THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
May 5, 2026

Apparition of the Holy Cross 

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

John 7:14-23 Preaching in the temple courts, Jesus told those amazed at his knowledge that all he taught was from the One who sent him. He exhorts them to see that healing on the Sabbath is more proper than their strict adherence to Mosaic Law. Discuss/reflect: Jesus taught a humane flexibility about “tradition” and asks people to scrutinize their own behavior: “Has not Moses given you the law?And yet not one of you keeps the law” (v 19) When it comes to your Christian faith, do you ‘walk the walk’ or just ‘talk the talk’  (as so many of Jesus’ critics did)?

Acts 17:1-15 Accompanied by Silas, St. Paul preached in the synagogues at Thessalonica and Berea. Although many Jews jealously opposed him – even inciting mobs to riot – Paul converted a large number. Discuss/reflect: The Bereans were eager students of the Bible and “examined the Scriptures every day” (v.11). How often do you read the Bible? If not often, how could you increase your time spent with the Word of God, so that you, too, might be able to “reason from the Scriptures” like St. Paul (v. 2)?

1 John 1:1-10 John shares his joy in all he has experienced and witnessed. God is light; those who claim fellowship with him can no longer walk in the darkness. He exhorts believers to be honest about their shortcomings since Jesus forgives our sins if we confess them. Ultimately, fellowship with God leads to fellowship with one another. Discuss/reflect: The epistle writer shares his experience of the Lord “to make [his] joy complete.” (v.4) How important it is that he considers his faith complete only when proclaimed to others! Do you witness to your faith? By example? By invitation? In conversation?

Today is the Feast of the Apparition of the Holy Cross

The 4^th Sunday after Easter, this important feast of the cross recalls a miracle occurring in 351 A.D. when a huge cross appeared in the sky over Mt. Zion in Jerusalem. It was seen stretching from the Mount of Olives to Golgotha (a distance of approx. 1½ miles). The miracle affected everyone: Christians were strengthened in their faith and many non-believers were converted as a result. There is historical proof of this event. The presiding Archbishop of Jerusalem, Guregh (St. Cyril), wrote to the Christian Emperor Constantine of Constantinople telling him of this great miracle; the letter has been preserved by the Armenian Church. At the time, Constantine was still defending the teachings of the heretic Arius and thereby promoting division in the church. But the letter renewed his faith and fortified his resolve to adhere to orthodox doctrine.

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.

Requiem Services: Hokehankist Today Will Be For:

Georgy Osipyan and Eduard Mirzoyan. Requested in loving memory by Boris Avakyan.

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!

FAR – After being displaced from Artsakh in 2023, Nora Balluyan faced the daunting challenge of rebuilding her life and continuing her education in Armenia. With her family struggling to make ends meet, transferring into a program that aligned with her studies seemed out of reach—until the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) team stepped in. Through the Matevosyan Scholarship, FAR provided the critical support Nora needed to cover tuition and continue her studies in English and Russian, helping her regain stability during an incredibly uncertain time.

Today, Nora is thriving—working as an English teacher, continuing her education, and planning for a master’s degree. She credits FAR not only for financial assistance, but for the sense of encouragement and community that helped her move forward with confidence.

Stories like Nora’s highlight the life-changing impact of FAR’s education programs for displaced Armenian students. To learn more or support students like Nora, visit FAR’s website: https://www.farusa.org/education

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, by contacting Karinne Andonian at karinne.hov@gmail.com.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Apparition of the Holy Cross
Church School Graduation Ceremony Class of 2025 and Closing Day
– Tomas Majian
– Brennan Pica
– Nare Safaryan
– Cameron Santerian
May 10        Mother’s Day
Jun 21        Father’s Day