Journeys of Faith, Survival, and New Beginnings: Stories from St. Mary’s Parish
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The Journeys of Faith series is dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of our parishioners whose parents and grandparents came to America and helped build St. Mary’s Armenian Church in Washington, DC. Scroll down to read the stories.
Interested in participating in this project?
We invite parishioners to participate by sharing their brief story related to any of the three topics below:
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How their parents or grandparents experienced the Mets Yeghern,
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How they came from the “old country” (whether that is Eastern or
Western Armenia, or another country) to the United States,
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Their family’s involvement in founding and supporting St. Mary’s Parish.
If you would like to participate, please contact Anna Amirkhanyan at (301) 300-3181 or anna.a.amirkhanyan@gmail.com to schedule a time to share your family’s story. She will listen to your story, faithfully transcribe it into written form, allow you to review and approve the text, and include any ancestral photographs you would like to share before posting it online. By preserving these memories, our Parish can honor the sacrifices and faith of those who came before us and ensure their legacy lives on within our parish community.
Story 1. "This Is the Day the Lord Has Made": Clara Andonian's Story of Faith and Service
Clara Andonian’s family story is a testament to the faith, courage, and hard work that carried Armenian families from the tragedy of genocide to the promise of a new life in the United States. Through memories of her family’s service and devotion to God, Clara recounts not only her family’s journey but also the story of a generation that helped build St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church and laid the foundation for the community we cherish today. Her story reminds us that the faith and sacrifices of one generation become the blessings and hope of the next.
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