THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
October 8, 2023

 Fourth Sunday After Exaltation

In the absnce of Fr. Hakob who is in Armenia, we are pleased to inform our faithful that our guest celebrant today will be The Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian. Please join us to welcome him and hear his pastoral message for us. Asdvadz Oknagan, Hayr Soorp.

Continued prayers for our Der Hakob and all traveling with him in Armenia during these uncertain times.

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Mark 11:27-33 Having overturned the tables of the money changers a day before, Jesus is in the temple courts again and hostilely questioned by the chief priests, elders, and teachers of the law: by what authority does He do what He does? Jesus wisely deflects their question. Discuss/reflect: In what ways do you question and perhaps even undermine Jesus’ authority?

2 Corinthians 13:5-13 Paul asks the Corinthians to test their faith, knowing that if Christ is indeed in their hearts, they cannot fail. His humble prayer is “for their perfection.” (v.9) Memorable verse (12): “Greet one another with a holy kiss” (a foundational verse for our kiss of peace during Badarak). Discuss/reflect: In what area of your spiritual life will you aim “for perfection” this week?

Isaiah 17:7-14 Isaiah announces God’s judgment against Syria and Israel who were aligned against Judah. Having turned away from God, none of their endeavors can be fruitful: they might plant the finest imported vines, but there will be no harvest, only pain.  Enemies will rage like surging waters; it is God’s rebuke alone that sends them fleeing. Discuss/ reflect: How might the story of Jesus’ stilling the storm (Mark 4:35-41) together with the image of verse 13 affect you as you face today’s precarious world? Form a prayer out of your answer.

Saturday, October 14, is the Feast of the Holy Translators

Mesrob, Yeghishe, Moses, David the Philosopher, Gregory of Narek, Nersess the Grace-filled These well-known saints are remembered on other days of the church calendar year, but the Armenian Church remembers them here specifically on the 2^nd Saturday in October as “translators,” those who enlighten others about our faith through prayers, hymns, poetry, philosophy and even history. Translation goes beyond rendering one language into another. It is the sharing of the experience of Christ with His people.

St. Gregory of Narek (c 945-1003) was a beloved teacher, churchman and prolific writer. Born in Narek (near Lake Van) he entered the monastery there and wrote Bible commentaries, history and deeply affecting prayers. His renowned collection Speaking with God from the Depths of My Heart was so treasured that it was thought to have healing powers.  Reflection: Consider Gregory’s Prayer 24: “Dear Lord, I pray that I might be honored with clothing of light, from which I have been stripped/that I might touch the hand of Him, from whom I am separated/that I might receive my daily bread, for which I have not worked/that I might be showered with rewards, which I have not earned/that I might remember all my blessings, which I always forget. What are some of the blessings in your life you need to remember?”

Department of Christian Education Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)/elisea@armeniandiocese.org

October 21 and 22 – Harvest Bazaar – Please join us for our Harvest Bazaar and food festival. Saturday 3-8pm and Sunday after church from 12:30 to 4pm. Optional take-out is available.

The Fall Harvest Bazaar is coming soon and once again we are requesting donations for the Basket Auction. Donations of money gift cards (any amount is welcome!) and “high- end NEW” items are also desirable! Checks should be drawn to Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Memo: Basket Auction, and mailed to church or left in the office. For any questions, call Cece Garibian (267-210-0670).  We sincerely and deeply appreciate your support.

Bake Shoppe at the Harvest Bazaar – we are reaching out to our talented bakers to provide the Booth with home-made products in any variety: cookies, scones, brownies, lemon bars, loaf cakes, Armenian pastries, etc.  Whatever your specialty is, we want it!!!  We hope to have our table filled to overflowing with all the delicious items you can provide. For any questions, contact Berjoohy Murray @ 856-912-2417 (please, no store-bought products).

Artsakh Support Desperately Needed – Since early this year, we have closely followed the news from and about Artsakh. We prayed often, deeply and fervently. We didn’t know what else to do. Our hearts broke when the unimaginable happened and Artsakh was lost to us. Now is our time to help the thousands of refugees who had to flee to mainland Armenia to seek a safe haven. They left their homes and most of their belongings forever. We are appealing to our faithful to give generously from your heart to help our sisters and brothers who have given their all.

Checks should be made to Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Memo: Artsakh, and brought or mailed to church. Online donations can be made by going to www.holytrinity-pa.org, go to donations, scroll down to Open Donation and enter Artsakh.

Sunday Short Studies: Our Adult Christian Education ministry team (ACE) is pleased to announce a new 4-part series on the Divine Liturgy to be held before Badarak at 10:00 in the sanctuary on October 15, 22, 29 and November 5. Entitled “Sensing God,” the program was designed by Dn. Armen and Emily Terjimanian, who will also facilitate the series. Each session (approximately 20 minutes) will approach liturgy as a personal sensual experience involving seeing, hearing, tasting, and feeling. No registration is required—the faithful are encouraged to arrive by 10:00 a.m. and sit in the front pews for a more meaningful experience.

Humanitarian Support for Artsakh Ongoing From The Knights And Daughters Of Vartan

As the Azeri government still cracks down on the Armenian people in the nation of Artsakh, the people are not giving up! Please consider making a donation to the Knights and Daughters of Vartan Call to Action Committee! Donations will go towards humanitarian aid. For further information please visit the Knights and Daughters of Vartan website @ https://kofv.org/a-call-to-action-from-kdv-for-artsakh/

Mail your donations to Knights of Vartan, Mr. Ronald Nazeley,Treasurer, 558 Kentwood Bluffs Drive, Los Angeles 90045.

Operation Christmas Child has begun. Please help us fill a record number of shoeboxes this year for underprivileged children all over the world, including Armenia.  Many of you have participated in the past and we hope you will again – and let your youngsters help you shop to fill a box. ABSOLUTE DEADLINE IS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19. If you would like to bring them in sooner, we will store them for you. For this year, the shipping fees of $10 per box are being underwritten by the generosity of the Adult Christian Education (ACE) Ministry. For those who are unable to fill a shoebox, donations will be gratefully accepted.  Checks should be made payable to:  Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Memo: OCC.  Any questions can be referred to Jeanette or Berjoohy.

Seeking Part-time Organists – the Choir of Holy Trinity continues to seek 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.

The Kiss Of Peace: After the gifts of the Eucharist are brought to the Altar Table, the deacon proclaims, “Greet one another with a holy kiss.”  The person giving the greeting says, Kristos ee mech mer Haydnetsav – Christ is revealed amongst us.  The recipient would respond, Orhnial eh Haydnootiunun Kristosee – Blessed is the revelation of Christ.

Attic Treasures – Bazaar 2023: We are ready to accept your donations for Attic Treasures. Please bring your new or gently used items and place them in the bar area. Thank you.

Lost & Found: Please take a look at the coat racks in the hallway as we have begun to accumulate miscellaneous pieces of clothing.  We will be donating any remaining items to charity in November.

Oct 7 – Seventy-two Holy Disciples of Christ

Oct 14 – Holy Translators

Oct 21 & 22 – Harvest Bazaar 2023

Oct 22 – ACYOA Car Wash Event after service today

Oct 21 – Feast of the Evangelists Sts. Mathew, Mark, Luke and John

Oct 28 – Twelve Holy Doctors of the Church

Oct 29 – Discovery of the Holy Cross