Weekly News – February 11, 2018

 

Holy Translators Weekly News
Sunday, February 11, 2018

GREAT LENT (MEDZ BAHK)
(Poon Paregentan – Family Day of Good Living)

SUNDAY SCHEDULE
 

Morning Prayer:  8:30AM
Divine Liturgy Family Worship: 9:30AM

Sunday School Classes will begin immediately
Following the Object Lesson and Holy Communion
Armenian School Classes this Sunday: 12:00-12:30PM

Poon Paregentan/ Family Fun Day
This Sunday, February 11th

The  ACYOA Jrs. will once again host our Poon Paregentan/ Family Fun Day in preparation of the start Great Lent. 

BLESSING OF CHILDREN SERVICE

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11

Each year, the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord to the Temple, or Dyarnuntarach, literally meaning “the bringing forward of the Lord.” 

According to Biblical tradition, it was a custom in the Armenian Church for parents to bring their newly-born babies to the Temple of the Lord to present the child to God.

In keeping with this tradition, we will bless the babies who were baptized within the last two years and present them to the Altar of the Lord on Sunday, February 11th during the Children’s Object Lesson.

Schedule of Lenten Prayer Services 
(These interactive Prayers Services will be conducted in English)

 

Wed. Feb. 14      Lenten Interactive Prayer Service (In English) – 6:30PM

Wed. Feb. 21      Lenten Interactive Prayer Service (In English) – 6:30PM

Wed. Feb. 28      Lenten Interactive Prayer Service (In English) – 6:30PM

 

Wed. Mar.   7    Mid-Lenten Prayer Service and Dinner (Michink) – 6:30PM

 

Wed. Mar. 14      Lenten Interactive Prayer Service (In English) – 6:30PM

Wed. Mar. 21      Lenten Interactive Prayer Service (In English) – 6:30PM

Mid-Lenten Worship and Dinner
Wednesday, March 7th

We will gather for a 1/2 hour interactive Lenten Worship Service in English (6:30PM) followed by a Vosbov Kheema Lenten Community Dinner (7:00PM) in order to offer support and encouragement as we continue our Lenten journey, by praying together and sharing a community meal. 

During our Mid-Lenten (Michink) Prayer Service and Community Meal, Donna Rizk Asdourian, who is married to Deacon Levon Asdourian, a Pastoral Intern at Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Cambridge and a St. Nersess Seminary Graduate, will be our quest speaker.

Donna will talk about “Women’s Role in the Liturgical Life of the Oriental Orthodox Churches.”

 Please let us know if you will be attending.
RSVP: frkrikor@holytranslators.org

CHURCH/SUNDAY SCHOOL CANCELLATION
In the unlikely event that we must cancel either Church or Sunday School due to weather, it will be announced by MetroBlast and on TV.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK
 
From this Faith
No one can shake us!

Find the Jesus within you!

GREAT LENT (MEDZ BAHK)
(Poon Paregentan – Family Day of Good Living)
This year’s celebration of Great Lent begins with the traditional closing of the Altar curtain.  This Sunday, we celebrate Poon Paregentan (the day of Good Living) which is similar to the Roman Catholic Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday).  Both days are celebrated to remind us of the life in paradise (the Garden of Eden) which man had in the beginning of time.  At the close of that day, however we are graphically reminded of man’s choice to turn away from God and thereby forfeit his existence in Paradise.  The closing of the Sanctuary curtain reminds us of the separation between man and God because of our sins.

Great Lent is the forty day period which the Church offers to us to evaluate our lives and to get into shape for the up coming Easter season.  The passion, death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ restored our relationship with God and brought it to an even higher level.  Through our relationship with Christ we are able to call upon God now as our Father.  However this gift of restoration must be accepted by us all, individually.  We must all decide for ourselves to follow Christ and make Him the frame of reference from which we live our lives in the here and now.  The gift is free, but the choice to accept that gift comes with responsibility.  Responsibility to live our lives as Christians.  To follow Christ in all we do.  Lent is that time when we make a concerted effort to commit ourselves to Christ.  Like the ballplayer, who goes to spring training and eats, sleeps and drinks baseball in order to prepare himself for opening day, we too take this period of time to prepare for our “opening day,” Easter,  when we will be reunited to our Lord & Savior.  The ballplayer changes his diet and alters his life style during spring training in order to fully concentrate on reaching his goal.  So we too do the same.  We change our diet and alter our life styles in order to be able to concentrate on re-committing  ourselves to Christ. Lent is a time of reflection when we ask God for forgiveness and the strength to follow Him even to the cross in order to be able to also rise with Him in victory on Easter Sunday morning.

Scripture Readings for Sunday, February 11th.

Gospel Reading
(Matthew 6:1-21)

“Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward.  But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words.  Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you;  but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward.  But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal;  but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

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Gospel Commentary
In this chapter, Jesus calls us to practice three basic aspects of spiritual discipline, or righteousness:  charitable giving, prayer, and fasting.  These three disciplines relate directly to uprightness in the sight of God.  By attaching themselves to “treasures on earth” people cut themselves off from heavenly treasures.  They become slaves, not free in Christ.  The heart of discipleship lies in disentangling ourselves from the chains of earthly things and attaching ourselves to God, the True Treasure.  We all have need for certain material things, but we must use them according to God’s will and purpose.  As we begin Great Lent, make a commitment to practice spiritual discipline through charitable giving, prayer and fasting. Give more of yourself to others in need and spend more time with your family; Pray each day for “the wisdom to know God will and the courage to follow it;” and Fast by abstaining from unhealthy food, drink and non-productive activities.  Live your lives with the eyes and actions of faith.
 

Parish Announcements!
Poon Paregentan/ Family Fun Day:  This Sunday, Feb. 11th the  ACYOA Jrs. will once again host our Poon Paregentan/ Family Fun Day in preparation of the start Great Lent.  More details to follow.
Bible Study will this meet on Tuesday, February 13th from 10:30-11:30am.

Readings for this Sunday’s Badarak:  Romans 13:11-14:25 and Matthew 6:1-21.

Readings for next Sunday’s Badarak:  Romans 12:1-13:10 and Matthew 5:17-48.

Lenten Interactive Prayer Services:  Starting on Wed., Feb. 14th, we will have weekly interactive Lenten Prayer Services (in English)  in the Sanctuary, starting at 6:30PM.


Mid-Lenten (Michink) Worship and Dinner: On Wednesday, March 7th, we will gather for a 1/2 hour interactive Lenten Worship Service in English (6:30PM) followed by a Vosbov Kheema Lenten Community Dinner (7:00PM) in order to offer support and encouragement as we continue our Lenten journey, by praying together and sharing a community meal.  If you are attending.  RSVP to: frkrkor@holytranslators.org.

Parish Outreach:  The Outreach program at our parish focuses on activities for our local communities as well as meeting parish-wide needs.  Renee Ferraro is the Outreach Coordinator (508-541-6770 or reneegferraro@gmail.com.)
        
Fellowship Sign-up:  Volunteers are needed to sponsor and work at our Coffee Fellowship Hours after Church as well as make donations toward the expense of the Altar Flowers and Candles.
Contact Jaymie Babaian to sign up.  (jaymie1754@gmail.com)
 
Please inform Der Krikor at 774-292-9116 or frkrikor@holytranslators.org of those who may be sick at home, hospitalized or may simply want to talk, so that he can make arrangements to visit.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Sunday Morning Prayer:  8:30AM 
Sunday Divine Liturgy:  9:30AM

 

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Sun. Feb.  11         Poon Paregentan – Family Fun Day

Mon. Feb. 12          First Day of Great Lent

Tue. Feb.  13          Weekly Bible Study  – Fellowship Hall – 10:30AM

Wed. Feb. 14          Lenten Prayer Service (In English) – 6:30PM

Sun. Feb.  18          Sunday of the Expulsion

Tue. Feb.  20          Weekly Bible Study  – Fellowship Hall – 10:30AM

Wed. Feb. 21          Lenten Prayer Service (In English) – 6:30PM

Sun. Feb.  25         Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Tue. Feb.  27          Weekly Bible Study  – Fellowship Hall – 10:30AM

Wed. Feb. 28          Lenten Prayer Service (In English) – 6:30PM

Sun. Mar.   4           Sunday of the Steward

Tue. Mar.   6           NO Weekly Bible Study

Wed. Mar.  7          Lenten Prayer Service (In English) – 6:30PM

Sun. Mar   11         Sunday of the  Judge

Tue. Mar.  13         Weekly Bible Study  – Fellowship Hall – 10:30AM

Wed. Mar. 14         Lenten Prayer Service (In English) – 6:30PM

Sun. Mar. 18          Sunday of the  Advent

Tue.  Mar. 20          Weekly Bible Study  – Fellowship Hall – 10:30AM

Wed. Mar. 21          Lenten Prayer Service (In English) – 6:30PM

**************************************************************************
 HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

Sun. Mar. 25          Palm Sunday Divine Liturgy – 9:30AM
Opening of the Door Service (Trnpatzek)

Thu. Mar. 29          Holy Thursday
Washing of the Feet Service – 7:00PM
Betrayal and Passion of Christ Service  – 8:00PM

Fri.  Mar. 30           Good Friday
Crucifixion and Burial Service: – 12:00NOON.

Sat. Mar. 31
          Holy Saturday
Reading of the Prophecies – 4:00PM
Easter Eve Divine Liturgy – 5:00PM

Sun. Apr.   1           Easter Sunday
Easter Divine Liturgy – 9:30AM

Far Programs
One Teacher Shows Students the Joy of Music.

Meet Anna Avetyan. She is a singing teacher who also directs an after-school choir in Artsvaberd, a small community in Tavush Province where FAR implements its Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Program (BCPP). BCPP funds more than 14 extracurricular activity groups and four Sunday schools in Tavush’s Berd Region. A total of about 580 students are enrolled in these various groups, which ultimately aim to fight child poverty by igniting children’s interest in the arts and by boosting their confidence.

In 2016, FAR offered Anna, 28, the opportunity to manage the choir group in order to help the students to develop their musical skills. Currently, Anna has 45 students, in grades two through eight, who attend her lessons twice a week.

“When I first set foot in the school, I realized the students lacked any knowledge of music, as they hadn’t had a teacher for ages. I encountered students who would follow every assignment, as well as those who were scared to ask a question or come up with a suggestion, and those who would look at you and gossip about your appearance. While it was funny, it was also challenging,” said Anna.

Born in Kotayq Province, Anna grew up in the village of Vazashen, in the Ijevan Region of Tavush, and quickly noticed the lack of professional music teachers in the province. She went on to study music in Yerevan and moved to Artsvaberd after she got married in 2014.

It didn’t take her long to help her students focus more on music, while rising to any challenge she came across. She still carries her synthesizer back and forth between lessons since the school doesn’t have any musical instruments available. FAR also helped her lessons by providing sheet music and pencils for the students.

Today, she is happy to have advocated for her students, having helped them to become more self-confident. “It was FAR that extended us a helping hand and provided the kids with some tools to learn music and song. Now, thanks to FAR, we have learned how to read sheet music, but first and foremost, my students have built inner confidence. Now, they approach me with suggestions and are not shy to ask questions. Now, I can see their eyes shine, which I couldn’t see before,” she remarked proudly. “I care for each of them.”

FAR’s Education and Science Program Manager Eduard Karapetyan values Anna’s efforts very much. “Anna is one of the youngest devotees to BCPP who puts all of her energy into getting the children of Artsvaberd passionate about music,” he said. “I was present at their first concert; they have formed a great choir. Bravo!”

*Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Program (BCPP) is a multidimensional FAR project addressing child poverty in the region of Tavush, sponsored by the Edward and Helen Mardigian Foundation.

PARISH COUNCIL 2017-2018
Pastor and President:                                  Rev. Fr. Krikor A. Sabounjian
Chairman:                                                                          Robin Palombo
Vice Chairman:                                                               Karnig Durgarian
Recording Secretary:                                                              Neil Ferraro
Corresponding Secretary:                                                Karyn Bilezerian
Treasurer:                                                                               Marco Ciaffi
Asst. Treasurer:                                                          Parkoohi Voskanian
Council Members:                                                              Elise Durgarian
Mark Jorjorian
Scott Zaleski

Diocesan Delegates:                                                           Laurie Bejoian
Karnig Durgarian

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