THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
December 4, 2016

Second Sunday of Advent

SAINTS THADDEUS AND BARTHOLOMEW

Saints Thaddeus and Bartholomew, two of the twelve apostles, were the first evangelizers of Armenia, and were martyred there, giving the Armenian Church its apostolic identity and earning them the title, “First Enlighteners of Armenia.”

Thaddeus came to Armenia about 43 AD to preach Christianity. He was martyred in southeastern Armenia. His tomb lies in the Armenian monastery of St. Thaddeus (Iran) where a chapel was built in the third century.

Batholomew is believed to have arrived in Armenia about 66 AD. He was martyred in Hadamakert, southeast of Lake Van.

TODAY’S BIBLE READINGS:

• 1Thessalonians 4: 1-11 (pages 185-186) New Testament
• Luke 13: 1-9 (page 69) New Testament – (Please follow the Armenian Reading in your Bible)

PRAYERS: “Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.” (2 Chronicles 6:40) Praying is as vital to a faith community as breathing. It is one of the ways in which we communicate with God. We ask you to pray for those among who are facing medical difficulties: Ed Zarzatian, Jr., Albert Santerian, Virginia Shakarjian, and Anita Mirijanian. Please also pray for the unrest that is not only in faraway places but in our own country as well.

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.

Save the Date: Sunday December 11th for breakfast and a visit by Santa in the hall. Adults are $10.00 and church school students are free. Reservations are a MUST by 12/4/16. Questions call Merle Santerian at 215-947-3777. Everyone is welcome!

Vandazor is the old age home in Armenia and it can use financial help from us. The Ladies of Holy Trinity have again placed a container in the Nartex for your loose change. We will accept your loose change every Sunday until Armenian Christmas. Your donations will be sent to Armenia soon thereafter. We appreciate your support & generosity.

ACYOA, Jr. Poinsettia Plant Sale: The ACYOA, Jrs. will be selling poinsettia plants on Sunday, December 11th. Proceeds will go towards their sponsorship of a child through CASP.

ACYOA, Jr. Non-perishable Food Drive: The ACYOA Jrs. are collecting non-perishable foods for a local food pantry now through the month of December. At the end of the food drive they will personally deliver the collection to the food pantry.

REMINDER: According to the Diocesan Bylaws, membership dues are to be paid no later than December 31st each year in order to be a member in “good standing” and to be eligible to vote at the annual assembly. Any monies received after that date will be applied to the new year. For any questions regarding your status, please call the church office.

200 CLUB News from the Men’s Club – Latest 200 CLUB News from the Men’s Club – There are just two (2) tickets remaining for the “200 CLUB” raffle. Contact Larry DerHagopian or Mick Paretchan after church if you haven’t already purchased a ticket or would like an additional ticket! ***We would like to have our first drawing on Dec 18th.*** A one-time donation of $100 will entitle you to eight months of drawings, with five tickets drawn each month. Keep in mind that there will be $10,000 in prize money distributed between this November and next June, so don’t miss the opportunity!

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)
December

• Sunday December 4th: Stewardship Sunday
• Sunday December 11th: Breakfast with Santa & ACYOA Poinsettia Sale & pick up and food drive

January

• Thursday January 5th: Armenian Christmas Eve followed by Fellowship
• Friday January 6th: Armenian Christmas
• Sunday January 8th: Water Blessing Service & Christmas Pageant
• Sunday January 15th: Day of Remembrance

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.