THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
March 9, 2025

Sunday of the Expulsion

Sunday of Expulsion

Scripture notes for today’s readings

Matthew 5:17-48 – Having just proclaimed the Beatitudes — an astounding list of promised blessings — Jesus clarifies that these do not replace the Law, but rather fulfill it, bringing it to completion. Sins such as murder and adultery begin in the heart; honor, justice and commitment need to be taken seriously. Discuss/reflect: Jesus asks us to be completely reconciled with others before we honor God at the altar (23-24). What might this prompt us to do before we receive Holy Communion? (Consider those we have hurt and heal our differences.)

Romans 12:1-13:10 – A beautiful companion reading to Jesus’ teachings about the Law, St. Paul asserts that the Torah is no longer the norm for conduct, rather it is love that must guide our behavior; love is the true “fulfillment of the law.”(13:10) Discuss/reflect: In verses 12:9-21, which two commands are the easiest for you to keep? Which two the hardest?

Isaiah 33:2-22 – In the shadow of Israel’s enemy Assyria, Isaiah pleads for God’s power and presence, trusting that he will appear in all his majesty as lawgiver, judge and king. Discuss/reflect: What qualities of God in vv 2 and 3 are reflected in the titles given to him in v. 22? (God is gracious, strong, a source of salvation and terrifyingly great power; these qualities are reflected in his title of judge, lawgiver and king).

Today is the Sunday of the Expulsion

Expulsion Sunday reminds us of that original exile from God’s presence: Adam and Eve driven out of Paradise for eating from the tree that had been forbidden to them.

The notion that they were wiser than God in deciding to eat the fruit of the “knowledge of good and evil” is at the heart of every sinful thought or action to this day. And even now, when we do something we’re not proud of, facing God is indeed as difficult as it was for Adam and Eve who tried to hide from Him as He walked “in the Garden in the cool of the day.” (Genesis 3:8) Thankfully, in God’s loving mercy, this is an exile He will not let us endure forever. Great Lent is a unique opportunity to ponder God’s absence even as we seek Him in 40 days of prayer and reflection.

Reflection: Read Genesis 3. Why would God allow Adam and Eve to fail when tempted? What does this say about God? About what He wants from us?

Altar Flowers & Altar Candles are donated by Dolly Grocott in loving memory of her beloved husband Larry, mother Pearl & Aunt Dorothy.

Requiem Services – Hokehankist Today Will Be For

Larry L. Grocott requested in loving memory by his devoted wife Dolly Serabian Grocott.

Pearl Serabian Josephs requested in loving memory by her daughter Dolly Serabian Grocott. Dolly also fondly remembers her Aunt Dorothy C. Walton.

Fellowship Today – Coffee hour is sponsored by John Hanamirian in honor of his uncle John Kash on the occasion of John Kash’s 90^th birthday. Coffee hour is also sponsored by Dolly Grocott in memory of her loved ones.

Church School Cathedral Renovation Collection: Between Poon Paregentan and Easter, the Church School students across the Eastern Diocese have been asked to help raise money toward renovating our Cathedral in NYC that has fallen into disrepair. The Cathedral was a fulfillment of a dream to build a beautiful “national home” uniting all our parishes and faithful in the USA. It began with the generation that survived the Armenian Genocide and found refuge in America. They built our Cathedral out of gratitude to our Lord Jesus Christ, for the blessings He gave them. In the early 1950s, faithful of all ages gave their support to the project—often collecting nickels and dimes in a “Cathedral Fundraising Box” that could be seen in every Armenian home. Like our ancestors, we are being asked to continue this tradition and give our support to ensure that the Cathedral will be strong and sturdy for each of us and many generations to come. Please help our students with collection in your homes or by putting collection in the plate marked Cathedral Fundraising in our Narthex. Thank you!

Did you know that public transportation runs only sporadically in certain parts of Armenia’s Syuniq region? A medical clinic in Darbas serves patients from seven surrounding rural villages, but transportation is a huge issue, especially for socioeconomically disadvantaged and elderly patients. Going to the clinic can be a full-day endeavor or simply impossible. Fund for Armenian Relief’s Ayo! platform is working to support the Darbas clinic, and its sole physician Dr. Anush, by  purchasing an all-terrain vehicle for them. They will use it to reach elderly and hard-to-reach patients, pick up medicine and handle emergency cases should the roads be closed due to severe weather conditions. Join 20 other donors from around the Eastern Diocese and make your contribution at https://www.weareayo.org (the project is still only 58% funded).

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 for the interested candidates, along with one-on-one direction from a senior choir person.  You know you’ve been pondering volunteering for this rewarding role. Make this the week that you reach out for further information (we double dare  you), by contacting Karinne Andonian at karinne.hov@gmail.com.

Mar 05         Weekly Bible Study
Mar 05         Lent Begins
Mar 06         Zoom Book Club
Apr 13         Palm Sunday
Apr 17         Holy Thursday
Apr 18         Holy Friday
Apr 20         Easter