THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
July 23, 2017

Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord 

Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ

The Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the five main “Tabernacle” feasts of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Holy Church. It commemorates the transformation or the “transfiguration” that came over Jesus while He was praying. Christ’s face shone like the sun and his clothes became a radiant and gleaming white. The Apostles Peter, James and John witnessed that event which occurred on a high mountain named Tabor.

Evangelists St. Matthew, St. Mark and St. Luke testify about the transfiguration of Jesus in the Gospels (Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:1-12, Luke 9:28-36).

“… As they looked on, a change came over Jesus: his face was shining like the sun and his clothes were dazzling white. Then the three disciples saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus. So Peter spoke up and said to Jesus, “Lord, how good it is that we are here! If you wish I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” While he was talking, a shining cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased – listen to him!” When the disciples heard the voice, they were so terrified that they threw themselves face downward on the ground. Jesus came to them and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid!” So they looked up and saw no one there but Jesus. (Matthew 17:2-8)

In the Armenian Church, the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ is celebrated 98 days following Easter. The Feast also is known by the common name of “Vardavar”.This day is associated with an old Armenian tradition of pouring water on one another. Some sources attribute the tradition as a remnant of an Armenian pre-Christian celebration. The Monday following the Feast is a Memorial Day.

TODAY’S BIBLE READINGS:

• 1 John 1: 1-7 (page 214) New Testament
• Matthew 16: 13-17:13 (pages 16-17) New Testament – (Please follow the Armenian Reading in your Bible)

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 Hagop Arzoumanian, Doris Alahverde, Alyce Jilajian and John Arslanian. For those who are struggling with illness, hardship and grief, let us remember them in prayer. Pray for Der Hakob and those who are with him on a pilgrimage to Armenia. Continue to pray for the injustice and inhumanity that continues in the world. Indeed, our prayers are powerful.

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: From now through Labor Day, our Coffee Hour will change for the Summer. We are going to have a “POT LUCK” Coffee Hour. The church will provide the coffee but we are going to rely on those who wish to enjoy refreshments with their coffee and chat with friends to please bring something for the buffet table (enough to serve 8 people), either homemade or store bought. You will not be asked to make a donation if you are kind enough to bring refreshment on any given Sunday. This is being done in order to relieve the burden of the same few people making sure that we have refreshments every Sunday. We hope you will take this opportunity to share your bounty with our church family on these Sundays.

Blessing of the Grapes: This year the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-of-God will take place on Sunday, August 13. Anyone wishing to make a donation toward grapes should contact the church office no later than August 8.

FAR Spotlight: A clinical investigation into the poor health among Tavush Province’s children ages six months to six years revealed malnutrition as the main cause. The Breaking the cycle of Poverty Program (BCPP) worked to develop a balanced nutrition program to combat malnutrition. Currently 557 children, ages two to six, in 15 kindergartens in Tavush Province receive nutritious meals throughout the year. Follow up evaluations show improved health conditions among the program’s children. To learn more about FAR, its mission and programs, please visit http://farusa.org .

Time with God’s Wisdom Literature: We invite Bible study newcomers, as well as seasoned students of Scripture, to our four-week summer series being held on Wednesday EVENINGS from 7:00-8:30 at church. To register, contact nancybasmajian@verizon.net or 215-722-3369. Here are the dates and the Bible study leaders for each session (flyers are also available in the narthex):

July 26 Book of Ecclesiastes (Dn. Albert Keshgegian)
August 2 Song of Solomon (Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan)

VARIOUS DONATED ITEMS are available to anyone who may have a need for them. They include several walkers and a rollator (walker with a seat). Further information can be obtained by calling Craig Mirijanian at 818-618-9843.

ATTENTION GRADUATES – We want YOU to be included in the next issue of the Looys! Anyone wishing to submit a write-up and/or picture should send to looys@holytrinity-pa.org by August 15th. Pictures should be submitted in high resolution color. Write-up should be in WORD format and should include: institution from which you were graduated; degree; future plans; other details of importance; and names of parents. Optional information can include activities in which you were involved, especially at church. Any questions can be directed to Jeanette at 215-206-0440 or choirboss@hotmail.com.

A GENTLE REMINDER – We wish to remind our parishioners that, by order of the Fire Department, no parking is allowed in the Fire Lane, which is the area next to the lawn and the building in the parking lot. In addition, we have noticed cars who have no handicapped placard or identifying license plate parked in the handicapped spaces, especially behind the building, We ask for your courtesy in respecting the rules and leaving the handicapped spaces for those who truly need them.

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.

MEN’S CLUB NEWS “200 CLUB” – Raffle Tickets for the upcoming 2017-18 season are now available. A one-time donation of $100 will entitle you to eight (8) monthly drawings, with five winners drawn each month. Your ticket number could be a winner more than once this coming season! The first drawing will take place in November 2017 and the last in June 2018. Prizes range from $100 to $1,000 and your chance of winning is much better than the Lottery! See Larry DerHagopian or Mick Paretchan after church service today.

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)
July

July 26, Aug 2 – Evening Bible Study
July 23 – Feast of Transfiguration

August

Aug 13 — Feast of Assumption – Blessing of Grapes

NEW in the Bookstore! Communicate in Holiness: Reflections on the Divine Liturgy by Deacon Albert Keshgegian. In his most recent book, Dn. Albert clearly and succinctly presents the whole process of our Divine Liturgy, as well as the meanings and messages that each part has for us. He has also included many important and beautiful descriptive pictures of the Liturgy. 78 pages, $10. (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?
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– 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.