E-Sunday Bulletin of St. Sarkis Church |
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E-Sunday Bulletin of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church
38-65 234th. St. Douglaston, NY, 11363
Sunday: 10/24/2021
ԳԻՒՏ Ս. ԽԱՉԻ - DISCOVERY OF THE HOLY CROSS
Sunday Readings:
Wisdom 14:1-8; Isaiah 33:22-34:1; 1 Corinthians 1:18-24; Matthew 24:27-36
Join us in worship this Sunday
Morning Service 10:00 AM
Divine Liturgy 10:45 AM - Sermon 11:45 AM
Մասնակցեցէք Ս. Պատարագին՝
Առաւօտեան Ժամերգութիւն 10։00
Ս. Պատարագ 10։45- Քարոզ 11։45
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UPDATE ON AID FOR SYRIA FUNDRAISER |
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Thank you for your generous donations
Mr. & Mrs. Hagop & Soci Simonian $5,000.00
Anounymos $1,000.00
Mr. & Mrs. Antranig & Marion Boudakian $1,000.00
St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church of Douglaston $1,000.00
Mrs. Nayda Voskerijian $600.00
Mr. & Mrs. Karl & Alice Alajajian $500.00
Mr. & Mrs. Antranog & Marie Yacoubian $500.00
Mr. & Mrs. Razmik & Sonya Nenejian $400.00
Mr. & Mrs. Edward & Mary Arslanian $250.00
Mr. & Mrs. Armen & Zepiur Ardzivian $200.00
Fr. Vahan & Yn. Maggie Kouyoumdjian $150.00
Mrs. Armenouhi Bardizbanian $100.00
The Ladies Guild of St. Sarkis Church $100.00
Mrs. Harriet Janesian $100.00
Mr. Vartkes Mengouchian $100.00
Mr. & Mrs. Harry & Juliette Milian $100.00
Mr. Zaven Varjabedian $100.00
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UPDATE ON AID FOR LEBANON FUNDRAISER |
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Here is a quick update on our
"Aid to Struggling Families in Lebanon" Fundraiser.
We are grateful for your generous donations.
$1,000.00
Mr. & Mrs. Hratch & Negdar Arukian
Mr. & Mrs. Ohanness and Sonia Bezdikian
Mr. Haroutune Djamdjian
$750.00
Mr. Varouj Oghali
$500.00
Mr. & Mrs. Veh & Arpie Bezdikian
Mr. & Mrs. Levon & Aline Kassabian
Mr. & Mrs. Eduard & Alina Kochoumian
Drs. Arthur & Louiza Kubikian
Mrs. Nayda Voskerijian
$300.00
Mr. & Mrs. Razmik & Sonya Nenejian
Mr. & Mrs. Harry & Alice Seoylemezian
Mr. & Mrs. Manoug & Dory Shishmanian
$250.00
Mrs. Armine Giorgetti
Mr. & Dr. Michael & Nouneh Gostanian
Mr. & Mrs. Garo & Vicky Hagobian
Drs. Raffi & Marieange Haroun
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis & Anita Nerses Kurpios
Mr. & Mrs. Yeprem & Madeleine Nazarian
Fr. Garabed & Yn. Mary Telfeyan
Fr. Nareg & Yn. Annie Terterian
$200.00
Dr. & Mrs. Stephen & Liza Andreopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Narek & Astghik Boudakian
Mr. & Mrs. Hagop & Stella Karamikian
Mr. & Mrs. Sarkis & Adrine Nercessian
Ms. Margaret Sarkissian
$150.00
Dr. & Mrs. Garo & Rubina Nazarian
$100.00
Mr. & Mrs. Armen & Zepiur Ardzivian
Mr. & Mrs. Mnoug & Amy Gostanian
Mr. Vartkes Mengouchian
Mrs. Gail D'Onofrio
Mr. & Mrs. Torkom & Alice Pilibossian
Ms. Marguerite S Tarjan
Miss Lori Varjabedian
Mr. & Mrs. Vartkes & Chake Vartanian
Mr. & Mrs. Sevan & Victoria Yekhpairian
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A year ago and following the deadly blast of the Port in Beirut, Lebanon, we launched a fundraising campaign here at St. Sarkis Church to aid Armenian families and institutions who suffered greatly from that tragedy. Subsequently, as a sign of solidarity, care, and support, our community generously raised over $35k and transferred it to our Armenian sisters and brothers in Lebanon through the Armenian Prelacy.
A year later, the situation in Lebanon has worsened tremendously. It's pretty hard for us to imagine what it's like not to have air conditioning at a 100-degree temperature or not to have electricity to keep the fridge running or natural gas to cook a hot meal, let alone the challenges of providing medical care to the sick. Thousands of Armenian families are trying to survive this chaos. The World Bank said, "the financial crisis Lebanon is currently facing could rank among the world's three worst since the mid-1800s. The currency has lost more than 90 percent of its value. Unemployment has skyrocketed as businesses have shut down". Reuters reported that "The country is running out of critical medicines. The U.N. is warning of a looming water crisis, and fuel shortages are paralyzing even essential services and miles-long queues forming at gas stations with little or no petrol to sell." These are the daily struggles of our brothers and sisters in Lebanon, a country once was named Switzerland of the Middle East.
In a letter addressed to the Armenian communities in the USA, His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, wrote the following: "We appeal to you to try again to help the Armenians of Lebanon at this difficult stage in their lives." His Holiness specifies that the collected funds will serve the social, humanitarian, health, and educational needs of Armenians in Lebanon.
Let us respond to this humanitarian appeal with a spirit of generosity. Let us give, knowing that we are somewhat alleviating the suffering of an Armenian family that might look much like your own family. Let them know that they are not forgotten. Let's engage in this act of mercy and charity, "remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:35)
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I am grateful for your continuous support.
Prayerfully,
Fr. Nareg Terterian
Pastor
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* The raised funds will be transferred to the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia through our parent organization - The Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church
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PRELACY CLERGY HOLDS RETREAT AT LONG ISLAND SEMINARY |
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The clergy of the Eastern Prelacy took part in a retreat on Oct. 18-19 at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Long Island. It was the first gathering following the unprecedented pandemic, during which the clergy has held monthly videoconference calls.
Following the opening prayer and welcome address by His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan , Prelate, Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian was elected chair of the meeting and Rev. Fr. Garabed Telfeyan, its secretary.
Rev. Frs. Vahan Kouyoumdjian and Nareg Terterian delivered interesting lectures with practical applications: “The Religious-Social Foundations of the Armenian American Youth” and “Symptoms of Unhealthy Family Relationships,” respectively. Archpriest Fr. Nerses Manoogian chaired a session on pastoral experience exchanges and Very Rev. Fr. Sahag Yemishian presented an outline of the mainprojects undertaken by the Prelacy. For his part, Archpriest Fr, Antranig Baljian gave a presentation with a focus on the 65-year history of the Prelacy, and Dn. Shant Kazanjian presented the Christian education programs for the current year.
The retreat included moments of prayer and contemplation, during which Rev. Frs. Bedros Shetilian and Torkom Chorbajian offered reflections.
Singing the hymn “Disciples of Christ,” the participants concluded the retreat with renewed faith and enthusiasm.
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Dear Parishioners and Friends,
We hope this letter finds you and your loved ones in good health. 2021 brought greater hope in our lives as the Covid-19 pandemic eased its grip internationally but for Armenians worldwide, 2021 also marked two painful events: first, the aftermath of Armenia’s war with Azerbaijan and subsequent humanitarian needs associated with displacement, loss of life and medical and mental trauma, second, the deteriorating monetary and political conditions in Lebanon have prompted religious leaders and organizations to seek financial aid for their suffering brethren.
Within this scenario, St. Sarkis Church is slowly returning to some degree of normalcy with most programs being reactivated. In an attempt to look positively toward the future, the 2022 calendar is dedicated to “Hope and Rebirth.” It will display biblical quotes and will be complemented by visually inspiring photographs of hope and rebirth.
Thank you to those of you who submitted photos. They will be shared with our community soon.
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THANKS GIVING DINNER DANCE |
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SUNDAY SCHOOL
Reported by Mrs. Pamela Keshishian
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On Sunday, October 17th we had our second session of Sunday School. We welcomed many new students. We encourage all our members with children to join us at Sunday School.
I share with you what a student said to her mom as she was leaving, “I love Sunday School!” We look forward to seeing all of our students at the next session to learn about the bible, our religion, and to worship with our parish.
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MODERN & TRADITIONAL ARMENIAN DANCE LESSONS |
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On Friday, October 15th St Sarkis Modern and Traditional dance group met for the first time after a long break due to the pandemic. We are all very happy to be back in our church hall dancing and keeping our tradition and heritage alive! We look forward to seeing all of our dancers on a regular basis. |
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The theme of last Tuesday's Bible Study session was "our Need for Others." based on Mark 2:1-12. Reading the miracle of the healing of the paralyzed, the group discussed our physical ailments and needs that can serve as means to "go to Jesus" and the role of faithful friends who will help us in that journey and our humility to accept their help.
Next Tuesday, the group will read Matthew 14:22-33, and the discussion is titled "Out of the Boat.
"Spiritual Basics" is the theme of a 6-session Bible Study on Zoom format on Tuesday, October 12 - November 17, 2021.
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MIND, BODY AND WELLNESS COMING UP IN NOVEMBER |
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Dear Parishioners,
Please send your requiem request, photos of newborns, baptism photos, wedding photos and other announcements from sister organizations for the coming Sunday's Ebulletin no later than Thursday 12 noon.
All requests received after 12 noon on Thursday will be posted on the following week's Ebulletin.
We thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding.
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SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THIS SUNDAY |
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THE FIRST EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 1.18-24
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."
Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
ՊՕՂՈՍ ԱՌԱՔԵԱԼԻ ԱՌԱՋԻՆ ՆԱՄԱԿԸ ԿՈՐՆԹԱՑԻՆԵՐՈՒՆ 1.18-24
Խաչին մասին քարոզութիւնը յիմարութիւն կը թուի կորուստի ճամբուն մէջ գտնուողներուն համար, մինչ մեզի՝ փրկութեան ճամբուն մէջ գտնուողներուս համար Աստուծոյ զօրութիւնն է անիկա: Արդարեւ մարգարէութեան մէջ գրուած է.-
«Իմաստուններուն իմաստութիւնը պիտի խափանեմ,
խելացիներուն խելքը պիտի կորսնցնեմ»:
Այն ատեն ո՞ւր պիտի մնան իմաստունները կամ ուսեալները եւ կամ այս աշխարհի հարցերը քննողները: Չէ՞ որ Աստուած ցոյց տուաւ՝ թէ այս աշխարհի իմաստութիւնը յիմարութիւն է: Որովհետեւ աշխարհը իր ունեցած իմաստութեամբ չկրցաւ ճանչնալ զԱստուած եւ անոր իմաստութիւնը, ուստի Աստուած ուզեց յիմարութիւն համարուած խաչին քարոզութեամբ փրկել անոնք՝ որ կը հաւատան: Եւ թէպէտ Հրեաներ հրաշք կ’ուզեն, իսկ Յոյներ իմաստութիւն կը փնտռեն, մենք խաչուած Քրիստոսը կը քարոզենք, որ գայթակղութիւն է Հրեաներուն համար եւ յիմարութիւն՝ հեթանոսներուն համար, թէպէտ նոյն այդ Հրեաներէն ու Յոյներէն կանչուածներուն եւ դարձի եկածներուն համար՝ անիկա Քրիստոսն է, Աստուծոյ զօրութիւնը եւ Աստուծոյ իմաստութիւնը:
THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 24.27-36
For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.
"Immediately after the distress of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
ՅԻՍՈՒՍ ՔՐԻՍՏՈՍԻ ԱՒԵՏԱՐԱՆԸ ԸՍՏ ՄԱՏԹԷՈՍԻ 24.27-36
Որովհետեւ Մարդու Որդին պիտի գայ կայծակի նման, որ երբ փայլատակէ՝ կը լուսաւորէ ամբողջ երկնակամարը, արեւելքէն արեւմուտք: Անգղները կը հաւաքուին հոն՝ ուր դիակ կայ:
– Նեղութեան այդ օրերէն անմիջապէս ետք արեւը պիտի խաւարի եւ լուսինը այլեւս պիտի չփայլի. երկինքէն աստղերը պիտի իյնան եւ երկնային մարմինները պիտի սասանին: Ապա Մարդու Որդիին նշանը պիտի երեւի երկինքի մէջ, եւ աշխարհի բոլոր ժողովուրդները պիտի ողբան, երբ տեսնեն Մարդու Որդին, որ կու գայ ամպերուն վրայ բազմած՝ զօրութեամբ եւ մեծ փառքով: Երբ մեծաձայն փողը հնչէ, ան իր հրեշտակները պիտի ղրկէ, որպէսզի հաւաքեն իր ընտրեալները աշխարհի չորս կողմերէն, երկինքի մէկ ծայրէն մինչեւ միւսը:
Թզենին ձեզի թող օրինակ ըլլայ: Երբ տեսնէք որ անոր ճիւղերը կը կակուղնան եւ տերեւ կ’արձակեն, գիտէք թէ ամառը մօտ է: Նոյնպէս ալ, երբ բոլոր ըսածներս կատարուին, գիտցէք թէ Մարդու Որդիին գալուստը մօտ է եւ արդէն հասնելու վրայ է: Վստահ եղէք, որ այս սերունդը չանցած՝ ասոնք բոլորը պիտի պատահին: Նոյնիսկ եթէ երկինքն ու երկիրը անհետանան, խօսքերս պիտի չանհետանան:
– Սակայն ո՛չ ոք գիտէ թէ ե՛րբ պիտի գայ այդ օրը կամ ժամը. ո՛չ երկինքի հրեշտակները, ո՛չ ալ Որդին, բայց միայն՝ Հայրը:
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TWELVE HOLY TEACHERS OF THE CHURCH
On Saturday, October 23, the Armenian Church commemorates the Twelve Holy Teachers (Doctors) of the Church, namely: Hierotheus of Athens, Dionysius the Areopagite, Sylvester of Rome, Athanasius of Alexandria, Cyril of Jerusalem, Ephrem the Syrian, Basil of Caesarea, Gregory of Nyssa, Gregory the Theologian, Epiphanius of Cyprus, John Chrysostom, and Cyril of Alexandria.
FEAST OF THE DISCOVERY OF THE HOLY CROSS
This Sunday, October 24, the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross (Giut Khachi). Empress Helena, mother of Constantine and a devout Christian, wanted to visit the Holy Land and explore the sites Christ had walked centuries ago. She went to Golgotha (Calvary), which had become an obscure and neglected place. According to some chronicles, it was an informed Jew named Juda who pointed out the location. At her instruction, workers excavated the site, and three wooden crosses were found. Which one was the True Cross? The three crosses were successively placed on the body of a youth who had just died. When one of the crosses was placed on him, the young man came back to life. This was determined to be the True Cross. The commemoration of this event takes place on the Seventh Sunday of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
The cross is a great source of pride for Armenians and they have created beautiful works of art using the cross. What once was a means of punishment and death, became a symbol of salvation and victory.
“After the marvelous vision which the empress had, she began to search in Jerusalem for the precious wood of the cross on which the Messiah had been crucified. At her awesome command the Jews assembled and pointed out to her the precious wood of the cross which the Creator of creatures had ascended. The discovery of the holy cross in the holy place was accompanied by the spread of fragrance and the universe was filled with great gifts.”
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The Altar Flowers for this Sunday are donated by Mr. & Mrs. Robert & Cathy Grigorians and family in memory of their beloved mother and grandmother NAZELY GRIGORIANS.
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40TH DAY PRESENTATION TO THE LORD |
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-ADRIANA MIKAELIAN, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Vaghan and Yana Mikaelian was brought to church for the 40th day dedication service, according to the rites of the Armenian Church. We welcome Adriana to the life of the church and hope to see her soon for the Sacrament of Baptism.
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-Mr. Mihran Khostikian, Mr. & Mrs. Onnik and Anais Moussati and sons Antoine and Hovannes, Ms. Shakeh Khostikian, Mr. & Mrs. Christo and Azniv Poursanidis and sons Dimitri and George Request requiem service for the soul of their beloved mother and grandmother MARIE KHOSTIKIAN (40th day memorial service). Also for the souls of the all deceased members of KHOSTIKIAN family.
-Mr. & Mrs. Edward and Evi Sharoyan and family, Mr. & Mrs. Adrian and Marjorie Sharoyan and family, Mr. & Mrs. John and Victoria Anzalone and family Request requiem service for the soul of their beloved cousin FILI DONIKIAN (40th day memorial service). Also for the souls of their beloved parents, grandparents and great grandparents SOUREN and ARAXI SHAROYAN, beloved brother, uncle and great uncle SARKIS SARKIS, beloved father and grandfather SOUREN APRAHAMIAN.
-Mr. & Mrs. Jirair and Nora Mengouchian and family and Ms. Nicolette and Mr. Jonathan Voskerijian Request requiem service for the soul of their beloved brother, uncle and father GERARD VOSKERIJIAN (3rd year memorial service).
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-Sunday, October 24, 2021: Salt & Light Reconnect Retreat
-Wednesday, November 10, 2021: Wellness
-Friday, November 12, 2021: Salt & Light Youth Group Session
-Friday, December 10, 2021: Salt & Light Youth Group Session
-November 26, 2021: Thanks Giving Dinner Dance
-December 26, 2021: Deacons' Ordination at St. Sarkis Church
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The Ladies Guild Coffee hour will be held in Pagoumian Hall and is hosted by:
Mrs. Mary Arslanian
Mrs. Ani Nercessian
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THE CHILDREN OF MARTYRED FATHERS NEED US
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THE CHILDREN OF MARTYRED FATHERS NEED US
New lists of war orphans are coming to us through the St. Nerses the Great Organization office in Yerevan. Currently, 71 orphans from fathers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the war in Artsakh are registered in the waiting list of the St. Nerses the Great Organization in Yerevan, along with other 11 orphans with heartbreaking stories. We appeal to the generosity of our fellow Armenians to sponsor one or more of them.
Click here for online sponsorship of minors up to the age of 18.
Click here for online sponsorship of orphans who become students at a higher education institution upon turning 18.
You can always contact the Prelacy by email (sophie@armenianprelacy.org) or telephone (212-689-7810) for the sponsorship of both minors and university students in the program of the St. Nerses the Great Organization in Armenia.
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Adds From Sister Organizations
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St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church |
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Address: 38-65 234th Street,
Douglaston, NY 11363
Phone:(718) 224-2275
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