Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak

On Sunday, September 25, Armenian Churches worldwide will celebrate the Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak—an observance unique to the Armenian Church.

In the 7th century, a monk named Totig received a vision of a brilliant cross descending from Mount Varak 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—and the holy relic had languished in its secret place 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 Varak to Sepastia and finally to Van, where it still could be seen by pilgrims—until the time of the Genocide.

TODAY’S BIBLE READINGS:

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: is sponsored today by Pauline Chapjian and Family in loving memory of DEBORAH HANAMIRIAN on the 40th day of Her eternal life. All are welcome.

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: is also sponsored today by Helen Terzian Gallagher and Ethel Terzian in loving memory of EDWARD TERZIAN on the 1st Anniversary of His eternal life. All are welcome.

ALTAR CANDLES are donated today by Berjoohy Murray and Family in loving memory of EDWARD TERZIAN on the 1st Anniversary of His eternal life.

Sunday of Talents – Is God calling you to serve? Of course, He is! Join us to explore some volunteer opportunities at Holy Trinity which may be the perfect fit for your God-given talents. There are many ways to serve the Church and help it grow and thrive.  Come and join us on Sunday, October 9th to find out more.

Fall Bible Study:  We invite you to attend our fall adult Bible study. The six-week series will focus on the general or “universal” epistles of the New Testament and be led by Fr. Hakob and others. We will meet on Thursday mornings in October and November; our first session is October 6. Ask any of our Parish Council representatives for details. All our programming is free of charge, and we encourage our faithful to bring along a friend.

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 and the last in June; the prizes in those two months will be $1000 / $400 / $200 / $200 / $ 200 !! And 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 provides financial support for our church through this endeavor, and has been sponsoring two orphaned children via CASP for many years.

ATTIC TREASURES: If you’re cleaning out your closets, we would greatly appreciate donations of your CLEAN & UNDAMAGED gently 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. If you need a New Jersey pick up call Grace Meranshian at 856-217-9333.

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)

October

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.

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If the answer to any of these questions is YES, please visit our parish website at www.holytrinity-pa.org