It is certain that the Hripsimian and Gayanian maidens lived for a time on the heights of mountains of Varag, as persecuted Christians. During that time they had others secretly worshipping with them, fol�lowers, and helpers. These immaculate maidens created an environment of goodness and nobility. But they were obliged hurriedly to abandon their mountain retreat because the king's agents had come there to seek them out. Hripsime gave the fragment of the True Cross she had hanging from her neck, as mark of her faith, to the believing hermits who had been praying with her, advising them to keep the sacred relic in the mountain named "Galilee," in a cave where they had prayed together. Then she left, never to return.

The hermits remained there. They prayed day and night. It became a center of worship for three and a half centuries. The wholesome memory of the maidens remained in all their souls. The fragment of the Holy Cross also remained there, in one of the caves of the Varag Mountains.

  Hermits, generation after generation, prayed devoutly concerning the fragment of the Holy Cross deposited there.

      It was just beyond the middle of the seventh century, in the year 653. The Armenian people had suffered in the Perso-Byzan�tine wars. The military successes of the new Arab power had laid much of the land to waste, and shed much blood.

It was in this widespread sad situation that the Light of Hope, Faith, and new Spiritual Power miraculously dawned over the Armenian world, emanating from the Varag Mountains of Van.

The hermit Todik, exalted in his prayers, suddenly saw a miraculous light in the shape of a cross, which illuminated the summit of the moun�tain, as by the sun, and produced twelve luminous columns.

Todik, taking with him his pupil Hovel, went to the light. But a little later the illumination moved majestically toward the Varag Vank and settled on the altar.Todik and Hovel went to the monastery. They entered the chapel and there they saw, at the base of the illumination, the fragment of the Holy, Cross, resting on the altar.

There was no doubt in the hermit's mind that that was the fragment of the Cross deposited there by St. Hripsime, because the ray of light had first rested on the Galilee mountain where in one of its caves the sacred fragment had been hidden. It was the miraculous light that had revealed the hidden relic.

       And with the miracle of the Cross of Varag, the fragment of the Holy Cross had found its proper place.

The miraculous illumination persisted for twelve days. The faithful came in droves from far-off places to view the miracle of the revelation of the Holy Cross of Varag.

Word had been sent to the Catholicos at the time, Nerses III Shinogh (Builder) who, despite his extreme preoccupation and deep concern over the political situation, came with the son Vard of the Prime Minsiter of the Rushtuni lineage to the site of the revelation, to share his prayers of joy and comfort with the people.

The Catholicos Nerses III Shinogh, enthralled with the Cross and its revelation, composed the magnificent sharakan, "Nshanav Amenahaght Khachivd ko . ." (Through the Sign of Your All-Conquering Cross. . .), and consecrated the hallowed revelation. He prescribed a week's abstinence and prayer, and ordained a yearly celebration of the revelation of the Cross.

CANON OF CROSS OF V ARAG

      "Through the sign of your all-conquering Cross, 0 Christ, guard us

       against the invisible enemy, for you are the king of glory, forever blessed.

      "For you have extended your immaculate arm over this, and shed

       your blood for the salvation of the world, for you are. . ."

(Excerpts from "Feasts of the Armenian Church and National Traditions." By Garo Bedrosian

On September 21st, nearly 300 women from across the Philadelphia community gathered at Founders Hall to try their luck at Designer Bag Bingo, and enjoy a lavish luncheon with classy and stylish touches abounding in every detail.

Champagne was served as everyone checked in at the front doors, and the eyes were astounded with the most creative and classic Chanel d�cor everywhere.   The large Chanel perfume bottle centerpieces were most notable, and the displays set up all across the halls were beautiful! 

The menu as usual was remarkable, delicious, and so elegantly displayed, including everything from shrimp cocktail to Chanel inspired gourmet cupcakes.  

Everyone who attended this sold out event enjoyed 15 fun and competitive rounds of Bingo. Congratulations to the 15 lucky winners that day, who received beautiful designer handbag prizes from Gucci to Fendi, and a stunning Chanel bag valued over $4,000!   

This event could not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, and the dedicated committee that work for months preparing every detail.  

Another memorable and spectacular event hosted by Saint Gregory's church! 

• Jack Hagopian & children, Jack Jr. & Gregory,  Mr. & Mrs. Vahe Hagopian and Family, Mr. John Hagopian, Tanya & Sara Johnson, Hanna Barret, for the soul of their sister, aunt, mother and grandmother,  Elizabeth Johnson, 40th day.
•  Mr. George Kamajian for the soul of her wife, Alice Kamajian.
•  St. Gregory Choir members, for a friend and long-time choir member, Alice Kamajian.

The reading is from the Proverbs 3:18-26

            She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called happy.

            The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; by his knowledge the deeps broke forth, and the clouds drop down the dew.

            My son, keep sound wisdom and discretion; let them not escape from your sight, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck.  Then you will walk on your way securely and your foot will not stumble.  If you sit down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.  Do not be afraid of sudden panic, or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.                                                                                                                 

The reading is from the Prophet Isaiah 65:22-25

            They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.  They shall not labor in vain, or bear children for calamity; for they shall be the offspring of the blessed of the Lord, and their children with them.  Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear.  The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox; and dust shall be the serpent's food.  They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, says the Lord.                                                                                                       

The reading is from the Letter of Paul to the Galatians 6:14-18

            But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.  For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.  Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God.

            Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren.  Amen.                                                                          

THE HOLY GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 24:30-36

Our Lord Jesus Christ says:

            "Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory; and he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

            "From the fig tree learn its lesson:  as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near.  So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates.  Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away till all these things take place.  Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

            "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only."