THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
February 26, 2017

Great Barekendan

Feast of St. Vartan the Captain and Companions

The Feast of St. Vartan the Captain and his 1036 Companions marks their martyrdom 1566 years ago in the battle of Avarayr, fighting for the freedom of conscience and religion for the Armenian Nation. It was to be the first testimony of many to follow that the Armenians were a people who freely chose Christ, remained steadfast in their Christian faith, and would not betray that faith for any ransom. “Vartanants” as it is commonly called, is one of the most sacred feasts of the Armenian people. In the Armenian Church, the Feast day of St. Vartan the Captain and Companions is also celebrated as the Naming Day of His Holiness Karekin II. To mark the occasion, at the conclusion of Divine Liturgy, a Pontifical Prayer is offered before the Holy Altar of Descent.
TODAY’S BIBLE READINGS:

• Romans 13: 11-14:25 (page 148-150) New Testament
• Matthew 6: 1-21 (page 5) New Testament – (Please follow the Armenian Reading in your Bible)

REQUIEM SERVICES: Hokehankist today will be for:

• THE POGROMS OF SUMGAIT & BAKU on the 29th Anniversary of the attacks on the Armenian population of Sumgait, Azerbaijan.
• ARCHBISHOP PAPKEN VARJABEDIAN, HAYARPIE & CHARLIE GARIBIAN and NIAZ KARABIAN requested by the Paretchan, Garibian and Javardian Families.
• ANDRE and VIRGINIA JAVARDIAN requested by Greg and Maria Javardian & Children.
• KEGHAM VARJABEDIAN & SONIG VARJABEDIAN, SHAHE VARJABEDIAN and HAGOP & MIRIAM VARJABEDIAN requested by the Paretchan, Garibian and Javardian Families.
• TAMAR RIZKALIAN (2nd Anniversary of Her eternal life) requested for their daughter and sister by Marie and Sarkis Rizkalian, Angel and Laura Rizkalian & Linda Day.

ALTAR FLOWERS: are donated today for their daughter and sister by Marie and Sarkis Rizkalian, Angel and Laura Rizkalian & Linda Day in loving memory of TAMAR RIZKALIAN on the 2nd Anniversary of Her eternal life.

PRAYERS: “Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.” (2 Chronicles 6:40) Praying is as vital to a faith community as breathing. It is one of the ways in which we communicate with God. We ask you to pray for those among who are facing medical difficulties: Larry Der Hagopian, Victoria Berberian and Anita Mirijanian. Please also pray for the unrest that is not only in faraway places but in our own country as well.

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: There will not be a Fellowship hour today due to Church School’s Poon Paregentan Celebration.

Special Offering: Today’s offering, which will be taken after the sermon instead of its usual time, will be donated entirely to our Church School’s 2017 Lenten Drive. Two of our students, Shannon King and Andrew Movsesian, will explain this year’s Giving Campaign and the worthy cause for which they will be raising funds throughout Lent. We encourage our faithful to be generous during this sacred season as we prepare for the glorious Resurrection of our Lord.

SAVE THE DATE: The Ladies of Holy Trinity are sponsoring the Annual Mitchink Luncheon on Sunday, March 12 immediately after the Saintly Women’s program which will follow the Badarak in the church proper. The cost is $15 for adults & $5 for children. Reservations are required. Sign up outside the hall or call the church office.

Focusing on Scripture during Lent: Each of our faithful (young and old) will receive a “40 Days of God’s Word” resource to use during Great Lent (which begins on Monday, February 27). The colorful four-page educational resource provides an inspiring Bible passage for each day of Lent and includes information about Lent and Holy Week in the Armenian Church. We encourage you to read the assigned passage, reflect on its meaning, memorize it and share it with someone during the day. Imagine having the Word of God in your head and in your heart as you go through your daily routine! The resource was produced by the Department of Christian Education of our Diocese. Copies will be available in the narthex and in the Church School office as long as supplies last.

Sunday Morning Educational Series: 10:00-10:30 in Sanctuary
March 5: Dn. Gregory Andonian
Medz Bahk: Fasting during Lent
March 19: Dn. Antranig Garibian
Bless this House: Home Blessing in the Armenian Church
April 2 Dn. Albert Keshgegian
Enter Our Hearts: The Opening of the Doors Service

Mother’s Day Luncheon The Ladies of Holy Trinity are planning a Mother’s Day luncheon for Saturday, May 13 at 11:30 AM at the Apricot Stone restaurant in Philadelphia for $30. If this activity interests you, please contact Margo Silk at 609-265-7070 or Liz Barone at 610-449-2236. The restaurant capacity is only 25 guests. Interest will determine if we should proceed.

Sponsored by the Philadelphia Knights and Daughters of Vartan
Have you ever wondered about the long history of Armenians in Philadelphia or been curious what DNA tests might tell you about your Armenian ancestors? If so, please join us during fellowship hour Sunday, March 19, 2017 with Special Guest Speaker Paul Vartan Sookiasian, Local Armenian Historian, Topic: Armenian Local Histories and DNA Mysteries. ALL ARE WELCOME.

Armenian Sisters Academy
Open House
March 15, 2017 9:00 -11:30 a.m. Join us for a look into the lives of ASA students. The open house will include a tour with our student ambassadors, followed by open discussion with faculty, staff, and parents. RSVP to lsanterian@asaphila.org

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)
February

• Sunday February 26th: Poon Paregentan

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.