THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
July 24, 2016

Fourth Sunday after Transfiguration

St. Anton the Hermit

Some time after the spreading of Christianity the hermits’ movement started. Hermits were those persons who devoted themselves to God, went to uninhabited places and deserts and spent their life there praying and fasting. Thus, by God’s will they overcame the human faults and attained spiritual perfection. After many years of ascetic life the hermits were granted the grace of working wonders and healing the sick by means of prayers.

St. Anton the Hermit is the founder of ascetic and monastic life. He was born in the village Koma, Egypt, in 251, in a noble family. After his parents’ death Anton inherited their wealth. Once in the church he listened the evangelical commandment, in which Jesus says: “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; then come and follow me.” (Mt 19:21). Being led by this commandment, Anton sold all of his property and lived in the spirit of praying, fasting and doing charity. After some time he left his native village and began to live in a cave, where according the hagiographers he struggled against the demons and devils who constantly appeared to him in the appearance of wild beasts. Patiently facing all temptations the saint left for a desert and lived there completely isolated for 20 years. Becoming aware of his ascetic and secluded life, many people left their houses and went the desert to live ascetic life. Upon the request of his spiritual brothers St. Anton came out of his cave and explained the assembled people monastic cannons and rules, which later became the guideline for monastic life. The saint passed away at the age of 105.

TODAY’S BIBLE READINGS:

• 1 Timothy 4: 12-5:10 (page 190) New Testament
• John 3: 13-21 (page 86) New Testament – (Please follow the Armenian Reading in your Bible)

REQUIEM SERVICES: Hokehankist today will be for:

• ELIZABETH and SOUREN SADJIAN, DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE SADJIAN & MARDIGIAN FAMILIES requested by Ernie & Chris Sadjian-Peacock and David & Terri Sadjian-Mears and Matthew Sadjian.
• ARMEN IRUMYAN requested by Ashhen Irumyan.

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.

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: You are invited, long time parishioners, new members, and first time visitors, please join us after Badarak in our lovely hall for Christian fellowship, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, and greet fellow parishioners and Der Hayr. The coffee hour begins when Der Hayr blesses the table. There are containers available to deposit your trash before leaving the hall. We appreciate your patience, cooperation, and support. Thank you.

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 no later than three (3) days prior to the event.

July 27: At the home of Brian and Joyce Hoyle
Facilitator: Brian Hoyle
Topic: Exploring the Mission of the Church

Blessing of the Grapes: This year the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-of-God will take place on Sunday, August 14. Anyone wishing to make a donation toward grapes should contact the church office no later than Monday, August 8.

The 50th Anniversary Committee is interested in memorabilia (documents, flyers, photos) related to church history during the past 50 years. And let us know if you would like these items returned after the banquet or if you would like to have the church retain them. We will need your memorabilia by Sunday August 14th. Please contact Michael (Mick) Paretchan for details or questions at 215-947-4394.

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.

Personal Worship Guide: Do you sometimes lose your place in the Pew Book? Do you occasionally forget the response to the Kiss of Peace or find yourself standing when everyone else is kneeling? What you need is a refresher course on the Divine Liturgy! During the summer months, our Adult Christian Education ministry is offering the faithful personal hands-on, page-by-page guidance on using the Pew Book to enhance the worship experience. Simply sign-up, and we will assign you one of our “experts” to lead you through the Pew Book during Badarak. To set up an appointment with your personal guide, contact Nancy Basmajian at nancybasmajian@verizon.net or 215-722-3369.

CHURCH CALENDAR (please mark your calendars)
July

• Wednesday July 27th: Faith Discussion at Brian Hoyle’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.