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Feast of the Transfiguration
This Sunday (July 19) the Armenian Church observes one of its five major feasts, the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ (Aylagerbutiun/Vartavar). This Feast is observed fourteen weeks after Easter, and therefore can fall between June 28 and August 1. It commemorates an episode in the New Testament recorded by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Peter, recalling Christ’s ascent up Mount Tabor with disciples John, James, and Peter.
The Transfiguration took place on the “holy mountain” (believed to be Mt. Tabor) where Jesus went with his three disciples. As He was praying, “His face shone like the sun and his garments became white as light.” Moses and Elijah appeared at his side, representing the law and the prophets. It was at this moment that his appearance was “transfigured” revealing himself as God to his disciples as a voice from above said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.” Jesus urged his disciples to keep silent about what they saw, but the incident was recorded in the Gospels.
The pre-Christian festival Vartavar (Festival of Roses) was assimilated into this new Christian holiday. Armenians would decorate the temple of the goddess Asdghig (goddess of love, beauty, fertility, and water) with roses, release doves, and engage in water games on this popular pre-Christian holiday. St. Gregory the Illuminator combined Vartavar with the Transfiguration. The fifth century historian Yeghishe wrote the prayer that is recited in church on this feast: “O Lord, bless the harvest of this year and defend from all the perils, and may your right hand, O Lord, protect us for the whole year.”
Vartavar became a traditional day of pilgrimage to churches named in honor of St. John the Baptist. The most popular destination was the Monastery of Sourp Garabed of Mush, founded by Gregory the Illuminator in the province of Taron near Mush. (Garabed means Forerunner, referring to John the Baptist). The monastery was large and expansive and built like a fortress in the mountains. More than one thousand pilgrims could be accommodated. After 1915 the complex ceased to exist. The monastery was destroyed by the Turkish army, and the ravages of time, weather and scavengers completed its destruction. The once large and thriving Armenian monastery is now a mass of stone and rubble.
This Sunday is the name day for those named Vartkes, Vartavar, Vart, Vartouni, Alvart, Sirvart, Nevart, Lousvart, Hyvart, Baidzar, Vartanoush, Vartiter, Varvar.
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The annual Blessing of Grapes Picnic for St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church is upon us!
This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our picnic will be a carry-out only event, no seating will be available inside the community center. Pre-orders are strongly encouraged and the date for having all pre-orders submitted by is July 27th, 2020.
Walk up orders will be taken day of, but supplies are limited. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes.
We are choosing to make the safety of our parishioners and customers our top priority.
Thank you in advance, we can't wait to serve you!
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Prelacy Raffle 2020
Don't Miss Your Chance to Win!
For many decades, the Prelacy has sponsored an annual raffle drawing that benefits its educational and religious programs. The drawing usually takes place in May at the conclusion of the National Representative Assembly. This year, the coronavirus pandemic hit when the raffle was underway, and the National Representative Assembly, to be originally hosted by St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Philadelphia, PA, had to be postponed. The new drawing date has been set for September 12, 2020. The top prize is $5,000; second prize is $2,000; and third, fourth, and fifth prizes are $1,000. However, we always like to point out that in this raffle there are no losers, because all of the money raised benefits our Prelacy programs.
Please consider purchasing one or more tickets ($100 each). For more information or to purchase a ticket, please contact NRA Delegates Andrew Asadorian, Janet Haroian, any member of the Board of Trustees, or the Prelacy office (email@armenianprelacy.org or 212-689-7810).
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Bible Readings for Sunday, July 19th
Feast of the Transfiguration
The Epistle Reading
1 John 1: 1-7
We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us—we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
The Gospel Reading
Matthew 16:13-17:13
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?
“For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” And the disciples asked him, “Why, then, do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He replied, “Elijah is indeed coming and will restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but they did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man is about to suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them about John the Baptist.
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Prayer Requests & Virtual Candles
All community members are encouraged to offer prayers for the sick, ill, and confined, as well as those faithful departed. Our parish has enacted a new way to offer prayers for people, with our "Lighting A Virtual Candle for St. Gregory Church".
We appreciate and thank all those who participated in this program, and encourage all parishioners to prayerfully consider participating in the future. The program will continue to be offered through our Facebook page, you can check here for future Virtual Candle Lighting opportunities.
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PRAYER REQUESTS
for July 19, 2020
Susan Hagopian
From: Raffi Ovian
There will be no requiem services due to the Feast Day.
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Fellowship Hour
Recently the Board of Trustees has started hosting virtual fellowship hours so that we can gather together during these times of separation. Thank you to all those who have attended, and if you have questions about future Virtual Fellowship Hours, please click here.
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Join our Virtual Sunday School.
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"Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name."
Psalm 103:1
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Parish Stewardship Program
"Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under
compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." ~ 2 Corinthians 9:7
Our Faith should be the foundation of everything we do. When we build off of a strong foundation, and grow in our generosity, we are pleasing to our almighty Father. God loves a cheerful giver. These words are simple, yet powerful. It is in this vein that we invite you to partner with your fellow parishioners and help spread the joy that is found in Jesus Christ. Your support today will ensure our parish can continue to spread His message of love for years to come. We ask that you prayerfully consider supporting us in our mission.
To setup a new one-time or recurring donation, please visit out website by clicking here, then selecting the Donate Now option at the top. There is a downloadable form below for those wishing to mail in their donation information.
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Click the button to download a printable donation form
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Recent donation information will be available in a future weekly bulletin.
Weekly expense from 2019 approved budget: $ 2,600
By presenting each week's income/expense figures, we would like to stress the importance of Stewardship. Stewardship is based on the spiritual principles of the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus. It is a way of thanking God for all the blessings He has given us by returning to Him a portion of our time, talent and treasure. Stewardship can change the spiritual lives of both individuals and the parish as a whole.
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