SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2017 Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord

A5au7t;an Vam;rg. 9:00 AM S1 Patarag 10:00 AM

Morning Service 9:00 AM Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM

Readings from the Holy Scripture

Zec 14:16-21 1 Jn 1:1-7

Gospel According to Matthew 16:13-17:13

God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who

believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. Jn 3:16

Rev. Fr. Diran Bohajian

T. TIRAN QFN|. P&FAY:AN

St. Leon Armenian Church

12-61 Saddle River Road Fair Lawn, NJ 07410

Phone (201) 791-2862 Fax (201) 791-1329

Church E-mail address: stleon@stleon.org

Fr. Diran’s E-mail address: dbohajian@stleon.org

St. Leon’s Website: http://www.stleon.org

ALTAR SERVERS

Sr. Dns, Dr. Berdj Feredjian. Hacik Sariminasyan, Dns., Diran Jebejian,

Hrach Kasaryan, Nubar Kasaryan,

Sebuh Oscherician, Sarkis Pilavdjian

Subdns. Paul Chamesian, Gregory Kazanjian, Vahe Kiljian

CHOIR MASTER PRINCIPAL ORGANIST George Paroonagian Sirvard Galstian “Krisdos ee méch me haydnetsav.” – “Orhnyal é haydnootyoonun Krisdosi.” “Christ is revealed among us.” - “Blessed is the revelation of Christ.”

Parish Council Members: Lorig Chorluyan, Alex Avedis, Robert Sarajian, Virginia DiBianca, Vicken Jessourian, Serda Belekdanian, Gregory Parseghian, Diran Jebejian,

Dennis Tarzian, Sarkis Pilavdjian and David Kasparian

Antastan Service – The blessing of the 4 Corners of the world

will follow after Rev. Fr. Diran Bohajian’s Sermon.

TODAY NO HOKEHANKISD

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK; Remember in your prayers and ask for the recovery of Susie Amirian, Grace Pinajian, Robert Foronjy, Lusi Ezgilioglu, Aram & Mary Varteressian,

Brandon Katz, Dan Patoyian (Moynihan) Thomas Thomasian, Alice Manookian, Juliette Haddad, James Azarian, Wendy Lathey,

Varoujan Harutunian, Marie Harutunian, Joseph Harutunian, Joanna Jaworska, Mosses Bairamian, Lou Scipione, Jared Tashjian, Ruben Grigoryants, Michael Sakolsky,

Lynne Ford, Frank Cornawchiulo, Rose Kardashian, Ryan Hallak, John Hallak, Carmelina Mancini, Marie Tenguerian, Hana Botier,

Mary Ann Kral, Emily Ring, Clara Yeramian, Jerry DiSanto, Julie Frattarola, Melanie Sarkisian, Anthony Laudati and all those who are suffering.

We commit our sick and shut-ins to our Heavenly Father who cares and watches over all His children.

“I will never leave thee nor forsake thee”

CHURCH ETIQUETTE:

Father Diran and the Parish Council sincerely request that

parishioners respond to the following, so that our beloved Church

may function in a more orderly and respectful manner:

Altar Candles ~ Please note, according to Armenian Church

tradition, all Altar Candles must be lit before the beginning of

Badarak. Those desiring to light candles in memory of loved ones

or friends are requested to notify the Church Office in advance by

noon of Wednesday preceding the Sunday of remembrance.

Reverence Required ~ Please be advised that, according to the

tradition of the Armenian Church, members of the congregation are

strongly reminded to refrain from walking in and out of the

Sanctuary while services are in progress. You are especially

reminded not to do so during 1) the Chanting of the Gospel, (pg.

17); 2) recitation of the Creed (Havadamk), (pg. 18); 3) the Chalice

Procession, (pg. 24-25); 4) Hayr Mer (pg 41); 5) the Hymn, “Der

Voghormya,” (pg. 45); and 6) distribution of the Holy Communion,

(p. 49). Also, please do not chew gum or cross legs during church

services. Please observe the “arrows” in the new liturgy books.

They indicate when you should Stand, Sit, or Kneel.

The Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus

in Armenia (Vardavar)

The Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus is celebrated by

various Christian denominations. While many churches do not regard it as one of the most important feasts, it is

considered a very significant church holiday in Armenia. The Feast of the Transfiguration marks one of the miracles

of Jesus in the Canonical Gospels. In this episode in the New Testament, Jesus Christ was transfigured and became radiant in glory upon a mountain in front of three of his

apostles (Peter, John and James).

The Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates the Feast of the

Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ fourteen weeks (ninety-eight days) after Easter, so it always falls on a Sunday. It is one of the five major feasts of the Armenian

Church.

The Feast of the Transfiguration in Armenia is commonly

referred to as Vardavar. Although now it is a religious holiday, its history dates back to pre-Christian times. Its ancient forerunner was dedicated to the deity Astghik. She

was the goddess of fertility, love, beauty and water. That is why the best known tradition of the holiday is to pour water

on one another.

The word “Vardavar” (or “Vartavar”) means “the festival of roses”. In ancient times, roses were associated with Astghik.

ST. GREGORY MEDAL OR ARARAT AWARD Dear Parents: If you have a child that is in the Cub Scouts or Boy

Scouts and would like to earn the Diocesan St. Gregory Medal or the Ararat Award please contact our Pastor, Fr. Diran Bohajian at dbohajian@stleon.org Der Diran will be organizing classes for

September.

WOMEN’S GUILD The Women's Guild is selling its fabulous

Hye Tea Recipe Book Beautifully illustrated with food photos

and clip art. Over 50 pages of delicious appetizers, salads, scones,

soups, sandwiches and desserts. A great gift at $10 to give to

family and friends for birthdays and other special occasions. We

have only a limited number of books. See Barbara Hovsepian.

OURFA PICNIC

IN OUR PICNIC GROVE

ON SUNDAY

AUGUST 20, 2017

12:00- 5:00 pm

Ourfa Kabob

(eggplant/chop meat)

Bulghur Pilav, Watermelon, Desserts

21st Annual

St Leon Armenian Church

Monday, August 14, 2017

Ramsey Golf and Country Club

$185 per player 105 Lakeside DriveRamsey, NJ 201 327-0009

Scrambled Format ramseycountryclub.comTournament Day Schedule

10:00 RegistrationBarbeque Lunch 11:00 Lunch Buffet DinnerCocktail Hour 12:00 Shotgun Start Awards/Prizes

5:00 Cocktail Hour6:00 Dinner/Awards/Prizes

Golf Open

=================================================================1.Name____________________ Phone____________Email_______________2.Name_____________________Phone____________Email________________3.Name_____________________Phone____________Email________________4.Name_____________________Phone____________Email________________

Payment:

Checks payable: #___of Golfers @$185 $______

St. Leon Armenian Church Sponsorship $______

Mail to: Dinner Only ($50) $_____

Richard Ohnikian Total Amount Enclosed $______

29 Dogwood Lane Registration Deadline is July 28, 2016

Montvale, NJ 07645

201-925-4019 raohnik@optonline.net See Sponsor form for more details . . . . .

FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION

OF THE HOLY MOTHER-OF-GOD St. Mary died in Jerusalem fifteen years after the Resurrection of

Christ. The Apostles, with the exception of St. Bartholomew, buried her

with great reverence in the Garden of Gethsemane. When

Bartholomew came to visit the tomb and pay his respects, he found it

empty. He and the Apostles were convinced her body had been taken

to heaven by the Lord. This belief was sanctioned by the Church

between the 9th and 12th century.

On the day of the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother -of-

God (ASDVADZADZIN - Bearer of God), the Blessing of Grapes takes

place immediately after the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. As

thanksgiving for the fruitfulness of the year, fruits are presented to God

to be blessed. The grapes are considered the queen of fruits, thereby

symbolizing all crops. The Holy Virgin Mary is considered the "Tree of

Life" who gave birth to the "Good Fruit" (Christ) for our salvation. Christ

compared Himself to the Vine (John 15:1) and blessed the cup of wine

to be His Blood. Grape wine is used in Holy Communion as the Blood of

Christ that was shed for the salvation of mankind.

BLESSING OF THE GRAPES

On Sunday, August 13, 2017 we will commemorate

The Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother- of -God and the

Blessing of Grapes.

If you wish to give a contribution to the Feast Day,

please fill in the form below and mail it to the Church Office with

your check by Tuesday, August 1, 2017 Please mark "Grapes" on the memo line.

Name________________________________________ (Please Print)

Donation $____________________

Please Note –

This is a major Feast Day there will be NO Hokehankisd on this day.

OPEN HOUSE SEPTEMBER 10, 2017

Meet our Pastor

Rev. Fr. Diran Bohajian

All Church Organizations will be represented

in our Community Center

12:00 noon to 1:30 PM

Refreshments will be served.

Parish Council

ACYOA Jrs.

ACYOA Srs.

Armenian School

Church Choir

Men’s Fellowship

Women’s Guild

Senior Center

Sunday School

Acolyte Training

Bible Study

Deacon Training

Food Festival

Membership

Sports Association

ST. LEON MEN’S FELLOWSHIP

Weekend in the Catskills 2017

Date: September 15, 16, 17

Location: Camp Nubar - Andes, New York

Cost: $150

GREAT FOOD, BEAUTIFUL SCENERY & FUN!! Golf, Tennis, Basketball, Hiking, Fishing, Swimming,

Canoeing, Tavloo, Cards, Etc.

For reservations and information call: Barry (evenings) 201-445-6882

Reservation deadline September 8, 2017

Make checks payable to St. Leon Men’s Fellowship

Mail your check to: Barry Halejian,

412 Glendale Rd., Wyckoff, NJ 07481

“Your check is your reservation”

BURNING CANDLES IN THE CHURCH One of the

devotional practices in the Armenian Church, as in all Orthodox

Churches, is the beautiful custom of burning candles in front of

sacred shrines, icons or relics. It is symbolic of the sacrifice of the

Christian soul in order to shine with divine graces, confident in the

example and intercession of the saints. So the candle burns itself

up to give out light. Light symbolizes Christ, “The Light of the

World.” When attending the Divine Liturgy on Sunday or any

Worship Service, the believer may obtain a candle(s) in the

Narthex which is accompanied by a donation. Then, he/she will

take their candle to one of the icons in our church. The faithful

will then light the candle, make the sign of the cross, say a prayer

and return to the pew. During the prayer he/she may ask the

intercession of the particular saint in his/her mind which may be

represented by the image or relic.

ARMENIAN SCHOOL will be selling frozen Lahmajun and Baghaj today in the Community Center. Please see

Barbara Hovsepian.

BIBLE STUDY Bible Study will be in recess for the rest of the Summer and will

resume on Thursday September 7, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. The next book we will begin reading is Nehemiah.

HOLY WEEK & EASTER IN JERUSALEM The Eastern Diocese has announced a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, to take place

in the spring of 2018. The pilgrimage is the culmination of the Diocese’s “Save

the Tomb” campaign in support of the restoration of the Church of the Holy

Sepulchre.

Dates set for the pilgrimage are April 3-14, 2018, which will allow participants

to spend Holy Week and Easter in Jerusalem and its environs —and to worship

in the newly restored Tomb of Christ in the Holy Sepulchre. Pilgrimage details,

including reservation information. Starting price $2868.00

COFFEE HOSPITALITY Everyone is invited to the Community Center immediately following Worship Services. Today Hospitality is hosted by the Parish Council.

C A L E N D A R O F E V E N TS

Sun July 23 Morning Service Divine Liturgy

Wed July 26 Senior Center

Sun July 30 Morning Service Divine Liturgy

Wed Aug 2 Senior Center

Sun Aug 6 Morning Service Divine Liturgy

Wed Aug 9 Senior Center

Sun Aug 13 Morning Service Divine Liturgy Feast of the Assumption of the

Holy Mother-of- God-Blessing of the Grapes

Mon Aug 14 St. Leon Annual Golf Tournament (see flyer)

Wed Aug 16 Senior Center

Sun Aug 20 Morning Service Divine Liturgy

Wed Aug 23 Senior Center

Sun Aug 27 Morning Service Divine Liturgy

Wed Aug 30 Senior Center

Sun Sept 3 Morning Service Divine Liturgy

Wed Sept 6 Senior Center

Sun Sept 10 Morning Service Divine Liturgy Sunday School Open House