THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
April 5, 2026

EASTER SUNDAY

Feast of the Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

Kreesdos haryav ee merelotz! Christ is risen from the dead!
Orhnyal eh harootyoonun Kreesdosee! Blessed is the Resurrection of Christ!

From Today’s Readings
Mark 16:2-8 Early on Sunday, Mary Magdalene, Mary (James’ mother), and Salome are on their way to Jesus’ tomb with spices to anoint his body. They debate whether they would be able to move the heavy stone that sealed the tomb. (What a tender, human moment!) To their surprise, the stone had been rolled away and an angelic figure sits inside the tomb, proclaiming Jesus’ resurrection. They were to tell the disciples and seek the Lord in Galilee. Discuss/reflect: These women had been with Jesus even at his crucifixion (when all but one of the disciples had abandoned him), among many other women who had “followed him and cared for his needs.” (Mark 15: 40-41) What does this tell you about the faith of these women? What does this, joined with all the other Gospel stories featuring women, tell us about their role then and now as Christian witnesses? How would you rate yourself as someone who “follows and cares”?

Acts 1:15-26 Having encountered Jesus after His crucifixion and witnessed His ascension, Peter is addressing the believers, sharing the grim details of Judas’ death. He then declares that a new apostle is needed to replace the betrayer and outlines his qualifications. Discuss/reflect: Read vv 21-22 closely. What should qualify this new apostle? (that he had been with the Lord the entire time, day in and out, and that he would be able to witness to His resurrection) How does this translate to our discipleship today?

John 20:1-18 (Matins/Vespers Gospel) The disciples had gone, but Mary Magdalene is still grieving over her beloved Lord’s tomb. Two angels ask her why she is crying and when she responds that she does not know where her Lord’s body is, she is suddenly surprised by someone she mistakenly thinks is the gardner. It is Jesus, yet only when he calls her by name does she know him. ‘Teacher!’ she answers ecstatically. He asks her to tell the disciples about their meeting; she runs to them with the words “I have seen the Lord!”  Discuss/reflect: Mary meets the risen Lord and thinks he is the gardner. What famous garden is featured in Genesis 1,2, and 3? In what garden did Jesus sweat so profusely in prayer that they were described as drops of blood? How has Creation come full circle in the risen Lord? Had you been Mary, what would you have said, asked or done?

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 (Page 18 in New Divine Liturgy Book) – 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 – Coffee hour is just not the same without YOU!! Please join us after Divine Liturgy. Dessert Contributions are Welcome! Your homemade or store-bought treats will add sweetness to our fellowship and are greatly appreciated!

Armenian Heritage Walk – Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate a milestone that has been decades in the making, the Armenian Heritage Walk at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This black-tie event will honor the completion of Phase One and mark the official unveiling and dedication of the Armenian Heritage Walk on April 25, 2026, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM at The National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Set against the backdrop of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, the night will shine with purpose, pride, and community as we introduce a meaningful new cultural landmark, a lasting gift to the nation. For more information or to purchase tickets please go to https://www.armenianheritagewalk.org/event-details/armenian-heritage-walk-gala (04/19)

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.

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 (I double dare  you), by contacting Karinne Andonian at karinne.hov@gmail.com.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Easter Sunday
Apr 12         Church School Breakfast & Learn Parents’ Roundtable
Apr 25         Armenian Heritage Walk

Altar Flowers (Lilies), Holy Saturday and Christ Tomb Flowers are donated by:

• Ralph & Nane Arpajian in Memory of Zaven & Elizabeth Hovsepian and Manuel & Rose Arpajian
• Vlad & Kristina Bagdasarian in Memory of Rimma Yegiazarova
  
• Stephanie Ekizian Balint, Steve Balint & Family in Memory of Hagop Jack Ekizian
  
• David & Marta Brann in Memory of Mirakian and Brann Families
  
• Albert Dandegian Jr. in Memory of Albert & Florence Dandegian, Michael & Rose Karabian, Alice Karabian and Ruth DeStefano
  
• Jeanette Der Hagopian in Memory of Larry Der Hagopian
  
• Kim & Larry Der Hagopian in Honor of Jeanette Der Hagopian and Deborah Sarajian and in Memory of Der Hagopian, Sarajian and Chopoorian Families
  
• Richard S. Garabedian in Memory of George & Mary Garabedian
  
• Dr. Garo & Cecelia Garibian in Memory of Karapet & Hayarpie Garibian and Niaz Karibian
  
• Karen Kirakozov in Memory of Rafael, Enok, Hayastan, Satenik and in Honor of Matthw, Mariam, Diana and Ofelia
  
• Joyce Killian in Memory of Patrick Killian and John & Dorothy Chalikian
  
• David & Terri Mears in Memory of Souren & Elizabeth Sadjian
  
• Joan Momjian in Memory of Juhar Momjian
  
• Gary & Bertha Sekdorian in Memory parents Nishan & Hanest Sekdorian
  
• Denise Sisian in Memory of Charles and Alice Sisian and Regina and Martin DeMuro
  
• Kim and Gena Willard in Memory of Larry Der Hagopian
  
• Kim and Gena Willard in Honor of Jeanette Der Hagopian
  
• Gregory & Diane Yazujian in Memory of Harry Yazujian, Norair & Vera Hartunian and Helen Vishab

Easter Yughakin donated by:

• Rev. Fr. Hakob & Yn. Anna Gevorgyan
  
• Lucy Aghazarian in Memory of Aram Avedis and Lori Aghazarian
  
• Stephen & Jean Ajemian
  
• Hagop Arzoumanian in Memory of Diramayr Serbouhi Arzoumanian
  
• Steve Aslanian
  
• Stephanie Ekizian Balint, Steve Balint & Family in Memory of Hagop Jack Ekizian
  
• David and Marta Brann in Memory of Mirakian and Brann Families
  
• Vlad & Kristina Bagdasarian in Memory of Rimma Yegiazarova
  
• Paul G. Bogosian in Memory of Hermine and Armand Bogosian
  
• Paul G. Bogosian In Honor of Michael Tookmanian for his service to the church for over two decades
  
• Lorraine Damerjian and Robert Damerjian Jr. in Memory of Robert Damerjian Sr.
  
• Albert Dandegian Jr. in Memory of Albert & Florence Dandegian, Michael & Rose Karabian, Alice Karabian and Ruth DeStefano
  
• Elizabeth Garabedian in Memory of the Kayaian Family
  
• Donna Hagopian & Ashley Marshall in Honor of George G. Hagopian
  
• Tom & Barbara Harmon in Memory of Naomi & Albert Kapeghian
  
• Greg and Maria Javardian
  
• Fred & Janet Jordan in Memory of Edward L. Zarzation, Jr.
  
• Gary & Carol Kalustyan in Honor of Berdj & Alice Kalustyan
  
• John Kash in Memory of Nevrig Kash and in Honor of Keghan Kash
  
• Ronald A. Kashkashian in Memory of Ardelle, Arsen Jr., John & Nicholas Kashkashian
  
• Frank & Alice Keytanjian in Memory of Jack & Mary Pagdikian and Edward L. Zarzatian
  
• Joyce Killian in Memory of Patrick Killian and John & Dorothy Chalikian
  
• Karen Kirakozov in Memory of Rafael, Enok, Hayastan, Satenik and in Honor of Matthw, Mariam, Diana and Ofelia
  
• Grace & Mesrob Odabashian
  
• The Oskanian family in Memory of Ohanes B. Oskanian, MD
  
• Jerry & Theresa Sisian
  
• Carlene & Lucille Thomassian in Memory of Karnig, Rose & Armen Thomassian
  
• Richard and Linda Vishab