Sunday Messenger
July 12, 2026

Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord 

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

Wisdom 7:25-8:4 Solomon extols the virtues of wisdom, having sought her from his youth: she is a powerful source of renewal, prevails against evil, and draws us to friendship with God since “God loves nothing so much as the person who loves wisdom.” (v. 28) Discuss/reflect: In 1 Kings 3: 1-15, God asks Solomon what he wants most. Rather than long life or wealth, he asks for wisdom, which in Hebrew is literally “a listening heart.” How might such a heart help you?

Zechariah 14:16-21 Declaring that a day is coming when the Lord will be king over the whole earth, the prophet foresees that all — even former enemies of the faith — will be called to Jerusalem on the Feast of the Tabernacles to celebrate and worship him as the Lord Almighty. Discuss/reflect: “Holy to the Lord” will be inscribed on the horses’ bells and on cooking pots (v.20) on that day. What parts of your life do you feel are inscribed to the Lord? 

1 John 1:1-7 John proclaims the truth of Jesus Christ based on all he has seen, heard,  and touched so that others “may have fellowship with us” (v. 3) and in turn with God. God is light and walking in that light means living by the truth and loving God and one another. Discuss/reflect: In what ways have you, like John, “seen,” “heard,” and “touched” Jesus?

Matthew 16:13-17:13  This rich account, worthy of a long summation, begins with the important conversation at Caesarea Philippi when Jesus asks “Who do people say I am?” After hearing the answers (John the Baptist, a prophet), he asks “and who do you say I am?” To which Peter famously replies “You are the Christ, the Son of God.” In the next account, Jesus predicts his death and counsels that anyone who follows him must take up his cross as well for “those who want to save their life will lose it.” Finally, we read the account of Jesus’ transfiguration.

Today is the Feast of the Transfiguration
The Transfiguration, one of the five major feasts of the Armenian Church, marks the extraordinary occasion Jesus took his three closest disciples, Peter, James, and John, up to Mt. Tabor where he was “transfigured,” appearing radiant. Moses and Elijah appeared at his side, symbols of the Law and Prophecy which Jesus had come to fulfill. A voice from heaven was heard saying: “This is my beloved Son.”

Some customs of an ancient Armenian pagan festival for the goddess Asdghig are still associated with this feast, such as decorating the church with roses (and therefore the Feast’s name Vartavar; it is more formally called Aylagerbootyoon or Baydzaragerbootyoon) and spraying one another with water. Reflection: Only in Matthew, do we learn the disciples’ reaction to this miracle: fear and awe, calmed by Jesus’ touch. (17:6-7) Think of a time when you were afraid, anxious, or confused. Were you aware of Jesus’ presence? Next time you feel this way, prayerfully dwell on the Lord’s radiant transfiguration

The Kiss of Peace – After the gifts of the Eucharist are brought to the Altar Table, the deacon proclaims, “Greet one another with a holy kiss.”  The person giving the greetings says, Kristos ee mech mer Haydnetsav – Christ is revealed amongst us.  The recipient would respond, Orhnial eh Haydnootiunun Kristosee – Blessed is the revelation of Christ.

The Nicene Creed/ Havadamk – This is the Profession of our Faith which is recited every Sunday moments after the Gospel is read from the altar. Sometimes it is sung, but more often it is recited by the Deacons and/or the Choir.  We invite you to affirm your own “Profession of Faith” by reciting along with us.  God longs for all of us to express our faith and devotion to Him.

Agape Hour — a beautiful expression of love, community, and togetherness is just not the same without YOU!! Please join us after Divine Liturgy for fellowship and good conversation. All are Welcome!

Holy Badarak – Over the summer is a wonderful time to learn and familiarize yourself with the Badarak. If your children sing in the school choir, please encourage them to come sing in our church choir to continue developing their voice on Sundays during the summer. It’s ok if they don’t know many of the sharagans, they will learn. And if they can read music, they will be fine. Our senior choir members are here to help. We look forward to seeing your children upstairs with us!

FAR! This week, Fund for Armenian Relief celebrated the grand opening of the Ayo!-funded therapeutic garden for young visitors at the Yerevan Botanical Garden. Among the first little guests were children and youth from FAR’s Child Protection Center.

The project began two years ago with the launch of Put Down Roots, an Ayo! initiative to create a welcoming outdoor space where children displaced from Artsakh, children with special needs, and families can explore nature, learn about ecology and botany, and experience the therapeutic benefits of gardening.

Made possible through the generosity of nearly 200 Armenia and America-based donors, the garden was funded in part by proceeds from three 5K races: the Green Charity Run, held in the Botanical Garden in partnership with Yerevan Marathon Foundation, and two Bishop’s 5K races in Detroit and Boston organized in partnership with ACYOA.

Learn more about the project and peruse before and after photos of the garden space here (and don’t forget to visit next time you’re in Yerevan): https://www.weareayo.org/past-projects/put-down-roots/6702e976-56bf-4ac8-b1b9-4c8066f7e18f

Calling all beach lovers! Join us this summer at the water’s edge for a great “beach read.” Rev. Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian, pastor of St. Peter Armenian Church in Watervliet, NY will guide us on a three-session ZOOM based on an inspiring little book called Breakfast on the Beach: Finding God at the Water’s Edge.  Even though we won’t actually be having breakfast at the beach, we promise you a different kind of fulfilling experience at the water’s edge. We will explore a new way to reflect on the sea, the sand, the sky, the shells and more. It is there we hope to encounter Christ. Participants can purchase the book at our bookstore for a discounted price of $5. Please note that only those who register for the program qualify for the reduced price (copies are limited). Join us, via Zoom, on the following Wednesday evenings: July 22, 29 and August 12. You can register at the bookstore or send an email to nancybasmajian@verizon.net.(07/19)

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord
Vartavar Celebration
90th Birthday Celebration in Honor of Merle Santerian
Jul 22         Breakfast on the Beach – Zoom Part 1
Jul 29         Breakfast on the Beach – Zoom Part 2
Aug 12        Breakfast on the Beach – Zoom Part 3
Aug 16        Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-Of-God (Blessing of the Grapes)
Sep 07         Labor Day – Church Office Closed
Sep 13         Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Sep 21         Armenian Independence Day
Sep 27         Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak
Oct 24-25    Annual Harvest Bazaar