Stay Connected

News & Announcements

Parish news from 2010 to present

August 6, 2026

NOTICE OF SPECIAL PARISH ASSEMBLY

NOTICE OF SPECIAL PARISH ASSEMBLY St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church of Costa Mesa Pursuant to Section 20 of the Bylaws of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North Ameri…

July 30, 2026

In Loving Memory – Silva & Ara Semercian Memorial Prayer Service

Dear St. Mary Parishioners and Friends, The Semercian family warmly invites our St. Mary community to join them in prayer as they lovingly remember Silva Semercian on the 40th day …

July 30, 2026

Funeral Service for Mrs. Marietta Karakesisoglu – Saturday, August 1

Dear St. Mary Parish Family, The Karakesisoglu family invites our St. Mary parish community to join them in honoring the life and memory of their beloved wife, mother, grandmother,…

July 17, 2026

Reminder: The Orange County Trex Fraternity Invites St. Mary to join them for their 49th Annual Picnic!

OC Trex Annual Picnic Supporting the 49th Annual Orange County Trex Picnic Dear St. Mary Parishioners and Friends, You are warmly invited to support and attend the 49th Annual Oran…

July 2, 2026

The Orange County Trex Fraternity Invites St. Mary to join them for their 49th Annual Picnic!

OC Trex Annual Picnic Supporting the 49th Annual Orange County Trex Picnic Dear St. Mary Parishioners and Friends, You are warmly invited to support and attend the 49th Annual Oran…

June 27, 2026

Celebration of Life for Irma Mikailoglu – July 11, 2026

Dear St. Mary Parishioners and Friends, It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of our beloved parishioner and friend, Irma Mikailoglu. Irma touched many liv…

June 18, 2026

Join Us for Vartavar 🌹💦 Sunday, July 12!

Dear St. Mary Parishioners & Friends, We are excited to invite you to our Vartavar Festival of Water, celebrating the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord on Sunday, July 12, 2…

June 16, 2026

Support the Daughters of Vartan Charity Auction!

Dear St. Mary Parishioners and Friends, The Daughters of Vartan invite our parish community to participate in a special charity auction featuring a beautifully handcrafted Sayat No…

June 13, 2026

St. Mary ACYO Sports Weekend 2026 Recap!

Congratulations to our St. Mary ACYO chapter on their dedication and support for one another during the annual Sports Weekend 2026! Our ACYO members and parents traveled to Fresno …

June 11, 2026

Join Us for St. Mary’s Father’s Day Celebration – June 13th!

Բարեւ ձեզ - Dear Friends and Family, We are delighted to invite you and your loved ones to our special Father’s Day Celebration at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church! This will be …

June 8, 2026

St. Mary Funeral Announcement: Nivart Silva Semercian

Dear St. Mary Parishioners, It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Nivart Silva Semercian (1942–2026), a beloved member of our St. Mary Armenian Church parish. Fun…

June 5, 2026

Your Voice Matters: Please Take the Western Diocese Survey!

Dear St. Mary Parishioners and Friends, Our parishioners and community members play a vital role in shaping the life and future of our Armenian Church community in the Western Dioc…

May 16, 2026

Join Us for St. Mary’s Father’s Day Celebration – June 13th!

Բարեւ ձեզ - Dear Friends and Family, We are delighted to invite you and your loved ones to our special Father’s Day Celebration at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church! This will be …

May 10, 2026

Reminder: St. Mary Hampartsoum Celebration on May 14th and Armo Pinocchio is coming to OC!

Hampartsoum Celebration – May 14, 2026 Dear St. Mary Parishioners and Friends, The St. Mary Ladies Society warmly invites all of us to a joyful celebration of "Hampartsoum" – The A…

May 9, 2026

Update: St. Mary Talent Show on May 17th Has Been Canceled

Dear St. Mary Parishioners and Friends, We hope this message finds you well. It is with regret that the St. Mary Cultural Committee must announce the cancellation of the St. Mary T…

May 5, 2026

Recap of the 99th Diocesan Assembly: "From Vision to Direction"

Dear St. Mary Parishioners, I'm excited to share a detailed recap of the 99th Diocesan Assembly of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, held this year at St…

April 26, 2026

Red Sunday

Red Sunday In the Calendar of the Armenian Church, the third Sunday following the Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ is known as Red Sunday. The color “red” has been us…

April 26, 2026

Invitation: St. Mary Hampartsoum Celebration – May 14, 2026

What is Hampartsoum? Hampartsoum is the traditional Armenian name for the Feast of the Ascension, observed 40 days after Easter. This major feast day commemorates Christ's ascensio…

April 25, 2026

Invitation: St. Mary Ladies Society Mother's Day Luncheon – Saturday, May 2

Dear St. Mary Parishioners and Friends, The St. Mary Ladies Society cordially invites all mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, sisters, daughters, and nurturing women of the parish t…

April 11, 2026

You're Invited! St. Mary Cultural Committee Talent Show

Hello everyone! Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon of talent, laughter, and community spirit! The Cultural Committee is thrilled to host our Talent Show on Sunday, May 17th, …

April 11, 2026

Save the Date! St. Mary’s 13th Annual Armenian Food Festival

Dear St. Mary Faithful, We are delighted to announce that preparations are underway for St. Mary’s 13th Annual Armenian Food Festival, taking place on Saturday, October 10 and Sund…

April 1, 2026

St. Mary's Easter Service Schedule – Yughakin Donation Info – Easter Bake Sale!

Easter Yughakin Donation Appeal Join St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church for an Easter celebration centered on the ancient tradition of Yughakin — a practice rooted in Old Testament…

March 25, 2026

Don't Miss Our Easter Bake Sale – Pre-Order Now!

The St. Mary Ladies Society invites you to the annual Easter Bake Sale, held on Palm Sunday, March 29th and Easter Sunday, April 5, immediately following church services. - Time: A…

March 24, 2026

Celebration of Life for Vatche Baghdikian – St. Mary Armenian Church Hall

Dear St. Mary's Parish Family, It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Vatche Baghdikian. The family invites you to his Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 28 a…

March 22, 2026

St. Mary Lenten and Holy Week Schedule – Reminder

Dear St. Mary Parish Family, As we continue our Lenten journey of prayer, repentance, and renewal — with just one Wednesday remaining — we are excited to share the complete schedul…

February 27, 2026

St. Mary Lenten Schedule Update and Spiritual Message from Hayr Eremia

Dear St. Mary's Parishioners, With the blessing and recommendation of our beloved Hayr Eremia, we are pleased to share an important update to our Lenten worship schedule. Beginning…

February 20, 2026

A Spiritual Message from Very Rev. Fr. Eremia Abgaryan

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5–6) Dear Faithful…

February 19, 2026

Join Us for The 7 Sacraments Panel – February 22 at 1 PM

Dear St. Mary Parishioners, The Cultural Committee cordially invites you to the first session of a new Question & Answer Panel Series focused on the Seven Sacraments of the Armenia…

February 13, 2026

St. Mary 2026 Lenten Services & Dinners Schedule

Dear St. Mary Parishioners, Great Lent is one of the most meaningful seasons in the life of our Church — a period dedicated to prayer, repentance, renewal, and preparation for the …

February 10, 2026

A Spiritual Message from Very Rev. Fr. Eremia Abgaryan

Dear faithful, Success begins with faith — not only in yourself, but first in God who created you. When you trust God and believe in His plan for your life, He gives you strength t…

February 7, 2026

Poon Paregentan is Back at St. Mary! Join Us Saturday, February 14th

Dear St. Mary Parish Family, After a long pause, we're excited to bring back our cherished Poon Paregentan celebration — the perfect way to enjoy "good living" together before Grea…

January 22, 2026

A Spiritual Message from Very Rev. Fr. Eremia Abgaryan

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7) Dear faithful, Life pulls us in many directions — work, family, responsibilities, worries. Some days feel hea…

January 15, 2026

A Spiritual Message from Very Rev. Fr. Eremia Abgaryan

"Come to Me" Jesus says, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." He does not say, "Fix yourself first," or "Be strong enough." He simply says…

January 13, 2026

Funeral Services for Deacon Rupen Ozsogomonyan

Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, Following our previous announcement of the passing of our beloved Deacon and Choir Master (Դպրապետ) Rupen Ozsog…

January 5, 2026

St. Mary Annual Membership Dues — Parish Assembly on March 1st

Dear St. Mary Parishioners, As we begin the new year, I write to invite you to renew your annual parish membership and to encourage your continued participation in the life and gov…

December 31, 2025

Happy and Blessed New Year from Hayr Eremia!

Dear Believers, We extend our heartfelt congratulations to you and all the members of your families on the joyful occasion of the New Year. I pray that God renew our faith, strengt…

December 30, 2025

Join Us for Armenian Christmas Services at St. Mary!

Krisdos dzunav yev haydnetsav! (Christ is born and revealed!) Orhnyal e haytnutyunn Krisdosi! (Blessed is the Revelation of Christ!) Dear Parish Family, As we approach the sacred c…

December 26, 2025

Celebrate Christmas with St. Mary ACYO!

Dear Parishioners and Friends, We are excited to invite you to our ACYO Christmas Party on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 5:00 PM in Barsam Hall at St. Mary Armenian Church! Join us…

December 20, 2025

Why January 6th? Celebrating Christmas in the Armenian Tradition

As the world winds down from the festive lights and carols of December 25th, many in the Armenian community are just beginning their preparations for a sacred celebration. If you'v…

December 21, 2017

Christmas Schedule 2018

St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church of Costa Mesa is pleased to share the schedule and program for our upcoming Christmas celebrations. All are welcome to join us for these sacred a…

November 7, 2017

William Saroyan Evening — December 3, 2017

St. Mary Armenian Church of Costa Mesa invites the community to an evening celebrating the life and legacy of the beloved Armenian American writer William Saroyan. Join us for a me…

August 30, 2017

2017 St. Mary Armenian Food Festival — 9th Annual

St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church in Costa Mesa will hold its 9th Annual Armenian Festival on Saturday, October 7th (4–10 PM) and Sunday, October 8th (Noon–6 PM). The festival is …

July 31, 2017

St. Mary Madagh Blessing — August 13, 2017

St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church of Costa Mesa invites parishioners and friends to the Annual Madagh Blessing on Sunday, August 13, 2017. The Madagh is a cherished Armenian tradi…

July 19, 2017

St. Mary Celebrates 25th Silver Consecration Anniversary

The 25th Silver Consecration Anniversary of St. Mary Armenian Church was celebrated on Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25, with a Gala Banquet on Saturday and a Solemn Divine Li…

March 27, 2017

Future Stambolian Family Hall — Architectural Visualizations

As the parish moves forward with campus redevelopment, the Building Committee has released architectural visualizations of the planned Stambolian Family Hall. The renderings below …

June 16, 2016

St. Mary Establishes Second Choir: Glory

St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church of Costa Mesa is pleased to announce the establishment of a second parish choir, Glory. This new ensemble joins the beloved Hovsepian Choir in en…

October 11, 2015

Spiritual Concert for Syrian Armenian Refugee Relief

St. Mary Armenian Church of Costa Mesa hosted a spiritual concert in support of Syrian Armenian refugee relief efforts. The event brought together the parish community and friends …

May 5, 2015

Knights of Vartan Graduation Ceremony

St. Mary Armenian Church of Costa Mesa was honored to host a graduation ceremony for the Knights of Vartan, celebrating the achievements of members of this distinguished Armenian A…

April 22, 2015

Parish Announcement — April 2015

A parish announcement and flyer was shared with the St. Mary community in April 2015.

April 7, 2015

St. Mary Commemorates Armenian Genocide Centennial with Martyrs Monument Dedication

Hundreds attended the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at St. Mary Armenian Church in Costa Mesa on Sunday, March 8, 2015. The celebrant and homilist was His Eminence Archbishop H…

February 3, 2015

Armenian Genocide Centennial Commemoration — Save the Date

St. Mary Armenian Church of Costa Mesa invites the community to the Centennial Armenian Genocide Commemoration. Please save the date for this important and solemn event honoring th…

November 23, 2014

Press Release: Centennial Armenian Genocide Commemoration

2015 marks the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Armenians all over the world will unite to commemorate this historic, tragic, and unforgettable atrocity. Under the leade…

September 6, 2014

St. Mary Sunday School Retreat — Miracles of Jesus

From noon on Saturday, August 2nd until noon on Sunday, August 3rd, St. Mary's Sunday School students joined together for a retreat at the church. This year's theme was dedicated t…

September 6, 2014

6th Annual St. Mary Armenian Church Festival — October 2014

St. Mary Armenian Church of Costa Mesa will hold its 6th Annual Armenian Festival this October. Join us for delicious Armenian food, live music, and community fellowship on the chu…

August 6, 2014

St. Mary Parish Purchases Adjacent Property for Future Expansion

On July 31, 2014, St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church of Costa Mesa closed escrow on the purchase of a residential property adjacent to the church for $900,000. The property is situ…

April 14, 2014

Attorney Mark Geragos Visits St. Mary

Prominent attorney and Armenian American community leader Mark Geragos paid a visit to St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church of Costa Mesa.

April 14, 2014

The Story of Komitas

St. Mary Armenian Church of Costa Mesa was pleased to present a program honoring the life and legacy of Komitas Vardapet — the visionary Armenian composer, musicologist, and priest…

October 9, 2013

2013 Festival Was a Great Success

2013 Festival Was a Great Success Our 5th Annual Festival, held Saturday and Sunday, October 5th and 6th, was not only a tremendous success but also a fun and memorable time for fa…

August 8, 2013

Parish Announcement — August 2013

A parish announcement was shared with the St. Mary community in August 2013. Please contact the church office for more information about past events and activities.

May 21, 2013

Consecration Anniversary — October 7th

October 7th is coming up fast — please mark your calendars for St. Mary's Consecration Anniversary celebration. Join us as we give thanks for over three decades of faith, fellowshi…

May 21, 2013

Fisherman's Night 2013

St. Mary's Fisherman's Night is an annual parish social gathering bringing together parishioners and friends for a festive evening of food, fellowship, and fun. (Photos from this e…

January 8, 2013

St. Mary Celebrated Christmas 2013

The sanctuary, hallways, and doorways of St. Mary Armenian Church of Costa Mesa were packed with young and old faithful as we celebrated the birth of Christ on January 6th. After a…

November 29, 2012

New Year's Eve Party at St. Mary Fesjian Hall

St. Mary Armenian Church invites the community to celebrate the New Year at the Fesjian Hall. Join us for an evening of music, dancing, and fellowship as we ring in the new year to…

September 8, 2012

Sunday School Vacation Bible School Sleepover

The Sunday School organized a Vacation Bible School with a sleepover at the church. The program centered on the creation story of the Bible — "Adam and Eve" — which was tied to an …

September 8, 2012

Town Hall Meeting with Archbishop Derderian

A Town Hall meeting was held at St. Mary Armenian Church in Costa Mesa. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Armenian Church Western Diocese, presided at the me…

September 8, 2012

Grape and Madagh Blessing — Annual Name Day Pilgrimage

St. Mary's Annual Grape and Madagh Blessing preparations began with the cooking of 400 lbs. of lamb meat. Dr. Kris Mirzayan, Chairman of the Madagh Committee, supervised and thanke…

September 3, 2010

Zvartnots Celebrates Success and Thanksgiving

What an amazing month Zvartnots has had. In just four short weeks, membership has doubled and continues to grow each week as more families hear about what Zvartnots has to offer. I…