THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
May 1, 2016

Sixth Sunday of Eastertide

Ascension of Christ

The Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord on the fortieth day following the Feast of the Glorious Resurrection of Our Savior Jesus Christ.

Following His Resurrection and defeat of death, Christ remained on earth for forty days, and continued to appear to His disciples. On the fortieth day, Christ is seen by His disciples for the last time. He blesses them and leaves them with instructions, after which He ascends into heaven.

Two of the Gospel writers, St. Mark and St. Luke, testify about Christ’s ascension. There is also an account of it in the Acts of the Apostles.

Following a final meeting of Christ with the eleven remaining apostles, St. Mark writes, “So then, after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.” (Mark 16:19)

St. Luke gives a little greater detail as he writes, “And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.” (Luke 24: 50-53)

But by far the most beautiful account of the Ascension can be found in the Book of Acts: “And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:9-11). The hymn that is sung in the Armenian Church on Ascension Day mentions the miraculous event of Christ’s Ascension into heaven and the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles.

In the Armenian Church, the day of Jesus Christ’s Ascension is also commemorated for another reason as well. On this date in 1441, the See of the Catholicosate of All Armenians was returned to its historical origins. Following a resolution of the National Assembly gathered in Vagharshapad, the Patriarchal See was relocated from the city of Sis in Western Armenia to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Following his vision of Christ striking the ground with a golden hammer, St. Gregory the Illuminator had founded the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin in 303. However, less than 200 years later, in 484, the Patriarchal See was forced to relocate, and for the next 1000 years, settled in various cities throughout Armenia. The decision to return the throne of the Catholicos to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin was the fulfillment of a national dream for the Armenian people.

TODAY’S BIBLE READINGS:

• 1John 3: 2-6 (page 215) New Testament
• John 9: 39-10:10 (pages 94- 95) New Testament – (Please follow the Armenian Reading in your Bible)

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

• HIS EMINENCE ARCHBISHOP YEGHISHE GIZIRIAN on the 40th day of His eternal life requested by Mr. & Mrs. Martin Attarian, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Damerjian Sr., Mr. & Mrs. Vincent Karakashian, Mrs. Berjouhy Bosnian, Mr. & Mrs. John Eskandarian, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Vishab, Mrs. Ani Gooshian and Mr. & Mrs. Berj Boursalian.

Hokehankist today will be for:

• VERY REV. FR. HAIGAZOUN MELKONIAN (16th Anniversary of His eternal life) requested by our Holy Trinity Family.
• RONALD NISHAN GOOSHIAN (2nd Anniversary of His eternal life) requested by Ani Gooshain.

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.

Pray for One Another and especially for Jane Sklencar, Mickey Sherian and Anita Mirijanian for their improved 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 in the conflict, including relatives of our own church members who have volunteered and lost their lives to defend that region; for the Syrian refugees; and for all who are persecuted for their faith and forced from their homes during these trying times.

ALTAR FLOWERS: are donated today by Ani Gooshian in loving memory of RONALD NISHAN GOOSHIAN (2nd Anniversary of His eternal life).

ALTAR CANDLES: are donated today by Mr. & Mrs. Martin Attarian, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Damerjian Sr., Mr. & Mrs. Vincent Karakashian, Mrs. Berjouhy Bosnian, Mr. & Mrs. John Eskandarian, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Vishab, Mrs. Ani Gooshian and Mr. & Mrs. Berj Boursalian in loving memory of HIS EMINENCE ARCHBISHOP YEGHISHE GIZIRIAN on the 40th day of His eternal life .

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: is sponsored today by Mr. & Mrs. Martin Attarian, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Damerjian Sr., Mr. & Mrs. Vincent Karakashian, Mrs. Berjouhy Bosnian, Mr. & Mrs. John Eskandarian, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Vishab, Mrs. Ani Gooshian and Mr. & Mrs. Berj Boursalian in loving memory of HIS EMINENCE ARCHBISHOP YEGHISHE GIZIRIAN on the 40th day of His eternal life.

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

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.

THANK YOU FROM DAUGHTERS OF VARTAN – We would like to thank all the parishioners who contributed to our Eyeglasses Recycling Project. We collected 60 pairs of gently used, unwanted glasses and they are now being processed for distribution to those less fortunate in need of proper eyewear. The collection box is now in the lobby of St. Sahag Church in Wynnewood. Let’s see if they can match Holy Trinity’s number.

CHURCH CALENDAR (please mark your calendars)
May

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

June

• Sunday June 12th: Church Picnic

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:

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• 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.