For years, some parishioners have asked us to install kneelers in the pews of the church.  We are happy to announce that finally your wish has been granted. Brand new kneelers were installed yesterday and on Sunday you can start enjoying them.

The kneelers were a donation from the Estate of Anne Bogosian in memory of George and Anne Bogosian, the blessed memory.

Assuming that most of you have no experience with kneelers, here are some instructions for their use.

First, it would be a good idea to discuss the value of kneelers.  We humans need, from time to time, to get on our knees in the presence of our heavenly Father in humility.  Our Lord Jesus exhorts us to have a humble demeanor while we pray. He told us the parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector: "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.  I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 18:10-14). And St. Paul, the great Apostle of Jesus had said: "At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:10)

Therefore, as to the question of when to use the kneelers during Badarak, I would suggest the following:

• Use it any time when you say a personal prayer
• During the procession of the chalice
• During Der Voghormia
• During Confession definitely

One suggestion, be careful when you lower and raise the kneelers and try not to make too much noise.

Use in health and may God hear all  your prayers.

Der Hyr and Board of Trustees

Fourth Sunday of Advent

The reading is from the Letter to the Hebrews 1:1-14

            In many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets; but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.  He reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of his nature, upholding the universe of his word of power, when he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has obtained is more excellent than theirs.

            For to which of the angels did God ever say,

            "You are my Son; today I have begotten you?"  Or again,

            "I will be his father and he will be my Son?"  And again, when he brings the first-born into the world, he says,

            "Let all God's angels worship him."  Of the angels he says,

            "He makes his angels winds, and his servants flame of fire."  But of the Son he says,

            "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of your kingdom.

            You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions."

            And "In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like clothing; like a cloak you will roll them up, and like clothing they will be changed.  But you are the same, and your years will never end."

            But to which of the angels has he ever said,

            "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet?"  Are they not all angels spirits in the divine service, sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? 

Our Lord Jesus Christ:

            And he said to his disciples, "Temptations to sin are sure to come; but woe to him by whom they come!  It would be better for him if a millstone were hung round his neck and he were cast into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin.  Take heed to yourselves; if your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him; and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, and say, `I repent,' you must forgive him."

            The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"  And the Lord said, "If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this sycamine tree, `Be rooted up, and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.

            "Will any one of you, who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep, say to him when he has come in from the field, `Come at once and sit down at table'?  Will he not rather say to him, `Prepare supper for me, and gird yourself and serve me, till I eat and drink; and afterward you shall eat and drink'?  Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded?  So you also, when you have done all that is commanded you, say, `We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'"                                                

December 14, 2014

10:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.

Assembly Theme:    Getting Ready for Christmas

Classroom Theme:  Jesus, Light of the World

Special Session:      Getting to Know Our Church - The Vestry

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT REHEARSAL:  Today in Founders Hall with accompaniment starting at 12:30 P.M.

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT :  SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21 in FOUNDERS HALL immediately following Holy Liturgy.  Reception to follow.  All are invited to this short memorable retelling of the Birth of Jesus Christ with a surprising twist!!

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Haigazian Armenian Adult Language Classes, WInter 2015 Term.  Tuesday, January 13 - March 30th.   Beginners 7 - 8:30.  Intermediate 8 - 9:30. For more information, please contact Anita Hovsepian 215-242-1247 or

ANEC NEWS

The Armenian Relief Society of the Eastern USA, Inc. Board of the Regional Directors, is launching a Winter Clothing Drive to warm the hearts of youngsters in Artsakh.

The collected clothing will be distributed to ARS Medz Tagher Soseh Kindergarten students, children and infants living in the surrounding villages. The Regional Board will be accepting only new items of clothing, shoes, coats, scarves, hats and gloves, as well as educational toys for children 3 months old to 10 years old.

The Regional Board encourages schools' students to participate in this worthy project and donate generously during this holiday season.

For more information about this project please contact the Regional office or the chapter in your area. Ungh. Linda Kakoyan  215-369-4372, E-mail: lkakoyan@verizon.com