THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
April 21, 2024

Red Sunday

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

John 5:19-30 Jesus replies to the Jews who criticize him for healing on the Sabbath and calling God his Father. He affirms that 1) the Father has granted him life-giving power and entrusts him alone to judge the world (vv 21-22) and  2) those who hear his words and believe will have eternal life (vv 24-25, 29). Discuss/reflect: “Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me,” says the Lord, “crosses over from death to life.” Powerful words that point to eternal life but also to the way we live here and now. In what specific ways do we cross over from death to life when we follow Jesus?

Acts 13:16-43 Just as Peter did at Pentecost (Acts 2) in Jerusalem, here St. Paul teaches the Jews in Antioch the history of God’s intervention in the life of His people right up to Jesus’ resurrection. What God promised has been fulfilled, Paul exclaims, and through Jesus’ Resurrection, our sins are forgiven in a way that would be impossible under the old Law. Discuss/reflect: Paul reviews God’s relationship with the Jews from the beginning all the way to the resurrection of the Son. How might knowing this story deepen your faith? Hearing Paul’s ‘sermon,’ what central truth speaks to you?

1 Peter 5:1-14 Peter exhorts church leaders to serve willingly and generously and to be alert because evil “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” He urges all believers to be humble, self-controlled, and firm in their faith, understand there will be suffering in life, and place their anxieties in God’s loving care. Discuss/reflect: What area of your life would you like God to make strong, firm, and steadfast? (v 10)

This Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Eastertide, known as Red Sunday (Garmir Giragi). The name does not have an ecclesiastical origin. Red is the color of blood, and this may be an appropriate time to honor the memory of the early Christian martyrs. Like last week’s Green Sunday, it is a celebration of nature and life, symbolizing rebirth after the Resurrection of our Lord.

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.

Requiem Services: Hokehankist Today Will Be For:

Dorothy Chinchinian requested in loving memory by her daughter Nancy Chinchinian.
Hermine Aliksanyan requested in loving memory by Lindsey and Juliana Aliksanyan.

Fellowship Coffee Hour Today – Is sponsored by Lindsey and Juliana Aliksanyan in memory of Hermine Aliksanyan.

Spring is here and Ayo! has just launched its new project “Put Down Roots.” In partnership with the Yerevan Botanical Gardens, the project aims to create an educational-therapeutic horticulture space to provide opportunities for forcibly displaced children (and others) to get their hands dirty, de-stress and learn about the environment! Once built, this special section of the botanical gardens will be available for children and youth for years to come. You can directly support the initiative here: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/ayoisyou/. More good news – the ACYOA Central Council has generously agreed to donate half of the proceeds of their upcoming Bishop’s 5k toward project “Put Down Roots.” Register to run/walk either in-person or virtually (as in, participate from wherever you are located) in the 5k here: https://www.acyoa.org/bishops5k

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~~~~~~~~~~

Concert featuring the Music of Poetry by singer, songwriter Vahan Artsruni and flutist Nelly Manukyan 2:00pm today
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