St. John Armenian Church of Greater Detroit 22001 Northwestern Highway | Southfield, MI 48075

(248) 569-3405 (phone) | (248) 569-0716 (fax) www.stjohnsarmenianchurch.org

The Very Reverend Father Aren Jebejian, Pastor The Reverend Father Armash Bagdasarian, Assistant Pastor

Clergy residing within the St. John parish and community: The Reverend Father Garabed Kochakian The Reverend Father Abraham Ohanesian

Deacon Rubik Mailian, Director of Sacred Music and Pastoral Assistant

Ms. Margaret Lafian, Organist

Welcome!

July 19, 2020

FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

Vartavar

Celebrant: Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian Assistant Pastor: Rev. Fr. Armash Bagdasarian

THE LORD’S DAY - SCHEDULE OF WORSHIP

Morning Service - 9:00 a.m.

Divine Liturgy - 9:30 a.m.

Following Primate Bishop Daniel's directive related to protecting our clergy and parishioners during the

COVID-19 pandemic, no one except clergy are permitted to enter the church during services this

week. We respectfully ask our parishioners to stay home and prayerfully join us via the live streaming

of the services which can be seen on the St. John Armenian Church public Facebook page.

SACRED LECTIONS OF THE LITURGY

Wis 7:25-8:4. Zec 14:16-21. 1 Jn 1:1-7. Mt 16:13-17:13.

Lectors: KRISTEN BAGDASARIAN and MARA NAJARIAN

Today’s Gospel Mt 16:13-17:13.

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do

men say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets,” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him,

“Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of

heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he

was the Christ. From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid, Lord!

This shall never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me; for you are not on the side of God, but of men.” Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and

follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or

what shall a man give in return for his life? For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay every man for what he has done. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother,

and led them up a high mountain apart. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light. And behold, there appeared to

them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is well that we are here; if you wish, I will make three booths here, one for you and one for Moses and one for

Elijah.” He was still speaking, when lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces, and were filled with awe. But Jesus came and

touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” He replied, “Elijah does come,

and he is to restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not know him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will suffer at their hands.”

Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

Prayers for the Sick and Hospitalized

Emma Betrosian Anna-Maria Grigorian Ardash Apigian Charles Sansone Araxey Barsamian John Avedisian Stepan Telebzda Vartkes Chubukchian Rose Baise

Online Bible Study - Monday, July 20 at 7p.m. Led by Fr. Armash

To register and receive the Zoom video link, please send an email to discoverthearmenianchurch@gmail.com

(if you attended a previous Online Bible Study and already have the link or the Zoom meeting ID, there is no need to register again).

July 20 will be the last day of Bible Study for this year. We will resume Bible Study on

September 14.

MERELOTZ SERVICE AFTER FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

It is the tradition to remember all deceased loved ones the day after a major feast day

known as Merelotz.

Monday, July 20, 2020 at 11:00 Live Streamed Hokehankist Service

If you wish to have individual names remembered at this Hokehankist service, please submit the full name of the person or persons you wish to have remembered

either typed or electronically sent to office@sjachurch.org or call the church office by Sunday, July 19th. An offering from your heart would be appreciated.

Church School Graduation Today

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2020 CHURCH SCHOOL GRADUATES AND THEIR FAMILIES

CADDEN ATESIAN

Son of Darren Atesian

KRISTEN BAGDASARIAN

Daughter of Richard and Michelle Bagdasarian

BRYCE DOYON

Son of Steve Doyon and Lydia Doyon

MARA NAJARIAN

Daughter of David and Kim Najarian

SETA ANN HAGOPIAN

Daughter of Steven and Natalie Hagopian

SEVANA MAILIAN

Daughter of Deacon Rubik Mailian and Dr. Joyce Yeghissian

VIVIANNA PATTERSON

Daughter of Stan and Ani Patterson

NICOLAS SARAFIAN

Son of Raffi and Christine Sarafian

JESSICA TOUMAJIAN

Daughter of Michael and Jennifer Toumajian

NAZAR YERANOSIAN

Son of Rafi and Sita Yeranosian

Church “Town Hall” ZOOM Meeting - July 29th

Please join Fr. Aren, Fr. Armash, and members of the Parish Council and Diocesan Delegates for a Church Town Hall ZOOM meeting on July 29th at 7:00pm.

This Town Hall ZOOM meeting will recap church activities and ministries

during the first half of 2020 and discuss important plans for the remainder of the year.

Seerov Jash

In this time of difficulty and uncertainty, our loving and Christian spirt is called upon to pull to-gether to help others, primarily the elderly, the sick, single parents, recent immigrants and oth-ers in our parish and our community that needs support. Last week, staff and volunteers of our newly formed outreach program, Seerov Jash -- meals made with love from the St. John's kitch-en – prepared over 260 meals which were either picked up at the church or delivered to those

not able to leave the home during this virus pandemic. We will continue preparing our next Seerov Jash meal for pickup or delivery on Tuesday, July 21st. If you would like a meal, or know

someone who does, please call Lisa Mardigian at 586-808-2202 or e-mail her at sjacout-reach@gmail.com.

Vespers Wednesdays at 5:00 p.m.

Join us via the live streaming of the services which can be seen on the St. John Armenian

Church public Facebook page.

FALLEN ASLEEP IN THE LORD

We offer our prayers for the servant of God, Nelli Mkrtychyan, who entered her eternal restlast week. Her funeral took place at

St. John Armenian Church on July 9, 2020. May Christ our Lord shed His Eternal light upon her soul.

We offer our prayers for the servant of God, Krikor Seferian, who entered his eternal rest last week. His funeral took place at

St. John Armenian Church on July 13, 2020. May Christ our Lord shed His Eternal light upon his soul.

Online Conversation and Coffee with Fr. Armash Bagdasarian Monday, August 24

7pm to 8:30pm

This will be an open forum where we search to openly discuss with Fr. Armash questions you may have about our faith, culture, history, or our spiritual community.

Please forward topics you would like to discuss to Fr. Armash (frarmash@sjachurch.org) for discussion at our Monday event.

This evening promises to be both fun and enlightening. Zoom video link info will be provided in August.

Church Office

In light of the lifting of Michigan’s Stay Home Stay Safe executive order, the Church Office will now be open during its regular times – 9am until 5pm, Monday through Friday.

Parishioners are welcome to visit the office as needed during these times, but will be asked to wear a mask when in the church building.

Please note that entrance into the Church Sanctuary will be restricted based on Diocesan guidelines. If you would like to visit the Sanctuary during the week for prayers and to light

candles, please call the Church Office. Other activities in the building will also be limited and are subject to Michigan’s ban of indoor social gatherings greater than 10 people.

Visit the Parish Bookstore The Parish Bookstore is open now

You can came

ARMENIA, A lavishly illustrated catalogue of the Armenia Exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum in New York edited by the curator of the exhibition, Dr. Helen Evans. HC $65.00

The best selection of Armenian books and CDs plus many gift items: jewelry,

Armenian crosses, key chains, cookbooks and many “Made in Armenia” products.

NEW: The Vegan Armenian Kitchen by Lena Tashjian HC - $35.00

NEW: Tending the Flock of God by Fr. Garabed Kochakian SC $15.00

Mobile phone stand - Available in two different images: Mary and Christ Child or Forget Me Not flower. $10.00

NEW: Lavash—Armenian Recipe Book by Kate Leahy, John Lee, Ara Zada -

$25.00 HC

NEW: Handmade Face Masks with

Armenian tri-color trim Fabricated in accordance

with CDC guidelines 3-layer 100% Cotton - $15.00

NEW: Armenian Proverbs and Expressions A Collection from the Early Detroit Armenian Community in Delray and Elsewhere

By Susan Kadian Gopigian Special introductory price: $25.00 HC

SILVER CROSSES FROM JERUSALEM, VARIOUS SIZES—$35.00 - $75.00

“The Promise” DVD $20.00

NEW ITEMS FROM ARMENIA AND KARABAGH Sterling silver Armenian initials: $35.00 - $50.00

14Kt Gold letter E (eh): $100.00 Sterling silver letter E (eh): $35.00

Knit caps $20.00

Table runners, tablecloths, soccer balls, shawls and scarves from Armenia and much more!

STOP BY AND BROWSE

Genera l Information

Parish Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am—5:00 pm

After hours in an emergency, please contact:

Pastor’s Mobile: (773) 457-4122 e-mail: FrAren@sjachurch.org

Fr. Armash’s email: FrArmash@sjachurch.org

Parish Administrator’s Mobile: (586) 817-2974

Visits to the Hospitalized and Homebound Please phone the Church Office when you or someone you love is admitted to the hospital and would like a visit from the Pastor. If you have an upcoming surgery, please consider requesting your name to be included in the “Prayers for the Sick and Hospitalized” list. Those who are homebound and would like to receive Holy Communion at home should phone the Church Office. Home Blessing If you would like the Pastor to visit your home and offer a home blessing, please contact the Church Office. Baptism Parents may prepare for the baptism of their child before he or she is born. For more information, phone the Church Secretary. We encourage parents to baptize their children between 40 days and 3 months. Marriage Please make sure to confirm your wedding date with the Pastor before booking your reception hall. Phone the Church Secretary at least nine months in ad-vance of your proposed wedding date. Parish Membership If you are interested in becoming a member of the St. John parish, please speak to a Parish Council member on Sunday, or phone the Church Office. Sunday Bulletin Announcements for the Sunday Bulletin are due in the Church Office by 5:00 pm on Wednesday preceding the date of service. Requiem Requests may be submitted to the Church Office by mail, phone or email to office@sjachurch.org no later than 5:00 pm Wednesday preceding the Sunday. Re-quest forms are available in the Church Lobby. Requiem may be offered every Sunday of the year except for the five Tabernacle Feast Days.