THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
April 17, 2016

Red Sunday

In the Calendar of the Armenian Church, the third Sunday following the Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ is known as Red Sunday.

The color “red” has been used throughout history to represent many things. One of the symbolic meanings is the blood of the martyrs who were sacrificed for Christ, His Holy Church, and their Christian faith. During the early years of Christianity, faithful followers of Jesus Christ were subjected to severe persecutions and torments. Many elected to die rather than betray their principles of life and faith, which the Incarnate God – Christ Jesus – had endowed to them and all of mankind. The psalmist writes, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of the saints” (Psalms 116:15).

Today, martyrdom is far less often an occurrence in the lives of Christians, yet it does happen. However, the greater struggle is the one against sin, which we can see manifested in many ways throughout the world. The battle against wickedness and evil, which will be victorious in the end, is the current expression of the significance of Red Sunday. The Apostle Paul writes that Christ Himself endured such opposition, that we should not grow weary in our battle against wickedness. In his letter to the Hebrews, Paul says: “In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” (Hebrews 12:4). We are to use the opportunity of Red Sunday to once again remind ourselves of Paul’s exhortation to remain steadfast in the Lord, and to continue our daily labors of goodness and righteousness.

TODAY’S BIBLE READINGS:

• 1Peter 5: 1-14 (page 211) New Testament
• John 5: 19-30 (page 88) New Testament – (Please follow the Armenian Reading in your Bible)

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

• His Eminence Archbishop Davit Sahakyan, retired priest in the Armenian Diocese of France on the 40th day of His eternal life.

Pray for One Another and especially for Jane Sklencar for recovery of good health; for the bereaved among us; for the Armenian soldiers fighting the Azerbaijanis to defend the homeland in Nagorno-Karabagh (Artsakh), for those who have been killed, and for their families; for the Syrian refugees; and for all who are persecuted for their faith and forced from their homes during these trying times.

SPECIAL APPEAL – Over the next three Sundays (April 10, 17 and 24), we will be having only one plate collection each date, all of which will be donated for the relief of our soldiers and their families as they defend the homeland against the attacks by the Azerbaijani army in the border towns of Nagorno-Karabagh (Artsakh). This has led to a loss of both military and civilian lives, and casualties among many. Please be generous and especially keep all of them in your prayers. Check should be made to “Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Memo:Artsakh.” Deadline is April 30

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: there will be NO COFFEE HOUR TODAY due to the hall being rented.

Worship and Formation: Adult Education Schedule
(Both sessions will be held from 10:00 to 10:30 in the CHURCH SANCTUARY.)

April 17 – The Badarak: Basic Actions
Deacon Albert Keshgegian

April 24 – Faith Affirmed: Scripture and the Creed
Deacon Antranig Garibian

NOTE: We thank our faithful for their cooperation and participation in this
important pilot program!

Mother’s Day Celebration Luncheon invites you to join us for lunch on Saturday, May 7 at 11:30am at Da Soli Restaurant in Haddonfield, NJ. The cost is $30 per guest and reservations and payment are due before May 1. Since space is limited, reservations will be accepted on a first-come basis. See Margo Silk or Liz Barone

St. Nersess Seminary has announced its 2016 summer conference schedule for high school and post-high school students. For the first time, the conferences will be held at the new St. Nersess campus in Armonk, NY. Brochures are available in the church lobby or visit the St. Nersess Seminary website @ www.stnersess.edu to learn more.

• Deacons’ Training Program: June 25-July 3 – Directed by Fr. Daniel Findikyan
• High School Summer Conference A: July 15-24 – Directed by Fr. Ghevond Ajamian
• High School Summer Conference B: July 29- August 7 – Directed by Fr. Shnork Souin
• Post-High School Summer Conference: August 9-13 – Directed by Fr. Samuel Rith-Najarian

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.

DAUGHTERS OF VARTAN COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT – Changing Lives, One Pair at a Time In just about any dresser drawer, one can find a pair of eyeglasses that are no longer being used. That same pair of eyeglasses can change another person’s life. Imagine if you could help a child read. An adult succeed in his job. A senior maintain her independence. Volunteers clean, sort by prescription strength and package the glasses. Most of the recycled glasses are distributed to people in need in developing countries where they will have the greatest impact. Please drop off your usable eyewear in the collection box located in the Holy Trinity Church Lobby. Thank you.

CHURCH CALENDAR (please mark your calendars)
April

• Sunday April 24th: Genocide Commemoration
• Thursday April 21st: Spring Bible Study 10:00 am

May

• Thursdays May 5th, 12th & 19th: Spring Bible Study 10:00 am

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.