ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH 

MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER

March 2025

Reflecting on the Call to Repentance: The First Wednesday of Lent

On Wednesday, March 5, our parish gathered for the first evening of our Lenten Journey 2025, marking the beginning of a season dedicated to prayer, reflection, and renewal. The evening began with the Rest Hour Prayer Service in the sanctuary, following which Fr. Hovsep led a reflection on the theme "The Call to Repentance: Returning to God", inspired by the words of the Prophet Joel: "Return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning" (Joel 2:12).

Fr. Hovsep emphasized that repentance (Ապաշխարութիւն - Metanoia) is not simply an act of regret, but a daily movement of the heart toward God. Drawing from the teachings of St. Nerses Shnorhali, he introduced the prayer "I Confess with Faith" (Հաւատով խոստովանիմ), a deeply personal and penitential prayer that has guided the faithful for centuries. Through its powerful verses, we were reminded that true repentance consists of three essential movements: Humility – Recognizing our need for God’s mercy, just as the tax collector in Jesus' parable humbly cried out, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!" (Luke 18:13). Sincere Sorrow – A deep awareness of our sins, acknowledging that sin is not just a matter of action but of heart, mind, and soul. Desire for Change – A longing for transformation, asking God to turn our hearts away from sinful habits and toward holiness. He ended with the profound truth that repentance is not a burden but a gift—an invitation to return to the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father.

The evening concluded with a Lenten fellowship dinner sponsored by St. Mary's Parish Council. We invite everyone to join us each Wednesday at 7:00 PM as we journey together in faith, prayer, and renewal.

Shnorhali School Brings Barekendan Traditions to Life with Vibrant Celebration

On Sunday, March 2nd, 2025, Shnorhali School at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church brought one of Armenia’s most cherished traditions to life - Barekendan. This celebration was a true embodiment of the vibrant Armenian culture, weaving together history, religion, and beloved customs into an unforgettable event.

The students presented a captivating and dynamic exploration of Barekendan, combining educational insights with moments of lighthearted fun. Their spirited performance transported the audience through time, skillfully blending Tumanyan's famous Barekendan tale with lively demonstrations of traditional Armenian songs. A humorous wedding re-enactment, brimming with witty jokes, created a delightful fusion of past and present, engaging both young and old alike.

Adding richness and depth to the celebration were the beautifully crafted traditional ritual dolls. These symbolic figures embodied the essence of Barekendan—Grandmother Utis, with her ladle of abundance, and Grandfather Aklatis, a symbol of passion, moderation, and tradition. The dolls were more than just decorations; they were a tangible connection to the spirit of the holiday, adding layers of meaning to the festivities. Read more.

Lenten Journey: The Power of Almsgiving

On Wednesday, March 12, our parish gathered for the second session of the Lenten Journey series at St. Mary Armenian Church. The evening began with the Rest Hour service. Following the service, Nicolette Blackwell delivered a meditation on The Power of Almsgiving, emphasizing that true almsgiving is an act of self-giving love rooted in mercy. She highlighted how Christ, in the Sermon on the Mount, places almsgiving alongside prayer and fasting, showing its deep spiritual significance. She also connected the Armenian concept of voghormootyoon (mercy) with a call to active compassion, reminding us that acts of charity are not just about giving material aid but about embodying Christ’s love.

After the discussion, attendees proceeded to the church hall, where they enjoyed a delicious Lenten dinner sponsored by St. Mary's Women’s Guild. During the meal, Mariam Khaloyan, Director of Congressional Relations at the Armenian Assembly of America, provided an insightful briefing on the Assembly’s work and encouraged participation in the upcoming Advocacy Summit on April 16-17.

The evening was a meaningful opportunity for prayer, reflection, and fellowship, reminding us of the transformative power of almsgiving in our spiritual journey.

Acolyte Training Program at St. Mary Armenian Church

At St. Mary Armenian Church, a group of 13 dedicated altar servers are actively preparing for their ordination as acolytes under the guidance of Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan. This special program, held on Sundays after Badarak, provides young participants with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Armenian Church’s sacred traditions while growing in faith and service.

The Acolyte Training Program is designed with two primary goals in mind:

1. Education and Preparation – The altar servers receive hands-on instruction about the Armenian Church’s rich liturgical traditions. They learn about the sacred space of the church, proper etiquette, vestments, liturgical items, and their essential roles in the services, which equips them for their future ordination as acolytes and strengthens their participation in the Divine Liturgy.
2. Spiritual Growth and Commitment – Beyond teaching the liturgical functions, the program fosters a deep love for Christ, the Church, and the Armenian heritage. Through active participation in worship, the altar servers are encouraged to develop a lifelong commitment to their faith and community.

As these young altar servers continue their journey toward ordination, their enthusiasm and dedication serve as an inspiration to the parish, reinforcing the vibrant future of our church’s liturgical life.

Teen Lenten Good Deed



On Sunday, March 9th, the ACYOA Juniors youth group gathered in the kitchen to prepare sack lunches for those in need through the Small Things Matter non-profit organization. With the generous donations of supplies from our parish families, the youth successfully assembled 100 lunches. These meals were delivered to a low-income housing community for the elderly in Montgomery County. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the parents, teens, and particularly to Greg and Katie Kumkumian for their efforts in organizing this event.

Lenten Journey: Fasting and Prayer – The Path to Inner Renewal

On Wednesday, March 19, our parish gathered for the third session of the Lenten Journey series at St. Mary Armenian Church. The evening began with a Rest Hour service, which was followed by a meditation on Fasting and Prayer led by Dr. Nairy Ohanian. She explored the spiritual significance of fasting, emphasizing that it is not merely about abstaining from food but about deepening our relationship with God.

Drawing from Christ’s words in Matthew 6:16—“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do…”—she reminded attendees that fasting should be accompanied by humility, joy, and prayer. Dr. Ohanian also spoke about the transformative power of prayer, highlighting its role in strengthening the soul and fostering spiritual discipline.

After the discussion, attendees proceeded to the church hall for a delicious Lenten dinner, generously sponsored by our ACYOA.

Each Lenten Wednesday brings a new theme to help us embrace the spiritual journey toward the Holy Resurrection. We invite all parishioners to join us for these evenings of prayer, learning, and fellowship as we prepare our hearts for Easter.

Saintly Women’s Day Celebration at St. Mary

On Saturday, March 15, the St. Mary Women’s Guild hosted a beautiful Saintly Women’s Day celebration, honoring the faith and devotion of Saint Gayane. The event began with a devotional service in the church sanctuary, where attendees gathered in prayer and reflection on the inspiring legacy of St. Gayane.

Following the service, a luncheon was held in the church hall, where parishioners and guests enjoyed a time of fellowship. During the luncheon, the executive committee of the Women’s Guild expressed their heartfelt appreciation to Yn. Jennifer for her leadership and dedication as chairlady over the past years, recognizing her unwavering commitment to the Guild’s mission.

The highlight of the afternoon was a thought-provoking presentation by guest speaker Milena Oganesyan, who explored the portrayals of Armenian women in visual arts through the centuries. Her insightful talk shed light on the strength, faith, and contributions of Armenian women throughout history.

The event was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the legacy of saintly women, foster fellowship, and honor the dedicated service of the Women’s Guild members.

Lenten Journey: Humility and Overcoming Spiritual Pride

On Wednesday, March 26, St. Mary Armenian Church continued its Lenten Journey 2025 series with a meaningful evening focused on the theme of “Humility and Overcoming Spiritual Pride,” based on the Gospel verse: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12).

Following the Rest Hour service, Dn. Mark Krikorian offered a reflection on the importance of humility and the constant need to overcome spiritual pride—not only during Lent but throughout our Christian lives. Drawing from the teachings of Christ, he reminded everyone present that true humility opens our hearts to God's grace and transforms our spiritual journey.

Afterward, all in attendance gathered in the church hall for a Lenten dinner graciously sponsored by the St. Mary Choir members. During the meal, Alex Madajian presented an engaging slideshow, sharing his experiences from a six-month service with Birthright Armenia. His testimony reflected the deep connection between faith, identity, and service, offering inspiration to all.

It was an evening rich in reflection, fellowship, and encouragement, helping our parish community grow in humility and spiritual awareness during this sacred season.

Reflections on Armenian-Christian Heritage Shared at Catholic University Lecture

On March 27, members of our parish joined scholars, students, and guests at the Catholic University of America for a special event in the Grace and Paul Shahinian Armenian Christian Art and Culture Lecture Series. The lecture, titled “When Things Fall Apart: Disentangling Christian-Muslim Relations in Medieval Armenia,” was delivered by Dr. Sergio La Porta, a leading scholar of Armenian Studies and Acting Dean at California State University, Fresno.

Dr. La Porta’s talk explored the shifting relationships between Christian and Muslim communities in Armenia during the eleventh and twelfth centuries. He highlighted how, in the face of political upheaval—such as the Byzantine annexation and Seljuk invasions—a form of coexistence known as “rough tolerance” developed, only to unravel in the later medieval period. Drawing on Armenian historical and spiritual writings, including martyrdom narratives, Dr. La Porta illuminated how these texts both reflected and responded to the evolving dynamics of faith and identity during a complex era of Armenian history.

The Shahinian Lecture Series is named in honor of Paul and Grace Shahinian, the beloved parents of our longtime parishioner and ardent advocate of Armenian Christian heritage and art, Mr. Dean Shahinian. Their legacy continues to inspire thoughtful reflection on the richness of our Christian heritage.

We are grateful to all who attended and supported this meaningful event, which deepened our understanding of the enduring witness of the Armenian Church and people across the centuries.

Acolyte Training Session – March 30

On Sunday, March 30, following the Divine Liturgy, our altar servers gathered once again for a productive and spiritually enriching Acolyte Training session led by Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan. As part of St. Mary Armenian Church’s ongoing Acolyte Training Program, these sessions are designed to prepare our young altar servers for ordination as acolytes, equipping them with both knowledge and a deeper spiritual connection to their church.

This week’s session focused on the duties and meaning of the acolyte, the importance of their role in the Divine Liturgy, and the significance of ordination. The group also received instruction on the liturgical books used in the Armenian Church, learning how to handle them with reverence and understand their purpose in the flow of the worship service.

Through this training, our altar servers gain hands-on experience and grow in their understanding of the Church’s rich traditions. Their dedication and enthusiasm are a true blessing to our parish community and a testament to the bright future of our Church.

For more information about the Acolyte Training Program, please contact St. Mary Armenian Church.

Greeters Ministry Ushers Workshop – March 30

On Sunday, March 30, following the Divine Liturgy, St. Mary Armenian Church held a Greeters Ministry Ushers Workshop led by Anna Seferian. The 90-minute training brought together our dedicated team of Ushers to review the purpose, tasks, and responsibilities of this important ministry.

The session provided an opportunity to discuss current challenges and opportunities, share best practices, and strengthen our commitment to welcoming parishioners and visitors with warmth and grace.

We thank Anna for leading the workshop and all participants for their enthusiastic engagement and service to our parish community.

Mid-Lenten (Meechink) Luncheon – A Joyful Tradition

On Sunday, March 30, following the Divine Liturgy, the St. Mary Women’s Guild hosted a lavish Mid-Lenten (Meechink) Luncheon in celebration of the halfway point of Great Lent. Meechink is a cherished tradition in the Armenian Church, reminding us of the spiritual progress we have made and encouraging us to persevere with renewed strength and hope as we journey toward Holy Week and Easter.

Parishioners gathered in fellowship to enjoy a beautifully prepared Lenten meal, lovingly made by the members of the Women’s Guild. The afternoon was filled with warmth, community spirit, and gratitude.

We thank the Women’s Guild for their dedicated work in making this special event both meaningful and memorable.

Funerals

March 22, 2025

Jirair Khatchmanian

Jirair is survived by his wife, Alice Khatchmanian; his two daughters, Nathalie (Raffy) Ekhsigian and Talar (Geoff) Linder; grandchildren, Reed, Bennett, Nara, Davis and Lori

May the Lord rest his Soul in peace and grant His comforting Holy Spirit to their family members and friends.