HOLY TRINITY ARMENIAN CHURCH OF GREATER BOSTON
HOLY TRINITY ARMENIAN CHURCH OF GREATER BOSTON Pastor, Father Vasken A. Kouzouian 145 Brattle Street • Cambridge, MA 02138 • 617.354.0632 • www.htaac.org SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015 SUNDAY OF THE ADVENT Celebrant/Preacher: The Pastor Morning Service: 9:15 a.m.; Divine Liturgy: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Readings of the Day: Is. 66:1-24. Col. 2:8-3:17. Mt. 22:34-23:39. WELCOME We welcome those who are visiting our church. The Pastor and the Parish Council would like to invite you to make the Holy Trinity Church your spiritual home. You are cordially invited to take part in the Service and activities of our church. If you would like to be placed on our mailing list, please sign our Guest Book located in the Vestibule. BIBLE READING Today’s Bible reading is from the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to St. Matthew, chapter 22, vs. 34-46 [page 616], and will be read by Ara Hollisian. FEAST DAYS • Yesterday was the Feast of St. Gregory the Enlightener (Commitment to the Pit). • Today is the Sunday of Advent. • Next Saturday, March 28, is the Feast of the Remembrance of the Raising of Lazarus. • Next Sunday, March 29, is Palm Sunday. From Today’s Reading Matthew 22:34-23:39 These verses feature many important themes and teachings. Jesus summarizes the law in the two greatest commandments (vv. 36-39) on which all the law and prophecies of the Old Testament are based. In Chapter 23, there is an extended warning (the “seven woes”) against the vanities and false pieties of the Pharisees. The reading concludes with Jesus’ poignant lament for Jerusalem in which – in one of the rare moments when a female metaphor for God is used – He yearns to protect its people as a “mother bird gathers her young under her wings.” Reflection: How does “loving God and loving others” sum up all that is essential in our faith? Many of the “woes” involve ‘talking the talk but not walking the walk.’ Does this describe anything about your faith? Col 2:8-3:17 In a beautiful accompaniment for today’s Gospel, the epistle writer urges us to depend on Christ rather than human tradition or worldly principles. Through baptism we have died with Him and are raised with Him into faith and a new way of living. That virtuous, good life is eloquently described in vv. 3:12-17. Memorable verse, v. 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Reflection: What might it mean for you to set your mind on “things above?” (v. 3:2) Isaiah 66:1-24 At the conclusion of his long message to the Jews who have experienced exile, Isaiah conveys God’s promise of both restoration and judgment. God’s children will thrive and be comforted in a new Jerusalem. But those who persist in false worship and rebellion will be harshly judged. Reflection: When have you found yourself focusing on the forms of worship, missing out on the essence of what it’s all about? Today is the Sunday of the Advent On this sixth and last Sunday of Lent, the church looks to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, our eternal Lord and King. This Sunday is not only dedicated to Christ’s return but also to His Incarnation; that is, God becoming Jesus, fully God and fully human. As such we are reminded that, just as everything once began with God, so too will everything one day be fulfilled in Him. He will come again, this time not as a gentle and lowly Savior, but as a righteous judge in the glory of His Father with a retinue of angels. Department of Christian Education, Diocese of the Armenian Church (Eastern PARTICIPATION IN THE DIVINE LITURGY Please use the Divine Liturgy books that are found in the pew racks. These books contain the Armenian text as well as the English transliteration and translation in the second section. For your convenience, the applicable page number in the burgundy Divine Liturgy book is located above both the right and left doors by the Altar leading to the Vestry and Baptistry. When the light shows green, the congregation stands; when the light shows red, the congregation kneels; and when green and red lights are off, you may be seated. If assistance is needed, please ask a member of the Parish Council. Parishioners are also encouraged to sing with the Choir, whose real purpose is to lead the congregation in singing the hymns. Also join in the recitation of the Creed which is found on pages 18 and 19 of the second section. ALTAR CANDLES Today's Altar candles are donated for the edification of our Altar by Deacon Gregory and Carol Krikorian in recognition of yesterday's Feast of St. Gregory the Enlightener (Commitment to the Pit). Altar candles are also donated by Elise Harrison in memory of sister, Victoria Harrrison Davidian, and nephew, Jake Davidian. PRAYER REQUEST Your prayers are requested by Greg Sarkisian for Bob, Suren and Leon Semonian. Your prayers of good health are requested for all those who suffer from illness in their own private way. REQUIEM SERVICE We have all been asked to pray during the Divine Liturgy for the souls of: - Victor John Nahigian, 1st Anniversary: requested by Robin, Victor, David, Andrea and Matthew Nahigian for son and brother; Robert, Donna, Jesse and Kim Nahigian for nephew and cousin - Jinev, Linda & Sarven Atinizian: From the Trust Fund established by Kevork & Jacqueline Atinizian and Family - Marie & Louis DeLena: requested by Charlene Callahan and Louis M. DeLena for parents - Charles Dermenjian, Sr., 30th Anniversary: requested by Charles & Joyce Dermenjian and Diana & Carnig Ekizian, David and Michael for father & grandfather TODAY’S CALENDAR SUNDAY SCHOOL PARENTS' FORUM POSTPONED TO APRIL 12 FELLOWSHIP HOUR You are all welcome to join us in Johnson Hall following church services for Fellowship Hour, hosted today by Charles & Joyce Dermenjian in memory of Charles Dermenjian, Sr., and by the ACYOA Juniors. YOUTH CHOIR; Sanctuary; 12-12:30pm ANNOUNCEMENT Throughout Lent: • We do not receive or pass the Voghchooyn (Kiss of Peace). • Holy Communion will not be administered during Lent. Those in need of Holy Communion may see the Celebrant following the Badarak. • Mahs is distributed to the faithful regularly. • We do not approach the Celebrant at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy to kiss the Gospel. ACYOA PALM SUNDAY BANQUET The ACYOA of our church invite you and your family to their annual ACYOA Palm Sunday Banquet on Sunday, March 29, in the Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall immediately following church services. Theme will be "Legacy of Our Martyrs: From Victims to Victors" with guest speakers: Fr. Vasken; Rose Aznavorian, daughter of Genocide Survivor; Gregory Ekchian, ACYOA Senior; and Kevork Atinizian, ACYOA Junior. Donation for a delicious kebab dinner is $16 for adults and $9 for ACYOA Juniors and children under 10. Seating by advance paid reservation only. SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE There are five Holy Trinity Armenian Church Scholarships available for the 2015-2016 academic year from the Gregory Archie and Rose Kolligian Scholarship Fund; the Hollisian Family Scholarship Fund; the Gertrude Nahigian Scholarship Fund; the Alice Ohanasian Scholarship Fund; and the Major Robert Z. Zartarian Scholarship Fund. For further information or an application, please call the church office, 617.354.0632, or email [email protected]. Applications and supporting documentation must be received by Wednesday, April 1. Our Diocese will be granting scholarships to qualified Armenian American students attending accredited 4-year undergraduate university programs for the academic year 2015-2016. Preference will be given to those who are active in the life of the Armenian churches of the Eastern Diocese. Application and reference forms must be submitted electronically no later than May 5, 2015. Must be accompanied by a recommedndation from the parish priest. Scholarship program open to U.S. citizens only. Go to http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/programming/scholarships/. NEW ENGLAND REMEMBERS Important Notice for those planning to attend the Ecumenical Prayer Service at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, May 7 COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY Waiting List Only - Due to limited seating capacity and the great demand for tickets, all requests are currently being logged in the order received and will be accommodated based on availability. Admittance to the prayer service is free of charge. However, for reasons of security, all attendees must register for the service in advance. Parishioners of the Eastern Diocese wishing to attend this Ecumenical Prayer Service must obtain tickets through the National Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee by submitting the following information via email to [email protected]. Name of each attendee, address, telephone and email. Please note that a ticket MUST be issued for each person attending the prayer service. Tickets are NOT transferable. Tickets will be issued by the NCAGC committee on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets will NOT be available at the door. OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE FRIDAY, APRIL 24 FOR PARISHIONERS FROM ALL THE MASSACHUSETTS ARMENIAN CHURCHES A BADARAK FOR THE CENTENNIAL COMMEMORATION OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE WILL BE HELD IN OUR SANCTUARY BEGINNING AT 10:00 A.M. Please plan on attending as we honor the memory of the one and a half million Armenians who were killed and the countless others who were driven out of their ancestral homeland in Turkey during the Armenian Genocide of 1915. Following, all are welcome to attend: • A Commemoration at the Massachusetts State House from 1:15 - 1:45 p.m. Two buses will leave our church at 12 noon for the State House. • At 2:00 p.m., there will be a Procession from the State House to Armenian Heritage Park. Buses will be available for elderly and others to AHP. All others will walk in the Procession. • From 2:30-3:00 p.m., there will be short program at the Park. Bus will depart for our church at 3:15 p.m. • A Vigil will be held in the Park at 7:30 p.m., that evening. Two buses will depart ACEC to AHP at 6:45 p.m., and at 10 p.m., will return to ACEC. STEWARDSHIP 2015 “Celebrating the Gospel of Christ” This year, we are focusing on Celebrating the Gospel of Christ through Worship, Education, Service, Fellowship, and Witness as we reinforce our encouragement and support of Fr. Vasken’s ministry on the 20th anniversary of his ordination to the Holy Order of Priesthood. We ask that you become a part of Stewardship 2015 as we journey together in Christian fellowship and as an Armenian Church Family. Check Out Our New Parish Website We are excited to announce the launch of our new parish website, www.htaac.org, with up-to-date information of current events, photos and articles of past events, copies of Der Vasken’s sermons, Sunday Bulletins, copies of the Dajar, and much, much more. In addition to buses listed above, there will be buses leaving St. James and ACEC at 9:30 a.m., for our church for Badarak. Buses will also be available from St. James and St. Stephen's for the State House departing at 12 noon, and from AHP at 3:15 p.m., back to their respective churches. All buses provided by Knights of Vartan. All are also welcome to attend a Memorial Service on Thursday, April 23, 7:30 p.m., at Trinity Church in Copley Square, Boston. Presented by the Massachusetts Council of Churches in cooperation with the Armenian Clergy of Massachusetts. For more commemoration programs in the New England area, please go to www. NERemembers1915.org. For Your Information . . . We have available personal receivers for the hearing impaired that will enhance your hearing ability during the Badarak and sermon. For assistance, please see a Parish Council member in the Vestibule. • A Reminder - to access our handicap church entrance, follow the Dorian walkway from either the parking lot or to the right of the main doors of the church. • If you know of someone ill or in need of a visit from our Pastor, please contact the church office, 617.354.0632 or by email, [email protected]. • There are copies of The Little Go lde n Bib le Sto ry b o o k , W he n I Go to Churc h, and Bible story picture books available in the Vestibule for the youngest members of our congregation to quietly enjoy during church services. We kindly ask that you return them to the Vestibule at the conclusion of church services. • Save the Date : - Friday, April 3 - Armenian Women’s Fellowship; Prayer and Worship Service, hosted by First Armenian Church, Belmont; 10am-12noon; speaker, Nancy Tutunjian Berger, “A New Thing: What to Hope for When Your World is Shattered.” Fellowship and Refreshments - Saturday, April 11 - Armenian Heritage Park; Reception to View the 2015 Reconfigured Abstract Sculpture; 2-3pm - Sunday, April 12, 2pm - "Near East Relief and Its Legacy: A Century of Service to Armenians and to Humanity," at the National Heritage Museum, presented by NAASR and the Near East Foundation; His Excellency Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the United Nations, will participate; free and open to the public - Saturday, April 18 - Saintly Women's Day, hosted by the Women's Guild of Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church, Providence; beginning with 10am registration; 11am Divine Liturgy followed by lunch and program; for reservations, contact the Holy Trinity Church office, 617.354.0632; $35 donation; reservations must be prepaid and received by Friday, April 10 - Sunday, April 26 - 100 Years We Remember - Armenian Genocide 19152015; Times Square, New York City; Plan to Be There - The AGBU is offering the following internship program: Musical Armenia Program (MAP), deadline, May 15; Perspective applicants can find detailed information about the program including an online application at http://agbuperformingarts.org/?p=136 • __________________________________________ 2ND PARISH PILGRIMAGE TO JERUSALEM, JULY 5-15 Fr. Vasken invites you to join him in walking through the pages of the Gospel as he leads our parish's 2nd pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Copies of the flyer and itinerary are available in the Vestibule. Non-refundable deposit of $300 per person is now due, made out to Holy Trinity Armenian Church. Balance due April 25. This is a must-see journey for every Christian, especially Armenian Christians. CALENDAR Sun, Mar 22 Tues, Mar 24 Wed, Mar 25 Sun, Mar 29 Tues, Mar 31 Thurs, Apr 2 Fri, Apr 3 Sat, Apr 4 Sun, Apr 5 Sun, Apr 19 Fri, Apr 24 Save the Date Sat, May 16 Jul 5-15 Sunday School Parents' Forum Postponed to April 12 Youth Choir; Sanctuary; 12-12:30pm Pre-Teen Sports Practice; 7-8:30pm Women of Holy Trinity invite all parishioners to traditional "Lenten Dinner and Vigil;" see flyer in this Sunday Bulletin ACYOA Palm Sunday Banquet by paid reservation only Pre-Teen Sports Practice; 7-8:30pm Holy Thursday Divine Liturgy; 11am “Washing of the Feet Service, 7:30pm, followed by Commemoration of the Last Supper, 8:30pm Good Friday, Order of the Crucifixion of Christ, 10:30am Commemoration of the Burial of Our Lord Jesus Christ, 7:30pm Holy Saturday, Easter Worship Service & Breakfast for Sunday School and Armenian School students, 10:20am Easter Eve Evening Service, 7pm Divine Liturgy of Jurakalouytz, 7:30pm Easter Sunday Genocide Centennial Concert, “Lest We Forget;” Erevan Choral Society, Sanctuary; 2:30pm Badarak for Centennial Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide; 10am; our Sanctuary; for all MA Armenian churches Salsa Kef Night hosted by Holy Trinity ACYOA Seniors; an evening of Live Salsa Music and Armenian Music for all ages. Featuring Black Sea Salsa and Greg Krikorian and the AllStars; doors open at 7; Complimentary Salsa Dance Demonstration and Lesson; dance begins at 7:30pm; donation, $35, and Under 21/students with current college ID, $25; call church office or visit www.holytrinitysalsakef.eventbrite.com 2nd Parish Pilgrimage to Jerusalem Also, follow us at www.htaac.org; www.facebook.com/HolyTrinityArmenianChurch; and Twitter: @FrVasken
© Copyright 2024