THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
February 7, 2016

Great Barekendan

Feast of St. Vartan the Captain and Companions

The Feast of St. Vartan the Captain and his 1036 Companions marks their martyrdom 1565 years ago in the battle of Avarayr, fighting for the freedom of conscience and religion for the Armenian Nation. It was to be the first testimony of many to follow that the Armenians were a people who freely chose Christ, remained steadfast in their Christian faith, and would not betray that faith for any ransom. “Vartanants” as it is commonly called, is one of the most sacred feasts of the Armenian people. In the Armenian Church, the Feast day of St. Vartan the Captain and Companions is also celebrated as the Naming Day of His Holiness Karekin II. To mark the occasion, at the conclusion of Divine Liturgy, a Pontifical Prayer is offered before the Holy Altar of Descent.

TODAY’S BIBLE READINGS:

• Romans 13: 11-14:25 (page 148-150) New Testament
• Matthew 6: 1-21 (page 5) New Testament – (Please follow the Armenian Reading in your Bible)

REQUIEM SERVICES: Karasoonk (40th Day memorial Service) today will be for:

• ARPEN AGASAR – requested by Mary Jane & Jimmy Agasar, Ronald & Betty Agasar and Families and Doris Alahverde & Family on the 40th day of Her eternal journey.
  Communion Sunday for Church School parishioners are asked to please remain at their seats for Communion so that the students can sit up close.

Altar candles are donated by Larry and Jeanette Der Hagopian and family in loving memory of their parents and grandparents, Ann (7 years) and Deran Chopoorian (28 years).

PRAYERS REQUESTED: From the Book of James, we are taught that “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Therefore, as you pray for your own family, we ask that you keep members of our Holy Trinity family in your prayers as well. Continue to pray specifically for those who are ill. Pray especially for the various ministries within our church and their leaders: our Church School, our faith-based programs, our youth. And mostly pray that Jesus Christ is a Living Presence in each and every person in our church community. You may also advise the church office if you would like to include anyone by name in this column so that we may, as a church family, pray for them.

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: There will not be a Fellowship hour today due to Church School’s Poon Paregentan Celebration.

Poon Paregentan Celebration Luncheon: TODAY following services in the church hall. Church School children are free. Adults are $8.00 per person and children (ages 5-12) are $4.00 each. Everyone is welcome.

“Getting Ready for Lent and Holy Week”: That’s the title of Fr. Hakob’s presentation at the first of our 2016 Lenten Educational Series. Join us on Friday, February 12 at 6:30; the evening begins with worship and will be followed by a traditional Lenten dinner hosted by Yn. Anna Gevorgyan, Karine Hovhanessian and Merle Santerian. No sign-up required, and all the programs in the series ask only for a free-will offering.

ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY: Scheduled for February 21, 2016 with alternate snow dates of February 28 or March 6, 2016.

Another Milestone Event: Before you know it, the 50th anniversary of the consecration of our church in Cheltenham will be here – on September 18, 2016. Anyone wishing to be a part of the organizing committee should contact the church office as soon as possible. We hope to have various events during the year leading up to “the main attraction” in September.

SEEKING DEVELOPMENT OFFICER: St. Nersess is seeking a part-time Development Officer to oversee the seminary’s fundraising and alumni/donor relations programs. Reporting to the dean of the seminary, the Development Officer will also work closely with an engaged, supportive Board of Directors and a dynamic school team. For more information contact the seminary at 914-273-0200.

CHURCH CALENDAR (please mark your calendars)
February

• Sunday February 7th: Poon Paregentan
• Friday February 12th: Lenten Service
• Friday February 19th: Lenten Service
• Sunday February 21st: Annual Parish Assembly (snow dates 2/28 & 3/6)
• Saturday February 27th: Leadership Workshop 9:30 am

Something to think about: Reflect during Lent on these “one another” Scripture passages on Christian fellowship: Do I experience this in my church family? Do I live out these verses in my own life? What can I do to strengthen these qualities in myself and in my community?

• Love one another. (John 13:34)
• Be devoted to one another. (Romans 12:10)
• Accept one another. (Romans 15:7)
• Instruct one another. (Romans 15:14)
• Greet one another with affection. (Romans 16:16)
• Serve one another. (Galatians 5:13)
• Bear with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2)
• Be kind and compassionate to one another. (Ephesians 4:32)
• Forgive one another. (Ephesians 4:32)
• Wisely admonish one another. (Colossians 3:16)
• Build one another up. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
• Encourage one another daily. (Hebrews 3:13)
• Spur one another into doing good. (Hebrews 10:24)
• Keep meeting with one another. (Hebrews 10:25)

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.