E-Sunday Bulletin of St. Sarkis Church
E-Sunday Bulletin of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church
38-65 234th. St. Douglaston, NY, 11363  
Sunday: 3/5/2023
ԱՐՏԱՔՍՄԱՆ ԿԻՐԱԿԻ - THIRD SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT-THE PRODIGAL SON 
Sunday Readings:    
Isaiah 54:11-55:13; 2 Corinthians 6:1-7:1; Luke 15:1-32

Join us in worship this Sunday.
Morning Service 10:00 AM
Sunday School 11:00 AM
Divine Liturgy 10:45 AM - Sermon 11:45 AM
Մասնակցեցէք Ս. Պատարագին՝
Առաւօտեան Ժամերգութիւն 10։00
Ս. Պատարագ 10։45- Քարոզ 11։45
LENTEN TUESDAYS AT ST SARKIS CHURCH
Reported by Mrs. Annita Nerses
During the second session of this very informative 6 week program, Der Nareg resumed focus on the Old Testament. Whereas the first session delved into the first five books of the Bible, referred to as the Pentateuch, this second session continued the journey with a very clear overview of the prophets followed by the books of the Ketuvim. Three particularly meaningful Psalms were read and discussed, with Der Nareg pointing out that the first phrase translated into Armenian by Mesrop Mashtots in the 5th century AD was, “To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding” from the second verse of Proverb 1. Throughout the evening, Der Nareg offered profound insights on essential messages in each of the books. For example, Der Nareg pointed out specific Archetypes in the Old Testament that foretell the New Testament and the coming of Jesus. Please join us this coming Tuesday evening for the continuation of this revealing journey.

Many thanks to Kubikian, Nercessian & Gostanian Families for hosting the Lenten dinner. Please join us for this coming Tuesday’s session focusing on “The Wisdom Books & Prophets” of the Old Testament.
Let’s come together to worship and share a Lenten meal.

This year we are asking for six groups of individuals and families to prepare and serve various lenten dishes and desserts for 25-30 people on the Tuesday of choice.
The church will provide all paper goods and drinks/coffee.

If you are interested in hosting a Lenten Tuesday Meal
 please get in touch with the Church Office at (718) 224-2275 or email Stsarkischurch@gmail.com
Tuesday, February 21
Hosted by Ardzivian & Nenejian Families

Tuesday, February 28
Hosted by Kubikian, Nercessian & Gostanian Families

Tuesday, March 07
Hosted by Terterian & Megerian Families

Tuesday, March 14
Hosted by ARS Erebouni Chapter

Tuesday, March 21
Hosted by Anonymous

Tuesday, March 28
Hosted by Hagobian, Bijimenian and Jamgotchian Families
* In person only. - Videos of the Lectures Will be Available Later.
THE LADIES GUILD OF ST. SARKIS CHURCH ARE GETTING READY FOR EASTER HOLIDAYS
Reported by Dr. Louiza Kubikian
On February 26, 2023 the Ladies Guild held a meeting to discuss preparations for the upcoming Michink (March 19), Palm Sunday (April 2), Easter Eve Dinner (April 8) and Easter (April 9). An especially delicious and appetizing menu was decided upon for each event with many ladies donating their cooking and baking talents.
We look forward to seeing you at each of these events. Please support our efforts to serve our
community and church. See you soon.
HOMENETMEN NY CUB SCOUTS FUNDRAISER EVENT
Reported by Yeghpayr Toros Aledjian
On February 26, 2023 the Homenetmen NY Cub Scouts held a Falafel Breakfast fundraiser held at St. Sarkis Apostolic Church for the Children of Aleppo suffering as a result of the recent earthquake.

Our Kayligs and Ardzevigs were there helping serve food, cleaning and helping wherever they can.
As a result, the event was very well received and attended with close to 70 meals being served, raising over $1200 for the relief effort. 

We want to extend a huge thank you to our ARS Erebuni sister chapter for not only their incredible support in helping us meet our objective but also donating the sweets and the proceeds to the effort to raise funds for the children of Aleppo.

Also, a very special and warm thank you goes out to Ungerouhi Ani Neecessian who made and donated the falafel, Ungerouhi Loucine Megherian who made the Manaish and the Biberov hatz along with our scout committee members Kouyr Ani Terterian and Kouyr Salpie Megerian. These tireless women did an amazing job to ensure the success of our event. Without them this event would not have met its objective.

Finally a thank you goes out to our Homenetmen NY Chapter executives for their support and confidence in our fledgling Cub Scout group.

Yeghpayr Avedis Terterian
Kouyr AnaMarie Megerian
Yeghpayr Raffi Megerian
Kouyr Areni Pogossian
Kouyr Nayri Pogossian
Yeghpayr Garo Tateosian
Kouyr Maral Tateosian
Yeghpayr Raffi Tateosian

We are and shall always be ready to serve our community in their times of need trying to live up to our most important ideal of Homenetmen …
Partsratsir Partstratsour (Elevate yourself and Elevate Others)

Our journey continues

Yeghpayragan Cherme Parevnerov
Yeghpayr Toros Aledjian
ARS BENEFACTOR'S DAY
Reported by Mrs. Victoria Hagobian
Last Sunday, February 26th, was Remembrance Day for the Armenian Relief Society. The ARS Erebouni Chapter of NY requested a requiem service for all of their deceased members and benefactors. Candles were lit in honor of their memory and for their dedicated service. A light fellowship was offered downstairs in the main hall.
RELIEF EFFORTS FOR THE EARTHQUAKE IN ALEPPO CONTINUE
On Tuesday, February 7, 2023, we issued an urgent appeal to show solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Aleppo, Syria, suffering from the devastation of the earthquake that struck that region on Monday, February 6, 2023. We launched a Fundraiser, and many parishioners and friends donated generously to our campaign.

As of today, we have collected $48,340.00. The generosity of our community members and friends, individuals, families, and institutions humbles me. May God bless you abundantly and be with every suffering soul everywhere.

Prayerfully Yours,
Fr. Nareg
Relief For the Earthquake in Aleppo - Donate Now
MID-LENT LUNCHEON MICHINK
EASTER BRUNCH
LADIES GUILD MOTHER'S DAY TEA PARTY
KARNIG ALAJAJIAN SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM
St Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church
Karnig Alajajian Scholarship
Application Form

Our Mission

Thanks to the generosity of Mr. Karnig Alajajian, St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church* has created a scholarship fund. Our mission is to promote scholastic excellence within our community. To achieve this end, we seek to assist our youth in obtaining the education they desire and deserve and prepare the next generation of our church's leaders.
 
A scholarship of $5,000.00 will be awarded to a chosen candidate. Applications will be evaluated on academic achievements, financial needs, and engagement/service to St. Sarkis Church as well as to the Armenian and non-Armenian communities.


* St. Sarkis Church is a non-profit organization under SEC 501C (3). Donations and gifts are tax-deductible as a charity organization..
Your Generous Donations
Dear Parishioners and Friends,

We gratefully acknowledge the receipt of your generous donation to St. Sarkis Church.

Your continuous support of St. Sarkis Church is sincerely appreciated. It is because of dedicated individuals like you, that our church continues its spiritual mission and service.

May God bless you for your kindness and reward you abundantly.

Prayerfully,

Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, Pastor &
Board of Trustees
DANCE GROUP
Our dance group continues to practice together for the upcoming 'Rebirth' Concert organized by Hamazkayin of New Jersey. 

We hope that our parishioners will support our dancers and join us on March 25th for an unforgettable evening of song and dance. Please see attached flyer for more details.
HOMENETMEN OF NEW YORK &
ST. SARKIS CHURCH SALT & LIGHT YOUTH GROUP
SALT & LIGHT YOUTH GROUP
YOUR MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
St. Sarkis Church Annual Membership meeting and General Elections
will be held on Sunday, March 26, 2023 between 1:30-3:00 PM.
All Members are invited to participate. 
SUNDAY SCHOOL
CALLING ALL PARISHIONERS!
We are so proud that each member of our thriving St. Sarkis community possesses unique talents, expertise, and interests.  Participation by each and every one of you makes an impact on us all. As our parish grows, so do our needs for your participation and impact. With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits and fulfillment from volunteering with your fellow parishioners can be enormous. If you are interested in joining any of our team efforts for activities such as annual picnic planning, Saturday and Sunday school activities, choir membership --- we appreciate your help! Also, if you’d like to recommend and plan an activity, we’d love to hear from you and see how we can help make it happen. Please feel free to reach out to Annita Nerses (annitanerses@aol.com, 914-523-2956) or the Church office (stsarkischurch@gmail.com, 718-224-2275)
SCRIPTURE READERS


St. Sarkis welcomes the participation of all our youth in the Badarak Service.

Please contact Annita Nerses at annitanerses@aol.com or Arev Mouradian at arsen_arev@yahoo.com for more information on how to get involved.
YOUTH BADARAK SERVICE PARTICIPATION
BASKETBALL NEWS
Reported by Ms. Carolina Guekjian
On Sunday February 26th, St. Sarkis Armenian Church Starters Basketball team along with other NY and NJ Armenian churches came together and participated in a fun afternoon of competition. St. Leons Armenian Church hosted a Starters Basketball day in their gym. The children 8 to 11 years old enjoyed playing basketball with each other and demonstrating their individual skills. The level of play was wonderful as boys and girls played together enjoying the game. Later they were invited to attend a celebration to a successful event. We would like to thank the Armenian Church Sports Association for organizing this amazing event. 

In addition, the Junior Boys Basketball Team at St. Sarkis is looking for players aged 12-14. If you or you know someone that would like to join an amazing group of kids to have fun playing basketball and learn new skills, please reach out to the Church.  
LITURGICAL CALENDAR
(From Crossroads: E-Newsletter of the Armenian Prelacy)
ST. CYRIL OF JERUSALEM
This Saturday, March 4, the Armenian Church commemorates St. Cyril of Jerusalem (315-386), a doctor of the church. St. Cyril had a pleasant and conciliatory disposition, but he lived at a time when bishops were embroiled in bitter controversies and were quick to condemn any attempts at compromise, even calling such attempts as treason. Sixteen years of his thirty-five years as a bishop were spent in exile. When a famine hit Jerusalem, he sold some of the possessions of the church to raise money for the poor starving people. He was condemned for selling church property and banished. His best-known work that has survived, “The Catechetical Lectures,” is believed to be one of the earliest systematic accounts of Christian theology. The lectures consist of an introductory lecture, followed by eighteen lectures on the Christian faith, given during Lent to those preparing to be baptized on Easter, and five lectures on the sacraments of baptism and Eucharist delivered after Easter. The lectures have been translated into many languages, including English and Armenian, and are noted for their presentation of the Christian faith in a positive light and maintaining a balance between correct belief and holy action. 
Thousands of pilgrims would come to Jerusalem for Holy Week. Cyril instituted the liturgical forms for that week as they were observed in Jerusalem. A detailed account of Holy Week observances in Jerusalem in the fourth century is available thanks to a woman named Egeria (Etheria), believed to be a Spanish nun, who made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and kept a journal describing the liturgical practices at the various holy sites. 

SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON
Our journey through Great Lent continues. This Sunday, March 5, is the Sunday of the Prodigal Son. The parable of the prodigal son shows God’s fatherly love and eagerness to forgive those who repent (See the Gospel reading above). 
Light from light, generation and down, you came to seek out the wondering sheep of our nature which you carried together with the cross on your shoulder; purify us also from our sins. 
Holiest of the holy, purifier of those who exist, you swept your house, purified the world from sins and having found your image in it you renewed it, renew us also from our ancient sins. 
With the prodigal son we cry out to you, tender-hearted Father, we have sinned against heaven and before you, the purifier from sins; come out with love to meet us, embrace us with a kiss and purify us from our sins. 
Holy Mother of God, fountain of life which flowed from the heavenly Eden, which watered the thirsting earth with the Spirit’s wisdom, pray that we may be given a fountain of tears for the cleansing of our sins. 

FASTING DURING GREAT LENT
Great Lent (Medz Bahk) began on Monday, February 20. It is a time of prayer, penance, abstinence, and devotion, and 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)
Often the faithful wonder what can be eaten during Great Lent. These are some general guidelines traditionally followed in the Armenian Church:
·     No meat or animal products (including dairy and eggs) are eaten during Lent at least from Monday through Friday.
·     Fasting is broken on Sunday, the Lord’s Day. Fasting rules are relaxed on Saturdays too, the only day of the week when saints are commemorated during Great Lent.
More generally, fasting during Great Lent varies from Church to Church and has changed over time. This applies, too, to the Armenian Church. While there are ambiguities about alcohol and certain foods, including oils and honey, we know that fasting was very strict in ancient times among the Armenians. One of the Armenian names for Lent, Aghoohats, means “salt and bread.” It literally describes the diet followed by Armenian monks, clergy and certainly many of the faithful in ancient times at least from Monday through Friday, when they would only have bread, salt, and water.
SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THIS SUNDAY
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS (6.1-7.1)
As God's co-workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you."  
I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation. 
We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. 
We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange-I speak as to my children-open wide your hearts also. 
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people."  
Therefore, "Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord.  
Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." And, "I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."  
Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
 
  
ՊՕՂՈՍ ԱՌԱՔԵԱԼԻ ԵՐԿՐՈՐԴ ՆԱՄԱԿԸ ԿՈՐՆԹԱՑԻՆԵՐՈՒՆ (6.1-7.1)   
Արդ, որովհետեւ Աստուծոյ գործակիցներն ենք, կ’աղաչենք ձեզի, մի՛ վատնէք Աստուծմէ ձեր ստացած շնորհքը: Որովհետեւ Աստուած կ’ըսէ.-
     «Երբ յարմար ժամանակը եկաւ՝ լսեցի քեզ,
երբ փրկութեան օրը հասաւ՝ օգնեցի քեզի»:
Ահա հիմա՛ է այդ յարմար ժամանակը. հիմա՛ է փրկութեան օրը:
Ոեւէ բանով պատճառ մի՛ ըլլաք որ Աստուծոյ գործը խափանուի կամ վարկաբեկուի. այլ՝ բոլոր պարագաներուն ալ, դուք ձեզ ցոյց տուէք որպէս Աստուծոյ պաշտօնեաներ, մեծ համբերութեամբ յանձն առնելով նեղութիւնը, վիշտը, չարչարանքը, ծեծը, բանտը, խռովարարներու վայրագութիւնները, յոգնութիւնը, անքնութիւնը, անօթութիւնը: Այս բոլորը տարէք՝ մաքուր սրտով, գիտակցօրէն, համբերատարութեամբ, քաղցրութեամբ, Սուրբ Հոգիով, անկեղծ սիրով, ճշմարտութիւնը քարոզելով, Աստուծոյ զօրութեամբ եւ արդարութեամբ զինուած՝ չարին դէմ յարձակելու եւ ինքզինք պաշտպանելու համար: Մի՛ այլայլիք՝ ո՛չ փառքէն եւ ո՛չ անարգանքէն, ո՛չ գովասանքէն եւ ո՛չ մեղադրանքէն: Մարդիկ մոլորած թող ըսեն մեզի. մենք գիտենք թէ ճշմարտութենէն չենք շեղած: Թող չուզեն մեզ ճանչնալ. մենք գիտենք թէ մեզ լաւ կը ճանչնան: Թող մեռած սեպեն մեզ. մենք ահա կենդանի ենք: Թող մեզ պատժապարտ համարեն. մենք գիտենք թէ մահուան դատապարտութենէն ազատած ենք: Թող մեր կեանքը տխուր կարծեն. մենք միշտ ուրախ ենք: Աղքատ թող սեպեն. մենք շատերու կեանքերը կը ճոխացնենք: Այո՛, կը թուի թէ ոչինչ ունինք, մինչդեռ ամէն ինչ ունինք:
Ահա, սիրելի՛ Կորնթացիներ, ամէն ինչ բաց եւ անկեղծ սրտով ըսի ձեզի: Դուք ինչո՞ւ կը դժուարանաք արտայայտուելու: Ո՛չ իմ պատճառովս հարկաւ, այլ պարզապէս՝ ձեր սէրը արտայայտելու կը քաշուիք: Բայց կ’ուզեմ որ ինծի պէս բանաք ձեր սիրտերը եւ ազատօրէն խօսիք դուք ալ. չէ՞ որ իմ զաւակներս էք դուք:

Բնաւ անհաւատներուն լծակից մի՛ ըլլաք: Ի՞նչ կապ կրնայ ունենալ արդարը անօրէնին հետ, կամ ի՞նչ նոյնութեան եզր կրնայ ըլլալ լոյսին ու խաւարին միջեւ: Ի՞նչ համաձայնութիւն կրնայ ըլլալ Քրիստոսի եւ Սատանային միջեւ, կամ ի՞նչ գործ ունի հաւատացեալը անհաւատին հետ: Ի՞նչ նմանութիւն կայ Աստուծոյ տաճարին եւ մեհեաններուն միջեւ:
Արդարեւ, մե՛նք ենք կենդանի Աստուծոյ տաճարը, ինչպէս Աստուած ինք ըսաւ.-
     «Անոնց մէջ պիտի բնակիմ
եւ անոնց հետ պիտի ապրիմ:
     Ես իրենց Աստուածը պիտի ըլլամ
եւ անոնք՝ իմ ժողովուրդս»:
Ահա թէ ինչո՛ւ Աստուած կը հրահանգէ մեզի.-
     «Անջատ եւ հեռո՛ւ կեցէք հեթանոսներէն.
պիղծ բաներու մի՛ դպչիք,
եւ ես ձեզ պիտի ընդունիմ:
     Ես ձեզի Հայր պիտի ըլլամ
եւ դուք իմ տղաքս ու աղջիկներս պիտի ըլլաք,-
կ’ըսէ ամենակալ Տէրը»:
Սիրելինե՛ր, այս խոստումները մեզի եղած են: Ուստի հեռո՛ւ մնանք մարմնական եւ հոգեկան ամէն պղծութենէ, մենք մեզ կատարելապէս մաքրենք՝ Աստուծոյ երկիւղովը ապրելով:

THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO LUKE (15:1-32 )
Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."  
Then Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.  
"Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."  
Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.  
"Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.  
"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' So he got up and went to his father.  
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.  
"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'  
"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.  
"Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'  
"The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'  
'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' "   
 

ՅԻՍՈՒՍ ՔՐԻՍՏՈՍԻ ԱՒԵՏԱՐԱՆԸ ԸՍՏ ՂՈՒԿԱՍԻ (15.1-32)
Շատ մը մաքսաւորներ եւ մեղաւորներ Յիսուսի կու գային՝ զինք լսելու համար: Փարիսեցիներն ու Օրէնքի ուսուցիչները սկսան տրտնջալ, ըսելով.
– Ինչպէ՞ս կ’ըլլայ որ այս մարդը մեղաւորները կ’ընդունի եւ անոնց հետ կը ճաշէ:
Յիսուս հետեւեալ առակը պատմեց անոնց.
– Ենթադրենք որ ձեզմէ մէկը հարիւր ոչխար ունի: Երբ անոնցմէ մէկը կորսնցնէ, չի՞ ձգեր ինըսունինը ոչխարները արօտավայրին մէջ եւ չ’ե՞րթար կորսուածին ետեւէն, մինչեւ որ գտնէ զայն: Եւ երբ գտնէ՝ ուրախութեամբ իր ուսերուն վրայ կը դնէ ոչխարը եւ տուն կը դառնայ, կը կանչէ իր բարեկամներն ու դրացիները եւ կ’ըսէ անոնց. «Ուրախացէ՛ք ինծի հետ, որովհետեւ կորսուած ոչխարս գտայ»: Կ’ըսեմ ձեզի, երկինքի մէջ նոյնպէս ուրախութիւն պիտի ըլլայ մէկ ապաշխարող մեղաւորի համար, քան ինըսունինը արդարներու համար, որոնք ապաշխարութեան պէտք չունին:

– Կամ ենթադրենք թէ կին մը տասը արծաթ դահեկան ունի: Երբ անոնցմէ մէկը կորսնցնէ, ճրագը չի՞ վառեր եւ տունը ուշադրութեամբ չ’ա՞ւլեր, մինչեւ որ դահեկանը գտնէ: Եւ երբ գտնէ, կը կանչէ իր բարեկամուհիներն ու դրացիները եւ կ’ըսէ անոնց. «Ուրախացէ՛ք ինծի հետ, որովհետեւ կորսնցուցած դահեկանս գտայ»: Կ’ըսեմ ձեզի, Աստուծոյ հրեշտակները նոյն ձեւով պիտի ուրախանան մեղաւորի մը համար, որ կ’ապաշխարէ:

Ապա շարունակեց.
– Մարդ մը երկու որդի ունէր: Կրտսերը հօրը ըսաւ. «Հա՛յր, քու ստացուածքէդ ինծի ինկած բաժինը հիմա՛ տուր ինծի»: Եւ հայրը իր զաւակներուն միջեւ բաժնեց իր ունեցածը: Քանի մը օր ետք, կրտսեր զաւակը առաւ իր ամբողջ հարստութիւնը եւ հեռու երկիր մը գնաց: Հոն անառակ կեանք մը ապրելով՝ մսխեց հարստութիւնը եւ սպառեց իր ամբողջ ունեցածը:
Պատահեցաւ որ այդ երկրին մէջ մեծ սով մը տիրեց, երբ արդէն ինք սկսած էր աղքատանալ: Ուստի գնաց այդ երկրի քաղաքացիներէն մէկուն քով ծառայ եղաւ, եւ անիկա իր ագարակը ղրկեց զինք՝ խոզ արածելու համար: Նոյնիսկ պատրաստ էր խոզերուն կերած եղջիւրներէն իր փորը լեցնելու, սակայն ոչ ոք կու տար իրեն: Երբ անդրադարձաւ իր վիճակին, ինքնիրեն ըսաւ. «Հօրս տան մէջ քանի՜ գործաւորներ կան, որոնք իրենց պէտք եղած կերակուրէն աւելին ունին, մինչ ես հոս անօթութենէ կը մեռնիմ: Ելլեմ երթամ հօրս քով եւ ըսեմ իրեն.- Հա՛յր, մեղանչեցի Աստուծոյ եւ քեզի դէմ. այլեւս արժանի չեմ քու որդիդ կոչուելու. զիս քու գործաւորներէդ մէկը նկատէ»: Ապա ելաւ եւ հօրը քով գնաց:
Տակաւին տունէն բաւական հեռու էր, երբ հայրը տեսաւ զինք ու գթաց. վազելով դիմաւորեց զայն, վիզին փաթթուեցաւ եւ համբուրեց: Որդին հօրը ըսաւ. «Հա՛յր, մեղանչեցի Աստուծոյ եւ քեզի դէմ. այլեւս արժանի չեմ քու որդիդ կոչուելու»: Հայրը իր ծառաներուն հրամայեց. «Անմիջապէս բերէք լաւագոյն պատմուճանը եւ հագցուցէք իրեն. մատանի անցուցէք իր մատին եւ կօշիկ տուէք իրեն: Բերէ՛ք պարարտ հորթը, մորթեցէք, ուտենք եւ ուրախանանք: Որովհետեւ իմ այս զաւակս մեռած էր՝ ողջնցաւ, կորսուած էր՝ գտնուեցաւ»: Եւ սկսան խրախճանքի:
Մինչ այդ, երէց զաւակը ագարակ կը գտնուէր: Վերադարձին, երբ տան մօտեցաւ, երգի ու պարի ձայներ լսեց: Կանչեց ծառաներէն մէկը եւ հարցուց թէ ի՛նչ կայ: Ծառան ըսաւ իրեն. «Եղբայրդ եկաւ, եւ որովհետեւ ողջ-առողջ վերադարձաւ, հայրդ պարարտ հորթը մորթեց»: Երէց եղբայրը զայրացաւ եւ չուզեց ներս մտնել: Այս մասին իմանալով, հայրը դուրս ելաւ եւ աղաչեց որ ներս մտնէ: Իսկ անիկա պատասխանեց. «Տարիներէ ի վեր քեզի կը ծառայեմ. ոեւէ մէկ հրահանգդ չանտեսեցի, եւ սակայն նոյնիսկ ուլ մը չտուիր ինծի, որ ուրախանայի բարեկամներուս հետ: Մինչդեռ, երբ եկաւ այդ որդիդ, որ քու ստացուածքդ պոռնիկներուն հետ մսխեց, պարարտ հորթը մորթեցիր անոր համար»: Հայրը ըսաւ. «Տղա՛ս, դուն միշտ ինծի հետ ես եւ ամբողջ ունեցածս քուկդ է: Սակայն հիմա պէտք է ուրախանանք եւ ցնծանք, որովհետեւ այս եղբայրդ մեռած էր՝ ողջնցաւ, կորսուած էր՝ գտնուեցաւ»:
OBITUARIES
- Mr. ALAIN ARTINIAN, passed on Tuesday, February 21, 2023. Wake and Funeral services were held on Monday, February 27, 2023, at St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.

- Mr. BERGE MANGIKIAN, passed on Wednesday, February 22, 2023. Wake service was held on Monday, February 27, 2023 and Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, all at St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
REQUIEM REQUESTS
- Mr. Varoujan Harutunian, Mr. & Mrs. Vartan & Marina Harutunian and children, Mrs, Zepur Harutunian Vasiliou and children request requiem service for the soul of their beloved wife, mother, and grandmother MARY HARUTUNIAN (3rd-year memorial service).

- Mrs. Maral Harutunian, Ms. Tamar Harutunian, Mr. & Mrs. Antranig and Nanor Vartanian and daughters Anna and Aline request requiem service for the soul of their beloved sister in-law, aunt and great aunt MARY HARUTUNIAN (3rd-year memorial service).

-Mr. & Mrs. Vahe and Setta Bijimenian and children Armen and Mimi, Mrs. Nora Barikian and family, Mr. & Mrs. Haig and Mary Sarkissian and family request requiem service for the soul of their beloved brother and uncle KEVORK BIJIMENIAN (1st-year memorial service). Also for the souls of beloved parents and grandparents ANTRANIG and HUDA SARKISSIAN, AVEDIS and MARIE BIJIMENIAN, beloved grandparents and great grandparents HAYRABED and HRIPSIME SARKISSIAN, beloved husband, father and uncle GARABED BARIKIAN and beloved sister in-law and aunt NORA BIJIMENIAN.

COFFEE HOUR
The ladies Guild Fellowship hour will be held in Pagoumian Hall and is hosted by:
-Ms. Renee Markarian
-Mrs. Maral Harutunian
-Mrs. Anush Dirielyan
CALENDAR OF EVENTS

  • Sunday, March 05, 2023: Sunday School
  • Tuesday, March 07, 2023: Lenten Vesper Service
  • Friday, March 10, 2023: Salt & Light Youth Group
  • Tuesday, March 14, 2023: Lenten Vesper Service
  • Sunday, March 19, 2023: Sunday School
  • Tuesday, March 21, 2023: Lenten Vesper Service
  • Sunday, March 26, 2023: General Membership Meeting
  • Tuesday, March 28, 2023: Lenten Vesper Service
  • Friday, March 31, 2023: Salt & Light Youth Group

  • Sunday, April 02, 2023: Palm Sunday
  • Sunday, April 02, 2023: Sunday School
  • Tuesday, April 04, 2023: Holy Tuesday
  • Thursday, April 06, 2023: Washing of the Feet & Tenebrae
  • Friday, April 07, 2023: Good Friday, Service of the Entombment
  • Saturday, April 08, 2023: Holy Communion & Easter Brunch
  • Saturday, April 08, 2023: Easter Eve Vesper Service, Divine Liturgy
  • Saturday, April 08, 2023: Easter Dinner
  • Sunday, April 09, 2023: Easter
  • Sunday, April 16, 2023: Sunday School
  • Friday, April 28, 2023: Salt & Light Youth Group
  • Sunday, April 30, 2023: Sunday School

  • Saturday, May 20, 2023: Saturday School Year End Hantes

  • July 10 - 21, 2023: St. Sarkis Summer Camp 2 weeks Program
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
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 E-bulletin no later than Thursday 12 noon.

All requests received after 12 noon on Thursday will be posted on the following week's E-bulletin.

We thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding.
ST. SARKIS CHURCH BASKETBALL
Adds From Sister Organizations 
St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church
Address: 38-65 234th Street,
Douglaston, NY 11363
Phone:(718) 224-2275