E-Sunday Bulletin of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church
38-65 234th. St. Douglaston, NY, 11363
ՀՈԳԵԳԱԼՈՒՍՏ - PENTECOST
Sunday Readings:
Acts 2:1-21; John 14:25-31
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Join us in worship this Sunday
Morning Service 10:00 AM
Divine Liturgy 10:45 AM - Sermon 11:45 AM
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Մասնակցեցէք Ս. Պատարագին
՝
Առաւօտեան Ժամերգութիւն 10։00
Ս. Պատարագ 10։45- Քարոզ 11։45
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News From St. Sarkis Church
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Լուրեր Ս. Սարգիս Եկեղեցիէն
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FEAST OF PENTECOST: The Descent of the Holy Spirit
This Sunday (May 31), the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of Pentecost (Hokekalousd), the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, and the birth of the Church. Jesus had commanded His apostles to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations," (Matthew 28:19). Recognizing the difficulty of this great responsibility, Christ had advised his disciples not to begin their teaching mission until after the "descent of the Holy Spirit."
In the Acts of the Apostles, we read that on that day of Pentecost the apostles gathered in one place, and suddenly a strong wind seemed to fill the house in which they were assembled, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit (see reading above). It was the Jewish feast of Pentecost (Shabuoth) commemorating the giving of the law on Mount Sinai and many different people from different lands had come to Jerusalem. They marveled that they could understand the Apostles' words. This day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles marked the beginning of the mission of the Church to spread the Good News throughout the world.
In a sense, Pentecost is the opposite of what occurred in the Old Testament story of the Tower of Babel when God disapproved of the building of a tower to reach the heavens and he created confusion by having the workers suddenly speak in different tongues, and unable to understand each other. At Pentecost He gave the disciples the ability to speak other tongues and thus be able to be understood by everyone everywhere.
Life-creating God, Spirit and lover of mankind, with tongues of fire you enlightened those united with one accord in love; therefore we also celebrate today your holy descent.
Filled with joy by your coming the Holy apostles began in different-sounding tongues to call into unity them that had been divided from each other; therefore we also celebrate today your holy descent.
By spiritual and holy baptism through them you have adorned the universe in a new and radiant garment; therefore we also celebrate your holy descent.
(From the Canon for the First Day of Pentecost according to the Liturgical Canons of the Armenian Church).
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A Message From the Prelate
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A Message from the depths of the heart in faith, in hope and in love, to our beloved parishioners and friends of the Armenian Prelacy,
This Sunday, we will be celebrating the Feast of Pentecost, commemorating the Coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles as foretold by our Lord Jesus Christ. It is true that on Easter Sunday we were deterred from celebrating the victorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ together in our churches in compliance with universal requirements to maintain social distancing in the midst of the pandemic. Nevertheless, we have remained resilient in our faith and faithful to our Holy Church. Our heartfelt thanks go to our Clergy, Deacons, Choir members and Trustees who offered the Divine Liturgy and arranged for all of us to actively pray via livestream over the last two months.
We thank Almighty God who is working through the heroic sacrifice of doctors, nurses, and members of the healthcare communities who are on the front line of this invisible war, as well as through the community of science who supported by different Agencies of governments are in their mission to discover the cure of this pandemic.
The 2020 pandemic is indeed unprecedented. Nevertheless, each and every threat against human life, regardless of its harshness, has mobilized the inner abilities of this unique creature carrying the image of his Creator, to face and to conquer challenges in all ages. There is no doubt that our journey through the valley of the pandemic is quite long. However, after two months of lockdown, full of prudence and vigilance, we salute the decisions of the civil authorities, based upon the instructions and data of healthcare communities, for a gradual return to normal life, and by phases the reopening of the doors of the parish churches for our believers so that they may fully attend services.
As Christians, how grateful we are that this good news coincides with our major feast of the Pentecost. The bounties of the Holy Spirit throughout history are innumerable. He has elevated the shepherds to be prophets and kings; the fishermen to be messengers of the King of kings; the imprisoned ones in the dungeons to be Illuminators; the sinners to be saints; and the terrestrials to be celestials. Therefore we do believe firmly that the Holy Spirit, the transforming power of the Divine essence, has always interceded in Creation, for the welfare of Mankind, and likewise can lead us today when we ask His wisdom, guidance and strength.
As a community of faith, our top priority is the physical, intellectual, and spiritual well being of each and every member of society. Hence, we take serious consideration of the instructions provided to us by each local civil authority and healthcare professionals, and likewise by Holy Scripture and the guidance of Church Fathers. As such, following extended consultation with His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, as well as with the Prelates of the Western Prelacy and the Prelacy of Canada, the reverend clergy serving in our Prelacy and the honorable members of the Central Executive, we would like to announce procedures for the re-opening our parish churches according to the guidelines and the timeline set by each state.
As each state revises local guidelines, each of our parishes is also encouraged to review and to publish revisions to ensure the health and safety of all of our parishioners. We encourage all of our parishioners to contact their local pastor and church office to confirm up-to-date procedures to safely attend church services. The parish church is the home of the entire community, and therefore, each person must feel as safe and as welcome as if in their own home.
At long last, public church services will resume this Sunday and hereafter, state by state, and all of the faithful are warmly welcomed to their spiritual home. Church services will continue to be live streamed from each parish to allow those who are unable to be physically present to fully participate in the church services.
At this time, we would like to explain some of the temporary adjustments to our traditional Badarak which will allow all of us to better participate and to conform with current healthcare guidelines. These measures are being implemented for the health and safety of the clergy and the laity, and as circumstances change nationally, will be adjusted.
First, the Badarak will commence with the "Hayr mer" "Our Father", followed by the opening of the curtain and the proclamation: "Orhnyal Takavorootyoonun Hor yev Vortvoh yev Hokvoon Srpoh" "Blessed be the Kingdom of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit etc."
Second, the Kiss of Peace. As the deacon invites us to share the Kiss of Peace, the priest shall turn to greet the congregation, saying "Krisdos i mech mer haydnetsav" "Christ is revealed in our midst". The people shall remain in their places, without approaching others, and shall reply "Orhnyal eh Haydnootyoonun Krisdosi" "Blessed is the Revelation of Christ." And then the choir will sing the hymn "Krisdos i mech."
Third, Holy Communion will be administered in our parishes. As all of you know, in the Armenian Tradition, Holy Communion is administered by the clean hand of the priest, and is placed directly into the mouth of the faithful.
We fully appreciate that some of our parishioners may be hesitant to approach for Holy Communion. We extend our full love and embrace to you, and welcome you in all sincerity. We Armenians believe that Holy Communion is the real, living and life-giving Holy Body and Honorable Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is distributed in faith, in hope, and in love, and we especially reassure you that it is distributed in accordance with all of the precautions as required by governing laws. We pray that you will resume your participation in Holy Communion.
However, for the time being, the Prelacy shall remain cautious and careful in the manner in which Holy Communion is administered to our faithful. As a current adjustment, Holy Communion will be placed into the palm of the hand of the individual. We ask that the person then transfer the Holy Communion directly into the mouth. All who receive are encouraged to please exercise every care, and to respectfully keep their hands clean before and after partaking of Holy Communion.
Fourth, the Dismissal. For the time being, the tradition of kissing the Holy Gospel will be suspended. The packages of "mas" will be available at the door of the church for the faithful to take home to those who were not able to attend services. In the current environment, we ask that people respect social distancing and avoid congregating. Until further relaxation, the traditional coffee hour following services is postponed.
We are grateful to Almighty God who has led us from darkness to light, and we appreciate all of the efforts of our elected officials to ensure safety and protocol as we re-open our churches. We welcome all of our faithful to attend services, to light candles, to offer prayers, to receive Holy Communion, and to re-energize the Christian Life in all of our parishes with safety and dignity. We know that over time these restrictions will gradually be lifted, and we look forward to that day. In the meantime, we need to work together and exercise due diligence to find a cure for the COVID-19 virus, and we continue to pray for God's protection and providential care.
ARCHBISHOP ANOUSHAVAN
Prelate, Eastern United States
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Thanksgiving Prayer And Dedication Of The Flag On Anniversary Of Armenia's First Independence
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On May 28, 1918, the willpower and heroic spirit of the Armenian people enabled the nation's resurrection, under God's holy protection and thanks to brave and dedicated lay and religious leaders. The first independence of the Republic of Armenia ensured the survival of the Armenian nation after the Genocide.
This Sunday, May 31, prayers and ceremonies of thanksgiving will take place in all churches of the Eastern Prelacy by order of His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate. Requiem services will be held for the heroes fallen in the battles of Sardarabad, Pash Abaran and Gharakilise and for our present day martyrs in the struggle for Artsakh. In view of the conditions created by the coronavirus pandemic, a prayer will also be said for the health and unity of the people of Armenia, the United States, and the entire world.
Bless, O Lord, this tricolor flag. And just as after the flood you placed your rainbow on Mt. Ararat and established a covenant with mankind, now too after the flowing of so much holy and heroic blood, may this flag with its beautiful colors be sealed as a sign of our covenant with you.
Bless, O Lord, our country, our Fatherland, where you established the paradise of bliss at the time of the world's creation. Over the course of centuries the inexorable enemy has reduced it to ruin, but now with your mercy and bountiful grace you have caused it to bloom even more. Adorn our churches, monasteries, schools, and charitable organizations with progress and holiness, and protect them from the enemies. Bless all that is good there, especially the first of names, the name ARMENIA.
(From the Prayer of Thanksgiving for the Republic of Armenia)
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Dear Parishioners,
Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay tuned to our Facebook page.
Prayerfully,
Fr. Nareg Terterian, Pastor &
The Board of Trustees of St. Sarkis Church
P.S. Please contact the church office at 718-224-2275 or Der Nareg at 646-217-9330 to schedule/reschedule sacraments such as Baptisms and Weddings, to arrange funeral services or have the pastor make hospital visits for your loved ones.
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Dear Parishioners,
I hope that you are safe, healthy, and well in these uncertain and changing times.
Although church services are being held behind closed doors, we are offering requiem services for your loved one and welcome you to "attend" the live stream on our facebook page.
Please
Click Here
to complete the requiem service request or call the church office at 718-224-2275.
Prayerfully,
Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian
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Bible Readings
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Աստուածաշնչական Ընթերցումներ
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Book Of Acts (2.1-20)
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: "Aren't all these who are speaking Galileans?Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs-we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?"
Some, however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine."
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
"'In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
I will show wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
ԱՌԱՔԵԱԼՆԵՐՈՒ ԳՈՐԾԵՐԸ (2.1-20)
Երբ Պենտէկոստէի օրը հասաւ, բոլոր հաւատացեալները միասնաբար մէկտեղուած էին: Յանկարծ սաստիկ հովի մը սուլոցին պէս ձայն մը հնչեց երկինքէն եւ լեցուց ամբողջ տունը, ուր անոնք նստած էին: Յետոյ անոնք տեսան հրեղէն լեզուներ, որոնք տարածուեցան եւ հանգչեցան իւրաքանչիւրին վրայ: Բոլոր ներկաները Սուրբ Հոգիով լեցուեցան եւ սկսան տարբեր լեզուներով խօսիլ, ինչպէս որ Հոգին խօսիլ կու տար:
Այն օրը Երուսաղէմ քաղաքը լեցուն էր բարեպաշտ Հրեաներով, որոնք աշխարհի բոլոր երկիրներէն եկած էին: Երբ այս ձայնը լսուեցաւ, մեծ բազմութիւն մը եկաւ խռնուեցաւ եւ բոլորը անակնկալի եկան, որովհետեւ կը լսէին թէ ի՛նչպէս անոնցմէ իւրաքանչիւրը իրենց սեփական լեզուով կը խօսի: Ամէնքն ալ սքանչացումով եւ զարմանքով կ'ըսէին իրարու.
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Այս խօսողները բոլորն ալ Գալիլեացիներ չե՞ն միթէ. ի՞նչպէս կ'ըլլայ որ մեր ծննդավայր երկիրներու լեզուներով կը խօսին, ինչպէս ահաւասիկ կը լսենք: Չէ՞ որ ահա մեր մէջ կան՝ Պարթեւներ, Մարեր, Ելամացիներ, Միջագետացիներ, Հրէաստանցիներ, Կապադովկիացիներ, Պոնտացիներ, Ասիացիներ, Փռիգիացիներ եւ Պամփիլիացիներ, Եգիպտացիներ, Կիրենիայի շրջանէն Լիպիացիներ, Հռոմէն եկած Հրեաներ եւ հրէութեան դարձած նորահաւատներ, Կրետացիներ եւ Արաբիացիներ: Եւ ահա բոլորս ալ մեր խօսած լեզուներով իրենցմէ կը լսենք Աստուծոյ մեծամեծ գործերուն մասին:
Ապշահար, եւ շփոթի մատնուած՝ կը հարցնէին իրարու.
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Ի՞նչպէս կարելի է բացատրել ասիկա:
Իսկ ոմանք ծաղրանքով կ'ըսէին.
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Նոր գինիով գինովցած են:
Այն ատեն, Պետրոս տասնըմէկ առաքեալներուն հետ ոտքի ելաւ եւ բարձրաձայն սկսաւ անոնց խօսիլ.
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Ո
՜
վ Հրէաստանցիներ եւ դուք բոլորդ որ հիմա Երուսաղէմ կը գտնուիք. իրականութիւնը գիտնալու համար՝ լսեցէք ինչ որ պիտի ըսեմ: Դուք կը կարծէք թէ ասոնք գինով են. բայց
այդպէս չէ, որովհետեւ առտուան ժամը ինն է դեռ: Մինչդեռ ասիկա կատարումն է Յովէլի մարգարէութեան, որ կ'ըսէ.-
«Այնուհետեւ երբ վերջին օրերը գան,-
կ'ըսէ Աստուած,-
իմ Հոգիս պիտի թափեմ բոլոր մարդոց վրայ.
ձեր տղաքն ու աղջիկները
իմ պատգամներս պիտի փոխանցեն ձեզի,
ձեր երիտասարդները տեսիլքներ պիտի ունենան
եւ ձեր ծերերը երազներ պիտի տեսնեն:
Այն օրերուն իմ Հոգիս պիտի թափեմ նաեւ
իմ ծառաներուս եւ աղախիններուս վրայ,
եւ անոնք եւս
իմ պատգամներս պիտի փոխանցեն ձեզի:
Երկինքի բարձունքին վրայ
հրաշքներ պիտի ցոյց տամ,
եւ նշաններ՝ վարը երկրի վրայ.
աշխարհ արիւնով, կրակով եւ թանձր ծուխով
պիտի լեցուի
արեւը պիտի խաւարի,
եւ լուսինը արիւնի գոյն պիտի առնէ,
նախքան Տիրոջ մեծ եւ փառահեղ օրուան գալը:
Այն ատեն ով որ Տէրը օգնութեան կանչէ՝
պիտի փրկուի»
:
THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO JOHN (12.12-23)
"All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
"You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.
"Come now; let us leave.
ՅԻՍՈՒՍ ՔՐԻՍՏՈՍԻ ԱՒԵՏԱՐԱՆԸ ԸՍՏ ՅՈՎՀԱՆՆԷՍԻ (14.25-31)
Այս բոլորը խօսեցայ ձեզի, քանի տակաւին ձեզի հետ եմ: Բայց Մխիթարիչը՝ Սուրբ Հոգին, որ Հայրս ձեզի պիտի ղրկէ իմ անունովս, անիկա ձեզի ամէն ինչ պիտի սորվեցնէ եւ յիշեցնէ ինչ որ ես ձեզի ըսի:
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Խաղաղութիւն կը թողում ձեզի. իմ խաղաղութիւնս է որ կու տամ ձեզի, որ այս աշխարհի տուած խաղաղութենէն տարբեր է: Մի՛ խռովիք ու մի՛ վախնաք: Լսեցիք ինչ որ ըսի ձեզի, թէ՝ «Ահա կ'երթամ, բայց կրկին պիտի գամ ձեզի»: Եթէ զիս սիրէիք, ուրախ պիտի ըլլայիք որ Հօրս կ'երթամ, որովհետեւ Հայրս ինձմէ մեծ է: Այս բոլորը ձեզի ըսի՝ նախքան պատահիլը, որպէսզի երբ պատահին՝ այն ատեն հաւատաք: Այլեւս երկար պիտի չխօսիմ ձեզի, որովհետեւ ահա կու գայ այս աշխարհի իշխանը, որ իմ վրաս ո՛չ մէկ իշխանութիւն ունի: Բայց աշխարհը պէտք է գիտնայ թէ ես Հայրը կը սիրեմ եւ այդ է պատճառը, որ ինծի բոլոր պատուիրածները կը կատարեմ: Ելէ՛ք, երթանք այստեղէն:
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- Mr. & Mrs. Erick and Talin Alahverdian are happy to announce the birth of their beautiful baby girl named
SOPHIE FAITH ALAHVERDIAN born on May 23, 2020.
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- Mrs. Elvira Demirdjan, Drs. Edmond and Nyeree Demirdjan and children Alex and Isabelle, Mr. and Mrs. Alfonso and Diana Cava and children Victoria and Chloe, Mr. and Mrs. Kevork and Narsis Kasparian request requiem service for the souls of their beloved parents, grandparents and great grandparents ARAM & VARTOUHI KASPARIAN. Also for the soul of their beloved nephew and cousin ARAM KASPARIAN and for the souls of all deceased members of KASPARIAN family.
- Ms. Zarouhi Mkryan, Mr. Khachatur and Mr. Mikayel Mkryan, Mr. & Mrs. Sarkis and Azad Mkryan, grandchildren and great grandchildren request requiem service for the soul of their beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother TIGRANUI MKRYAN (1st year memorial service).
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During these uncertain times, we welcome you to the practice of lighting a virtual candle.
Lighting a candle is a way of extending one's prayer and showing solidarity with the person on whose behalf the prayer is offered.
"When Jesus spoke to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12
This Sunday Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian personally will light a candle for every donation received.
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