THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
May 7, 2017

Red Sunday

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: Hokehankist today will be for:

• RONALD NISHAN GOOSHIAN, KRIKOR & DOROTHY GOOSHIAN and BAGRAD & MARIE BOURSALIAN requested by Ani Gooshian.

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.

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.

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: is sponsored today by Ani Gooshian in loving memory of RONALD NISHAN GOOSHIAN, KRIKOR & DOROTHY GOOSHIAN and BAGRAD & MARIE BOURSALIAN. All are welcome.

Mother’s Day Luncheon Reminder: Ladies, if you are interested in meeting us at the Apricot Stone for lunch on Sat, May 13, please see or call Liz Barone (610-449-2236). There are a few open seats.

FAR Spotlight: AYO!, FAR’s fundraising department, has paired with the Armenian Eye Care Project (AECP) to provide eye care and eyeglasses for Armenia’s impoverished elderly at no charge. Services are directed to the 781 seniors who frequent FAR’s soup kitchens located in Yerevan, Gyumri, Nor Hajn, Byureghavn and Berd. With improved vision, Armenia’s elderly poor have the opportunity to live a better quality life. To learn more about FAR, its mission and programs, please visit http://farusa.org .

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)
May

• Sunday May 21st: Graduates Blessing Service

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.)

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.