Der Hayr's Weekly Message

May 4, 2008

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Elijah

Scripture Readings - 2 Kings 2:1-15, James 5:16-20- Luke 4:25-30

Today we will have our Sunday & Armenian School Closing Program and in that regard it has given me time to contemplate so many of the challenges which are before us especially as we prepare to close another year and prepare for the next one which will begin in September when our beloved children will return to us once again.  However it is very important for all of us to take time to give thanks to those who throughout this year have given so much of themselves for the benefit of our Sunday & Armenian Schools and without whom these programs would not exist, it is indeed a very difficult yet very rewarding task to be able to give so much and get so much in return, our director, the teachers and the assistants all sacrifice a great deal to make certain that our children have a loving, caring, and welcoming environment here at St. Gregory where they come to learn about God, our faith, Church and above all the love and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  We as a parish family are indeed very indebted to these devoted teachers and staff for all that they so loving give to our children without reservation throughout the school year, this is truly our Christian faith in action and works.  I address these realities to remind us however that the ultimate success of all of our endeavors will depend you as parents and how much you are willing to set an example to your children.  This means putting God before all of our other activities and knowing our own priorities and who and what should come first.

Names commemorated today and this week:
Yeghia, Elijah, Hripsime, Hripsig, Hrip, Karine, Karig, Rima, Sima, Kalia, Athanasius, Gayane, Krikor, Garabed

Thursday, May 22nd- St. John the Forerunner – Matins at 9:00 a.m.
Friday, May 23rd- Matins at 10:00 a.m.

Please pray for the servants of God:
Very Rev. Fr. Oshagan Minassian, Archpriest Edward Hughes, Armine Bizios, 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

Rose Azarian would like to sincerely thank everyone for their prayers, phone calls, and kindness during her recent illness.
Your genuine Christian love and concern meant a great deal during a very difficult time and I give thanks to God for my healing and recovery.

Requiems for Sunday May 18th, 2008

In memory of Eva, Minas, & Antranig Kojoian, Fran & Ara Sogoian, Sandra Sogoian
~ Requested by- Rose & Eddie Kojoian

Sunday June 1st- 90th Anniversary of Armenian Independence.  Sponsored by the ARF Lowell Aharonian Committee.  Dinner & Program to follow the Divine Liturgy at the Jaffarian Hall.  A Mezze will be provided prior to the Luncheon by the Committee and everyone is cordially invited to attend.

Summer Schedule of Services beginning

June 1st-September 7th
Matins- 8:45 a.m.- Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m.

Memorial Day Schedule-Monday May 26th, 2008
West Parish Cemetery-Andover- 8:30- 9:00 a.m.
Belleview Cemetery- Lawrence- 9:30- 10:00 a.m.
Edson Cemetery – Lowell- 10:30- 11:00 a.m.
All other Cemeteries by appointment only by contacting Fr. Vartan

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

Sunday September 7th- Annual Church Picnic/Festival in Haverhill