THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
February 19, 2017

Middle Sunday 

Commemoration of the Pontiff St. Sahak Partev

Pontiff St. Sahak Partev was the elder son of Catholicos St. Nersess the Great, and the last Catholicos of the Armenian Church who descended from the lineage of St. Gregory the Illuminator. He became Catholicos of All Armenians in 387 A.D., and reigned for an astounding 52 years. Being talented in music and educated in the rhetorical arts, philosophy and linguistics, St. Sahak greatly contributed to the development of Armenian national culture. He was the strongest advocate for the creation of an Armenian Alphabet, and became its chief patron.

Following the creation of the Armenian Alphabet, St. Sahak and St. Mesrop opened a school for translators in the city of Vagharshapat (Etchmiadzin). There they begin the translation of the Holy Bible into Armenian and did it so perfectly, that centuries hence the Armenian Translation is called the “Queen Translation of the Breath of God”. The first sentence translated from the Holy Bible is the opening verse of the Book of Proverbs: “To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding”.

TODAY’S BIBLE READINGS:

• Titus 1: 1-11 (page 194) New Testament
• John 7: 37-52 (page 92) New Testament – (Please follow the Armenian Reading in your Bible)

REQUIEM SERVICES: Hokehankist today will be for:

• PEARL SERABIAN JOSEPHS requested by Larry and Dolly Grocott.
• ELIZABETH “BETTIE” ARSLANIAN (7th Anniversary of her eternal life) and her parents, MARIAM & MADEROS KALAMKERIAN requested by John Arslanian and Family.

ALTAR CANDLES are donated today by John Arslanian & Family in loving memory of ELIZABETH “BETTIE” ARSLANIAN and her parents, MARIAM & MADEROS KALAMKERIAN.

Today’s Confession/Communion Procedure: We ask our faithful to kneel at their pews during today’s Confession instead of approaching the chancel. Our Church School students will be using a special “Confession for Children” so we will be hearing their voices from the chancel. Parishioners may turn to page 48 in the Pew Book and read the adult confession silently. Immediately following the Absolution, parishioners may come forward to receive Holy Communion.

PRAYERS: “Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.” (2 Chronicles 6:40) Praying is as vital to a faith community as breathing. It is one of the ways in which we communicate with God. We ask you to pray for those among who are facing medical difficulties: Larry Der Hagopian, Victoria Berberian and Anita Mirijanian. Please also pray for the unrest that is not only in faraway places but in our own country as well.

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: There will not be a Fellowship Hour today due to the Parish Assembly.

Focusing on Scripture during Lent: Each of our faithful (young and old) will receive a “40 Days of God’s Word” resource to use during Great Lent (which begins on Monday, February 27). The colorful four-page educational resource provides an inspiring Bible passage for each day of Lent and includes information about Lent and Holy Week in the Armenian Church. We encourage you to read the assigned passage, reflect on its meaning, memorize it and share it with someone during the day. Imagine having the Word of God in your head and in your heart as you go through your daily routine! The resource was produced by the Department of Christian Education of our Diocese. Copies will be available in the narthex and in the Church School office as long as supplies last.

SAVE THE DATE: The Ladies of Holy Trinity are sponsoring the Annual Mitchink Luncheon on Sunday, March 12 immediately after the Saintly Women’s program which will follow the Badarak in the church proper. The cost is $15 for adults & $5 for children. Reservations are required. Sign up outside the hall or call the church office.

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH SCHOOL: Celebrates Poon Paragentan on Sunday February 26, 2017 after church services in Santerian Hall. Church School children are free. Adults are $10.00 per person and children (ages 5-12) are $5.00 each. Look for the flyer in the mail and please RSVP by February 12th.

News from Armenian Sisters Academy: Event: Vartanantz Feast Day Celebration
Date: Thursday, February 23, 2017 at 7:00 PM Location: Armenian Sisters Academy
Includes performances by the students.

Armenian Sisters Academy
Open House
March 15, 2017 9:00 -11:30 a.m. Join us for a look into the lives of ASA students. The open house will include a tour with our student ambassadors, followed by open discussion with faculty, staff, and parents. RSVP to lsanterian@asaphila.org

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)
February

• Sunday February 19th: Annual Parish Assembly (snow dates 3/5 & 3/12)
• Sunday February 26th: Poon Paregentan

The Bookstore: The Bookstore is open every Sunday after Liturgy. Please stop in and browse.

COUNTRY STORE: The Country Store is open every Sunday after church services in the kitchen. All are welcome. The Country Store will have one case of vegetarian lamajoun available for the Lenten season on Sunday, Feb. 19. Each package of 10 will cost $17 & will be sold first come, first served. If you want to reserve a package, please see Lorraine Damerjian or Liz Barone.

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.

CHURCH ETIQUETTE: We wish to remind you, our faithful, to please maintain a quiet and contemplative manner as you approach the chancel for communion. We especially ask that you refrain from conversation while waiting your turn for communion as well as afterwards as you return to your pew. Thank you.

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.