The Steward February 28, 2016

Transcription

1 Archpriest Father Gomidas Baghsarian -- Pastor Reverend Father Kapriel Nazarian -- Assistant Pastor Sts. Vartanantz Church WEEKLY BULLETIN 402 Broadway, Providence, RI Office: Fax: Website: stsvartanantzchurch.org The Steward February 28, 2016 Please Join Us in Worship this Sunday Morning Service 9:30 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am - Sermon 11:15 Մասնակցեցէք Ս.Պատարագին` Առաւօտեան Ժամերգութիւն 9:30 Ս. Պատարագ 10:00 - Քարոզ 11:15

2 Annual Church and Sister's Committees/Organizations Meeting Representatives of all of our Church and Sister Committees and Organizations recently participated in a very productive meeting. Many topics were discussed including ways to improve our Church Community along with parishioner involvement, coordination of Organizational Events, etc. A Fellowship followed the meeting. **************************************************************** Ôáõϳë (16:10-13) àí áñ áùñ ͳé³Ûáõû³Ý Ù ç ѳõ³ï³ñÇÙ, Ù»ÍÇ Ù ç ³É Ñ³õ³ï³ñÇÙ. ÇëÏ áí áñ áùñ ͳé³Ûáõû³Ý Ù ç ³Ýѳõ³ï³ñÇÙ, Ù»ÍÇ Ù ç ³É ³Ýѳõ³ï³ñÇÙ : Ñ»ï»õ³µ³ñ,»Ã ³ß˳ñÑÇÏ Ñ³ñëïáõÃÇõÝÁ áñí³í»éáõý Ù ç ѳõ³ï³ñÇÙ ã»õ³ù, ßÙ³ñÇï ѳñáõëïáõÃÇõÝÁ á±í åçïç íëï³ñç Ó»½Ç: ²ÛëÇÝùÝ,»Ã ѳõ³ï³ñÇÙ ã»õ³ù ³ß˳ñÑÇÏ Ñ³ñëïáõû³Ý, áñ Ó»ñÁ ã, ÇÝãå ±ë Ïáõ½ ù áñ ²ëïáõ³Í Ó»½Ç ï³û Ó»½Ç ëå³ëáõ ßÙ³ñÇï ѳñëïáõÃÇõÝÁ: àã Ù Ï Í³é³Û ÏñݳۻñÏáõ ï ñ»ñáõ ͳé³Û»É, áñáíñ»ï»õ ϳ٠٠ÏÁ åçïç ³ï»õ ÙÇõëÁ ëçñ, ϳ٠٠ÏÁ åçïç ٻͳñ»õ ÙÇõëÁ ³ñѳٳñÑ : â»ù Ïñݳñ à ²ëïáõÍáÛ Í³é³Û»É»õ à ¹ñ³ÙÇÝ :

3 GOSPEL Luke 16: 1-15 The Parable of the Shrewd Manager Jesus told his disciples: There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. So he called him in and asked him, What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer. The manager said to himself, What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I m not strong enough to dig, and I m ashamed to beg - I know what I will do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses. So he called in each of his master s debtors. He asked the first, How much do you owe my master? Eight hundred gallons of olive oil, he replied. The manager told him, Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred. Then he asked the second, And how much do you owe? A thousand bushels of wheat, he replied. He told him, Take your bill and make it eight hundred. The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. so if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else s property, who will give you property of your own? No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. He said to them, You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God s sight. (On Page 1036 in your Bibles) EPISTLE Ephesians 5: 1-14 Living as Children of Light Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there

4 be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person - such a man is an idolater - has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God s wrath comes upon those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: Wake up, O Sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. (On Page 1159 in your Bibles) Today's Altar Candles are donated in Loving Memory of Harry Derderian by Mrs. Shirley Derderian and Family REQUIEM SERVICE February 28, 2016 Armenians who perished in the Sumgait Massacres Benefactors & Deceased Members of ARS Arax & Ani Chapters Nancy Akalarian Nazenik Akalarian Guy and Sarah Asadorian Harry Barsoian Krikor, Mariam, Vartanoush, Bedros and Mariam Bedrosian, Maria Czbanowski, and Horopig and Albert Rustelli

5 Harry Derderian Kevork Hajaian John H. Harootunian Kerop Jabagjorian Semon Johnson Malina Kevorkian and Elizabeth Birkner Shake' Khatchadourian James McConaghy Suzanne Najarian Boghos Paul and Haig Sahagian Kaloust and Takouhi Terzian Rose Zorabedian Sara and Ralph Zorabedian REQUIEM SERVICE March 6, 2016 Baghdasar, Souren, Boghos, Siranoosh, Minas and Elmas Arzoomanian and Anna Nahabedian Hagopos, Ovsanna and Dr. Kegham and Shavarsh Nartouni Ayvasian, Arsen and Mariam Babikyan and Aghavni Derderian Artacky Berberian Minas and Margaret Dayian Helen Fashjian Satenig and John Hovhannes Garabedian Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian

6 Dikranouhi and Krikor Krikorian Haig Markarian, Sr Aroussiag Minassian Parsegh and Nartig Mooradian and Melkon "Mal" Norigian Moushegh Joe Najarian Gulizar Sarkisian Yeranuhi and Harpet Sarkisian Mugurdich Shaljian Kazar, Almas, Peter and Vencenza Simonian, and Zartar Atamian Hrayr, Rouben, Vehanush, Stepan, Antranig, Mari, and Vartan Stepanyan Karapet Tashian CALENDAR of EVENTS Adult Bible Study meets each Monday at 7 pm Young Adults Fellowship [ages 18 30] meets each Thursday at 7 pm during Lent Choreg and Kufta are now available for purchase on Sundays after Church

7 Our Ladies will once again be making Bahotz Kufta for Lent on March 7th and 8th. Cost is $15/dozen Please place your order with Sarah Markarian [ ] Parishioners Please refrain from parking in the Gas Station Lot as it is now open for business on Sundays. This Sunday, February 28, 2016 Coffee Hour Fellowship is hosted by the ARS Ani and Arax Chapters in Loving Memory of their Benefactors & Deceased Members ARS Arax will provide Vosbov Kufta for sale during the Coffee Hour Fellowship Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Lenten Fish Dinner 6 pm in Fermanian Fellowship Hall sponsored by the AYF/Homenetmen Chapters Lenten Vespers follows at 7 pm Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian will be the Guest Speaker

8 Saturday, March 5, 2016 ANEC NE Regional Seminar Fermanian Fellowship Hall from 12 5 pm Wednesday, March 9, 2016 Lenten Vespers 7 pm Followed by Fellowship hosted by our Christian Education Committee Sunday, March 13, 2016 Sunday School Monthly Family Breakfast 10 am sharp Please note: Dates of Future Family Breakfasts April 10th; May 8th Wednesday, March 16, 2016 Lenten Dinner 6 pm in Fermanian Fellowship Hall sponsored by our Ladies Guild Menu will be choice of Vospov Kheyma, Mock Khema, or Vegetable Lasagna Cost $15.00 Lenten Vespers follows at 7 pm Winter and Inclement Weather is upon us! Please remember to check for our cancellations. They will be listed on all local radio and television stations and their web sites.

9 Visit our website for updated Church News Assistant Secretary Position Sts. Vartanantz Church is looking to hire someone as an Assistant Secretary with the potential to become the Secretary/Office Manager in the future. Approximately 25 hours per week. Computer proficiency is a must. Knowledge of the Armenian language is preferred but not mandatory. Those qualified and interested should contact the Church Office [ ] for an application and complete job description. ********************************************

10 Scholarship information ARS EASTERN USA S Undergraduate & Lazarian Graduate 2015 Scholarship Applications are available. Website scholarship page Deadline for submitting applications is April 1, 2016 Providence ARS Ani Chapter Undergraduate Scholarship Applications are now available. Must be a RI Resident and in second year of college. Call Karen Pilla or kpilla1015@gmail.com Deadline for submitting applications is April 1, 2016 The Scholarship Committee of Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church, is pleased to announce that applications are now available for the Charles Yaghoobian, Jr. Scholarship Grants for Scholarship Grants will be awarded to qualified members of all three Armenian Churches in RI. Applicants must be dues paying members of their church. Scholarships are limited for up to 3 years only. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for consideration. For an application and a list of eligibility requirements you may contact: Nathalie Yaghoobian, The deadline to submit completed application and all documentation is April 1, The Vaughn Avedisian Scholarship Fund was established in 2003 within the Rhode Island Community Foundation to benefit students from Rhode Island to attend a non-profit post-secondary institution that offers either a two-year associate or a four-year college degree. The scholarships averaging $2,000 will be given annually. Your application must arrive by April 4, For further information and/or an application, please contact John Takian by ing him at johnt@blissproperties.net ******************************************** Paul O. and Mary Boghossian Memorial Trust Scholarship Awards Scholarships for study at institutions of higher education beyond the secondary level to RI students who demonstrate: financial need, academic capability; and potential to contribute to the USA and its form of government. Scholarship awards from the Trust are limited to RI students from any one of the

11 following groups : 1) Residents of Kent, Newport or Washington Counties in the state of RI; or 2) Members and former members of the Kent County branch of the YMCA in the City of Warwick; or 3) Members and former members of the Pawtucket Boys & Girls Club, in the city of Pawtucket; or 4) Members or descendants of a member of Park Place Congregational Church, in the city of Pawtucket; or 5) Persons or descendants of persons who are Armenian by national origin or descent All decisions pertaining to scholarship applications and awards are made by a Scholarship Committee composed of individuals independent of the Boghossian Family and Bank of America, N.A., the Corporate Trustee. For questions regarding the scholarship process please contact Ms. Dian Parker Quinn at or dian.quinn@ustrust.com Copies of the application are available in our Church Office ******************************************** Daughters of Vartan, Aik Otyag #10 MERIT BASED SCHOLARSHIP FOR ARMENIAN STUDENTS The Daughters of Vartan, Aik Otyag #10, is proud to announce a $1, academic scholarship for a High School Senior who: (1) is a person of Armenian descent accepted to a full time undergraduate program at an institution of higher learning. (2) is an American Citizen. (3) is a resident of the State of Rhode Island, or, if a resident of another state, has a closely related relative who is a member of Daughters of Vartan, Aik Otyag #10, Providence, RI.** (4) has demonstrated academic excellence.

12 You are invited to apply for the Aik Otyag Academic Scholarship by furnishing the Aik Otyag #10, Daughters of Vartan Scholarship Committee with the following forms: (1) COMPLETED APPLICATION POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN MAY 15, 2016 (2) LATE OR INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Copies of the application are available in our Church Office ******************************************** From the February 25th issue of Crossroads SAINTS HONORED THIS SATURDAY This Saturday, February 27, the Armenian Church commemorates the lives of the following four saints: Icon of St. Hovhan of Odzun Icon of St. Krikor of Datev

13 St. John, Patriarch of Jerusalem, succeeded St. Cyril as Patriarch of Jerusalem ( ). He grew up with the monks at the monastery of Nitria (Egypt) where he learned about Christianity and the teachings of Origen. He was noted for his keen intellect and is said to have delivered inspiring and eloquent sermons. Hovhan Odznetsi (St. John of Otzoon) was catholicos from 717 to 728, which was a period when Armenia was under Arab rule. He defended Armenians from forced conversion and was successful in securing the rights of worship for Armenian Christians. He was also successful in securing tax-exempt status for the church. He was highly admired and respected. Hovhan Vorodnetsi (St. John of Orotni) was born in Following his ordination he served at the monasteries of Klatzor and Datev. He dedicated most of his efforts toward the preservation of the orthodox faith, and against the attempt to merge the Armenian Church with the Latin Church. He wrote commentaries on the Gospel of John and the epistles of St. Paul. Krikor Datevatzi (St. Gregory of Datev), born in 1346 in the province of Vayotz Tzor, is perhaps the best known of the four. He was a student of John of Orotni and a great defender of the character of the Armenian Church. He was a brilliant scholar; he knew Latin fluently and had studied the Greek philosophers extensively. He is regarded to be the greatest teacher of the Armenian Church. His most famous work is the Book of Questions (Kirk Hartsmants), which examines questions of faith. He is also credited with setting a high standard for preaching. He is often referred to as the second Gregory the Illuminator. Datevatzi, who died in 1409, had the distinction of being the last person to be canonized in the Armenian Church, until last year when the Martyrs of April were canonized on the 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide. SUNDAY OF THE STEWARD This Sunday, February 28, the fourth Sunday of Lent, is the Sunday of the Steward (Tntesi Kiraki). The parable of the Unrighteous Steward is in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 16, Verses 1 to 8. This parable is about a rich man and his steward. The steward was one who looked out for his own personal benefit and through his cunning arrangements he made deals with those who were in debt to his master. Jesus used this parable not to condone the behavior of the steward but rather as an illustration of qualities that have a necessary place in the life of true disciples. Since we are stewards of the world, we are accountable to our Lord for the talents we have and the things that have been entrusted to our care. Throughout his ministry, Jesus used parables as a teaching tool. His parables were common stories, usually short and always interesting. Generally, the stories were used to convey important moral and ethical lessons. Some of the parables are simple and easy to comprehend. Others are complex and more challenging.

14 SYRIAN ARMENIAN COMMUNITY NEEDS OUR HELP MORE THAN EVER The crisis in Syria requires our financial assistance. Please keep this community in your prayers, your hearts, and your pocketbooks. PLEASE DO NOT FORGET OUR ONGOING RELIEF EFFORTS FOR THE ARMENIAN COMMUNITY IN SYRIA WHERE CONDITIONS ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY MORE DIFFICULT. THE NEED IS REAL. THE NEED IS GREAT. DONATIONS TO THE FUND FOR SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF CAN BE MADE BY MAILING YOUR DONATION TO: Armenian Prelacy 138 E. 39th Street New York, NY Checks payable to: Armenian Apostolic Church of America (Memo: Syrian Armenian Relief) Thank you for your help

15 This Sunday

16 A R M E N I A N R E L I E F S O C I E T Y ANI & ARAX CHAPTERS EASTER FOOD DRIVE FOR THE R. I. COMMUNITY FOOD BANK COMMUNITY OF STS.VARTANANTZ CHURCH AYF AND HOMENETMENT SCOUTS SUNDAY SCHOOL AND ARMENIAN SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE ASKED TO PARTICIPATE WITH WITH THE ARS CHAPTERS TO DONATE CANNED AND DRY FOODS TO HELP THE NEEDY DONATIONS MAY BE LEFT IN THE BOXES IN THE BACK HALLWAY FROM MARCH 1 TO MARCH 20 ALL DONATIONS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

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18 Ladies Guild LENTEN DINNER Choice of Vosbov Kheyma or Mock Kheyma or Vegetable Lasagna $15.00 Wednesday, March 16, 2016 Fermanian Fellowship Hall Dinner 6 pm Lenten Vespers Service 7 pm PLEASE JOIN US!