THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
April 28, 2024

Apparition of the Holy Cross

 Genocide Walk Today – 3pm by the Mher Statue at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
All are welcome to join

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

John 7:14-23 Preaching in the temple courts, Jesus told those amazed at his knowledge that all he taught was from the One who sent him. He exhorts them to see that healing on the Sabbath is more proper than their strict adherence to Mosaic Law. Discuss/reflect: Jesus taught a humane flexibility about “tradition” and asks people to scrutinize their own behavior: “Has not Moses given you the law?And yet not one of you keeps the law” (v 19) When it comes to your Christian faith, do you ‘walk the walk’ or just ‘talk the talk’  (as so many of Jesus’ critics did)?

Acts 17:1-15 Accompanied by Silas, St. Paul preached in the synagogues at Thessalonica and Berea. Although many Jews jealously opposed him – even inciting mobs to riot – Paul converted a large number. Discuss/reflect: The Bereans were eager students of the Bible and “examined the Scriptures every day” (v.11). How often do you read the Bible? If not often, how could you increase your time spent with the Word of God, so that you, too, might be able to “reason from the Scriptures” like St. Paul (v. 2)?

1 John 1:1-10 John shares his joy in all he has experienced and witnessed. God is light; those who claim fellowship with him can no longer walk in the darkness. He exhorts believers to be honest about their shortcomings since Jesus forgives our sins if we confess them. Ultimately, fellowship with God leads to fellowship with one another. Discuss/reflect: The epistle writer shares his experience of the Lord “to make [his] joy complete.” (v.4) How important it is that he considers his faith complete only when proclaimed to others! Do you witness to your faith? By example? By invitation? In conversation?

Today is the Feast of the Apparition of the Holy Cross
The 4^th Sunday after Easter, this important feast of the cross recalls a miracle occurring in 351 A.D. when a huge cross appeared in the sky over Mt. Zion in Jerusalem. It was seen stretching from the Mount of Olives to Golgotha (a distance of approx. 1½ miles). The miracle affected everyone: Christians were strengthened in their faith and many non-believers were converted as a result. There is historical proof of this event. The presiding Archbishop of Jerusalem, Guregh (St. Cyril), wrote to the Christian Emperor Constantine of Constantinople telling him of this great miracle; the letter has been preserved by the Armenian Church. At the time, Constantine was still defending the teachings of the heretic Arius and thereby promoting division in the church. But the letter renewed his faith and fortified his resolve to adhere to orthodox doctrine.

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.

Requiem Services: Karasoonk Today Will Be For:

Zevart Shakarjian on the 40th day of her eternal life requested in loving memory by her children.
Ara Shakarjian on the 40th day of his eternal life requested by his sons Dan and Mark Shakarjian and by his daughter Christine Grosstephan.

Altar Flowers are donated by the families of Zevart Shakarjian and Ara Shakarjian, in loving memory of them on the 40th Days of their eternal rest.

Fellowship Coffee Hour Today is being sponsored by the families of Zevart Shakarjian and Ara Shakarjian.

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

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.

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.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Genocide Walk – 3:00pm by the Mher Statue at the Philadelphia Museum Of Art
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