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

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

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord to the TempleCelebrant: The Pastor

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

Readings of the Day:Is. 24:21-25:8. Acts 7:47-50. Gal. 4:1-7. Lk. 2:41-52.

WELCOME

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.

BIBLE READING

Please be seated for today’s Bible reading, Genesis, chapter 3, vs. 1-10[page 2], that will be read by Sona Tashjian.

FEAST DAYS

• Yesterday was the Feast of St. Thomas the Warrior.

• Today is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord to the Temple;therefore, per a directive from the Primate, the Altar curtain, normallyclosed during Lent, will be open during church services and HolyCommunion will be administered to the faithful. It is also the Sundayof the Expulsion.

• Next Saturday, February 13, is the Feast of St. Cyril of Jerusalem.

• Next Sunday, February 21, is the Sunday of the Prodigal Son.

From Today’s Reading

Luke 2: 22-52 Following Law and Tradition, Joseph and Mary take theinfant Jesus to Jerusalem, to be presented at the Temple. There they meettwo devout people, Simeon and Anna. Both had been waiting patiently toencounter the Messiah and were prompted by the Holy Spirit to bepresent at the Temple that day. They give thanks for the fulfillment of theirprayers. The second story in these verses tells of the 12-year-old Jesuswho, during a family pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Passover, wanders off to

the Temple where his parents find him debating with the teachers.Reflection: What do we learn about Mary and Joseph in this passage? (Theywere devout, keeping to God’s Law and to religious customs in loving obedience;they loved their son; Mary treasured all the things she saw and heard in herheart.) What do we understand about God? (He led the open-hearted, devoutSimeon and Anna to Jesus, as He promises will happen to all who have the sameheart.)

Galatians 4:1-7 While Jesus was born under the Law and all itsrequirements, through Him we become true children of God, no longerslaves but true heirs. St. Paul describes this process as if an ecstaticinvasion: God sends the Spirit into our hearts and we are inspired to callout “Father!”-- acknowledging this new relationship. Reflection: Whatcharacteristics describe a slave’s relationship with a master? What are thecharacteristics of a child’s relationship with his or her parent? Compare your lists.Does this help you see the life-altering shift in our relationship with God, madepossible through Jesus Christ?

Today is the Presentation of the Lord to the Temple(Dyarnuntarach) and Valentine’s Day

See above for the Gospel story and discussion ideas on the Presentation.An early Armenian custom associated with this feast combines Christianand pagan themes. The night before the feast, worshipers would lightcandles during the church service, carrying the flame out into the darkness(symbolically bringing light into the void). They would then take it hometo light lamps or light a bonfire in the church courtyard. The festivitiesincluded dancing around and leaping over the fire. Newlywed womenwould step over it to scorch their skirts (a symbolic appeal for fertility).

Valentine’s Day has Christian origins. Valentine was a priest in the 3rd

century who was imprisoned for marrying a couple against the Caesar’scommand (young men capable of being soldiers were forbidden to bemarried). While imprisoned, the priest -- they were allowed to marry atthat time -- and the jailor’s daughter fell deeply in love. And whenValentine was taken away to be executed, he sent her a farewell lettersigned “from your Valentine,” words that continue to echo in today’sValentine’s cards to loved ones.

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

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; andwhen green and red lights are off, you may be seated. If assistance is needed,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 church, the response from the receiver should be “Orhnyal ehhaidnootyunn Krisdosee” (Blessed is the revelation of Christ). When yougive the Voghchooyn, please say “Krisdos e mech mer haydnetsav” (Christis 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 participantmust 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.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Your prayers are requested for His Eminence Archbishop Yeghise Gizirian.

Your prayers are also requested for Arthur Avakian, Elizabeth Boghosian,Lt. Col. Robert G. Lang, Jr., Marilyn Malkasian, Charles Nahabedian,

Diran Zahigian, for the good health of all those who suffer from illness intheir own private way, and for those who mourn the loss of a loved one.

Please note that if you would like Fr. Vasken to offer your prayer requestduring his silent prayers at the celebration of the Divine Liturgy nextSunday, please fill out the Prayer Request card located in the pew boxand place it in the offering plate as it passes.

PRAYERS FOR THE RECENTLY DECEASED

Your prayers are requested for the recently deceased soul of AdrienneFavorito.

REQUIEM SERVICE

We have all been asked to pray during the divine liturgy for the souls of:

- Alice Kalousdian, 7th Day: requested by Greg Krikorian, HaykKrikorian, and Arreg Krikorian for mother & grandmother

- Aghavni Mootafian, Istanbul, Turkey, 40th Day: requested byNishan & Margie Mootafian and Family for sister, aunt, & great-aunt;Robert & Marilyn Takvorian

- Alice Assatourian: requested by Seta Assatourian Buchter and Dr.Christina G. Buchter for mother & grandmother

- Maria Barberian: requested by Joseph Barberian, John Barberian,Michael & Gabrielle Barberian and Family, Norine & Mario Pasquarelloand Family, Gregory & Nairi Barberian and Family, Suzie & JosephOliveira and Family, Nancy & Steve Foley, and Kevin Barberian for wife,mother, grandmother & great-grandmother

- Sahag & Hermine Kavlakian: requested by Alex & Sarkis Kavlakianand Family for parents & grandparents

- Yeretzgin Nuvart Kouzouian, 9th Anniversary: requested by Fr.Mampre A. Kouzouian, Fr. Vasken, Yn. Arpi & Alina Kouzouian, SusanDerderian & Oscar Derderian III, and Arpie Kouzouian for wife, mother &grandmother

- Avedis, Paris, Alice, and Katherine (Zakarian) Mano: From theTrust Fund established by Alice and Niyam Mano

- Henry and Rose Saraf: From the Trust Fund established by RoseSaraf

TODAY’S CALENDAR

BLESSING OF THE BABIES' SERVICE has been postponed to Sunday,April 3, due to today’s extreme cold weather.

FELLOWSHIP HOUR

You are all welcome to join us in Johnson Hall following church servicesfor Fellowship Hour, hosted today by Nishan and Margie Mootafian inmemory of sister, Aghavni Mootafian.

ACYOA JUNIORS VALENTINE BAKE SALE

The ACYOA Juniors invite you to a Valentine Bake Sale following churchservices. Indulge in some delicious homemade sweets and treats theyprepared in celebration of Valentine's Day. All proceeds will benefit theACYOA Juniors' youth ministry program. Thank you for your support.

ACYOA JUNIORS’ GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING following BakeSale.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Throughout Lent (except for today, which is the Feast of the Presentationof the Lord to the Temple, per a directive from the Primate):

• We do not receive or pass the Voghchooyn (Kiss of Peace).

• Holy Communion will not be administered during Lent. Those in needof Holy Communion may see the Celebrant following the Badarak.

• Mahs is distributed to the faithful regularly.

• We do not approach the Celebrant at the conclusion of the DivineLiturgy to kiss the Gospel.

WEDNESDAY EVENING LENTEN SUPPERS AND LENTEN VIGILS

Lenten Vigils will be held on Wednesdays, February 17 and 24, and onMarch 2, *9, and 16. A Lenten supper (nominal donation) will be availablein Johnson Hall from 6:30 - 7:00 p.m., followed by an Interactive LentenVigil in English and Armenian from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m., in the churchsanctuary. [*March 9 Lenten supper will be held in Shahe Hall.]

ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY

The Annual Parish Assembly for Holy Trinity dues-paying members willbe held on Sunday, February 28 (with a snow date of March 6), beginningat 12:30 p.m., in the Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall.

EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE. IT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

All dues-paying members in good standing may vote for Parish Council,Diocesan Delegates, Auditing Committee, and Nominating Committee. There will be a half-hour recess for the purpose of voting, at which time alight lunch will be available for a nominal fee, for those who wish, duringthe break.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

There are five Holy Trinity Armenian Church Scholarships available forthe 2016-2017 academic year from the Gregory Archie and Rose KolligianScholarship Fund; the Hollisian Family Scholarship Fund; the GertrudeNahigian Scholarship Fund; the Alice Ohanasian Scholarship Fund; and theMajor Robert Z. Zartarian Scholarship Fund.

For further information or an application, please call the church office,617.354.0632, or email office@htaac.org. Complete application with allrequired documentation must be received by April 1. There will be nofollow up on any outstanding materials due. If incomplete, applicationwill not be considered.

YOUNG ADULT MENTORING NETWORK

Is your company hiring? Have you heard friends say that their companiesare hiring? The Young Adult Mentoring Network would like to help matchmembers looking for positions with companies who want to hire! If youknow of any openings, either at your own company or through yourconnections, please forward the information/listings tohtacmentoring@gmail.com.

Dictionary Definitions

Celebrant - The officiating priest at the celebration of the Eucharist or ata sacrament (such as a wedding).

Taken from "In Remembrance of Him," a course on the Divine Liturgyof the Armenian Church, Junior and Senior High student text

by Elise Antreassian Bayizian

STEWARDSHIP 2016 - “Embracing the Gospel of Christ”

This year, our focus is on “Embracing the Gospel of Christ.” With our martyredancestors now saints, we have a responsibility as their descendants to keep our faithalive and our Church thriving.

We ask that you become a part of Stewardship 2016 as we journey together inChristian fellowship and as an Armenian Church Family. Pledge packets areavailable in the Vestibule.

Parishioners have until December 31, 2016, to fulfill their pledge.

Photo Gallery Now Available on our Website

Photos of church events and activities are now available online on our websiteat http;//htaac.smugmug.com/ (Under Quick Links, Photo Gallery). A photocollage is also available under “Parish News” with their respective articles.

Take time to look through our website (www.htaac.org) where you can alsofind Der Vasken’s sermons, the Sunday Bulletins, copies of Dajar, and thechurch calendar which keeps us abreast of upcoming activities and programs.

For Your Information . . .

• We have available personal receivers for the hearing impaired that willenhance 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 the Dorianwalkway from either the parking lot or to the right of the main doors ofthe 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 Little Golden Bible Storybook, When I Go to Church,and Bible story picture books available in the Vestibule for the youngestmembers of our congregation to quietly enjoy during church services. Wekindly ask that you return them to the Vestibule at the conclusion ofchurch services.

• Save the Date :

- In January and February, the City of Cambridge’s Housing Division willbe hosting four information sessions to highlight the city’s range of affordablerental and home ownership programs. Go to

http://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/housing for dates, time, and place.

- Saturday, March 12, 6:30pm, St. Stephen’s Armenian ElementarySchool 30th Anniversary Celebration; Sorensen Center for the Arts, BabsonCollege, Wellesley; $125 per person; for information and tickets,www.mkt.com/ssaes or email 30years@ssaes.org; 617.926.6979

- Wednesday, May 18 - Chef’s Party for Our Park! Benefit forArmenian Heritage Park’s Ongoing Care; Royal Sonesta Hotel, Boston

CALENDAR

Sun, Feb 14 Blessing of the Babies’ Service postponed to April 3

Valentine's Day Bake Sale sponsored by our ACYOA Juniors following church services

ACYOA Juniors' Brief General Membership Meeting following Bake Sale

Weds, Lenten Supper, 6:30pm, Johnson Hall, followed by LentenFeb 17 & 24 Vigil, 7pm, sanctuary

Thurs Lenten Discussion Series for Holy Trinity and St. James’Feb 18 & 25 ACYOA Seniors; Feb 18 -St. James Youth Room and Feb 25

- Holy Trinity Youth Room; 7:30pm

Sat, Feb 27 Trivia Night sponsored by ACYOA Seniors; open to all;Johnson Hall, 7-9pm

Sun, Feb 28 Annual Parish Assembly

Weds, Lenten Supper, 6:30pm, Johnson Hall, followed by Lenten

Mar 2, 9, 16 Vigil, 7pm, sanctuary

Thurs, Mar 3 Town Hall Meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, RichardM. Mills, Jr; open to area Armenian community to discuss U.S.priorities in Armenia and opportunity for partnership; Charles &Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall; 7-8:30pm

Thurs, Lenten Discussion Series for Holy Trinity and St. James’Mar 3, 10, 17 ACYOA Seniors; Mar 3 & 17- St. James Youth Room;

Mar 10 - Holy Trinity Youth Room; 7:30pm

Mar 11-13 Annual ACYOA Juniors’ Lenten Retreat, Lakeside, CT

Save the DateSunday, Apr 17 Erevan Choral Society Spring Concert, "In Commemoration

of Our Sainted Martyrs of 1915;" 2:30pm; sanctuary

Thurs, May 12 The Dr. Michael and Joyce Kolligian Distinguished SpeakerSeries Presents John Prendergast, founder of “The EnoughProject,” an initiative to end genocide and crimes againsthumanity; Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall; 7pm

Jul 3-15 4th Parish Pilgrimage to Armenia; Registration deadline istomorrow, February 15

Follow us at www.htaac.org;www.facebook.com/HolyTrinityArmenianChurch