E-Sunday Bulletin of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church

38-65 234th. St. Douglaston, NY, 11363

Sunday, 10/11/2026

ԽԱՉՎԵՐԱՑԷՆ ԵՏՔ Դ. ԿԻՐԱԿԻ - FIFTH SUNDAY OF THE EXALTATION 

Sunday Readings: 

 Isaiah 19:1-11; Galatians 2:1-10; Mark 12:35-44

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

Fr. Nareg Terterian, Pastor

We are grateful to witness continued growth in our worshipping community. Average Sunday Badarak attendance has increased by 41% year-to-date in 2026, compared to the 2025 median attendance of 83. This is a clear sign of renewed participation in the spiritual life of our parish.

On Sunday, October 4, 2026, 141 faithful gathered for worship. Join the growing number of members of our parish family who each week bring a friend, bring a family member.

We warmly invite everyone to join us each Sunday at St. Sarkis Church to experience the beauty of the Badarak and the strength of our faith community.🙏

Mid-October has been a significant date for me since my early teenage years because it marked the beginning of a new academic year for seminarians. The start of a new season of a formative year was attached to the Feast of the Holy Translators (Armenian: Սուրբ Թարգմանչաց տօն, Sourp Tarkmanchadz don). This feast is dedicated to a group of saints of the Armenian Apostolic Church, who founded the Armenian alphabet, translated the Bible, and started a movement of writing and translating important works into Armenian.  

At the start of a new school year, we would celebrate the Divine Liturgy, honoring our Holy Translators and drawing inspiration from their monumental work. We would vow to keep their spirit alive and active in our church, which has played a unique and crucial role in preserving our Armenian culture and identity. Sounds incredibly inspiring, doesn't it? Absolutely, but let's remember it's also highly idealistic.

Read More.

On Sunday, October 11, St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church will honor the memory and legacy of Dr. Aram Cazazian, whose many years of faithful service, leadership, and generosity left a lasting mark on our parish community.

We will offer a requiem service in his memory, followed by a special tribute celebrating his life, dedication, and contributions to St. Sarkis Church.

All are welcome to join us as we remember Dr. Cazazian with gratitude, love, and prayer.

May his memory be eternal.

We’re off to a wonderful start to our Fall Session! 

Our seven students welcomed one another during circle time and got to know their new classroom and classmates. We then explored Trchnakir (Bird Letters) by decorating the first letter of each student’s name in this beautiful Armenian art style.

It was a sweet morning of getting to know one another, and the students and parents had a wonderful time settling into the classroom together.

We have seven more sessions filled with fall activities, crafts, stories, and lots of Armenian language learning ahead!

- Teachers Maral & Emma

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” — 2 Corinthians 13:5

We often spend so much time examining, criticizing, and judging others that we neglect the most important examination of all: looking within ourselves.

In this sermon, Archpriest Fr. Nareg Terterian reflects on St. Paul’s call to self-examination and explores what it means to cultivate an authentic Christian spirituality. Drawing from the Gospel of Mark, the writings of St. Gregory of Narek, and the Christian tradition of spiritual introspection, Fr. Nareg challenges the popular notion that spirituality is simply about feeling good.

True spirituality is not rooted in fear of punishment or mere observance of religious rules. Rather, it is a disciplined journey of faith, humility, repentance, and transformation, grounded in a loving relationship with God.

How often do we recognize God's presence in our daily lives? Where have we failed to love? What needs to change within us?

Awakened is a new video podcast created by Archpriest Fr. Nareg Terterian to meet our community at the intersection of real life, deep questions, and spiritual renewal.

 Drawing from pastoral encounters, the wisdom and practices of the Armenian Apostolic Church, and the vision of 2026 as the Year of the Revitalization of Spiritual Life, this series creates a safe and thoughtful space to explore faith as a way of life, not just a Sunday activity.

Awakened is an invitation to dig deeper, re-engage intentionally, and nurture a living spirituality within the sacred rhythm of the Church and everyday life.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Khachkar Studios (Charles & Agnes Kazarian Foundation) for the generous grants totaling $22,600 in 2026 in support of the mission and ministries of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church. Their partnership and commitment to our community help make our faith-based programming and outreach possible.

Mrs. CHRISTINE BEDROSSIAN passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2026. Funeral services were held on Friday, October  2, 2026 at St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic church.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family. May she rest in peace.

-The pastor, Board of Trustees and all Auxiliary bodies of St. Sarkis Armenian church request requiem service for the soul of their beloved past chairmen and friend Dr. ARAM CAZAZIAN.

-Ardzivian and Nenejian families request requiem service for the soul of their beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother Mrs. ANAHID ARDZIVIAN (13th-year memorial service). Also for the souls of their beloved brother, uncle and great uncle Mr. HOVANES ARDZIVIAN (6th-year memorial service), and beloved sister in-law, aunt and great aunt Mrs. ROSA ARDZIVIAN (1st-year memorial service).

-Vardanyan and Chitchian families request requiem service for the souls of their beloved father and grandfather Mr. VAHRAM VARDANYAN (9th-year memorial service), beloved mother and grandmother Mrs. MARY VARDANYAN (20th-year memorial service), beloved brother and uncle Mr. NORAIR VARDANYAN (64rd-year memorial service), beloved grandfather Mr. SARKIS VARDANYAN (67th-year memorial service), beloved grandmother SATENIK VARDANYAN (46th-year memorial service), beloved uncle Mr. SAHAG VARDANYAN (5th-year memorial service), beloved grandfather Mr. NORAIR CHITCHIAN (54rd-year memorial service) and  beloved grandmother Mrs. LEA CHITCHIAN (38th-year memorial service). 

NICHOLAS MARCARIAN, the son of Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Emma Marcarian, was baptized on Sunday, October 4, 2026. His Godparents were Mr. & Mrs. Chris and Christina Biramian. May the Grace of the Holy Spirit always be with Nicholas.

FEAST OF THE HOLY TRANSLATORS

This Saturday, October 10, the Armenian Church commemorates the Feast of the Holy Translators, one of the most beloved feasts. There are, in fact, two such commemorations in our liturgical calendar. One is on the Thursday following the fourth Sunday after Pentecost, which can occur in June or July; the other is on the second Saturday of October.

The October commemoration focuses on the creation of the Armenian alphabet (406) and on the accomplishments of the Holy Translators. Mesrob Mashdots, the founder of the alphabet, and Catholicos Sahag, together with some of their students, translated the Bible. Schools were opened and the works of world-renowned scholars were translated. Their work gave the Armenian Church a distinct national identity.

In modern times the entire month of October has been designated as a “Month of Culture,” thanks to His Holiness Karekin I Hovsepian, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia from 1943 to 1952. Armenians throughout the Diaspora and Armenia mark this with cultural events not only in remembrance of the past, but in celebration of modern-day scholars, theologians, writers, and translators.

Specifically remembered this Saturday along with Mesrob and Sahag are: Yeghishe, a renowned student of Sahag and Mesrob, who served as secretary to Vartan Mamigonian and wrote the great history of the Vartanantz wars; Movses of Khoren, another student of Sahag and Mesrob revered as the father of Armenian history; David the Invincible, a student of Movses, who received most of his education in Athens, where he was given his title because of his brilliance in philosophy; Gregory of Narek, who is considered the greatest poet of the Armenian nation and its first and greatest mystic; and Nerses Shnorhali, a great writer, musician, theologian, and ecumenist.

With the creation of the Armenian alphabet and the translations that followed, this group of scholars transformed the course of Armenian history forever. It is an affirmation of the popular aphorism, “the pen is mightier than the sword.”

The Holy Translators (with the invention of the alphabet) providentially provided divine instructions on earth by translating the sacred scriptures, in order to shepherd the flock of the New Israel. Let us praise God with a sweet-sounding song.

(Canon to the Holy Translators, from the Liturgical Canons of the Armenian Church)

“After translating the book of Proverbs, Mesrop and his students began the translation of the New Testament. Translating the bible into any language is an enormous amount of work. It is especially daunting given the absence of any Armenian literature prior to the Bible. Contrast this with the translation of the Bible into English. The most famous English translation is the King James Version, completed in 1611. The earliest English Bible was produced by John Wycliffe in 1382. But even before Wycliffe, there was a tradition of writing in English from which Wycliffe and subsequent translators could draw familiar expressions and phrases. The Armenian Bible, however, is the first work of Armenian literature. In translating the Bible, Sahak and Mesrop and their disciples did more than just a translation. They in essence created a new written language that would be a source and inspiration for all of the Armenian literature that would follow.”

ԽԱՉՎԵՐԱՑԷՆ ԵՏՔ Դ. ԿԻՐԱԿԻ - FIFTH SUNDAY OF THE EXALTATION 

Sunday Readings: 

 Isaiah 19:1-11; Galatians 2:1-10; Mark 12:35-44

Dr. ARAM CAZAZIAN Memorial luncheon, Hokejash and The Ladies Guild fellowship hour will be held in the Main  Hall and is hosted by:

-The Board of Trustees of St. Sarkis church

-Mrs. Anita Masoian

-Mrs. Gail D’Onofrio

-Mrs. Sonya Nenejian

-Mrs. Jeanette Nenejian

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

NY Hamazkayin Nor Yeraz Dance Ensemble Celebrates Its Third Anniversary with Exciting Growth – Follow us on Instagram NY_Nor_Yeraz

Since its inception on October 27, 2023, the NY Hamazkayin Nor Yeraz Dance Ensemble has continued to grow, bringing Armenian culture, music, dance, and tradition to a new generation. As Nor Yeraz approaches its third anniversary, we are proud to celebrate the ensemble’s remarkable growth and look forward to another exciting year.

One of our most exciting developments has been the growth of our younger group, which now includes more than 35 dancers ages 8 to 13. Our older group welcomes dancers ages 13 to 26, giving young Armenians the opportunity to remain connected to their culture as they grow.

The younger group practices most Fridays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., followed by the older group from 8:15 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Complimentary Tuition for All Nor Yeraz Dancers

Thanks to an exceptionally generous donation from the Armenian Cultural Association of New York, tuition is completely complimentary for every Nor Yeraz dancer this year.

This support allows us to make Armenian dance accessible to all who wish to participate. In return, we ask our dancers for commitment—to attend practices consistently, learn the choreography, and be dedicated members of their group.

Nor Yeraz is fortunate to be led by two talented instructors, Maria Nercessian Bechirian and Avedis Khachatryan.

Maria was an instructor with the original Yeraz Dance Group alongside the late Karnig Nercessian, creating a special connection to the legacy of Armenian dance in our community. Avedis studied ballet at the Dance University of Yerevan and performed with Yerevan’s Opera and Ballet Theater. Together, they bring exceptional experience, passion, and dedication while serving as mentors and role models for our dancers.

Three Years of Performances and Special Appearances

In just three years, Nor Yeraz has had the privilege of performing throughout the Armenian community and beyond. Highlights include:

• AYF Hyortik 100th Anniversary Gala Banquet – 2024
• St. Sarkis Annual Picnic – 2024
• Hovnanian School Picnic with Tonee Marino – 2024
• St. Sarkis Gala honoring Board of Trustee members – 2024
• Community member’s 100th birthday celebration – 2024
• Tonee Marino’s “Hayastan” music video – 2024
• New York Fashion Week – 2024
• Cultural Showcase at St. Sarkis – 2024
• Social media reels promoting Tonee Marino’s music – 2024, 2025 and 2026
• Armenian Heritage Night with the ARS Erebouni Chapter at UBS Arena – 2025
• Armenian Sisters Academy fundraiser in Pennsylvania with Tonee Marino – 2025
• Tonee Marino’s Armenian Affair in Brooklyn – 2025
• Special birthday celebration in Brooklyn - 2026
• Performance with ARAM MP3 before an audience of more than 1,000 at Oceana Theater -2026
• Homenetmen Navasartian Games in New York - 2026
• Performance with Tonee Marino to “Im Hamar Es,” featuring choreography created especially for the song - 2026

With more performances being planned, we encourage new dancers to join early so they can learn the choreography and prepare to perform with Nor Yeraz.

Nor Yeraz meets most Fridays at St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Douglaston, New York, and we are deeply grateful for the church’s continued hospitality and support.

We also thank our dedicated parent volunteers, the Armenian Cultural Association of New York, NY ARF Armen Garo Gomideh, and NY Hamazkayin for their generous support and commitment to our youth.

Above all, we thank Maria and Avedis, whose dedication extends far beyond teaching dance. Through Nor Yeraz, they are helping our young people strengthen their connection to Armenian heritage while building friendships and a lasting sense of community.