July 2016 - St. Vartan Armenian Church

Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan
July 2016
The Ticket
Bible Readings
The Voice Newsletter is published once a month by St. Vartan Armenian Church
650 Spruce Street, Oakland, CA. 94610, Phone (510)893-1671, Fax: (510) 893-2102
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.stvartanoakland.org
The deadline for all articles is the fifteenth of each month.
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate
Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan, Parish Priest and President of All Church Organizations
Parish Council Chair: Barry Toomajian
Parish Assembly Chair: Don Manoogian
Choir Director: Artin Der Minassians
Organist: A. Rodriguez and Ida Mazmanian
ACYO Chair: Sevan Jindoian and Nataleine Jindoian
Sunday School Superintendent: Janet Yeghissian
Ladies Society Chair: Gail Kezerian, Caroline Arakelian and Lisa Manoogian
Cultural Society Chair: Liz Ojakian
Hokejosh: Nora Hanoian
Newsletter Editors: Arlene Hovsepian and Rachel Harger
Church Secretary: Rachel Harger
Altar Flowers: Carole Chang
Church Custodian: Wartkes Hagopian
Divine Liturgy Service—Sundays 10:30 a.m.
July 3 Matt. 16:13-17:13
July 10 Matt. 18:10-14
July 17 Matt. 19:3-12
July 24 John 3:13-21
July 31 John 6:39-47
“But as for me and my
household, we will serve
the Lord.”
—Joshua 24:15
Jack took a long look at his speedometer before slowing down: 73 in a
55 zone. The flashing red in his rear view mirror insisted he pull over quickly,
but Jack let the car coast.
Fourth time in as many months. How could a guy get caught so often?
When his car had slowed to 10 miles an hour, Jack pulled over, but only partially. Let the cop worry about the potential traffic hazard. Maybe some other car
will tweak his backside with a mirror.
He slumped into his seat, the collar of his trench coat covering his ears.
He tapped the steering wheel, doing his best to look bored, his eyes on the mirror. The cop was stepping out of his car, the big pad in hand.
Bob? Bob from church? Jack sunk farther into his trench coat. This was
worse than the coming ticket. A Christian cop catching a guy from his own
church. A guy who happened to be a little eager to get home after a long day at
the office. A guy he was about to play golf with tomorrow.
Jack was tempted to leave the window shut long enough to gain the psychological edge but decided on a different tack. Jumping out of the car, he approached a man he saw every Sunday, a man he'd never seen in uniform.
"Hi, Bob. Fancy meeting you like this."
"Hello, Jack." No smile.
"Guess you caught me red-handed in a rush to see my wife and kids."
“Yeah, I guess." Bob seemed uncertain. Good.
"I've seen some long days at the office lately. I'm afraid I bent the rules
a bit-just this once." Jack toed at a pebble on the pavement. "Diane said something about roast beef and potatoes tonight. Know what I mean?"
"I know what you mean. I also know that you have a reputation in our
precinct."
Ouch. This was not going in the right direction. Time to change tactics.
"What'd you clock me at?"
"Seventy-one. Would you sit back in your car, please?"
"Now wait a minute here, Bob. I checked as soon as I saw you. I was
barely nudging 65."
The lie seemed to come easier with every ticket.
"Please, Jack, in the car."
Flustered, Jack hunched himself through the still-open door. Slamming
it shut, he stared at the dashboard. He was in no rush to open the window. The
minutes ticked by. Bob scribbled away on the pad. Why hadn't he asked for a
driver's license?
Whatever the reason, it would be a month of Sundays before Jack ever sat near this cop again. A tap on
the door jerked his head to the left. There was Bob, a folded paper in hand. Jack rolled down the window a
mere two inches, just enough room for Bob to pass him the slip.
"Thanks." Jack could not quite keep the sneer out of his voice. Bob returned to his car without a word.
Jack watched his retreat in the mirror, bottom teeth scratching his upper lip. When Bob vanished inside
his car, Jack unfolded the sheet of paper. How much was this one going to cost?
Wait a minute. What was this? Some kind of joke? Certainly not a ticket. Jack began to read: “Dear
Jack,
Once upon a time, I had a daughter. She was six when killed by a car. You guessed it - a speeding driver. A fine and three months in jail and the man was free. Free to hug his daughters. All three of them. I only
had one, and I'm going to have to wait until heaven before I can ever hug her again. A thousand times I've tried
to forgive that man. A thousand times I thought I had, maybe I did, but I need to do it again. Even now. Pray
for me. And be careful. My son is all I have left. Bob”
Jack shifted uncomfortably in his trench coat. Then he twisted around in time to see Bob's car pull
away and head down the road. Jack watched until it disappeared. A full 15 minutes later, he, too, pulled away
and drove slowly home, praying for forgiveness and hugging a surprised wife and kids when he arrived.
- Author Unknown
Bazaar Donation Requests
Items
Number Item Items
Still
Requested
of Donors Cost Received Needed
100
40
9
91
Leg of Lamb
12
250
1
11
Tent
1
250
1
0
Admission Booth
5
200
0
5
Game Booths
4
100
0
4
Newspaper Advertising
10
50
1
9
Case of Wine
2
50
0
2
Case of Armenian Tan
12
30
1
11
Case of Armenian Beer
2
30
1
1
Armenian Coffee
5
25
0
5
Program Guide
Bazaar Workdays 2016
On May 29 St. Vartan Church celebrated Fr.
Hovel and Norma Yaglijian’s birthday during Fellowship Hour.
News From Our St. Vartan Family
Birth
We are thrilled to announce the birth of Jackson Edward Toomajian, son of Brian and Erica Toomajian, baby brother to Annibelle Toomajian, grandson of Mark and Carmen Toomajian and great grandson of
Norma Yaglijian and Molly Rodrigues. Jackson was born on April 28, 2016, weighed 8 lbs, 11 oz and was
21” long.
Wedding
On May 29 Fr. Hovel performed the sacrament of Holy Matrimony for Monica Mary Rinaldi and
Vartkes Gary Semerdjian at St. Vartan Church. The bride’s parents are Joan and Frank Rinaldi and the
groom’s parents are Garbis and Anjele Semerdjian. Julia Marie Rinaldi served as Maid of Honor and Avo Semerdjian was the Best Man.
Condolences
Fr. Mesrop Ash performed funeral service for long-time St. Vartan Church member Suren Dakessian
at St. Vartan Church on June 9, 2016. Our sincere condolences to Suren’s wife, Sona Dakessian.
Workdays begin at 9:30 am, except week of bazaar.
Wednesday, July 6
Large Beoreg
Wednesday, July 13
Kufta
Wednesday, July 27
Small Beoreg
Saturday, August 6
Luleh Kebab for Bazaar/Picnic
Thursday, August 11
Small Beoreg
Wednesday, August 17
Kufta
Monday, August 22
Small Beoreg
Wednesday, September 7
Simit
Thursday, September 8
Simit
Tuesday, September 13
Luleh Kebab
Wed., September 28
Sarma (9 am start)
Thurs., September 29
Plate & Box Sarma,
Prepare Shish Kebab,
Box Boorma (9 am start)
After the workday, we share a potluck lunch,
so please bring a dish to share.
Calling All Parishioners
Summer is here, which at St. Vartan
Church means we have already begun our
preparation for the annual bazaar! This is the
Church’s main fundraiser, and it relies totally on volunteers—This Means You! There
are several volunteer opportunities before
and during the event, including food preparation days. During the bazaar, itself, staffing is needed in the following key areas: Setup/Takedown, Door/Admission Booth, Bar,
Raffle, Cashier at Food Line, Food Line
Serving, Games Prize Booth, BBQ, Hye Café, Dessert Booth, Games, Khanoot.
To volunteer for any of these positions,
please contact Zaven Kanneian, bazaar
chairman, at [email protected] or the
church office at [email protected] or
510-893-1671.
St. Vartan Church Parish Council gratefully acknowledges the following donations:
Sunday, August 7, 2016—Pleasant Hill Park
St. Vartan Voice Newsletter—Alice Doolittle
In Honor of Marty Rosenthal reciting Hayr Mer—Charles and Dorris Kezerian (Sunday School)
Yughakin—June Demerdjian
Bazaar Donations
Tent—Harry and Carol Dokouzian
Leg of Lamb—Harry and Carol Dokouzian, Don and Lisa Manoogian, Norma Yaglijian,
Ara and Ursula Kaprielian
Case of Armenian Beer—Ara and Ursula Kaprielian
Armenian Coffee—Ara and Ursula Kaprielian
Case of Wine—Harry and Carol Dokouzian
Admission Booth—Don and Lisa Manoogian
In Memory
† John Barsamian on his 100th Birthday
Jerry Tusan
† Pat Papazian
Edward and Suzanne Vasgerdsian (Ladies Society Kitchen Fund), Diana Toomajian (Ladies Society Kitchen
Fund), Barbara Morjig (Ladies Society Kitchen Fund), Alice Doolittle (Ladies Society Kitchen Fund), June
Demerdjian, Edward T. and Kristian Minasian, Zephyr Kalunian, Ron Kallan, Dorothy Deombeleg
† Flora Mirzaian
Kathee Kuzirian (St. Vartan Voice), Anto and Hasmig Cingoz (Choir),
Vartan Berberian (Priest Discretionary Fund), Dorothy Deombeleg, June Demerdjian
† EvelynTregoning
Norma Yaglijian (Ladies Society Kitchen Fund)
† Armine Ozan
Ani Tashjian (Ladies Society), Aylin Gulbenkian
† Vahan Jamgotchian
Charles and Ophelia Menzigian
ENDOWMENT FUND
In Memory
† Pat Papazian
Albert and Mae Kaljian
† Flora Mirzaian
Suzanne and Ed Varsgerdsian, Barbara Morjig, Edward T. and Kristian Minasian
† Suren Dakessian
Annabelle Taylor
Congratulations
Ani Jamgotchian and Sophia Topchiyan, seventh grade
classmates at Walnut Creek Intermediate School were the only
two students in their class to achieve the Principal's Award Certificate of Achievement for earning and maintaining a 4.0 Grade
Point Average during the entire 2015 - 2016 school year. Their
parents Edward and Armineh Jamgotchian, and Yuriy Topchiyan
and Narine Kostandyan as well as their extended families are most
proud of their accomplishment.
Congratulations Graduates!
Alysia Kezerian graduated from the University of Oregon receiving a
Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis
in Marketing, and a minor in Advertising/Public Relations. Alysia was
the student speaker at the Commencement Ceremony on June 13, and
departed on June 18 for a UO summer session in Vienna, followed by a few weeks of
traveling in Europe. Alysia is the daughter of Gail and Bob Kezerian, and granddaughter of Dorris and Charlie Kezerian and the late Irene and Haig Harootenian. We all continue to be amazed by Alysia’s goals and accomplishments!
Conner King graduated on May14 from the University of Nevada, Reno, with a Bachelor
of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies, and a minor in Addiction
Counseling and Treatment. Conner is the son of John and Janet Schmid and Conway and
Mary King. His proud grandparents are Richard and Dotty Demirjian. Conner will be working for the Regional Emergency Medical Services Authority in Reno, where he plans to go
through their EMT and Paramedic programs.
Ryan Martin, son of Todd and Dana Martin, and grandson of Harry and the late Margaret
Sherinian, graduated June 16 from Livermore High School. Ryan will be attending Sacramento State University in the fall.
Alex Michael Madajian graduated from Ararat Home School in Santa
Barbara, CA, on June 4, 2016. Alex is the son of David and Viviane Madajian, and the
grandson of Virginia and the late Michael Madajian. Alex studied piano for 10 years
and voice for two years, as well as performing in numerous musical productions. He is
an Eagle Scout and served as Senior Patrol Leader of his troop. He also taught third
grade Sunday school for three years while attending high school. Alex plans to attend
Santa Barbara Community College in the fall.
Inna Elisabeth Broadbent graduated from Orinda Academy High School. She will be
attending college in Vermont in the fall. Inna is the daughter of Judi Swenson and Brian
Broadbent, and the granddaughter of the late Nubar and Pat Tashjian. We are all very
proud of Inna, who has also participated as lacrosse goalie for “Alameda Attack” this
year, winning the state championships.
Alicia Rae Harger graduated from UC Irvine with a Master’s Degree in Demography
and Social Analysis on June 10, 2016. Alicia is the daughter of Rachel Harger (our St.
Vartan Church secretary) and Steve Harger.
Tamar Tatoian graduated from the University of California, Davis with a Bachelor of
Science degree in Biological Sciences and a minor in Political Science. She is the daughter of Hagop and Elizabeth Tatoian; twin sister of Maral Tatoian; granddaughter of the
late Estephan and late Talin Tatoian as well as the late Iskender and Janet Cakir. Tamar
will be attending the American University of Armenia for her Masters in Public Health
degree this fall.
Maral Tatoian graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a Bachelor
of Arts degree in Linguistics and a minor in Education. She is the daughter of Hagop and
Elizabeth Tatoian; twin sister of Tamar Tatoian; granddaughter of the late Estephan and
late Talin Tatoian as well as the late Iskender and Janet Cakir. Maral's career goal is to become a forensic linguist.
Eamon Masis McMahon, son of Linda and Michael McMahon, graduated from Petaluma
High School on June 4, 2016. Eamon will attend Long Beach State in the fall, where he
will be majoring in Communications. He is the grandson of Sylvia and the late Masis Gozurian, and John and Jan McMahon.
Frank Aram Vasgerdsian has graduated with honors from College Park High School in
Pleasant Hill, CA. He is a National Merit Scholar, and the recipient of the Presidential
Scholarship to Saint Mary’s College of California in Moraga. Frank is enrolled in a 5year program leading to a degree and credential in mathematics and a Master’s Degree in
education. His proud parents are Mark and Gail Vasgerdsian. He is the grandson of Vic
and Hasmig Vasgerdsian.
The 52nd ACYO Sports Weekend was held in Clovis, California over Memorial Day Weekend 2016.
With Buchanan High School acting as host, the weekend allowed for Diocesan youth on the West Coast to
compete in team sports while enjoying each other’s camaraderie. For two days, ACYO chapters across the
Western Diocese competed for top-prize honors in various sports, including basketball, soccer, volleyball,
dodge ball, table tennis, backgammon and tug-of-war. St. Vartan Church sent several teams and individuals to
compete in a variety of sports.
Diane and Charles Paskerian win Emmy Award
San Francisco, Saturday, June 4, 1915 “MERON VOR ABRINK” (They Died So We May Live). This
is a Genocide Ballet filmed at Mount Davidson Cross, and was honored with television’s prestigious EMMY
AWARD at the 45th Annual Emmy Awards 2016 Ceremony. Entries aired during
the 2015 year. The Emmys were presented to the film’s Executive Producers, Diane
and Charles Paskerian.
The Emmy Award is presented for outstanding achievement in television by
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), San Francisco
Northern California Chapter, including Hawaii, Reno, and Sacramento, Oregon.
This year there was a record number of 757 English and 179 Spanish entries in 67
categories. ‘“MERON VOR ABRINK” was listed: UNDER ARTS/
ENTERTAINMENT-PROGRAM/SPECIAL.
Davit Karapetyan, Principle Dancer with the San Francisco Ballet, was so
inspired in viewing The Mount Davidson Cross for the first time, he envisioned
choreographing a 100th Genocide Ballet Dance Video as a “Tribute to the Survival
of our Ancestors through creative dance and music. We agreed to raise necessary
funds for talent and crew….and the “creative process began”!
It took over a year to produce, with original choreography by Davit Karapetyan, 14 San Francisco Ballet dancers including Principle SF Ballet dancer,
Vanessa Zahorian. and a crew of 23, with writing, editing, and development input
by Diane and Charles Paskerian. Filming took place at Baker’s Beach and the Mount Davidson Cross.
The Video project was enthusiastically endorsed by the Bay Area Centennial Committee, and the
Council of Armenian American Organizations of the Bay Area. They were honored to take on this responsibility. The council is charged with maintaining and supporting the Armenian Genocide Memorial Cross at Mount
Davidson, the home of the Annual San Francisco Easter Sunrise Service for almost 100 years, and supporting
Armenian Genocide education. The Historical Cross is the tallest Armenian Genocide Monument in the
World.
Anyone may VIEW the Video for free at any time.
Its address on YouTube is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ev3sJv_azHw
It is also available, along with other Genocide data, on the website of the Council at:
www.mountdavidsoncross.org.
View this 11 minute Ballet Genocide film and learn of Armenia’s history and those martyrs who
“DIED SO WE MAY LIVE."
Diane & Charles Paskerian
[email protected], [email protected]
St. Vartan Church Wish List:
St. Vartan Church sponsored a Cleveland
Heights neighborhood meeting in the John Marukian Church Hall on June 4. Those in attendance discussed neighborhood watch, the Oakland Promise
Program, the health of Lake Merritt, the Cleveland
Cascades, traffic concerns and more.
The St. Vartan Ladies Society wishes to update the church kitchen by replacing the
tired convection ovens, install roll-out drawers for the below counter cabinets, update
the appearance of the cabinets doors, and
make other minor improvements.
Estimates for these projects are under consideration
now, but all donations are gratefully accepted. When
making out your donations to either of these projects,
please make them out to St. Vartan Church Ladies Society and memo your checks “Kitchen Remodel”.
Thank you.
Sayat Nvaq Ensemble Performs on May 21
The St. Vartan Cultural Committee proudly presented the Sayat Nvaq Ensemble on Saturday evening,
May 21, 2016. The Ensemble is a San Francisco Bay Area group that delves into the rich traditions of Eastern
Armenian music. The group draws its inspiration from the two main pillars of Armenian secular music: the
classical, troubadour poet traditions of the Ashougs and Gousans such as Sayat Nova, Ashot, Djivani and
Sheram; as well as the popular, regional village music found throughout the countryside.
The Sayat Nvaq Ensemble performed with five musicians: Haig Kassabian on dhol; Shea Comfort on
duduk and ploul; Leslie Bonnet, on violin and vocals; Khatchadour Khatchadourian on vocals; and Briget
Boyle on harmonium and vocals. Their superb program transported us back in time to old Armenia. Both
Leslie Bonnet and Briget Boyle learned from, performed, and travelled to Armenia with Hasmik Harutyunyan
while members of the Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble. They rendered exquisite performances. Hasmik
Harutyunyan would have been especially proud. The exceptional professional musicality of the Sayat Nvaq
Ensemble as a whole was an absolute pleasure to hear. We are especially grateful to them for preserving our
Armenian culture and heritage through their performance of traditional and historical Eastern Armenian music.
Religious Humor
The Same In My Business
A minister waited in line to have the oil changed in his car just before a long holiday weekend. The
attendant worked quickly, but there were many cars ahead of him in front of him. Finally, the attendant motioned him toward forward. "Preacher," said the young man, "I'm sorry about the delay. It seems as if everyone
waits until the last minute to get ready for a long trip." The minister chuckled, "I know what you mean. It's the
same in my business."
The Package
There was a gracious lady mailing an old family Bible to her brother in another part of the country. "Is
there anything breakable in here?" asked the postal clerk. "Only the Ten Commandments," answered the lady.
On May 20 the men of St. Vartan Church enjoyed a fun night of games, dinner and fellowship.
Message from Diramayr
Dear Faithful of St. Vartan Church,
I dedicated my son, my first born, to God to serve you and our Mother Church. It’s really hard to be so
far from my children, my angels. However, I want to thank all of you for becoming a second family for my
children and taking care of them. Sometimes I’m jealous of you, because you can play with my grandchildren,
you can enjoy my Anahit’s angelic voice, and enjoy my son’s Badaraks and listen to his sermons. I thank God,
because I see how they are happy and how you love them.
Thank you, also, for all your invitations and warm hospitality.
May God bless and protect your families and your children. I’m praying for all of you that you might
have a healthy and happy life. Thanks a lot and see you next time.
With love and respect,
Diramayr Julianna (Fr. Hovel’s Mother)
Feast of the Transfiguration
Referred to as Baydzaragerbootiun, the Feast of the Transfiguration is one of the five principal feasts of the
Armenian Church, so named because of Christ's luminous appearance. In Armenia it is also known as Vartavar
(the Festival of Roses) after the old pagan feast, which it replaced.
The feast marks Christ's appearance with a resplendent countenance to three of His disciples, Peter, John,
and James, on the holy mountain of Galilee, also known as Mount Tabor.
The Bible tells us that when Jesus was considering going to Jerusalem, he
spoke with his disciples of the torture that was in store for Him and of the end of His
life on earth. Jesus wanted His disciples to be prepared for the coming events.
His disciples, however, did not believe that Jesus could possibly face such
tribulations and Peter adamantly said none of Jesus' predictions would come true.
Jesus admonished his disciples. About a week later, Jesus had his miraculous Transfiguration.
He went up Tabor Mountain with three of His disciples—Simon Peter,
James, and John Zebedee—to pray as the other tired disciples remained at the bottom
of the mountain. It was there that Jesus began to assume a new appearance. The
three disciples were amazed when they saw His new radiant being. Though it was
nighttime, the disciples saw light coming from the sun in the sky. Among the light
they saw two other men—said to be Moses and Elijah—speaking to Jesus about His
remaining time left on earth and the sacrifice He would soon make.
Then a cloud came upon the group. The voice of God was heard, saying the
same phrase He said when Jesus was baptized, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to Him!" (Luke 9:35).
After the Transfiguration, Jesus asked His disciples not to talk about it until His coming Resurrection.
This scene can be found in four different places in the New Testament: Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:11-7; Luke 9:2936; and Peter II 1:17-18.
In the Armenian calendar, the feast takes place on the 14th Sunday after Easter—98 days later—so it is
movable within an interval of 35 days, from June 28 to August 1. The Orthodox and Catholic churches observe the
feast of Transfiguration on a fixed day, August 6. The official observance takes three days. Sunday is the principal
feast, Monday likewise is an ordained feast day and includes the commemoration of the dead, and Tuesday is a nonfestal or weekday dominical.
In the Dark about the Transfiguration
There is a mystery at the heart of Christianity. In our Divine Liturgy, we worship Jesus Christ as the Son of
God, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, the Incarnate Word of the Lord, through whom the entire universe was
created. As humble human beings, we might naturally ask, where do we fit into all this? Can such a cosmic being
really care about creatures as small as us?
A clue to such questions is quietly offered in the Gospel story of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13).
Prior to the Transfiguration, Jesus had been very secretive about his true mission and identity, even to his twelve
disciples. At one point, Jesus asked them who they thought he was. After a round of wrong answers from the others,
Peter spoke up and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus blessed Peter for this insight, and
then disclosed the prophecy of his own death and resurrection.
Now, the disciples had always understood that Jesus was a unique and important figure—he was, after all, a
riveting teacher, an inspiring leader, a powerful miracle-worker. But now, for the first time, they were being let in
on the secret of just how special Jesus was. With that disclosure, the groundwork was now prepared for the visual
spectacle of the Transfiguration—which is the very next episode in Matthew's gospel.
The story begins: "After six days, Jesus took Peter and the brothers James and John, and brought them up
into a high mountain apart." Right from the start, we are given a subtle reminder of the mystery of Creation, in the
seemingly unnecessary comment about "six days." The mountaintop, too, is a place of mystery. The difficult climb,
thin air and cold climate all make the high altitudes inhospitable to human beings: this is a world quite literally
"apart" from normal human activities and concerns, where the heroes of the Bible met in solitude with God Himself.
In this strange, unearthly environment, Jesus suddenly appears physically changed and glorified—
transfigured—to the three disciples: "His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light." Even
more amazingly, Moses the lawgiver and Elijah the prophet emerge from the mists of Biblical history, and break
into conversation with Jesus.
This fantastic scene unfolds as if the disciples were not there; the presence of Peter, James and John is either forgotten or ignored by the participants in the mystical proceedings. For their own part, the disciples must feel
as though they have stumbled upon something they were not supposed to see. It is Peter who finally finds voice to
speak, but his words are little more than a plea to be useful: "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you would like, let
us build three tabernacles (shrines or shelters) here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah."
It is a kind and pious sentiment; but it seems woefully inadequate to the grand scale of the event. Imagine
having three of the greatest figures of all time materialize right before your eyes, and all you can think to say in response is, "Can I get you a seat?" In such circumstances, it might be better simply to keep silent. Jesus, Moses, and
Elijah seem to take no notice of Peter's remark; in fact, before Peter has a chance to finish, he is interrupted by the
most astonishing apparition yet: "A bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice out of the cloud said, ‘This is my
beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.’" The voice is so terrifying that the disciples—brave, tough
men in normal situations—fall to the ground and hide their faces in fright.
At this point, one feels compelled to ask, Just what is going on here? Reading the story fills us with questions: What does Jesus's transfiguration signify? Why are Moses and Elijah present—what do they represent? Are
they supposed to be ghosts? Conjured spirits? Actual historical figures plucked from their own times? What are
they talking about with Jesus? And what is the meaning of that cloud?
Unfortunately, none of these questions is answered for us in the story. We may speculate about them, or
interpret them in various ways, but in the most profound sense, we are in the dark about the Transfiguration.
Yet this is a familiar situation for us. God's ways are mysterious, and His infinite nature defies human understanding. The church's theological teaching is our attempt to come to an understanding of God and the universe He created. But even this is just a peek into something we cannot fully comprehend.
The story of the Transfiguration illustrates a parallel situation, where the disciples get a rare glimpse of
Christ's full glory, and his central place in God's scheme. By comparison to such things, the hopes and fears of human existence seem terribly small and meaningless. Perhaps this is the source of the disciples' fright—just as the fear of human nothingness is the source of much confusion and
misery in our own world.
But the key to the story is yet to come. As they lie on the ground, their bodies
trembling, their eyes shut, the disciples feel a gentle touch, and hear a reassuring voice:
"Arise," it says, "and be not afraid." They look up, emerging from their self-imposed darkness—and what do they behold? The glorious Son of God? The culmination of Biblical
history? The divine creator of the universe?
In the truest sense, all of these things are still standing before them. But what the
disciples see is much simpler, and in its own way much more wonderful: "When they lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only." One imagines that Peter, James and
John must have greeted the calm, familiar sight of their master with a sigh of relief.
They—and we—still have many questions about the Transfiguration and the mysterious
universe it embodies—questions which may never be answered to our complete satisfaction.
But the gospel writer seems to be telling us that what we really need to look at, first and foremost, is Jesus
Christ. Because He contains all of these mysteries within Himself, Christ is our human point of contact with the
gigantic questions about God, Creation, and man's place in it. He is our familiar doorway onto the unimaginable.
We are like the disciples in the story of the Transfiguration. Christ has called us to walk with Him. Why did
He choose us? Where is He taking us? We cannot say for certain. All we know is that He is leading us upward. Our
ascending path will be strenuous at times, and it will lead us to a place beyond our everyday lives. Some of the
things we see during our climb may be too enormous, too confusing, too frightening for our human minds to grasp.
At the same time, our human gestures of piety and reverence, however sincere they may be, are inadequate to the
momentous thing we seek to honor—much as Peter's remarks about building shrines seems ridiculous as a response
to what he saw.
But Christ did not come among us just to show us how insignificant we are. He came to show us that the
infinite God Who created the universe, who transcends time and space, is not too big to concern Himself with human things. With His hand on our shoulder, and His voice in our ear saying "Be not afraid," Christ has come to lead
us out of the darkness.
—Christopher H. Zakian