Red Sunday
In the Calendar of the Armenian Church, the third Sunday following the Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ is known as Red Sunday.
The color “red” has been used throughout history to represent many things. One of the symbolic meanings is the blood of the martyrs who were sacrificed for Christ, His Holy Church, and their Christian faith.
During the early years of Christianity, faithful followers of Jesus Christ were subjected to severe persecutions and torments. Many elected to die rather than betray their principles of life and faith, which the Incarnate God — Christ Jesus — had endowed to them and all of mankind. The psalmist writes,
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of the saints” (Psalms 116:15).
Today, martyrdom is far less often an occurrence in the lives of Christians, yet it does happen. However, the greater struggle is the one against sin, which we can see manifested in many ways throughout the world. The battle against wickedness and evil, which will be victorious in the end, is the current expression of the significance of Red Sunday.
The Apostle Paul writes that Christ Himself endured such opposition, that we should not grow weary in our battle against wickedness. In his letter to the Hebrews, Paul says:
“In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” (Hebrews 12:4).
We are to use the opportunity of Red Sunday to once again remind ourselves of Paul’s exhortation to remain steadfast in the Lord, and to continue our daily labors of goodness and righteousness.
Gospel Reading
John 5:19-30 (Revised Standard Version)
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever he does, that the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son, and shows him all that he himself is doing; and greater works than these will he show him, that you may marvel. For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
“Truly, truly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself, and has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of man. Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come forth, those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment.
“I can do nothing on my own authority; as I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.”
Other Sunday Readings
Acts 13:16-43
St. Paul (formerly Saul) gives his first discourse in the Book of Acts. He recounts the history of Israel, showing how the Old Testament lays the foundation for the Gospel. He demonstrates that Jesus is the promised Messiah by citing fulfilled prophecies (Psalm 2:7, Isaiah 55:3, Psalm 16:10).
He proclaims the resurrection and its power: forgiveness of sins and justification that the Law of Moses could not provide. Paul addresses both “Men of Israel” and “you that fear God” — Gentiles who worshipped Yahweh but were not full proselytes. The Gospel is universal, extending to all through the family of Abraham.
Reflection Questions
- Drawing from the Old Testament, what was the story of Israel? Were they a light to the nations? Could they keep their own law? Were they faithful to God’s covenant?
- How does St. Paul present Jesus as the Savior and Rescuer of Israel — and thus of the Church?
- Jesus Christ is risen! The promises of God are fulfilled in Him. Wherein lies the urgency? What is St. Paul warning us to beware? Why did the listeners respond as they did (vv. 38-42)?
1 Peter 5:1-14
St. Peter, likely recalling Jesus as the Good Shepherd, instructs church leaders and the faithful on humble, faithful service. Pastoral leadership must be exercised willingly, not for power or money, but with humility and as an example to the flock. All believers — leaders and laity — are called to mutual humility and submission.
He warns of the devil, who prowls like a roaring lion, and urges vigilance, sobriety, and casting all anxieties on God.
Reflection Questions
- Why does Peter describe leaders as shepherds? What are the challenges and priorities of a shepherd? (See also Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34, Luke 15:3-7, John 10:1-6)
- Is this model of leadership only for the Church, or does it apply to all areas of life?
- Is humility common among leaders today? Why is a humble leader actually a strong leader?
- How do you handle anxiety and worry? How does Peter’s advice (v. 7) relate to life in the Church community?
- In what subtle or obvious ways does the enemy attack our faith? How can we resist?
- What is the connection between sharing in Christ’s sufferings and effective leadership?
The Blood of Christ
Although “Red Sunday” (Կարմիր Կիրակի) has no direct ecclesiastical origin, the color red powerfully recalls central themes in Christianity and Armenian tradition.
It is the Blood of Jesus Christ that redeems and heals us — the source of life poured out on the Cross for the salvation of the world. As we sing in the Badarak:
Son of God, who are sacrificed to the Father for reconciliation, bread of life distributed among us, through the shedding of your holy blood, we beseech you, have mercy on your flock saved by your blood. (p. 33)
A Resurrection of Life or Judgment
The Cross and Resurrection call us into renewed creation. The Father has given the Son authority to judge sin and evil (see Daniel 7:13-14). Jesus invites us to pass from death to life — a resurrection of life rather than judgment (John 5:29).
“Some will be welcomed by the unspeakable light and the vision of the holy and royal Trinity… the others… must endure being outcast from God and the shame of conscience which has no limit.”
— St. Gregory of Nazianzus
A Sense of Urgency
The Gospel carries life-or-death urgency. The Church Fathers, such as St. Athanasius, teach us to see sin not merely as “right vs. wrong,” but as life vs. death.
“He accepted and bore upon the cross a death inflicted by others… in order that, by destroying even this death, He might Himself be believed to be the Life…”
— St. Athanasius, On the Incarnation
Jesus calls us to hear His word and believe so that we may have eternal life.
Jesus Is More Than His Teachings
Jesus is not merely a good teacher or prophet. He is the eternal Son of God who calls us friends (John 15:15). He desires our whole heart, our time, our love, and our communion with Him.
- How do we spend the life God has given us?
- Do we attend and fully participate in Badarak?
- Do we live as though we are utterly dependent on Him?
His shed blood demands a response of total love.
The Blood of the Martyrs
Red also recalls the blood of the martyrs — those who followed Jesus even unto death, confident in His promise:
“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25)
Christianity itself is a call to martyrdom — daily surrender to the Father, even at great cost.
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
— Romans 8:35-39
The Blood of Holy Communion
In the Mystery of the Eucharist, we receive the very life of Christ. Badarak is not symbolic — it is a true passing from death to life.
“Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.” (John 6:53)
The prayers of the Badarak make this clear: Communion is for the purification of sins, health of soul and body, and union with the Holy Trinity.
Closing Reflection
We are called to walk soberly, with diligence and confidence in Christ’s victory. Let Red Sunday renew our commitment to live as true witnesses — in word, deed, and daily communion with our risen Lord.
Adapted for the St. Mary Armenian Church from writings by Dn. Eric Vozzy — April 21, 2026