In the Armenian Church, the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ is celebrated 98 days following Easter.  The Feast also is known by the common name of “Vartavar”. Sunday,  July 7, was a joyous day for St. John Family. Divine Liturgy was celebrated by guest celebrant and homilist Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan, and the over 100 strong congregation sang the sacrad hymns along with the choir. Following the spiritual message, the clergy and altar servers participated in a procession (tapor) around the church sprinkling water on the congregation. Pouring water on one another is an old Armenian tradition that is associated Vartavar.

Following Divine Liturgy, Parish Priest Fr. Mesrop Ash gathered all the children and along with the parents prepared a BBQ lunch and played games. Unfortunately due to cold weather, the children were not able to pour water on each other, however more than 25 children learned about both religious and traditional aspects of the Feast of the Transfiguration.