THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
April 10, 2022

Palm Sunday (Dzaghgazart)

 COVID UPDATE:  Masks are recommended, but not required, Please use your best judgement.

This day recalls Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. He is greeted by throngs of people laying their cloaks and palm branches on the road before him as a royal carpet of welcome. Matthew understood the event as the fulfillment of specific prophecies, including  Zechariah 9:9 (today’s reading). Therefore, for many gathered, this was the entrance of the Messiah and conformed fully to Old Testament prophecy and Jewish expectations. Yet how poorly the crowd understood the nature of the kingdom and the king they were welcoming since not long afterwards their “Hosannas!” turned to  the jeering shouts of “Crucify him!”

The service of the Opening of the Doors is also held on Palm Sunday, during which the priest and people pray for entry once again into God’s presence. The term Dzaghgazart (“adorned with flowers”) may refer to an older pagan feast. Discuss/reflect: In Matthew 21:10 we read that “when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked: “Who is this?” Has he entered your heart? Are you prompted to know more about who He is?

From Today’s Scripture Readings

Matthew 20:29-21:17 The healing of the two blind men is a poignant prelude to the story of Jesus’ triumphal arrival in Jerusalem (see below). The two persist in loudly declaring their faith despite the crowd’s rebuke. Upon being healed by their Lord, they follow him. The passage continues with the Palm Sunday story (21:1-11) and the account of Jesus driving the moneychangers from the Temple. Discuss/reflect: If Jesus said to you (as he did to the blind men) “what do you want me to do for you?” how would you answer?

Philippians 4: 4-7 In a letter overflowing with the joy of knowing Jesus, St. Paul sums it all up in these few verses: Rejoice in the Lord, know that he is near, be gentle with everyone, don’t worry about a thing, pray your gratitude, and God’s peace will guard your heart in Christ Jesus.

Discuss/reflect: Personalize verse 7 and memorize it: “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” Pray this throughout the day.

Zechariah 9: 9-15 Set in the context of the Jews’ return from the Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem, Zechariah looks expectantly to when God will transform his people into a holy nation. In these verses, we see a striking prophecy of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem “gentle and riding on a donkey.” Discuss/reflect: What images of peace and restoration can you identify in verses 9-10? Why a donkey (v.9; see Matthew 21:5 ) and not a warhorse?

PALM SUNDAY BANQUET: TODAY is ACYOA DAY.  Immediately following Church Services, ACYOA is sponsoring a Banquet.  No tickets will be sold at the door.

Fellowship on Easter Sunday – There will not be a Coffee Hour Fellowship following Badarak on Easter Sunday, thus allowing our faithful to be able to spend more time with family and friends as they celebrate the Glorious Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

However, we will be having our Easter Eve Fellowship which will follow Badarak that begins @ 7 pm on the evening of April 16. We will also conduct the traditional Home Blessing service in Santerian Hall.  We hope you will join us and invite you to bring an offering of food that will be shared among everyone, which is as though our own Easter meal is being blessed.

PALM SUNDAY PALMS and PALM SUNDAY FLOWERS are donated by:

• Kim and Gena Willard in memory of Larry Der Hagopian
• Ronald A. Kashkashian in memory of Arsen & Katherine Kashkashian
• Merle Santerian in memory of Ned Santerian, Dr. Corrine Santerian Moore, John & Rose Serabian, Edward & Rose Karnikian, Michael & Rose Santerian and Elinor Hare
• Susan Karpinski & David Ambarian in memory of Peter and Lillian Ambarian & Robert Karpinski
• Albert Dandegian Jr. in memory of Albert & Florence Dandegian, Michael & Rose Karabian and Ruth DeStefano
• Mary Yeretzian in memory of Berj & Edward Yeretzian
• Jan D. Mirijanian in memory of John Mirijanian
• Carol Jerrahian in memory of Barbara & Butch Kumkumian
• Paul Bogosian in memory of Hermine Bogosian
• Linda Santerian in memory of Albert Santerian
• Mr. and Mrs. Michael Alexanian in memory of Ohannes Hashas
• David and Marta Brann in memory of Armen & Theodora Mirakian
• Gregory and Diane Yazujian in memory of Harry Yazujian, Helen Vishab & Noair Hartunian
• Laura Temoyan and Sophie & Nina in memory of Ben Yeretzian

MEN‘S CLUB NEWS – The APRIL 2022 “200 CLUB” drawing was completed on 4/3/22. You can see the results on our HTAC Website. Click on: Organizations, Men’s Club.  –Thank you for your continued support!

HOLY TRINITY ZOOM BOOK CLUB:  Copies of our next book selection, “Mayrig” by Henri Verneuil (Ashod Malakian) are still available at our bookstore for $15. The book, which tells the story of the quintessential immigrant experience, as lived by an Armenian family settling in France, is tinged with the hues of Armenian joy and sadness.  The discussion will be facilitated by Elise Antreassian, who translated the French text into English. We will meet on Thursday evening, April 21 at 7:00. To receive the Zoom link, contact nancybasmajian@verizon.net.

COUNTRY STORE – We invite you to come visit us after church most Sundays.  See Liz or Jeanette. If you wish to place an order for pickup, contact Lorraine Damerjian @ 215-572-8465, and she can help you with that.

Seeking Part-time Organists – the Choir of Holy Trinity is looking for multiple talented musicians who would be seriously interested in playing the organ for the Sunday morning Divine Liturgy (Badarak) on a rotating schedule. Organ lessons will be provided to the interested candidates, along with one-on-one direction from a senior choir person.  For further information, contact Karinne Andonian @ karinne.hov@gmail.com.