Der Hayr's Weekly Message

Many times I have been asked as to what constitutes a true Lenten Sacrifice, does it mean that we should just fast from certain foods or does it really mean much more than that?
When I try to sincerely answer that question even I find myself in a difficult position but if you read the Bible and the Church Fathers you will find that both advocate fasting from certain foods as a way to discipline ourselves but above all things they remind us that true fasting comes from the heart and it means that we have to fast with our minds, thoughts, our eyes, our mouths, what we say and how we treat one another. More importantly than fasting from certain foods is coming to Church and partaking of the Services during Great Lent, sadly the attendance at our own Friday Evening Lenten Services has been very poor to say the least.
We should remind ourselves that more importantly than filling our stomachs with food we should be very concerned with nourishing our souls with the food of the Holy Spirit and remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ who said :
That man does not live by bread alone for one must be nourished by the food of the spirit in order that they may attain eternal life, that they may never thirst or hunger, these are not mere words but the truth proclaimed by He who is the truth, the way, and the life for all who believe in Him.
As always the choice is yours to make. A Blessed Great Lent!
Remember that Great Lent is a time of self examination!!!!!

Please remember the following servants of God in prayer:
Archpriest Torkom Hagopian, Yeretzgeen Rosemary Davidian Yeretzgeen Patricia Dagley Khosrov Adanalian, Mary Stanuchenski, Koharig Julie Soghigian, Martin Simonian, Alice Haroutunian, Vahneeg Marderosian, Jennie Vartabedian, Arnold Marookian, Carolyn Dagley

Youth Bible Study will be held on Tuesday March 27th from 7:00-8:00 p.m. at the Church- The subject will be The Bible in our daily lives and what the Gospel means to me. Parents are always welcome to join us as well. Study group is for those 13-18 years of age.

Sunrise ( Arevakal ) – Wednesday Mornings- 10:00 a.m.
Jashou Service- ( Midday) – Friday- 12:00 noon
Lenten Compline- Fridays- 6:45 p.m.-Feb. 21st- March 30th
Please remember that during the renovation of the Hall Lenten Dinners will not be served prior to the Service.

Parish Calendar- January – March 2007
Saturday April 7th- Holy Saturday & Feast of the Annunciation – Matins & Communion Breakfast- 9:00 a.m.
Saturday April 21st- Martyrs Program at Lowell City Hall
Sunday April 22nd- Armenian Martyrs Day at North Andover High School at 3:00 p.m.
Saturday May 5th- 40th Anniversary of Archbishop Oshagan
To be held at the Providence Marriot Hotel
Saturday May 19th- A.Y.F. North Andover Sassoun Dance.

April 5th- Holy Thursday- The service of the Washing of the Feet and the Service of the Passion of Christ ( Khavaroum ) will be presided over by His Grace Bishop Anoushavan.
The Services will begin at 6:30 p.m.-Please reserve the date.

There are no Requiems ( Hokehankist) commemorated on Palm Sunday, Holy Week & Easter. April 1st- April 8th.
Requiems may be commemorated on Sunday April 15th.