Sermon topic

Matthew 28:16-20

2 sermons with this topic

June 8, 2025

Pentecost: What Did They Do with the Church?

Der Sarkis (guest celebrant, archpriest of the Western Diocese)

On the Feast of Pentecost, Der Sarkis reflects on what the apostles did with the church Christ entrusted to them, drawing from Acts 2 and Matthew 28. He identifies five characteristics of the early church — it was a learning/teaching church, a church of fellowship, a church where things happened, a sharing church, and a happy church — and calls the congregation to embody these same qualities today, unchanged from the original apostolic model. He also laments the loss of Armenian faithful in America and challenges the community to move beyond ethnic pride toward active evangelism and service.

Acts 2:42-47; Matthew 28:16-20; Psalm 100; John 1:1-14 (Gospel reading, referenced in passing)

May 29, 2025

Feast of the Ascension Sermon

Unidentified parish priest (St. John Armenian Church, San Francisco)

On the Feast of the Ascension, the preacher reflects on his young son Sion's literal question "Where's Jesus?" and uses it to explore the meaning of the Ascension. He recalls visiting the Rock of Ascension on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, reflects on the Great Commission from Matthew and the Ascension account in Acts, and emphasizes that Christ did not leave but is beyond our sight yet present among us — most profoundly in the Eucharist. He encourages the faithful to celebrate the Divine Liturgy even on a weekday, because the Ascension calls the Church to obey Christ's commandments and perceive his presence in their midst.

Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 1:6-11