THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
March 10, 2024

Sunday of the Judge

Scripture Notes for Today’s Readings

Luke 17:20-18:14 Jesus describes the Second Coming as a time like any other in some ways, with people in pursuit of their usual pleasures; joys as well as suffering continue. Yet we learn that His Coming will be as bold as a bolt of lightning. We cannot be prepared for it if we have not lived all along as God’s devoted children; if we haven’t, we will be reluctant to leave behind earthly preoccupations for heavenly ones. This description is immediately followed by The Parable of the Unjust Judge (ort Persistent Widow). See below for more on this parable and reflection questions. Discuss/reflect: How does Jesus’ example of Lot’s wife looking back clarify the meaning of verse 33: “whoever tries to keep their life will lose it and whoever loses their life will preserve it”?

Philippians 3:1-4:9 “Rejoice in the Lord!” St. Paul declares, since all that once was valued is nothing, rubbish (lit: dung;3:8) compared to knowing Jesus. A life for those who eschew earthly things for a glorious “citizenship in heaven” is marked by joy, gratitude, a worry-free serenity. And a peace from God that “transcends all understanding.” (4:7) Discuss/reflect: How would you finish the sentence in v.13 as you try to draw ever closer to Christ: “…one thing I do:______.”

Isaiah 65:8-25 In prophesying to postexilic Israel, Isaiah shares God’s promises of judgment to the disobedient but salvation and renewal to the faithful – a world where there will no longer be tears and where the wolf and the lamb will peacefully co-exist. Discuss/reflect: “I called and you did not answer…I spoke and you did not listen…you chose what displeases me…” (v.12) In some ways, could this describe you? How?

Sunday of the Judge To underscore the importance of prayer, Jesus tells the parable of an unjust judge who neglects the pleas of a poor widow until, tired of her persistence, he hands down a decision and sends her away. Just as Jesus used the example of a less-than-virtuous-steward (last Sunday’s Lenten lesson), he now uses the example of an exasperated, self-centered judge. If he submits to the supplication of the widow, won’t a merciful, loving God hear and respond to our needs? Prayer is one of the essential ways we grow closer to God. It was the only thing the disciples asked Jesus to teach them! Reflection: When do you pray? Only at certain times? When you feel angry or sad? Thankful? Memorize IThessalonians 5:16-18 as a good mantra for prayerful living.

WELCOME Bishop Armash Nalbandian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Damascus, Syria. This Sunday, His Grace will celebrate Badarak and preach at Holy Trinity, then address our faithful at a Special Fellowship. We urge our congregation to attend, meet Srpazan Hayr and learn about the Armenian community in Syria and the current state of his Church.

PALM SUNDAY BANQUET – Sunday, March 24, 2024, is ACYOA DAY.  Immediately following Church Services, ACYOA is sponsoring a Banquet.  Donations: Adults $40.00 – Children ages 4 to 12 yrs. $15.00 – Children 3 and under Free.  No tickets will be sold at the door. For reservations, please send in your check by the Deadline: March 17, 2024.

The “Gospel” According to Elvis – Our faithful are invited to join us on Saturday, March 16 for a unique IN-PERSON workshop on the Gospel music recorded by one of the most celebrated musicians in American history—Elvis Presley. After we listen to each song, Dn. Albert Keshgegian will guide the discussion using lyrics, Bible passages and prayers from the Armenian tradition, as we explore the meaning of this music for Christians. The workshop will run from 10:00 a.m.to 2:30 p.m.  Complimentary lunch and morning coffee and donuts (arrive at 9:30!) are included. Registration is a MUST. Please contact nancybasmajian@verizon.net no later than March 12. Flyers are available in the narthex.

Purple and the Robe of Christ – Join us, via ZOOM, on Friday evening, March 22 at 7:00, as our Church School Superintendent, Leslie Movsesian, takes a look at the color of the Lenten season. She will guide us through the Scriptures on the events leading up to the sentencing of Jesus Christ and share a few pieces of art which depict those events. To receive the Zoom link, contact nancybasmajian@verizon.net.

Armenian Sisters Academy – The best way to learn about ASA is to experience it for yourself! Visit our campus to see how our deep appreciation for the Armenian language and culture empowers our students, promotes self-respect, and prepares future role models. All visitors must have a scheduled appointment and may not freely enter the building without prior notice. To schedule your private tour contact Legna Santerian at Lsanterian@asaphila.org or (610) 687-4100.

Armenian Sisters Academy – In love with Golf? Come out, play, and support ASA! This year ASA’s Spring Scramble will once again take place at the beautiful Philmont Country Club located in Huntingdon Valley on Monday June 3rd. Join us for an exciting day of golf including delicious food, refreshing cocktails, fun raffles, cool prizes and more! Take advantage of the early bird pricing of $200 player if you sign up by 3/31.  For registration and more information visit us online at www.asascramble.com.

Stay Connected with our New Church Portal – Over the past several months Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church has changed to a new Church Management System called One Church.  The new software puts you in control of your information (email, phone number, giving information, etc.), allows us to communicate with you more effectively, facilitates online, text, and app donations, and provides greater connectivity throughout our community.  You should have received an email.  If you have not gotten one (please make sure to check your spam folder), then reach out to the church office.

FAR’s Ayo! Platform is excited to launch a new project in partnership with Teach for Armenia (TFA). TFA is committed to improving education for children all over the country by enlisting exceptional university graduates to teach in under-resourced village schools for two-year terms. When Azerbaijan was attacked last September, Ayo! was partnering with TFA to fund teacher-leaders in Artsakh, who were committed to teaching children under blockade. Following the forced displacement, Ayo! put the project on hold. Now they are restarting the campaign and funding two displaced teachers from Artsakh ($5000 for each) for one year. Ayo!’s goal is to raise $10,000 by the end of February. Support Tigran and Alise (and the students they serve!) here: www.weareayo.org

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.

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.

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.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Welcome Bishop Armash Nalbandian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Damascus, Syria

Mar 13 – Every Wednesday, 7 pm, Zoom Bible Study with Fr. Hakob
Mar 24 – Palm Sunday
Mar 28 – Holy Thursday
Mar 29 – Holy Friday
Mar 30 – Easter Eve and Fellowship
Mar 31 – Easter Sunday