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THE E-BULLETIN OF ST. JAMES ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH
(EVANSTON, IL)
December 28, 2014 - January 3, 2015
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Sunday, December 28, 2014
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Morning Service:
Divine Liturgy:
Bible Readings:
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9:15 AM
10:00 AM
Isaiah 51:15-52:3; Hebrews 13:18-25; Luke 22:24-30
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Deacons' Dedication Service and Commemoration of St. Stephen Protodeacon and Protomartyr
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Commemoration of St. Stephen the Protodeacon and Protomartyr
Saint Stephen (Saint Stepanos in Armenian) was the first Christian martyr and one of the first seven deacons to be ordained by the twelve apostles. The responsibility of these seven deacons was to take care of the secular needs of the Hellenic (Greek Speaking) Jewish Christian community in Jerusalem. However, when we read Acts 6 and 7, we see that Saint Stephen did much more than that. And in Acts 8, we read that Stephen began to preach the word of God, "And Stephen, full of the grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people" (Acts 6:8).
Truly feeling the power of God, Saint Stephen worked hard to spread God's name and love in the Jewish community of Jerusalem. However, he became a controversial figure and was eventually falsely accused and taken to the Sanhedrin where he was charged and convicted of blasphemy. He was stoned to death as he was being cast out of the city. The site of his martyrdom was the eastern gate of Jerusalem, which was later renamed in his honor.
As he was being stoned, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he knelt down and cried with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:59).
As the first deacon and first martyr, Saint Stephen has served as the model of Christian living for centuries. Thus, we honor him on his feast day and honor those who have followed in his path.
As we celebrate the Feast of St. Stephen the Protodeacon and Protomartyr, we honor those who have followed in his path:
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Deacon Garabed Hardy
Deacon Krikor Mirijanian
Deacon Larry Farsakyan
Deacon Kavork Hagopian
Deacon Levon Kirakosyan
Deacon Christpher Shaklian
Deacon Aram Sarkisain
Deacon Arie Zakarian
Deacon Aras Korogluyan
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Sub-deacon John Nersesian
Sub-deacon Gary Rejebian
Sub-deacon Nicholas Rejebian
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Prayer of the Week
We, the church of the righteous and the assemblies of the orthodox,
Today celebrate your memory, and in tears beseech you, O true witness of Christ;
Beseech the Lord to grant us live everlasting.
Amen.
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New Year
Presently all Christian churches celebrate the New Year on January 1. The word "January" means "birth". Before Christ's coming to the world mankind was the captive of hell and constrained by eternal death. Being born in January Christ destroyed the hell, saved the mankind from eternal death and leads to the Kingdom of Heaven. That's why January became the months' beginning. January 1 is the first day of the first month of the year of birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
According to the folk tradition on January 1 people decorate the New Year tree symbolizing the Tree of Life of Eden.
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A Legacy of Peace
Primate's Christmas message
 The angel promised that his "good tidings of great joy" would one day be known by all people. But the announcement itself, on that glorious night some 2,000 years ago, was made to only a few, humble shepherds, in fields removed from any city or village. To reach the ears of the entire world, the announcement would have to be repeated, from person to person, from heart to heart, from generation to generation.
Yet through all those numberless repetitions, down to the present day, these "good tidings" have never lost their freshness. They have never lost their ability to inspire wonder and love atthe news of God's miraculous gift to mankind.
Indeed, the gift of Jesus Christ has inspired the Armenian people to the heights of creativity and heroism, and has sustained us through every trial. At every critical juncture of our history, we have been able to refresh ourselves in the knowledge that our destiny lies with him-through whom death is vanquished, sacrifice redeemed, and despair transfigured into winged hope.
Click here to continue reading the 2014 Christmas Message in English and Armenian. |
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Schedule of the Nativity Services at St. James
 The Nativity and Baptism of Jesus Christ will be observed at St. James Armenian Church. A special liturgical schedule will be in effect for these services; please make a note of the times.
On Monday, January 5-The Evening Service with Scripture Readings will start at 6:00 p.m. The Divine Liturgy will immediately follow, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Traditional HOME BLESSING SERVICE will be performed in the Nishan Hall at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy.
On Tuesday, January 6- The Morning Service begins at 9:15 a.m., and the Divine Liturgy follows at 10:00 a.m.
On Sunday, January 11- The Morning Service begins at 9:15 a.m., and the Divine Liturgy follows at 10:00 a.m. The "BLESSING OF WATER" ceremony will follow the Divine Liturgy. Mr. Simon Simonian and his sons Bob and Eddie will serve as "godfathers" of the Blessing of Water service.
Women's Guild of St. James invites everybody to their traditional NATIVITY APPRECIATION LUNCHEON to honor deacons, choir members, and outgoing Parish Council members.
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Gift of Love
Christmas Yughakin
In this Holy Season of Christmas it has become a tradition in our church to donate our Christmas Yughakins as a gift of love in memory or in honor of our loved ones. The Yughakin form and the enclosed Offering Envelope are for your convenience.
Yughakin tradition is an ancient custom, which goes back to the Old Testament times. The faithful would bring oil to the temple of God so that its servants would have enough to eat. Later on this custom entered into the Christian religion when oil was brought to Church by believers in order to illuminate it by lighting the lamps in the Church.
Today, Yughakin is simply the price or the value of oil donated to the Church. Yughakin in Armenian means "price of oil." In our church, today, we of course do not burn oil in order to illuminate the sanctuary, but we use electricity, gas and other operating expenses. Let us continue the custom of Yughakin to keep the lights of St. James always burning!
Christmas Poinsettias. We encourage our parishioners and friends also to contribute towards Christmas Poinsettias, which so graciously decorate our sanctuary during New Year and Christmas season.
Christmas Card. Finally, you may make in lieu of Christmas card donation and have your name appear in our Christmas Sunday Bulletins and Deseelk (Vision) Newsletter wishing all of your friends at St. James Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Have a Blessed Christmas and healthy and happy New Year!
Click here to donate online.
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The 70 Years, 70 Facts Project
Fact 11
 St. James Armenian Church is a founding member of Family Promise Northshore, and one of twenty-one churches and synagogues that have partnered to support families in the community that are facing homelessness. Family Promise is dedicated to helping families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless get back on their feet and provide a stable lifestyle for their children.
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Altar Guild's Wish List
1. Two processional lanterns. $250 (each). Pledged
2. Painting of St. Taddeus the Apostle. $1000. Pledged.
3. Painting of St. Bartholomew the Apostle. $1000. Not pledged.
4. Painting of St. Stephen the Protodeacon. $1000. Not pledged.
5. Priest's 'half-vestments'. $500. Pledged.
6. Censer stand. $400. Donated.
Sunday School's Wish List
1. Cabinet for storage of books and supplies. Not pledged.
2. Room furniture for students and teachers. Not pledged.
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Calendar of worship services and events at St. James
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December 28
January 5 (Monday) January 6 (Tuesday)
January 10
January 11
January 25
January 28
February 14
February 14
February 15
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Deacon's dedication service and Commemoration of St. Stephen Protodecon and Protomartyr
Eve of the Feast of the Nativity (Jrakaloouyts)
Feast of the Nativity and Theophany (Badarak at 10 am)
Saturday Evening Service-Kirakamtits (5:00 PM)
Blessing of the Water and Appreciation Luncheon
Annual Parish Assembly
Midday Hour (11:30 AM)
Saturday Evening Service-Kirakamtits (5:00 PM)
Poon Paregentan Dance
Poon Paregentan Sunday
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FEASTS
December 29 - Eve of the Fast of the Holy Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Feast of Christmas)
December 29 - Commemoration of the Apostle St. James and Evangelist St. John
January 1 - New Year
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DESEELK (VISION) NEWSLETTER
IS READY
The Fall'14 issue of
DESEELK (Vision) Newsletter can be found on our website as a PDF document.
Click here to view the Newsletter or go to our website
We hope you enjoy this latest issue.
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PRAYER CARD REQUESTS
St. James has recently begun sending prayer cards requested by parishioners to mark occasions such as baptisms, weddings, bereavement and healing. A copy of the request form was sent to parishioners' homes. You can also pick up additional copies in the sanctuary or in Nishan Hall. Please see Der Hovhan if you have any questions.
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ST. JAMES KHACHKAR PROJECT
Please consider contributing to the historic purchase of our parish khachkar by January 31. Refer to the khachkar letters below or ask Der Hovhan or any Parish Council member.
Click here to read Der Hovhan's letter
Click here to read Parish Council's letter
Click here to print out the donation form.
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LOVING HEARTS - SERVING HANDS
A reminder of our new initiative to reach those parishioners in need of assistance during times of illness, death and other life difficulties. Please bring to the Parish Council or Der Hovhan's attention when need arises, and as always, we are looking for volunteers to lend their time.
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POON PAREGENTAN DANCE 2015
A Celebration of Life and Love
Click here for opportunities to showcase your business.
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ACYOA JRS' BOOK DRIVE
"Please help us collect materials for Open Books, a local non-profit working to promote literacy in Chicago and beyond! There will be a box in the church foyer to collect any new or used books in good condition as well as CDs and DVDs in playable condition. Examples of types of books include fiction, nonfiction, craft books, cookbooks, children's books, textbooks, encyclopedias, and more! Thank you for helping support literacy in our community!"
For more information contact
Selena Groh.
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DUMPLINGS AND LAHMAJOON
FOR SALE
There are still several dozen frozen dumplings left over from the recent Fall Food Bazaar, $10/dozen.
Also we have some lahmajoon left for sale, $20/dozen.
Please see any Women's Guild or Parish Council Member to purchase.
Thank You!
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SCHEDULE OF WORSHIP SERVICES
Divine Liturgy
10:00 AM on Sundays
Morning Services
9:15 AM on Sundays
Midday Hour (Wednesdays)
January 28
11:30 AM
Vespers (Saturdays) Kirakamtits
January 10, February 14
5:00 PM
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ALTAR FLOWERS
Please consider donating flowers to adorn the Holy Altar. You may either bring flowers or make a monetary donation towards the purchase.
Sign-up sheet is in the Nishan Hall.
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E-BULLETIN ARCHIVE IS NOW AVAILABLE
Missed or accidentally deleted any of the previous E-Bulletins?
You can read all our previous issues in the archive here.
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PARKING
Parking is FREE on Sundays at the parking garage on Maple street. Main entrance on Maple Avenue & Clark Street.
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ST. JAMES ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH
Rev. Fr. Hovhan Khoja-Eynatyan, Pastor
816 Clark Street, Evanston, IL 60201
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