THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
November 17, 2024

Tenth Sunday of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Luke 9:44-50 The disciples argue about who among them would be the greatest (even though they have just heard their beloved Lord predict His betrayal!). Jesus derails their debate by bringing a child to His side, challenging them to welcome such little ones and others who are “least” in the world’s eyes. The theme of welcoming extends to the man driving out demons (9: 49-50) for whom he also asks a generosity of heart. Discuss/reflect: In verse 46, how do you think the disciples are gauging greatness? How do you? How does Jesus? (9:48)

Philippians 1:1-11 All the more poignant as he is writing from prison in Rome, St. Paul joyfully remembers the Philippians and thinks of them as his fellow travelers (“your partnership in the gospel from the first”), sharing in God’s grace. Their faith is so admirable that Paul foresees God continuing to work in their lives, bringing it to “completion” at the end of time. He prays that their love lead them to ever greater knowledge and insight.  Discuss/reflect: How is God at work in a believer’s life (1:6, 9-11)? How might knowing this make you feel about uncertainties in your life?

Isaiah 25: 9-26:7 These verses begin with an oracle against Moab, a neighbor of Judea, and end, in Chapter 26, with a beautiful psalm-like prayer of trust in God. Discuss/reflect: “The path of the righteous is level…You make the way of the righteous smooth.” (26:7) Hmmm…We know that God never promises an easy, untroubled life. So what do you think is meant here? How indeed can your life, in Christ, be smooth and level?

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 (Page 18 in New Divine Liturgy Book) – 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:

Doretta Basmajian Aslanian – requested by her beloved husband, Steven, her loving children, Megan and Daniel, her brother Charlie, and her church family.
Suren Marukyan – requested in loving memory by the Marukyan and Safaryan families.
Haykanush Movsesyan – requested in loving memory by her grandchildren Gevork Sarkisian and Karen Sarkissian and families.

Fellowship Today – The Coffee Hour is sponsored by Steven Aslanian in memory of his wife Doretta “Dorie” Basmajian Aslanian on this anniversary of her eternal rest. Coffee Hour is also sponsored by the Marukyan and Safaryan families in memory of Suren Marukyan.

Operation Christmas Child – A HUGE THANK YOU to our Holy Trinity Church Family for generously and swiftly reaching our ambitious goal of donating 100 shoeboxes to Samaritan’s Purse.  WE DID IT!  Please remember to drop your boxes off by TODAY!!!  Boxes should be left in the church conference room.  Drop your boxes off early! Absolutely no boxes can be accepted after today. Any questions can be referred to Gena DerHagopian or Alyssa Santerian.

Mark Your Calendar NOW for December 22 – Don’t make plans because you are being invited to a very special ceremony which involves crowns and a cake, but it’s not a wedding. Watch for future issues of the Messenger for more information. (11/24)

Church School Christmas Party – Get into the holiday spirit with our Gingerbread House Decorating Party! Bring your friends and family for an afternoon of cheerful music with DJ Robbie, tasty food, scrumptious pastries, sweet candies, a hot chocolate bar and a visit from Santa Claus! Church School Students free. All others are $15.00. Get your tickets in-person at the school office on 11/17 and 11/24 otherwise online at www.holytrinity-pa.org between 11/17 and 12/1.

Pastor’s Weekly ZOOM Bible Study – Our Adult Christian Education ministry team is pleased to invite our faithful to Fr. Hakob’s Bible Study on the GOSPEL OF JOHN. We are meeting every Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 8:00 via Zoom. Last year, we journeyed with Der Hayr methodically through the Gospel of Luke and learned a great deal. So, why are we studying the Gospel of John? Isn’t it just another gospel? Join us to discover how John’s account of Jesus’ life and ministry differs from the other gospels and what it means for us. To receive the Zoom link, contact nancybasmajian@verizon.net

AYO – “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.

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~~~~~~~~~~

Deadline for Operation Christmas Child
Nov 17         Barekendan of the Fast of Advent
Nov 20         Zoom Bible Study with Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan
Nov 24         First Sunday of Advent
Nov 28         Thanksgiving
Dec 08         Church School Lunch with Santa
Dec 09         Feast of the Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary
Dec 15         Armenian School Performance
Dec 22         Special Ceremony (stay tuned)