HOLY TRINITY ARMENIAN CHURCH OF GREATER BOSTONPastor, Father Vasken A. Kouzouian

145 Brattle Street • Cambridge, MA 02138 • 617.354.0632 • www.htaac.org

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2014

FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSSCelebrant/Preacher: The Pastor

Morning Service: 9:15 a.m.; Divine Liturgy: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Readings of the Day:Is. 49:13-23. Gal. 6:14-18. Jn. 3:13-21.

WELCOME

We wish to welcome back our Sunday School and Armenian School children,their teachers, parents, and all those who were away for the summer.

Mid-September offers us the chance to look toward the fall andcontemplate our hopes and plans moving forward. How do you wantto spend the beautiful fall season? During this Divine Liturgy take timeto do an inventory of your personal life and think about what youexpect to experience in the months ahead. Do you feel ready? Areyou keeping room in your schedule for family? For God? For prayer onSunday mornings – our Sabbath day. Are you going into the fall alone,or have you asked God to walk with you, so that regardless of what weencounter He is near? We are always stronger when we place ourlives in His hands. God values each one of us. He wishes to have apersonal relationship with you. May we spend time asking Him to blessour lives by walking with us in the season ahead.

We welcome those who are visiting our church. The Pastor and the ParishCouncil would like to invite you to make the Holy Trinity Church yourspiritual home. You are cordially invited to take part in the Service andactivities of our church. If you would like to be placed on our mailing list,please sign our Guest Book located in the Vestibule.

From Today’s Readings

John 3:13-21 Jesus, who came from heaven, will return to heaven so that allwho believe in Him will have eternal life. God sent His Son into the world tosave it. Those who live by the truth and light of God are a powerful witnessto His power. John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave His only-begotten Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternallife.” Reflection verse: 21. If we live by the truth and come into the light, in whatways might we demonstrate to others what God has made possible in us?

Department of Christian Education, Diocese of the Armenian Church (Eastern)

BIBLE READING

Today’s Bible reading is from the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to St. John,chapter 3, vs. 13-21 [page 667], and will be read by Sona Tashjian.

FEAST DAYS

• Today, is the FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLYCROSS, a major Feast Day of the Armenian Church; therefore,Requiem Service (Hokehankisd) will not be held. The AntasdanService (Blessing of the Four Corners) and Basil (Rahan) Blessing willtake place.

• Monday, September 15, is the Remembrance of the Dead.

• Next Sunday, September 21, is the Barekendan of the Fast of the HolyCross of Varak.

EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

The Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of the Cross of our Lord fourtimes a year. The Exaltation of the Holy Cross, which the ArmenianChurch celebrates this year on September 14, is the last major Feast Day(Daghavar) of the Armenian Church year. The Feast is based on thehistorical events which took place in the year 613 A.D., when the paganPersian Empire, at war with the Christian Roman Empire, was able toconquer Syria and Palestine, occupy the city of Jerusalem, and seize theHoly Cross of Christ as a trophy of their victory. The capture of the HolyCross aroused a religious fervor in all Christians who banded together ina crusade to recover the Cross. In 629 A.D., after a long and arduouscampaign and with the vital assistance of Armenian contingents, theRoman Emperor, Heraclius, defeated the Persians and realized their goalby returning the Cross of their Lord to the domain of the Christian Empire. This victory became the occasion of this Feast which directs our attentionto Christ's Cross upon which He was crucified. The Holy Cross remindsus that even though we may be beaten, even though everything seems to gowrong, with sacrifice, with faith, with determination, victory over thatwhich is evil can be secured. For as members of the Christian faith, webelieve that the Cross stands for the power of good over evil, the love ofGod for His children, and a symbol of the victory of our Lord and thesalvation of mankind. As St. Paul states, "...but unto us which are saved it(the Cross) is the power of God".

ANTASDAN SERVICE AND BASIL (RAHAN) BLESSING

On the occasion of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, theAntasdan Service (Blessing of the Four Corners) will take place followingChurch Services. The Holy Cross is decorated with Rahan, sweet basil, anherb considered to be a royal spice. The word basil in Greek means King,and so it covers the Cross of Christ the King. At the conclusion of theservice, the congregation takes home with them a small sprig of basil as asymbol of Christ's victory.

The basil (rahan) for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross includesbasil planted by the children of Trinity Kids’ Place, ages 3-9, on our churchproperty to be used for this Feast Day. Basil was also donated by EliseHarrison in memory of mother, Khanum Bohigian Harrison.

PARTICIPATION IN THE DIVINE LITURGY

Please use the Divine Liturgy books that are found in the pew racks. Thesebooks contain the Armenian text as well as the English transliteration andtranslation in the second section.

For your convenience, the applicable page number in the burgundy DivineLiturgy book is located above both the right and left doors by the Altarleading to the Vestry and Baptistry. When the light shows green, thecongregation stands; when the light shows red, the congregation kneels;and when green and red lights are off, you may be seated. If assistance isneeded, please ask a member of the Parish Council.

Parishioners are also encouraged to sing with the Choir, whose real purposeis to lead the congregation in singing the hymns. Also join in the recitationof the Creed which is found on pages 18 and 19 of the second section.

VOGHCHOOYN - KISS OF PEACE

During the Divine Liturgy, when the Parish Council members pass the Kissof Peace in the church, the response from the receiver should be “Orhnyaleh haidnootyunn Krisdosee” (Blessed is the revelation of Christ). Whenyou give the Voghchooyn, please say “Krisdos e mech mer haydnetsav”(Christ is revealed amongst us).

CONFESSION AND HOLY COMMUNION

Those faithful who feel spiritually prepared to receive our Lord in thesacrament of Holy Communion are asked to bring their pew books withthem to the General Confession and, together with the deacon, areasked to read the confession aloud. The essence to this sacrament lieswith the individual(s) offering his or her own confession through the priestto God. In addition to reading the text of the confession, each participant

must recall his or her own sins, truly seek God’s forgiveness, and make acommitment to the Lord to strive not to sin anymore. The Englishconfession may be found on page 48 in the burgundy Divine Liturgy bookand on page x in the blue Divine Liturgy book found in the pew racks. Weurge our parishioners to come forward for confession and HolyCommunion through the center aisle.

PRAYERS FOR THE RECENTLY DECEASED

Your prayers are requested for the recently-deceased soul of GarabedDorkhonian.

PRAYER REQUEST

Your prayers of good health are requested for Nancy Hintlian, ZevartHollisian, Eugene Raphaelian, Queenie Samourian, and George Thomasian

and for all those who suffer from illness in their own private way.

ALTAR FLOWERS AND CANDLES

Today’s Altar flowers and candles are donated for the glory of God and theedification of our Altar from the Trust Fund established by Sooren andMary Daniels in memory of George, Takoohi, Vahan and Sooren Daniels.

ALTAR FLOWERS

Today’s Altar flowers are also donated by the Sunday School staff andstudents in memory of all deceased members of the Sunday Schoolteaching and administrative staff.

TODAY’S CALENDAR

REOPENING OF SCHOOLS

Sunday School opens today with Registration from 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.,followed by classes at 10:30 a.m.

Armenian School registration is this morning from 10:00-10:30 a.m., andtheir first day of classes will be next Sunday, September 21.

TRINITY FAMILY FESTIVAL

Following church services, you are all welcome to join us for our churchpicnic on our church grounds. There will be delicious Armenian dinners;take-out meals available; Armenian dance music by the Greg KrikorianEnsemble in the Charles & Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall; and familygames and contests. “Jo-Jo the Clown” will be entertaining from 1:00 to3:00 p.m. Blessing of “Madagh” will be at 4 p.m., followed by the raffledrawing.

The Patriots’ Game on Big Screen for all our Pats’ fans!!

PICNIC RAFFLE TICKETS

Please remember to turn in your raffle tickets and proceeds to be eligiblefor the drawing. Tickets will be available for purchase until the drawingis held following the Blessing of “Madagh” at 4 p.m. Winner need not bepresent.

TRIVIA NIGHT

The next Trivia Night, hosted by the ACYOA Seniors, will be Saturday,September 20, from 7 to 9 p.m., in Johnson Hall. All ages are invited to anight filled with food, drink and great company! RSVP by September 19,to holytrinityacyoaseniors@gmail.com for a discounted price of $10 or pay$12 at the door. College students, $5 with current student ID. Admissionincludes mezzé; cash bar available.

FRIENDS OF HOLY TRINITY 1000 CLUB FALL DINNER/DRAWING

You don’t have to be a member of the 1000 Club to join us on Thursday,September 25, at 6:30 p.m., in the Charles and Nevart Talanian CulturalHall for a delicious losh kebab and pilaf dinner for only $7.99. Chance towin a One-Year 1000 Club Membership for those attending the dinner.Dinner tickets on Sale at the Door.

FAMILY REUNION SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

Join us with your family as we come together as a parish in faith, fellowship,friendship and fun at our Family Reunion Sunday on September 28,celebrating “One Church, One Family.” There will be a Sunday SchoolFamily Worship with students and parents attending church services to receiveHoly Communion and Der Vasken delivering a youth sermon.

Following church services, there will be a Complimentary Brunch andProgram in the Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall with interactive funactivities for all. Also, our new parish website will be demonstrated toparishioners. The Brunch is sponsored by the Jack H. Kolligian Trust Fund.

HOLY TRINITY TAILGATE OCTOBER 12

Following church services on Sunday, October 12, the Trinity Men’s Unionis sponsoring a Tailgate party. Enjoy the Patriots/Buffalo Bills game onour new 12-foot screen TV in the Charles and Nevart Talanian CulturalHall or watch outside on a TV near the grill. $15 donation includesadmission plus choice of losh kebob, sausage or hot dog with chips anddrink. Additional food items available. Sunday and Armenian Schoolchildren wearing Patriot or football attire (which Der Hayr said waspermissible to wear to school that day) will be charged a discountedamount. Open to all.

STEWARDSHIP 2015 “Celebrating the Gospel of Christ”

You should be receiving the Stewardship 2015 package shortly. This year,we are focusing on Celebrating the Gospel of Christ through Worship,Education, Service, Fellowship, and Witness as we reinforce ourencouragement and support of Fr. Vasken’s ministry on the 20th

anniversary of his ordination to the Holy Order of Priesthood.

We ask that you become a part of Stewardship 2015 as we journey togetherin Christian fellowship and as an Armenian Church Family.

The 108 Campaign

The Pastor and Parish Council have launched their 108 Campaign to helpour church reduce our energy costs and become a better steward of ourenvironment. They have been working with NSTAR who conducted anenergy audit and through implementing their recommendations, we willrealize an estimated annual savings of $5,200 on our electric utility costs. In 2013, our actual electric expense totaled $25,924; in 2014, our budgetedelectric expense is $25,000; and for 2015, our anticipated budgeted electricexpense will be $19,800.

However, it will take $108 a day over the next six months to absorb theone-time $20,000 audit expense and implementation of recommendationsintended to control our energy cost and help us “Go Green.” We ask youto please support this 2014 endeavor. Brochures are available in theVestibule and have been mailed to our parishioners. As with pastcampaigns, watch for a poster in Johnson Hall showing our progress.

For Your Information . . .

• We have available personal receivers for the hearing impaired thatwill enhance your hearing ability during the Badarak and sermon. For assistance, please see a Parish Council member in the Vestibule.

• A Reminder - to access our handicap church entrance, follow theDorian walkway from either the parking lot or to the right of the maindoors of the church.

• If you know of someone ill or in need of a visit from our Pastor, pleasecontact the church office, 617.354.0632 or by email, office@htaac.org.

• There are copies of The Lit t le Go lde n Bib le Sto ry b o o k , W he n I Goto Churc h , and Bible story picture books available in the Vestibule forthe youngest members of our congregation to quietly enjoy duringchurch services. We kindly ask that you return them to the Vestibuleat the conclusion of church services.

• Save the Date :

- September 21; Sunday Afternoon at the Park for Families &Friends!; 2-4pm. Armenian Heritage Park on the Greenway,Boston. Enjoy the music of Mal Barsamian, oud; Leon Janikian,clarinet; Kenny Kalajian, guitar and Jay Baronian, dumbeg; games forthe kids at 2:30pm; Bob Lobel, Emcee; for more information, go towww.armenianheritagepark.org

- Monday, September 29; Party for Our Park! Friends ofArmenian Heritage Park September Social. Hosted by Abby Lane,253 Tremont Street, Boston; 7-10pm; Shake it Up with GreatFriends and Cool Drinks while supporting the ongoing care of AHP onthe Greenway; Complimentary Apps; cash bar; tickets, $45 per person.A 21+ event. For details and tickets, visitwww.armenianheritagepark.org. Advance tickets only

- Saturday, October 25; Ararat Center Boston Harbor Cruise -Prompt Embarkation at 7:00 p.m., Rowe’s Wharf - Gate B. Pleasejoin us aboard The Odyssey for a Boston Harbor Cruise to benefit thecontinued growth and development of the Ararat Center, home of St.Vartan Camp. The evening will include hors d’oeuvres, multiple coursedinner, premium complimentary bar and live kef entertainment. Donation: 21 and over, $175; under 21: $100. For tickets andinformation, please contact Pam McGrath, 617.645.2781, or emailBostonCruise@AraratCenter.org.

CALENDAR

Sun, Sep 14 Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Registration for Church Schools

First Day of Sunday School Classes

Trinity Family Festival; 12noon-5pm; church grounds

Mon, Sep 15 Fr. Vasken’s 20th Anniversary Committee Meeting; ParishHouse; 6pm

Sat, Sep 20 Trivia Night; all ages invited; 7-9pm; Johnson Hall

Sun, Sep 21 First Day of Armenian School Classes

ACYOA Juniors Kick-Off Meeting

Thurs, Sep 25 Friends of Holy Trinity 1000 Club Fall Dinner/Drawing

Sat, Sep 27 ACYOA Juniors and Seniors participating in ArmenianHeritage Park Volunteer Project; 9am-noon

Sun, Sep 28 Family Reunion Sunday with Sunday School Family Worship; following church services, a complimentaryBrunch and Program; launching of our new parish website;Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall

Mon, Sep 29 Parish Council Meeting; 6:45pm; Johnson Hall

Oct 10-13 ACYOA Juniors Fall Sports Weekend, Fair Lawn, NJ

Sun, Oct 12 Patriots/Buffalo Bills Tailgate Party; following churchservices; sponsored by TMU

Save the Date:

Oct 26 Der Vasken’s 20-year Pastoral JourneyJoin us as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of our Pastor’s Ordination

Nov 23 ACYOA Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon

Dec 5 & 6 Trinity Christmas Bazaar

NEW PARISH WEBSITE TO LAUNCH AT FAMILY REUNION SUNDAY

Our new parish website will be demonstrated to parishioners

during the luncheon at our Family Reunion Sunday,

September 28.

Follow us online!!!

www.facebook.com/HolyTrinityArmenianChurch

Twitter: @FrVasken