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Fourth Week of Lenten Vespers at St. Sarkis

On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the St. Sarkis Church community gathered for the fourth week of Lenten Vesper Services. Week by week, parishioners are experiencing a gradual deepening of their faith, not only by regularly attending the service, but also by engaging more attentively with the words and themes expressed in the prayers and hymns.

Through this shared spiritual discipline, the community is growing not only as individuals but also as one united congregation, strengthening its collective spiritual life.

During the evening, our beloved pastor, Fr. Nareg Terterian, continued his reflections on the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to St. Mark. As the Gospel passage was read, the faithful were already drawn into its message with their minds and hearts. Through Fr. Nareg’s reflection, however, the passage came to life with greater clarity and depth, adding new vision and color to our understanding.

Fr. Nareg emphasized the universality of the Kingdom of God, from Jesus’ ministry to the present day. Although much of Jesus’ original audience was Jewish, His message ultimately extended beyond those boundaries to the Gentiles and to all nations, inviting everyone to live the reality of the Kingdom of God in their daily lives.

He reminded the congregation that encountering God and feeling a change of heart does not mean the journey is complete. Faith requires continual care and vigilance. When we become careless, pride can creep into our spiritual life and weaken our commitment. Encountering God calls for consistency, humility, and the awareness that we constantly need Christ’s strength as we strive to live in His Kingdom.

Following the inspiring reflection, parishioners gathered in Pagoomian Hall to continue the evening in fellowship. While enjoying Lenten dishes, they shared thoughts and questions inspired by the reflection, strengthening both their spiritual and communal bonds.