THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
June 1, 2025

Second Palm Sunday

Scripture and Feast Day Notes From Today’s Readings

John 12:12-23 Great crowds welcome Jesus into Jerusalem and wave palms and sing songs of praise. Although the disciples were present, it was only after Jesus rose from the dead that they truly understood the meaning of this day. Some Gentiles – surprisingly —  ask the disciple Philip if they might be able to meet Jesus. Perhaps now, at a symbolic moment when all people are beginning to seek him – and not just the Jews who were initially and exclusively welcome, Jesus declares that the hour had come for him to be glorified, that his march to the cross had begun.  Discuss/reflect: The Greeks seeking Jesus clearly unsettled the disciples; this was an unusual request in the religious landscape of that moment. Philip and Andrew conferred about these newcomers. Is there a “screening process,” i.e. certain requirements, for who can draw closer to your community (and therefore Jesus)? If so, what are the criteria?

Acts 23:12-35 A group of Jews were conspiring to kill Paul while he was in Jerusalem. Overhearing their plot, Paul’s nephew reports it to his uncle and then to the Roman commander who has Paul immediately transferred to Caesarea under heavy guard and with an explanatory letter to Felix, the Governor of Judea and Samaria. Discuss/reflect: Both St. Paul’s nephew and the Roman commander took risks in acting boldly against a popular movement. Has your faith ever guided you to go “against the tide” even if it meant taking an unpopular stand?

1 John 5:13-21 The writer assures the faithful of the truth of eternal life and that everything asked of God according to his will is heard and provided. Evil is real and everywhere; therefore, God’s children need to remember all they have come to know about the Lord and keep themselves and one another from sin. Discuss/reflect: The last line of this epistle starkly exhorts: “keep yourselves from idols.” It seems this has always been a problem worth warning people about. What “idols” of the world today tempt you away from following Jesus?

Today is Second Palm Sunday
Falling on the 4^th day after Ascension, this Sunday is given its name based on the lection reading of the day, which is about Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Begining with New Sunday (directly after Easter), the Armenian church lectionary prescribes daily readings from the Gospel of John in sequential order arriving on this Sunday at the Palm Sunday story. Reflection:This is a perfect time to reread and relive Jesus’ triumphant entry. Think of the people welcoming Jesus that day with palms and hosannas. Now reflect on your experience in church worship: do you feel the awe and joy of that day as if you are celebrating a true hero’s victory?The reign of a King and Savior?If not, why not? 

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.

Agape Hour – Exciting News!

We’re updating the name of our Fellowship/Coffee Hour! From now on, you’ll see it listed as Agape Hour — a beautiful expression of love, community, and togetherness. Same warm gathering, just with a new name that reflects our spirit more deeply. Our first Agape hour is sponsored by William Katsak & Firuza Abramyan.

Mens Club News – The May 2025 drawing for the “200 Club Raffle” was completed on 5/18/2025.

$500            Michael S Paretchan        #070
$200            Ava Crothers                    #142
$100            Valerie DerPilbosian         #095
$100            Daniela Garibian             #182
$100            Elizabeth Barone             #005

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!)

Church Membership – Our spiritual church is thriving and our children are smiling, but have you thought about becoming a member if you are not one already?  Membership is the key to the success of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church.  When you become a member of the church, you strengthen the foundation of Holy Trinity, allowing it to become stronger and more successful.  You have the opportunity to vote in the parish assembly, join various committees and organizations and to help forge the path of Holy Trinity.

If you wish to become a member, please go to https://holytrinity-pa.org/donation/ and select the appropriate membership for 2025.

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)

Pondering The Word Of God: A ZOOM presentation by Leslie Movsesian—Wednesday evening, June 11 at 7:00. Join Leslie as we share ways we take in, understand and apply the Word of God to our lives. She will share how visualizing and translating a parable into a painting can help deepen her understanding of the message being conveyed.  She will also introduce us to the concept of Biblical Meditation in which we can achieve the same ends. Look for the Zoom link coming to your mailbox soon!(06/08)

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.

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.  For more information, please contact Karinne Andonian at karinne.hov@gmail.com.

Jun 04        Finding Meaning in Photography — Gary Altoonian
Jun 11        Pondering the Word of God — Leslie Movsesian
Jun 15        Father’s Day