THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
July 28, 2024

Fourth Sunday after Transfiguration

With Der Hakob leading the ASP (Armenian Service Project) volunteers overseas, today’s service will be led by Senior Deacon, Albert Keshgegian
Service will begin at 10:30 and last approximately one hour.  We hope many of our faithful will join us.

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

John 3:13-21 Jesus is teaching the Pharisee Nicodemus and has just given his famous explanation of being born again. He now declares the equally renowned words: “For God so loved the world, he gave his only begotten Son.” (3:16) Through the Son the world is saved, and through his light and truth, people are redeemed. Sadly, many prefer the darkness (19-20). Discuss/reflect: Imagine Jesus before you, exuding a warm, inviting light, a light that leaves nothing unexposed, nothing in shadow, shining so brightly on you that you have to shade your eyes. What about such a light might make you recoil? What might you need to do to draw closer and bask in this life-giving light?

1 Timothy 4:12-5:10 Placed in charge of the church founded in Ephesus by St. Paul, Timothy is encouraged to be confident in his teaching and leadership, even though he is a young man. He is advised to be an example in every way and to treat others with love and respect, always helping those in need. Many verses are devoted to the care of widows, as these women were extremely vulnerable in a time when men were the legal and familial protectors of their families. Discuss/reflect: How might paying attention to your own faith and witness help others (4:16)?

Isaiah 58:13-59:7 These two chapters address the attitudes of the Jewish community upon their return from exile. Following in a long tradition of prophetic criticism, the writer exhorts people to honor God’s holy day with joy and hearts of faith. Social justice is essential to holiness and honoring God; pious practices are meaningless if they are engaged in by a sinful, unjust society. Discuss/reflect: Is there a way you can change your Sunday habits that might please God more and lead to deeper happiness for you (58:13-14)?

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 greeting 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.

Coffee Hour – There will not be a coffee hour today.

Blessing of the Grapes: This year the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-of-God will take place on Sunday, August 18^th.  Anyone wishing to make a donation toward grapes should contact the church office no later than August 7^th.

Attention Graduates! – Looking for graduates to be included in an upcoming issue of the LOOYS (all levels). We invite you to submit your own details for inclusion. Write-up should include: full name, parents’ names, name of institution, grade level or degree achieved, activity involvement (church or school), and future plans (further education/work/other). Please include a picture (in high resolution color), if possible. Everything should be sent to choirboss@hotmail.com by July 30, 2024.

AYO – 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.

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~~~~~~~~~~

Aug 18        Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-Of-God (Grapes Blessing)
Aug 18        The Transgenerational Effects of Genocide – A presentation recommended for youth groups
Sep 02         Labor Day – Church Office Closed
Sep 15         Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Sep 21         Armenian Independence Day
Sep 29         Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak