THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
March 6, 2016

Sunday of the Judge

Forty Martyrs of Sebaste

According to St. Basil, forty soldiers who had openly confessed themselves Christians were condemned by the prefect to be exposed naked upon a frozen pond near Sebaste on a bitterly cold night, that they might freeze to death. Among the confessors, one yielded and, leaving his companions, sought the warm baths near the lake which had been prepared for any who might prove inconstant. One of the guards set to keep watch over the martyrs beheld a supernatural brilliancy overshadowing them and at once proclaimed himself a Christian, threw off his garments, and placed himself beside the thirty-nine soldiers of Christ. Thus the number of forty remained complete. At daybreak, the stiffened bodies of the confessors, which still showed signs of life, were burned and the charred bones were cast into a river so that Christians would not gather them up.

Three days later the martyrs appeared in a dream to St. Peter, Bishop of Sebaste, and commanded him to bury their remains. The bishop, together with several clergy, gathered up the relics of the glorious martyrs by night and buried them with honor.

TODAY’S BIBLE READINGS:

• Philippians 3: 1-4:9 (pages 180-181) New Testament
• Luke 17: 20-18:14 (pages 73-74) New Testament – (Please follow the Armenian Reading in your Bible)

REQUIEM SERVICES: Hokehankist today will be for:

• MARY SERABIAN (55th Anniversary of her eternal journey) requested by Larry & Dorothy Grocott and Nathanael & Molly Werntz.
  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.

ALTAR FLOWERS & CANDLES are donated today by Larry & Dorothy Grocott and Nathanael & Molly Werntz in loving memory of MARY SERABIAN.

Mitchink Luncheon today after Badarak – No Coffee Hour

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.

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.

Exploring the Eucharist: Holy Trinity parishioners and friends eager to learn more about the Divine Liturgy of the Armenian Church are invited to attend a one-day seminar on Saturday, March 12 from 9:45 a.m.to 3:00 p.m. Our speaker is Deacon Shant Kazanjian, the Director of the Armenian Religious Education Council of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Church. The program, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Adult Christian Education ministry of our parish. Please register by March 6 by contacting Nancy Basmajian at nancybasmajian@verizon.net or 215-722-3369.

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!

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.

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.

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

• Friday March 4th: Lenten Service
• Sunday March 6th: Mitchink Luncheon
• 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.