E-Sunday Bulletin of St. Sarkis Church
E-Sunday Bulletin of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church
38-65 234th. St. Douglaston, NY, 11363  
Sunday: 12/05/2021 
Բ. ԿԻՐԱԿԻ ՅԻՍՆԱԿԻ - SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Sunday Readings:
Isaiah 36:22-37:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-11; Luke 13:1-9

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
Simply Christmas Concert
ORPHAN ORNAMENT CAMPAIGN
Dear Parishioners and Friends,

I want to tell you about our latest initiative to sponsor orphaned children from Artsakh. Currently, there are 97 orphans of soldiers who died heroically during the Artsakh war of 2020. Last week, we requested 30 names of orphans from the Orphan Sponsorship Program of the Armenian Prelacy, and we decorated 30 Christmas ornaments with the names of the children of our heroes. We planned to promote the sponsorship of the orphans by giving an ornament to everyone who sponsors a child. 

To my amazement, on the first weekend, all 30 orphans were sponsored by parishioners and friends of St. Sarkis Church. Today we requested another 30 names, and our crew is in the process of decorating more ornaments. 

Last Sunday, I said the following as I addressed our community: "Yesterday, my wife and I were thinking to take the kids out for dinner, but we chose to stay home and instead of spending the money on one family dinner, we decided to sponsor another orphan from Artsakh." If you think about it, the annual orphan sponsorship costs $250 per child. We can always spend that money on something that we want or maybe need or contribute to alleviating the financial burden of a widow raising a child or children of a hero.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to every individual and family who sponsored a child this weekend. I would also like to appeal to you and ask you for your generosity to help a child whose dad gave everything. With $250 you will tell that child that "You are not alone, your brethren in the diaspora extend their helping hands to you."

Help us strip our Christmas tree from its red ornaments. Come and take them with you, and hang them on your Christmas trees. Make this season unique both for you and for the orphan of war. 

With Gratitude,

Fr. Nareg
As part of the program, sponsored children regularly correspond with their sponsors.

The Orphan Sponsorship Program was set up in 1993 to meet the needs of families and children in Armenia and Artsakh who have lost one or both parents. The Orphan Sponsorship Program has since sponsored more than 2500 children across Armenia's urban and rural areas. This was accomplished through the generous support of donors from across the USA.

An annual contribution of $250 USD per child is collected and fully transferred to Armenia through the St. Nerses the Great Charitable Fund (the charitable agency of the Prelacy).
Sponsors

4 Orphans
St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church of Douglaston

2 Orphans
Mr. & Mrs. Robert & Siranoush Ayvazian
Mr. Jores Carabelaian
Ms. Tamar Kahvedjian
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis & Annita Nerses Kurpius

1 Orphan
Mr. & Mrs. Nazareth & Hermine Abajian
Mr. & Mrs. Berdj & Hilda Agopian
Anonymous
Mr. & Mrs. Doug & Talar Aprahamian
Mr. & Mrs. Vahagn & Shoghik Aseyan
Ms. Taleen Babayan
Mr. & Mrs. Ghevont & Lydia Baghdassarian
Mr. & Mrs. Simon & Lara Bardizbanian
Mr. & Mrs. Ruben & Hasmik Daglyan
Mr. & Mrs. George & Lena Felice
Mr. & Dr. Michael & Nouneh Gostanian
Dr. Anna Guanche
Mr. & Mrs. Vahe & Elsie Halajian
Ms. Sona Herris
Mr. & Mrs. Hagop & Stella Karamikian
Mr. & Mrs. Harout & Nayri Khatchadourian
Mr. & Dr. Herman & Angela Manosyan
Mr. & Mrs. Mark & Isabelle Megerian
Mr. & Mrs. Raffi & Jeanette Nenejian
Mr. & Mrs. Razmik & Sonya Nenejian
Mr. & Mrs. Krikor & Elizabeth Nercessian
Mr. Mark Semerjian
Mr. & Mrs. Harry & Alice Seoylemezian
Mr. & Mrs. Vicken & Ivona Shekookian
Mr. & Mrs. Manoug & Dory Shishmanian
Fr. Nareg & Yn. Annie Terterian
Ms. Baydsar Thomasian
Mrs. Nayda Voskerijian
Mr. & Mrs. Sevan & Victoria Yekhpairian
THANKSGIVING DINNER DANCE
Reported by Mrs. Annita Nerses
On Friday November 26, St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic church held a lively, fun Thanksgiving dinner dance in support of the Suzanne & Hovsep Hagopian Saturday school. The evening brought together over 120 attendees of all ages, dancing to the energetic beat of the talented Elie Berberian and his band. The event brought a much-needed opportunity for the local community to come together with renewed spirit, celebrating our culture with singing and dancing through the late-night hours. It was particularly moving to see over 25 energized youth lock arms to sing Armenian songs late into the night, forging new and old connections with each other and our Armenian culture while having a great time.

Thanks to all who took part in the merriment and helped raise funds for the Saturday school, which continues to provide an invaluable contribution to the community by nourishing our youth with Armenian history, language, cultural and Christian education since the program’s inception in 1976. During the evening, Der Nareg also took the opportunity to announce the Artsakh orphan sponsorship program, enabling the sponsorship of a child in Artsakh for only $250/year. Over 20 attendees signed up to sponsor a child during the evening, and we are happy to report that many more people have signed up for the program since Friday night’s announcement. Please contact Der Nareg if you are interested in participating in this highly impactful program that would bring much needed support to a precious child in need.
2 ARTICLES FROM ST. SARKIS CHURCH APPEARED ON THE ARMENIAN WEEKLY THIS WEEK
An Invitation For A General Membership Meeting
business_conference5.jpg
Dear Members of St. Sarkis Church,

The Pastor and the Board of Trustees of St. Sarkis Church invite all dues-paid members of our parish to attend a General Membership meeting in the church, On Sunday, December 05, 2021. 

The agenda of the meeting is to elect the Nominating and Auditing Committee members.
CALENDAR 2022
We gratefully acknowledge and thank all the donors for their sponsorship 
of the 2022 St. Sarkis Calendar. Your donations are greatly appreciated.

Founder $1,500.00
Mr. & Mrs. Santo & Seta Muradian
Mr. & Mrs. Sarkis & Adriana Nercessian 

Pillar $750.00
     Ms. Virginia L. Davies
Edward D. Jamie Jr. Funeral Chapel, Lynn & Marissa Jamie
Mr. Edward Kevorkian 
Drs. Arthur & Louiza Kubikian

Patron $500.00
Dr. David Avakian
Mr. & Mrs. Alex & Jackie Baron
Mr. & Mrs. Steve & Sorina Dumanian
Mr. James A. Puccio, Glascott Funeral Home
Mr. & Mrs. Zohrab & Seta Kalajian & Family
Mr. Varouj Oghali

Donor $300.00
Ms. Margaret Sarkissian

Donor $250.00
Mr. & Mrs. Karl & Alice Alajajian
Anonymous
Mr. & Mrs. Edward & Mary Arslanian
Dr. & Mrs. Armand & Laura Asadourian
Drs. Bagdig & Ani Baghdassarian & Family
Mr. & Mrs. Haig & Emma Baklajian
Mr. & Mrs. Edward & Coharig Barsamian
Mr. & Mrs. Edward & Arpi Bekian
Mr. & Mrs. Berdj & Maria Benlian
Mr. & Mrs. Ohannes & Sonia Bezdikian 
Dr. & Mrs. Aram & Rima Cazazian
Mr. & Mrs. Ruben & Hasmig Daglyan
Dr. & Mrs. Edmond & Nyeree Demirdjan
Mr. & Mrs. Haig & Laura Giragosian
Mr. Berg Gokberg, Crown Findings Inc. 
Dr. & Mrs. Hagop & Hilda Gorgissian
Mr. Michael & Dr. Nouneh Gostanian 
Homenetmen, New York Chapter
Mr. & Mrs. Varujan & Luiza Kalustian
Mrs. Anahid Kassabian
Mr. & Mrs. Leon & Aline Kassabian
Drs. Aram & Michelle Kirkorian
Mr. & Mrs. Eduard & Alina Kochoumian
Mr. & Mrs. Hagop & Ica Kouyoumdjian
Edward D. Lynch Funeral Home
Dr. & Mrs. Alex & Natalie Meneshian
Mr. & Mrs. Yeprem & Madeleine Nazarian
Mr. & Mrs. Edward & Elizabeth Ohannessian
Mr. & Mrs. Ohanes & Angela Ohannessian
Mr. & Mrs. Harry & Alice Seoylemezian 
Mr. & Mrs. Garabed & Sofi Seoylemezian
Mrs. Nayda Voskerijian and Family
Mr. & Mrs. Mourad & Virginia Voskinarian

Supporter $150.00
Mr. & Mrs. Arman & Arpi Anasa 
Mrs. Seda Andrikian
Ms. Rosine Bedrosian
Mrs. Agavni Bodriguian
Mrs. Seta Boyadjian
Dr. & Mrs. Kevork & Diane & Peter Boyadjian
Mr. & Mrs. Ohanes & Takouhi Choubaralian
Mrs. Therese Dakessian
Mrs. Gail D'Onofrio 
Ms. Rose Giragossian
Mr. & Mrs. Garbis & Victoria Hagobian
Mrs. Nadia Hazarian
Mr. & Mrs. Yervant & Mary Jamgotchian
Mr. & Mrs. Kevork & Annie Kaladjian
Mr. & Mrs. Setrag & Annie Kazandjian
Mr. & Mrs. Vicken & Pamela Keshishian
Mr. & Mrs. Hrayr & Christine Krikorian
Dr. & Mrs. Louis & Elenne Najarian 
Mr. & Mrs. Vartkes & Alice Savadjian
Mr. & Mrs. Tro & Maral Turbendian
Mr. & Mrs. Garo & Takie Varjabedian

$100.00 
Mr. & Mrs. Simon & Lara Bardizbanian
Mr. & Mrs. Ohannes & Maral Doghramadjian
Mr. & Mrs. Manoug & Amy Gostanian
Mr. & Mrs. Peter & Carol Moschovitis

$50.00
Mrs. Lusin Arakelyan
Mr. John Harutunian
Mr. & Mrs. Diran & Satenig Massarlian
Mr. Vartkes Mengouchian
Mr. & Mrs. Levon & Sandy Shamlian
Mr. & Mrs. Giragos & Sossie Turbendian

Under $50.00
Mr. & Mrs. Rafi & Seta Arsenian
Mr. & Mrs. Hampo & Armen Alianakian
CHRISTMAS BAKE SALE IS SOLD OUT
3rd ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Reported by Mrs. Lara Bardizbanian
ST. SARKIS CHURCH BASKETBALL
MODERN & TRADITIONAL ARMENIAN DANCE LESSONS
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.
SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THIS SUNDAY
THE FIRST EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO THE THESSALONIANS (4.1-12)
Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.  
It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.  
Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more.  
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

 ՊՕՂՈՍ ԱՌԱՔԵԱԼԻ ԱՌԱՋԻՆ ՆԱՄԱԿԸ ԹԵՍԱՂՈՆԻԿԵՑԻՆԵՐՈՒՆ (4.1-12)
Վերջապէս, եղբայրնե՛ր, մենք ձեզի սորվեցուցինք թէ ի՛նչպէս պէտք է ապրիլ Աստուծոյ հաճելի ըլլալու համար: Թէպէտ այդպէս կ’ապրիք արդէն, սակայն կը խնդրենք եւ Տէր Յիսուս Քրիստոսի անունով կը թելադրենք՝ որ շարունակէք յառաջանալ ներկայ ձեր ընթացքին մէջ: Գիտէք թէ ի՛նչ պատուէրներ տուինք ձեզի Տէր Յիսուսի անունով, որովհետեւ Աստուծոյ կամքն է, որ դուք սրբուիք եւ ամենեւին հեռու մնաք պոռնկութենէ: Ձեզմէ իւրաքանչիւրը թող սրբութեամբ եւ պատուով ամուսնանայ: Կրքոտ ցանկութիւններու անձնատուր մի՛ ըլլաք հեթանոսներուն պէս, որոնք զԱստուած չեն ճանչնար. կամ չըլլա՛յ որ մէկը եղբօր մը դէմ մեղանչէ՝ անոր կինը յափշտակելով, որովհետեւ այդ բոլորին համար Տէրը իր դատաստանին մէջ անողոք պիտի ըլլայ, ինչպէս սկիզբէն ըսինք ձեզի եւ ազդարարեցինք: Միթէ Աստուած մեր պղծալից կեանքը շարունակելո՞ւ հրաւիրեց մեզ, թէ՝ սրբութեամբ ապրելու: Անշուշտ թէ սրբութեամբ ապրելու: Հետեւաբար, ով որ սրբութեան այս պատուէրը կ’արհամարհէ՝ մարդ մը անարգած չ’ըլլար, այլ՝ նոյնինքն զԱստուած, որ իր Սուրբ Հոգին կու տայ մեզի:
Գալով եղբայրսիրութեան, մեր գրելուն պէտք չունիք, որովհետեւ ինքնին դուք Աստուծմէ սորված էք իրար սիրել, ինչպէս արդէն գործնապէս այդ սէրը ցոյց կու տաք ամբողջ Մակեդոնիայի բոլոր եղբայրներուն նկատմամբ: Բայց դարձեալ, եղբայրնե՛ր, կը խնդրենք որ աւելի առատանաք ձեր սիրոյն մէջ, ջանաք հանդարտ կեանք մը վարել, միայն ձեր գործին նայիլ եւ ձեր աշխատանքի վաստակով ապրիլ, ինչպէս որ պատուիրեցինք ձեզի, որպէսզի ձեր պարկեշտ ընթացքով յարգուիք չհաւատացողներէն եւ ոեւէ մէկուն կարօտ չմնաք:

THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO LUKE (13:1-9)
At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whom blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fall on them-do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem. No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did."
Than he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, 'See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?' He replied, 'Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down."
 
  ՅԻՍՈՒՍ ՔՐԻՍՏՈՍԻ ԱՒԵՏԱՐԱՆԸ ԸՍՏ ՂՈՒԿԱՍԻ (13.1-9)
Ոմանք եկան Յիսուսի եւ պատմեցին այն Գալիլեա ցիներուն մասին, որոնք Պիղատոսի կողմէ սպաննուեցան, երբ Աստուծոյ զոհ կը մատուցանէին: Յիսուս անոնց ըսաւ.
– Կը կարծէ՞ք թէ սպաննուած Գալիլեացիները միւս բոլոր Գալիլեացիներէն աւելի մեղաւոր էին, որ այդպիսի վախճան մը ունեցան: Ո՛չ: Կ’ըսեմ ձեզի, որ եթէ չապաշխարէք՝ դուք բոլորդ ալ նոյնպէս պիտի կորսուիք: Կամ ի՞նչ կը մտածէք այն տասնըութը մարդոց մասին, որոնց վրայ ինկաւ աշտարակը Սելովամի մէջ եւ սպաննեց զանոնք: Անոնք աւելի՞ յանցաւոր էին քան Երուսաղէմի բոլոր բնակիչները: Ո՛չ: Կ’ըսեմ ձեզի, որ եթէ չապաշխարէք՝ բոլորդ ալ նոյնպէս պիտի կորսուիք:
Անոնց հետեւալ առակը պատմեց.
– Մարդ մը կար, որ իր այգիին մէջ թզենի մը տնկած էր: Թուզ քաղելու գնաց, բայց թզենիին վրայ պտուղ չգտաւ: Այգեպանին ըսաւ. «Այս երրորդ տարին է որ կու գամ թուզ քաղելու, բայց չեմ գտներ: Ուստի կտրէ՛ զայն, ինչո՞ւ անիմաստ կերպով տեղ գրաւէ»: Այգեպանը պատասխանեց. «Տէ՛ր, թող այս տարի ալ մնայ. ես իր շուրջի հողը կրկին կր փորեմ եւ պարարտացուցիչ կը դնեմ: Այս ձեւով թերեւս պտուղ տայ. ապա թէ ոչ՝ յաջորդ տարի կտրէ զայն»:
LITURGICAL CALENDAR
SAINTS THADDEUS AND BARTHOLOMEW
This Saturday, December 4, the Armenian Church commemorates Saints Thaddeus and Bartholomew, two of the twelve apostles who were the first evangelizers of Armenia, and were martyred there, giving the Armenian Church its apostolic identity and earning them the title, “First Enlighteners of Armenia.”
Thaddeus came to Armenia about 43 AD to preach Christianity. He was martyred in southeastern Armenia. His tomb lies in the Armenian monastery of St. Thaddeus (Iran) where a chapel was built in the third century. Bartholomew is believed to have arrived in Armenia about 66 AD. He was martyred in Hadamakert, southeast of Lake Van.
An apostle is “someone who is sent”—an emissary or ambassador of the Kingdom of God, sent to announce the gospel of Jesus Christ, and authorized to claim men and women’s allegiance to him. “We are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We beseech you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God,” (2 Corinthians 5:20)
WEDDING
- ZACHARY DAIDONE and ZABELLA SIMOS were married on November 27, 2021. Best man and maid of honor were Dylan Stone and Eleftheria Simos. We congratulate the newly married couple & wish them a happy life together.  
40th DAY PRESENTATION TO THE LORD
GEORGE NICOLAS ALVARADO, son of Mr. & Mrs. Norman & Rita Alvarado was brought to church for the 40th day dedication service, according to the rites of the Armenian Church. We welcome George  to the life of the church and hope to see him soon for the Sacrament of Baptism.    
OBITUARY
- Mr. SARKIS KURDI, passed on Saturday, November 27, 2021. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at Park Funeral Chapels. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
 
- Mrs. ALICE CANNUSCIO, passed on Wednesday, November 24, 2021. Viewing and Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family. May she rest in peace.

- Mr. ARNOLD STEPANIAN, passed on Friday, November 19, 2021. Funeral services were held on Thursday, December 2, 2021, at St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
REQUIEMS
-Mrs. Ani Nercessian, Mr. & Mrs. Alex and Maria Bechirian and son Christopher, Mr. & Mrs. Hagop and Liana Nercessian Request requiem service for the soul of their beloved husband, father, grandfather and father in-law KARNIG NERCESSIAN (5th year memorial service).  

-Mr. & Mrs. Armen and Diana Pogosyan and children Arek and Movses, Mr. & Mrs. Levon and Hasmik Sakar and daughter Margarette Request requiem service for the soul of their beloved father and grandfather ARIS VARDANYAN (16th year memorial service), beloved mother and grandmother MARGARITA KALADZHYAN (5th year memorial service). Also for the soul of their beloved mother and grandmother AMALIA SAHAGYAN (16th year memorial service).

CALENDAR EVENTS
-December 5, 2121: General Membership Meeting
-December 5, 2021: Sunday School
-December 17, 2021: 3rd Annual Christmas Party Salt & Light Youth Group & AYF NY "Hayortik"
-December 18, 2021: Saturday School Christmas Hantes
-December 19, 2021: Simply Christmas
-December 19, 2021: Sunday School
-December 26, 2021: Deacons' Ordination at St. Sarkis Church
COFFEE HOUR



The Ladies Guild coffee hour will be held in Pagoumian Hall
Mrs. Aghavni Bodriguian
Mrs. Emma Baklajian
THE CHILDREN OF MARTYRED FATHERS NEED US 
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.
Adds From Sister Organizations 
St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church
Address: 38-65 234th Street,
Douglaston, NY 11363
Phone:(718) 224-2275