THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
February 21, 2016

Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Commemoration of St. Cyril the Patriarch of Jerusalem, St. Cyril the Bishop of Jerusalem and his mother Anna

St. Cyril of Jerusalem was one of the prominent Patriarchs of Jerusalem. He was repeatedly persecuted by the supporters of the Arian heresy, he was exiled, and however, eventually again became the Patriarch of Jerusalem. He participated in the Second Ecumenical Council of Constantinople. Many sermons and speeches of the Patriarch Cyril about Christian doctrine have been translated into Armenian. His letter addressed to the King Costandios on the occasion of the apparition of the Holy Cross in the sky of Jerusalem is up to date read in the Armenian churches. Patriarch Cyril’s collection of sermons is instructive and edifying for those who are preparing for baptism. According to the tradition the basin in which Patriarch Cyril was baptized is inside the Chapel of St Stephen of the Church of St. Hakob (St. James), of Jerusalem. The Armenian Apostolic Church commemorates the memory of the Patriarch Cyril twice during the year. St. Cyril the Bishop is the contemporary of St. Cyril the Patriarch. His secular name was Huda. According to the hagiographical sources, well knowing the locality, Bishop Cyril helped the queen Heghine (Helen) to find the Holy cross of Christ. Witnessing the wonder-working power of the Holy Cross Bishop Cyril was baptized together with his mother, Anna, and after the baptism was renamed “Cyril”. Later he was ordained a bishop and during the period of exile of the Patriarch Cyril he took his place for a time. Being subjected to severe torments, Bishop Cyril and his mother were killed during the persecutions of the King Julianos the Betrayer.

TODAY’S BIBLE READINGS:

• 2Corinthians 6: 1-7:1 (pages 165-166) New Testament
• Luke 15: 1-32 (pages 71-72) New Testament – (Please follow the Armenian Reading in your Bible)

PRAYERS REQUESTED: From the Book of James, we are taught that “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Therefore, as you pray for your own family, we ask that you keep members of our Holy Trinity family in your prayers as well. Continue to pray specifically for those who are ill. Pray especially for the various ministries within our church and their leaders: our Church School, our faith-based programs, our youth. And mostly pray that Jesus Christ is a Living Presence in each and every person in our church community. You may also advise the church office if you would like to include anyone by name in this column so that we may, as a church family, pray for them.

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: There will not be a Fellowship Hour today due to the Parish Assembly.

NO Lenten Program: We wish to remind our parishioners that there will be NO Lenten program this coming Friday, February 26 because of a special workshop for our parish leadership the next day. Our regular programming will continue on Friday, March 4 with our guest speaker, the Diocesan Vicar, the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian. Look for details in next week’s Messenger.

SAVE THE DATE: to join us for the Annual Mitchink Luncheon on Sunday, March 6 following Badarak. Tickets are $12.00 and reservations are requested by March 1 by using the sign-up sheet or calling the church office.

ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY: TODAY with alternate snow dates of February 28 or March 6, 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.

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)
February

• Friday February 19th: Lenten Service
• Sunday February 21st: Annual Parish Assembly (snow dates 2/28 & 3/6)
• Saturday February 27th: Leadership Workshop 9:30 am

March

• Friday March 4th: Lenten Service
• Saturday March 12th: Lenten Retreat 10:00am
• Friday March 18th: Lenten Service
• Sunday March 20th: 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.