THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
September 7, 2025

Paregentan of the Fast of Exaltation

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Isaiah 13:1-11 This oracle against Babylon points to its destruction on “the day of the Lord,” the day of God’s judgment. The sound of advancing armies and genuine human terror is vividly described. The cosmos shares in the agony as the heavens darken. Discuss/reflect: Throughout Scripture, Babylon stands for arrogant pride (Isaiah 47:8: “I am and there is none besides me.”) and godlessness. God musters an army from the “ends of heaven” against this – a terrifying image! What 21^st century phenomena speak of arrogant human pride?

2 Corinthians 7:4-16 Paul’s spirit is comforted by the fact that rather than being distressed by a letter he had sent them, the Corinthians were prompted to repent. They embrace Titus and feel only concern and love for Paul. “I rejoice…!” exclaims a relieved and encouraged apostle. “Godly sorrow,” he declares, brings an eager desire to be better; worldly sorrow leads only to fruitless regret.  Discuss/reflect: The literal phrase in Greek for “Godly sorrow” is “what God sees as sorrowful.” Can you think of a time when godly sorrow motivated you to make a real change in your life?

Mark 7:31-37 A deaf mute from Decapolis, the predominantly Greek region of 1^st century Palestine, is brought to Jesus by caring people who seek His healing. Jesus takes him away from the crowd and first touches his ear and then, using His own saliva, touches his tongue, looking heavenward as He heals the man. Discuss/reflect: As in other healing stories, here we see again how people are brought to Jesus by others who are convinced that He can change lives. Think of a time someone brought you closer to God’s healing touch. Thank them in prayer.

Monday, September 8: Feast of the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God
Although not recorded in Scripture, Mary’s birth and upbringing are mentioned in early Christian sources such as the Infancy Gospel of James. James recounts the longing of Sts. Joachim and Anne for a child; they find comfort in the story of Isaac’s birth to the elderly Abraham and Sarah. Joachim fasts for 40 days and nights; Anna wraps herself in mourning clothes and sits in her garden praying fervently. After angels appear to them both assuring them of a child, Anna runs up to Joachim and, filled with emotion, “hung on his neck” exulting “The Lord has blessed me abundantly!” In joy and gratitude, they promise the child to the Lord and when Anna gives birth and learns it’s a girl, she names her Mary. So fervent was their desire for holiness, that as Mary took her first steps, they vowed not to let her walk on anything impure until she was dedicated to the Temple and so created a ritually sacred space for their beloved daughter. Reflection: James describes Sts. Joachim and Anne as a very human couple who loved God, one another, and their daughter with tenderness and devotion. How might their example be instructive for us in learning how to hear God’s plan for our lives?

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.

Agape Hour – Please join us as we have good conversation and enjoy tasty treats after Badarak.

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!

Guest Celebrant and Deacon Ordination – Join us for a celebratory Gala Spread on September 28^th following the Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, along with the deacon’s ordination at Holy Trinity Armenian Church. Reservations are required – $40 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under. Please email office@holytrinity-pa.org or call the church office at 215-663-1600 and leave a detailed message if you get the voicemail. Deadline to register is September 22, 2025.

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~~~~~~~~~~

Paregentan Of The Fast Of Exaltation
Rescheduled – ACYOA Juniors Dance has been moved to February 14, 2026
Postponed – Honoring our Grandparents will be rescheduled

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
Oct 25-26    Annual Harvest Bazaar
Nov 09         Finding meaning in Photography