THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
April 13, 2025

Palm Sunday (Dzaghgazart)

This day recalls Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. He is greeted by throngs of people laying their cloaks and palm branches on the road before him as a royal carpet of welcome. Matthew understood the event as the fulfillment of specific prophecies, including  Zechariah 9:9 (today’s reading). Therefore, for many gathered, this was the entrance of the Messiah and conformed fully to Old Testament prophecy and Jewish expectations. Yet how poorly the crowd understood the nature of the kingdom and the king they were welcoming since not long afterwards their “Hosannas!” turned to  the jeering shouts of “Crucify him!”

The service of the Opening of the Doors is also held on Palm Sunday, during which the priest and people pray for entry once again into God’s presence. The term Dzaghgazart (“adorned with flowers”) may refer to an older pagan feast. Discuss/reflect: In Matthew 21:10 we read that “when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked: “Who is this?” Has he entered your heart? Are you prompted to know more about who He is?

From Today’s Scripture Readings

Matthew 20:29-21:17 The healing of the two blind men is a poignant prelude to the story of Jesus’ triumphal arrival in Jerusalem (see below). The two persist in loudly declaring their faith despite the crowd’s rebuke. Upon being healed by their Lord, they follow him. The passage continues with the Palm Sunday story (21:1-11) and the account of Jesus driving the moneychangers from the Temple. Discuss/reflect: If Jesus said to you (as he did to the blind men) “what do you want me to do for you?” how would you answer?

Philippians 4: 4-7 In a letter overflowing with the joy of knowing Jesus, St. Paul sums it all up in these few verses: Rejoice in the Lord, know that he is near, be gentle with everyone, don’t worry about a thing, pray your gratitude, and God’s peace will guard your heart in Christ Jesus.

Discuss/reflect: Personalize verse 7 and memorize it: “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” Pray this throughout the day.

Zechariah 9: 9-15 Set in the context of the Jews’ return from the Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem, Zechariah looks expectantly to when God will transform his people into a holy nation. In these verses, we see a striking prophecy of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem “gentle and riding on a donkey.” Discuss/reflect: What images of peace and restoration can you identify in verses 9-10? Why a donkey (v.9; see Matthew 21:5 ) and not a warhorse?

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!

Men’s Club News
The April 2025 drawing for the “200 Club Raffle” was completed on 4/6/2025.

$500       Steve Ajemian                #006
$200       Mary Sarkisian              #041
$100       Merle Santerian             #082
$100       Kim & Gena Willard       #114
$100       Paul Borian                    #151

The winners can also be viewed on the HTAC Website by clicking on Men’s Club for details. (Reminder – Everyone is eligible to purchase a ticket next season for this annual raffle which benefits our wonderful church. Thank you!)

AYO – 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 (slowly getting there, now the project is 67% 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.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Palm Sunday – ACYOA Day, No tickets will be sold at the door
Apr 16        Zoom Bible Study – Last Session will cover two final chapters
Apr 17        Holy Thursday
Apr 18        Holy Friday
Apr 19        Easter Eve and Fellowship
Apr 20        Easter
Apr 26        Armenian Heritage Walk 2025 – Meher Statue, adjacent to the Philadelphia Museum of Art
May 07       ACE Program: Exploring Narek
May 20       ACE Program: Lift Up Your Voice

Palm Sunday Palms and Palm Sunday Flowers are donated by

 Vlad & Kristina Bagdasarian in memory of Rimma Yegiazarova
Mr. & Mrs. Gary DerHagopian in memory of Mr. & Mrs. James Vosbikian and Mr. & Mrs. J. DerHagopian
Kim & Larry Der Hagopian in honor of Jeanette Der Hagopian and Debbie Sarajian
Michael & Lynn Hajatian in honor for Vosbikian & Hajatian families
Carol Jerrahian in memory of Barbara & Butch Kumkumian
Ronald A. Kashkashian in memory of Ardelle, Arsen Jr., John & Nicholas Kashkashian
Virginia Knott in memory of Charles & Alice Sisian
Elaine, Eric Laurie and Thom (Mirijanian Family) in loving memory of their parents Ray & Helen Mirijanian
Michael & Tanya Paretchan in memory of K. Mazmanian and E. Mazmanian (Boston, MA)
Kim and Gena Willard in memory of Larry Der Hagopian