E-Sunday Bulletin of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church

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

Sunday, 11/8/2026

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9th SUNDAY AFTER THE EXHALATION OF THE HOLY CROSS 

Sunday Readings:

Isaiah 24:1-13; Ephesians 5:15-33; Luke 8:49-57

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, November 1, 2026, 111 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.🙏

On Saturday October 31st, our Saturday school students enjoyed an afternoon of fall festivities with their friends.

They had pizza, juice, cupcakes and much more sweets to start the afternoon of Halloween trick or treating.

Some of the moms of our students volunteered to run different “trick or treat” tables with arts and crafts for the students to do.

They made paper lanterns,  decorated mini caldrons with gems and stickers, made bracelets out of beads,  and were given our treats to take home.  We all had such a great time!

The St. Sarkis girls’ basketball team played their first game on Sunday, November 1st, against the Holy Martyrs girls’ team. After just two practices together, our girls hit the court ready to play. Their hustle and determination improved as they played each quarter of the game, and it was obvious that they were building confidence and having fun. We look forward to seeing them grow and develop as a team as the season continues. Their next game will be on Sunday, November 15th against St. Leon’s in Fairlawn, NJ.

Isabel Tashian completed the 2026 NYC Marathon, marking her first-ever marathon race. She began running with New York Road Runners in 2024, taking on two half marathons before working her way up to the 26.2-mile challenge. Her NYC marathon experience would not have been complete without the support of her family, who cheered her on at miles 8, 17, and 23, giving her the encouragement to keep pushing toward the finish line.

Aram Balian is proud to have finished the 2026 New York City Marathon and to have run representing Armenia and Artsakh. He began running with New York Road Runners in 2024 and has taken part in many of their races since then. Representing Armenia in the opening ceremonies of the 2026 New York City Marathon while carrying the Artsakh flag made the experience especially meaningful. He extends a special thank-you to his amazing wife, Mimi, his brother and sister, Nareg and Arya, his mother-in-law, Setta; and his friends Natalie and Simon, who cheered him on along the course. Seeing them and hearing their encouragement helped him keep pushing toward the finish line. Aram is already looking forward to doing it again! He plans to complete NYRR’s 9+1 program in 2027 so he can return for the 2028 New York City Marathon.

Dear St. Sarkis Church Family & Friends,

St. Sarkis Church has given generations of families a place to grow in faith, celebrate our Armenian heritage, and build lifelong friendships. Now, together, we can ensure that this precious legacy continues.

We are few, but we are mighty! Together, even small gifts can make an extraordinary difference.

Please consider becoming a St. Sarkis Champion with a monthly gift of as little as $1 a day. Whether you can contribute $30, $50, or $100 monthly, the amount is not important; what matters is building a community, a family, for which St. Sarkis is our collective spiritual home.

BECOME A ST. SARKIS CHAMPION

📞 On Sunday, November 22, between 3–5 PM, look out for a phone call from one of our young parishioners, who will share what St. Sarkis has meant to them and invite you to become a Champion.

With gratitude,

Archpriest Fr. Nareg Terterian, Pastor &

The Board of Trustees of

St. Sarkis Church

In this episode of Awakened, Fr. Nareg Terterian sits down with his friend, Very Rev. Fr. Ardag Arabian, for an unscripted conversation. The two come from the same hometown of Kessab.

Fr. Ardag describes volunteering to serve in Syria from 2016 to 2018, during the war. He lived as his people did, with little water, bread, or electricity. He met young soldiers whose eyes seemed empty and felt he lacked the tools to help them. Yet he calls those years his "baptism of fire," the time his faith was revived.

He then tells of arriving in Sydney, thin and worn, to study theology. He found a welcoming university, explored liberation and practical theology, and wrote his thesis in a single week when COVID cut his stay short.

Now serving in the United States, he hopes to study counseling. Both priests stress that clergy are human too, and that they also need to be heard.



The episode is a candid look at faith, service, and humility. Listen for the story, and for the reminder that guidance goes both ways.

What does it mean to be part of God’s family? In this sermon, hear how Jesus invites those who hear and live out God’s word into a deeper spiritual community. Through the parable of the sower and the image of a lamp shining in the darkness, we’re reminded that God’s word is more than something to read, it is a light that transforms us.Salvation, this message teaches, is a life changed by Christ’s light: a light that helps us find our way, serve others and endure life’s dark moments. May we welcome that light into our hearts and grow together in faith.

St. Sarkis Church “2027 Calendar”

We gratefully acknowledge the following calendar donations received

by November 5, 2026

FOUNDER $1,500

Mr. & Mrs. Santo & Seta Muradian

Mr. & Mrs. Sarkis & Adriana Nercessian

PILLAR $750

PATRON $500

Drs. Bagdig & Ani Baghdassarian

DONOR $250

Mr. & Mrs. Berdj & Maria Benlian

Mr. & Mrs. Berg & Narcisse Gokberg (Crown Findings)

Mr. & Mrs. Haig & Laura Giragosian

Dr. & Mrs. Hagop & Hilda Gorgissian

Drs. Aram & Michelle Kirkorian

Mrs. Elizabeth Ohannessian

Dr. & Mrs. Armen & Osanna Ovsepian

Mr. & Mrs. Vartkes & Alice Savadjian

Mr. & Mrs. Mourad & Virginia Voskinarian

SUPPORTER $150

Mrs. Gail D’Onofrio

Dr. & Mrs. Louis & Elenne Najarian

Mr. & Mrs. Garo & Sofi Seoylemezian

Mr. & Mrs. Greg & Lusine Tchilingarian

FRIEND $100 

Dr. & Mrs. Michael & Daniela Kalustian

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.

Edy Hazarian

Saraphina Yaziciyan

ARCHANGELS GABRIEL AND MICHAEL

This Saturday, November 7, the Armenian Church commemorates the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. The word “angel” (hreshdag) means messenger. Archangel is a title given to an angel of high rank in the celestial hierarchy. Michael and Gabriel are the only angels given the title archangel in the Bible. 

Michael (Hebrew meaning “Who is like God”) is the prince of all angels and the leader of the celestial armies. He is regarded as the protector of Christians in general and soldiers in particular, and the guardian of the orthodox faith and defender against heresies. 

Gabriel (Hebrew meaning “Strength of God”) is one of God’s chief messengers. He was God’s messenger to Daniel to explain his vision (Daniel 8:16-26) and prophecy (Daniel 9:21-27). He foretold the birth of John the Baptist and was the messenger announcing the forthcoming birth of Christ (Luke 1:11-21). 

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2) 

-Mrs. Theresa Harutunyan and family request requiem service for the soul of their beloved sister and aunt Ms. RIMA HAYRABETYAN (40th-day memorial service).

Ms. Armen Alianakian request requiem service for the soul of her beloved husband Mr. HAMPO ALIANAKIAN (2nd-year memorial service). Also for the souls of beloved parents Mr. & Mrs. AGOP and NOUSHKA AZARIAN, Mr. & Mrs. BEDROS and HARACHUHI ALIANAKIAN.

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9th SUNDAY AFTER THE EXHALATION OF THE HOLY CROSS 

Sunday Readings:

Isaiah 24:1-13; Ephesians 5:15-33; Luke 8:49-57

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

-Mrs. Amy Gostanian

-Mrs. Maral Harutunian

-Mrs. Sandy Shamlian

-Ms. Margaret Sarkissian

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.