THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
June 4, 2017

Pentecost

Pentecost

Christ had instructed them in vague terms just before the Ascension to “not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised.” He said, “John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 1:4-5). And so the disciples, probably not knowing what else to do, gathered together in the place where they felt the closest to Jesus and each other: the Upper Room where they gathered for the Last Supper.

There, they elected Matthias to replace Judas, once again bringing their number to 12. And they waited for what would come. No doubt they were experiencing confusion, sadness, and fear.

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:1-4).

On that day, the Jewish feast of Pentecost, Peter delivered an inspiring sermon (Acts 2:14-40) and 3,000 men and women were baptized becoming the first “church” in Jerusalem (Acts 2:41-42). The Apostles began to heal, to preach with a new confidence, and begin their separate — but equally important — missions throughout the world.

TODAY’S BIBLE READINGS:

• Acts 2: 1-21 (pages 108 -109) New Testament
• John 14: 25-31 (page 100) New Testament – (Please follow the Armenian Reading in your Bible)

REQUIEM SERVICES: Hokehankist today will be for:

• – VAHAGN OHANYAN requested by Vahe Ohanyan.

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, Anita Mirijanian 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.

Today’s Confession/Communion Procedure: We ask our faithful to kneel at their pews during today’s Confession instead of approaching the chancel. Our Church School students will be using a special “Confession for Children” so we will be hearing their voices from the chancel. Parishioners may turn to page 48 in the Pew Book and read the adult confession silently. Immediately following the Absolution, parishioners may come forward to receive Holy Communion.

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.

Well done, Andrew! Today our parish community rejoices as Andrew Movsesian, the son of Paul and Leslie Movsesian, graduates from Church School. Immediately following the Divine Liturgy, he will take part in the Order of Graduation service in which he will renew his commitment to the Church and recall the promises made for him at his Baptism and Chrismation. Andrew will then receive his Diocesan diploma from Fr. Hakob. We invite our faithful to offer their congratulations to Andrew after they kiss the Gospel and join us for celebratory cake and coffee during our Sunday Fellowship. Andrew will also be reading today’s Epistle.

FAR Spotlight: A young war widow from the cross-border village of Movses with 3 children, Ruzanna was unable to supply her extended family with basic necessities. Through the Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Program, Ruzanna received a sewing machine, 165 square feet of fabric and instruction giving her a new career. Ruzanna now heads her own business making more than $40.00 a month in profit and, most importantly, the ability to provide for her family. To learn more about FAR, its mission and programs, please visit http://farusa.org .

SIGN UP TODAY: Home Bible Studies! 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 evening programs in three neighborhoods in June. For more details and to find a home near you, see flyer available in the narthex or the church lobby. Please remember to RSVP to your host—contact information is on the flyer.

June 7: At the home of Steve and Nancy Hovnanian
Moorestown, New Jersey
Facilitator: Leslie Movsesian

June 14: At the home of Jeanette and Larry Der Hagopian
Warminster, Pennsylvania
Facilitator: Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan

June 21: At the home of Albert and Patrice Keshgegian
Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
Facilitator: Albert Keshgegian

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.

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)
June

• Sunday June 4th: Church School Communion Sunday and Graduation

COUNTRY STORE: The Country Store is open every Sunday after church services in the kitchen. All are welcome.

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.)

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.