June 19, 2016 Welcome to Sts. Vartanantz!

.
June 16–
Holy Translators, Sahag and Mesrob
The Christianization of Armenia "determined the entire future
course of Armenian history". The Armenian nation embraced Christ
in its own land where God himself "descended". <Etchmiadzin>,
literally, means "the only begotten descended. "According to
tradition, St. Gregory saw Christ in a vision who indicated to him
where to build His Church, the first Armenian Church. As the new
Faith took roots in the life of .the nation, the invention of an
Armenian alphabet was necessitated. Realizing the needs of the
Armenian faithful, in 406, St. Mesrob Mashdotz created the
Armenian alphabet, under the auspices of Catholicos Sahag, in
order to make the Christian faith accessible to the people in a
written form. Greek and Syriac were the languages used in the
church services. Soon after the invention of the alphabet, St.
Mesrob together with St. Sahag and a group of associates --known
as Holy Translators-- translated the Holy Scriptures into
Armenian, followed by the biblical, theological and liturgical
writings of eminent church fathers. This most important era is
known as the Golden Age of Armenian history. The missionary and
literary labours of this period shaped the destiny of the Armenian
people and Church for succeeding generations. St. Mesrob and St.
Sahag, their disciples and co-workers spearheaded the creation of
the Armenian Christian culture under the patronage of the King
Vramshapuh. This period was one of intense activity and rapid
development for the Church and was decisive in its consolidation
and nationalization.
Wisdom and Guidance from our Church Fathers
When a trainer prepares an athlete by testing him and building up
his weak body, the trainer does not let the athlete remain idle, but
urges him to enter competitions to show what strength he has
acquired. So it is with Christ – He could have removed the demon
from our midst, but has chosen to do battle – using you to show
the superior strength you received in baptism….St. John
Chrysostom (347-407 A.D.)
STS. VARTANANTZ ARMENIAN CHURCH
SUNDAY BULLETIN
June 19, 2016
Fifth Sunday After Pentecost - Discovery of the
Jewel Box of the Holy Mother-of-God
Happy Father’s Day
Holy Translators Saints Sahak and Mesrop – June 16
Saints King Drtad, Queen Ashkhen, Princess Khosrovidookhd – June 18
St. Callistratus and his 49 companions, and Lucian the Priest – June 20
Saint Zechariah the Prophet – June 21
Baptism of King Trdat III by
St. Gregory the Illuminator
In 301, King Tiridates III
proclaimed Christianity as
the
state
religion
of
Armenia,
making
the
Armenian kingdom the first
state to officially embrace
Christianity.[
He
is
recognized as a saint by the
Armenian Church.
Welcome to Sts. Vartanantz!
Morning Service (A5au7t;an 6am;rgoujiun).. 9:30 a.m
Divine Liturgy (Sourb Patarag)
Sermon (Qaroz)
. the Gospel Message with loved ones.
Please bring this Bulletin home to share
Please shut off your cell phone while in the sanctuary.
Bari Galoust Srb Vardananx :k;[;xi
T;r >acatour Qahana\ Q;sapl;an, Hoviu
Welcome to Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church
Rev. Father Khachatur Kesablyan, Pastor
Today’s Scripture Readings: Isaiah 2:5-11; Romans 8:31-10:4;
Mathew 13:24-30
Gospel Reading, Mathew 13:24-30: Jesus gave them another
parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a person who sowed good
seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, an enemy came
and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. When the
plants sprouted and bore grain, then the weeds also appeared. So
the slaves of the owner came and said to him, 'Sir, didn't you sow
good seed in your field? Then where did the weeds come from?' He
said, 'An enemy has done this.' So the slaves replied, 'Do you want
us to go and gather them?' But he said, 'No, since in gathering the
weeds you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow
together until the harvest. At harvest time I will tell the reapers,
"First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned, but
then gather the wheat into my barn.“
Sunday, July 3, 2016
Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ
The Transfiguration feast is an inspiring opportunity to be
witnesses with Elijah and Moses as the church
commemorates the glorification of our Lord on Mt. Tabor
through His wondrous proclamation: “This is my son, whom
I love. Listen to him!”
The Prophet Zechariah
Tuesday, June 21, the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of
Saint Zechariah the Prophet. Zechariah is the eleventh of the twelve
so-called “minor” prophets of the Old Testament. They are called
“minor” not because they are less important but because the books
attributed to them are shorter than those of the “major” prophets.
Prayer for the Horrific Tragedy in Orlando
During the chanting of Der Voghormya (Lord Have Mercy), all the
faithful are called upon to pray for all loving family and friends who
have fallen asleep in Christ. Please also pray for an immediate end
to world violence, and for the victims and families of the victims of
the mass shooting in Orlando, Florida. Let us also fervently pray
that mankind will find away to identify and uproot the causes of such
terrible and incomprehensible violence.
Happy Name Day to all the faithful who bear the names Trdat,
Ashkhen, Sahag, Mesrob, Zechariah, Sahagian, and Mesrobian
in commemoration of these saints, who are being remembered this
Sunday. Those who are blessed to bear the name of a saint or Holy
Place are encouraged to light a candle in memory of the feast day
commemorating the saint or holy shrine, make an offering, and offer
a prayer of thanksgiving that through our lives we may bear witness
to the devotion of our inspiring church fathers.
Church Icons Highlight Orthodox Tradition – In keeping with
our Orthodox traditions, the sanctuary of Sts. Vartanantz features
wonderful icons of Sts. Mesrob, Sahag, King Trdat, and Queen
Ashkhen. A devotional altar has been placed in front of several
icons to venerate their memory, and to give thanks to God for
blessing our church with such great witnesses to our faith.
Happy Father’s Day!!
Father Khachatur, the Parish Council, and our
Diocesan Delegates extend their best wishes to
all the Fathers and those men who have
provided fatherly love a Happy and Blessed
Father’s Day!!
"My son, obey your father's commands, and don't neglect
your mother's teaching."
- Proverbs 6:20
June 18 - Commemoration of St. Tiridates,
King of Armenia,
Queen Ashkhen and Princess Khosrovidoukht
In 287 A.D. Tiridates (Trdat), from the royal house of Arshakouni,
assumed the throne which once belonged to his father and became
Tiridates III, King of Armenia. His name is inextricably linked
with the Patron Saint of the Armenian Church, St. Gregory the
Illuminator. In 301 A.D., king Trdat released St. Gregory after 13
years of imprisonment in a deep pit known as Khor Veerab, and
subsequently proclaimed Christianity to be the State Religion of
Armenia. In doing so, the king became the foremost advocate for
spreading Christianity throughout the country. The names of
Queen Ashkhen and the King’s sister, Khosrovidoukht, are closely
related to the Great Conversion of Armenia as well. Princess
Khosrovidoukht’s vision of a cure for the King’s incurable illness
caused St. Gregory to be liberated from the dungeon of the deep
pit. Gregory then was free to begin the process of spreading the
light of Christianity, which is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. History
also reveals that Tiridates, Ashkhen and Khosrovidoukht
personally participated in the construction of the Cathedral of
Holy Etchmiadzin.
June 19- Discovery of the Jewel Box of the
Holy Mother-of-God
Did St. Mary Actually have a Jewel Box??
Today, the Armenian Church is celebrating one of eight (8) feasts
devoted to St. Mary, the Holy Mother-of-God: the Discovery of
Her Jewel Box. Jewel Box?? Quite an unusual item for St. Mary,
when we think of her immense piety and devotion to her Son,
Jesus. Like many saints, her earthly possessions became articles of
pious devotion. According to holy traditions, the “jewel” box was
actually a simple wooden container in which she kept her veil –
her “jewel” of piety. After St. Mary’s Assumption into Heaven
(Feast Day –August 16), many sick people who came in contact
with the box were healed. The box was eventually transferred
from Galilee to the Cathedral of the Holy Theotokos in Istanbul.
His Eminence Archbishop Barsamian
issues statement on the
Orlando Tragedy
Awaking on this past Sunday—the Lord’s
Day—one does not expect to be immediately
struck with horror. But that is what happened
this week, as the world learned of the dreadful mass killing of the
night before, in Orlando, Florida. The spectacle of death, in what is
evidently the worst mass killing in modern American history, is
almost too much to bear. Yet Armenians can appreciate, from our
own history, that there is a deeper truth obscured beneath the
abstract statistics about the dead: a profound realization that each of
those who fell is a precious human soul, connected to loved ones
who are now suffering the deepest pain and grief. We reach out
with prayer in the midst of such suffering.
The frequency of these fatal episodes is especially demoralizing.
That the world is a disordered place should not come as news to us,
either as Armenians or as Christians. Yet one cannot shake the
feeling that these mass killings, and the routinely ineffectual
reaction to them, say something deeply troubling about our society.
As Christians we hold firm to the belief that our risen Lord knows
the sufferings of his children, and will vindicate them on the day of
his kingdom, when he will “wipe away every tear” (Rev. 21). Until
then, we ask for his mercy upon the world and on us, in the timeless
sharagan (hymn) of our Sourp Badarak (Divine Liturgy):
“Lord, have mercy. All-holy Trinity, grant peace to the world. Bring
healing to the sick, and thy kingdom to those at rest. Have mercy on
us Jesus, our Savior. Through the holy, immortal, life-giving
sacrifice,
O
Lord,
receive
and
have
mercy.”
With prayers,
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate
Church and Community Calendar
June 21 – Knights of Vartan Graduate Awards Nite, Masonic
Lodge, 19 Johnson St, North Andover, MA 01845. 6:30 p.m. All
special evening for all 2016 local high school graduates. Please
contact Gary Koltookian, [email protected]
July 29 – Joint Men’s Cub-Women’s Guild Dinner-Program.
Guest Speaker: Mark Juknavorian – “What happens Outside the
Probation System. Losh Kebab-Pilaf. Donation $15. 6:30 p.m.
August 7 – Annual Church Picnic
September 11 – Choir Appreciation Day
September 24 – Armenian-American Veterans Scholarship
Dinner Dance. Music by the Jason Naroian Ensemble. 6:00 pm.
Proceeds to benefit scholarship for local youth attending college
or university programs. Details to follow.
October 5 - Joint Sts. Vartanantz – Hye Point Golf Outing at the
beautiful Butter Brook Golf Club in Westford, MA
October 15 – Gala Centennial Banquet. His Eminence
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, to preside.
October 16 - Divine Liturgy and Reception with His Eminence
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian.
October 22 - ANNUAL DANCE of Armenian Friends of
America, Inc . Featuring Onnik Dinkjian, John Berberian / Oud,
Ara Dinkjian / Keyboard, Jason Naroian / Dumbeg, Mal
Barsamian / Clarinet, Paul Mooradian / Def . @ Wyndham Hotel,
123 Old River Road Andover, MA. Proceeds to benefit area
Armenian Churches. 7:00 p.m.
November 5 - 8th Annual Wine/Beer Tasting. 7:00:--9:00 p.m.
contact Carol Hildebrand 978-618-6982 or
[email protected]
The Sts. Vartanantz Men’s Club &
Women’s Guild Dinner- Program
featuring
Guest Speaker: Mark Juknavorian
“What Happens Under the Jurisdiction of the Probate and
Family Court”
Learn more about the role of the Probate and Family Court
of Massachusetts. Areas include divorce, custody, alimony,
child support, guardian ships, right to die, and estates.
Friday, July 29 at 6:30pm
Losh Kebab – Pilaf Dinner
Suggested donation - $15
Reservation Required
For reservations, please contact: Diane Juknavorian
978-686-6994 | [email protected]
Saints Vartanantz Armenian Church · 180 Old Westford
Road · Chelmsford, MA 01824
Sts. Vartanantz Nostalgia Night –
A Most Memorable Evening
This past Saturday evening, some 75 parishioners gathered for a most
enjoyable evening to share their cherished memories of
Sts.
Vartanantz, when originally located in Lowell, and after the move to
Chelmsford. Nostalgia Night was indeed a fun evening to just sit back
and enjoy listening to many personal experiences which recall our
parish life over the past years.
Prior to the start of the evening program, parishioners were able to view
a magnificent photo exhibit, which was spearheaded by the efforts of
Bonnie Yousefian and Alan Manoian. A number of parishioners also
contributed pictures. The exhibit is being showcased in the newly
revitalized church library, which has undergone a major clean up. The
exhibit, which will be open to the public throughout the 2016
anniversary year, was officially opened at the Saturday evening’s
Nostalgia Night. Sandra Boroyan, Centennial Committee Chair,
expressed her profound appreciation to the many parishioners who
rolled up their sleeves to clean the library in preparation of the photo
exhibit. According to Sandra, “restoring our church library to feature
the many photos which celebrate our rich parish history, was truly a
herculean effort by many hardworking volunteers.”
After parishioners enjoyed a fine table of light refreshments provided
by the Women’s Guild, welcoming remarks offered by Der Khachatur
and Sandra. Deacon Ara Jeknavorian began the “nostalgic” evening
with a narrated slide show highlighting the work and dedication of
many of our earlier and current parishioners. According to Deacon Ara,
“It was a humbling experience to share many photos that bring back so
many great memories of the parishioners who have made great
contributions to our church.“ Then, a number of parishioners shared
their fondest memories of what has made Sts. Vartanantz – whether in
Lowell or Chelmsford - a great place to experience and exercise their
Armenian Christian Heritage. Nostalgia Night is one of the four major
parish activities to mark the centennial observance of the consecration
of the original Sts. Vartanantz Church in Lowell (1916). Upcoming
activities include Choir Recognition Day (Sept. 11), Gala Centennial
Banquet (Oct. 15), and Divine Liturgy and Reception with His
Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate (Oct. 16).
At Nostalgia Night, George, Gary, Mark, John, and others
shared many great memories from their respective childhood
experiences at Sts. Vartanantz. Linda Jarkian shared an old
newspaper clipping featuring Mark, Linda and Nona Juknavorian
and Ara Jeknavorian to highlight the common JuknavorianJeknavorian confusion that the nearly identical names cause among
friends in the local community.
Last Saturday’s Nostalgia Night attendees enjoyed viewing
the splendid photo exhibit showcased in the church library.
The exhibit, coordinated by Bonnie Yousefian and Alan
Manoian, will be open to the public for this entire centennial
anniversary year of Sts. Vartanantz.
A surprise birthday cake was presented to Alice Dossett on the
occasion of her 92nd birthday!!