Sunday Bulletin ՏՕՆ Ս. ԾՆՆԴԵԱՆ ԵՒ ԱՍՏՈՒԱԾԱՅԱՅՆՈՒԹԵԱՆ ՄԵՐ ՏԻՐՈՋ ՅԻՍՈՒՍ ՔՐԻՍԴՈՍԻ - ՋՐՕՐՀՆԵՔ

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1 St. John Armenian Church of Greater Detroit Northwestern Highway Southfield, MI (phone) (fax) The Reverend Father Garabed Kochakian Pastor The Reverend Father Diran Papazian Pastor Emeritus Deacon Rubik Mailian Director of Sacred Music and Pastoral Assistant Ms. Margaret Lafian - Organist Sunday Bulletin OUR CHURCH AND PARISH IS A PLACE WHERE... All people are welcome... Every member is a minister... The world is our collective responsibility... Disciple-making is our goal... And worship is our duty and delight. JANUARY 8, 2012 THE ARMENIAN YEAR 1461 THE NATIVITY AND THEOPHANY OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST & THE GREAT BLESSING OF THE WATERS ՏՕՆ Ս. ԾՆՆԴԵԱՆ ԵՒ ԱՍՏՈՒԱԾԱՅԱՅՆՈՒԹԵԱՆ ՄԵՐ ՏԻՐՈՋ ՅԻՍՈՒՍ ՔՐԻՍԴՈՍԻ - ՋՐՕՐՀՆԵՔ THE LORD S DAY SCHEDULE OF SUNDAY WORSHIP Morning Service / Առաւօտեան Ժամերգութիւն...9:00 am Divine Liturgy/ Ս. Պատարագ :45 am Church School / Կիրակնօրեայ Վարժարան...10:15 am SACRED LECTIONS OF THE LITURGY TODAY THIS WEEK: Hebrews 1:1-12, Matthew 2:13-23 NEXT WEEK: Isaiah 54:1-13, 1 Timothy 1:1-11, John 2:1-11 Lector: Deacon Onnig Boyajian Welcome! We welcome you to the Divine Liturgy / Soorp Badarak and invite all who are Baptized and Chrismated in, or are in communion with, the Armenian Church to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion. If you are new to our parish and would like information about our many parish groups, please ask any Parish Council member on duty at the lobby desk. Make certain you sign our Guest Book before you leave so we can be in touch. Enter to worship the Lord Jesus Christ who loves you and depart with His love to serve others.

2 TODAY S GOSPEL: Matthew 2:13-23 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." And he rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, "Out of Egypt have I called my son." Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: "A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more." But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." And he rose and took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus reigned over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. GIFTS TO THE CHURCH In honor of David Ameriguian, Godfather of the Cross, gifts are presented to: St. John Armenian Church and St. John s Church School by parents Robert and Anne Marie, and sister, Rosanna Ameriguian; St. John Armenian Church by grandmother, Susan Ameriguian, grandparents, George and Alice Zallakian, uncle Michael Raffi Zallakian, godmother and uncle Belinda and Armen Kabodian. REQUIEMS WILL BE OFFERED ON... JANUARY 15, 22, 29 FEBRUARY 5, 19, 26; MARCH 4, 11, 18, 25

3 PRAYERS FOR THE SICK Vahan Aglamishian Seta Akarakcian Rose Boudakian Yetvart Bozajian Helen Daiyan Siranush Demirjian Dr. Harry Dermenjian Agnes Hagopian William Pugh George Zallakian Terri Karebian Susan Yester Harry Carman Walter Negosian Berj Kurkechian THE GREAT BLESSING OF THE WATERS Presiding at this service with Father Garabed will be His Grace Bishop Paren Avedikian assisted by Rev. Fr. Diran Papazian and Rev. Fr. Abraham Ohanesian GODFATHER OF THE CROSS Today, Master David Ameriguian, son of Robert and Anne Marie Ameriguian, will have the honor of serving as the Godfather of the Cross at the traditional Blessing of Waters service. He is the grandson of Susan Ameriguian, and George and Alice Zallakian. Following the Ch rorhnek service, you may come forward to congratulate David and then proceed to the lobby to receive your portion of blessed water. CPR/AED TRAINING & CERTIFICATION CLASS Thanks to the recommendation of the Parish Council Medical Committee and support of the Parish Council, a CPR/AED Training & Certification class has been scheduled for January 12, 2012, 2:00-4:30 pm at the City of Southfield Parks and Recreation Building Basement, led by Captain Tom Colombo, EMS Coordinator of the Southfield Fire Department. Upon successful completion of the class, students will receive an AHA card. If any member of our parish would like to register for this class (funded by St. John s), please contact the church office. Space is limited to the first 25 individuals who RSVP.

4 CHRISTMASTIDE The Sacred Period that follows Christmas The first 40 days of Christmastide culminate with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord to the Temple celebrated on February 14. During this 40-day period, the Christmas greeting in the Armenian Church is: KRISDOS DZUNAV YEV HAYDNETSAV! ORHYAL EH HAYDNOOTYOONN KRISDOSI! CHRIST IS BORN AND IS REVEALED! BLESSED IS THE REVELATION OF CHRIST! ՔՐԻՍՏՈՍ ԾՆԱՒ ԵՒ ՅԱՅՏՆԵՑԱՒ ՕՐՀՆԵԱԼ Է ՅԱՅՏՆՈՒԴԻՒՆՆ ՔՐԻՍՏՈՍԻ Please note that this greeting is NOT part of the Divine Liturgy. During the Badarak the greeting for the Kiss of Peace remains unchanged. See Bulletin back cover for the correct greeting. NAME DAY CELEBRATIONS Avedis, Emmanuel, Manoog, Manuel, Christian, Christine, Christopher, Mariam, Mary, Virginia, Vergine, Srpoohi, Diroohi, Diramayr, Dzaghig, Joseph, Jesse, Joshua, Prgoohi, Dadoor, Diradoor, Nazeli, Nazig, Nazareth, Baghdasar, Gaspar, Kasper, Melkon, Takvor, Takouhi ԱՆՈՒԱՆԱԿՈՉՈՒԴԵԱՆ ՍՕՆ Աւետիս, Էմանուէլ, Մանուկ, Մանուել, Քրիստափոր, Փրկուհի, Մարիամ, Մարի, Վերժին, Սրբուհի, Տիրամայր, Տիրուհի, ծաղիկ, Յովսէփ, Յեսու, Տատուր, Տիրատուր, Նազարեթ, Նազելի, Նազիկ, Պաղտասար, Գասբար, Մելքոն, Թագւոր, Թագուհի

5 THE NEW YEAR IN ARMENIAN TRADITION AMANOR / NOR DAREE For ages, New Year in Armenia was celebrated on the 21st of March, which also marked the beginning of spring and the birthday of the mythical god Vahagn. Armenian New Year was characterized by huge feasts and merriment in celebration of the sweet season of spring. However, during the 18th Century January 1st was accepted as the beginning of the New Year in Armenia, but many regions in Armenia like Suni, Artsakh and Udik continued to celebrate New Year on March 21st or Navasardi. Gradually by the end of the 20th century all Armenians adopted January 1st as the official first day of the New Year. New Year brings with it happiness and excitement for kids. In Armenia too the young await New Year celebrations eagerly. In ancient times children gathered in groups and roamed the streets of their village welcoming the New Year by singing to their neighbors. In return, they received fruits as gifts. However, there were norms regarding the ritual of gift giving. Within the household, it was a tradition for the family members to exchange gifts, but a wife never received a present from her husband, as this was considered a disgrace. Traditional Armenian New Year's delicacies include various fresh and dried fruits, but pastries, cakes and harisa are important as they have symbolic significance. The most important pastries being served is darin with a coin hidden inside. The family member who found the piece with the hidden coin was considered the member who is going to bring luck to the family. The most traditional meal is the dolma, which is prepared with meat, rice and grape leaves. And there is Kata, again an important delicacy, which is made of wheat flour, butter, milk and sugar. These are some of the traditions associated with the celebrations of New Year in Armenia.

6 THOUGHTS FOR THE NEW YEAR - A TIME FOR RENEWAL The first day of the New Year is a traditional time to evaluate our past and set new goals for the coming year. Often we couch these as resolutions. We commit to losing weight, exercising more, improving our business and so forth. We might even commit ourselves to reading the Scriptures every day, making a commitment to daily prayer or regularly attending church and participating in fasts and sacraments regularly. These efforts seeking to better our life physically and spiritually are important. Yet there are only a few such resolutions that last more than a few weeks. Why is this? Simply because we don't set out to make a habit out of what we commit to, making them part of our normal life rhythm and routine. We are so influenced by secular and non-religious culture that we expect instant results and those results that are what we think should be. We are impatient, too used to comfort, and quickly tire of things that require discipline and hard work. But if we truly seek an Armenian Orthodox Christian way of life, we must do both of these. This is what the Orthodox way of life is all about. Our spiritual growth does not come without effort and discipline--it doesn t fall out of heaven. This is how the apostle Peter puts it: Make every effort to add to your faith, goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, selfcontrol; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love (2 Peter 1:5-7). Being an Orthodox Christian is about a way of life. We must seek to live in a way that we become the aroma of Christ to our surroundings (2 Cor 2:15). This means that we must develop a presence that influences others by our way of living and acting-- what we believe and how we carry ourselves.

7 THE TEN PRINCIPLES OF THE ORTHODOX WAY OF LIFE This is a good time to review the following ten principles of an Orthodox Way of life and reflect on our own life style, asking, What changes do I need to make to improve my aroma? 1. Praying Daily: Have a regular prayer rule that includes morning and evening prayer. 2. Worshiping and Participating in Sacraments: Attend and participate in the Divine Liturgy receiving Holy Communion regularly as well as regular participation in Confession. 3. Honoring and observing the Liturgical Cycle of the Church: Follow the seasons of the church and participate in the fasts and feasts of the Church. 4. Using the Jesus Prayer: Repeat the Holy name whenever possible throughout the day or night. [Moslems are not the only people of faith who pray throughout the day several times. We are called to do the same as the principle of the Psalms say Pray without ceasing. 5. Slowing Down and Ordering Your Life: Set priorities and reduce the stress and friction caused by a hurried life. 6. Being Watchful: Give full attention to what you are doing at the moment. 7. Taming the Passions: Overcome your habits, attachment to your likes and dislikes, and learn to practice the virtues. 8. Putting Others First: Free yourself from your selfishness and find joy in helping others. 9. Spiritual Fellowship: Spend time regularly with other Orthodox Christians for support and inspiration. 10. Reading the Scriptures and Holy Fathers: Be inspired by the lessons of the Holy Scriptures, the wisdom of the Holy Fathers and the lives of the Saints of the Church.

8 WE ALL NEED A TREE I hired a plumber to help me restore an old farmhouse, and after he had just finished a rough first day on the job, a flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his electric drill quit and his ancient oneton truck refused to start. While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. On arriving he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands. When opening the door he underwent an amazing transformation. His face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss. Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier. Oh, that s my trouble tree, he replied. I know I can t help having troubles on the job, but one thing s for sure, those troubles don t belong in the house with my wife and children. So, I just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home and ask God to take care of them. Then in the morning I pick them up again. He smiled, Funny thing is when I come out in the morning to pick them up, there aren t nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before. WHAT TO DO WITH CHRISTMAS TREES AND ORNAMENTS YOU NO LONGER USE For the next Christmas season, Mrs. Roseann Attar and her Church School students will help decorate the Church's Christmas trees. Our current inventory of trees and ornaments is in decline. Thus, St. John s is in need of artificial Christmas trees and Christmas ornaments which you do not plan to keep. You may deliver them to the maintenance office after the holidays. Please contact the church office for a receipt for donation purposes. Many thanks for your generosity.

9 A Prayer for the New Year In this New Year, we look to an end to violence and war. We pray for peace, understanding, and reconciliation. In this New Year, we hope for a future where all can have enough. We pray for prophetic voices to speak for the poor and the marginalized. In this New Year, we feel the pain of those dying from preventable diseases. We pray that medicines can be available to all. In this New Year, we will breathe air and feel alive. We pray to improve our stewardship of God's creation. In this New Year, we wish to start anew. We pray for wisdom to acknowledge mistakes and move on. In this New Year, we believe that, with God's help, it is possible. We pray for justice to reign and dignity for all people.

10 MAN UP The Men s Society announces its First Overnight Retreat of the 21st Century! YOU EXPECT ME TO DO WHAT? Building Our Faith Through Self Discovery Retreat Leader: Fr. Tateos Abdalian Friday & Saturday, February 3 & 4, 2012 Embassy Suites, Victor Parkway, Livonia RSVP: George Saboonjian , or Christopher Korkoian ckorkoian@aol.com DAY BY DAY AFTERNOON BIBLE STUDY A monthly Bible study group led by Yeretzgin Roberta Kochakian Wednesday, January 25, :00 2:00 pm in the Nursery Room Bring your Bible and your lunch; we ll provide the coffee. REMINDER: St. JOHN S MEMBERS Please note that members whose pledges are current as of December 31, 2011 may participate and vote in the Annual Parish Assembly, Sunday, February 26, 2012

11 C O M M U N I TY EVENTS Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 7:00 pm Handel s MESSIAH Armenian Congregational Church Tuesday, January 24, 2012, 6:30 pm Opera Buffo GARINE Bloomfield Twp Library SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, February 11, 2012 Daughters of Vartan Manti and More Carnival St. John Armenian Church Main Hall (see flyers on bulletin board for more details) AT THE PARISH BOOKSTORE NEW: The Complete Middle East Cookbook by Tess Mallos Full color illustrations, 374 pp, SC $35.00 It s Christmas: A Musical Journey by Harry Hovakimian CD $10.00 Proceeds will go to Baku Monument Fund NEW: 7000 KM TO GO: a Road Rally through the Balkans, Anatolia and the Caucasus-by Ric Gazarian-HC-$25.00 NEW TALINE DVD FOR KIDS: Let s Have Fun in Armenian-$20.00 Armenian Cross Handbag Hanger with pouch $10.00 Armenian Cuisine Preserving Our Heritage HC $25.00 Armenian Dictionary in Transliteration SC $20.00 Who are the Armenians? (with CD) SC-$20.00 Kef Time CDs $15.00

12 ON LEAVING THE SANCTUARY AFTER BADARAK Q. What do I say when approaching the Holy Gospel at the end of the Divine Liturgy? You say: Heeshestzeh Der zamenaym Badarakus koh. Յիշեսցէ Տէր զամենայն Պատարագս քո: May the Lord remember all your offerings. The Priest answers: Datseh kez Der usd srdee koom yev zamenayn khorhoortus koh ee parees na gadarsestseh. Տացէ քեզ Տէր ըստ սրտի քում եւ զամենայն խորհուրդս քո ի բարիս նա կատարեսցէ: May the Lord grant you according to your own heart, and fulfill all your counsel in goodness. (Psalm 20:4) Q. What do I say when I take Mahs? The GIVER says: Mahs yev pazheen yegheetsee kez ee Soorp Badarakes. Մաս եւ բաժին եղիցի քեզ ի Սուրբ Պատարագէս: May this be to you a share and portion of the Holy Sacrifice. The RECEIVER says Pahjeen eem Asdvadz haveedyan. Բաժին իմ Աստուած յաւիտեան: God is my portion forever. THE KISS OF PEACE The GIVER says: Christ is revealed amongst us. Kreesdos ee mech mer haydnetsav. The RECEIVER says: Blessed is the revelation of Christ. Orhnyal eh haydnootyoonun Kreedosee. THE PSALM OF DISMISSAL - PSALM 34 Orhnetseets uzder hamenayn zham, hamenyn zham orhnootyoon nora ee peran eem. Օրհնեցից ըզտէր յամենայն ժամ, յամենայն ժամ, oրհնութիւն նորա ի բերան իմ: I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall be at all times in my mouth. Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm After hour s in an em ergency, please contact: Pastor s Cell: Parish Council Chair m an s Cell: Admin istrator s Cell: