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 29, 2015
PALM SUNDAY
Guest Celebrant: The Rev. Fr. Dajad Davidian
Morning Service: 9:15 a.m.; Divine Liturgy: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Readings of the Day:
Song 1:1-2:3. Zec. 9:9-15. Phil. 4:4-7. Mt. 20:29-21:17.
WELCOME
We wish to welcome today’s Guest Celebrant, the Rev. Fr. Dajad Davidian.
We also 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 21, vs. 1-17 [page 614], and will be read by Danielle
Malconian, ACYOA Seniors Chairman.
FEAST DAYS
• Yesterday was the Feast of the Remembrance of the Raising of Lazarus.
• Today is Palm Sunday. This is Holy Week. Please see the enclosure in
this Sunday Bulletin explaining Holy Week in the Armenian Church.
From Today’s Reading
Matthew 20:29-21:17 The healing of the two blind men is a poignant
prelude to the story of Jesus’ triumphal arrival in Jerusalem (see below).
Here are two people who are physically blind but persist in loudly
declaring their faith despite the crowd’s rebuke. Upon being healed by
their Lord, they followed Him. Reflection: If Jesus said, “What do you want
me to do for you?” (v. 20:32), how would you answer?
Philippians 4: 4-7 Writing from prison, St. Paul radiates his love of
Christ, his gratitude, his joy. Amazing...and an example for all Christians
for all time. Memorable verse, 4: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it
again: Rejoice!” Reflection: What does it mean to you to “rejoice in the Lord
always?”
Zechariah 9: 9-15 Set in the context of the Jews’ return from the
Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem, Zechariah looks
expectantly to the Lord’s return. In these verses, we see a striking
prophecy of Jesus entry into Jerusalem “gentle and riding on a donkey.”
Reflection: Describe the images of peace seen here. What kinds of peace might
you experience by Jesus’ coming into your life?
Today is Palm Sunday (Dzaghgazart)
This day recalls Jesus’entry into Jerusalem in the final days of His earthly
ministry. He is greeted by throngs of people laying their cloaks and palm
branches on the road before Him as a royal carpet of welcome. Matthew
understood the event as the fulfillment of specific prophecies, including
Zechariah v. 9:9 (today’s reading). Therefore, for all gathered, this was the
entrance of the Messiah and conformed fully to Old Testament prophecy
and Jewish expectations. Yet how poorly the crowd understood the
nature of the kingdom and the king they were welcoming, since not long
afterwards their “Hosannas!” turned to the jeering shouts of “Crucify
Him!” The service of the Opening of the Doors is also held on Palm Sunday,
during which the priest and people pray for entry once again into God’s
presence in anticipation of the fulfillment of Christ’s life and of the day of
judgment.
Department of Christian Education, Diocese of the Armenian Church (Eastern)
TURNPATZEK
Prior to the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, the “Turnpatzek” or the
“Opening of the Doors” Service will be conducted in our church. Kneeling
in front of the closed veil of the Altar, the priest reads Psalms and chants
hymns of supplication for the mercy of God. The mystery of the
Turnpatzek Service anticipates the second coming of Christ and the final
judgment. On behalf of the faithful, the priest pleads to God to reopen the
doors of His Heavenly Kingdom which were closed to man through his fall
and expulsion from paradise.
SUNDAY SCHOOL PALM SUNDAY PARTICIPATION
In remembrance of Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, our Sunday
School children will participate in today’s Palm Sunday Great Procession,
holding palm branches and leading the Celebrant around the church.
Our Youth Choir, under the direction of Dan Teager, will participate in a
portion of the Divine Liturgy.
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.
VOGHCHOOYN - KISS OF PEACE
During the Divine Liturgy, when the Parish Council members pass the Kiss
of Peace in church, the response from the receiver should be “Orhnyal eh
haidnootyunn Krisdosee” (Blessed is the revelation of Christ). When you
give the Voghchooyn, please say “Krisdos e mech mer haydnetsav” (Christ
is revealed amongst us).
CONFESSION AND HOLY COMMUNION
Those faithful who feel spiritually prepared to receive our Lord in the
sacrament of Holy Communion are asked to bring their pew books with
them to the General Confession and, together with the deacon, are
asked to read the confession aloud. The essence to this sacrament lies
with the individual(s) offering his or her own confession through the priest
to God. In addition to reading the text of the confession, each participant
must recall his or her own sins, truly seek God’s forgiveness, and make a
commitment to the Lord to strive not to sin anymore. The English
confession may be found on page 48 in the burgundy Divine Liturgy book
and on page x in the blue Divine Liturgy book found in the pew racks. We
urge our parishioners to come forward for confession and Holy
Communion through the center aisle.
PALMS
The palms were donated by Albert Zouranjian and Family in memory of
wife, mother & grandmother, Virginia Zouranjian.
Today’s palms were also donated by Elise Harrison for loved ones of the
Harrison, Bohigian and Kasabian Families.
PRAYER REQUEST
Your prayers of good health are requested for Mimi Kalustian and Elizabeth
Soultanian.
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:
- Ardashes Asadoorian: From the Trust Fund established by Altoon
Zahigian for brother
- Vasiliki Bessie Bedigian, Kirkor & Arousiag Bedigian,
Mardiros & Martha Bedigian, and Mardiros Kasigian: From the
Trust Fund established by Haig & Bessie Bedigian for parents,
grandparents & uncle
- Sarkis & Mary DerVartanian, Paul Tanian, Araxie Harry, and
Suran Harry: requested by David & Sally DerVartanian and Family and
Susan Tanian for parents, husband & brother, grandmother and uncle
- Rose V. Kolligian, 18th Anniversary: requested by Nancy and
Michele Kolligian, Gregory A. , Jr., Gregory A. III, and Jack Avedis
Kolligian, Lisa, Dan and Ashley Dorian and Amanda and Matt Keller for
mother & grandmother; Henry Gostanian for aunt; Helene Dorian and
Family for khenamee
- Arsalus Ozuzun, Artin & Yeran Ozuzun, Haroutune & Zartar
Dermovsesian, and Berj Tateosian: requested by Ara & Janet
Dermovsesian, Vasken & Arlene Maserejian and Family, and Arto &
Victoria Dermovsesian and Family for parents, grandparents & greatgrandparents and sister-in-law, aunt & great-aunt
TODAY’S CALENDAR
OUR ACYOA SENIORS
Our ACYOA Seniors will be serving in church this morning. They will be
greeters, Confession and Bible readers, pass the plate, and serve on the Altar.
ACYOA PALM SUNDAY BANQUET
Our Holy Trinity ACYOA are hosting their annual ACYOA Palm Sunday
Banquet 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; Kevork Atinizian, ACYOA Junior; and
Gregory Ekchian, ACYOA Senior.
Seating by advance paid reservation only. No tickets will be sold at the door.
Following church services, please use the Dorian walkway leading to the
Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall entrance on Sparks Street.
The doors will open only after church services have ended.
APRIL 26 BUS SIGN UP FOR NEW YORK CITY
For those who would like to go to New York City on Sunday, April 26, for
the “100 Years We Remember - Armenian Genocide Commemoration,”
there will be a sign-up table in the vestibule of the Charles and Nevart
Talanian Cultural Hall prior to the Banquet. Cost is $30 per person.
There will also be a sign-up sheet for bus transportation to the State House,
April 24, from our church, courtesy of the Knights of Vartan and the
Massachusetts Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee.
“WASHING OF THE FEET” SERVICE
On Holy Thursday, April 2, the “Washing of the Feet” Service will take
place in our church, beginning at 7:30 p.m. In this beautiful and
meaningful service that takes place in memory of our Lord’s example, Fr.
Vasken will wash the feet of 12 descendants of genocide survivors.
EASTER OFFERING
In the early centuries, the Armenian Church had no annual budgets to meet
the expenses of parish churches and monastic communities. The faithful
of each parish contributed for the welfare of the work of the Christian
community, caring for the needy, promoting the work of Christian
education and worship, etc. At certain times of the year, additional
contributions were offered to the parish church to assure that the sanctuary
lanterns, at that time fueled by oil, would remain continuously aflame.
Thus, a special category of donations was created and called “Youghakin”
which means “the cost of oil.” These were collected during the Christmas
and Easter seasons.
As inheritors of this pious tradition, we have maintained this special
offering in all Diocesan churches in the Western Hemisphere. Aside from
your annual parish stewardship and membership donation, this special gift
is sought during these holy days to meet the additional expenses needed to
effectively carry out the mission of our parish; namely, worship, witness,
education, service and fellowship.
ALTAR FLOWERS AND CANDLES
Altar flowers and candles are needed for Holy Week and Easter. For this
purpose, donations may be made in memory of your loved ones. Please
call the church office, 617.354.0632, or email [email protected].
Important Notice for those planning to attend
the Ecumenical Prayer Service at the National Cathedral
in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, May 7
ACYOA JUNIORS’ PLANT SALE ON EASTER SUNDAY
The ACYOA Juniors will sponsor a Plant Sale on the plaza (weather
permitting) immediately following church services on Easter Sunday.
Purchase a beautiful Easter plant or two for your home, family or friends
and support the ACYOA Juniors on this special day. All proceeds will
benefit the ACYOA Juniors ministry program.
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.
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 recommendation from the
parish priest. Scholarship program open to U.S. citizens only.
Go to http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/programming/scholarships/.
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.
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 NOT be available at the door.
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.
NEW ENGLAND REMEMBERS
COMMEMORATING
THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY
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. There will
be a sign-up sheet in the vestibule of the Charles and Nevart Talanian
Cultural Hall today, prior to the Palm Sunday Banquet.
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.
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 are courtesy of the Knights of Vartan
and the Massachusetts Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee.
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.
CALENDAR
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
•
Sun, Mar 29
Tues, Mar 31
Thurs, Apr 2
Fri, Apr 3
Sat, Apr 4
Sun, Apr 5
Mon, Apr 13
Sun, Apr 19
Fri, Apr 24
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
Trinity Men’s Union Dinner/Meeting; guest speaker, Avedis
(Avo) Boyamian, recognized expert in Middle Eastern
affairs; open to all; Johnson Hall; 6pm
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
Tues, Apr 28
Women of Holy Trinity; an evening of community outreach
and fellowship; see flyer in this Sunday Bulletin; 7-9pm
Sat, May 16
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
All-Stars; 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
Tues, May 19
Women of Holy Trinity Book Club Gathering; “The Gardens of
Silihdar: A Memoir” by Zabel Yessayan; co-editor Judith Saryan
will lead the evening’s discussion; 7-9pm
Jul 5-15
2nd Parish Pilgrimage to Jerusalem
Also, follow us at www.htaac.org;
www.facebook.com/HolyTrinityArmenianChurch; and
Twitter: @FrVasken