St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church has stood on Fessenden Street NW in Washington, DC for more than six decades, serving an estimated ten thousand Armenians across the capital region. Tucked one block east of Wisconsin Avenue behind a Citibank, the church is a short walk from the Friendship Heights Metro station on the Red Line, and it functions as a religious, cultural, and educational hub for Armenians drawn from nearly every continent. Under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, the parish has grown into a full Sunday community where the Badarak, Armenian-language schooling, family ministries, and centuries-old sacramental life all unfold within a single block.
The Badarak and a Sunday at St. Mary
The rhythm of the week centers on Sunday morning. At 9:30 AM, children gather in the sanctuary for Badarak Education, a thirty-minute formation program that introduces them to the structure and meaning of the Divine Liturgy, the sharagans (Armenian hymns), and the feasts of the Armenian Church. Shnorhali School students then move into their Armenian-language classrooms while adults take their seats for the 10:00 AM Morning Service and the 10:30 AM Divine Liturgy, the Badarak that gives the day its shape.
The Divine Liturgy follows the rite of the Armenian Apostolic Church, which the parish describes as an integral branch of the Universal Christian Church that has faithfully upheld the doctrines of the first three ecumenical councils: Nicea (324), Constantinople (381), and Ephesus (431). Worship is sung in Armenian and English, with the St. Mary Choir providing the bulk of the liturgical music. Three choir conductors lead forty singers, supported by nine deacons, five sub-deacons, and two organists. The choir welcomes parishioners of all ages and musical abilities; questions are directed to director Dr. Hratch Semerjian.
Services are livestreamed on the church's Facebook page so that parishioners who cannot be present in person can still follow the Badarak from home. Each Sunday a Shnorhali School student reads the Midday Readings from the Holy Scriptures during the Liturgy, a tradition that links the school directly to parish worship. Once a month the entire school community attends the Badarak together; during those services Der Hayr invites the students to kneel at the base of the altar to take part in Confession and Absolution, and baptized children may receive Holy Communion.
Seven Sacraments in the Armenian Tradition
St. Mary teaches and celebrates the seven sacraments of the Armenian Apostolic Church and prepares its members to receive each one with reverence and proper preparation.
Baptism is the first sacrament and the entry into the Christian life. The church teaches that through baptism the faithful become heirs to the heavenly kingdom, are cleansed from the inherited condition of Adam, and are adopted by the Heavenly Father. In the Armenian tradition Confirmation follows immediately after baptism; the priest anoints the forehead, eyes, ears, nostrils, mouth, hands, heart, back, and feet of the newly baptized with Holy Myron (chrism), a special oil that includes balsam and forty aromatic ingredients. Baptism forms are available online, and the pastor asks that arrangements be made at least three months in advance. Godparents provide a chain and Armenian-style cross, a white robe, and large white towels for the ceremony; the church supplies a narod (wreath).
Holy Communion is celebrated during the Divine Liturgy, when bread and wine become, through the Holy Spirit, the true body and blood of Christ. Parishioners prepare by fasting and prayer the night before, and traditionally receive the sacrament of Penance before approaching the chalice.
Penance is the sacrament of confession and absolution. Through sincere acknowledgment of sin, confession to the priest, and acts of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, the penitent receives the grace to overcome temptation and lead a renewed life. Confession is expected before receiving Holy Communion.
Holy Matrimony is the mystery of Christian union likened to the relationship between Christ and His Church. The central act is the Crowning, when the priest places crowns on the bride and groom as a sign that they are heads of a new Christian kingdom: the family. Couples are asked to contact the church office at least eight months before a wedding to ensure the availability of the pastor and to schedule pre-marital meetings.
Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and the rite of Home Blessing round out the sacramental life of the parish. St. Mary also celebrates the Madagh, a traditional Armenian offering of food and prayer offered in thanksgiving or in memory of loved ones, and the Requiem Service (Hokehankist), offered on the seventh and fortieth days following a death, on the first anniversary, and on the Mondays following the five Tabernacle Feasts of the Armenian Church. Requiem Services are not held on the five major feast days: Armenian Christmas, Easter, the Transfiguration, the Assumption of the Mother of God, and the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
Shnorhali Armenian School: A K-12 Education in Faith and Heritage
The Shnorhali Armenian School is the educational arm of the parish and one of the most distinctive features of life at St. Mary. The school serves the Greater Washington, Virginia, and Maryland communities and is built on two complementary pillars: Armenian Studies and Christian Education. From Junior Kindergarten through eighth grade, students study Armenian language, history, music, culture, and religion. Students in grades nine through twelve take religion classes and participate in community volunteer opportunities.
The school day begins at 9:30 AM with Badarak Education in the church sanctuary, followed by Armenian Language (Session I) from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, Christian Education from 11:00 AM to noon, a lunch break, and Armenian Language Session II, History, and Culture from 12:30 to 2:00 PM. Students in grades one through eight, along with those in the Conversational Armenian program, also take thirty-minute history and music classes on an alternating weekly schedule. After-school clubs run from 2:00 to 3:30 PM and include the Chess Club, Armenian Miniature Art and Bird Letters Club, Narek Bell Choir, Shnorhali Voices Spiritual Chorus, Acolyte Training, and the Armenian Folk Dance Club.
A revised three-level Kindergarten structure (Sunshines, Little Explorers, and Young Scholars) was introduced to meet the needs of children at different ages and Armenian-language levels, gradually developing vocabulary, listening and speaking skills, cultural awareness, and readiness for the next stage of learning. Placement in the upper grades is based on an Armenian language assessment so that teachers can shape instruction to each child's level.
The principal is Nunik Nishanian; the Religious Education coordinator is Nicolette Blackwell. Classroom teachers include Hranush Bentley, Karine Isahakyan, and Armine Seropian across the Kindergarten levels, with grade-level Armenian teachers from first through eighth grade (Susanna Avakyan, Anahit Sargsyan, Erna Stepanyan, Karine Yenokyan, Sona Avetisyan, Arpine Badalyan, Anahit Danielyan, and Juletta Movsesyan). The religion faculty includes Marie-Lise Baroutjian, Yn. Jennifer Karapetyan, Linet Khoranian, Nayree Sarkissian, Greg Kumkumian, Rebecca Baghdasaryan, John Berberian, Zaven Kalayjian, and Michael Sahakian. Haykaram Nahapetyan teaches Armenian history; Armine Khachatryan teaches Armenian music. Conversational Armenian is offered by Haykaram Nahapetyan as well.
Tuition is $300 per semester or $600 annually for the Kindergarten, Conversational Armenian, and first-through-eighth-grade programs, and includes books and individual school supplies. Sibling discounts of $50 and $100 apply to the second and third child; teacher families receive similar discounts. Optional fees cover Pizza Lunch donations ($150), religion-only enrollment ($100), and registration for the President's Volunteer Service Award ($100). Each family is expected to complete two approved family-service assignments during the school year, or to contribute $100 in lieu of service. The school year is divided into four quarters, with quarterly assessments and parent progress reports.
The Shnorhali Youth Program offers three pathways for older students: the Teen Enrichment Academy for those who want religious education and cultural programming without internship responsibilities, an Internship and Leadership Program for those who want structured service and leadership experience, and an Alumni Fellowship for Shnorhali alumni and older youth who want to stay connected through social, cultural, and community activities.
From 1932 to Fessenden Street: The Story of a Parish
The Armenian presence in Washington stretches back to the 1880s, when Boghos Casparian, a rug merchant from Boorhans in Sivas Province, was among the first Armenians to settle in the capital. By 1914 roughly 150 Armenians lived in Washington, joined by new arrivals from Boston, Providence, and other cities. Until the parish organized itself, Armenians had to travel to Philadelphia or New York for regular services; visiting clergy came for major holidays and sacraments.
In 1932, Archbishop Ghevont Tourian organized a Ladies Auxiliary that became the driving force behind the establishment of a permanent Armenian church community in the Washington area. The first Parish Council was formed in 1934 and recognized by the Diocese in 1945. By the early 1950s the community had grown to about 250 families, and Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan and parish leaders worked to acquire a building. In 1954 they purchased an unfinished structure on Fessenden Street for $32,000, which became the lower level of the present church. Sunday services began immediately, sacraments were celebrated regularly, the fortieth anniversary of the Armenian Genocide was commemorated, and plans were drawn for a new sanctuary. Architect Mihran Mesrobian volunteered his services.
The Very Rev. Torkom Manoogian, who later became Patriarch of Jerusalem, frequently traveled from Philadelphia to serve as visiting pastor. Father Levon Arakelian was appointed visiting pastor in 1953, followed by Deacon-in-Charge Krigor Vosganian. On January 7, 1960, the Very Rev. Karekin Kazanjian was appointed the first resident pastor, ushering in a new era of growth. The cornerstone of the new sanctuary was laid on March 10, 1963, by Primate Archbishop Sion Manoogian. The sanctuary was completed on November 10, 1963, and Neshan Hintlian, asked to name the church, proposed that it be called St. Mary in honor of the Holy Virgin Mary and in memory of his young daughter Mariam. The side altars were sponsored by Dikran Koumjian and Vahan B. Kurkjian. The Divine Liturgy of consecration was celebrated by Archbishop Sion Manoogian together with Fr. Karekin, the Vicar General Very Rev. Yeghishe Gizirian, and Fr. Levon Arakelian. Fr. Karekin later became Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople.
Fr. Paren Avedikian took over in May 1967, and Bishop Papken Varjabedian served from 1969 to 1975 while also acting as the Armenian Church's legate to the U.S. government. In April 1976 the Rev. Fr. Vertanes Kalayjian was assigned as visiting pastor; he became pastor in January 1977 and, together with Yeretzgin Anahid Kalayjian, served for thirty-one years. In 1985 Catholicos Vazken I granted him the title of Avak Kahana (Archpriest) and the privilege of wearing the Lanchakhatch (Pectoral Cross). To this day, the spiritual needs of the Baltimore Armenian community are administered by the pastor of St. Mary.
As the parish grew, a new adjoining building was constructed to add a hall, classrooms, offices, and a library. The first phase was dedicated on September 1, 1981, by Primate Archbishop Torkom Manoogian; the second phase in the mid-1990s added a new church entrance and an outdoor elevator for handicapped access. After the devastating 1988 Armenian earthquake, St. Mary contributed an estimated $600,000 in relief funds and supplies. In 2010 the parish witnessed the first ordination of a priest on its altar when longtime parishioner and founder of the St. Narek Bell Choir, Deacon Khoja-Einatyan, was ordained into the Holy Priesthood under the name Fr. Hovhan.
A carved khachkar was erected in the church's entrance courtyard in May 2012, blessed by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian. Major renovations in 2012 enhanced the main and side altars, added a new choir loft at the back of the church, and brought a magnificent bell-tower, a hand-carved door with angels and Armenian ornaments, and a tufa stone carving of St. Mary above the entrance. Fr. Hovsep and Yeretzgin Jennifer Karapetyan joined the community in 2007. Fr. Hovsep was born in Etchmiadzin, attended the Seminary of Holy Etchmiadzin and then the Seminary of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, where he was ordained a deacon in 1992. He later earned a Master of Divinity from St. Nersess and St. Vladimir Seminaries in New York and was ordained to the holy priesthood on February 22, 2004 by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian. Before coming to St. Mary he served as deacon-in-charge of St. James Armenian Church in Richmond, Virginia, and helped establish a mission parish in the Tidewater region.
Journeys of Faith: Preserving Parish Memory
The Journeys of Faith series gathers the stories of parishioners whose parents and grandparents helped build St. Mary. The series invites families to share how their forebears experienced the Mets Yeghern, how they came to the United States from Armenia, the Middle East, or Iran, and how they became involved in founding and supporting the parish. Volunteer Anna Amirkhanyan listens to each story, transcribes it, returns it for review, and posts it together with ancestral photographs. The series honors the sacrifices of the generation that survived the Genocide and the challenges of resettlement while building the community the parish serves today.
Ministries Across the Generations
St. Mary is supported by a network of lay organizations that organize the cultural, social, and educational life of the parish.
The Women's Guild, open to all women over eighteen, upholds the Christian faith through service projects for the parish and Armenia, the Annual Food Festival, the Lenten Food Festival, the Annual Women's Saints Day Celebration, and Armenian cultural and Christian education programs.
The ACYOA Juniors (ages thirteen to seventeen) and the ACYOA Seniors (ages eighteen to thirty) bring young people together to learn about the teachings and history of the Armenian Church, prepare them for responsible service, and host social and sports activities.
The Ararat Avak Society is a fellowship of senior citizens and retirees who meet monthly for shared meals, friendship, and cultural and educational programs.
The Deacon Ministry, formally established in October 2012, recruits and supports the men of the parish in preparation, pastoral assistance, liturgical support, and grounds-keeping under the direction of the priest.
The Board of Stewards, in place since 1995, prepares the sanctuary for Sunday worship by preparing the elements for the Badarak, presenting candles, escorting parishioners to their seats, and changing the front sign message. Ushers also serve at weddings, funerals, and holy day services.
The Parish Council is the elected governing body of the parish, working in cooperation with the pastor. The current council is led by Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan as president; Shoghig Sahakyan as chairman; Artur Sivaslian as vice chairman; Cathrine Sahakian as recording secretary; John Asadoorian as corresponding secretary; Jack Guiragossian as treasurer; Robert George as vice treasurer; and Vazrik Nishanian, Sean McClure, and Ohannes Sivaslian as members.
The parish also maintains an active Gift Shop offering wooden Armenian crosses, paintings, religious tiles and icons, jewelry, books for children and adults, T-shirts, and bags. The shop is open on Sundays from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM after services, and many items can be ordered online for Sunday pickup.
Worship with the Eastern Diocese and the Mother See
St. Mary sits within the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, one of two U.S. dioceses, which covers all states except California, Washington, Nevada, and Arizona. The diocese is led by a Primate, currently His Grace Bishop Daniel Findikyan, who presides over St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in New York City. The diocese falls under the supreme authority of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the pre-eminent center of the worldwide Armenian Apostolic Church located near Yerevan. The Armenian Church is the world's oldest national church; Armenia became the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 AD, under St. Gregory the Illuminator, and traces its origins to the missions of Apostles Bartholomew and Thaddeus in the first century.
Planning a Visit
The parish welcomes visitors at the corner of Fessenden Street and nearby streets in northwest Washington. The building sits one block east of Wisconsin Avenue, behind the Citibank, and is accessible from the Metro Red Line via the Friendship Heights station. The 4125 Fessenden Street address is the best landmark for driving directions.
Sunday worship begins at 10:00 AM with the Morning Service and continues with the Badarak at 10:30 AM. Visitors are invited to arrive a few minutes early and to introduce themselves to an usher or to one of the Board of Stewards members at the entrance. As one longtime visitor has written, the parishioners may seem reserved at first but quickly open up once a guest introduces themselves. Parking is available on the surrounding streets.
For those who cannot attend in person, the Badarak is livestreamed on Facebook. Weekly and monthly e-newsletters, annual journals, and a calendar of events keep the wider parish community connected, and a contact form is available for inquiries about sacraments, hall rentals, volunteering, school registration, or membership.
Hall Rental and Community Resources
The fully furnished Cultural Hall, complete with audio system and commercial kitchen, is available for meetings, conferences, receptions, luncheons, dinners, and dances. A Hall Rental Agreement and Rules and Regulations document is available, and prospective renters are invited to consult the church office. The church's Business Community page connects Armenian-owned and Armenian-friendly businesses across the region. The WED Fund Scholarship supports students pursuing Armenian studies, and the parish Legacy Brick Drive invites families to honor loved ones with a memorial that will last a lifetime.