THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
August 31, 2025

Third Sunday after Assumption

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Isaiah 9:8-19 God’s warnings through his prophet are unequivocal: even though the people of Israel confidently plan to rebuild after an attack by enemies, their evil and neglect of God will render all they do futile. His punishment will continue because of Israel’s prideful arrogance. Discuss/reflect: Evil is referred to (v. 18) as a raging forest fire that consumes all in its path. This image is particularly vivid today as we consider the horrendous fires consuming California and other parts of the world. As you look at current events, where do you see this engulfing effect of evil? How can it be stopped? (Gods has concrete suggestions in chapter 10!)

2 Corinthians 1:1-11 Often personal and passionate in the opening lines of his epistles, here St. Paul stresses the compassion of a God who comforts the suffering, enabling us, in turn, to comfort others. This is particularly meaningful to Paul who has just endured unimaginable hardships in his travels and realized that relying entirely on God’s love and mercy was the only way to survive. Discuss/reflect: Paul found that troubles and hardship led him to rely on God all the more (v.9) How do you respond when life gets difficult? Can you recall a difficult time during which you experienced God’s comforting presence?

Mark 4:35-41 Chapter 4 begins and ends with Jesus in a boat, as he teaches about the nature and power of God. Here, the disciples fear for their lives as a storm develops on the Sea of Galilee and Jesus, no doubt exhausted, is asleep. After stilling the waves and winds, Jesus asks the disciples (and all of us!) why they are lacking in faith.  For even now, after all the disciples had seen and heard, they ask in awe: “Who can this be?” Discuss/reflect: In Scripture, God addresses fear more than any other emotion, repeatedly asking us not to be afraid. What fears do you have? In what ways might this story be instructive in handling them?

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 greeting 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 – We Honor And Pray For These Souls

 Hokehankist Today Will Be For:

Arousiak Oganessova Corlay who lived and died in Paris, France on August 18^th. Requested in loving memory by Arousiak’s cousins Melanya (Gagik) Hakobyan, Romert (Gohar) Ohanyan, Ruzanna Ohanian and the Kafalmazyan families.

Evgenia Aloyan requested in loving memory by the Aloyan family.

Agape Hour – There will not be a fellowship this week. Please use the extra time to spend with family or do something nice for a stranger.

Church School Registration – Sept 14^th – Register your child for Church School Religious Education Classes and Armenian Language Classes. No charge. Church School students enjoy the benefits of a wonderful faith and cultural education with free attendance at Church School parties. We hope you will join us!

Honoring Our Grandparents: We invite our entire community to join us on Sunday, September 28 as we honor Grandparents. There will be a short blessing service following Badarak in which we will recognize the special love and gifts grandparents share with their grandchildren and their contribution to our parish family. Fellowship will follow in the Santerian Hall.

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.

Church School Highlights

• 9/14 Welcome Back Registration and First classes! Also, Students will participate in the procession of basil during the Exaltation of the Cross service and enjoy Pizza and ice cream afterwards to celebrate our return to Church school!
• 9/21 Students make Manti with Mrs. Torcomian! (And a fire drill)
• 9/28 Students attend the Primate’s sermon!
• 10/5 First Communion Sunday and Commitment Service Der Hayr sermon to Parents!

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.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Third Sunday After Assumption
Sep 01         Labor Day – Church Office Closed
Sep 14         Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Sep 14         Church School Resumes
Sep 18         Zoom Book Club
Sep 21         Armenian Independence Day
Sep 28         Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak
Sep 28         Honoring Grandparents
Oct 25-26    Annual Harvest Bazaar
Nov 09         Finding meaning in Photography