Der Hayr's Weekly Message

March 9 , 2008

Sixth Sunday of Great Lent- Advent

Scripture Readings- Colossians 2:8-3:17- Matthew 22:34-23:39

The Church we must remember is not only a gathering place but above all else it represents the presence of God's Kingdom here on earth so when we enter the Sanctuary we should always be mindful that we are entering the Holy of Holies, in Armenian we call this:
Surpoutyoun Surpotz, the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, the Ark of the Covenant between God and His people in other words this is a Holy Place and when we enter through the door of that Holiest of Holies we should do so with reverence and humility.  The word Church comes form the Greek word Ecclesia which means the community of God's people, being called by Jesus Christ is a n awesome privilege given to us by our Lord Himself, but He also reminded us that to be called means to follow, listen, and do what God has called us to do and that is to proclaim the Good News.  Can we however call ourselves truly God's people when we put the world before God, can we call ourselves people of the light when we knowingly choose to walk in the darkness? Remember the worst enemy that the secular world has is a strong Church and people who are faithful to their Christian Faith, the greatest enemy of the Church is Hollywood and the secular press who never miss an opportunity to attack and Christian bash every chance they get.  How can we live in a world that is so secularist and pagan and still survive, well the answer is rather simple we have to practice what we preach and not be afraid to speak up when our faith values are under attack. Being faithful Christians requires sacrifice.

Hokehankist ( Requiems ) may not be held on the following Feast Days of the Liturgical Calendar of 2008
March 16th- Palm Sunday - March 23rd- Easter Sunday
June 29th- Transfiguration- August 17th - Feast of Assumption
September 14th- Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross

Please pray for the servants of God:
Berj Karibian, Carolyn Dagley, Krikoris Kitabjian, Mary Lucchesi, Sarkis Minasian, Estelle Bogosian, Zabelle Varadian, Ruth Johnson

Requiems for Sunday March 9, 2008

In memory of Zabelle Demoorjian & Clarence Bud Pushee
~  Requested by- Paul & Beverly Demoorjian, Sharon Pushee

Prayers for Sunday March 9, 2008

For all those who are ill, confined and those recovering may God grant them a speedy recovery.
Requested by- Betty Madoian

Friday March 14th- Lenten Dinner at 6:00 p.m. followed by a DVD entitled The last hours of the life of Christ followed by a question and answer period and discussion.

Palm Sunday March 16th- A.R.S. Merrimack Valley Chapter Luncheon following the Divine Liturgy at Jaffarian Hall.

Thursday April 17th- Peabody Genocide Program at 11:00 a.m.
Friday April 18th- Genocide Program at Mass. State House
Saturday April 19th- Flag Raising at Lowell City Hall
Sunday April 20th- Merrimack Valley Genocide Program at North Andover Middle School at 3:00 p.m.

Thursday April 3rd- Avak Luncheon & Program at 12:00 noon

Special thanks to Martha Hananian & Mary Barooshian for their kind help in preparing the Aghavni Quarterly Bulletin for mailing.

To Aram & Alice DerApkarian for their assistance in preparing the Holy Week & Easter Bulletins for mailing.

Sunday April 13th- Hierarchal Divine Liturgy and Ordination of Acolytes. The guest celebrant will be His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan. - No Hokehankist will be held on this day.