THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
April 16, 2023

Feast of the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

John 1:1-17 These renowned and eloquent verses testify to the presence of God the Son from the very creation of the world (vv 2-5) to his Incarnation; Jesus Christ was the ultimate revelation of God’s presence, glory, and enduring love. John the Baptist was called to be a witness so that “all people might believe.” Discuss/reflect: Jesus made his dwelling “among us.” (v 14). How much have you allowed him to “dwell” with you? Are you keeping him at the door? In the living room? Or have you given him the keys?

Acts 5:34-6:7 Two important events are recounted here. In the first, the teacher of the law Gamaliel exhorts the apostles’ antagonists to let them continue Jesus’ work, since if their purpose is godly they will prevail over any force against them anyway. The second details the first “ordination” as men are called and consecrated to assist the apostles in caring for the poor. St. Stephen was foremost among them and is considered the first ‘deacon’ of the Church. Discuss/reflect: Despite the warning that they not preach the Good News, the apostles joyfully continued to proclaim Jesus as the Christ (5:41-42). How might you share this news today?

James 3:1-12 The apostle James explains the great harm that speech (the tongue) can cause. He compares the tongue’s power to the bit in a horse’s mouth or the rudder of a huge ship – something so small having the power to give incredible direction; but also potentially as disastrous as the tiny spark that can burn down a forest. Discuss/reflect: James wonders how we are able to both praise God and revile others with the same lips. How can salt water and fresh water flow from the same source? (vv 9-12) How would you answer him? Where do you need to make changes in how you talk?

Hokehankist today will be for:

Robert S. Damerjian, Sr., on the first anniversary of his eternal life, Deskouhy Attarian, Seerarpy Eskandarian, Hermina Karakashian, and Berjouhy & John Bosnian.  Requested in loving memory by Lorraine, Robert Jr. and David Damerjian; Martin Attarian, John Eskandarian, Vincent Karakashian, Cynthia and Steven Bosnian, Linda & Richard Vishab, and their families.

Seerarpy Eskandarian, Robert Damerjian, Deskouhy Attarian, Berjouhy Bosnian, John Bosnian, and Hermina Karakashian requested by Michael and Kathryn Eskandarian Family in loving memory of their aunts and uncles.

Coffee Hour Fellowship today is sponsored by Lorraine, Robert Jr. and David Damerjian in loving memory of Robert S. Damerjian Sr, Deskouhy Attarian, Seerarpy Eskandarian, Hermina Karakashian and Berjouhy & John Bosnian.

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.

Zoom Book Club:  Please join us on Thursday evening, April 20 at 7:00 to discuss “The Sandcastle Girls” by Chris Bohjalian. Every April, the Armenian community around the world pauses to remember and commemorate “the great catastrophe” in our history. In his novel, Bohjalian expertly weaves in the hard facts of the Armenian Genocide with a compelling and personal story of its impact on those who suffered, on those who survived and on the generations that followed. Our facilitator will be Suzanne Sherenian. To receive the Zoom link, go to nancybasmajian@verizon.net.

CHURCH CALENDAR (please mark your calendars)

ON HOLD UNTIL APRIL 19^TH Every Wednesday, 7 pm, Zoom Bible Study with Fr. Hakob