THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
Palm Sunday March 20, 2016

On the 41st day of the period of Great Lent, the Armenian Church commemorates Lazarus being raised from the dead.

The Gospel according to St. John (Jn 11:11-46) relates the story. Lazarus was from a family loved by Jesus Christ. He was the brother of Mary and Martha, who often received Jesus. Lazarus dies after succumbing to an illness. Upon hearing that His friend has died, Christ goes to visit the family, and says to Martha, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though he dies…” Christ asks Martha if she believes this, to which she replies, “Yes, Lord. I do believe that you are the Messiah, who was to come into the world.” Christ, standing before the grave, commands Lazarus to come forth, and he appears, being restored to life. By doing so, Christ proves that He is, in fact “Life and Resurrection”.

The Gospel story telling about the raising of Lazarus contains the passage: “Jesus wept.” The Jews, seeing Jesus expressing grief, said: “See how much he loved him!”

The raising of Lazarus is an example of the coming resurrection of all those who have fallen asleep in Christ. The weeping of Jesus demonstrates His great love towards mankind.

TODAY’S BIBLE READINGS:

• Philippians 4: 4-7 (page 180) New Testament
• Matthew 20: 29-21:17 (pages 20- 21) New Testament – (Please follow the Armenian Reading in your Bible)

Procedure for Confession and Communion – Today please remain in your seats for confession and participate by praying the general form of confession which can be found on pages 48-49 in the Pew Book. (Pages 48-49 in the front of the book will be in Armenian; and Pages 48-49 in the back of the book will have the English and transliteration.) In an effort to maintain the solemnity of the sacrament, we ask you to not enter the center aisle until your row is called by a member of the Parish Council. We believe this will enable all who are partaking of Communion quiet time for continued reflection.

Pray for One Another and especially for Haig Hagopian and Robert Temoyan. Pray also for the Syrian refugees and for all who are persecuted for their faith and forced from their homes during these trying times.

Choir Collection will be taken today. Thank you for your support.

PALM SUNDAY BANQUET: TODAY is ACYOA DAY. Immediately following Church Services, ACYOA is sponsoring a Banquet. No tickets will be sold at the door.

PALM CROSSES – A sincere thank-you to Alice Torossian who hand made the Palm Crosses that are being distributed today.

PALM SUNDAY PALMS and PALM SUNDAY FLOWERS are donated by:

• John S. Bandaian Sr. in memory of the Bandaian & Bahadourian Families
• Hagop and Sonia Ergenian in memory of Mardiros & Yester Ergenian
• Virginia Knott in memory of Charles Sisian
• Arpena Hajatian in memory of Pielag Paroonagian
• Mr. Hank Mardigian in memory of Jean Mardigian
• Donna Sarkisian in memory of Nicole Der Hagopian, Harry Sarkisian, Dolores Sarkisian & Gregory Sarkisian
• Ethel Terzian and Helen Gallagher in memory of Edward Terzian
• Richard and Linda Vishab
• Richard Weinsheimer in memory of Evelyn Weisheimer

Another Milestone Event: Before you know it, the 50th anniversary of the consecration of our church in Cheltenham will be here – on September 18, 2016. Anyone wishing to be a part of the organizing committee should contact the church office as soon as possible. We hope to have various events during the year leading up to “the main attraction” in September.

Spring Bible Study: Holy Trinity parishioners and friends are invited to come together to explore the meaning of discipleship and its connection to life, community and the great unknown. First-timers are welcome—no previous knowledge of Scripture or Bible study experience is needed. Just come with an open mind and an open heart! We’ll be meeting at church from 10:00 to 11:30 on six Thursdays in April and May: April 7, 14, 21 and May 5, 12, 19. To sign up, call 215-722-3369 or email nancybasmajian@verizon.net. Bring a friend.

DAUGHTERS OF VARTAN COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT – Changing Lives, One Pair at a Time In just about any dresser drawer, one can find a pair of eyeglasses that are no longer being used. That same pair of eyeglasses can change another person’s life. Imagine if you could help a child read. An adult succeed in his job. A senior maintain her independence. Volunteers clean, sort by prescription strength and package the glasses. Most of the recycled glasses are distributed to people in need in developing countries where they will have the greatest impact. Please drop off your usable eyewear in the collection box located in the Holy Trinity Church Lobby. Thank you.

St. Nersess Seminary has announced its 2016 summer conference schedule for high school and post-high school students. For the first time, the conferences will be held at the new St. Nersess campus in Armonk, NY. Brochures are available in the church lobby or visit the St. Nersess Seminary website @ www.stnersess.edu to learn more.

• Deacons’ Training Program: June 25-July 3 – Directed by Fr. Daniel Findikyan
• High School Summer Conference A: July 15-24 – Directed by Fr. Ghevond Ajamian
• High School Summer Conference B: July 29- August 7 – Directed by Fr. Shnork Souin
• Post-High School Summer Conference: August 9-13 – Directed by Fr. Samuel Rith-Najarian

SEEKING DEVELOPMENT OFFICER: St. Nersess is seeking a part-time Development Officer to oversee the seminary’s fundraising and alumni/donor relations programs. Reporting to the dean of the seminary, the Development Officer will also work closely with an engaged, supportive Board of Directors and a dynamic school team. For more information contact the seminary at 914-273-0200.

YOUGHAKIN DONATION: Traditionally during Easter, gifts of oil, Youghakin donations are made to the Church. The notion is that by offering oil you keep the lamps of the church burning, these would always be resources in order to keep the doors of the church open. Your gift is gratefully appreciated.

EASTER SERVICES 2016
March 24 – Holy Thursday:
– Washing of the Feet 7:00 PM
– Betrayal and Passion of Our Lord 8:00 PM
March 25 – Great and Holy Friday
– The Entombment of Our Lord Jesus Christ 7:00 PM
March 26 – Great and Holy Saturday/Easter Eve
– Divine Liturgy 7:00 PM
– Home Blessing/Fellowship 8:00 PM
March 27 – Easter Sunday
– Morning Services 10:00 AM
– Divine Liturgy 10:30 AM

CHURCH CALENDAR (please mark your calendars)
March

• Friday March 18th: Lenten Service
• Sunday March 20th: ACYOA Palm Sunday Banquet

The Bookstore: 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.