THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
April 14, 2024

Sunday of the World Church (Green Sunday)

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

John 2:23-3:12 Nicodemus, a Jewish leader and teacher, is impressed with the “signs and wonders” Jesus has performed and wants to know more. Jesus tells him of a second, even more life-changing birth when we are born again “of water and the Spirit.” Discuss/reflect: The Armenian Church baptizes infants while godparents, parents, and community stand witness and pledge to nurture the child’s faith. We are “born again” at baptism, but what are ways to continue this spiritual birthing throughout our lives?

Acts 9:23-31 The newly converted St. Paul is preaching in the synagogues of Damascus. When his life is threatened, followers lower him over a wall in a basket. Barnabus later introduces and defends him to the apostles in Jerusalem (who might have been wary since Paul was once a zealous persecutor of Christians). The church experiences peace and great growth. Discuss/reflect: The church is described as “living in the fear of God.” (v.31) The Greek word “phobos” denotes reverential awe so v 31 literally translates from the Greek as “[the churches] walked in awe of God, were comforted by the Holy Spirit and grew in numbers.” What might this be telling us about what is needed for the church, the Body of Christ, to grow? Do you feel this awe? See Galatians 5:22-26 for the fruit that walking with the Spirit bears in us individually.

1 Peter 2:1-10 The apostle Peter describes all believers as “living stones” who come to the Living Stone, Christ, to be built into the spiritual house that is the Church. He eloquently outlines the new status believers have with God. Discuss/reflect: These images of Peter’s (vv 9-10) are meant to describe each one of us. Rewrite them in your own words; elaborate as if you were explaining them to someone else. How might these qualities influence the way you live?

Today is Sunday of the World Church (Green Sunday) The second Sunday after Easter is dedicated to the very first church in the world – established in Jerusalem by Christ. It was there in the Upper Room (Verna-doon) that Jesus shared His Body and Blood in the bread and wine of the new Covenant with his disciples and where they in turn gathered with other followers before and after the Resurrection and at Pentecost. It was this nucleus of Christ’s church that would one day become a church of millions. Although the site remains a place of pilgrimage, the original building itself no longer exists. In its place, we have a world church—the entire earth which the Christian Church has taken under its roof. The name “green” conveys the idea of new life in Christ’s resurrection as well as its glorious evidence in nature at this time of year. Reflection: As in the budding greenery of spring, what outer evidence would others see in you of your new life in Christ?

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 greetings 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.

The Nicene Creed/ Havadamk – This is the Profession of our Faith which is recited every Sunday moments after the Gospel is read from the altar. Sometimes it is sung, but more often it is recited by the Deacons and/or the Choir.  We invite you to affirm your own “Profession of Faith” by reciting along with us.  God longs for all of us to express our faith and devotion to Him.

Men’s Club News – The April drawing for the 200 Club was completed 4/7/24. Please visit the HTAC Web site and click on Men’s Club for details on the winners.

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! 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.

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 at 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 at karinne.hov@gmail.com.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Armenian Tree Project Presentation During Coffee Hour
May 05        Church School Graduation Ceremony Class of 2024 and Closing Day
May 08        Bible Study with Fr. Hakob resumes
May 19        Celebration Banquet with guest His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan
May 21        Concert featuring the Music of Poetry by singer, songwriter Vahan Artsruni and flutist Nelly Manukyan.