Der Hayr's Weekly Message

Sunday February 26, 2006-4th –Eve of Great Lent- Poon Paregentan

Scripture Readings- Romans 14:1-13, Gospel-Matthew 6:1-13
Names commemorated this week:
Theodore, Theotoros,

Today being the Eve of Great Lent and the day of good living I would like to also reflect on the fact today is also the Sunday of Forgiveness and as we prepare for our Lenten journey we really need to remember that next 50 days before us are a time of seeking forgiveness and reconciliation with God for our transgressions.

The Altar veil having been drawn is a reminder to us that because of our human sinfulness we are distanced from God as we seek mercy and compassion in an effort to cleanse ourselves.

Today’s reading from St. Paul to the Romans is a stark reminder that unless we can forgive others God is not going to forgive us either this is a very simple reality taught to us by Jesus Christ Himself.

The tone of our prayers and services during this time are also a reminder that above all else we should be seeking forgiveness and make a sincere effort to repent, but Great Lent is also a time to spiritually rejuvenate ourselves and prepare for the victory of the Resurrection on that Holy Easter Morning.
More than at any other time during the year it is during Great Lent that we need to do some serious self examination especially when we think about how we interact with others and above all to seek reconciliation and forgiveness not only from God but from those we have hurt in one way or the other. It is the only way to true peace.

As always the choice is yours to make. A Blessed and peaceful Great Lent and may the Lord come in to our hearts and grant us His Peace which is beyond human wisdom and understanding. AMEN.

Schedule for Great Lent – February 27th- April 8th 2006

Wednesday & Friday- Sunrise ( Arevakal ) – 10:00 a.m.

Lenten Compline- Friday Evening- 7:00 p.m.

Bible Study during Great Lent Thursday at 7:00 p.m.

During Lent we will be studying the Gospel Reading from the previous Sunday. We hope you will join us for what is a very interesting lesson and discussion.

Sunday April 9th- Palm Sunday- ( Dzaghazart )
Matins- 9:00 a.m.

Divine Liturgy- 9:45 a.m. followed by Turunpatzek

Tuesday April 11th- Great & Holy Tuesday
Vespers – 7:00 p.m. & Remembrance of the Wise Virgins

Wednesday April 12th- Great & Holy Wednesday
Matins- 10:00 a.m.

Thursday April 13th- Great & Holy Thursday
Divine Liturgy & Holy Communion at 9:30 a.m.
Washing of the Feet ( Vodunluva)- 7:00 p.m.
Khavaroum- ( Passion of Christ )- 8:00 p.m.

Friday April 14th- Great & Holy Friday
Remembrance of the Crucifixion ( English )- 12:00 noon
Burial of Our Lord Jesus Christ- 7:00 p.m.

Saturday April 15th- Great & Holy Saturday
Matins & Holy Communion Service for Sunday School Children at 9:30 a.m.

followed by Communion Breakfast & Easter Egg Hunt .
Great Vespers & Readings- 4:30 p.m.
Easter Eve Divine Liturgy – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday April 16th- Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Matins- 9:00 a.m.
Divine Liturgy – 9:45 a.m. followed by Antasdan –Blessing of the Four Corners.

Wednesday April 19th- Matins- 10:00 a.m.

Friday April 21st- Matins- 10:00 a.m.

Friday March 3rd- Very Rev. Fr. Leonard Faris-
St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church- Lowell, Mass.

Friday March 10th- Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian- Prov. R.I.
Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church-Providence, R.I.

Friday March 17th- Rev. Deacon Gary Alexander- Providence, R.I.
Armenian Orthodox Theological Research Institute

Friday March 24th- Rev. Fr. Aram Stepanian
St. Asdvadzadzin Armenian Church- Whitinsville, Mass.

Friday March 31st- Rev. Fr. Kapriel Mouradjian
Holy Resurrection Armenian Church- New Britain, Conn.

Friday April 7th- Archpriest Antranig Baljian
St. Stephens Armenian Church of Greater Boston-Watertown, Ma.

Requiems for Sunday February 26th, 2006
In memory of All Departed A.R.S. Members
Requested by- A.R.S. Merrimack Valley Chapter, A.R.S. Lowell Lousintak Chapter.

In memory of Stephan & Aghavni Donabedian
Requested by- Aram & Alice DerApkarian & Family

In memory of Penny Giragosian, Goldie Haroian, Olga Fedak,
Noyemzar Alexanian, George Mouradjian
Requested by- Kassabian Family

Please remember the ill & confined in your prayers.
Peter Mooradian, Peter Bebirian, Armen Boghosian, Baby John Yanzo, Harry Narzakian, Vahneeg Marderosian, Cynthia Plakas

Sunday February 26th Parish Assembly following the Badarak
Thursday March 2nd- Avak Luncheon and program at 12:00 noon

Sunday March 19th- Youth Activity following the Liturgy