E-Sunday Bulletin of St. Sarkis Church
E-Sunday Bulletin of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church
38-65 234th. St. Douglaston, NY, 11363  
Sunday: 04/09/2023
Ս. ԶԱՏԻԿ - EASTER
Sunday Readings:
 Acts 1:15-26; Mark 16:2-8

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
THE FEAST OF THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE – 2023
Holy Week and Easter Services 2023
Services will be live-streamed for those of you who prefer to join us from home.

Schedule of Services

GREAT SATURDAY 
SATURDAY, APRIL 08
Holy Communion For Saturday School Students; 10:00 am
"Jrakalooytz" Easter Eve Vesper Service; 4:30 pm
Reading of the Scriptures; 5:00 pm
Divine Liturgy; 5:30 pm

EASTER SUNDAY
SUNDAY, APRIL 09
Morning Service; 10:00 am
Divine Liturgy; 10:30 am
Easter Donations

Easter Lilies
Donated by Mr. & Mrs. Ruben & Hasmik Daglyan

Pizza for Holy Tuesday
Donated by Mr. & Mrs. Berdj & Hilda Agopian
Donated by Mr. & Mrs. Edward & Coharig Barsamian

Maundy Thursday Dinner
Donated by Mr. & Mrs. Khatchig & Loucine Megherian
In memory of their beloved parents Hovhannes & Yeghisapet Hovhannessian and
Karnig & Vartouhi Megherian

Fresh Flowers for Good Friday (Tomb) $100.00
Donated by Mr. & Mrs. Garo & Peggy Vanessian
EASTER BRUNCH
The Saturday School PTA thanks all the sponsors for
their generosity and continuous support! 

We look forward to celebrating Easter Communion and Breakfast tomorrow!

Magic Show & Balloon Twist $500.00
Sponsored by Mrs. Mayda Artinian
In loving Memory of her beloved husband Alain Artinian

Easter Crafts & Egg Hunt $250.00
Sponsored by Mrs. Nayda Voskerijian
Sponsored by Mrs. Evelyn Nenejian

Easter Bake Store $400.00
Sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Timothy & Elin O''Brien 

Breakfast Items $100.00 
Sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Veh & Arpi Bezdikian
Sponsored by Ms. Ani & Ms. Eva Bezdikian
Sponsored by Mrs. Alina Djougarian
Sponsored by Ms. Lucy Hayrabedian
Sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Harout & Nayri Khatchadourian
Sponsored by Ms. Talar , Mr. Razmik & Ms. Eva Khatchadourian
Sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Eduard & Alina Kochoumian
Sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. William & Nazik Marino
Sponsored by Ms. Aleene Voskerijian

Other Donations $50.00
Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Lori Ohanesian
Mr. & Mrs. Timothy & Ani Horch
Ms. Michelle Yeterian
EASTER EVE DINNER
PALM SUNDAY
Many parishioners attended the Palm Sunday celebrations at St. Sarkis Church. Fr. Nareg Terterian celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered a sermon.   The service of "Trunpatzek" (Opening of the portal ceremony) followed the Devine Liturgy. Members of the Salt & Light Youth group and students from Saturday and Sunday Schools of St. Sarkis church walked the Palm Sunday procession while holding beautifully handcrafted candles. 
PALM SUNDAY BAKE SALE
Reported by Dr. louiza kubikian
Preparations for Palm Sunday started weeks in advance with the new Ladies Guild Executive Board fully engaged in making this Palm Sunday a new experience for St. Sarkis Church community. 

To start off, all Easter eggs were colored using vegetable based dyes. The team of Yn. Annie Terterian, Salpie Megerian, Lena Felice, Zepiur Ardzivian, Chake Kelaghbian, Sonya Nenejian, Ani Nercessian and Maria Bechirian spent hours coloring 55 dozen eggs displayed in clear cartons. 

Many Ladies Guild members were contacted and asked if they could bake pastries for Palm Sunday. Their response was overwhelming and we thank everyone of them for their generous participation: Zepiur Ardzivian, Mary Arslanian, Armine Boyadjian, Aghavni Bodriguian, Hasmig Daglyan, Gail D'Onofrio, Maria Ebrimian, Ani Fernandez, Hilda Gorgissian, Amy Gostanian, Vicky Hagobian, Kristine Jamgotchian, Dr. Louiza Kubikian, Anita Masoian, Salpie Megerian, Haikouhi Megerian, Tacouhi Menzildjian, Juliette Milian, Sonya Nenejian, Jeanette Nenejian, Ani Nercessian, Dory Shishmanian, Katia Tavitian, Yn. Annie Terterian, Nayda Voskerijian and Haigouhi Yepremian.

Saturday night, the hall was transformed into a blooming spring garden decorated with flowers, colored eggs, bunnies and displays of delicious pastries (with Baked with Love stickers) tastefully arranged on buffet tables. Head decorator Jeanette Nenejian and her team including Yn. Annie, Amy Gostanian, Zepiur Ardzivian, Salpie Megerian, Sonya Nenejian, Chake Kelaghbian and Lena Felice did such an amazing job that when parishioners arrived, they were left speechless by the warmth and inviting atmosphere created by our talented ladies.

Special thanks to the ladies who served & the cashiers, Christine Bedrossian and Kristine Jamgotchian who kept the long payment lines moving, with Andrew Gorgissian providing additional help whenever needed. Also thank you to Jeanette Nenejian for creating & donating beautiful Easter candles, sold by Loucine Megherian, with the proceeds benefitting Salt & Light Youth Group. Last but not least thank you to Haikouhi Megerian who spent endless hours over a period of several weeks preparing choreks which were sold out in record time. She certainly has a secret recipe.

This Palm Sunday ushered the Holy Week but more than that, it ushered a new era of youthful energy, cooperation, friendship and unity for the new multigenerational St. Sarkis Ladies Guild. May God keep us together in harmony and good health so together, we can serve our church.

Please join us on April 8, 2023 for the Saturday Easter Eve Dinner organized by the Ladies Guild and Salt & Light Youth Group. The salmon dinner will be superbly prepared by none other than Chef Extraordinaire Harry Milian. Not something to be missed! See you then…
HOLY TUESDAY
Reported by Mrs. Victoria Hagobian
On Holy Tuesday, the Armenian Apostolic Church commemorates the Parable of the Ten Virgins/Maidens. In the parable, ten maidens took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were wise and five of them were foolish.

Those who were foolish took their lamps but did not take any oil to light them with while the wise maidens remembered to take oil for their lamps. The vesper service on Holy Tuesday re-enacts this parable with girls of all ages participating.

This year at St. Sarkis Church we had 13 lovely girls participate and we were extra fortunate to have Archbishop Anoushavan present to partake in the service as well.

A casual pizza dinner was served afterwards to all those present. This evening marks one of the many wonderful traditions we have at our beloved church.  
MAUNDY THURSDAY
On Thursday Evening, the events initiated by Jesus at the Mystical Last Supper were commemorated at St. Sarkis Church; namely, the Divine Liturgy of the Institution of the Holy Eucharist was celebrated and was followed by the service of "Washing of the Feet." Fr. Nareg Terterian washed the feet of young boys and church servers and anointed them with the blessed oil. 

The service of washing feet was followed by Tenebrae, a distinctive ceremony of gradually extinguishing candles. At the same time, a series of seven Gospel readings, psalms, and hymns are chanted. Fr. Nareg Terterian gave a homily on "Jesus the Light of the World." 
ARMENIAN SATURDAY SCHOOL
Reported by Ms. Aleene Voskerijian
This past Saturday, April 1st, the Suzanne and Hovsep Hagopian Saturday School students had the opportunity to partake in some Easter Crafts courtesy of the generous donation by Mrs. Zepur Harutunian Vasiliou and her brother Mr. Vartan Harutunian.

The students were able to get creative and enjoy some craft making with their classmates while also learning about our traditional Armenian Easter celebrations.

We thank Mrs. Zepur Harutunian Vasiliou and Mr. Vartan Harutunian, and appreciate their interest and support of our school and students!
LADIES GUILD MOTHER'S DAY TEA PARTY
SUMMER CAMP 2023
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..
SALT & LIGHT YOUTH GROUP JUNIORS
Reported by Dr. Annita Nerses
On Friday February 10th, the Salt and Light juniors gathered again for yet another amazing session, bringing together existing and new members for an evening of spirituality and bonding.
 
Our youth gathered into small groups to discuss and explore the power of The Word of God: Ephesians 6:10-18. The key discussion points were around the key message that we are not meant to struggle alone, but that God is always our source of power and strength. We discussed the importance of prayer and leading a righteous life so that the mighty strength of the Lord gives us the strong to face any evils that come our way.  We also drew a connection to the discussion we had during the February 10th session from Matthew 5:14 on the strength we gain by embodying the light of the Gospel to dispel darkness from the lives of those around us. The participants were very engaged and asked great questions that helped in their understanding of these lessons.
 
We are looking forward to coming back together during our April 28th session!
SALT & LIGHT YOUTH GROUP
Reported by Ms. Nairi Vartanian
On Friday, March 31st, the Salt & Light Youth Group held their third session of this season. As 30 senior members filled in the fully furnished Pagoumian Hall with excitement, they were able to get right into their meeting. This session was based around a group debate. This started with an introduction on behalf of Der Nareg, speaking on the importance of trust, opportunity and chance. By the end of the group discussion, it became apparent to all that although you may be struggling, you will not only have family by your side to support you, but also another chance and opportunity from your community. As it is not right to lie, there are still people that are willing to help you get back up on your feet for long-term success! 

After the debate the seniors gathered together to fill over 100 Easter Eggs for Saturday School’s Holy Communion and Brunch on Saturday, April 8th.
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
YOUR MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
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 ([email protected], 914-523-2956) or the Church office ([email protected], 718-224-2275)
SCRIPTURE READERS
Ani Tvin Bezdikian is 13 years old and has been a member of the St-Sarkis church family since she was born. She just moved back to NY with her family after living in Rome, Italy for the last three years. Ani loves being around friends and what she missed the most while living abroad was her community. Although she misses her friends and adventures she had in Italy, she is excited to have just started at Manhasset Middle School, attended her first Salt & Light event last Friday and to get involved in church and community organizations. She loves basketball, volleyball and touch football.
Araxi Siena Kaligian is 13 years old and currently in 7th grade at Manhasset Middle School. She graduated from Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School in 2022 as the recipient of multiple awards, including the Knights of Vartan Award for Armenian academic excellence. She is very proud of her Armenian heritage and actively involved in the Armenian community. She is a member of Salt & Light and the AYF and participates in many community programs and activities, including St. Sarkis Sunday School. Araxi has been dancing since the age of 4, having taken classes for several years at the Alvin Ailey Dance School in New York City. As a former member of the Nayiri Dance Ensemble of NJ, she happily took the stage again, along with her fellow dancers from the St. Sarkis community, at the Rebirth concert event last month. Araxi also enjoys athletics, and plays basketball for the Armenian Church Athletics Association. She is an avid baker, and also enjoys theatrical performance, actively participating in her middle school productions. Araxi is honored to serve on the altar at St. Sarkis with her friends and family.
St. Sarkis welcomes the participation of all our youth in the Badarak Service.

Please contact Annita Nerses at [email protected] or Arev Mouradian at [email protected] for more information on how to get involved.
YOUTH BADARAK SERVICE PARTICIPATION
LITURGICAL CALENDAR
(From Crossroads: E-Newsletter of the Armenian Prelacy)
HOW ARMENIANS CELEBRATE EASTER
On Easter day, Christians rejoice over the resurrection of our Lord and the black altar curtains are now drawn. The forty-day period of fasting now comes to an end. Armenians celebrate the joyous occasion with eggs that are dyed red, with which children and adults alike play tapping contests. The Easter Bunny tradition that began in the 17th century among Protestants in Europe is now popular all over the world, according to which the bunny hatches colored eggs and brings them in baskets to children. The red egg symbolizes the suffering of Christ and His crucifixion as well as the blood spelled by him. The shell of the egg represents the rock-cut tomb of Jesus; the white, his shroud; and the yolk, resurrected Jesus as symbol of life.
On Resurrection Sunday, Armenian Christians around the world exchange the Easter greeting: Քրիստոս յարեաւ ի մեռելոց. օրհնեալ է յարութիւնն Քրիստոսի (Krisdos haryav ee merelotz! Orhnyal eh harootiunun Krisdosee!) Christ is risen from the dead! Blessed is the resurrection of Christ! 
Easter Sunday is followed by a period of 50 days, known as Advent (Hinants), during which time there are no saints’ days or fasting days, since it is dedicated to the glory of Christ’s Resurrection. The first 40 days lead to Jesus’ Ascension Day, commemorating our Lord’s entry into heaven, and Pentecost is celebrated at the end of the following ten days.
SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THIS SUNDAY
THE FIRST EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS (15.1-11)
Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.
For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them-yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. Whether, then, it was I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.
  
ՊՕՂՈՍ ԱՌԱՔԵԱԼԻ Ա. ՆԱՄԱԿԸ ԿՈՐՆԹԱՑԻՆԵՐՈՒՆ (1:15-26) 
Համբարձումէն քանի մը օրեր ետք, երբ շուրջ հարիւրքսան հաւատացեալներ մէկտեղուած էին, Պետրոս ոտքի ելլելով ըսաւ.
– Եղբայրնե՛ր, պէտք էր կատարուէր Սուրբ գիրքին մէջ գրուածը, այն՝ ինչ որ նախօրօք Սուրբ Հոգին ըսած էր Դաւիթի բերնով՝ Յուդայի մասին, որ Յիսուսը ձերբակալողներուն առաջնորդը եղաւ: Յուդա մեր խումբէն էր, մեզի պէս առաքելական ծառայութեան համար ընտրուած: Բայց իր անիրաւ մատնութենէն ետք, որուն վարձքով ագարակ մը գնեց, երեսն ի վայր ինկաւ այնտեղ եւ փորը ճեղքուելով՝ փորոտիքը դուրս թափեցաւ: Բոլոր Երուսաղէմացիները այս մասին իմացան, եւ այս պատճառով ալ այդ ագարակը իրենց բարբառով Ակեղդամա, այսինքն՝ Արեան ագարակ կը կոչեն: Արդ, Սաղմոսներու գիրքին մէջ գրուած է. «Թող անոր տունը աւերակ մնայ, եւ հոն մարդ չբնակի». իսկ ուրիշ տեղ մը կ’ըսէ. «Իր պաշտօնը ուրիշ մէկը թող առնէ»: Այստեղ կան մարդիկ, որոնք միշտ մեր հետը եղած են Տէր Յիսուսի երկրաւոր առաքելութեան ամբողջ տեւողութեան, Յովհաննէսի ձեռքով անոր մկրտութենէն մինչեւ երկինք համբարձման օրը: Ասոնցմէ մէկը պէտք է որ տասնըմէկիս միանայ՝ Քրիստոսի յարութեան վկայ ըլլալու համար:
Այն ատեն հաւատացեալները երկու հոգի ներկայացուցին. Բարսաբա կոչուած Յովսէփը, որ Արդար մականուանուեցաւ, եւ Մատաթիան: Ապա հետեւեալ աղօթքը ըրին.
– Դուն, Տէ՛ր, որ կը ճանչնաս բոլոր մարդոց սիրտերը, ցոյց տուր մեզի՝ թէ այս երկուքէն ո՛ր մէկը կ’ընտրես առաքելական այս պաշտօնին համար, որմէ Յուդա ինկաւ՝ իրեն սահմանուած տեղը երթալու համար:
Ապա երկու անուններուն վրայ վիճակ ձգեցին: Վիճակը Մատաթիային ելաւ, եւ անիկա տասնըմէկ առաքեալներուն կարգին դասուեցաւ:

 
THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO MARK (16.1-8)
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"  
But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.  
"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "  
Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
 
ՅԻՍՈՒՍ ՔՐԻՍՏՈՍԻ ԱՒԵՏԱՐԱՆԸ ԸՍՏ ՄԱՐԿՈՍԻ (16:2-8)
Կիրակի առաւօտ կանուխ, արեւածագին, գերեզման եկան:
– Ո՞վ պիտի գլորէ գերեզմանի մուտքին դրուած քարը,- կը հարցնէին իրարու, որովհետեւ քարը շատ մեծ էր:
Սակայն երբ նայեցան, տեսան որ քարը արդէն իսկ գլորուած էր: Գերեզմանէն ներս մտան եւ ճերմակ զգեստ հագած երիտասարդ մը տեսան, որ աջ կողմը նստած էր, եւ սարսափեցան: Երիտասարդը ըսաւ անոնց.
– Մի՛ վախնաք, գիտեմ որ խաչուած Նազովրեցի Յիսուսը կը փնտռէք, բայց հոս չէ՛, յարութիւն առաւ: Տեսէ՛ք, զինք հոս դրած էին: Այժմ գացէք, ըսէք իր աշակերտներուն եւ Պետրոսի, որ ահա ինք ձեզմէ առաջ կ’երթայ Գալիլեա. հո՛ն պիտի տեսնէք զինք, ինչպէս որ ըսած էր ձեզի:
Երբ ասիկա լսեցին, դուրս փախան գերեզմանէն, զար-հուրած ու ապշահար, եւ ոչ մէկուն բան մը ըսին, որովհետեւ կը վախնային:
NEW ARRIVAL
-Mr. & Mrs. Haig and Courtney Ardzivian are happy to announce the birth of their beautiful baby girl named LUCY MARIE ARDZIVIAN born on April 4, 2023
DONATION
Garden flowers of our church are donated and planted
by Mrs. Siran Saroyan in honor of her
grandchildren, Andre, Erik and Kingston.
COFFEE HOUR


The Ladies Guild Easter Sunday Bake Sale
Will be held in the Main Hall


CALENDAR OF EVENTS

  • 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 Eve, April 08, 2023: Easter Eve 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

  • Sunday, May 7, 2023: Ladies Guild Mother's Day Tea Party
  • 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