THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
May 21, 2017

Sixth Sunday of Eastertide

Sixth Sunday of Eastertide
Ascension of Christ

The Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord on the fortieth day following the Feast of the Glorious Resurrection of Our Savior Jesus Christ.

Following His Resurrection and defeat of death, Christ remained on earth for forty days, and continued to appear to His disciples. On the fortieth day, Christ is seen by His disciples for the last time. He blesses them and leaves them with instructions, after which He ascends into heaven.

Two of the Gospel writers, St. Mark and St. Luke, testify about Christ’s ascension. There is also an account of it in the Acts of the Apostles.

Following a final meeting of Christ with the eleven remaining apostles, St. Mark writes, “So then, after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.” (Mark 16:19)

St. Luke gives a little greater detail as he writes, “And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.” (Luke 24: 50-53)

But by far the most beautiful account of the Ascension can be found in the Book of Acts: “And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:9-11). The hymn that is sung in the Armenian Church on Ascension Day mentions the miraculous event of Christ’s Ascension into heaven and the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles.

In the Armenian Church, the day of Jesus Christ’s Ascension is also commemorated for another reason as well. On this date in 1441, the See of the Catholicosate of All Armenians was returned to its historical origins. Following a resolution of the National Assembly gathered in Vagharshapad, the Patriarchal See was relocated from the city of Sis in Western Armenia to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Following his vision of Christ striking the ground with a golden hammer, St. Gregory the Illuminator had founded the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin in 303. However, less than 200 years later, in 484, the Patriarchal See was forced to relocate, and for the next 1000 years, settled in various cities throughout Armenia. The decision to return the throne of the Catholicos to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin was the fulfillment of a national dream for the Armenian people.

TODAY’S BIBLE READINGS:

• 1John 3: 2-6 (page 215) New Testament
• John 9: 39-10:10 (pages 94- 95) New Testament – (Please follow the Armenian Reading in your Bible)

REQUIEM SERVICES: Karasoonk (40th Day memorial Service) today will be for:

• ANDRE JAVARDIAN on the 40th Day of His eternal life requested by Gregory and Maria Javardian & Family in loving memory of their brother and uncle.

Hokehankist today will be for:

• HELEN NALBANDIAN requested by Lillis, Nalbandian and Yeretzian Families in loving memory of their mother.
• SAHAK MARKARIAN requested by Vartouhi Hacikian.

ALTAR FLOWERS: are donated today by Gregory and Maria Javardian & Family in loving memory of their brother and uncle ANDRE JAVARDIAN on the 40th Day of His eternal life.

PRAYERS: “May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141:2). We continue to ask for the prayers of our faithful, not only for their own loved ones, but for those among us who need intercession on their behalf. As you offer your prayers “like incense,” please remember Robert Barone, John Arslanian, Anita Mirijanian and Doris Alahverde. Pray also for our leaders in all areas, being mindful of the unrest that is in the world, both near and far away. Let peace reign among us.

TODAY AFTER BADARAK, a brief Blessing Service will take place for those who have graduated from high school and college. Join us as we wish them well in their future endeavors.

FELLOWSHIP HOUR today is sponsored by the Adult Christian Education Ministry in honor of our high school and college graduates, and also by the Javardian Family in loving memory of their brother and uncle, Andre Javardian. All Are Welcome.

FAR Spotlight: AYO!, FAR’s fundraising department, has paired with the Armenian Eye Care Project (AECP) to provide eye care and eyeglasses for Armenia’s impoverished elderly at no charge. Services are directed to the 781 seniors who frequent FAR’s soup kitchens located in Yerevan, Gyumri, Nor Hajn, Byureghavn and Berd. With improved vision, Armenia’s elderly poor have the opportunity to live a better quality life. To learn more about FAR, its mission and programs, please visit http://farusa.org .

MEMORIAL DAY GRAVE BLESSING – If anyone wishes to offer prayers and have a graveside blessing for their loved ones on Monday, May 29, 2017 (Memorial Day), Der Hayr will be available by appointment. Please contact him for additional details at 917-213-8658 (cell) or in person at church.

ATTIC TREASURES: If you’re cleaning out your closets, we would greatly appreciate donations of your CLEAN & UNDAMAGED gently used items to be sold at the Attic Treasures table during the Harvest Bazaar. No toys, clothing or books (except cookbooks). Desired items are jewelry, women’s accessories, housewares, small furnishings, and more, more, more. Attic treasures can be left in the 1st room on the right down the Sunday School hall. Call Ayshe Chakmaklian for more info. at 610-828-2411. If you need a New Jersey pick up call Grace Meranshian at 856-217-9333.

FYI…Sunday Stats: Here are the monthly averages for attendance at Divine Liturgy. The numbers include worshippers, altar servers and choir. Look for more statistics in future issues of The Messenger.

April
2007 – 92
2012 – 120
2017 – 160
NOTE: Easter fell in April during each of the above years.

THE NICENE CREED/ HAVADAMK – This is the Profession of our Faith which is recited every Sunday moments after the Gospel is read from the altar. Sometimes it is sung, but more often it is recited by the Deacons and/or the Choir. We invite you to affirm your own “Profession of Faith” by reciting along with us. God longs for all of us to express our faith and devotion to Him.

CHURCH CALENDAR (please mark your calendars)
May

• Sunday May 21st: Graduates Blessing Service

June

• Sunday June 4th: Church School closing

NEW in the Bookstore! Communicate in Holiness: Reflections on the Divine Liturgy by Deacon Albert Keshgegian. In his most recent book, Dn. Albert clearly and succinctly presents the whole process of our Divine Liturgy, as well as the meanings and messages that each part has for us. He has also included many important and beautiful descriptive pictures of the Liturgy. 78 pages, $10. (The Bookstore is open every Sunday after Liturgy—please stop in and browse.)

COUNTRY STORE: The Country Store is open every Sunday after church services in the kitchen. All are welcome.

If you know of anyone who is a shut-in, or ill and would like a visit from Der Hayr, please call the office and give their name to Maggie our church secretary.

CHURCH ETIQUETTE: We wish to remind you, our faithful, to please maintain a quiet and contemplative manner as you approach the chancel for communion. We especially ask that you refrain from conversation while waiting your turn for communion as well as afterwards as you return to your pew. Thank you.

THE KISS OF PEACE: After the gifts of the Eucharist are brought to the Altar Table, the deacon proclaims, “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” The person giving the greetings says, Kristos ee mech mer Haydnetsav – Christ is revealed amongst us. The recipient would respond, Orhnial eh Haydnootiunun Kristosee – Blessed is the revelation of Christ.

Anyone who wishes to request any Requiem Services MUST inform the office by 1:30pm Wednesday the week before. If you also want to sponsor the Fellowship Hour you MUST call Merle Santerian at 215-947-3777.

Would you like to:

• receive this Bulletin on Friday via email?
• request a Hokehankist, house blessing or hall rental information?
• find in-depth information on our faith, our parish and our activities?
• sign up for an event online?
• If the answer to any of these questions is YES, please visit our parish website at www.holytrinity-pa.org

WE ASK THAT EVERYONE KINDLY TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES and all other such electronic devices prior to entering the sanctuary out of respect for the sanctity of our services.