Celebrating the Transfiguration of Our Lord: Vartavar at St. Sarkis

This Sunday, the faithful of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Douglaston, New York gathered to celebrate one of the major feasts of our Church — the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ, known to us also as Vartavar.

In his beautiful sermon, Fr. Nareg reflected on Christ as the Light of the World and on the Father's command from Mount Tabor: "Listen to Him." He also spoke on the biblical roots of the tradition of water-splashing, explaining how water throughout Scripture represents God's blessing upon humanity.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Der Hayr, together with the altar servers, performed the ceremony of Antasdan, blessing all those present by splashing them with water — the central symbol of Vartavar. This water represents cleansing from sin, echoing its meaning in the sacrament of Baptism.

May the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ cleanse us of our sins and bless our homes abundantly.