THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
November 12, 2023

Ninth Sunday after Exaltation

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Luke 8:49-56 Earlier in this chapter, the synagogue official Jairus has begged Jesus to heal his ailing daughter. Now Jesus hears the news that the official’s daughter has died. He tells Jairus not to be afraid, but only believe, and she would be made well. And indeed, Jesus brings her back to life. Discuss/reflect: While those around him laughed at the impossibility of such a thing, Jesus did proceed to reverse the seemingly irreversible. What have you long struggled with that you might offer up to Him for healing?

Ephesians 5:15-33 How appropriate are verses 15-21 to our times! “Fill yourselves with the Spirit,” Paul advises the community. “The days are evil” (5:16) so rather than wasting time in vain pursuits, simply live gratefully with God’s praises on your lips and (literally!) a song in your heart. Discuss/reflect: St. Paul advises that we give thanks to God “always and in everything” (verse 20). What are you grateful for? Pray about these people or things.

Isaiah 24:1-12 Isaiah describes God’s judgment upon Judah – the devastation of the earth as a result of sin and transgression. Discuss/reflect: God’s people have broken their covenant (24:5-6). How might we today be hurting ourselves or the earth by ignoring God’s laws and covenant?

Saturday, November 18: Holy Apostles Andrew and Philip

“Come, follow me” were the first few words Jesus spoke to Andrew and his brother Simon Peter (Matthew 4:18-20; Mark 1:16-18) as he was walking beside the Sea of Galilee and saw them casting their nets. He then declared that he would make them fishers of men. This universal paradigm of discipleship and witness suggests that when we follow our Lord we are changed by Him to such a degree that we want to share this joy with others. Little is said about Andrew in the Gospels, but it was he who encouraged his brother to follow Jesus (John 1:41-42); he told Jesus about the boy with the loaves and fishes (John 6:8); and when Philip wanted to speak to Jesus about Greeks who sought to meet Him, he spoke to Andrew first (John 12:22). Tradition reports that after preaching in Greece, Anatolia and elsewhere, he was arrested and crucified on an x-shaped cross, feeling himself unworthy to be crucified as Jesus was.

Like Andrew, Philip was from Bethsaida. After he was called by Jesus, he tells Bartholomew (John 1:45) — who doubts anything “good can come from Nazareth” — to “come and see.” An account of his martyrdom relates that Philip was arrested with Bartholomew but brought about his companion’s release even though he himself was crucified. Outside of the Gospels, incidents from the lives of these two apostles can be found in histories, hagiographies, and anonymous Acts. Reflection: Andrew is often seen bringing others to Christ. Is your faith and trust in Him so strong that you too look for every opportunity to do so?

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

REQUIEM SERVICES: Hokehankist today will be for:

Doretta Basmajian Aslanian is remembered by her beloved husband Steven on what would have been the 36^th anniversary of their marriage on November 15^th. Additionally, she is remembered by her loving children Megan and Daniel, her brother Charlie and her church family.

Robert Sarkisian in remembrance of what would have been his 102^nd birthday on November 15^th. Requested by his loving wife Mary Sarkisian.

Fellowship Today

Coffee Hour is sponsored in loving memory of Doretta Basmajian Aslanian by her family.

Pastor’s Weekly ZOOM Bible Study – Our Adult Christian Education ministry team is pleased to invite our faithful to Fr. Hakob’s Bible Study on the GOSPEL OF LUKE. We will meet every Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 8:00 via Zoom. Last year, we journeyed with Der Hayr methodically through the Gospel of Matthew and learned a great deal. So, why are we studying the Gospel of Luke? Isn’t it just another gospel? Join us beginning November 8 to discover how Luke’s account of Jesus’ life and ministry differs from the other gospels and what it means for us. To receive the Zoom link, contact nancybasmajian@verizon.net

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.

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 is underway. Samaritan’s Purse, the organization that sponsors the shoebox project, provided 30 tons of humanitarian aid to those who were forced from their homes as a result of the Artsakh War. We ask you to consider filling one or more shoeboxes in appreciation for what they have done to help our homeland in our time of need.  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.  To receive materials, please see Jeanette or Berjoohy.

REVISED ABSOLUTE DEADLINE IS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023

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 willc 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.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Deadline for Operation Christmas Child is today!!!!

Nov 19 -Barekendan (Eve) of the Fast of Advent

Nov 23 – Thanksgiving