December 13

Celebrating Faith and Service: A Milestone Weekend

On the weekend of December 7 and 8, friends and parishioners of St. Mary came together to celebrate a truly momentous occasion—an event filled with faith, fellowship, and joy. The community honored Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan’s 20th Anniversary of Ordination into the Holy Priesthood and commemorated 92 years of St. Mary’s service and faith. 

The festivities began on Saturday, December 7th, with a grand Anniversary Banquet held at O’Connell/Heritage Hall of the Catholic University of America. The evening opened with a heartfelt invocation by His Eminence Archbishop Vicken Aykazian and set the tone for reflection and gratitude. The banquet was graced by the presence of His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church, marking his first official visit to our parish. Many distinguished guests offered their congratulations and well-wishes to Fr. Hovsep, acknowledging his unwavering dedication and spiritual guidance over the past two decades. Among them were Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary and Der Hovsep’s sponsoring priest at his ordination, Her Excellency Lilit Makunts, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the United States, and Dr. Robin Darling-Young, Associate Professor of Church History at the CUA and advisor to Fr. Hovsep, renowned for her expertise in early Christianity and Armenian Christian traditions. On behalf of the parish council, Artur Sivaslian presented Der Hayr with a warm greeting and a special gift, and Hovsep Seferian delivered a heartfelt message of gratitude. Their words underscored the deep respect and affection held for Fr. Hovsep by the broader Armenian and academic communities.

A special acknowledgment goes to Boris Ghazarian and his family, who generously sponsored the banquet’s food through their business, Bark Barbeque Café. Their contribution provided not only a delicious meal but also exemplified the spirit of generosity and community that sustains St. Mary Church. The warmth and hospitality they extended enriched the evening and ensured that this celebration would be remembered for years to come.

The theme of the evening, “Stewards of Grace,” served as an important reminder of our collective calling to use our God-given talents in service to the community. The event was made possible through the support of dedicated parishioners and families, including the Aslanyan, Movsessian, Sivaslian, Sarkissian, and Trayan families, as well as Haykaram Nahapetyan and the St. Mary Parish Council. The banquet committee, led by Artur Sivaslian, Garegin Vardanyan, Jack Guiragossian, Yn. Jennifer Karapetyan, Maxine Turner, Onik Sivaslian, Raffi Sahakian, Shoghig Sahakian, and Sara Arabian, worked tirelessly to create a memorable evening for all. The evening was enriched by captivating performances, including Varuzhan Margaryan, a talented vocalist who traveled from Canada, and Karine Muradyan on piano, whose beautiful music filled the hall with joy and reverence.

On Sunday, December 8th, the celebration continued with a Special Divine Liturgy officiated by His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan. This profound moment of worship honored Fr. Hovsep’s milestone and marked the ordination of the next generation of Stewards of Grace. We were proud to witness the ordination of Deacon Edwin Tilimian and the following Sub-Deacons: Andre Alexandrian, Ruben Karapetyan, Aleksandr Nazaryan, Hovsep Seferian, Andrew “Ando” Seropian, and Sevak Stepanyan. Their commitment to serve our community is a testament to the enduring vitality of our faith and traditions. Additionally, at the conclusion of the service, six young female choir members received a special prayer and blessing for their head coverings from Srpazan: Maria Stepanyan, Debra Berberian, Talar Berberian, Ani Grigoryan, Lina Avetisyan and Nareh Melik-Stepanyan.

Following the ordination and Badarak, a lavish reception was organized by the parents of the newly ordained sub-deacons, providing a warm and festive environment for all attendees. During the luncheon, St. Mary’s Narek Bell Choir, under the direction of Maria Stepanian, and the talented Nishanian Sisters delivered beautiful performances that enriched the day. The heartfelt contributions of ACYOA Juniors and Shnorhali School students added a personal touch as they presented Fr. Hovsep with gifts filled with messages of gratitude and reflections on his profound impact on their lives.

Throughout the weekend, we were reminded of Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan’s humility, wisdom, and dedication. His 20 years of service have been marked by a steadfast commitment to spiritual growth, education, and community building. As we look to the future, let us carry forward the spirit of gratitude, stewardship, and unity, honoring the past while embracing the opportunities of tomorrow. Together, we are Stewards of Grace, building a legacy of faith and service for generations to come.

To support the "Embrace the Future" Endowment Fund, visit:

St. Mary's Embracing the Future Endowment Fund

May God’s grace continue to guide and bless our beloved St. Mary Church family.

TOP STORY   

The Saint Who Searched for the Ark

This Saturday, the Armenia Church will remember St. James of Nisibis—a favorite saint of the Armenians, who is considered to be a nephew of St. Gregory the Illuminator.

St. James (known as Hagop in Armenian) was a celebrated 4th-century ascetic and theologian. In A.D. 308 he was appointed as the second bishop of the Christian community in the Mesopotamian city of Nisibis—modern Nusaybin, situated near the Syrian border of historic Armenia. He was a signatory at the Council of Nicaea in 325, which devised the Nicene Creed (the Havadamk). St. James is also known as the first Christian to have searched for Noah’s Ark on Mount Ararat. He died around A.D. 338.

The Eastern Diocese has four parishes named for St. James—in Evanston, IL; Richmond, VA; St. Petersburg, FL; and Watertown, MA—where this weekend’s celebration of the saint’s feast day will hold special significance.

Click here to learn about St. James of Nisibis.

December 15, 2024

SUNDAY

SCHEDULE

Morning Service 

10:00 AM

Holy Badarak 

10:30 AM

Celebrant

Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan

Usher

Mrs. PatriciaYeghissian

Parish Council Members on Duty

Mr. Ohannes Sivislian

Choir

Mrs. Edita Kalayjian



Organist

Mrs. Karine Muradyan

Bible Readings: 

Isaiah 38.1-8,

Hebrews 1:1-14

Luke 17.1-10

HOKEHANKIST

REQUIEM SERVICE

To request a Hokehankist/Requiem Service

Please contact the Church Office by 12:00 Noon on Thursday

202-363-1923 or Go to www.stmaryaac.org to see the form.

Prayer of the week

Lord, please keep watch over your faithful people, strengthen those in captivity, and protect the holy soil of Armenia—now and always. Foil every aggressor against our homeland. Defend the innocent and voiceless, Lord.

Preserve the name and spirit of Artsakh in our hearts, forever. Console all those who grieve and remember those who sacrificed their very lives in your Name. Deliver your faithful children from conflict and bestow your peace on all mankind.

Guard us, O Christ our God, in peace under the shadow of your holy and venerable Cross. Deliver us from visible and invisible enemies. Make us worthy to give you thanks and glorify you with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and always. Amen.

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

Upcoming Book Presentation: "Odes of Saint Nersess the Graceful"

Join us on Sunday, December 15th at 1:30 PM, following Badarak, for a special book presentation by Dr. Jesse S. Arlen at St. Mary Armenian Church (4125 Fessenden St., NW, Washington, DC 20016). Dr. Arlen will introduce the newly released Odes of Saint Nersess the Graceful, an annotated translation of the hymns and prayers of Saint Nerses Shnorhali (1102–1173), a revered figure in the medieval Armenian Church. This work, co-authored with Matthew J. Sarkisian, brings these spiritual treasures into English for modern readers, highlighting their theological and poetic depth. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore an essential part of Armenian Christian heritage.

🎄 Join Us for a Festive Christmas Market and Bake Sale at St. Mary Armenian Church! 🎄

📅 Date: December 14

🕚 Time: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

📍 Location: 4125 Fessenden St. NW, Washington, DC 20016

🛍️ Explore Over 15 Vendors offering unique crafts, gifts, and traditional items – perfect for your holiday shopping! Don't forget to visit our gift store for exclusive finds and delightful Christmas treasures.

🍽️ Delight in Authentic Armenian Cuisine:

• Freshly made Lahmajun
• Hearty Soups
• Flaky Beoreg
• Irresistible Desserts

Bring your family and friends to celebrate the season with warmth, delicious food, and the joy of Armenian hospitality.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Faith and Joy: Reflections on The Birth of John the Baptist at Advent Bible Study

This week’s Advent Bible Study explored The Birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:57-80), a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness and His plans for redemption. Through the lens of Zechariah and Elizabeth’s journey, the study highlighted themes of trust, transformation, and preparation for Christ.

The session began with reflections on Israel’s historical and spiritual longing during the Roman occupation, emphasizing the significance of John’s birth as the fulfillment of God’s promise.

Through a verse-by-verse discussion, the group delved into the obedience of Zechariah and Elizabeth in naming their child John, meaning “God is gracious,” signifying their trust in God’s instructions over tradition. The restoration of Zechariah’s speech and his immediate praise to God revealed the transformative power of faith and obedience.

The study also explored Zechariah’s Benedictus, a song of praise celebrating God’s covenant faithfulness and the role of John as a forerunner preparing the way for Jesus. Participants reflected on how they, too, can prepare their hearts and guide others toward Christ, embracing John’s mission of light and reconciliation. We were reminded that God’s timing is perfect and His plans are always unfolding, even in seasons of waiting.

All are warmly invited to join us next week as we conclude this meaningful journey through Advent and celebrate the fulfillment of God’s greatest promise—Jesus Christ.

A Weekend of Faith, Celebration, and Gratitude: Honoring Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan and St. Mary Armenian Church

This past weekend was extraordinary for our parish and Shnorhali School as we celebrated two significant milestones: the 20th anniversary of Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan’s ordination into the priesthood and the 92nd anniversary of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church.

During a special Divine Liturgy presided over by His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Shnorhali students had the honor of witnessing the ordination of Deacons and Subdeacons. It was a sacred and transformative experience for our students as they gathered for the Patarag and watched members of our parish community embrace their calling to serve. Seeing familiar faces ordained into these holy roles was deeply inspiring and a beautiful reflection of discipleship in action, leaving a lasting impression on our students.

The Blessing of the Veils was another memorable moment during the weekend’s celebrations. Two of our students, Lina Avetisyan and Nare Melik-Stepanyan, were recognized for their active participation in the Choir and St. Mary’s Handbell Ensemble. Along with other young ladies in our church, Lina and Nare received this special blessing. Their dedication to enhancing our worship through music continues to bring us closer to God. Lina and Nare, thank you for sharing your talents and being wonderful examples of faith and service within our community.

The celebrations culminated with a heartfelt gesture from Shnorhali students and teachers, who presented Der Hovsep with a unique gift a book filled with handwritten letters and drawings. Each page was a personal expression of gratitude and admiration, a small yet meaningful token of appreciation for his two decades of faithful service to our parish.

Shnorhali School extends its deepest gratitude to Der Hovsep Karapetyan for his unwavering dedication, spiritual guidance, and leadership. Through your example, Father Hovsep, you have touched the hearts and lives of both our students and parish members. Your commitment to God and our community continues to inspire us all. May God bless you abundantly as you continue to serve with faith, love, and humility.

Toiletries for Teens Drive a Success!

The recent Toiletries for Teens drive, sponsored by the ACYOA Juniors, was an overwhelming success, with over 350 items generously donated by the community. The Juniors are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this important initiative.

The collected toiletries will be distributed to underprivileged teenagers in the local metro area through the Food for Neighbors ( https://www.foodforneighbors.org ) organization, which operates snack and toiletry pantries within public schools.

The ACYOA Juniors would like to thank the entire parish for their support!

Armenian Digital Advent Calendar

We are thrilled to announce that the new Digital Advent Calendar 2024-2025 created by the Children and Family Ministry has been launched. We hope this calendar will make the season of Thanksgiving and Christmas more joyful and become a handy tool to connect families through the light of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

After you have the calendar as an app on your screen, start opening the red doors on November 17. Each day the door will lead you to a new message and a Bible reading. Enjoy this calendar with your family and share it with your loved ones. Please note that you won't be able to open the doors before Sunday, November 17 - we don't want you peeking!



How to save to the home screen for iPad and iPhone.1. On your phone or the iPad open the link Digital Advent Calendar 2024-2025. Tap the share button on the bottom of the page or the top right corner. It looks like a square with an arrow pointing out of the top.

2. In the list of options, scroll down until you see “add to home screen”. Tap this. Then "add to home screen" dialog box will appear.

3. Choose a name for the website shortcut on your home screen. You'll see the link so you can confirm it, as well as the site's favicon that will appear as the "app" icon on your home screen. Click “add” when you're done. Safari will close automatically, and you will be taken to where the icon is located on your iPhone’s or iPad's home screen.

How to save to the home screen for Android.

1. On your phone or tablet open the link to Digital Advent Calendar 2024-2025.

2. Tap the menu icon (3 dots in the upper right-hand corner) and tap add to the home screen.

3. Choose a name for the website shortcut, and then chrome will add it to your home screen.

The Spirit of Christmas, Alive in Music

St. Vartan Cathedral hosted a soaring evening of choral music on Friday, December 6, as the Gomidas Choir of the Eastern Diocese presented its annual “Christmas at the Cathedral” concert. The cathedral sanctuary was filled to capacity with an appreciative audience, immersed in the joy and beauty of the season.

Gomidas Choir director Kris Kalfayan assembled a splendid, uplifting program for the beautiful voices of the ensemble. The featured artists included soloists Hasmik Asatryan (soprano) and Alvard Mayilyan (mezzo-soprano), and organist James Hopkins.

This year’s concert was made even more memorable by the presence of the Cathedral Choir of St. John the Divine, under the baton of Maestro Kent Tritle, which delivered a spectacular first-time performance in the cathedral.

“A heartfelt thank you to all our talented musicians, singers, and special guests who shared their gifts and brought the spirit of Christmas to life,” said Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan at the conclusion of the concert. “And to everyone who joined us, thank you for being part of this magical evening. Your presence and support remind us of the unity and love that this season represents.”

Click the link to view an extensive gallery of concert photos by photographer Harout Barsoumian.

To watch a brief clip of the choir‘s rendition of a classic Christmas carol, click here. Find recordings of the Gomidas Choir in concert on its YouTube page.

Gyumri’s Holy Savior Church Re-Opens After 36 Years

A deeply moving milestone for the faithful of the Armenian city of Gyumri took place last weekend, when they witnessed the re-opening and re-consecration of the city’s Holy Savior Armenian Church.

His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, presided over the ceremonies on December 5-8. These included various blessing services, the consecration of the main altar and sanctuary, and a solemn Divine Liturgy and requiem in memory of the victims of the 1988 earthquake that devastated the city of Gyumri and Armenia’s Shirak region.

Holy Savior Church was a casualty of that disaster, enduring destruction and a long period of disuse as a result. Efforts to reconstruct and restore the church have advanced at intervals over the past four decades.

Catholicos Karekin II referenced this history in his remarks during the December 7 consecration ceremony. “This 150-year-old church, destroyed in the earthquake of 1988, now re-opens its doors 36 years after the disaster that struck our Christ-loving faithful of Gyumri,” he said. “It is symbolic that on the 36th anniversary of the earthquake, we are performing this ceremony of re-consecration.”

In a gesture that held special meaning for the faithful, Catholicos Karekin II brought a relic of the True Cross of Christ (seen above) from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin to Gyumri, for veneration by the people of the city.

Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan, Primate of the Shirak Diocese, assisted His Holiness throughout the ceremonies, which drew large numbers of faithful and dignitaries from throughout the region.

Click the following links to read more, view photos, and watch a video digest of the ceremonies in Gyumri on the Facebook page of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

FAR NEWS

Say Ayo! to Spreading Christmas Cheer in Armenia

​This Christmas season spread some magic by partnering with the Ayo! crowd-funding platform of the Fund for Armenian Relief, to bring bicycles and Christmas trees to children displaced from Artsakh now living in Sisian.

For more than 35 years, FAR has been a trusted force for positive change in Armenia, empowering communities through humanitarian aid, education, healthcare, child protection, and economic development initiatives. With your support, FAR continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, students, farmers, doctors, seniors, and so many other Armenians.

Your gift—no matter the size—will bring hope and a smile to those who need it most. Learn more, and find ways to contribute, on the Ayo! website.

Deadline Approaching: Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Graduate Fellowship

Beginning in 2022, the Eastern Diocese became one of a few Armenian institutions authorized to nominate one candidate per year for the Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Graduate Fellowship.

Through a generous bequest at her death, Mrs. Liebmann—daughter of the great early 20th-century Armenian writer and statesman Krikor Zohrab—created a perpetual charitable trust to fund advanced education and graduate study grants in the United States of America.

Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Graduate Fellowships are to be awarded only to candidates who have outstanding undergraduate records, have demonstrated a need for financial assistance, are citizens of the United States of America, are enrolled in accredited colleges and universities in the United States, and have received baccalaureate degrees. The trustees welcome applications from students of all national origins who are U.S. citizens.

Qualified applicants should send materials to Dr. Jesse Arlen, director of the Eastern Diocese’s Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center. Click the link (and scroll down) for information and to download application forms. 

The application deadline is December 15, 2024. Applicants will be notified of decisions in June 2025. Please direct any and all inquiries to Dr. Arlen at zohrabcenter@armeniandiocese.org.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

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.

December 14 Christmas Market and Bake Sale hosted by the Parish Council

December 15 Book Presentation: "Odes of Saint Nersess the Graceful "by Dr. Jesse S. Arlen at 1:30 pm (after Badarak)

December 31 New Year's Eve Celebration at Bethesda Marriott Hotel @ 7 pm

January 6 Ararat Avak Society Christmas Luncheon at the Church Hall @ 1 pm

1 Յիսուս ասաց նաեւ իր աշակերտներին. «Անկարելի է, որ գայթակղութիւնը չգայ, բայց վա՜յ նրան, որի ձեռքով կգայ: 2 Նրա համար լաւ կլինէր, եթէ իր պարանոցից երկանաքար վէմ կախուէր, եւ նա ծովը գցուէր, քան թէ այս փոքրիկներից մէկին գայթակղէր: 3 Զգո՛յշ եղէք ձեր անձերի համար: Եթէ քո եղբայրը մեղանչի, սաստի՛ր նրան. եւ եթէ զղջայ, ների՛ր նրան: 4 Եւ եթէ եօթ անգամ մեղանչի քո դէմ եւ եօթ անգամ դառնայ քեզ եւ ասի՝ զղջում եմ, ների՛ր նրան»: 5 Եւ առաքեալները Տիրոջն ասացին. «Աւելացրո՛ւ մեր հաւատը»: 6 Եւ Տէրն ասաց. «Եթէ մանանեխի հատիկի չափ հաւատ ունենաք եւ այս թթենուն ասէք՝ “Արմատախի՛լ եղիր եւ տնկուի՛ր ծովի մէջ”, նա իսկ կհնազանդուի ձեզ: 7 Իսկ ձեզնից ո՞վ է, որ հողագործ կամ հովիւ ծառայ ունի, երբ սա ագարակից տուն մտնի, նրան կասի իսկոյն. “Անցիր, սեղա՛ն նստիր”. 8 այլ նրան չի՞ ասի. “Պատրաստի՛ր, ինչ ընթրելու եմ, եւ գօտի կապած ծառայի՛ր ինձ, մինչեւ որ ուտեմ ու խմեմ, եւ ապա կուտես եւ կխմես դու”: 9 Մի՞թէ տէրը շնորհապարտ կլինի այդ ծառային, որ իր բոլոր հրամանները կատարեց: 10 Նոյնպէս եւ դուք, երբ կատարէք այն բոլորը, որ ձեզ հրամայուած է, ասացէք, թէ՝ “Անպիտան ծառաներ ենք. ինչ որ պարտաւոր էինք անել, այն արեցինք”»:

(Ղուկասի 17.1-10)

17 Jesus[a] said to his disciples, “Occasions for sin[b] are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come! 2 It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little ones to sin.[c] 3 Be on your guard! If a brother or sister sins, you must rebuke the offender, and if there is repentance, you must forgive. 4 And if the same person sins against you seven times a day and turns back to you seven times and says, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive.”

5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6 The Lord replied, “If you had faith the size of a[d] mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.

7 “Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here at once and take your place at the table’? 8 Would you not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me; put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink’? 9 Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? 10 So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, ‘We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!’ ”

(Luke 17.1-10)

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