THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
March 13, 2016

Feasts of St. Gregory the Illuminator Captivity in Pit

When Khosrov’s son King Trdat came of age, he was summoned to Rome by the Emperor Diocletian to reclaim his father’s throne and become Rome’s ally. Gregory was part of Trdat’s entourage, serving as Trdat’s secretary. In honor of his triumphal return to Armenia’s capital, Vagharshapat, Trdat ordered sacrifices to the pagan goddess Anahit. Gregory refused to take part in the sacrifices. Instead, he confessed his Christian faith and began to preach the wisdom of worshipping the One God. At that time, one of the princes revealed that Gregory was the son of Anak, the assassin who had murdered Trdat’s father. Trdat ordered Gregory to be tortured until he renounced Christianity. Gregory endured twelve terrible tortures, but did not recant his faith. Seeing that Gregory’s faith was not broken, Trdat ordered Gregory to be put to death by casting him into a pit (Arm. Khor Virap), full of human bones and snakes. St. Gregory survived this horrible ordeal for thirteen years, being secretly feed by a pious woman, believed to be King Trdat’s sister, St. Khosrovidukht, or someone sent by her.

TODAY’S BIBLE READINGS:

• Colossians 2: 8-3:17 (pages 182-183) New Testament
• Matthew 22: 34-23:39 (pages 23-24) New Testament – (Please follow the Armenian Reading in your Bible)

REQUIEM SERVICES: Hokehankist today will be for:

• GEORGE GUTCHIGIAN (40th Anniversary of his eternal journey), MARGUERITE GUTCHIGIAN, HARRY GUTCHIGIAN & ROSE E. MUKALIAN requested by Naomi and Rick Mukalian and Family.

Pray for One Another and especially for our beloved Yeghishe Srpazan who is resting The Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center to regain his strength and health. For those interested in sending him their greetings, the address is 70 Main, Emerson, NJ 07630. Pray also for the Syrian refugees and for all who are persecuted for their faith and forced from their homes during these trying times.

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.

Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 13, 2016, so please remember to turn your clock forward one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night. Remember: Spring forward, Fall back!

PALM SUNDAY BANQUET: Sunday, March 20, 2016, is ACYOA DAY. Immediately following Church Services, ACYOA is sponsoring a Banquet. Donations: Adults $20.00 – Children ages 7 to 12 yrs. $8.00 – Children 6 and under Free. No tickets will be sold at the door. For reservations, please send in your check by the Deadline: March 13, 2016.

Church Family Feud: Join us this Friday, March 18 for the last of our Friday Night Lenten Programs—we promise you an uplifting and joy-filled evening. Some young, and not-so-young, members of our parish will compete in a rousing—but friendly—game of “Church Family” Feud. Which families will compete? What will they be asked? Will the competition get ruthless? What will we learn about Der Hayr’s day off? The evening begins with worship at 6:30 followed by a Pot Luck dinner and, of course, the game which will be hosted by our own Nick Terkanian. Bring along a Lenten dish to contribute to our dinner.

COMING THIS SPRING—A SIX WEEK BIBLE STUDY: LOOK FOR DETAILS IN NEXT WEEK’S MESSENGER

Another Milestone Event: Before you know it, the 50th anniversary of the consecration of our church in Cheltenham will be here – on September 18, 2016. Anyone wishing to be a part of the organizing committee should contact the church office as soon as possible. We hope to have various events during the year leading up to “the main attraction” in September.

ARMENIAN SISTERS ACADEMY: Once again it’s time for our Spring Open House, an opportunity to educate interested families and enroll students for next September. OPEN HOUSE Tuesday, March 15th, 2016 9:00-11:30 a.m. RSVP by March 7 Admissions@asaphila.org or 610-687-4100.

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.

CHURCH CALENDAR (please mark your calendars)
March

• Saturday March 12th: Lenten Service
• Friday March 18th: Lenten Service
• Sunday March 20th: ACYOA Palm Sunday Banquet

Something to think about: Reflect during Lent on these “one another” Scripture passages on Christian fellowship: Do I experience this in my church family? Do I live out these verses in my own life? What can I do to strengthen these qualities in myself and in my community?

• Love one another. (John 13:34)
• Be devoted to one another. (Romans 12:10)
• Accept one another. (Romans 15:7)
• Instruct one another. (Romans 15:14)
• Greet one another with affection. (Romans 16:16)
• Serve one another. (Galatians 5:13)
• Bear with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2)
• Be kind and compassionate to one another. (Ephesians 4:32)
• Forgive one another. (Ephesians 4:32)
• Wisely admonish one another. (Colossians 3:16)
• Build one another up. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
• Encourage one another daily. (Hebrews 3:13)
• Spur one another into doing good. (Hebrews 10:24)
• Keep meeting with one another. (Hebrews 10:25)

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.