February 16, 2025
Unknown preacher
The preacher addresses the question from John's Gospel: "What must we do to do the work of God?" Christ's answer is simple—believe in him. The sermon explores the relationship between faith and action, emphasizing that belief must be continuous and must flow into works, while works without belief are empty. The preacher reviews the recent liturgical week (Fast of the Catechumens, Diarantarad, St. Sarkis) and calls the congregation to renew their faith through fasting and active participation, culminating in the call to come to Christ as the bread of life.
John 6:28-29; John 6:35; John 6:1-14; John 6:16-21; John 1:1-14; Exodus 16 (manna in the wilderness)
February 9, 2025
Not explicitly identified in transcript
The Armenian sermon introduces the upcoming Fast of the Catechumens (Առաջավորաց պահք), encouraging the faithful to observe it as preparation for Great Lent, and emphasizes the three pillars of spiritual life: prayer, Scripture reading, and fasting. The English sermon reflects on Christ walking on water from the Gospel of John, exploring how this miracle reveals Christ's authority over the physical and spiritual worlds, his bringing of peace, and the prefiguration of the church as a boat. The preacher connects the disciples' boat to the church nave, emphasizing that all belong in the church regardless of background or struggles, and that Christ comes to us despite all obstacles, overcoming loneliness and isolation.
John 6:16-21; John 2:1-11
January 21, 2024
Not identified in the provided transcript
Using Ivan Aivazovsky’s turbulent seascapes as an image for life’s anxieties, the preacher compares their small points of refuge to Christ’s presence with the frightened disciples on the Sea of Galilee. Believers are urged to focus upon Christ as their enduring source of peace when circumstances feel chaotic and beyond their control.
John 6:16–21