St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church
Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, Pastor
Address: 4125 Fessenden St. NW, Washington, DC 20016
Tel: 202-363-1923
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Dawn of the Christian Faith in Armenia
On Saturday, July 30th, the Armenian Church will observe the Feast of St. Thaddeus the Apostle and St. Sandukht the Virgin. The story of these two saints sheds light on the early days of Christianity in Armenia.
Armenia in the first century was a pagan kingdom ruled by a powerful royal family. It held strongly to its inherited pagan practices—until a man named Thaddeus ventured to Armenia.
He was one of the apostles of Jesus Christ, and preached the Lord’s message in people’s homes, in hidden underground chambers, in the market, and on the streets. Moved by the Good News, many of the common folk converted to Christianity.
Rumors of this unusual man reached the royal court and caught the ear of Sandukht, the daughter of Armenia’s king Sanadrouk. Sandukht declared her faith in Christ and was baptized by Thaddeus. But when the king’s spies reported the news to her father, Sandukht was thrown in prison.
The king commanded his daughter to choose between the crown and the sword: either she would renounce Christianity and serve as a pagan princess, or face death. Sandukht chose the sword and became Armenia’s first Christian martyr. Shortly after Sandukht’s death, Thaddeus was also executed by the king. Their sacrifices planted the seeds of the Christian faith in Armenia—a faith that 300 years later would become the foundation on which to build a new Christian Armenia.
Sandukht’s dramatic story is the subject of a powerful video in the Diocese’s Bread and Salt series: “Crown or Sword.” Click here to view the video.
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HOKEHANKIST
REQUIEM SERVICE
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Morning Service
10:00 AM
Holy Badarak
10:30 AM
Celebrant
Fr. Bedros Kadehjian
Usher
Ms. Arlin Diratsuyan
Parish Council Members on Duty
Mrs.Shoghig Sahakyan
Choir
Mrs. Edita Kalayjian
Organist
Mrs. Karine Muradyan
Bible Readings:
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For the Soul of :
Zadik Ozbenian ( 40 Days)
Requested by:
His children; Garo, Janser & Maryam, Brothers; Markar & Vartuvar, and Sister; Gulbahar and their families.
The hospitality table is hosted by: Ozbebenian Family
To request a Hokehankist/Requiem Service
Please contact the Church Office
by 12:00 Noon on Thursday
202-363-1923
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Prayer of the Week
My soul is always in your hands and I place my hope in your Holy Cross, O Heavenly King. May the multitude of your saints intercede on my behalf.
You who are patient with everyone, do not neglect me who trusts in you but keep me in peace with your precious and Holy Cross.
Lord, please keep watch over your faithful people and the holy soil of Artsakh and Armenia, now and always. Foil every aggressor against our homeland. Defend the innocent and voiceless, Lord. Deliver the world from every conflict, and bestow your peace on all mankind.
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Please tune in to St. Mary YouTube channel for the upcoming services and Badaraks |
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Save the Date
On the occasion of
the 90th Anniversary of the beginning of the Armenian Community of the Washington-Baltimore Metropolitan Area,
the Pastor, Parish Council, and the Organizing Committee invite you to the Celebration Banquet, which will take place on December 3, 2022.
Details to follow.
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St. Mary Armenian Church
Legacy Brick Drive
Honor your loved ones with
a memorial that will last a lifetime
Buy a brick and leave your legacy at St. Mary Armenian Church.
When you buy a brick, it is then engraved with your specified words or message, installed in front of the church, and becomes
a memory to view for years to come.
Laser engraved bricks will be displayed in our Church plaza,
on both sides of our beautiful Khatchkar, and can be dedicated to those
you wish to remember, honor Loved Ones, commemorate a
a special milestone like a baptism or wedding, or
acknowledge an organization or business.
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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.
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I-AM-AM; Global Armenian Business Directory
I-AM.AM was founded with the ultimate goal to support the economical growth of Armenia.
By connecting Armenian Owned Businesses globally, creating a centralized hub of everything Armenian, and implementing numerous projects that will boost the economy of the outer regions of Armenia, I-AM.AM community is creating a self–sufficient economy throughout the country. Click on the link below to learn more.
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Thank You for Your Expressions of Support, Concern, and Prayer
This week, the faithful of the Eastern Diocese were deeply moved by the grave news that our Primate, Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan, has been seriously injured in an automobile accident.
The accident occurred in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 16. Fr. Parsamyan was traveling to St. Vartan Camp on the New York State Thruway when short of the camp exit his car swerved off the highway. No other car was involved. He was transported by helicopter to Albany Medical Center. By God’s grace, Fr. Mesrop’s injuries were not life-threatening; however, he sustained damage to his hip and both ankles.
At this writing (July 21), our Primate has undergone extensive surgeries, and physicians are pleased with his progress. The treating physicians are also in contact with peers in Manhattan to facilitate the Primate’s anticipated return to New York City.
We are greatly heartened that Fr. Mesrop is receiving care at Albany Medical Center: a Level-One Trauma and Orthopedic Hospital—highly regarded in the state and national medical community. He is in the very good hands of an excellent team of physicians and surgeons, including a number of area Armenian doctors and nurses who are constantly looking after his well-being.
In addition, members of the Armenian American Health Professionals Organization (AAHPO) are in regular communication with the Diocese and the medical team in Albany, to keep everyone current on Fr. Mesrop’s treatment and status.
As for our Primate himself, he is fully alert, aware, and making decisions about his own health care. He will remain at Albany Medical Center until it is appropriate and safe to transfer him to New York City for continued care and rehabilitation. Certainly, it will be weeks before he will be able to put weight on his legs. But all who know Hayr Sourp are assured that he will meet the challenges before him with determination, work, and faith.
Above all we offer praise to our merciful Lord Jesus, who had his saving hand upon his servant last weekend and will continue to sustain Hayr Sourp in body and spirit. May the Lord bring healing to Fr. Mesrop, and to all who endure physical and spiritual injuries in our world.
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Since the initial announcement last Saturday, the outpouring of goodwill, affection, and prayer from our faithful has been beautiful to behold. Countless people have expressed a desire to send personal messages to Fr. Mesrop.
The Diocese has created an online platform to help you do so—which can be accessed at the link below. The Diocese will print your messages and deliver them to Hayr Sourp in the hospital. Your prayers and words of encouragement mean so much at this time.
We ask that you continue to pray for our Primate as he proceeds, with our Lord’s help, to a complete recovery. Pray, too, for the compassionate physicians and surgeons, who are diligently caring for our dear Arachnort.
Above: Diocesan Primate Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan expresses his gratitude to the faithful, during his enthronement ceremony on June 9, 2022. (Photo by Diran Jebejian)
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His Holiness Karekin II Making Brief Visit to Eastern Diocese
With prayerful joy, the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America welcomed His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, to our Diocese this week for a short stay during the month of July.
Catholicos Karekin II’s first act on arriving in America was to travel to Albany, NY, to spend time with Diocesan Primate Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan, who has been hospitalized following an auto accident on July 16 (see our Top Story above).
His Holiness will be in the U.S. from July 18 to July 29. Although there are no public events scheduled for this visit, Catholicos Karekin II will hold meetings with leaders of the Diocese and Armenian organizations.
We welcome His Holiness to our shores and wish him good health, safe travels, and success in his present visit.
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Building a Nest Egg, With Help From FAR
The Fund for Armenian Relief’s “Small Business Assistance Program” (SBA) provides grants to small business owners in Armenia, to help them launch their enterprises. The FAR program empowers Armenian business owners to enhance their future and gain greater self-sufficiency.
An example is Arsen Galstyan. One year ago, Arsen began his journey into the world of quail breeding. Back then he had 150 birds. Today, he has 700. Since starting his side business selling eggs and poultry for consumption, Arsen has increased his income by about 60,000 AMD (around $150) per month, supplementing what he makes at his day job as an agricultural specialist for a local Sisian Region village municipality.
With help from FAR, Arsen was able to purchase the tools and equipment he needed, like an incubator and a food grinder, to breed his quails.
Arsen spent 16 years working in Russia before coming back home to his village in Armenia. Once he expands his stock of quails to 1,000, he believes he will be able to double his income. Read more on FAR’s blog.
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CALENDAR OF UPCOMING FEASTS AND EVENTS |
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August 14
Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-of-God ( Աստուածածին) Blessing of the Grapes and the 2nd Annual St. Mary picnic
September 11
Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
September 21
Armenian Independence Day
October
Armenian Cultural Month
October 7-8-9
Fall Food Festival
October 23
Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross
November 21
Presentation of the Holy Mother-of-God to the Temple
November 24
Thanksgiving Day
December 3
St Mary's 90th Anniversary Celebration
December 9
Feast of the Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary
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PRAYERS FOR SPEEDY RECOVERY FOR |
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Anne Andonian, Aram Andonian, Hripsime Apkarian, Lucy Badalian, Ellen Boudreau, Mari Dogum, Anahit Greene, Antaram Grigoryan, Susana Grigoryan, Simon Gukasyan, Karen Hatchik, Charles Hoke, Tamara Hramushina, Takvur Hubi, Jo-Anna Jacob, Edward Jamgochian, Yn. Anahid Kalayjian, Meline Kaehn, Michael Kolenick, Jack Kooyoomjian, Anahid Ghazarian Luka, Queen Manoogian, Susanna Mkrtchyan, Haik Nalchaian, Armen Mark Nostrant, Hacik Ozdul, Mary Levon Panossian, Robert Schlee, Tamara Shatvoryan, Bob Semonian, Mihran Tavoukjian
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10 "See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. 12 "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13 And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14 In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.
(Matthew 18:10-14)
10 Զգո՛յշ եղէք, որ այս փոքրիկներից մէկին չարհամարհէք. ասում եմ ձեզ, որ երկնքում նրանց հրեշտակները մշտապէս տեսնում են երեսն իմ Հօր, որ երկնքում է. 11 որովհետեւ մարդու Որդին եկաւ փրկելու կորածը»։ 12 «Ձեզ ինչպէ՞ս է թւում. եթէ մի մարդ հարիւր ոչխար ունենայ, եւ նրանցից մէկը մոլորուի, իննսունինը ոչխարը լերան վրայ չի՞ թողնի ու գնայ որոնելու մոլորուածին։ 13 Եւ եթէ պատահի, որ այն գտնի, ճշմարիտ եմ ասում ձեզ, թէ նրա վրայ աւելի կ'ուրախանայ, քան իննսունիննի վրայ, որ մոլորուած չեն։ 14 Այսպէս՝ իմ երկնաւոր Հօր կամքը չէ, որ այս փոքրիկներից մէկը կորչի»։
(Մատթեոս 18:10-14)
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Please Stay Current with Your Membership
St. Mary Church brings us together to worship, educate, and serve, yet we need your help to sustain this mission. We call upon you to renew, or become a new member, because dues are the largest part of our church income to help keep our beloved parish doors open.
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Your Membership
MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Help us fulfill our mission to sustain and grow our ministries, worship programs and activities to strengthen our church family for generations to come. Thank you for your generosity and support. To Learn More About Membership
To Become A Member
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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 and tapestry icons, children and adult books, T-shirts, hats, bags, Armenian CDs, Armenian artwork, and much more.
The Gift Shop is open every Sunday after Church services and by appointment, call the church office at 202-363-1923 or send an e-mail to stmarychurchdc@gmail.com
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Please check out newly arrived Armenian Souvenirs directly from Artsakh at our Gift Shop. |
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Before COVID 19 and before the 2020 aggression against free and democratic Armenian Artsakh, the number of tourists visiting our second Armenian homeland was nearing 50.000 tourists per year. Today, during the first six months of 2021, the number was less than 1.500. Artsakh’s economy has suffered significantly because of the war. At st Mary’s gift store, we sell souvenirs that arrived directly from Artsakh. By purchasing gifts from Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, we help the people of our homeland; we highlight that our solidarity.
Please visit our store or contact us if interested. We receive coffee-jazzve, souvenir-plates, souvenir magnets, and many more directly from Stepanakert.
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St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church
Serves the Greater Washington, DC and Baltimore communities. Our mission is to proclaim and grow together in our Apostolic Faith in Christ Jesus and to sustain our Christian Armenian identity. We celebrate our long and enduring legacy,
the beautiful traditions of our religious and national heritage, with Christian servitude, and with love and reverence towards our Church.
We invite you and welcome you to be a part of our church,worship with us, and experience the true love of Christ as we grow together as a community.
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Signup / Stay Connected with St. Mary Church E-Newsletters and Correspondence.
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St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church relies on the generosity of individual donors so that it may continue ensuring service to God and fellowship to the Armenian Community. Your support is deeply appreciated. |
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St. Mary Armenian Church, Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, Pastor
4125 Fessenden St. NW, Washington, DC 20016 | stmarychurchdc@gmail.com
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See what's happening on our social site |
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