THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
November 17, 2019

Barekendan of the Fast of Advent

Greatness among the Universal Church

In verses 49-50, John is concerned with those outside of his particular group doing the work of Christ. Jesus explains that the Kingdom of God is present among people we may not know. The Armenian Church is called to the same mission as rest of the universal Church. Unfortunately, the Armenian Church does not have special favor because it was the first nation to adopt Christianity. As proud of that as we should be, it’s not going to save our community. What Jesus is looking for is a childlike community marked by humility, desperate and dependent on him every moment of our lives. When our priorities align with the will of God and his mission for the Church, a community of true, serious believers can accomplish great works of God. Jesus said to his disciples,

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father.

Here, “greater” does not mean quantitatively. Nor is it a contrast between the works of Jesus and the works of the Disciples, rather the work that Jesus does in the flesh and the works he will perform through the Church after his death, resurrection, and ascension to the Father. That is, because Jesus goes to the Father, our works are greater because a new order is coming and has already come – the Kingdom of God. And so children and citizens of God’s Kingdom, united in the person of Jesus Christ will love just as Jesus loves. We, the Church, the Body of Christ, are empowered and equipped for greatness.

By Dn. Eric Vozzy
TODAY’S BIBLE READINGS:

Philippians 1: 1-11 (page 178) New Testament
Luke 9: 44-50 (page 64) New Testament – (Please follow the Armenian Reading in your Bible)
Isaiah 25: 9-26:7 (page 702) Old Testament

REQUIEM SERVICES: Hokehankist today will be for:

– FATHER HOVSEP BEDOYAN, the parish priest for the Armenian Catholic community in the northern Syrian city of Qamishli on the Turkish border, and his father APRAHAM BEDOYAN both killed in Syria on Monday November 11 by Islamic State requested by our Parish.

– ROBERT SARKISIAN (5th Anniversary of His eternal life) to commemorate his 98th birthday, he is still missed by all who loved him requested with love by Mary Sarkisian.

– SUREN MARUKYAN requested with love by the Marukyan Family.

“LORD, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night….” (Nehemiah 1:5-6). Prayers are requested for Jan Mirijanian, Mary Yeretzian, Merle Santerian, Alice Charles, Armen Mirakian and Pearl Jamgochian.

NEW COMMUNION PROCEDURE – Before gathering for confession, please allow time for the Choir Members to come down and join us before we begin.

ALTAR FLOWERS are donated today by Garo and Cece Garibian in celebration of the birth of their newest granddaughter MCKENNA QUINN DERENTZ (parents Jared and Colleen) on November 1st.

COFFEE HOUR TODAY – A Madagh is offered today by Ashot Nazarov in thanksgiving to God. All are welcome.

Order now for the Holidays, Souboreg in limited quantities. Pick up at Church on Sunday after services starting November 24th. Contact Tanya at 215-947-4394.

Did you know that when we participate in Soorp Badarak (Divine Liturgy), we are also being invited to a meal (communion) offered by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As such, we should dress in a manner worthy of that invitation. We ask our faithful to dress appropriately for worship. Please, no very short dresses, shorts or bare shoulders. Thank you.

ABSOLUTE FINAL DEADLINE for shoeboxes to be turned in is TODAY, NOVEMBER 17. For those who were unable to fill a shoebox, donations will be gratefully accepted. See Berjoohy Murray to turn in your boxes or make a donation. All checks should be made payable to Holy Trinity Armenian Church.

Save the Date: Sunday December 8th for breakfast and a visit by Santa in the hall. Adults and unregistered children 11 and older are $10.00, unregistered children 4-10 are 6.00 and church school students & children under 3 are free. Reservations are a MUST by 12/1/19. Everyone is welcome!

Men’s Club Tickets update– There are still some tickets available. This annual program provides important income for the church and $10,000 to the winners! Please contact the church office soon.

HELP WANTED: Jan Mirijanian is looking for someone who can cook and do light house keeping 3 days a week in the South Jersey area. If interested contact him at 856-848-1504 or cell 856-295-3119.

CHURCH CALENDAR (please mark your calendars)

December
Sunday Dec 8 Breakfast with Santa: Reservations due 12/1
Thursday-Sunday Dec 12-15 Jr. Choir, Sr. Choir and Deacon Workshops with Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian
Sunday Dec 29 Pomegranate Sunday

2019 Attendance: Plate/Candle Collection:

October
6 – 90 people $638.00
13 – 92 people $640.00
20- 75 people $394.00
27 – 75 people $448.00

November
3 – 82 people $504.00
Weekly Expenses: $6,000.00

NEW IN BOOKSTORE: With pride, we are pleased to announce “Acoustic Armenia,” a CD by a devoted member of the Holy Trinity family, Karinné Andonian. The music of this album is meant to revere the spirit of Armenian music. The Armenian heart has always sung, and here it sings simply and organically, intending to bring a sense of togetherness and home just as it was when it was created generations ago. Available in Bookstore $12.

Using the Pew Book: In order to enrich understanding of the Divine Liturgy, we encourage our faithful to follow along in the large two-part Pew Book. Part One includes the classical Armenian used in the Liturgy; the facing page is the translation in modern Western Armenian. Part Two contains the transliteration of the classical Armenian; the right-hand page has the English translation. This Pew Book includes the prayers of the celebrant usually offered inaudibly. The prayers offered aloud are indicated in boldface type.

THE NICENE CREED/ HAVADAMK – This is the Profession of our Faith which is often sung after the Gospel is read from the altar. Occasionally, it will be 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 Jeanette Der Hagopian at 215-672-4188.

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.