THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
July 20, 2025

Barekendan of the Fast of the Transfiguration

In the absence of Der Hakob who is traveling in Armenia, we welcome back Rev. Fr. Arshen Ayvazian who will be our guest celebrant on Sunday. Rev. Fr. Ayvazian is a dear friend to our church family.  We hope many of our faithful will join us.

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Matthew 14:13-21 Hearing of his cousin John’s execution, Jesus withdraws in solitude but becomes immediately compassionate towards the crowds that follow him. He heals the sick and when the disciples tell him it is late and the people must be sent away to find food, he asks them to feed the crowd themselves. With just two fish and five loaves of bread, Jesus feeds more than 5,000, giving thanks and breaking the bread in a moment that foreshadows the Last Supper. The twelve baskets of leftovers point to the Messianic banquet in the final coming of the Kingdom. Discuss/reflect: Prayerfully read and then retell in your own words the miracle recounted in today’s Gospel reading. What does this story tell you about Jesus’ power in our lives?

Romans 11:13-24 St. Paul addresses the Gentiles whom he has helped bring to Christ, admitting that he had hoped to prompt envy in the Jews that they might also follow Jesus. Gentiles who count themselves among the faithful must remember that they have been grafted on to an ancient tree (Judaic roots) from which unbelievers have been trimmed. Rather than be arrogant, these new believers should realize that they can just as easily be cut from the tree because of unbelief. Discuss/reflect: Paul warns believers against thinking they have a better, stronger faith than others. Do churches and individuals exhibit this judgmental behavior today?

Isaiah 3:1-11 Isaiah continues to convey God’s displeasure with the prideful people of Judah and Jerusalem; He warns of disorder and even chaos because “their words and deeds are against the Lord, defying His glorious presence…” (v 8) Discuss/reflect: What things make up Judah’s “supply and support” that the Lord is taking away? (3:1) What people, what things bolster your life? Do any of them keep you from God?

Today is the Paregentan of the Fast of Transfiguration
The church prepares to celebrate one of the five major feasts next Sunday, July 7, with a week of fasting preceded by a “paregentan” or day of celebration (lit: ‘good-living’). Fasting before a major feast is a lost practice for most Christians. How unfortunate since this signifies that the feast itself has lost both its historic and timeless impact on our lives. With prayer and other spiritual disciplines, fasting is a way of getting the entire body and soul ready for an important church event. Paregentan days precede fasts throughout the church year; the greatest season of fasting – Great Lent – is launched by the greatest Paregentan: “Poon Paregentan.” Reflection: In preparation for the Feast of the Transfiguration prayerfully read about it as recounted in Matthew 17:1–8, Mark 9:2–8, Luke 9:28–36. What unique detail appears in Luke 9:28-29 (compare with opening verses in the other Gospels)? What might this tell us about prayer?

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 – Please join us for fellowship and good conversation following Badarak today.

Discover the Beauty of the Armenian Language! – Learn Eastern Armenian with Mariam, a native speaker, through engaging and personalized classes that focus on the alphabet, vocabulary, cultural insights, and practical communication. Sign up now and start your Armenian language journey with Mariam! For more information, please contact Mariam via Email at marpoghosyan17@gmail.com or call her at 445-256-3966.

Art and Biblical Meditation – Our Adult Christian Education (ACE) ministry is pleased to announce a 2-session IN PERSON mini-workshop on looking at art from a Biblical and meditative perspective. Led by Leslie Movsesian, the two sessions (30-40 minutes each) will follow Badarak on July 20 and August 10. To register, please send an email to nancybasmajian@verizon.net (08/10)

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.

Ladies of Holy Trinity ~~~ July Social Gatherings

July 28^th at 7:00pm – Backyard Concert with ASC folk group
If you love music, storytelling, and the Armenian culture, join us for a soiree with the “Armenian Social Club” featuring Karinne’ Andonian, at Garo & CeCe Garibian’s home in Rydal, Pa. Open to Women & Men. Parking is limited • Carpooling is encouraged • Maximum of 30 people • Cost $15.00 pp – RSVP by July 20, 2025 to WG@Holytrinity-pa.org.(7/27)

 ~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

 Guest Celebrant Rev. Fr. Arshen Ayvazian
Art & Biblical Meditation

Jul 27         Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord
Aug 10        Art & Biblical Meditation
Aug 17        Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-Of-God (Grapes Blessing)
Aug 17        Program on the Women’s Support Center in Armenia
Sep 01         Labor Day – Church Office Closed
Sep 14         Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Sep 18         Zoom Book Club
Sep 21         Armenian Independence Day
Sep 28         Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak