On Sunday, September 27, Armenian Churches worldwide will celebrate the Feast of the Holy Cross of Varag-an occasion that is unique to the Armenian Church. In the 7th century, a monk named Totig received a vision of a brilliant cross descending from Mount Varag (in historic Armenia) and coming to rest on the monastery at the mountain’s foot. Totig raced to where the vision had led him, and there found a miraculous Christian relic: a fragment of the True Cross of Jesus Christ!

How had it gotten there? The relic had been brought to Armenia by St. Hripsime, in the late 3rd century, during her flight to find refuge from the persecutions of pagan Rome. When St. Hripsime was martyred by King Drtad, the hiding place of the cross was forgotten for nearly 300 years, before being found again by the monk Totig.

To commemorate this discovery, the Catholicos of the time, St. Nersess the Builder, established a feast day. And the Holy Cross became a relic of great power in Armenia, moving from Varag to Sebastia and finally to Van, where it still could be seen by pilgrims-until the time of the Genocide.

TODAY’S BIBLE READINGS:
Galatians 6: 14-18 (page 174) New Testament
Matthew 24: 30-36 (page 25) New Testament – (Please follow the Armenian Reading in your Bible)

REQUIEM SERVICES: Hokehankist today will be for:

HAROUTYOUN AZNAVURYAN (7th Anniversary of his eternal sleep) requested by his wife Armenoui, son Carlo , Polina and his family, daughter Lolita Babikian and her family, grandchildren: Aram, Shant & Sara, Raffi, Armineh Babikian and Arthur & Benthley Aznavuryan.

PRAYERS REQUESTED: From the Book of James, we are taught that “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Therefore, as you pray for your own family, we ask that you keep members of our Holy Trinity family in your prayers as well. Continue to pray specifically for those who are ill. Pray especially for the various ministries within our church and their leaders: our Church School, our faith-based programs, our youth. And mostly pray that Jesus Christ is a Living Presence in each and every person in our church community. You may also advise the church office if you would like to include anyone by name in this column so that we may, as a church family, pray for them.

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: is sponsored today by Armenoui Aznavuryan and Lolita Babikian & Family in loving memory of HAROUTYOUN AZNAVURYAN; husband, father & grandfather.

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.

Ladies of Holy Trinity: You are invited to discover your inner creative side by joining us for cookies and adult coloring on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 7:00 pm in our lobby. Forget your worries and de-stress and relax as you color. We’ll provide the supplies and treats. You provide your untapped creativity and conversation with old friends and make new ones as well. RSVP by Oct.4 to Diane McGarvey @ 215-887-8339 or Dori Aslanian @ 215-757-2622

Celebrating with our Orthodox Family. We encourage all our parishioners to be present for an historic and extraordinary event taking place at Holy Trinity on Saturday, October 3: for the first-time ever, we will host clergy and members of our sister Oriental Orthodox Churches for worship and fellowship. The Con-celebration will begin at 10:30; this will be followed by a traditional Armenian meal (free of charge for all those who register by September 25!). The luncheon will be followed by a film presentation by the Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, the Director of the Zohrab Information Center. Please don’t miss the registration deadline!

MEN’S CLUB RAFFLE – Tickets are now available – and selling fast – for the 200 Club Raffle. A one-time donation of $100 will entitle you to eight months of drawings, with five tickets drawn each month. The first drawing will take place in November. Your chances are better than the lottery! Contact Larry Der Hagopian (215-672-4188) or Mickey Paretchan (215-947-4394) if you haven’t already purchased your ticket! The Men’s Club not only financially supports our church because of this endeavor, but has been sponsoring two children from CASP for many years.

The Harvest Bazaar is looking for vendors to participate in our Bazaar this year. One 8 ft table will be provided, Cost is $30 per night, or the entire weekend for just $50. Please email Barbara Harmon barb@harmongotravel.com or call or text 609-605-0489.

ATTIC TREASURES:
If you’re cleaning out your closets, we would greatly appreciate donations of your CLEAN & UNDAMAGEDgently used items to be sold at the Attic Treasures table during the Harvest Bazaar. No toys, clothing or books (except cookbooks). Desired items are jewelry, women’s accessories, housewares, small furnishings, and more, more, more. Attic treasures can be left in the 1st room on the right down the Sunday School hall. Call Ayshe Chakmaklian for more info. at 610-828-2411.

GIFT AUCTION: We are in need of donations for the Harvest Bazaar Gift Auction and are asking for your help. Our goal is to obtain new gifts each in value of $100 or more but we are happy to accept gifts of various values. Gifts can be geared toward younger children, teenagers or adults. Gift baskets and gift certificates are most appreciated. You can even send items that we will package for you. Please call Naomi Mukalian at 610-296-2769 or send an email to nmukalian@gmail.com for more details.

The Spirit of Philadelphia Ararat Center Fundraiser: Saturday October 3, 2015. Boarding at 7:00 pm cruise time 7:30-10:30 pm. Adults $175.00 includes Hor D’oeuvres, Bar, Full Course Dinner, Live Music and Dancing. For info contact Nancy Hovnanian, nancyhov53@gmail.com. Checks payable to the Diocese with Ararat Center in the memo.

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.

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.