E-Sunday Bulletin of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church

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

Sunday, 11/1/2026

Ը. ԿԻՐԱԿԻ Ս. ԽԱՉԷՆ ԵՏՔ - Eighth Sunday of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross 

Sunday Readings:

Isaiah 22:15-25; Ephesians 1:1-14; Luke 8:17-21 

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 25, 2026, 107 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.🙏

Nearly 100 participants gather for an evening of fellowship, spiritual reflection, and practical insights on strengthening Christian marriage.

On Saturday, October 24, 2026, nearly 100 participants, including parishioners and clergy from Armenian churches in Watertown, Cambridge, Belmont, and surrounding communities, gathered at Holy Cross Armenian Catholic Church for the Sixth Annual New England Couples Ministry Gathering. The evening brought together couples for fellowship, prayer, and meaningful conversation about the challenges and blessings of Christian marriage.

The program began with welcoming remarks by Rev. Avedis Boynerian and an opening prayer offered by Rev. Fr. Ghazar Bedrosian. Participants enjoyed dinner with music by Marina Margarian, followed by interactive games that added warmth and laughter to the gathering.

Mrs. Nairy Baljian-Bell introduced the evening's guest speaker, Archpriest Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Douglaston, New York, and a licensed mental health counselor.

Read More

On the Feast of the Discovery of the Cross, the last of the Armenian Church's cross feasts, this sermon asks how we truly experience God.

Drawing on St. Paul, Fr. Nareg notes that some people look for signs and miracles, while others pursue wisdom and theology. He says the real experience of God is different. It is a mystical encounter that signs can't prove and human wisdom can't fully explain.

Reading Matthew 27, he looks at what happens before the crucifixion. Jesus is stripped, echoing the shame of Adam and Eve, and crowned with thorns, a reminder of humanity's fall. Guilt is knowing you made a mistake, he explains, while shame is feeling that you are the mistake.

Jesus takes that burden on himself, as a loving parent steps in when a child's struggle is too much.



Simon of Cyrene shows that we can willingly share in the cross, because life without pain isn't realistic, and love without sacrifice isn't real love.

The invitation is to make space in your heart and daily routine to experience God's love.

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 $46,567.00 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.

FEAST OF ALL SAINTS

On Saturday, October 31, the Armenian Church commemorates the Feast of All Saints, Old and New, Known and Unknown. This is the holiday that compensates for any sins of omission in the list of saints remembered by the Church. The western churches celebrate All Saints Day on October 31. In the Armenian Church tradition, the date is variable depending on the season of the Cross. It can occur in late October or in November. This commemoration is rooted in the belief that there are many saints who are not known to us. Therefore, on this day, all saints are honored. 

-Mrs. Dirouhie Kasparian, Dr. & Mrs. Harry and Mary Kasparian and family request requiem service for the soul of their beloved father and grandfather EDMOND KASPARIAN (30th year memorial service). Also for the souls of beloved parents and grandparents HAGOP and SONA KASPARIAN, beloved brother HARUTIUN KASPARIAN, OVANES and EKATERINA ERANOSIAN, beloved brother in-law and sister GARO and PEGGY VANESSIAN and beloved uncle BAGHDASAR BODYIKOGLU.  

-Mr. and Mrs. Garo and Meline Yaziciyan and children, Nikolas and Saraphina request requiem service for the soul of their beloved mother and grandmother  Mrs. ARSHALUCE JACOBIAN (21st- year memorial service).

--Mr. Frank Kabarajian, Mr. & Mrs. Dickran and Liza Kabarajian and children, Aren, Sarine and Nayira, Mr. & Mrs. Tommy and Cecile Spagna and daughter Christine Musaian request requiem service for the soul of their beloved wife, mother and grandmother Mrs. AYDA CABARACI (1st-year  memorial service). Also for the souls of all deceased members of DEMIRJIAN, KABARAJIAN, YANDIMYAN and SPAGNA families.

-Mrs. Daniela Hachadurian request requiem service for the soul of her beloved husband

 Mr. EDWARD HACHADURIAN (5th-year memorial service). 

-Mr. & Mrs. Alexandre and Maria Bechirian and children, Christopher and Gabriel and Ms. Sophie Bechirian request requiem service for the soul of their beloved father, father in-law and grandfather Mr. HAIG BECHIRIAN (1st-year memorial service).

Ը. ԿԻՐԱԿԻ Ս. ԽԱՉԷՆ ԵՏՔ - Eighth Sunday of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross 

Sunday Readings:

Isaiah 22:15-25; Ephesians 1:1-14; Luke 8:17-21 

The Ladies Guild Fellowship hour will be held in Pagoumian Hall and is hosted by:

-Mrs. Meline Yaziciyan

-Mrs. Liza Kabarajian

In memory of their beloved family members

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.