THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
January 21, 2018

Barekendan of the Fast of Catechumens

Thursday, January 18, St. Antony the Hermit

St. Antony (251-356 A.D.) was one of the most beloved and well-known of the “desert fathers and mothers” who in the 3rd century chose to live in prayerful solitude or in small communities in the desert wilderness in the Middle East and, primarily, Egypt. Antony was a pioneer in this lifestyle, leaving behind a privileged life, entering the wilderness near his home village of Koma in Egypt and beginning a life of ceaseless prayer and fasting that lasted almost two decades. By the time St. Antony had died in the mid- 4thcentury, thousands of faithful had been drawn to living in the desert following his example. St. Athanasius, another revered saint of the Armenian Church, wrote in his famous life of St. Antony that so many had followed him “the desert had become a city.” This astounding movement was the early foundation of Christian monasticism. The sayings of the desert fathers and mothers are widely available. One of the many attributed to St. Antony: ‘I saw the snares that the enemy spreads out over the world and I said groaning, “What can get through such snares?” Then I heard a voice saying to me, “Humility.”’

Department of Christian Education
Diocese of the Armenian Church (Eastern)

TODAY’S BIBLE READINGS:

2 Timothy 2: 15-26 (pages 192-193) New Testament
John 6: 15-21 (page 89) New Testament – (Please follow the Armenian Reading in your Bible)
Isaiah 61: 10-62:9 (pages 737-738) Old Testament

“Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.” (1 Kings 8:28b). Let us be as servants before God today as we pray for our sisters and brothers, especially Annabelle Alexanian, Alice Charles, Pearl Jamgochian, & Albert Santerian. Remember to pray for the many countries where unrest and inhumanity linger. Pray for those who are without homes especially as the weather temperatures turn frigid. And pray for our people to know God in a personal way.

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.

ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY: Scheduled for February 18, 2018 with alternate snow dates of March 4 or March 11, 2018.

REMINDER: According to the Diocesan Bylaws, membership dues are to be paid no later than December 31st each year in order to be a member in “good standing” and to be eligible to vote at the annual assembly. Any monies received after that date will be applied to the new year. For any questions regarding your status, please call the church office.

The Parish Assembly Nominating Committee is seeking candidates to run for Parish Council, Auditing Committee, Nominating Committee and Diocesan Delegate. We hope you will consider giving of your time and talent to serve Holy Trinity. Please note that one must be a dues-paying member in good standing for two years in order to be a candidate. If you are interested in running for one of these positions, or would like to recommend someone, please contact Tanya Paretchan, Leslie Movsesian or Marta Brann. Thank you.

ELEVATOR FUND UPDATE: The good news is that the installation of our elevator is complete; we are simply waiting for the inspection approval. However, we are $10,000 short of our goal and are still accepting donations. If you wish to contribute, see Merle Santerian.

Our Friday Night Lenten Series Starts Soon! We have an exciting and enlightening educational series planned for the upcoming Lenten season. For details, see flyers available in the narthex or church lobby. Those interested in hosting one of our dinners are encouraged to call Berjoohy Murray at 856-912-2417. Be sure to sign up for the first program on February 16!!

FAR UPDATE: Since early childhood, Mher Avetisyan’s club feet have never hindered him from running around and playing with his peers. Still, after doing so he would feel weak and tired. A few months ago, the five-year-old underwent foot surgery with the help of FAR’s Child Poverty Reduction Program, and very soon he will be able to walk normally again. “This was like a miracle sent to us from God,” Mher’s mother Karmen said about the surgery. To read more, go to FAR’s blog [INSERT LINK TO BLOG: http://farusa.org/2018/01/15/far-health-programs-surgery-helps-one-little-boy-to-walk-properly/ ] To support programs like the Child Poverty Reduction Program, go to https://secure.qgiv.com/for/armenianrelief/].

CHURCH CALENDAR (please mark your calendars)

January
Jan 27-28 ACYOA Lock-In

February
Feb 8 Vartanantz Commemoration @ AMCC
Feb 11 Poon Paregentan
Feb 16 Lenten Program: Leslie Movsesian
Feb 18 Annual Parish Assembly (snow dates 3/4 & 3/11)
Feb 23 Lenten Program: Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian/Seminarians
Feb 24 ACYOA Retreat
Feb 25 Guest Celebrant: Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian
Fellowship Program: St. Nersess Seminary

March
Mar 2 Lenten Program: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan
Mar 9 Lenten Program: V. Rev. Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan
Mar 16 Lenten Program: Ani Peckjian
Mar 23 Lenten Program: Holy Jeopardy
Mar 25 Palm Sunday: ACYOA Day

INCLEMENT WEATHER NOTICES – When bad weather occurs, we try to make the best decision for the safety of all: servers and parishioners alike. We also recognize that because our membership comes from many varied areas, bad weather conditions may not be the same in all places. However, we do our best to reach as many as possible – by sending an email as soon as a decision has been made, posting on Facebook and by calling several of our older population who do not use computers and asking them to spread the word. We ask YOU to check with a friend when you are unsure about whether church will be open in such conditions. And if all goes well, we’ll have an early Spring!

A GENTLE REMINDER – We wish to remind our parishioners that, by order of the Fire Department, no parking is allowed in the Fire Lane, which is the area next to the lawn and the building in the parking lot. In addition, we have noticed cars who have no handicapped placard or identifying license plate parked in the handicapped spaces, especially behind the building, We ask for your courtesy in respecting the rules and leaving the handicapped spaces for those who truly need them.

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.

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.