and Kristina

July 18, 2021
For the soul of:
Raphael Assadour Missirian (1 Year Anniversary)
Requested by:
Missirian, Topjian, and Sarafian families

July 25, 2021
For the soul of
Grace Jelalian Shahinian( 40 Day Anniversary)
Requested by:
Dean Vahan Shahinian (son)

May God rest their souls in peace and may His loving favor be with their loved ones. 
St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church 
Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, Pastor
4125 Fessenden Street N.W, Washington, DC 20016 
202-363-1923 / www.stmaryaac.org