THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
November 15, 2020

Barekendan of the Fast of Advent

The Status of Artsakh and Armenia

The war came to a stand-still unexpectedly on Monday, November 9, when an agreement was executed between the Prime Minister of Armenia and the Presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan.  This agreement calls for much of Artsakh to be given up and various other concessions of lands in nearby areas. People who live in those regions have just days to vacate their homes.  The outcry was loud and clear….the people were not happy about all that had given up and there is much dissension. In the days since, there is great uncertainty as to exactly what will happen and whether there may be a renewal of fighting. To date, the casualties of those killed and injured are in the thousands, and endless properties and sacred churches have been destroyed.  Life remains unsure for the survivors and residents of Artsakh.  Please continue to pray for a just outcome for Artsakh and Armenia.  More news will be shared as we receive it.

“May the Lord give strength to his people.

 May the Lord bless his people with peace.”

November 21 is the Feast of the Presentation of St. Mary to the Temple

The early life of St. Mary does not appear in the Gospels. According to Holy Tradition, however, we know that her parents Sts. Joachim and Anna had prayed that they might have a child and made a solemn promise that if God were to bless them with one, they would dedicate this precious gift to His service. At the birth of their beloved daughter, they did not forget their vow. When Mary was three years old, they took her to the Temple where she was dedicated and where she stayed in the care of devoted women until she was betrothed at about the age of fourteen.

Reflection: Sadly, people rarely think of their children today as gifts from God. And yet, if we were to receive them in true joyful gratitude, how might we dedicate them to God today?

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:

FOR ALL THE BRAVE SOLDIERS WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES TO PROTECT THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH AND ARMENIA requested by the Eastern Diocese and Holy Trinity.

ROBERT SARKISIAN (6^th Anniversary of His eternal life) to commemorate his 99^th birthday, he is still missed by all who loved him requested with love by Mary Sarkisian and Mary Parnagian.

EKATERINA NERSESOVA (1^st Anniversary of Her eternal life) requested with love by Sergey Nersesov.

“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 Ethel Terzian, Taron Poghosyan, Alice Charles, Theodora Mirakian, Leslie Movsesian and Zevart Shakarjian.

Hats of Faith Project: We have been asked by our sister church St Sahag & St Mesrob to participate in the Hats of Faith Project. We need knitted dark hats for our soldiers in Armenia. Please include a short note with each item to encourage the soldiers. If you do not knit, buy a hat(s), warm socks, or gloves to donate. The due date at our church is Sunday, Dec 6. They will be shipped by Dec. 10. If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call, 610-449-2236, or text me at 610-220-9860. Elizabeth Barone

Thank you. God bless Armenia!!!

MEN’S CLUB “200 CLUB” – Only three (3) Tickets remain for the upcoming 2020-21 season of the 200 Club Raffle.  A one-time donation of $100 will entitle you to eight (8) months of drawings, with five winners drawn each month. The 200 Club provides $10,000 in much needed financial support to the church.

Please consider splitting a ticket with a family member or friend. The first drawing will take place this month!

Contact Larry Der Hagopian (215-489-7116), Mike Tookmanian (484-351-8663), or Mick Paretchan (215-947-4394).     *Thank you*

 “Walking Through the Gospel of Mark” will end with this 8th and final session on Tuesday, November 17 (7:00 – 8:00 PM) led by our Pastoral Intern, Dn. Armen Terjimanian. We hope our time together was both informative and helpful in your own personal “Walk.” Stay tuned for future programming scheduled by the Adult Christian Education (ACE) Team.

CHURCH CALENDAR (please mark your calendars)

November
11/17: Walking Through the Gospel of Mark

The Diocesan Annual Appeal – We encourage our faithful to be supportive in any way they are able, especially now with the shortfall that the Diocese has experienced because of COVID. This year’s Appeal will have an extra feature for new or existing donors. A generous benefactor has stepped forward with a match, so your donation will be worth more than the check you send them!