Der Hayr's Weekly Message

June 1 , 2008

Third Sunday after the Feast of the Pentecost

Readings- Isaiah 1:2-15, Romans 6:12-23, Gospel-Matthew 12:1-8
Eve of the Fast for the Feast of St. Gregory the Illuminator

The central act of worship for us as Orthodox Christians is of course the Divine Liturgy which is the remembrance of the Last Supper or the Eucharist which was instituted not by man but Jesus Christ Himself as our Lord & Savior who sacrificed Himself for the sake of our sins and transgressions. We must ask ourselves what greater love could God have shown toward His children than to have given up His only Son so that we would be free from the bondage of our sins.
When we attend the Divine Liturgy we should be aware that we are participants and not just spectators our Liturgical experience should be proactive and not reactive, so it stands to reason that when you participate in the Liturgy you should also be prepared to receive Holy Communion and it should be done every time that you do so.
Remember it is not the Priest who invites you to the Holy Table but if you really take your faith and relationship with Jesus Christ in a serious way then you realize that it is Christ Himself who calls you to His Mystical Supper, the celebrant is the vessel to proclaim that message of God’s forgiveness and mercy toward His children who are gathered in His name to celebrate the most Holy of Holies.
Reception of Holy Communion on a regular basis is not only a source of soul cleansing but also the affirmation of our faith in Jesus Christ as Orthodox Christians, this is the most important responsibility for anyone who claims to be a member of the one Holy, Catholic, Apostolic and Orthodox Church founded by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Just remember that when you do receive the Sacrament to do so in awe and fear as you approach the most Holy Tabernacle of Christ.

Names commemorated this week:
Constantine, Helen, Heghine, Heghnar, Ellena, Ellen, Gostan, Gosdig, Papela, Epiphanius, Gostant, Carnig, Sebouh, Nina, Mannig, Manifa

Please pray for the servants of God:
Very Rev. Fr. Oshagan Minassian, Archpriest Edward Hughes, Senator Edward Kennedy, Berj Karibian, Carolyn Dagley, Mary Lucchesi, Sarkis Minasian, Verjin Chilingirian, Rose Ritchey Satenig Sarkisian, Peter Mooradian, Francesca Budakian, Jennie Vartabedian, Virginia Ohanesian, Doris Boghosian, Rose Azarian, Helen Mikitarian, Alfred Collins

Requiems for Sunday June 1st, 2008

In memory of all the those who died for the sake of Armenian Independence in Sardarabad, Bash Abaran, & Karakilise on May 28th, 1918
~  Requested by- Pastor & Parish Board, Lowell A.R.F. Aharonian Committee, North Andover A.Y.F. Sassoun Chapter

In memory of General Dro Kanayan
~  Requested by- Pastor & Parish Board, Lowell Aharonian A.R.F. Committee, A. Y. F. North Andover Sassoun Chapter

In Memory of Krikor Topalian, Herpsime Topalian- 40th year
~  Requested by- John & Violet Dagdigian, Christopher Dagdigian, Michael Dagdigian, Nonny & Sean Bowe & Family, Joe & Lisa Dagdigian

Saturday, June 21st- Ladies Guild 2nd Annual Food Fair at Jaffarian Hall from 11:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 7th- Annual Church Picnic - Legion Grounds-Haverhill beginning at 12:00 noon- Please reserve the date and join us.

October, 17 & 18th- Annual Fall Fair at Jaffarian Hall

Sunday, November 9th- 38th Anniversary of St. Gregory Church

Tuesday June 3rd- Sts. Constantine & Helen- Matins- 10:00 a.m.
Thursday June 5th- Matins- 9:00 a.m.
Thursday June 12th- Sts. Sahag & Mesrob- Matins- 9:00 a.m.