Der Hayr's Weekly Message

Septermber 14 , 2008

Readings- 49:13-23, Galatians 6:14-18, Gospel-John 3:13-21
Feast of the Elevation of the Cross

Today is the Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross, but what is the meaning of the Cross? Is it a symbol or rather the reality of just how much God has loved us? If you ask the question as to whether God loves you or not then all you have to do is look at Christ on the Cross, can there be a greater expression of God's unconditional love for all of us than the fact that Christ gave His life on the reality of the Cross for our redemption and if we have to really think about that at any length then perhaps it is a good idea for us to examine our Christianity.
As you worship today please take a moment to look at the Icon of the Crucifixion of Our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, contemplate and think about the fact that the very Cross that He died upon for us also became the reality of the victory of life over death, light over darkness and of goodness over evil, this is the essence of what we believe as Orthodox Christians. St. Paul wrote to the Romans: If God is for us who can be against us? Yes the Cross is also the reality that above all else God is indeed our greatest advocate, that if you truly believe that God is with you then you can be assured that whatever life may bring to us God will be there to help and guide us through our most difficult trials and tribulations. Remember the sacrifice that Christ made for each and everyone of us. If you want the definition of love, then look at Christ upon the Cross and ask: Am I worth dying for?

Names commemorated today & this week:
Khatchadour, Khatchig, Khecho, Khatcheres, Rehan, Khatchkhatoon, Khachouhi, Khosrov, Khachperouhi, Khosrovanoush

Wednesday September 17th- Matins- 10:00 a.m.

Today is the Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross Khatchveradz.  Blessing of the Water with the newly Blessed Holy Muron which took place on June 7th in Antelias by His Holiness Catholicos Aram 1st will take place at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy.

Please remember the ill and confined in your prayers.
Archpriest Antranig Baljian, Yeretzgeen Patricia Dagley, Sarkis Minasian, Mary Oozoonian, Alice DerApkarian, Carolyn Dagley, Berj Karibian, Hagop Garavanian, Joyce Quinlan

Church Calendar -

Friday September 19th- Family Night beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Jaffarian Hall.
Thursday October 2nd- Avak Luncheon & Program at Jaffarian Hall at 12:00 noon- Please reserve the date.
Thursday November 6th- Avak Luncheon & Program at 12:00 noon
October 17th & 18th- Annual Fall Fair of St. Gregory Church at Jaffarian Hall from 10:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m.
Sunday November 9th- 38th Anniversary of St. Gregory Church and 50th Anniversary of the Eastern Prelacy presided over by His Grace Bishop Anoushavan Vicar General of the Eastern Prelacy.  No Hokehankist ( Requiems) will be held on this day.
Saturday November 29th- Ladies Guild Craft Fair at Jaffarian Hall form 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Requests for Hokehankist & Prayers must be received no later than Thursday at 12:00 noon for publication in the Sunday Bulletin for that week. Any requests received after the deadline will be published in the Bulletin for the following week.  Please remember to be kind enough to send your donation along with your request when you do so. Keep in mind that the Church depends solely on the kindness and charity of Her children in order to be able to effectively carry out its mission. 

Remember that God loves a cheerful giver and that the Church belongs to each and everyone of us.