THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
April 27, 2025

Octave of Easter (New Sunday)

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

John 1:1-17 These renowned and eloquent verses testify to the presence of God the Son from the very creation of the world (vv 2-5) to his Incarnation; Jesus Christ was the ultimate revelation of God’s presence, glory, and enduring love. John the Baptist was called to be a witness so that “all people might believe.” Discuss/reflect: Jesus made his dwelling “among us.” (v 14). How much have you allowed him to “dwell” with you? Are you keeping him at the door? In the living room? Or have you given him the keys?

Acts 5:34-6:7 Two important events are recounted here. In the first, the teacher of the law Gamaliel exhorts the apostles’ antagonists to let them continue Jesus’ work, since if their purpose is godly they will prevail over any force against them anyway. The second details the first “ordination” as men are called and consecrated to assist the apostles in caring for the poor. St. Stephen was foremost among them and is considered the first ‘deacon’ of the Church. Discuss/reflect: Despite the warning that they not preach the Good News, the apostles joyfully continued to proclaim Jesus as the Christ (5:41-42). How might you share this news today?

James 3:1-12 The apostle James explains the great harm that speech (the tongue) can cause. He compares the tongue’s power to the bit in a horse’s mouth or the rudder of a huge ship – something so small having the power to give incredible direction; but also potentially as disastrous as the tiny spark that can burn down a forest. Discuss/reflect: James wonders how we are able to both praise God and revile others with the same lips. How can salt water and fresh water flow from the same source? (vv 9-12) How would you answer him? Where do you need to make changes in how you talk?

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.

Requiem Services – Hokehankist Today Will Be For

Aram Bedros Majian requested by Ana Majian Massoyan and Edgardo, Silvana, Mariana, and Cecilia Majian.

Fellowship Today – Coffee hour will be shortened today so that a private event can take place in the hall post Divine Liturgy. As always, we welcome you to please join us after Divine Liturgy for conversation and snacks. Today’s coffee hour is sponsored by Ana Majian Massoyan and Mariana Majian in memory of their loved one Aram Bedros Majian.

Exploring Narek: An ACE Zoom presentation by Dn. Armen Terjimanian on Wednesday evening, May 7 at 7:00pm. Join us as we delve into an Armenian spiritual masterpiece, written in the 10th century with grace and beauty by St. Gregory of Narek. This introduction is a MUST for all those who wish to understand and explore Armenian spirituality and find relevance and meaning in the 21st century. To receive the link, send a request to nancybasmajian@verizon.net.(05/04)

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!

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, as of this week the project is 72% 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.

May 07       ACE Program: Exploring Narek
May 20       ACE Program: Lift Up Your Voice