THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
April 10, 2016

DIVINE LITURGY CELEBRANT today, we welcome today as our guest celebrant His Eminence, Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Diocesan Legate from Washington, D.C. Asdvadz Oknagan, Srpazan Hayr.

Annunciation of the Virgin Mary

On April 7, the Armenian Church celebrates one of her greatest feasts – the Annunciation to St. Mary. In the Gospel of Luke we learn that the Angel Gabriel brings the good news to the Virgin about the birth of the Savior (Lk 1:26-38).

According to Holy Tradition and the Evangelist, the Angel Gabriel appears to St. Mary while reading a passage from the prophecy of Isaiah, in which it is written about the birth of the Emmanuel from a Virgin. The Angel greets Mary, telling her, “Fear not, Mary: for you have found favor with God. And behold, you shall conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call His Name JESUS.”

The Angel Gabriel further explains to Mary, “The Holy Spirit shall come upon you, and the Power of the Highest shall overshadow you, therefore also that which is Holy which shall be born of you shall be called the Son of God.” St. Mary could foresee the torments and sufferings that she would endure. However, by giving mankind an excellent example of obedience to the Divine Will, she said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me as you have said.” Beginning from the moment when the Holy Virgin expressed these words, she was with child.

This Gospel story is one expression of why the Armenian Church accords high honor to motherhood, and appreciates the role of women in family life, and the lives of mankind.

Upon the Pontifical order of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the Feast of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary is proclaimed as a day of “Blessing of Motherhood and Beauty”. On that day, a special blessing service is conducted in the Armenian Churches.

TODAY’S BIBLE READINGS:

• 1 Peter 2: 1-10 (page 209) New Testament
• John 2: 23-3:12 (pages 85-86) New Testament – (Please follow the Armenian Reading in your Bible)

REQUIEM SERVICES: Hokehankist today will be for:

•  for the departed souls who lost their lives in Artsakh this week, as a result of the attacks against our countrymen in the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic
• LILLIAN AMBARIAN (1st Anniversary of Her eternal journey) requested by Susan Karpinski and David Ambarian.
• MESROB OKOORIAN requested by the Okoorian Family.

Pray for One Another and especially for Haig Hagopian and Jane Sklencar for recovery of good 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, and for their families; for the Syrian refugees; and for all who are persecuted for their faith and forced from their homes during these trying times.

SPECIAL APPEAL – Over the next three Sundays (April 10, 17 and 24), we will be having only one plate collection each date, all of which will be donated for the relief of our soldiers and their families as they defend the homeland against the attacks by the Azerbaijani army in the border towns of Nagorno-Karabagh (Artsakh). This has led to a loss of both military and civilian lives, and casualties among many. Please be generous and especially keep all of them in your prayers. Check should be made to “Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Memo:Artsakh.” Deadline is April 30

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: there will be NO COFFEE HOUR next Sunday, April 17th due to the hall being rented.

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.

Worship and Formation: Adult Education Schedule
(All sessions will be held from 10:00 to 10:30 in the location listed below.)

April 10 – The Armenian Liturgy and Sacred Space (church sanctuary)
Deacon Garo Garibian

April 17 – The Badarak: Basic Actions (church sanctuary)
Deacon Albert Keshgegian

April 24 – Faith Affirmed: Scripture and the Creed (church hall)
Deacon Antranig Garibian

NOTE: We thank our faithful for their cooperation and participation in this important pilot program!

YOUGHAKIN DONATION
Traditionally during Easter, gifts of oil, Youghakin donations are made to the Church. The notion is that by offering oil you keep the lamps of the church burning, these would always be resources in order to keep the doors of the church open. Your gift is gratefully appreciated.

The Ladies of Holy Trinity 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

St. Nersess Seminary has announced its 2016 summer conference schedule for high school and post-high school students. For the first time, the conferences will be held at the new St. Nersess campus in Armonk, NY. Brochures are available in the church lobby or visit the St. Nersess Seminary website @ www.stnersess.edu to learn more.

Deacons’ Training Program: June 25-July 3 – Directed by Fr. Daniel Findikyan
High School Summer Conference A: July 15-24 – Directed by Fr. Ghevond Ajamian
High School Summer Conference B: July 29- August 7 – Directed by Fr. Shnork Souin
Post-High School Summer Conference: August 9-13 – Directed by Fr. Samuel Rith-Najarian

ASA Launches NEW Financial Aid Program The Armenian Sisters Academy is proud to introduce our new BLOCS Financial Aid Program for the 2016-2017 school years. To date, $85,500 has been raised to provide need-based tuition assistance for our students that qualify! To qualify, families with one dependent must have an annual income of less than $91,620. For each additional dependent, the maximum salary threshold increases by $15,270. The application deadline is April 15, 2016. For more information about BLOCS and how to enroll, please contact Legna Santerian, ASA Admissions Director, at 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)
April

• Sunday April 24th: Genocide Commemoration
• Thursdays April 14th & 21st: Spring Bible Study 10:00 am

May

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

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.