THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
July 9, 2017

Fifth Sunday After Pentecost

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)

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 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.

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 12 Book of Job (Brian Hoyle)
July 19 Book of Proverbs (Leslie Movsesian)
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.

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 12, 19, 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?
• 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.