THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
September 17, 2017

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is the last one of the five major feasts of the Armenian Apostolic Church. It is the most important feast among the feasts dedicated to the Holy Cross, as it is dedicated to the history of the return of the Holy Cross from imprisonment, its elevation and glorification. In the Armenian Apostolic Church the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is celebrated on Sunday during the period between September 11-17. This year that date is September 17, and the Monday following the Feast is a Memorial Day.
In 610 A. D, the Persian King Khosrov with a large army attacked the Byzantine Empire. Enthusiastic about the initial victory, in 614 A. D. the Persian army entered Jerusalem. Many people were killed and many were imprisoned. Pontiff Zakaria, the Patriarch of Jerusalem was imprisoned, too. However, the Persians were not satisfied and entered into the Church of Holy Sepulcher and took the Holy Cross kept in the Church. The Holy Cross had been found and installed in the Church for the Christians to worship by Heghineh, the mother of the King Costandianos, in the beginning of the 4th century.

In 628 A. D., the Byzantine army led by the King Herakles fought against the Persians to return the Holy Cross. The Armenian army regiment, led by Mzhezh Gnounie, supported the Persian army. With the Lord’s help the Byzantine army won the battle. The Holy Cross was solemnly brought to the Armenian town Karin, from where it was carried to Constantinople, and then – to Jerusalem. On the way the Holy Cross was raised for the people to see and worship. For Christians the Cross is God’s power and strength and pride of all prides, on which Christ’s innocent blood was shed. By means of the Cross Jesus proved His love towards mankind, and the Cross became for us the symbol of hope, love and saving.

TODAY’S BIBLE READINGS:

• Galatians 6: 14-18 (page 174) New Testament
• John 3: 13-21 (page 86) New Testament – (Please follow the Armenian Reading in your Bible)
• Isaiah 49: 13-23 (page 726) Old Testament

Our Prayers Are Powerful. Let us emulate St. Paul, who said, “I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers” (Eph 1:16). Pray especially for Annabelle (Lee) Alexanian Albert Santerian, Hagop Arzoumanian, Richard Kazigian and Alice Sisian. Please pray for all the people who have suffered great loss in many ways as a result of the two recent devastating hurricanes – Harvey and Irma – as they try to rebuild their lives. For those who are struggling with illness, hardship and grief, let us remember them in prayer. Continue to pray for the injustice and inhumanity that continues in the world. God hears the prayers of the righteous.

A SPECIAL DIRECTIVE FROM OUR PRIMATE is calling on all our Diocesan parishes to hold special collections during Badarak for each of the Sundays of September—starting September 3, and continuing on September 10, 17, and 24—to help provide relief to the affected people of the St. Kevork Church as a result of Hurricane Harvey As explained in the Primate’s notice (attached), money will be sent to St. Kevork within the week that it is received, so we ask for your consideration in being compassionate and prompt in supporting this great need. Of equal importance is that we offer our prayers for the families whose loved ones have perished and for ALL PEOPLE suffering devastation because of the storm. Checks should be made out to: Holy Trinity Armenian Church – Memo: St. Kevork Flood Relief.

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: You are invited, long time parishioners, new members, and first time visitors, please join us after Badarak in our lovely hall for Christian fellowship, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, and greet fellow parishioners and Der Hayr. The coffee hour begins when Der Hayr blesses the table. There are containers available to deposit your trash before leaving the hall. We appreciate your patience, cooperation, and support. Thank you.

FAR UPDATE – As a medical student Doctor Sargis Shamoyan volunteered for humanitarian missions. When he began his own dental clinic, he started to provide professional support at no cost to the most vulnerable. “I have long made giving back a priority in my personal and professional life,” he said. Since October 2016, Shamoyan has provided free treatment to kids at the FAR Children’s Center, enabling the Center to bring more comprehensive care to this vulnerable population. To learn more, go to FAR’s blog. [http://farusa.org/2017/09/04/far-childrens-center-local-dentist-provides-a-new-gateway-to-good-dental-health-for-kids-at-the-far-childrens-center/] To support the FAR’s Children’s Center, go to FAR’s website. [https://secure.qgiv.com/for/armenianrelief/]

PARISH DIRECTORY UPDATE: Have you moved or have new email and phone numbers? Was your information misspelled? Do you attend Holy Trinity but were left out of the Parish Directory last year? Have you joined the Parish since the last directory was issued? We are going to update the Parish Directory. We need your information as soon as possible. If any of the above applies to you please pick up a copy of the Directory form in the Narthex and update it and return it to the Parish Office no later than September 30.

“SAVING THE TOMB” – As caretakers of many of the holy sites in Jerusalem, the Armenians were among those religious groups responsible for helping to restore the Tomb of Christ in the Holy Sepulchre, which necessitated raising the necessary funds to do so. Join us on TODAY during Coffee Hour when Dn. Garo Garibian will present the history of the Tomb of Christ along with the fascinating story of the renovation in video and words. He will be joined by Nadia Soghomonian and Gabrielle Meranshian who will share their own personal reflections.

A Journey to Historic Armenia: Theologian and Episcopal priest, Rev. Dr. Flora Keshgegian, will be with us on Sunday, September 24 for a presentation on her trip to historic Armenia in search of her roots. An author and lecturer, Flora, who grew up at Holy Trinity and is the sister of our senior deacon Albert Keshgegian, recently retired and has returned to her home town after many years away.

Learn about the Liturgy: October 1: Have you ever wondered about some of the words and actions of the Badarak? Or, been curious about Der Hayr’s elaborate vestments? If you answered “yes” to these questions, then attending The Instructed Liturgy on Sunday, October 1 is a must! This program, designed by the Department of Christian Education of our Diocese, is a unique educational opportunity to help the faithful grow in their knowledge and experience of the Divine Liturgy at the most effective time—as it is unfolding before them. The commentary will interrupt the Badarak in progress several times in order to explain what is happening and why.
PLEASE NOTE: Because the introduction is the longest and most informative section of the commentary and comes at the very beginning of Badarak, we must stress the importance of being prompt. It is crucial that you be present for the entire Liturgy, which will begin at 10:30 and end at the usual time.

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

JUNE                   JULY                    AUGUST 

2007               74                        47                             59

2012              101                        61                             86

2017               60                        77                             88

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.

MEN’S CLUB NEWS “200 CLUB” – THERE ARE ONLY 7 RAFFLE TICKETS REMAINING FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON. A one-time donation of $100 will entitle you to eight (8) monthly drawings, with five winners drawn each month. Your ticket number could be a winner more than once this coming season! The first drawing will take place in November 2017 and the last in June 2018. Prizes range from $100 to $1,000 and your chance of winning is much better than the Lottery! See Larry DerHagopian or Mick Paretchan after church service today.

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)
September

Sept 17 Jerusalem: Restoring the Tomb
Sept 19 The Art of Interfaith Understanding (Art Museum tour)
Sept 24 A Journey to Historic Armenia (Rev. Flora Keshgegian)
Oct 1 Instructed Liturgy & Dn. Albert Book Reception
Oct 15 Inter-communal Program
Oct 20 Growing Up Armenian in the Diaspora
Oct 27-29 Harvest Bazaar
Nov 5 The Divine Liturgy: A Simultaneous Translation
Nov 12 Godparents Sunday
Dec 3 – Stewardship Sunday
Dec 10 Honoring Our Pastor
Dec 17 Lunch with Santa
Dec 31 Pomegranate Sunday

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.

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.

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• 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.