THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
March 26, 2017

Sunday of the Judge

Forty Martyrs of Sebastia

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:

• ROBERT TEMOYAN (1st Anniversary of His eternal life) requested by Mrs. Carol Temoyan and her daughters Christine and Laura & her grandchildren Sophie & Nina.

ALTAR FLOWERS & CANDLES: are donated today by Mrs. Carol Temoyan and her daughters Christine and Laura & her grandchildren Sophie & Nina in loving memory of ROBERT TEMOYAN (1st Anniversary of His eternal life).

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, Larry Der Hagopian, Victoria Berberian, Anita Mirijanian, Armenoui Aznavuryan 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.

Today’s Coffee Hour: is sponsored by Mrs. Carol Temoyan and her daughters Christine and Laura & her grandchildren Sophie & Nina in memory of ROBERT TEMOYAN (1st Anniversary of His eternal life). All are welcome.

Clothing Drive Reminder: We remind our parishioners that the Church School’s Clothing Drive to benefit Syrian Armenian refugees entering Armenia ends on Sunday, March 26. On that date, we ask that you bring your clean, gently-used clothing, shoes, linens, purses, coats and stuffed animals to the church lobby for collection. Because we have no storage space, this is the only drop-off date available (tax receipts will be provided upon request). Clothing, etc. may be packed in any bag; however, bags are also available in the Church school office. The Church School staff and student thank you for your donation.

Sunday Morning Educational Series: 10:00-10:30 in Sanctuary

March 26: Dn. Antranig Garibian
Bless this House: Home Blessing in the Armenian Church
April 2 Dn. Albert Keshgegian
Enter Our Hearts: The Opening of the Doors Service

ATTENTION GRADUATES: On May 21 our church will be conducting a Blessing Service following Badarak for all those who will be graduating from high school, college and advanced degrees in Spring, 2017. A celebratory continental breakfast will follow for all graduates. We invite you (or someone you know) to be a part of this special service recognizing your achievement and ask that you forward your information to Jeanette Der Hagopian at choirboss@hotmail.com as soon as you are able and no later than April 20, so that we can follow up with you.

Focusing on Scripture during Lent: Each of our faithful (young and old) will receive a “40 Days of God’s Word” resource to use during Great Lent (which begins on Monday, February 27). The colorful four-page educational resource provides an inspiring Bible passage for each day of Lent and includes information about Lent and Holy Week in the Armenian Church. We encourage you to read the assigned passage, reflect on its meaning, memorize it and share it with someone during the day. Imagine having the Word of God in your head and in your heart as you go through your daily routine! The resource was produced by the Department of Christian Education of our Diocese. Copies will be available in the narthex and in the Church School office as long as supplies last.

BE AN ANGEL! Help our Church School students raise funds to help Syrian Armenian refugees entering Armenia. During the Sundays of Lent, our students will have “angels” available during Coffee Fellowship. For your kind donation in any amount, you will receive an angel which reads “I gave to help.” Simply sign your name, and we will post them in the Church school hallway with all the other angels. What a beautiful sight it will be as you walk pass our classrooms…and what a worthy cause you will be helping. THANK YOU! (You can also pick up an angel at the Church School office.)

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)
March

• Saturday March 25th: Lenten Retreat 9:00 am
• Friday March 31st: Lenten Service 7:00 pm & Dinner 7:30 pm

April

• Friday April 7th: Lenten Service 7:00 pm & Dinner 7:30 pm
• Sunday April 9th: Palm Sunday Banquet

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.