THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
May 18, 2025

Apparition of the Holy Cross

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

John 7:14-23 Preaching in the temple courts, Jesus told those amazed at his knowledge that all he taught was from the One who sent him. He exhorts them to see that healing on the Sabbath is more proper than their strict adherence to Mosaic Law. Discuss/reflect: Jesus taught a humane flexibility about “tradition” and asks people to scrutinize their own behavior: “Has not Moses given you the law?And yet not one of you keeps the law” (v 19) When it comes to your Christian faith, do you ‘walk the walk’ or just ‘talk the talk’  (as so many of Jesus’ critics did)?

Acts 17:1-15 Accompanied by Silas, St. Paul preached in the synagogues at Thessalonica and Berea. Although many Jews jealously opposed him – even inciting mobs to riot – Paul converted a large number. Discuss/reflect: The Bereans were eager students of the Bible and “examined the Scriptures every day” (v.11). How often do you read the Bible? If not often, how could you increase your time spent with the Word of God, so that you, too, might be able to “reason from the Scriptures” like St. Paul (v. 2)?

1 John 1:1-10 John shares his joy in all he has experienced and witnessed. God is light; those who claim fellowship with him can no longer walk in the darkness. He exhorts believers to be honest about their shortcomings since Jesus forgives our sins if we confess them. Ultimately, fellowship with God leads to fellowship with one another. Discuss/reflect: The epistle writer shares his experience of the Lord “to make [his] joy complete.” (v.4) How important it is that he considers his faith complete only when proclaimed to others! Do you witness to your faith? By example? By invitation? In conversation?

Today is the Feast of the Apparition of the Holy Cross
The 4^th Sunday after Easter, this important feast of the cross recalls a miracle occurring in 351 A.D. when a huge cross appeared in the sky over Mt. Zion in Jerusalem. It was seen stretching from the Mount of Olives to Golgotha (a distance of approx. 1½ miles). The miracle affected everyone: Christians were strengthened in their faith and many non-believers were converted as a result. There is historical proof of this event. The presiding Archbishop of Jerusalem, Guregh (St. Cyril), wrote to the Christian Emperor Constantine of Constantinople telling him of this great miracle; the letter has been preserved by the Armenian Church. At the time, Constantine was still defending the teachings of the heretic Arius and thereby promoting division in the church. But the letter renewed his faith and fortified his resolve to adhere to orthodox doctrine.

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:

Antranik Vartanian beloved parent and grandfather requested in loving memory by Harry Vartanian.

Makrit Shadoyan on the 40^th day of her eternal rest requested in loving memory by the Shadoyan family.

Fellowship Today – Coffee hour today is hosted by the Shadoyan family in memory of their loved one. As always, we welcome you to please join us after Divine Liturgy for conversation and snacks.

MADONNA AND CHILD — Today!!!  an IN-PERSON EVENT! For those who missed Dn. Albert Keshgegian’s ZOOM presentation on one of the most popular depictions in Chrisian art, he will present highlights of the program for us at Sunday Fellowship. Many artists, classical and modern, have painted St. Mary with baby Jesus; the painting is at the altar of Armenian churches around the world.  Why this picture with this pose? What meaning and message does it have for us?  How does it compare with other depictions of Madonna and Child, which may have different messages? (05/18)

Finding Meaning in Photography – Join us for a Zoom presentation by photographer Gary Altoonian on Wednesday, June 4 at 7:00 pm.  Our ACE team is pleased to announce a very special program in which Gary shares his photographs—you will be amazed at how he captures the ordinary and the sublime! What inspires him? What inspires us when we gaze upon his creations?  Look for the Zoom link coming in your inbox.(06/01)

Lost & Found – We, once again, have a collection of unclaimed jackets, coats and sweaters. Please check the coat rack near the main restrooms for missing items. If these items are not claimed by June 15^th, they will be donated to local shelters.

ACE Presents LIFT UP YOUR VOICE — If you’ve ever wondered what our Choir members are thinking or feeling as they sing our sharagans, join us on Tuesday evening, May 20 at 7:00 via Zoom. The one-hour session will be led by Jeanette Der Hagopian and Emily Terjimanian. Whether you sing or not, we invite you to explore our music and make new discoveries about our faith. Look for the Zoom link coming soon in your mailbox! (05/18)

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 had a bit of a boost and is now 93% 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, by contacting Karinne Andonian at karinne.hov@gmail.com.

 ~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Madonna and Child presentation — Dn. Albert Keshgegian
May 20       ACE Program: Lift Up Your Voice
May 22       Zoom Book Club Discussion
Jun 04       Finding Meaning in Photography — Gary Altoonian
Jun 11       Pondering the Word of God — Leslie Movsesian
Jun 15       Father’s Day