THE SUNDAY MESSENGER

April 24, 2016

Feast of the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide
Apparition of the Holy Cross                                                            

Apparition of the Holy Cross

This feast is dedicated to the Apparition of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. At noon on May 19, 351, a bright, luminous cross appeared over the skies of Jerusalem, centered over an area spanning from the Mount of Olives (where Christ was betrayed and arrested) to Golgotha (where Christ was crucified). Awestruck, the faithful of Jerusalem rush to church to give thanks and glorify the Lord. Bishop Cyril (later St. Cyril of Jerusalem) subsequently wrote a letter to Emperor Constantine of Byzantium wherein he describes the miraculous and beautiful scene. St. Cyril tells Constantine that the apparition is a true testimony of the orthodox faith of Christianity.

Further, St. Cyril exhorts the Emperor that the appearance is a sign for him to remain steadfast in his faith, and to stop defending the heretical movement of Arianism and its promulgators. The Armenian translation of the Bishop’s letter has been preserved by the Church, and is read each year on the Feast of the Apparition of the Holy Cross. The Armenian Church celebrates this feast 28 days following Easter Sunday.

DAY’S BIBLE READINGS:
1John 1: 1-10 (page 214) New Testament
John 7: 14-23 (page 91) New Testament – (Please follow the Armenian
                                                                         Reading in your Bible)

Pray for One Another and especially for Jane Sklencar for recovery of good health; for the bereaved among us; for the Armenian soldiers fighting the Azerbaijanis to defend the homeland in Nagorno-Karabagh (Artsakh), for those who have been killed, and for their families; for the Syrian refugees; and for all who are persecuted for their faith and forced from their homes during these trying times.

SPECIAL APPEAL – Over the next three Sundays (April 10, 17 and 24), we will be having only one plate collection each date, all of which will be donated for the relief of our soldiers and their families as they defend the homeland against the attacks by the Azerbaijani army in the border towns of Nagorno-Karabagh (Artsakh).  This has led to a loss of both military and civilian lives, and casualties among many.  Please be generous and especially keep all of them in your prayers.  Check should be made to “Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Memo:Artsakh.”  Deadline is April 30

NO COFFEE HOUR TODAY: PLEASE JOIN US AT 3 PM FOR THE INTER-COMMUNAL CONCERT WITH SAHAN ARZRUNI 

Worship and Formation: Adult Education Schedule
(session will be held from 10:00 to 10:30 in the CHURCH SANCTUARY.)

April 24 – Faith Affirmed: Scripture and the Creed
Deacon Antranig Garibian

NOTE: We thank our faithful for their cooperation and participation in this
important pilot program!

WE VALUE YOUR OPINION:  Today, we conclude our participation in the Diocesan pilot program entitled “Worship and Formation.” As you know, during the Sundays of April, our community has been involved in an experiment which included adult education, a streamlined Liturgy and a shortened educational schedule for our students so that our families could worship together. The Diocese has asked us to provide them with our feedback; therefore, we ask that you complete the evaluation form (it’s just one page) which will be distributed at the end of today’s Badarak. Please place it in the box outside the bookstore in the church lobby. We thank you for your cooperation in this important initiative.

Mother’s Day Celebration Luncheon invites you to join us for lunch on Saturday, May 7 at 11:30am at Da Soli Restaurant in Haddonfield, NJ. The cost is $30 per guest and reservations and payment are due before May 1. Since space is limited, reservations will be accepted on a first-come basis. See Margo Silk or Liz Barone

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.

CHURCH CALENDAR (please mark your calendars)
April  
Sunday April 24^th: Genocide Commemoration 3:00 pm
May
Thursdays May 5^th, 12^th & 19^th: Spring Bible Study 10:00 am

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.