THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
April 9, 2017

Palm Sunday

Remembrance of the Raising of Lazarus

On the 41st day of the period of Great Lent, the Armenian Church commemorates Lazarus being raised from the dead.

The Gospel according to St. John (Jn 11:11-46) relates the story. Lazarus was from a family loved by Jesus Christ. He was the brother of Mary and Martha, who often received Jesus. Lazarus dies after succumbing to an illness. Upon hearing that His friend has died, Christ goes to visit the family, and says to Martha, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though he dies…” Christ asks Martha if she believes this, to which she replies, “Yes, Lord. I do believe that you are the Messiah, who was to come into the world.” Christ, standing before the grave, commands Lazarus to come forth, and he appears, being restored to life. By doing so, Christ proves that He is, in fact “Life and Resurrection”.

The Gospel story telling about the raising of Lazarus contains the passage: “Jesus wept.” The Jews, seeing Jesus expressing grief, said: “See how much he loved him!”

The raising of Lazarus is an example of the coming resurrection of all those who have fallen asleep in Christ. The weeping of Jesus demonstrates His great love towards mankind.

TODAY’S BIBLE READINGS:

• Philippians 4: 4-7 (page 180) New Testament
• Matthew 20: 29-21:17 (pages 20- 21) New Testament – (Please follow the Armenian Reading in your Bible)

Procedure for Confession and Communion – Today please remain in your seats for confession and participate by praying the general form of confession which can be found on pages 48-49 in the Pew Book. (Pages 48-49 in the front of the book will be in Armenian; and Pages 48-49 in the back of the book will have the English and transliteration.) In an effort to maintain the solemnity of the sacrament, we ask you to not enter the center aisle until your row is called by a member of the Parish Council. We believe this will enable all who are partaking of Communion quiet time for continued reflection.

PRAYERS: “May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141:2). We continue to ask for the prayers of our faithful, not only for their own loved ones, but for those among us who need intercession on their behalf. As you offer your prayers “like incense,” please remember John Arslanian, Larry Der Hagopian, Victoria Berberian, Anita Mirijanian, Armenoui Aznavuryan and Doris Alahverde. Pray also for our leaders in all areas, being mindful of the unrest that is in the world, both near and far away. Let peace reign among us.

PALM SUNDAY BANQUET: TODAY is ACYOA DAY. Immediately following Church Services, ACYOA is sponsoring a Banquet. No tickets will be sold at the door.

Choir Collection will be taken today. Thank you for your support.

PALM CROSSES – A sincere thank-you to Alice Torossian who hand made the Palm Crosses that are being distributed today.

YOUGHAKIN DONATION Traditionally during Easter, gifts of oil, Youghakin donations are made to the Church. The notion is that by offering oil you keep the lamps of the church burning, these would always be resources in order to keep the doors of the church open. Your gift is gratefully appreciated.

EASTER SERVICES 2017

April 13 – Holy Thursday:
– Washing of the Feet 7:00 PM
– Betrayal and Passion of Our Lord 8:00 PM
April 14 – Great and Holy Friday
– The Entombment of Our Lord Jesus Christ 7:00 PM
April 15 – Great and Holy Saturday/Easter Eve
– Divine Liturgy 7:00 PM
– Home Blessing/Fellowship 8:00 PM
April 16 – Easter Sunday
– Morning Services 10:00 AM
– Divine Liturgy 10:30 AM

PALM SUNDAY PALMS and PALM SUNDAY FLOWERS are donated by:

• Mr. and Mrs. John S. Bandaian Sr. in memory of Dovie & the Bandaian Family
•  Alice Karabian in memory of Michael & Rose Karabian
• Ani Gooshian in memory of Ronald N. Gooshian and Marie & Bagrad Boursalian
• Michael and Lynn Hajatian in memory of the Hajatian & Vosbikian Families
• Richard J. Terzian in memory of Yolanda TerzianKim and Gena Willard in honor of Larry & Jeanette Der Hagopian

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow: The Armenian Woman: Men and women from our community are invited to a conversation about the remarkable work Armenian women did in reconstructing their community in post-genocide Turkey. How can we honor their legacy in the Diaspora of the 21st century? The two-part program, being held on two Tuesday evenings—April 25 and May 9 from 7:00-8:30—is based on Dr. Lerna Ekmekcioglu’s book, “Recovering Armenia: The Limits of Belonging in Post-Genocide Turkey.” Flyers with more info are available in the narthex and the church lobby.

ATTENTION GRADUATES: On May 21 our church will be conducting a Blessing Service following Badarak for all those who will be graduating from high school, college and advanced degrees in Spring, 2017. A celebratory continental breakfast will follow for all graduates. We invite you (or someone you know) to be a part of this special service recognizing your achievement and ask that you forward your information to Jeanette Der Hagopian at choirboss@hotmail.com as soon as you are able and no later than April 20, so that we can follow up with you.

FYI…Sunday Stats: Here are the monthly averages for attendance at Divine Liturgy. The numbers include worshippers, altar servers and choir. Look for more statistics in future issues of The Messenger.

March
2007 – 69
2012 – 76
2017 – 78

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.

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.