Der Hayr's Weekly Message

April 27, 2008

5th Sunday after the Resurrection

Scripture Readings-Acts 20:17-38, 1 John 3:2-6, John 9:39-10:10

We now begin the conclusion of our journey through Easter and begin to take focus of the Ascension of Christ and then the Pentecost or the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the followers of Christ.
What if anything has the Feast of the Resurrection of Our Lord meant to us, if nothing else it should be a reminder that Christ not only died for us and was Resurrected, came to us as God who became like us and endured the human condition without sin.
The awesome reality of that love that God showed us through the giving of His only Son on the Cross; if that is not the greatest show of love for one’s children then I fathom to think what else could have been, imagine for a moment how much our Lord wanted to save us!
Dearly beloved the foundation of our faith is the reality of not only the Resurrection but the empty tomb, a reminder that Christ was victorious by trampling death by death and bestowing that reality of eternal life to each and everyone of us. This is what we proclaim.
As we begin to take leave of the Feast of the Resurrection of Our Lord, let us never lose sight of why we proclaim Christ as our Lord and Savior because death could not have victory over Him yet He was victorious over the pangs of death because He was in fact God Himself who dwelt among us. The resurrection is the reality of our faith that although we may depart physically from this life we have that promise of eternal life because Christ rose from the dead.
Christ is Risen Indeed He is Risen-Krisdos Haryav ee merelotz.

We warmly welcome Archpriest Rev. Fr. Vasken Bekiarian who is our guest celebrant and preacher today. Please take a moment after the Liturgy to welcome and greet Der Hayr during the Coffee Hour.

Wednesday, April 30th- Eve of the Ascension-Great Vespers 4:00 p.m.
Friday, May 2nd - Matins at 10:00 a.m.

Please pray for the servants of God:
Archpriest Edward Hughes, Berj Karibian, Carolyn Dagley, Mary Lucchesi, Sarkis Minasian, Verjin Chilingirian, Rose Ritchey Satenig Sarkisian, Peter Mooradian, Francesca Budakian, Jennie Vartabedian, Virginia Ohanesian, Doris Hagopian

Today’s Altar Flowers are donated by Paul & Beverly Demoorjian in memory of Charles Matthew Gulbankian and Verkin Gulbankian.
Sincere thanks for your generosity and may the their memories be eternal.

Thursday, May 1st- Feast of the Ascension- Matins- 11:00 a.m. followed by Avak Luncheon at 12:00 noon Guest speaker will be Dr. Vartan Yeghiazarian of Physicians Network of Methuen & Salem.  This is the last Avak until the Fall Season

Saturday, May 10th- Skinner Auction & Appraisal Show sponsored by the Ladies Guild at the Jaffarian Hall from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 18th- Sunday and Armenian School closing program following the Divine Liturgy at Jaffarian Hall following Services.  Divine Liturgy will begin at 9:30 a.m. on that day please make note.

Requiems for Sunday April 27th, 2008

In memory of the servants of God- Charles Gulbankian & Verkin Gulbankian
~  Requested by- Paul & Beverly Demoorjian

Sunday June 1st- 90th Anniversary of Armenian Independence  Sponsored by the ARF Lowell Aharonian Committee.  No Coffee Hour will be held on this day.

Memorial Day Schedule-Monday May 26th, 2008

West Parish Cemetery-Andover- 8:30- 9:00 a.m.
Belleview Cemetery- Lawrence- 9:30- 10:00 a.m.
Edson Cemetery – Lowell- 10:30- 11:00 a.m.
All other Cemeteries by appointment only by contacting the Church Office to make arrangements.