Der Hayr's Weekly Message

Scripture Readings- 2 Corinthians 13:5-13-Mark-11:27-33
3rd Sunday of the Cross

What is the real meaning of the Church?  Is it merely a building or a meeting place or just a place to come and socialize?  The Church is today what it has always been for the last 2000 years and that is the community of those who profess faith in none other than Jesus Christ.
The Gospel of St. Matthew makes it very clear that there is no salvation outside of the Church which in essence is the presence of Jesus Christ.  Throughout history the Church has been subjected to numerous persecutions and upheavals yet it has survived the test of time, because the Church is not just a building or a gathering place it is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.  It has survived because it belongs to God, we are merely stewards of the gifts that God has given to us.
Our Lord made it very clear in the Gospel of Matthew that the gates of Hell would not prevail against my Church.  St. John Chrysostom one of the greatest Fathers of the Early Church wrote: The Church because She belongs to Christ is the true Ark and Covenant of our Salvation.  Remember there is no salvation outside of the Church of Jesus Christ!
The Church in order to be faithful to what She has been called to must not be afraid to preach the truth and not from a worldly or secular standpoint but from the Gopsel, there is no other way of getting around it. As Christians there is no gray area we either believe or we do not!  Remember the choice is yours to make.   Christianity is not merely a convenience but a way of life, a faith of action and not just words!!!!

Names commemorated today and this week:
Sahag, Mesrob, Yeghishe, Movses, Tavit, Barbara, Thekla, Beghia, Nerses, Nareg, Varvar

Parish Calendar-October-December 2007

Friday & Saturday Oct. 19-20 Annual Fall Fair/ Bazaar -10:00- 8:00
Sunday November 11th- Church Anniversary & Ordination of Nishan Dagley to the Order of Acolyte & Stole Bearer by His Grace Bishop Anoushavan-Vicar General- Luncheon & Program to follow.  There will be no Hokehankist commemorated on this day.
Thursday Nov. 1st- Avak Luncheon-12:00 noon-Jaffarian Hall
Friday Nov. 16th- Family Night Thanksgiving Dinner-6:00 p.m.
Saturday November 17th- St. Gregory Ladies Guild Craft Fair
Thursday Dec. 6th- Avak Luncheon & Program at 12:00 noon
Sunday Dec. 16th- Christmas Pageant & Children's Party
Monday December 24th- Feast of St. Stephen & Christmas Eve - Great Vespers- 5:30 p.m.- Christmas Carols & Readings in English at 6:00 p.m.- Reserve the date on your calendars.

Requiems for Sunday October 7th, 2007
~  In memory of James Adams  Requested by- Avedis & Susan Garavanian & Family
~  In memory of Haroutiun, Khanum, & Megerdich Kasparian
Requested by- Martha Hananian

Christian Education Retreat for Sunday School and Christian Education Instructors Oct. 26-28th at the

Vineyard of the Holy Virgin Mary Coptic Orthodox Retreat Center in Charlton MA

Tuesday October 9th- Matins- 9:30 a.m.-
Thursday October 11th- Matins- 9:30 a.m.
Friday October 12th- Matins- 9:30 a.m.