Der Hayr's Weekly Message

April 13 , 2008

3rd Sunday of Resurrection - Red Sunday

Scripture Readings- Acts-13:16-43, 1 Peter 5:1-14, John 5:19-30

Guest Celebrant & Preacher- His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan

In today’s Epistle reading from St. Peter we are given a vivid reality of what Christ has called His Church to be and that is a community founded on love, forgiveness, mercy, charity, and compassion for one another and it begs the question that each of must answer but in order to do so we must search our hearts.  The ultimate question as we read the Epistle is if Christ returned today and dwelt among us would he recognize His Church and in most cases the answer would be a resounding no.
St. Paul wrote that we should above all things accept one another and bear with one another’s frailties as Christ has accepted us and in this regard we should remember that Christ asked the very same question when He asked whoever is without sin let him cast the first stone. Our Lord made it very clear that if we do not forgive others there is no forgiveness for us either and as difficult and harsh as that may sound these are the words of the Gospel not of men.
Think about how much easier life would be if we could just accept everyone in our midst as they are and not attempt to have anyone conform to what we may consider the right way to do things, just imagine if everyone were the same what a boring world we would be living in, remember that God has given each of us a gifts to be able to utilize them not for our own glory but for the glory of God and His Kingdom. Everyone is an important part of the Community of those who believe in Jesus Christ and we should act as one Christian Family, each of us a steward of what God has blessed us with.
When we can finally accept one another as parts of the same body all of us with so many different gifts and talents it is then that we will have truly succeeded in becoming what God has called to be and that is faithful stewards of His many gifts and blessings in this life.
Let all proclaim: Christ is Risen Indeed He is Risen: Alleluia

Please pray for the servants of God:
Very Rev. Fr. Shnork Kasparian, Rev. Fr. Vahram Ghazarian Archpriest Edward Hughes, Berj Karibian, Carolyn Dagley, Mary Lucchesi, Sarkis Minasian, Verjin Chilingirian, Rose Ritchey Melanie Berberian, Satenig Sarkisian, Peter Mooradian, Francesca Budakian, Jennie Vartabedian, Virginia Ohanesian

Wednesday April 16th- Matins- 9:00 a.m.
Friday April 18th- Matins- 9:00 a.m.

Thursday May 1st- Feast of the Ascension of Christ (Hampartzoum)
Matins at 9:30 a.m. followed by Divine Liturgy at 10:15 a.m.

Thursday May 1st- Avak Luncheon & Progarm at 12:00 noon guest speaker will be Dr. Vartan Yeghiazarian of Salem Physicians Network. Please reserve the date. This is the last Avak until the Fall.

Please remember that Hospitals and Nursing Homes do not inform the Church Office in cases of illness or confinement we can only depend on family and friends to inform us. Holy Communion needs to be given before someone is too seriously ill to receive it.

Thursday April 17th- Peabody Genocide Program at 11:00 a.m.

Friday April 18th- Family Night Dinner at 6:00 p.m.- Jaffarian Hall

Saturday April 19th- Flag Raising and Genocide Commemoration at Lowell City Hall beginning at 10:00 a..m.

Sunday April 20th- Merrimack Valley Genocide Program at North Andover Middle School at 3:00 p.m.- Reception to follow.

Sunday May 18th- Sunday and Armenian School closing program following the Divine Liturgy at Jaffarian Hall following Services.

Sunday June 1st- Armenian Independence Day celebration sponsored by the Lowell ARF Aharonian Committee following the Divine Liturgy at Jaffarian Hall.