Annual Parish Assembly after the Divine Liturgy

Badarak - 10:00am Sunday School 10:30am UPCOMING EVENTS Առաջիկա Միջոցառումներ Sunday, February 12, 2017, at 1 pm - Annual Parish Assembly (Snow date Sunday, February 19, 2017) Our 2016 Annual Parish Assembly will take place in the Sanctuary following the Divine Liturgy and Fellowship. Parish Council will provide a light lunch. Annual Reports: Copies of the 2016 Annual Report will be available for all dues paid members. You can pick your copy up at Fellowship after Church. The Nominating Committee is seeking parishioners for a few more open position. Only dues paid members may be nominated for these positions. Contact a member of the nominating committee: Carol Bazarian, Lynn Kanayan & Anahid Kibarian Sunday, February 12, 2017 Rev. Fr. Vart Gyozalian - Pastor THE ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH AT HYE POINTE ՀԱՅ ՓՕԻՆԹ ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆՅԱՑ ԱՌԱՔԵԼԱԿԱՆ ԵԿԵՂԵՑԻ SERVICES AT SACRED HEARTS CHURCH AT IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CHAPEL, 165 SOUTH MAIN STREET BRADFORD, MA 01835 Daily Lectionary Readings Աստվածաշնչական Ընթերցումներ Isaiah 63:7-18. 2 Timothy 3:1-12. John 6:22-38 Sunday of the Catechumens Saturday, February 25, 2017 - Poon Paregentan Dinner Dance - Family Kef Night, Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church, 180 Old Westford Rd., Chelmsford, MA. Featuring the Fabulous Jason Naroian Ensemble: Jason Naroian Vocals and Dumbeg, Ara Jeknavorian Clarinet, Dave Anisbigian - Guitar and Brian Anisbigian Oud. Children Activities - 5:00 pm and Dinner and Dancing at 6:00 pm. Paid in advance tickets must be received by February 17: Adults $25, Students (6-12 years old) $10, and 5 & under - Free. At the door: Adults $35 and Students $15. For reservations, contact Maria Kazanjian (617) 240-3686 or Ria.tk@verizon.net. Tables of 8 can be reserved in advance with full payment Checks made payable to: Sts Vartanantz Armenian Church. Saturday, April 22, 2017 Grand Opening Family Life and Cultural Center Annual Parish Assembly after the Divine Liturgy

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY Օրվա Աստուածաշնչական Ընթերցվածք 2 Timothy 3:1-5 3 You must understand this, that in the last days distressing times will come. 2 For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 inhuman, implacable, slanderers, profligates, brutes, haters of good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to the outward form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid them! TODAY S GOSPEL READING Այսօրվա Ավետարանը John 6:22-38 22 The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there. They also saw that Jesus had not got into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. 23 Then some boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks.[a] 24 So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. 25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, Rabbi, when did you come here? 26 Jesus answered them, Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal. 28 Then they said to him, What must we do to perform the works of God? 29 Jesus answered them, This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent. 30 So they said to him, What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? 31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. 32 Then Jesus said to them, Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is that which[b] comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. 34 They said to him, Sir, give us this bread always. 35 Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. 37 Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; 38 for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. Prayer List One of our most fundamental Christian responsibilities is to pray. There is truly great power in prayer. During this Divine Liturgy and throughout this next week your prayers are requested: For the spiritual growth of The Armenian Apostolic Church at Hye Pointe; For more young men to hear the Lord s call to service into the Holy Priesthood of the Armenian Church; For other young men and women also to hear God s call to serve His Church. For Unity of the Armenian Church and of all Churches. For the sick, homeless, hungry, the poor and disabled; those in mourning, lonely or depressed; those experiencing emotional, physical or spiritual difficulties; For those experiencing family, employment or financial difficulties; For the increase of love and understanding among us all; For us all to gain a personal relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ; And especially for good health for: All our parishioners who are ill or in recovery Prayer of the Week O great God, reconsider and withhold the terrible sword of your righteous anger, menacingly raised over me. I am fear-stricken before you as you extend the bounteous care of your right hand over me. Bestow the anointing oil of life upon your supplicant. And glory to you in heaven on high, and from mortals on earth below, throughout all the nations and reaches of the earth, forever, Amen.

Upcoming Hokehankist Առաջիկա Հոկեհանգիստներ Sunday, February 26, 2017 for the Soul of Michael (Manoog) Der Boghosian (1 year) requested by Mrs. Zarty Chilingirian, Arthur, Nicholas & Andrew Chilingirian, Linda & Al Pooler Sunday, February 26, 2017 for the souls of Julia Barberian, 15th years, Lucia, Dan, and Jack Berberian requested by Daniel and Madeline Berberian and sons Jack, Chris, and Daniel ALTAR DONATIONS Նվիրատվություններ Սուրբ Խորանին Parishioners requesting Altar Flowers and Candles for any occasion or Sunday should approach a member of the Parish Council for an Altar Flower or Candle Donation form. Name of the donor will be listed in the weekly Bulletin and Newsletter. Requests for the Altar Donations can also be done by calling or emailing the Church. REQUEST FOR PRAYERS Աղօթքի Խնդրանք Get well prayers for all who are ill from M/M Anthony Giragosian, Special prayers & get well wishes for Patricia Shapazian from M/M Jerry Gostanian Special prayers & get well wishes for all who are ill from Bea Ohanian, Eva Naroian, M/M John Mosto Good health wishes & prayers from all who are ill from Mike & Sona Naroian Prayers & get well wishes to all who are ill from Scott & Nancy Sahagian Name Day Անվանակոչության օր Jonah, Sarkis, Martyros In the event church services need to be canceled due to weather conditions, notification may be seen on WBZ-TV, Channel 4.

Donations for Hokehankist Հոգեհանգիստյան Նվիրատվություններ For the soul of Sue Kezerian (40 days) requested by The Armenian Apostolic Church at Hye Pointe Choir, Alice Kasparian, Virgina Tavitian, M/M Anthony Giragosian, Katherine Meranian, Larry & Alice Pahigian, Gale & Paul Cifra, Bea Ohanian, Eva Naroian, Araxie Kasparian, Annette DerMinasian, Emmanuel Baghdayan, M/M John Mosto, Cynthia Kasparian, Mike & Sona Naroian, Lu Sirmaian, Scott & Nancy Sahagian, Marilyn Shahian, Katherine Meranian, M/M Aaronian, M/M Mel Menasian, Sylvia Tavitian For the Souls of Richard Serabian, Charles & Beatrice Serabian from Sylvia Tavitian, Lu Sirmaian, Larry & Alice Pahigian, M/M Jerry Gostanian, Eva Naroian M/M Scott Sahagian, Marilyn Shahian For the Souls of Vartan & Ogaper Ellian, Angelo & Maria Vecchio & George Nigoghosian from - Lu Sirmaian, M/M Scott Sahagian, Larry & Alice Pahigian, M/M Jerry Gostanian, Eva Naroian Dear Parishioners, We treasure your enthusiasm and curiosity regarding the new construction at The Armenian Apostolic Church at Hye Pointe. However, this is an active construction jobsite requiring health and safety compliance. We kindly request that you refrain from visiting the site during normal working hours (Monday - Friday 7am - 6pm). During this construction phase the property is controlled by and the responsibility of Channel Building Company, since they are liable for any damages or injuries until the project is completed in late January 2017. If you would like to take a tour of the building, please contact Myles Couyoumjian at 978-852-2959 cell or myles.couyoumjian@franke.com. He will be happy to meet you at the site and escort you onto the property. We appreciate your patience, cooperation, and understanding over these next five months. please watch the weekly bulletins and website for upcoming scheduled fellowship gatherings at the site" MAKE A DONATION TO YOUR CHURCH The Armenian Apostolic Church at Hye Pointe has developed an option for those who wish to make a donation to their church in the form of stocks, bonds, mutual funds or other securities. The church has established a brokerage account and for those individuals who wish to make such a donation. The church will benefit by the donation, and you as the donor will receive a tax deduction for your donation. It is a win win for both your church and yourself. Please contact a Parish Council for more details if you are interested. Church Office: 978-372-9227

Weekly Wisdom Joyful living requires giving. Most people are selfish and self-centered, focusing only on what benefits them. Such thinking claims that the more you have, the more you accumulate, and the more attention you receive, the happier you'll be. Yet, most of the time, such selfishness only makes a person more depressed than ever. This is because when all you focus on is yourself, you'll always want more, and you'll never be satisfied with what you have. On the other hand, if you live focused on how you can bless others and serve them, then God will give you joy. It is no surprise, therefore, that Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). Likewise, in John 13:1-17 Jesus is seen washing his disciples' feet; he sets an example by humbly giving himself to his disciples. Then, in John 13:17, Jesus tells them, "Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." In other words, you will be blessed, which in the Greek has the meaning of being happy, if you give and serve others. The Bible makes it clear that joyful living requires giving.

Feast of St. Sarkis the Captain, Patron of Love and Youth, his son Martyros and his 14 Soldiers-Companions St. Sarkis the Captain By the order of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the Feast of St. Sarkis the Captain and his soldiers-companions is proclaimed day of blessing of the youth. Captain St. Sarkis is one of the most beloved saints among the Armenian nation. Together with his 14 soldiers-companions he was martyred for the sake of Christian faith. During the period of reign of the king Kostandianos the Great (285-337) St. Sarkis, being very courageous, was appointed the prince and General in chief of the region of Cappadocia bordering Armenia. When during the period of reign of the king Julianos the Betrayer (360-363) the persecutions against Christians started by God s will St. Sarkis and his only son Martyros, came to live in Armenia, and the Armenian king Tiran, grandson of Tiridates, received them very well. From Armenia St. Sarkis and his son went to Persia, and started serving in the army of the Persian king Shapouh as the captain of regiments. Become aware of the fact that Sarkis was Christian the king Shapouh ordered him to worship the fire and offer sacrifice to the heathen gods. But the captain immediately refused to obey the order saying, We should worship one God - the Holy Trinity, which has created the earth and the heaven. Whereas fire or idols are not gods and the human being may destroy them. After these words the saint destroyed the temple. The annoyed crowd fell on the saint and his son. First the son of the saint was martyred. The saint was put into prison and remaining unshaken in his faith was beheaded. After the martyrdom of the saint light appeared over his body. 14 soldierscompanions of the saint also were martyred for the sake of Christian faith. For the Armenian nation St. Sarkis is one of the most beloved. It isn t casual that St. Mesrop Mashtots brought the relics of the saint to the village Karbi (Ashtarak Region) and the Church of St. Sarkis was built over his relics. Sts. Atomians were the Armenian captains Atom Gnouni and Manajihr Reshtouni who together with their regiments served in the Persian royal court during the period of reign of the idolater king Hazkert. Upon the excitation of archimagi king Hazkert started persecutions against Christians in order to eradicate Christian faith in Persia. Captains Atom Gnouni and Manajihr Reshtouni received an edict from Hazkert inviting the captains together with their regiments to the royal palace with the intention of forcing them to apostasy. At first the Armenian captains obeyed the order, but being aware of the trap prepared by the king they started back home and on their way home they stopped in the province of Andzevatsyats. Becoming aware of the numerous Persian Army persecuting them soldiers of the captain Atom Gnouni, encouraged by the prophesy of a saint hermit living on the mountain preferred voluntary martyrdom. Persian Army reaching the Armenian regiment surrounded them and killed the saints by words. Whereas Manajihr Reshtouni and his soldiers reached his native land Reshtounik, where he confessed his being Christian and was martyred in 449 AD.

St. Sarkis, Patron of Youth and love In Armenia it is accepted to celebrate the Feast of St. Sarkis not only according to church rites and prayer, but also according to various folk traditions. St. Sarkis the Captain is the patron of youth. Many miracles happen thanks to his intercession. On the day of the feast young people pray the saint asking him to make their prayers audible to God. St. Sarkis is the realizer of the love longings. There are many legends about St. Sarkis and one of them is the following. Poor bard Gharib loved Shah- Sanam who was the daughter of a very rich man. Shah-Sanam loved him, too, but because the bard was poor, the Shah-Sanam s father was against their marriage as he wished to marry his daughter to a rich man. Bard Gharib decided to go to foreign countries to earn money and to accumulate wealth. But before leaving for foreign countries bard Gharib asked Shah-Sanam to promise to wait for him for seven years providing that if he were late even for one day the young woman might marry according to her father s will. That seven-year-period was a very difficult period for bard Gharib. He couldn t see his beloved, had no news of her, and nevertheless, he wasn t disappointed and waited for the time when they would meet, make up family and live together all their life. Working day and night for seven years bard Gharib accumulated wealth and started his way back to the motherland. However, on his way back he faced many difficulties and hardships. It seemed to him that he wouldn t be able to reach his beloved. So, he prayed with honest heart and righteous mind for the help of St. Sarkis asking. Listening the prayer of the bard St. Sarkis immediately appeared sitting on his white horse, seated him on the back of the horse and in one moment brought him to Shah- Sanam. Seeing the bard s strong will, their sincere and deep love and devotion, Shah-Sanam s father blessed their union. Fast of Catechumens established by St. Gregory the Illuminator precedes the feast. On the eve of the feast, in the evening, young people eat salty cookies and relate the appearance of their future bride or bridegroom in their dream to eating of the salty cookie. Also, on the night preceding the feast of St. Sarkis the faithful people place a tray full of gruel before the door believing that while passing near their door at dawn St. Sarkis will leave his footprint on the gruel symbolizing the fulfillment of their dreams. People in love present each other cards, flowers or sweets on the occasion of the feast. On the day of the feast a Divine Liturgy is celebrated in all churches named after St. Sarkis. Following the Liturgy a special ceremony of blessing of young people will be offered.

Family Life and Cultural Center Building the Legacy 02.09.2017 If you would like to donate to our Building Fund, you may send your donation, made payable to: "The Armenian Church at Hye Pointe Building Fund", PO Box 8069, Bradford, MA 01835