Sunday Messenger
July 19, 2026

Second Sunday after Transfiguration

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

Matthew 18:10-14 Jesus had just cited children and their open-hearted, unfettered faith as the answer to the disciples’ question: “who will be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” With the story of the 100 sheep, he confirms that the Father cares for them all fiercely and equally. He will leave the 99 and look for the one lost sheep, celebrating joyfully when it is found. Discuss/reflect: Sometimes we church members are like the 99 sheep, contentedly grazing with fellow believers. We look down on the one who “goes astray.” What does this parable teach us about that attitude? What might help us see things as God does?

1 Corinthians 1:25-30 St. Paul reminds the faithful that it was not because of their superior qualities that they were called to faith. God calls people out of their foolishness, their unimportance, and their weakness to a strength and widsom that can only be found in Christ.  Discuss/reflect: In what ways do “weak things of the world shame the strong”? (v 27)

Isaiah 3:16-4:1 In God’s judgment on Judah and Jerusalem, Isaiah has already described the breakdown of social order. He now focuses on the women, whose finery and beauty – representing a culture of luxury and pride – he describes in detail. All will be removed and defiled as punishment. Discuss/reflect: What are some ways a frivolous, self-centered attitude is encouraged by today’s consumer culture? Have you bought in? How?

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 greeting 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.

 Requiem Services – We Honor And Pray For These Souls

 Karasoonk today will be for

Hagop Ergenian on the 40^th day of his eternal rest. Requested in loving memory by Markrid and Nazareth Keshishian for their brother along with Arousiag Keshishian with her children Grace and Lenna Vartanian for their uncle.

 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! – FAR’s Armenian Creative Technologies (ACT) College will celebrate its first anniversary this August! 75 students successfully completed their first year, pursuing degrees in engineering and manufacturing, computer science, and digital art.

Interest in the college continues to grow. From more than 500 applicants, just 95 students were accepted into the incoming class. Many of these talented young people will rely on financial aid through the ACT Scholars Fund to make their education possible.

If you would like to help a bright student with financial need pursue an ACT education, you can support the ACT Scholars Fund here: https://www.weareayo.org/donate-act-scholars-fund. To schedule a tour of ACT College on your next trip to Armenia, contact Sarah at sarah@farusa.org.

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~~~~~~~~~~

Second Sunday After Transfiguration
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