Saints Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church The Lighthouse

Transcription

1 Saints Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church The Lighthouse The Rev. Fr. Shnor Souin, Pastor 70 Jefferson Street Providence, Rhode Island tel fax office@stsahmes.org - dershnor@gmail.com Parish Council Members on Duty Today: John Megrdichian - Steve Megrdichian Schedule Sunday Service Morning Service (Keesherayeen & Aravodyan Jham) Divine Liturgy (Soorp Badara) 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Easter Sunday - Soorp Zadig - Siyeb Xaru April 1, 2018 /\ Scripture Readings Acts 1:15-26 (Pg. 108) Mar 16:2-8 (Pg. 50) Creed: Armenian Christ is risen from the dead. By His death, He trampled death underfoot and by His Resurrection He has granted us life. To Him be glory forever, amen. The Legacy of our Martyrs Don t just attend the Badara. See it, feel it, sing it, pray it, hear it, smell it, touch it, and taste it and see how sweet is the Lord! Ta,avzh; vy rvsh; xu ;apze h Rhe: Taste ye, and see, for the Lord is sweet. (Adapted from Psalm 34:8) Der Shnor THE EASTER MESSAGE OF ARCHBISHOP KHAJAG BARSAMIAN Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America You Will Live... and You Will Know O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you will live! I will lay muscles on you, and will cause flesh to grow on you, and cover you with sin, and put breath into you. You will live; and then you will now that I am the Lord. (Ezeiel 37:3-6) On the western wall of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, soaring forty feet high, a stained glass window depicts an awe-inspiring scene from the Bible. The image itself comes from the dramatic vision in the boo of Ezeiel, nown as The Valley of Dry Bones. But to the late artist Bogdan Grom who designed the cathedral window and to those who first viewed it fifty years ago, on the cathedral s consecration day that vision encapsulated the story of the Armenian people, especially in the wae of the 1915 Genocide. It is the story of a nation seemingly written out of history reduced to bones in arid, desolate places lie the desert of Der Zor but who were somehow brought bac to life.

2 Who else but almighty God could have effected such a miracle? Yet the miracle of Armenian survival would never have occurred, were it not for another miracle: the miracle we celebrate every Easter. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is our greatest promise that God will not forsae His faithful children. It is our greatest assurance that the power of Evil will not triumph over Good; the greatest source of Hope in our lives. Centuries before the birth of His Son, God spoe to the prophet Ezeiel, to convey this hope in the most dramatic terms. Remember the words of God as He led Ezeiel through the Valley of Dry Bones: Son of man, can these bones live? Only you now, Lord, answered Ezeiel. And with that, God raised the dead bones, covering them in flesh and muscle, imbuing them with the breath of life. Ezeiel had been terrified by the vision of death and destruction. But he saw the power of God draw life out of death. And having witnessed the miracle of Life, he new the miracle of Hope. The same hope was revealed on the first Easter Sunday, when three women visited the tomb of Christ. They, too, were waling in a valley of death a cemetery and they approached the tomb with fear and despair, for they had witnessed the crucifixion of their Lord Jesus, and seen his dead body only days earlier. What greeted them, however, was not a vision of death, but a promise of life: an empty tomb. The mere sight of it was enough to dispel all fear, and fill those women with hope: a hope that would change the world. In time, our ancestors awaened to this hope. The Armenians embraced the hope of the Resurrection, first as individuals, and eventually as an entire nation. It became the vital nerve of our civilization, the secret of our survival. How often have our people waled through the valley of death? And how could we have endured, how could we have overcome adversity, were it not for this precious gift of hope? Yet our hope in the Resurrection is not a relic of the past. It is not just a pleasing story to help us through the hard times. It is a fact of existence, which is brought home to us in unexpected ways, in the unlieliest of places Ṫhis is the message of hope we need to draw strength from today, as we face our own trials. We live in a time of great disruptions to patterns of life that have prevailed for centuries. Some of the changes we are witnessing are arguably for the good. But others fill us with uncertainty even fear for the world our children will inherit. Public opinion seems demoralized, apprehensive, and doubtful about the future. These are causes for concern, prayer, and reflection. But not for despair. For we are not strangers to the valley of death. Through Christ, we have been there before. For our sae, he experienced its terrors, accepted its wounds and emerged victorious. And so we must never lose faith as we wal through our own trials. For we have witnessed the miracle of Life and we now the miracle of Hope. This is the hope Jesus Christ holds out to each individual soul. On this Easter Sunday, let us affirm it together, with greater conviction than ever before: Krisdos haryav ee merelotz. Orhnyal eh harootiunun Krisdosee. Christ is risen from the dead. Blessed is the resurrection of Christ. Easter 2018

3 From the Pastor According to tradition Armenians, along with all eastern Christians tae the opportunity during the resurrection to greet each other with an expression of joy in the victory and resurrection of Christ. In the Armenian Church tradition we say Christ is risen from the dead to which the person receiving the greeting answers Blessed is the resurrection of Christ. In other eastern traditions, for example the Gree and Russian, they say Christ is risen to which you answer He is truly risen. We have the blessed opportunity once again this holy Easter and the celebration of our Lord s resurrection by greeting each other and saying Christ is risen from the dead. My prayer for each and everyone of us is that the light of the empty tomb shine upon us so brightly that we surely and truly apprehend the miraculous gift won for us by our precious Lord. God bless you all and have a happy and blessed Easter. Anyone who requests according to our great tradition to celebrate the presence of Christ in their homes can call me for a home blessing at Home and Grave Blessings Fr. Shnor can be available for grave blessings and for home blessings following Easter. Call him directly to mae arrangements at The Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Mar 16:2-8 And very early on the first day of the wee they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb? And looing up, they saw that the stone was rolled bac; -- it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, Do not be amazed; you see Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you. And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to any one, for they were afraid. Glory to You, O Lord our God! Response when Kissing the Cross (during the procession): The faithful says: i,;s=ir ;u xis a a=i anmaf ga inn Astou o\! Hee-shes-cheer yev zeez a-rra-chee an-mah a-rinn As-doo-dzo. (Remember me before the immortal Lamb of God.) The priest says: i,;al li=ir a a=i anmaf ga inn Astou o\! Hee-shyal lee-cheer a-rra-chee an-mah a-rinn As-doo-dzo. (You shall be remembered before the immortal Lamb of God.) Response for the Kiss of Peace: The giver says: Qristos i mh= m;r \a\tn;zau! Krees-dos ee mech mer hayd-ne-tsav. (Christ is revealed in our midst.) The receiver says: 0rfn;al h \a\tnoujiunn Qristosi! Orh-nyal eh hayd-noo-tyoo-nun Krees-do-see.

4 (Blessed is the revelation of Christ. Response when Kissing the Gospel (after the Divine Liturgy): The faithful says: i,;szh Thr xam;na\n patarags qo! Hee-shes-tseh Der za-me-nayn ba-da-ra-us o. (May the Lord remember all your sacrifices.) The priest says: Tazh q;x Thr est srti qoum! Da-tseh ez Der usd sur-dee oom. (May the Lord grant to you according to your heart.) Participating in the Divine Liturgy: Please follow the prayers and hymns of the Divine Liturgy in the boos provided in the pews. The front section contains the Armenian Krapar text and modern Armenian translation, while the latter part gives the English transliteration and translation. Page numbers are illuminated at the upper left and right sides of the main altar. Please sing along with any of the hymns which the choir is singing. Confession and Holy Communion: Those who are preparing to receive Holy Communion may neel in the center aisle or remain standing at their pew for the group recitation of the confession (p ). After the absolution please proceed via the central aisle towards the altar in an orderly manner. Two Parish Council members will be present to assist. Please return to your pew via the side aisles. The Pastor, Parish Council and Delegates wish you and your loved ones a Happy Easter. May the blessings of our resurrected Savior fill your hearts with joy, peace, love and forgiveness. Prayers of Healing are requested for our beloved Pastor, Der Shnor, as he awaits heart transplant surgery. Prayers of Healing are requested for Rev. Fr. Stepanos Doudoujian, Pastor of St. Peter Armenian Church, Watervliet, NY. Prayers of Healing are requested for Satenig Minasian, Tom Topalian and Roza Grigorian. PRAYER FOR HEALING - Armenian Boo Of Hours (Sixth Hour) Remove the pains and heal the wounds of your people, O Lord our God, and grant perfect health to us all through your all-conquering cross, through which you eliminated the weaness of the human race and condemned the enemy of our life and salvation. You are our life and salvation, beneficent and all-merciful God, and you alone can forgive our sins, remove diseases and sicnesses from us. You now our needs, O giver of gifts; grant your abundant mercy to all your creatures, each one according to his needs. And through your gifts may we always praise the all-holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever. Amen Please pray for Master Sergeant Richard Moore of the RI Air National Guard who is deployed to Africa. May God bless him and eep him safe throughout his service. Note: Please call the office if you would lie to include the name of your family member or friend who is presently in the military in our prayers.

5 Prayer Card Ministry Information about the Prayer Card Ministry of Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church is available through the church office. If you would lie to request a Healing Prayer Card or a Memorial Prayer Card for a loved one, please call the office ( ). Details for this are available on line at Please eep our Christian brothers and sisters in Artsah, Syria, Egypt and Iraq in your prayers that God Almighty will watch over them and protect them in these uncertain and dangerous times. PRAYER BOX - There is a prayer box in the chancel located on the table at the entrance of the Sanctuary on the elevator side where you may place your written prayer requests. REQUIEMS (Hoehanist) will resume on April 8. MEDICAL RELIEF FUND A separate account has been established to support Fr.Snor and the Souin family for additional medical expenses which they have and will continue to incur. Should you wish to contribute, send donations to the church and mae checs payable to Sts Sahag & Mesrob Church noting Medical Relief Fund on the memo line. (This contribution is made with the understanding that the donee organization has complete control and administration over the use of the donated funds.) Prayer of the Wee We rejoice with great joy for the Good News of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who has been the fruit and the first born of all that have fallen asleep. He has destroyed the gates of hell, and loosed the tyranny of death; and he gave us the firm hope of the renewal of the life of all men. In faith let us as of our Savior Jesus Christ that he may please to mae us worthy of his resurrection, and to transform our lowly body into the lieness of his glorious Body. For the very God, Jesus Christ our Lord, has promised to grant this great and ineffable gift to them that love him. -reprinted from the e-newsletter of the Diocese of the Armenian Church (Eastern) Sunday Fellowship Welcome parishioners and visitors. Please join us for coffee and fellowship after services in the Egavian Hall. ANNOUNCEMENTS TODAY Two large Easter Pascal Candles have been donated in loving memory of Archdeacon Hachadoor Madenigian, Zartar Madenigian, and Helen and John Seplocha by Dr. Holly Seplocha; Joy & Patric Ramsier and Children; and Joni Cochran.

6 APRIL 8 Following church services on Sunday, April 8, Dr. Ara Tachjian will spea on Keeping Your Heart in Chec! Conditions You Should Know. A 2008 graduate of the Faculty of Medicine at Kuwait University, Dr. Tachjian continued his education in the USA with an Internal Residency Program at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a Cardiology Fellowship at UMass Medical School and additional training in cardiac MRI. Currently on staff at BIDMC and Kent Hospital he is also an Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Among his many articles and posters, Dr. Tachjian has authored a paper on safety of herbal remedies and their potential and sometimes life threatening interactions with cardiac medications. All ages are encouraged to attend. APRIL 14 Saintly Women s Day 2018 Armenian Apostolic Church at Hye Pointe, Saturday, April 14, 2018, 10am Hospitality, 11:00 a.m. Services, 12 noon luncheon followed by program: 2 New Testament Saintly Women: Priscilla & Phoebe Donation: $35 Call or Lillibeth for reservation: or emooloian@aol.com today. APRIL 15 - Bae Sale for Nazeli Dance Group after Church. APRIL 17 20th Annual RI Armenian Youth Day - sponsored by the Armenian Martyrs Memorial Committee, Tuesday, April 17 in the Egavian Cultural Center, 8:15-8:45 chec-in & light breafast, program (aages 7-14) 8:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Registratioiin deadline April 13, no charge to participate. Registration forms available in the church office. Call Joyce Yeremian ( ) or Martha Jamgochian ( ) The Armenian Martyrs Memorial Committee and Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church Cultural Committee present Cultural Genocide, an English language film produced in Armenia that illustrates the destruction of Armenian artifacts in Western/Historic Armenia. Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the Egavian Cultural Center. Free admission and light refreshments. APRIL 29 The Armenian Genocide Commemoration at North Burial Ground is scheduled for Sunday, April 29th at 12:45 p.m. Chris Bohjalian will be the eynote speaer. All members of the Armenian community are encouraged to attend. MAY 6 - Sunday School Graduation MAY 11 - Annual Sports Banquet...details will be announced. MAY 13 - Mother s Day Cae Sale sponsored by the Women s Guild MAY 20 - Armenian School Hantess MAY 19 Armenian Radio Hour 70th Anniversary Commemoration Dinner Dance sponsored by Knights of Vartan Arax Lodge 100 Year Anniversary and service to the Armenian community, Saturday, May 19, Save the date!!

7 MAY 28 Monday, May 28, 4pm-6pm, Concert Dedicated to the 100th Anniversary of the First Armenia Republic, sponsored by the Armenian Cultural Association of RI and presented by the Armenian Chorale of Rhode Island, Worcester Armenian Chorale and Symphony Orchestra, and Soloists, at Sts. Peter & Paul Cathedral, Providence, RI. Free & open to the public. JUNE 2 Annual Children s Talent Show Reflections of Armenian Youth Saturday, June 2 at 7 p.m. in Egavian Cultural Center. More details will be forthcoming. AUGUST 18 Save the date-annual Picnic, Saturday, August 18. Food, music, & more. Volunteers welcome. Contact armenjanigian@gmail.com NOTICES The Church is has acquired a new commercial grade folding machine. The cost of this machine is around $2100. A generous donor has sponsored one-half of the cost of this new machine. Should you have an interest in sponsoring the remainder, in part or in full, please call the Church office at SUNDAY SCHOOL Announcement: On-Going Charitable Projects: charitable giving includes canned goods collections, hygienic products collection, weely plate collection, winter warmth items and the Lenten Drive. - Contribute and participate in the quarterly Mary House Meal Kitchen Service Program next date will be June Hygiene Products - April: Soap & Shampoo - Weely Sunday School student plate donation PARISH MEMBER DUES - Tae advantage of the many payment options in the new year. Pay by chec or by credit card in full or in part weely, monthly, or quarterly. You can pay securely online through PayPal on the church website (stsahmes.org) using the dues & stewardship donation button. Membership dues are $175 ($125 for seniors, $100 ages 18-24). Become a steward of the church by contributing beyond dues as part of the Stewardship Program. Existing members dues must be received by Dec. 31, 2018 and new members by June 30 to vote at the Parish Assembly on February 24, The Armenian Martyrs Memorial Committee of RI presents Coctails & Conversation with Chris Bohjalian on Saturday, April 28 from 3-5 p.m. at the Marriott Providence Downtown, One Orms St., Providence. Ticets are $40 per person, includes hors d oeuvres, a coctail, and a goody bag with surprises. Deadline for reservations April 20th. Ticets available online at org, or call Joyce Yeremian ( ) or Esther Kalajian ( ) Space is limited Remember the date - Saturday, May 19 from 12 to 3pm...AHARI Museum new exhibit: Rhode Island Armenians: Remembering the past and looing to the future. Information about summer camp sessions and St. Nersess Summer Conferences will be published in next wee s on-line bulletin. (Call for info.)

8 The Armenian Historical Association of RI (AHARI) s museum is in the Bliss Building located in Providence s East Side at 245 Waterman Street, suite 204. The public is invited to tour the museum on Saturdays from 12noon to 3pm as well as by appointment. The phone-number is ; info@ armenianhistorical-ri.org, website: aharimuseum.org. Save the date: May 19 for new AHARI Exhibit - details to follow. LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR REMINDER- Remember your non-perishable food donations for Mary House food pantry. Items that move very quicly and are needed the most - tuna, peanut butter, jelly, soups and rice. They also need personal care toiletries such as tooth paste, tooth brushes, shampoo & conditioner, deodorant etc. As always thans so much for supporting Mary House. For info., contact Joyce Avedisian ( ). Next Meal Kitchen date will be June 25. CALENDAR OF EVENTS APRIL Today Easter Sunday- 9 a.m. Morning Service, 10a.m. Divine Liturgy 8 Presentation on Heart Health for all ages by Dr. Ara Tachjian after church services in Hanoian Hall 15 Bae Sale for Nazeli Dance Group 17 Armenian Youth Day - 8:15 to 2:30, Egavian Cultural Center Cultural Genocide Movie showing at 7 p.m., Hanoian Hall. 29 Martyrs Memorial Services at North Buriel Ground MAY 6 Sunday School Graduation 11 49th Annual Sports Banquet, details to follow. 13 Annual Mother s Day Cae Sale after church 19 Knghts of Vartan & Armenian Radio Hour Dinner Dance 20 Armenian School Hantess th Anniversary Concert JUNE 2 Annual Children s Talent Show, 7 p.m. 16 Cultural Committee Cafe Night 25 Annual Golf Tournament AUGUST 18 Annual Church Picnic - Save the Date Weely Schedule Senior Citizens: Mondays 10:00 a.m. Adult Armenian School: Tuesdays 6:00 p.m. Jr. Choir: Fridays 6:00 p.m. Nazeli Dance Group: Fridays 6:30 p.m. Armenian School: Saturdays 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Arts Education Program: Saturdays 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Sunday School Sundays 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Contact Information Arts Education & Nazeli Dance Group: For more information contact Janna Guegamian ( ) or petroson@aol.com Armenian School: Contact Mariam Saribeyan ( ) Sunday School: Contact Martha Jamgochian ( ) or at jmartha9@gmail.com