THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
June 19, 2016

Fifth Sunday After Pentecost 
Father’s Day

Sts. Tiridates the King & Queen Ashken

In 287 A.D. Tiridates (Trdat), from the royal house of Arshakouni, assumes the throne which once belonged to his father and becomes Tiridates III, King of Armenia. His name is inextricably linked with the Patron Saint of the Armenian Church, St. Gregory the Illuminator. In 301 A.D. the king releases the Christian Gregory from imprisonment and proclaims Christianity to be the State Religion of Armenia. In doing so, the king becomes the greatest advocate of spreading Christianity throughout the country.

The names of Queen Ashkhen and the King’s sister, Khosrovidoukht are closely related to the Great Conversion of Armenia as well. Princess Khosrovidoukht’s vision of a cure for the King’s incurable illness causes St. Gregory the Illuminator to be liberated from the dungeon of the deep pit. Gregory then is free to begin the process of spreading the light of Christianity, which is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

According to Greek historian Agathangelos, the King, the Queen and the Princess meet St. Gregory upon his return from Caesarea, to where he had traveled to receive episcopal ordination. Following a period of fasting and preparation, Gregory baptizes the three of them. They are followed by the baptism of the royal court and the nobles of Armenia. Through the baptism by Gregory, Tiridates becomes the first king in the world to rule over a Christian country. History also reveals that Tiridates, Ashkhen and Khosrovidoukht personally participate in the construction of the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin. The stones they used to build the cathedral were brought to Vagharshapat from the slopes of Biblical Mount Ararat.

TODAY’S BIBLE READINGS:

• Romans 8: 31-10:4 (pages 144-145) New Testament
• Matthew 13: 24-30 (page 13) New Testament – (Please follow the Armenian Reading in your Bible)

Pray for one another and especially for: the victims and families of those killed or injured in the terrorist attack in Orlando, FL; healing for Patrick Killian, Mickey Sherian and Anita Mirijanian; the bereaved among us; the Armenian soldiers fighting the Azerbaijanis to defend the homeland in Nagorno-Karabagh (Artsakh); those who have been killed in the conflict, including relatives of our own church members who have volunteered and lost their lives to defend that region; the Syrian refugees; and all who are persecuted for their faith and forced from their homes during these uncertain times.

Save The Date! The 50th anniversary of the consecration of our Church Building will be celebrated with a banquet on Sunday, September 18. Please contact Tom Torcomian at (610) 662-7879 if you would like to be a banquet sponsor.

The Ladies of Holy Trinity are sponsoring a trip to the 9/11 Memorial in New York City on Saturday, September 24. This is open to all members of our church family. The price is $110. Details are on the flyer. Please see Liz Barone or Jeanette Der Hagopian for details. Deadline for reservation is July 31.

SIGN UP TODAY: Summer Faith Discussions! We are reaching out to those of you who have been unable to participate in our adult education initiatives due to work conflicts and/or travel distance. We will be hosting home evening programs in three neighborhoods this July. For more details and to find a home near you, see flyer available in the narthex or the church lobby. Please remember to RSVP three (3) days prior to the event.

July 13: At the home of Jeanette and Larry Der Hagopian
Facilitator: Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan
Topic: To Be Announced

July 20: At the home of Albert and Patrice Keshgegian
Facilitator: Albert Keshgegian
Topic: Understanding the Psalms

July 27: At the home of Barbara and Tom Harmon
Facilitator: Brian Hoyle
Topic: Exploring the Mission of the Church

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.

DAUGHTERS OF VARTAN COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT In honor of Earth Day, we will begin our Battery Recycling Community Service Project. A box will be placed in the Church lobby so you can deposit your old, used Button cell batteries (used for hearing aids watches, and calculators) as well as household batteries size D, C, AA, AAA and 9 volt. On the very first Earth Day, 20 million people gathered in the streets of America to protest the industrial revolution. An environmental movement was born as a result.

CHURCH CALENDAR (please mark your calendars)
July

• Sunday July 3rd: TRANSFIGURATION
• Wednesday July 13th: Faith Discussion at Jeanette Der Hagopian’s 7-8:30 pm
• Wednesday July 20th: Faith Discussion at Albert Keshgegian’s 7-8:30 pm
• Wednesday July 27th: Faith Discussion at Barbara Harmon’s 7-8:30 pm

August

• Sunday August 14th: Assumption (Blessing of Grapes)

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.