THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
May 12, 2024

Second Palm Sunday

 Scripture and Feast Day Notes From Today’s Readings

John 12:12-23 Great crowds welcome Jesus into Jerusalem and wave palms and sing songs of praise. Although the disciples were present, it was only after Jesus rose from the dead that they truly understood the meaning of this day. Some Gentiles – surprisingly —  ask the disciple Philip if they might be able to meet Jesus. Perhaps now, at a symbolic moment when all people are beginning to seek him – and not just the Jews who were initially and exclusively welcome, Jesus declares that the hour had come for him to be glorified, that his march to the cross had begun.  Discuss/reflect: The Greeks seeking Jesus clearly unsettled the disciples; this was an unusual request in the religious landscape of that moment. Philip and Andrew conferred about these newcomers. Is there a “screening process,” i.e. certain requirements, for who can draw closer to your community (and therefore Jesus)? If so, what are the criteria?

Acts 23:12-35 A group of Jews were conspiring to kill Paul while he was in Jerusalem. Overhearing their plot, Paul’s nephew reports it to his uncle and then to the Roman commander who has Paul immediately transferred to Caesarea under heavy guard and with an explanatory letter to Felix, the Governor of Judea and Samaria. Discuss/reflect: Both St. Paul’s nephew and the Roman commander took risks in acting boldly against a popular movement. Has your faith ever guided you to go “against the tide” even if it meant taking an unpopular stand?

1 John 5:13-21 The writer assures the faithful of the truth of eternal life and that everything asked of God according to his will is heard and provided. Evil is real and everywhere; therefore, God’s children need to remember all they have come to know about the Lord and keep themselves and one another from sin. Discuss/reflect: The last line of this epistle starkly exhorts: “keep yourselves from idols.” It seems this has always been a problem worth warning people about. What “idols” of the world today tempt you away from following Jesus?

Today is Second Palm Sunday
Falling on the 4^th day after Ascension, this Sunday is given its name based on the lection reading of the day, which is about Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Begining with New Sunday (directly after Easter), the Armenian church lectionary prescribes daily readings from the Gospel of John in sequential order arriving on this Sunday at the Palm Sunday story. Reflection:This is a perfect time to reread and relive Jesus’ triumphant entry. Think of the people welcoming Jesus that day with palms and hosannas. Now reflect on your experience in church worship: do you feel the awe and joy of that day as if you are celebrating a true hero’s victory?The reign of a King and Savior?If not, why not? 

Requiem Services: Karasoonk Today Will Be For:

Alla Mamedova – requested in loving memory by her family on the 40^th day of her eternal rest.

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/.

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.

Mens Club News – The May drawing for the 200 Club was completed 5/5/2024. Please take a moment to visit the HTAC Web site and click on Men’s Club for details on the winners. Thank you.

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 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.

A Mother’s Love

There are times when only a mother’s love can understand our tears,
Can soothe our disappointments and calm all of our fears.

There are times when only a mother’s love can share the joy we feel
When something we’ve dreamed about quite suddenly is real.

There are times when only a mother’s faith can help us on life’s way
And inspire in us the confidence we need from day to day.

For a mother’s heart and a mother’s faith and a mother’s steadfast love
Were fashioned by the angels and sent from God above.

–Author Unknown

May 15        Bible Study with Fr. Hakob resumes
May 19        Pentecost
May 19        Celebration Banquet with guest His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan
May 27        Memorial Day
Jun 02        Feast of Holy Etchmiadzin
Jun 16        Father’s Day
Jul 04         Independence Day