E-Sunday Bulletin of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church
38-65 234th. St. Douglaston, NY, 11363
Sunday: 02/23/2020
ԲՈՒՆ ԲԱՐԵԿԵՆԴԱՆ - EVE OF THE GREAT LENT
Sunday Reading:
Isaiah 58:1-14; Romans 13:11-14:23; Matthew 6:1-21
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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
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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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Valentine's Party Dinner
Reported by Mrs. Katia Tavitian
Love was in the air... Love was in the room...
Cupid's arrows were flying everywhere in the newly renovated hall of our St.Sarkis Church on the evening of Friday Feb 14th.
Couples, families, friendships, as well as hearts, balloons and flowers, all got together in the exquisitely decorated hall to celebrate the season of romance and share Valentine's Day wishes.
The opening remarks and welcome address were delivered by our PTA Chair Mrs. Sarine Altan, followed by a short and sweet welcome message from our Pastor Der Nareg Terterian.
Soon after, the celebration started... A medley of beautifully selected romantic songs was played and performed by Harout Bedrossian, Steve Vosbikian and Shant Simonian.
The sensational music and beautiful armenian songs pulled the attendees to the dance floor and did not let go until long after midnight, or even till the early hours of the morning...
Our St. Sarkis Church Board of Trustees Chair Mr. Harry Seoylemezian and his wife honored our event with their attendance and support.
A lavish dinner and an array of Valentine's Day sweet treats and Baileys shots were enjoyed by the attendees.
Raffle tickets were drawn and some hefty raffle prizes were delivered to many lucky winners.
In addition to the cash bar where mixed drinks and other liquors were sold, a variety of tasty wines for every palate, red, white and rosé were savored, courtesy of ArmAs Wines and DJ Harry.
And to add a sweet romantic note to the evening, a surprise announcement was made by Harout Bedrossian inviting our Saturday School Principal Degeen Nairy Zohrabian and her husband Dr. Raffi Zohrabian to the dance floor in celebration of their 43rd wedding anniversary.
The happy couple danced to their special song and cut a scrumptious celebratory cake for their romantic occasion.
Our successful event was a joint effort between the PTA of St. Sarkis Saturday School and DJ Harry, who graciously donated his time and effort in addition to a " Free DJ" raffle prize.
All proceeds went to St. Sarkis Saturday School.
At the end, another event, another success!
And as we close the curtains, we can proudly say that Valentine's Day Dinner Dance this year was a magical night, filled with romantic music and wine, as well as all things beautiful, sublime and somewhat divine...
Neither Cupid, nor our PTA have missed their marks!
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Modern & Traditional Armenian Dance Lessons at St. Sarkis Church
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Salt & Light and Homenetmen New York Skate Party
Reported by Mrs. Nyrie Bedrossian
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On Sunday, February 16th, Homenetmen of New York and the St Sarkis Salt & Light Youth Group held their 2nd annual joint ice skating event. There was a wonderful turnout from both organizations, with over 100 people in attendance. Most of the kids and quite a few daring parents hit the ice rink for an hour and a half of skating. It was a great time had by all!
On behalf of Homenetmen NY and Salt & Light Youth Group, we want to thank everyone who attended and we look forward to hosting it again next year!
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Celebrating 30 years at St. Sarkis Church
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This year marks the 30th Anniversary of St Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Douglaston. Each week we will be highlighting an event from the past thirty years. We hope you enjoy reminiscing!
This Week We Remember:
February 19, 2001 Saint Sarkis Church and Parish mourns the loss of their beloved
Pastor Emeritus, Archpriest Asoghik Kelejian
Archpriest Asoghik Kelejian served St. Sarkis Church as pastor from 1962 to 1991, and Pastor Emeritus from 1991 until his passing in 2001. With untiring zeal and dedication, he nurtured and guided the parish through the difficult formative years, overseeing its birth, growth and maturity, and at the time of greatest tragedy when St. Sarkis Church was left without a House of worship, Der Asoghik made enormous efforts to keep the Congregation together.
Throughout his years as parish priest the constant source of support and encouragement in his life was Yeretzkin Anjel. His last thoughts were of his beloved family, how much he missed the company of the Senior Citizens and especially how much he missed worshiping on the altar.
We are excited to announce that on Sunday, May 31st , 2020 we will be celebrating the "30th Anniversary of St Sarkis Church & 15th Anniversary of Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, as Pastor." at Larkfield Manor, East Northport, NY.
We look forward to celebrating this joyous occasion together!
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Save The Date of 30th Anniversary of St. Sarkis Church
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St. Sarkis Church Membership Meeting On March 29, 2020
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Dear St. Sarkis Church Members,
Please be advised that our general membership meeting and elections will take place on Sunday March 29, 2020 following church services. All members are invited to attend and evaluate all ministries, programs and activities from last year and plan for the current year.
Prayerfully,
The Pastor and The Board of Trustees of St. Sarkis Church
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A Twelve Session Bible Study Course On the Gospel of St. Matthew
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Please click on the link to contribute.
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Domestic Violence in Armenia and Beyond
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Sunday School Calendar 2020:
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Sunday, January 26, 2020
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No Sunday School due to Renovation of the church. |
| Sunday, February 2, 2020 |
No Sunday School due to Renovation of the church. |
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Sunday, February 9, 2020
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Sunday, March 1, 2020
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Sunday, March 15, 2020
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Sunday, March 29, 2020
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Bible Readings
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Աստուածաշնչական Ընթերցումներ
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THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO ROMANS (13:11-14.23)
Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions. Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables. Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on those who eat; for God has welcomed them. Who are you to pass judgment on servants of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand.
Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. Those who observe the day, observe it in honor of the Lord. Also those who eat, eat in honor of the Lord, since they give thanks to God; while those who abstain, abstain in honor of the Lord and give thanks to God.
We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written,
"As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall give praise to God."
So then, each of us will be accountable to God.
Let us therefore no longer pass judgment on one another, but resolve instead never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of another. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. If your brother or sister is being injured by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. Do not let what you eat cause the ruin of one for whom Christ died. So do not let your good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. The one who thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and has human approval. Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for you to make others fall by what you eat; it is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that makes your brother or sister stumble. The faith that you have, have as your own conviction before God. Blessed are those who have no reason to condemn themselves because of what they approve. But those who have doubts are condemned if they eat, because they do not act from faith; for whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.
Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith- to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.
ՊՕՂՈՍ ԱՌԱՔԵԱԼԻ ՆԱՄԱԿԸ ՀՌՈՄԱՅԵՑԻՆԵՐՈՒՆ (13.11- -14.23)
Սիրոյ այս սկզբունքով ընթացէք, գիտնալով թէ ի՛նչ ժամանակի մէջ կ'ապրինք: Ժամանակն է որ քունը թօթափենք եւ արթննանք, որովհետեւ հիմա փրկութիւնը աւելի մօտ է մեզի, քան այն ատեն՝ երբ հաւատացինք: Գիշերը ահա կ'անցնի եւ ցերեկը մօտ է: Ուստի խաւարի գործերէն հեռանանք եւ լոյսի զէնքերը մեր վրայ առնենք, ապրելու համար այնպէս՝ ինչպէս վայել է լոյսի մէջ քալողներուն, փոխանակ անառակութեամբ, արբեցութեամբ, խառնակեցութեամբ ու պղծութեամբ, կամ նախանձով ու հակառակութեամբ ապրելու: Տէր Յիսուս Քրիստոսի նկարագիրը ձեր վրայ առէք, եւ մարմնի ցանկութիւնները կատարելու հետամուտ մի՛ ըլլաք:
Հաւատքի մէջ տկարացած մէկը ընդունեցէք՝ առանց իր խիղճը տանջող կասկածները քննադատելու: Օրինակ, մէկը կը հաւատայ՝ թէ ամէն ինչ կարելի է ուտել: Ուրիշ մը, որ կասկած ունի այդ մասին, բանջարեղէն կ'ուտէ միայն: Ամէն ինչ ուտողը թող չարհամարհէ չուտողը, իսկ չուտողը թող չքննադատէ ուտողը, որովհետեւ Աստուած զայն ընդուներ է: Ո՞վ ես դուն, որ Աստուծոյ ծառան կը դատես: Տէրը ի՛նք միայն գիտէ՝ իր հաւատքին մէջ կանգո՞ւն է անիկա, թէ ինկած: Բայց վստահ եղէք որ կանգուն պիտի մնայ, որովհետեւ Տէրը կրնայ զայն կանգուն պահել:
Նոյնպէս, ոմանք կը խորհին՝ թէ զԱստուած պաշտելու համար այսինչ օրը աւելի կարեւոր է քան միւս օրը, մինչ ուրիշներու համար բոլոր օրերը նոյնն են: Իւրաքանչիւրը թող իր համոզումը պահէ: Կը բաւէ որ թէ՛ յատուկ օր մը փնտռողը եւ թէ՛ օրերու միջեւ խտրութիւն չդնողը երկուքն ալ Տէրը պատուել կը խորհին: Նոյնպէս ալ, թէ՛ ամէն ինչ ուտողը Տէրը կը պատուէ եւ թէ՛ չուտողը, երբ երկուքն ալ Աստուծոյ գոհութիւն կը յայտնեն:
Մեզմէ ոեւէ մէկը ինքն իր անձին համար չ'ապրիր, ո՛չ ալ ինքն իրեն համար կը մեռնի: Եթէ կ'ապրինք՝ Տիրոջ համար կ'ապրինք, եւ եթէ կը մեռնինք՝ Տիրոջ համար կը մեռնինք, որ կը նշանակէ թէ՝ ըլլա՛յ կեանքի եւ ըլլա՛յ մահուան մէջ՝ Տիրոջ կը պատկանինք: Ատոր համար ալ Քրիստոս մեռաւ եւ վերակենդանացաւ, որպէսզի Տէրը ըլլայ բոլորին, թէ՛ ապրողներուն եւ թէ՛ մեռածներուն հաւասարապէս: Ինչո՞ւ կը դատես ուրեմն եղբայրդ, կամ ինչո՞ւ զայն կ'արհամարհես: Բոլորս ալ Քրիստոսի ատեանին դիմաց պիտի կանգնինք, որովհետեւ մարգարէութեան մէջ գրուած է.-
«Ես ինձմով կ'երդնում,- կ'ըսէ Տէրը,-
որ ամէն ծունկ պիտի խոնարհի առջեւս
եւ ամէն լեզու պիտի խոստովանի
թէ ես եմ Աստուածը»:
Քանի ուրեմն մեզմէ իւրաքանչիւրը իր անձին համար հաշիւ պիտի տայ Աստուծոյ, այսուհետեւ դադրի՛նք իրար քննադատելէ, եւ փոխարէնը ջանանք մեր եղբայրներուն գայթակղութեան եւ մեղանչումին պատճառ չդառնալ:
Յիսուս Քրիստոսով հետեւեալը ապահովապէս գիտեմ, թէ ինքնին պիղծ բան չկայ: Բան մը պիղծ կ'ըլլայ ա՛յն մարդուն համար, որ զայն պիղծ կը համարէ: Եթէ գիտես թէ քու ուտելովդ եղբօրդ խղճմտանքը կը վիրաւորես, սիրով շարժած չես ըլլար՝ երբ ուտես: Քու կերակուրովդ պատճառ մի՛ դառնար որ կորսուի եղբայրդ, որուն համար Քրիստոս իր կեանքը տուաւ: Առիթ մի՛ տար որ բարի եւ ուղիղ սեպած բանդ հայհոյութեան պատճառ դառնայ: Որովհետեւ Աստուծոյ արքայութիւնը կերակուր կամ ըմպելիք չէ, այլ՝ արդարութիւն, խաղաղութիւն եւ խնդութիւն՝ Սուրբ Հոգիէն տրուած: Եւ ով որ ասոնցմով կը ծառայէ Քրիստոսի, անիկա Աստուծոյ հաճելի եւ մարդոց գովելի կ'ըլլայ:
Արդ, այսուհետեւ խաղաղութիւն փնտռենք եւ աշխատինք իրարու հաւատքը ամրապնդել: Չըլլա՛յ որ կերակուրի պատճառով Աստուծոյ գործը քանդես: Ամէն բան ինքնին մաքուր է. բայց սխալ է բան մը ուտել, երբ ատիկա ուրիշ մը կը գայթակղեցնէ: Աւելի ճիշդ է՝ ո՛չ միս ուտել, ո՛չ գինի խմել, ո՛չ ալ ուրիշ ոեւէ բան ընել՝ որով եղբայրդ կը գլորի կամ կը գայթակղի կամ կը տկարանայ: Այս մասին քու համոզումդ՝ քու եւ Աստուծոյ միջեւ թող մնայ: Երանի
՜
անոր որ ինքզինքը դատապարտութեան չ'ենթարկեր այնպիսի բաներով՝ որով իր ընկերոջ փորձութեան պատճառ կ'ըլլայ: Միւս կողմէ, եթէ մէկը կասկած ունի իր կերածին անմաքրութեան մասին, Աստուծոյ դատապարտութեան ենթակայ է՝ եթէ ուտէ, որովհետեւ իր արարքը հաւատքի արդիւնք չէ: Եւ ինչ որ հաւատքէն չի գար՝ մեղք է:
THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO MATTHEW (6:1-21)
Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.
"So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
"And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
"When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
"Pray then in this way:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us to the time of trial,
but rescue us from the evil one.
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
"And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
ՅԻՍՈՒՍ ՔՐԻՍՏՈՍԻ ԱՒԵՏԱՐԱՆԸ ԸՍՏ ՄԱՏԹԷՈՍԻ (6.1-21)
Զգո
՜
յշ, Աստուծոյ հանդէպ ձեր պարտաւորութիւնները մարդոց ներկայութեան մի՛ կատարէք ցոյցի համար, որովհետեւ այդ պարագային վարձատրութիւն պիտի չստանաք ձեր երկնաւոր Հօրմէն:
Երբ ողորմութիւն կ'ուզես տալ, փող ու թմբուկով մի՛ ըներ՝ մարդոց ուշադրութիւնը գրաւելու համար, ինչպէս կեղծաւորները կ'ընեն ժողովարաններու մէջ եւ հրապարակներու վրայ՝ մարդոցմէ փառաւորուելու ակնկալութեամբ: Վստա՛հ եղէք, միայն ատիկա է անոնց վարձատրութիւնը: Ընդհակառակը, երբ դուն ողորմութիւն կու տաս, ձախ ձեռքդ թող չգիտնա՛յ թէ ինչ կ'ընէ աջ ձեռքդ: Այսպիսով ողորմութիւնդ գաղտնի ըրած կ'ըլլաս, եւ քու երկնաւոր Հայրդ, որ անտեսանելի է եւ կը տեսնէ կատարածդ, քեզ պիտի վարձատրէ յայտնապէս:
Նմանապէս, երբ կ'աղօթես՝ կեղծաւորներուն մի՛ նմանիր, որոնք կը սիրեն ժողովարաններու մէջ եւ հրապարակներու անկիւնները կեցած աղօթել, որպէսզի մարդիկ իրենց աղօթելը տեսնեն: Վստահ եղէք, միայն ատիկա է անոնց վարձատրութիւնը: Դուն երբ կ'աղօթես՝ մտի՛ր սենեակդ, գոցէ՛ դուռը եւ ծածուկ կերպով աղօթէ քու երկնաւոր Հօրդ: Եւ Հայրդ որ անտեսանելի է ու կը տեսնէ կատարածդ, քեզի պիտի հատուցանէ յայտնապէս:
Տակաւին, երբ կ'աղօթէք, մի՛ շատախօսէք հեթանոսներուն նման, որոնք կը կարծեն որ եթէ շատ խնդրեն՝ լսելի պիտի դառնան: Արդ, մի՛ նմանիք անոնց, որովհետեւ ձեր Հայրը գիտէ ինչ որ պէտք է ձեզի, նոյնիսկ երբ տակաւին իրմէ խնդրած չէք: Ուրեմն այսպէս աղօթեցէք.-
Հայր մեր երկնաւոր,
սրբաբանուի՛ անունդ.
թող գայ արքայութիւնդ,
թող կատարուի քու կամքդ,
ինչպէս որ երկինքի մէջ՝
այնպէս ալ երկրի վրայ:
Ամենօրեայ մեր հացը
այսօր եւս մեզի տուր:
Ներէ՛ մեր յանցանքները,
ինչպէս որ մենք կը ներենք
անոնց՝ որոնք մեզի դէմ
նոյնպէս յանցանք գործած են։
Եւ թոյլ մի՛ տար
որ փորձութեան մէջ իյնանք.
այլ մեզ չարէն ազատէ՛:
Որովհետեւ քուկդ են միշտ
արքայութիւնը, զօրութիւնը եւ փառքը։ Ամէն:
Որովհետեւ եթէ մարդոց ներէք իրենց յանցանքները, ձեր երկնաւոր Հայրն ալ պիտի ներէ ձեզի: Իսկ եթէ մարդոց չներէք իրենց յանցանքները, ձեր Հայրն ալ պիտի չներէ ձեր յանցանքները:
Երբ ծոմ կը պահէք, տրտումերես մի՛ ըլլաք կեղծաւորներուն նման, որոնք իրենց երեսը կը կախեն, որպէսզի մարդոց ցոյց տան թէ ծոմ կը պահեն: Վստահ եղէք, միայն ատիկա է անոնց վարձատրութիւնը:
Ընդհակառակը, երբ դուն ծոմ կը պահես, օծէ՛ գլուխդ եւ լուա՛ երեսդ, որպէսզի մարդիկ չտեսնեն թէ ծոմ կը պահես, այլ՝ միայն Հայրը, որ անտեսանելի է. եւ Հայրդ, որ կը տեսնէ կատարածդ, քեզ պիտի վարձատրէ յայտնապէս:
Ձեր հարստութիւնը մի՛ դիզէք երկրի վրայ, ուր ցեցն ու ժանգը կը փճացնեն եւ կամ գողերը պատը քանդելով ներս կը մտնեն ու կը գողնան զայն: Այլ ձեր հարստութիւնը դիզեցէք երկինքի մէջ, ուր ցեցն ու ժանգը չեն կրնար փճացնել զայն, եւ ոչ ալ գողերը կրնան պատը քանդելով ներս մտնել եւ գողնալ: Որովհետեւ ձեր հարստութիւնը ո՛ւր որ է, հոն կ'ըլլայ նաեւ ձեր սիրտը:
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COUNCIL OF CONSTANTINOPLE
This Saturday (February 22) the Armenian Church commemorates the 150 Fathers of the Council of Constantinople, the second ecumenical council convened by Emperor Theodosius in 381. This council confirmed the work of the first council at Nicaea, and added five articles to the Nicene Creed regarding the Holy Spirit, the Church, Baptism, and Resurrection. The Council of Constantinople is one of the three ecumenical councils accepted by the Armenian Church.
POON PAREGENTAN
This Sunday (February 23) is Poon Paregentan, the eve of Great Lent (Medz Bahk). Poon means "real" or "genuine," and distinguishes this Paregentan from others in the liturgical calendar prior to other periods of fasting. Paregentan literally means "good living."
Poon Paregentan ushers the faithful into the Lenten period of fasting, penance, and reconciliation.
Paregentan Sunday is the last day before the start of Lent. It is marked with good and abundant food, merriment, entertainment, and festivities of various kinds. Traditionally, all the food in the house that is forbidden during Lent would be consumed on Paregentan or given to non-Christian neighbors. During Lent all animal products, including dairy and eggs, are forbidden. The earliest Armenian tradition was even stricter and was referred to as Aghouhatz (salt and bread) because of its stringent restrictions.
GREAT LENT BEGINS MONDAY
Great Lent (Medz Bahk or Karasnortk) begins this Monday, February 24. Great Lent is the longest of the fasts in the liturgical calendar. It begins on the Monday immediately following Paregentan and continues for 40 days until the Friday before the commemoration of the raising of Lazarus on the Saturday before Palm Sunday. A new period of fasting is observed during Holy Week.
Great Lent, a time of prayer, penance, abstinence, and devotion, is a very personal spiritual journey that is based on the 40 days Christ spent in the wilderness following his baptism. "Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was famished." (Matthew 4:1-2)
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The Feast of VARTANANTZ was Celebrate on last Thursday
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"Avarayr for us is not one of the usual battles in Armenian history and it has never been: it was a battle that sent a message to our people, a decisive battle," has said His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. "And today our people must listen with loyalty, devotion and dedication to the message of Vartanantz and Ghevontiants."
Armenians worldwide celebrate the Feast of Vartanantz tomorrow, Thursday, February 20, commemorating the war between pagan Persia and Christian Armenia in 451. The king of Persia ordered all Christians under his rule to abandon Christianity and embrace Zoroastrianism. The Armenian clergy and leaders refused to follow this command and took an oath to fight the enemies of truth. Before the two armies met on the battlefield on the morning of May 26, 451, Vartan Mamigonian, the leader of the Armenian forces, addressed his soldiers: "He who supposes that we put on Christianity like a garment, now realizes that as he cannot change the color of his skin, so he will perhaps never be able to accomplish his designs. For the foundations of our faith are set on the unshakeable rock, not on earth but above in heaven, yet by faith we are established in heaven where no one can reach the building of Christ not made by human hands."
Vartan was the leader of the Armenians in the decisive battle on the plains of Avarayr, and although outnumbered, the Armenians put up a fierce resistance against the mighty Persian Empire. Vartan and many of his soldiers died, but the Persians sustained even greater casualties, and they recognized the strong commitment the Armenians had to their Christian faith. With this battle the Armenians clearly demonstrated that Christianity had become a part of their national identity.
The resistance to Persian rule continued for more than thirty years, led by Vahan Mamigonian, nephew of Vartan. Vahan successfully negotiated the Treaty of Nvarsag in 484, the earliest document granting religious freedom and home rule.
The Armenian Church canonized the heroes of Vartanank as a group in the fifth century. In April 2015 our generation witnessed the historic collective canonization of the 1.5 million martyrs of the Armenian genocide. It was the first canonization by the Armenian Church since the 15th century when Krikor Datevatzi was granted sainthood.
"Newly wondrous crown-bearer and leader of the grave, you courageously armed yourself against death with the weapon of the Spirit, O Vartan, courageous warrior, you turned the enemy to flight and have crowned the Church with your rose-colored blood. ...
"Surrounded today by the host of these crowned warriors, we sing glory in praise to you, O Holy Trinity, and we thank you for the mercy shown by you to the Armenian churches brightly adorned by the martyrdom of these strugglers."
(Sharagan to Saint Vartan and his companions, from the Liturgical Canons of the Armenian Church)
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- Mrs. ANNA MELIDOSIAN, passed on Wednesday, February 12, 2020. Funeral service were held on Sunday, February 16, 2020, at Edward Jamie Funeral Home. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family. May she rest in peace.
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REQUIEM SERVICE FOR VICTIMS OF SUMGAIT
By order of the Prelate, all Prelacy parishes will offer requiem services this Sunday, February 23, in memory of Armenians who were massacred by Azerbaijan on February 26-28, 1988, in the town of Sumgait, along with those who were victims of the pogroms of Kirovabad (November 1988) and Baku (January 1990). These massacres left hundreds of dead and resulted in the deportation of hundreds of thousands of Armenians from their homes. Archbishop Anoushavan has directed parishes to circulate a second plate offering that will benefit the families of fallen heroes in Artsakh on the 32nd anniversary of these tragic events.
ARS REMEMBRANCE DAY
Archbishop Anoushavan has directed all parishes to observe Remembrance Day for the Armenian Relief Society, offering requiem services for all deceased members and benefactors of the ARS this Sunday, February 23. Remembered specifically will be the founder of the ARS, Agnouni (Khatchadour Maloomian), on the occasion of the 105th anniversary of his death, and the following benefactors: George and Beatrice Lazarian, Levon and Sophia Hagopian, Karekin and Virginia Siroonian, Samuel and Agnes Yeremian, Araxie Proodian, Haiganoush Garabedian, Doris Norian Lentz, Alice Norian, Arpkes Kelerchian, Hagop Jacques and Pearl Mouradian, Alice Haigazian Berman, Genevieve Yekeshian, Yervant and Helen Terzian, Albert and Takouhi Begian, Giragos Vaporsiyan, Kourken Assaturian, Margaret Assaturian and Katherine P. Tayian.
-The ARS Erebouni Chapter request requiem service for the soul of their beloved members SOSSI KAZANDJIAN, YERVANT SARKISSIAN, AZADOUHI SARKISSIAN, HOVHANNES MEGERIAN, ZABEL NAKASHIAN, ARSHALOOYS YESAYAN, Dr. ROUBIK MELIK VARTANIAN and all deseaced members of ARS Erebouni Chapter.
- Mrs. Marrieta Gabrelian, Ms. Natalie Gabrelian & Mr. Vicken Demirjian, Mr. &
Mrs. Hrach & Adele Kervandjian and daughter Linda (FL), Mr. & Mrs. Ara & Heddy
Kervandjian and children Alex, Taline & Shant (PA), Mr. & Mrs. Hovanes & Seda
Kalaigian, Mr. & Mrs. Alan & Michelle Melconian and sons Luke & Dylan, Mr. John
Kalaigian & Ms. Nicole Kozlowski, Mrs. Anahid Giveleghian, Ms. Marie Noel
Giveleghian and son Mike, Mrs. Adele Aghazadian, Mr. & Mrs. Domenic & Susan
DiBerardino and families, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas & Renee Wiebe and family, Mr. &
Mrs. Nicholas & Laura Hoffmann and family, and Mrs. Sirvart Demirjian, request
requiem service for the soul of their beloved husband, father, brother, brother-in-
law, uncle, cousin and friend SEBUH HENRY GABRELIAN (40th day memorial
service).
-Drs. Herand & Janet Markarian request requiem service for the soul of their beloved friend SUBUH HENRY GABRELIAN (40th day memorial service).
- Members of Hamazkain of New Your request requiem service for the soul of their beloved member SEBUH HENRY GABRELIAN (40th day memorial service).
- Dr. & Mrs. Aram and Rima Cazazian, Mrs. Takoohi Josephian, Mr. & Mrs. Armen and Lucy Josephian and children Arbi and Ani, Mr. & Mrs. Bedros and Tanya Mazakian and children Amelia and Thomas, request requiem service for the soul of their beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather HERAND JOSEPHIAN (5th year memorial service). Also for the soul of their beloved son, grandson, nephew, brother, uncle and cousin ALEXANDER NAKASHIAN (3rd year memorial service).
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Join St. Sarkis Church Ladies Guild Fellowship Hour every Sunday following Church services.
ARS Benefactors Day and SEBUH HENRY GABRELIAN Memorial Luncheon Hokejash will be held in the Main Hall and is hosted by:
-ARS Erebouni Chapter Members.
-Mrs. Marrieta Gabrelian, family and friends
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Quick reminder that you can help support Saint Sarkis Saturday School at no cost to you by shopping on Amazon Smile. When purchasing online through Amazon Smile .05% of your purchases will be donated to Saint Sarkis Saturday School.
All you need to do is:
Sign into your existing amazon account or create a new one by clicking here: https://smile.amazon.com/ . Eligible products are marked "Eligible for Amazon Smile donation". Please select: St Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church of Long Island Inc. as your charitable organization. If you have any questions please send us an e-mail at [email protected]
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| - February 21, 2020 |
First Dance Lesson |
| - February 28, 2020 |
Salt & Light Youth Group Session |
| - March 1, 2020 |
Sunday School |
| - March 1, 2020 |
Domestic Violence in Armenian and Beyond |
| - March 15, 2020 |
Sunday School |
| - March 27, 2020 |
Salt & Light Youth Group Session |
| - March 29, 2020 |
Sunday School |
| - March 29, 2020 |
General Membership Meeting |
| - April 5, 2020 |
Palm Sunday |
| - April 11, 2020 |
Saturday School Easter Brunch |
| - April 12, 2020 |
Easter |
| - April 19, 2020 |
Sunday School |
| - May 3, 2020 |
Sunday School |
| - May 10, 2020 |
Mother's Day |
| - May 17, 2020 |
Saturday School Year End Hantes |
| - May 31, 2020 |
St. Sarkis Church 30th Anniversary Celebration |
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Adds From Sister Organizations
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