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DIOCESE OF THE ARMENIAN CHURCH (EASTERN)
DEPARTMENT OF MISSION PARISHES
A rchbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate
Diocesan Office: 212.686.0710 Web: www.armenianchurch.net
Rev. Fr. Tateos R. Abdalian, Director
Email: dertateos@armeniandiocese.org
Diocesan Mission Statement
The mission of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church is to preach the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus
Christ and to proclaim its message of salvation. This mission is realized through worship, education,
witness, service, and a common life in Christ as expressed in the distinctive faith-experience of the
Armenian people. All the faithful of the Armenian Church – both clergy and laity – are called to
participate fully in this mission.
THE SUNDAY BULLETIN OF THE MISSION PARISHES
THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT - December 6, 2009
"Tell the daughter of Zion, Look your king is coming to you, . . . " (Matt. 21.5).
As children of the Armenian Church, we are to have been immersed into the season of Advent these past few
weeks. That may be so, but in the world outside the church, it's been "Christmas" since the unsold Halloween
candy was put on the half-off table.
We know that Santa has been in the malls for weeks, “Black Friday” has come and gone, the weather is turning
colder, Christmas tree lots are doing their business, A Charlie Brown Christmas was shown on TV, so, I guess it
is the "Christmas Season".
And we are to get ready for the celebration of [insert your favorite "holiday" here].
Now our attention turns to: only so many shopping days until December 25; the hopeful lack of success of
"Black Friday" so prices will drop even more; and, anticipation of the Christmas in which comfort and joy will
be measured by how much loot is stacked under the tree, which perhaps has been up since the day after
Thanksgiving and will be tossed out with the tinsel on December 26 which, is the day many will once again go
to the malls for those "special bargains".
Perhaps if we ever took Advent and Christmas seriously, the truth would so judge our lives that what we
consider as important Christmas matters would in truth be so trivial, empty and temporary, it could be likened to
a box wrapped in bright ribbon and colorful paper, but empty inside.
"Look your king is coming, . . . "
Where?
Perhaps we need find a happy balance between the sacred and the secular, and to make our preparations
prudently. During Advent, yes there are gifts to be bought and sent, contributions to charities to be made, music
to be learned and enjoyed once again, special food items prepared and enjoyed, and, prayers to be offered. The
King is coming: we must make ready.
How? That remains to be seen.
As always, the choice is yours.
Saturday, December 5, the Armenian Church Commemorates the
Feast of St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, (southwestern Asia Minor) c.342.
St. Nicholas is the traditional patron of seafarers and sailors and more especially, of children. The Dutch
colonists in New York brought his name to America; Santa Clause, which is the Dutch for St. Nicholas.
Very little factual information is known about the life of St. Nicholas except for some famous legends. He was
once to have given three bags of gold to a poor man so that his daughters would have a dowry and could marry.
He was depicted as a kind-faced man with a white beard, often in bishop’s garb. He is also pictured riding a
white horse followed by a cart full of parcels to be left at different homes. Children would stuff stockings with
hay for St. Nicholas’ horse; St. Nicholas in turn leaves candy and small gifts in place of the hay. The acts of
charity, of love, that St. Nicholas performed are the acts that we today are to remember, to celebrate and teach
our children when we speak of Santa Clause.
For a better insight into the big guy, see the eTsayn for this week.
Also celebrated this coming Wednesday,
The Feast of the Conception of the Most Holy Mother of God by St. Anna
St. Anna, the mother of the Virgin Mary, was the youngest daughter of the priest Nathan from
Bethlehem, descended from the tribe of Levi. She married St. Joachim, who was a native of
Galilee.
For a long time St. Anna was childless, but after twenty years, through the fervent prayer of
both spouses, an angel of the Lord announced to them that they would be the parents of a
daughter, who would bring blessings to the whole human race.
Orthodox Church teaching (all of the Eastern and Oriental Churches) does not accept the
teaching that the Mother of God was exempted from the consequences of ancestral sin (death,
corruption, sin, etc.) at the moment of her conception by virtue of the future merits of Her Son.
Only Christ was born perfectly holy and sinless, as St. Ambrose of Milan teaches in his
Commentary on Luke. The Holy Virgin was like everyone else in her mortality, and in being
subject to temptation, although she committed no personal sins. She was not a deified creature
removed from the rest of humanity. If this were the case, she would not have been truly human,
and the nature that Christ took from her would not have been truly human either. If Christ does
not truly share our human nature, then the possibility of our salvation is in doubt.
The Bible Readings for this Sunday
ISAIAH 37:14-20:
King Hezekiah prays to God and asks for His aid to save Jerusalem, which is being threatened by the army of
King Sennacherib, King of Assyria.
II THESSALONIANS 1:1-12:
St. Paul writes on the judgment of God, whereby all men shall reap in eternity whatever they have sown in this
life. Those that bring suffering upon their fellow man or do nothing to alleviate sufferings, God will punish and
condemn to eternal destruction. Liken it as a prelude to Dickens' "Christmas Carol"
LUKE 14:12-24:
Our Lord describes the Kingdom of Heaven to be like a great banquet. When Jesus told this parable, He was
thinking of those to whom God has given a special opportunity to be His people and to whom was now said;
“Come, all things are ready.” And yet, they were too busy to respond to God’s invitation, so that God rejected
them and invited others to share in this messianic banquet. God invites us to His table to share His joy with
Him. Are we so busy with our shopping and parties that we too do not hear the invitation to partake? The
Deacon, during the Divine Liturgy, calls “with fear and with faith draw near and communicate in holiness.”
Our obligation is to answer this invitation, but only with fear and faith.
Today, in Armenian Churches throughout the world, Requiem Services will be offered for the tens of
thousands of victims of the horrific earthquake that struck Armenia in 1988.
Twenty-one years ago, on December 7, 1988, at 11:41 a.m. local time a magnitude 6.9
earthquake shook northwestern Armenia and was followed four minutes later by a magnitude
5.8 aftershock. Swarms of aftershocks, some as large as magnitude 5.0 continued for months
in the area around the town of Spitak. The earthquakes hit an area 80 km in diameter
comprising the cities and towns of Leninakan (Gyumri), Kirovakan (Vanadzor) Spitak, and
Stepanavan, causing thousands of causalities and displacing many more refugees. It is
estimated that 40 percent of Armenia was affected. At least twenty-five thousand people were
killed, 514,000 were left without shelter and 1,198 buildings were destroyed in just one city of
Leninakan (Gyumri), Armenia. In your prayers today, please remember those who perished as
well as those who have survived to rebuild their lives and our homeland.
Whether there is a celebration of Badarak in your community this week or not, you are asked to pray for and
not to forget:
• each member of your particular community that they open their hearts and minds to the love and
goodness of God during this Advent Season in preparation for His Birth;
• those who as a result of the economic crisis are in need of the basics of life to feed and care for their
families;
• the good health for His Beatitude, Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem as
well as His Beatitude, Archbishop Mesrob Mutafyan, Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople, that the
presence of God be with them always;
• Archbishop Avak Assadourian, Primate, the Christian people of Iraq, especially our Armenian brothers
and sisters, that they be kept safe from the harm which surrounds them each day;
• the clergy of the Armenian Church and the lay administrative leaders of our Diocese, parishes and
Mission Parishes, that they be true to their calling to serve Christ;
• the healing of infirmities and the presence of God in the lives of those who are ill, in the hospital or at
home;
• the men and women who are serving in the armed forces of the United States, that they kept safe and
able to return to their families;
• peace and prosperity in the homeland of Armenia, in Artsakh, in Javakh and throughout the world and
among all people of all nations, especially in the Holy City of Jerusalem, in the Middle East and
wherever the ravages of war rages;
• those who are experiencing personal, marital and emotional conflicts in their lives;
• those who generously offer their time, talents and financial resources in the building up of our Church.
Let us pray, DER, VOGHORMIA; LORD, HAVE MERCY.
NAME DAYS commemorated today – Magar, Arsen, Srabion, Pimen, Nicholas, Minas, Cornelius, Polycarp,
Mercurius, Marcarius.
In our Armenian tradition, celebration of a Name Day or Feast Day is considered to be spiritually important,
for the celebrating individual develops a special spiritual tie with his Patron Saint and, consequently, with God.
If you know of a person whose Name Day or Feast Day is being celebrated, honor the person by presenting
them with a lit candle and saying “anoonovut dzeranas” “may you grow old with your name” which in turns
means wishing the person a long life. Or, you can simply say, Happy Name Day.
News from our Diocese
Are you searching for an appropriate Christmas gift?
Consider St. Gregory of Narek: Speaking with God from the Depths of the Heart (Book of Lamentations).
Translated by Thomas J. Samuelian, the complete English translation of one of the most revered and unique
book of prayers in Armenian Christian literature. Written shortly before the first millennium of Christianity, the
95 grace-filled prayers of the great mystic St. Gregory of Narek have long been recognized as gems of Christian
literature. Hardcover, 499 pp., $20.00. Call the Bookstore of the Diocese 212-686-0710 or visit
www.armenianchurch.net/bookstore and order your copy.
The Divine Liturgy of the Armenian Church: Student Edition
This “Student Edition” is ideal for those just beginning to learn the Badarak, and for those with limited
knowledge of written Armenian, who wish to sing, speak, and participate in the traditional language of
Armenian worship. It includes the entire text of the Divine Liturgy, featuring the English transliteration of
classical Armenian, with the English translation on facing pages—both taken from the Divine Liturgy book
currently used in parishes throughout the Diocese. The paperback, spiral-bound volume is lighter and easier to
handle for young hands.
A limited run of this “Student Edition” was printed by the Department of Youth and Education for use in our
Diocesan summer camp programs. The Diocese is now making 500 copies available to our local parishes, at a
special discounted price.
Order by December 31, 2009, to purchase the Divine Liturgy Student Edition at the discounted price of
$10 per copy (that cost includes shipping and handling). Please make your check payable to: Diocese of the
Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
After December 31, any remaining copies will be available through the St. Vartan Bookstore, at a higher price.
For information, contact Jennifer Morris at (212) 686-0170, ext. 118, or jenniferm@armeniandiocese.org.
Outreach
Many individuals have forgone the practice of sending out Christmas cards and instead have opted to make a
donation to worthy causes. For those who would so choose, a donation sent to the Diocese for the Mission
Parish Ministry will be used to fulfill our commission to bring the Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ to our faithful in
those regions where no Armenian Church exists today. Send your gifts to the Diocese of the Armenian Church,
630 Second Ave, New York NY, 10016 and earmark them for MISSION PARISHES. Thank you.
Church Teachings
Armenian Church Hye-Q
So how much do you really know about our faith and history? Want a good measuring stick? A new questionand-
answer game on the faith and history of the Armenian Church has been created by the Dept. of Youth and
Education and is for sale in the bookstore called Armenian Church Hye-Q. Set up like the familiar pre-video
era Trivia Pursuit, categories covered are: Bible, Prayer and Worship, Church Year, Sacraments, History and
Saints, In Other Words. Going through the questions will challenge even the most knowledgeable among us.
Here are some examples.
• What does the term Asdvadzashoonch mean?
• What does the word Sacrament mean?
• During which month is the feast of Assumption celebrated?
• Name the seven deadly sins.
• Who was the first Christian King of Armenia
• What is the tern used for the 8th day after a major feast?
Easy stuff? Try these:
• Who was known as the reluctant prophet?
• What should we do when we first get to our seat at Liturgy?
• Which angel brought the news to Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus?
• What sacrament can be administered only once?
• Name 6 of the 12 disciples?
• Define "synoptic gospel"
Answers at the bottom of the page.
The Armenian Church celebrates The Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ
on January 5th and 6th.
The Feast of Our Lord’s Nativity and Baptism is a Holy Day , normally a Day of Obligation which
means that the faithful of the Armenian Church are required by the Sacred Canons to attend the Divine Liturgy
and to partake of Holy Communion. Whereas Badarak is not always celebrated on the particular Feast Day in
our Mission Communities, it is to be the conscious responsibility of our faithful that whenever Badarak is
celebrated to make every effort to be present and to receive Holy Communion.
To prepare, one should make peace with one’s enemies; should confess their sins preferably in private to the
priest; fast and abstain from food and drink from the time of awakening to the reception of the Holy Sacrament;
be present in Church from the beginning of Badarak. Those individuals who for medical reasons cannot fast
may receive dispensation by speaking with their clergyman.
During the Christmas (and Easter) season, Youghakin donations, which are translated as “gifts of
oil” are traditionally made to the Church. The impression is that by these offerings, the needed oil to keep the
lamps of our churches burning would be provided and there would always be resources to keep the doors of the
church open. Your gift to your Mission Parish supports the efforts of your local church in your community and
is always gratefully appreciated.
Also during this holy season the traditional Rite of Home Blessing is offered to our faithful. If you
wish for your home to be blessed, you may contact a member of the Parish Council to make the arrangements
during the next scheduled visit of a clergyman.
received in der hayr's email box . . . .
Hey Dad!
Hey Dad!
How come you give the waitress all that money,
and put in only one dollar in the plate on Sundays?
ANSWERS:
Group 1
1. Literally it means, "breathed by God". It is the Armenian name for the Bible.
2. Mystery (the sacraments/mysteries of the Church are sacred ceremonies during which the grace of the
Holy Spirit is gifted upon the faithful).
3. August (on the Sunday closest to August 15).
4. Pride, envy anger, laziness (sloth) covetousness, gluttony lust.
5. King Drtad (Tiritades)
6. Octave
Group II
• Jonah (While most prophets were reluctant, feeling inadequate, Jonah jumped on a ship and tried to
flee from God).
• Make the sign of the cross and say a brief prayer before sitting.
• Gabriel
• Baptism
• Peter, James, John, Andrew, Simon, Thaddeus, Bartholomew, Matthew, James, Phillip, Thomas,
Judas.
• Matthew, Mark, Luke, the three gospels that tell a similar story and "see the same way
DIOCESE OF THE ARMENIAN CHURCH (EASTERN)
DEPARTMENT OF MISSION PARISHES
A rchbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate
Rev. Fr. Tateos R. Abdalian, Director
www.armenianchurch.net
Diocesan Office: 212.686.0710 Email: dertateos@armeniandiocese.org
Diocesan Mission Statement
The mission of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church is to preach the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus
Christ and to proclaim its message of salvation. This mission is realized through worship, education,
witness, service, and a common life in Christ as expressed in the distinctive faith-experience of the
Armenian people. All the faithful of the Armenian Church – both clergy and laity – are called to
participate fully in this mission.
THE SUNDAY BULLETIN OF OUR MISSION PARISHES
THE NINTH SUNDAY OF THE HOLY CROSS - NOVEMBER 8, 2009
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God . . . But let him ask in faith, with no doubting. (James1: 1-11).
The Epistle of James is one of the shorter books of the New Testament. It does not aim to disclose lofty
mysteries or great theological truths. Rather it sticks to the basics, in plain language. To read the entire letter
would take no more than 10 minutes.
In his treatise James writes about wisdom, patience, faith, prayer and a way of life that is pragmatic and worthy
of living. When he speaks of prayer, he speaks of it as basic to the Christian life.
Over the years, many of us have come to perceive that without answers to our prayers, life would have been
intolerable for us. Yet the restriction, "Let him ask in faith", remains a serious challenge to us. It is more easily
said than done. Yet this must not deter us from prayer.
Faith itself is one of the things for which we pray. Jesus said that if we only have faith the size of a mustard
seed, we could begin with that. So if you were to measure your faith and place it next to that seed, how would it
measure up?
The Gospel passage read in our churches this Sunday speaks to that "faith" that we are to demonstrate. Take the
time to open your Bibles at home and read the passage.
Yesterday the Feasts of Sts. Gabriel, Michael and Raphael and all of the Heavenly Hosts
was celebrated yesterday in the Armenian Church
The word angel means “a messenger.” In Holy Scripture, they were thought of as
spiritual beings that are always ready and able to serve God and man in God’s name. It is
a pious belief of the Church that God has constituted Angels and men in a wonderful
order of service; that the Angels serve God in heaven and that they help defend men on
earth.
Angels are not dead people who have been transformed into flying creatures with long
hair and long white robes and with small harps in their hands. Consider the Archangel
Michael, whose name in Hebrew means, “Who is like God,” and who struggles against
the forces of evil, led by Lucifer. As we have fallen through sin into the power of Satan,
St. Michael continues the fight for our deliverance. He offers to God the prayers of the
saints symbolized by the incense of the Divine Liturgy and other liturgical services,
whose smoke rises toward heaven. (“Let my prayer be counted as incense before thee,and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice!” Psalm 141:2). As St. Michael
was the protecting angel of the old Israel, so now he protects the new Israel, the Church
of Christ. The Archangel Michael is frequently depicted as a Knight in armor, sword in
hand, slaying the demon symbolic of satanic evil.
The Bible Readings for this Sunday
ISAIAH 24:1-13:
The Prophet Isaiah speaks of the total overthrow of the earth. The reason for this judgment is man’s failure of
maintaining the right relationship between himself and God.
EPHESIANS 5:15-33:
This is an often-misunderstood reading. St. Paul exhorts husbands and wives to submit to one another in love.
The love between a man and wife must reflect the love that exists between Christ and the Church. The mystery
of marriage is that the two shall become one, just as Christ and the Church have become one. Husbands must
love their wives as Christ loves the Church. What greater and tender love is there? When St. Paul says: "As theChurch is subject to Christ, so let wives be subject to their husbands.”, St. Paul never meant this to be a
subjection of inferiority or subservience! Just as the Church loves Christ, so the wife should love her husband.
Can there be anything degrading about that type of love? It is a love that is to fulfill us, never to demean.
LUKE 8:49-57:
“Only show faith and she will be well again.” Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, came to Christ so that He would
heal his daughter. When Christ arrives, the girl had died; but Christ raised her from her “sleep” and gave her
life. This is reminiscent of the confirmation prayer which is said when the priest is putting Holy Oil on the eyes
of the newly baptized child: “This seal in the name of Jesus Christ to enlighten your eyes so you may never
sleep unto death.” Our Lord teaches us that no evil, not even death, can keep us from the goodness of His love
if only we would believe. Then, as now, faith in Christ and acceptance of Him into our lives assures us of
eternal life.
As a Christian community, we are called to offer our prayers for others as well as offer our own
personal prayers. Each week in the Sunday Bulletin, special prayers are requested asking YOU to pause
and to offer prayers for those who are in need.
Whether there is a celebration of Badarak in your community this week or not, you are asked to pray
for and not to forget:
• each member of your parish community who are in need of your prayers;
• the Hierarchal leaders of the Armenian Church, that they be true to their positions of trust and
sacredness
• the good health of His Beatitude, Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem,
Archbishop Mesrob Mutafyan, Armenian Patriarch of Turkey;
• Archbishop Avak Assadourian, Primate, and the people of Iraq, especially our Armenian brothers and
sisters, that they be kept safe from the harm which surrounds them each day;
• for the recovery of good health, the healing of infirmities and the presence of God in the lives of those
who are ill in the hospital or at home,
• the faithful of our Mission Parish communities and especially our Parish Councils, that all become
infected with the love of God and the genuine desire to do His work in His Armenian Church;
• the men and women who are serving in the armed forces of the United States, that they kept safe and
able to return to their families unharmed;
• for peace and prosperity in the homeland of Armenia, in Artsakh, in Javakh and throughout the world
and among all people of all nations, especially in the Holy City of Jerusalem, in the Middle East and
wherever the ravages of war rages;
• for those who are experiencing great difficulties due to the economic crisis in our country, that they not
be forgotten by us;
• those who are experiencing personal, marital and emotional conflicts in their lives;
• those who generously offer their time, talents and financial resources in the building up of our Church.
Let us pray, DER, VOGHORMIA; LORD, HAVE MERCY.
In our Armenian Tradition, celebration of a Name Day or Feast Day is considered to be spiritually important,
for the celebrating individual develops a special spiritual tie with his Patron Saint and, consequently, with God.
When you know of a person whose Name Day or Feast Day is being celebrated, honor the person by presenting
them with a lit candle and saying “anoonovut dzeranas” “may you grow old with your name” which in turns
means wishing the person a long life, or simply say, Happy Name Day. Name Days celebrated this week are:
NAME DAYS celebrated this week are: Gabriel, Kapriel, Mikael, Michael, Angel, Alexander, Meletius, Menas,
Demetrius.
Outreach
With the weather turning colder, it is vital that both adults and children receive
proper nourishment to prevent illnesses. In every community across our country,
social organizations, companies, churches and synagogues are working together to help
those less fortunate during these upcoming winter months. We as a Church and people
were once referred to as “the starving Armenians” following the ravages of the 1915
Genocide. Our brothers and sisters from the former Soviet Union also felt this sting.
As Armenian Christians, we should make it priority-one to help feed the hungry, clothe
the naked and shelter the homeless. Make a commitment to the local food banks in your
area or to the Salvation Army by either providing them with either nonperishable food
items, clothing, or a monetary contribution. Your contribution will make a difference to
that person in need.
Are you Connected?
Parishioners are asked to send in their e-mail addresses so that we will be able to send out our Sunday Bulletin
and eTsayn newsletter electronically as well as other notices and announcements. Simply send your name and
email address to: dertateos@armeniandiocese.org or call one of the Parish Council members of your community to
give them the information.
We encourage you to visit your parish website for a listing of your parish activities, other Armenian Churches,
various Orthodox Sites, other news agencies or a way to make a donation.
Also, sign-up to receive the e-Newsletter from the Diocese which contains weekly news and information
from our Diocese, Mission Parishes and well as our Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
Simply go to publicrelations@armeniandiocese.org and ask to receive the newsletter.
Holy Etchmiadzin: www.armenianchurch.org
Our Diocese: www.armenianchurch.net
Western Diocese: www.armenianchurchwd.com
Nashville, TN: www.armenianchurchofnashville.org
Columbus, OH: www.ohioarmenians.us
Cape Cod, MA: www.armenianchurchcapecod.com
Atlanta, GA: www.armenianchurchofatlanta.org
Jacksonville, FL: www.armenianchurchjacksonville.com
Orlando, FL: www.stgarabedarmenianchurch.org
Austin, TX www.armenianchurchofaustin.org
Church Teachings
With each weekly bulletin sent to our Mission Parishes, various
teachings and practices of our Armenian Church are offered to give
instruction as to how one is to practice their faith.
Some have commented that the same information is provided each
week: How come?
It is like the safety instructions with each airline flight you take. You
perhaps may not pay attention to what is being said until there is a
problem and then you try to remember what to do.
Our concern is your spiritual life and the salvation of your soul.
The time to pay attention is now . . . before it's too late!
Please, always remember that when you attend the Divine Liturgy ,
One should be present for the entire service, especially in preparation to receive Holy Communion. Entering
late, leaving during the service to speak with someone, re-entering is not only disturbing to the worshiping
faithful, but inappropriate behavior. This basic discipline and teaching of the Church ought be practiced by
everyone: to be present at the beginning of services in order to participate fully in the Holy Sacrament of
Badarak rather than entering the sanctuary after services have begun at various times.
During the Kiss of Peace
As the gifts of the Eucharist are brought to the Altar Table, the deacon proclaims, “Greet one
another with a holy kiss.” The person giving the greetings says,
Kristos ee mech mer Haydnestav - Christ is revealed amongst us.
The recipient would respond,
Orhnial eh Haydnootiunun Kristosee - Blessed is the revelation of Christ.
This greeting is to be given, received and offered with joy, with love and with the conviction
of Jesus’ presence.
During the time of receiving Holy Communion,
The offering and reception of Holy Communion is the high point of the Badarak, and it
is vital that concentration be kept on what is to happen. Receiving Holy Communion
is a sacred privilege reserved only for those who have been baptized and confirmed
into the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Holy Church. There should be no conversations
with each other while waiting to approach, but perhaps only with God the Father
through one’s prayers. Those who are spiritually prepared should come forward for
the offering of their confession found on pg. 48 of the new pew book (on the opening
pages of the previous editions).
• You should approach the priest as close as possible,
• Make the sign of the Holy Cross,
• Offer the words of confession "Megha Asdoudzo," "I have sinned against God".
• Open your mouth and stick out your tongue for the priest to place the portion of Holy Communion upon
it.
• After receiving Holy Communion, once again make the sign of the cross and step to the side.
• Women are asked to remove lipstick before approaching as well.
If you are not to receive Holy Communion for a valid reason, you should stand quietly in your place without
talking until the priest offers the blessing.
Leaving church after services
As you leave the sanctuary at the end of services, please do so reverently and quietly, refraining from load
conversations. Properly, the faithful should come forward quietly to kiss the Holy Gospel saying to the
Celebrant:
Heeshestseh Der Zamenayn Badarakus Ko –
May the Lord remember all your sacrifices .
The Celebrant responds by saying:
Datzhe Kez Der Esd Serdee Koom
May the Lord grant you according to your heart.
See page 55 of the Divine Liturgy book. Then depart and greet neighbors and friends at fellowship hour
downstairs. You may even wish to wait and to sit quietly after services have ended to offer your own personal
meditation. Never lose reverence for the Church sanctuary as the house of God simply because services have
ended. Loud talking or conversations should wait until one is outside of the sanctuary.
Learn the words, . . . practice saying them, . . . mean them.
received in der hayr’s email box . . .
Noah . . . it's the hippos and elephants. They're seasick!
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