Lenten Vespers and Reflection on the Gospel of Mark at St. Sarkis Church

On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church family gathered for the third week of Lenten Vesper Services. Those present participated prayerfully in the service in their own ways, lifting their hearts in gratitude to God during this sacred season of Great Lent. A meaningful part of the service was the prayer of St. Nerses Shnorhali, Havadov Khosdovanim (“In Faith I Confess”), which holds a special place in the Lenten season. Through its twenty-four verses, the prayer expresses our faith while also acknowledging and grieving our sinful nature, guiding the faithful toward repentance and spiritual renewal.

Following the service, Archpriest Fr. Nareg Terterian offered the third reflection in the six-part Lenten series on the Gospel of Mark, titled The Mystery of the Kingdom. In his reflection, Fr. Nareg spoke about how Jesus reveals the Kingdom of God through parables and miracles, focusing particularly on the Parable of the Sower and the Parable of the Mustard Seed. He encouraged those present to reflect on the condition of their hearts and how receptive they are to the Word of God, reminding everyone that the Kingdom often begins in small and hidden ways but grows with powerful and transformative impact.

Fr. Nareg emphasized that the Lenten season invites us to cultivate the “good soil” within our hearts so that the Word of God may take root and bear fruit in our lives. The reflection also highlighted that discipleship involves not only hearing the message of Christ but also participating in His mission, as the disciples were sent out to preach, heal, and bring hope to others.

After the reflection, parishioners gathered in Pagoomian Hall to continue the discussion, ask questions, and enjoy Lenten fellowship together. These Wednesday evening gatherings continue to offer the community a meaningful opportunity to pray, reflect on the Scriptures, and deepen their spiritual lives during the journey toward Holy Week and the celebration of the Resurrection.