ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH 
SHNORHALI MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER
MARCH 2020
Women's Guild General Meeting

With 22 members present, Women’s Guild held their first general meeting of 2020 on Saturday, February 29th. After a delicious brunch the group enthusiastically discussed the events for the upcoming months and confirmed “charge” persons for the Spring Food Festival workshops. Be on the look out for emails regarding the different exciting events and for emails to sign up for the workshops. 
Armenian Khatchkar at the Museum of Bible

A replica of the Armenian Khatchkar of a famous Armenian architect, sculptor and a master artist of Armenian illuminated manuscripts from Momik (died 1333) was installed this week at the Museum of the Bible. A sculpture and Khatchakr artist from Armenia Mr. Ruben Nalbandyan made and donated the Khatchkar to the Museum of the Bible for a permanent display. 

It will be displayed for viewing this Saturday, March 7 during the reception and concert titled "Between the Four Rivers" - one-of-a-kind performance celebrating Armenian spirituality presented in collaboration with the Armenian Embassy and Museum of Bible.  
Armenian Miniature Course

This semester, the St. Mary's Shnorhali School has started a course of the art of Armenian Miniature for its students. Every Sunday, the students and some of the parents meet to learn about the rich art, culture and the techniques of Armenian Miniature painting. The course is being taught by Tikin Anna Mkitaryan, an experienced miniature artist.
Concert and the opening of Khatchkars at the Museum of the Bible

On March 7th, a concert titled “ Between The Four Rivers ” took place at the Museum of the Bible in Washington D.C. Prior to the concert two Khatchkars and the model of the Tatev Monastery Complex, which just have arrived from Armenia, were displayed to the public. 

At the opening of the concert, the Ambassador of Armenia to the United States Mr. Varujan Nersessyan announced about the lunching of the exhibit of the ancient Armenian Manuscripts and other artifacts at the Museum of the Bible. The Exhibit titled “The Breath of God – Armenia and the Bible” will take place from September 2021 through April of 2022. 

The ambassador also mentioned that the replica of the Momik’s Noravank Khatchkar from 1308 AD was made possible through the efforts of the Embassy and St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church of Washington, DC. The beautiful Khatchkar was carved by master- sculpture Ruben Nalbandyan and donated to the Museum of the Bible on behalf of the people of Armenia. Both Khatchkars and the model of Tatev Monastery will be permanently displayed the Museum of the Bible.
Lenten Service, Discussion and Dinner

During the second and third weeks of our Lenten journey the parishioners and friends came together for a worship service, spiritual presentation and dinner with this year's theme entitled "Living the Gospel of Christ: James: Message of Living Faith." The topic concentrates on the journey through Lenten period studying the Letter of James. The Letter shows how a genuine faith is a tested faith and how encounter with difficulties is an essential part of the growth to Christian maturity.
 
Dn. Mark Krikorian and Yn. Jennifer Karapetyan talked about how faith changes the way we live and how through faith our lives change when we reach out and help others. They concentrated on the 2nd and 3rd chapters of the Epistle of James underlining their relevance and importance in our lives today.

Towards the end of the service and presentation the parishioners enjoyed each others fellowship and dinner hosted and sponsored by Mrs. Jermen Halajian and Yn. Jennifer Karapetyan on March 6, and St. Mary Women's Guild on March 11.
Hokehankists - Requiem Services

March 1, 2020
For the Souls of: Haik Shahramanov and Parandzem Shahramanova
(20 anniversary )
Requested by: Anna Amirkhanyan (granddaughter)

March 8, 2020
For the Soul of: Hilda Ekmekciyan Witherspoon
Requested by: Robert Witherspoon (Husband)

For the Souls of: Naghshoon Shahvetdi (40 days), Antanes Shahverdi (13 years) and Saghatel Shahverdi
Requested by: Khachik and Armineh, Albert and Jerrie (sons and daughters in law), Karmen and Varand Khachatorian (daughter and son in law), Zakar and Pat Shahverdian

For the soul of: Sona Zorayan-Balayan
Requested by: Maral & Jirair Balayan

March 15, 2020
For the Soul of: Rimma Tuniyants
Requested by: Vardan Matevosyan (son)

March 22, 2020
For the Souls of: Mary Sarkisian (1st anniversary) Jack Andonian (28th anniversary)
Requested by: Clara Andonian and Family

For the Soul of: Needa Valizadeh
Requested by: Daryush and Armine Valizadeh

March 29, 2020
For the Soul of: Vagharshak Vartanian
Requested by: Bapken and Margarit Vartanian, brother of Vartan Vartanian and Manvel Vartanian.

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

March 31, 2020
Mike Shahinian
Beloved brother of Grace Shahinian, and uncle of Dean Shahinian.

May the Lord rest Their 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