THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
November 5, 2017

18th Anniversary of the Enthronement of Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians

St. John Chrysostom Patriarch

The Pontiff St. John the Chrysostom is one of the most prominent and gracious Fathers of the Universal Church. He was born in Antioch, in 347 AD. He has studied in the Theological School of Antioch and has advanced his skills in rhetoric art in the School of Libanios. Since the young age he has led an ascetic life. In 381 AD he has been ordained as deacon by Meletios of Antioch and in 386 he has been ordained as priest by Flavianos. Thanks to his brilliant and eloquent speeches and sermons he has deserved the title “Chrysostom”.

In 398 AD he is elected the Patriarch of Constantinople against his will and zealously initiates renovation and reconstruction works of the capital city, which was far from the Christian mode of life and lived immoral life full of conflicts and disputes. Amorality and religious indifference were dominant among the people, the court and the clergy.

St. John the Chrysostom condemns and criticizes all forms and manifestations of amorality and for criticism he raises the Queen Eudoxia’s anger. The Patriarch Theophilos of Alexandria also, who wished to become the Patriarch of Constantinople, also stands against St. John the Chrysostom. Basing on groundless slander and calumny by the ecclesiastical council held in 403 AD., an order is issued to exile the saint. However, during the night of exile such terrible earthquake and fires happen that the Queen calls the Patriarch back to his residence. St. John the Chrysostom continues to criticize the wrong and immoral mode of life of the court. Ignoring the people’s sympathy towards the Patriarch and the protection of the Western Church, the King Arkadios and the Queen Eudoxia again issue an order to exile the saint. The saint is exiled to Pontos and is martyred in the town Komana. His last words are: “Glory to You, God, glory to You, glory to You for everything.” The saint’s remains are buried in the Church of St. Apostles, of Constantinople, in 438 AD.

St. John the Chrysostom is the author of many interpretations, speeches, odes, epistles and letters, which have positively influenced on the history of the Christian mind. His works have been translated into Armenian still during his life.

TODAY’S BIBLE READINGS:

Ephesians 1: 1-14 (pages 174- 175) New Testament
Luke 8: 17-21 (page 61) New Testament – (Please follow the Armenian Reading in your Bible)
Isaiah 22: 15-24 (pages 699- 700) Old Testament

REQUIEM SERVICES: Hokehankist today will be for:

– KEVORK & VERGIN HASHAS, KIVELI & KOSTA NAZIRIS requested by Sarkis and Katie Hashas.

– Vasken Pascal Euksuzian, Vartanouch Kasserian, Antranick Kasserian Jean Varoug Marcarian & Marcar Marcarian requested by Mrs. Sophie Euksuzian and Family.

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 Pearl Jamgochian, Annabelle (Lee) Alexanian & Albert Santerian. Continue to pray for all who have suffered great loss in many ways as a result of three devastating hurricanes, as they begin to re build their lives. Pray also for those who were injured in countless ways in the Las Vegas massacre and for those whose loved ones were tragically killed. 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.

The Divine Liturgy: A Simultaneous Translation: During today’s Divine Liturgy, Fr. Hakob’s prayers and blessings, including a few of the celebrant’s silent prayers, will be simultaneously translated into English by Dn. Albert Keshgegian. The goal of the program is to help the faithful understand and experience the sacred words of worship in their own language. Everyone is encouraged to arrive by 10:30.

There will be no Coffee Hour this Sunday; instead, there will be a Breakfast sponsored by the Church school in the Church Hall. All are welcome, the Breakfast proceeds of $7.00, will benefit the Church school. Children eat free.

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ends Sunday night, November 5. So be sure to turn your clocks BACK one hour and gain an extra hour of sleep! Remember: Spring forward, Fall back!

SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY EVENT – Invitations have now been mailed for the celebration of Der Hakob’s 10th anniversary of Ordination to held on December 10, 2017. Be a part of the festivity and send in your reservations early. Deadline to reserve your place or become a sponsor is November 20. For more information or questions, contact the church office or Jeanette Der Hagopian @ 215-206-0440 or choirboss@hotmail.com

Operation Christmas Child – Please visit our “shoebox” table today during Coffee Hour and consider filling one or more of them for underprivileged children all over the world, including Armenia. Many of you have participated in the past and we hope you will again. Parents and grandparents: take your children to the dollar store so that they can be a part of the process. Wrap a shoebox with Christmas wrap or buy a plastic shoebox to fill with goodies to delight the children. We’ll have flyers and brochures at the table to help you succeed. And then you can think about the excitement of a child as they receive such a box for themselves! Filled boxes must be returned to church no later than Sunday, November 12. For any questions, contact Gail (215-443-0606 or glulejian@aol.com) OR Jeanette (215-206-0440 or choirboss@hotmail.com). If you are unable to fill a shoebox, donations will be gratefully accepted.

FAR UPDATE – The Arakelyans found a second home and a bigger family when FAR opened its soup kitchen in Berd City. With a monthly income of about $200, most of which is spent on medication, a free daily meal is extremely important for this struggling family. “It is like God sent us help when FAR opened the soup kitchen as it is a real relief for the family. It is not easy for us to buy food every day and the kitchen helps us to have meals five days a week,” said daughter Lusine. To read more, please go to FAR’s blog. [http://farusa.org/2017/10/27/far-soup-kitchens-far-soup-kitchen-helps-family-of-four-to-get-by/] To support projects like FAR’s soup kitchen, go to FAR’s website [https://secure.qgiv.com/for/armenianrelief/]

CHURCH CALENDAR (please mark your calendars)
November

Nov 5 The Divine Liturgy: A Simultaneous Translation
Nov 5 Breakfast sponsored by our Church School

December

Dec 3 Stewardship Sunday
Dec 10 Honoring Our Pastor
Dec 17 Lunch with Santa
Dec 31 Pomegranate Sunday

January

Jan 5 Theophany Eve: Divine Liturgy
Jan 6 Feast of Theophany: Divine Liturgy
Jan 7 Blessing of Water Service
Jan 14 Day of Remembrance
Jan 27-28 ACYOA Lock-In

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.