Der Hayr's Weekly Message

Scripture Reading - Isaiah 36:22-37-1 Thessalonians 4:1-11-Luke 13:1-9

As Orthodox Christians Advent is the period in which we prepare ourselves for the Birth of Our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.
During this time of spiritual preparation the three most important elements of our Advent journey are and should be to Praise our God, to watch for His triumphant Birth as our Lord & Savior, to wait with a patient heart for His presence among us during this most joyful time of the year and finally to receive Him as the Prince of Peace, the Wonder Counselor and the Mighty One who comes to proclaim the Glory of God's Kingdom here on Earth. Above all Christmas is about Christ!!!
There is a beautiful Christmas Hymn titled "Hark the Herald Angels sing Glory to the Newborn King, this is not only a song of the Nativity but the reality of who Jesus Christ is, the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings, the Mighty One, the Wonderful Counselor, remember that only Jesus Christ was proclaimed not only as the Son of God, but God who became man and lived among us, you cannot separate the two for our Lord Himself proclaimed: My Father and I are the same, he who does not believe in Me does not believe in the One who sent Me!!!!
It is indeed a very special time of the year and more joyful than perhaps any other, but remember the real joy of Christmas cannot be complete without recognizing why we celebrate it and whose feast day this really is, the answer is simple and not complicated. The choice is yours!!!!!

Names commemorated today and this week:
Apkar, Antranig, Mergerios, Genarios, Nicholas, Nighoghos, Arsen, Yevraki, Boghos, Bogha, Magar, Neghos, Srabion, Pimen, Taniel, Margarios, Sisianos, Nighoghayos

Calendar:

Thursday December 6th- Avak Luncheon & Program- 12:00 noon
Tuesday December 11th- Men's Club Dinner at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday Dec. 16th- Christmas Pageant & Children's Party
Monday Dec. 24th- Feast of St. Stephen & Christmas Eve
Vespers-5:30 p.m. followed by Christmas Carols and Readings at 6:00 p.m.- Join us with your family and friends.
Sunday February 24th, 2008- Annual Parish Membership Meeting of St. Gregory Church following the Divine Liturgy. Reserve the date.

Sunday December 9th, 2007- Town Hall Meeting following the Divine Liturgy at the Jaffarian Hall. Topics to be discussed will be a Building Committee update and utilization of the Hall as well as Bingo.  Please make very effort to attend as this will not be a lengthy meeting.

Please pray for the sick, confined and those who are recovering:
Yeretzgeen Rosemary Davidian, Yeretzgeen Patricia Dagley, Mary Oozoonian, Berj Karibian, Carolyn Dagley, Sarkis Minasian, John Arakelian, Mary Lucchesi

Congratulations to Harry & Rose Azarian who recently celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary. On this happy occasion they made a donation to St. Gregory Church. Sincere thanks for your kindness and generosity and may God grant you many years and good health.

Tuesday Dec. 4th- St. Apkar of Armenia- Matins- 9:00 a.m.
Thursday Dec. 6th- Holy Fathers of Egypt- Matins- 9:00 a.m.
Friday Dec. 7th- St. Nicholas of Myra- Matins- 9:00 a.m.
Mon. Dec. 24th- Prophet David & Apostle James- Matins- 9:00 a.m.