THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
September 3, 2023

Fourth Sunday after Assumption

This Sunday, The Church will be open from 10 -11 am for prayers and lighting candles. Der Hakob has returned from his travels and will be doing Morning Services.

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Isaiah 10:12-19 The passage is a reminder that no human power is greater than the power of the Lord. The king of Assyria may boast of his accomplishments, but he is ultimately subject to the Lord’s judgment. The passage also teaches us that the Lord is a God of justice. He will punish the arrogant and the wicked, but he will also vindicate the oppressed and the innocent.

2 Corinthians 2:12-3:3 The main message of this passage is the importance of forgiveness. Paul teaches that forgiveness is not only necessary for the restoration of relationships, but it is also necessary to prevent Satan from taking advantage of us. When we forgive others, we are following the example of Christ, who forgave us even though we did not deserve it. It is a reminder that we are all called to spread the fragrance of Christ to the world, even when it is difficult.

Mark 6:30-44 In this passage, Jesus and his disciples are in a remote place, and a large crowd gathers to hear him teach. Jesus has compassion on the people, and he teaches them for many hours. When it is evening, the disciples suggest that Jesus send the people away so that they can buy food. But Jesus says, “You give them something to eat.” The disciples have only five loaves of bread and two fish, but Jesus took the food, looked to the heavens, and blessed the food. He gave it to the disciples and tells them to distribute it to the crowd. When they do, there is enough food for everyone, and even twelve baskets of leftovers are collected

This passage also shows Jesus’ compassion for the people and his power to provide for their needs. It is also a sign of Jesus’ future role as the Messiah, who will one day feed all of God’s people.

Saturday, September 9, celebrates the 318 Fathers of the Council of Nicaea

The word “ecumenical” means “universal” and comes from the Greek oikoumene, which means “the inhabited world.” An ecumenical council was the meeting of the entire Church as represented by her bishops and other leaders. Following research and debate, decisions in these councils were arrived at through the grace and guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Council of Nicaea in 325 AD was the first of the three Ecumenical Councils recognized by the Armenian Church and was called by the Emperor Constantine to address a specific controversy. In opposition to the heresy espoused by the priest Arius, namely that the Son of God was created by the Father, the Council decreed that Son of God, Jesus Christ, is uncreated and divine, of one essence with the Father (homoousios) and not made or created by Him. Among other important results, the Council began the formulation of the Nicene Creed (ergo its name) which was finalized at the Second Ecumenical Council of Constantinople in 381. Reflection: Diocesan and Parish Assemblies are church councils. Knowing that God is especially present when we gather in His name, how might we focus ourselves better on His will for us as we elect officials and deliberate budgets and policies?

NOTICE: Renovations are winding down in the two bathrooms near the elevator but are taking a little longer than expected. They are unavailable for use and are expected to reopen very soon. Pardon the inconvenience while we make the area better for everyone. Thank you.

REQUIEM SERVICES:

Hokehankist – REMEMBERING DN. SOCRATES BOYAJIAN

August 28th commemorated the 15th anniversary of the passing of the dearly missed Dn. Socrates Boyajian. A cherished member of Sacred Music Council (formerly Association of the Armenian Church Choirs of America), Dn. Socrates dedicated many years to our organization.

His profound contributions to the musical realm of our Diocese are immeasurable. He took on the task of editing two volumes of the Sacred Music of the Armenian Church, a publication that now resonates widely within our churches across the Diocese. Moreover, he diligently edited, arranged, and published numerous scores of the Sacred Music of the Armenian Church. Requested by the Sacred Music Council.

Coming In The Fall – New Mission Sponsored by ACE

Please join us this Fall to create a “sisterhood” for the women of our church who have lost their husband or life partner.  Whether your loss is recent or long ago, we want to learn from one another for spiritual, social, and informational growth to enrich our lives despite our losses.  More information will follow.  For questions, please call Lucy Aghazarian, 215-901-7642 or email her lmardikian@hotmail.com.

Honoring Our Grandparents: We invite our entire community to join us on Sunday, September 10 as we celebrate National Grandparents Day. There will be a short blessing service following the Divine Liturgy in which we will recognize the special love and gifts grandparents share with their grandchildren and their contribution to our parish family. Fellowship with ice cream and cake will follow!

FAR Update:  Living apart from your family is challenging, and establishing a business from scratch is even more arduous, but with FAR’s assistance, we are gradually finding our footing,” shares baker Alina. In her cozy shop nestled in Masis city, she and her sister Aghavni have reestablished their lives after the heartache of the loss of family members, land and home. The oven, refrigerator and other equipment provided by Fund for Armenian Relief through the Small Business Assistance program gave the two women the launchpad they needed. Their bakery, the sole “jengyalov hats” provider in Masis, has gained popularity among the locals and has become their lifeline. Learn more about the Support for Artsakh’s Displaced program and join in by donating to FAR today! https://www.farusa.org/post/bringing-a-bite-of-artsakh-to-masis

September 24: Church School opening: We are thrilled to inform our faithful, especially our young families, that Church School is back and IN PERSON!  Both the Language Education and Christian Education divisions of our school will hold Registration on Sunday, September 24 starting at 10:30 in the church lobby—there is no registration or book fee. Help us spread the word—every child is welcome. After Badarak, our faithful are invited to join us for a pizza party!

Support Artists from Armenia: This year’s Harvest Bazaar will feature an encore of our Armenian Gift Market – Vernisage – with a variety of merchandise from Armenia which will surely delight those who visit our booth to view the products. We are seeking donors who will underwrite the purchase of these items and by doing so will, in turn, help support the work of the artists. For more information, contact Cece Garibian (267-210-0670), Tanya Paretchan (215-530-7847) or Gena DerHagopian Willard (215-805-6559).

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 greeting 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.

Attic Treasures – Bazaar 2023: Please do not bring your Attic Treasures to the church until September 15th. While we appreciate the donations, we ask you to store them at your homes as we do not have a storage area.  Thank you.

Lost & Found: Please take a look at the coat racks in the hallway as we have begun to accumulate miscellaneous pieces of clothing.  We will be donating any remaining items to charity in November.

Sept 10 – Blessing of Grandparents

Sept 17 – Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Sept 21 – Armenian Independence Day

Sept 21 – Zoom Book Club

Sept 24 – Church School Begins

• 10:30 am – Registration for Christian Education Classes and Language Education Classes starts in the Fellowship Hall lobby
• 11:15 am – Christian Education Classes begin.
• 12:15 pm – Pizza Party for students

Oct 1 – Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak

Oct 1 – 10:30 – Armenian Language Classes begin

Oct 1 – 11:15 am Christian Education Classes continue

Oct 1 – ACYOA Car Wash Event after service today