The Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the five main “Tabernacle” feasts of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church. It commemorates the transformation or the “transfiguration” that came over Jesus while He was praying. Christ’s face shone like the sun and his clothes became a radiant and gleaming white. The Apostles Peter, James and John witnessed that event which occurred on a high mountain named Tabor.
Sunday, July 27, more than 100 parishioners attended church to celebrate the Feast of Vartavar. Fr. Mesrop Ash gave an appropriate sermon concerning the power of transformation, and the strength of faith, such that it can change the world. A Procession (Tapor) was performed upon completion of the Divine Liturgy where Fr. Mesrop sprinkled water on the faithful and Yer. Annie sprinkled water from the bell tower while the congregation exited in to the courtyard.
Everyone gathered at Paul Family Hall for light luncheon and also to salute the Armenians of Bolis.
This was the second Family Day that was organized by Parish Council. John Dahlberg welcomed everyone and explained the importance of these Family Days/Nights, where we all come together as one family and hear stories of our fellow Armenians from diaspora. He invited Anto Cingoz who gave a brief history of Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, and stressed the contribution of the Armenians to the life of Constantinople. Mr. Cingoz prepared a slide show of all the landmarks and islands, where Armenian lived during summer. Some people from the audience shared their experience and the difficulties that they have encountered regarding the Armenian schools and churches in Modern Turkey, but despite of all the difficulties the Armenians supported each other and formed a tight network of 32 churches.
John Dahlberg thanked Steven Cherezian Parish Council Chairman and the volunteers who helped preparing and serving the food, and all who came and supported the event. Our next "Salute" event will take place in the fall.
