Sunday Messenger
August 9, 2026

Paregentan of the Fast of Assumption

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

Mark 2:1-12 Four friends of a paralyzed man, unable to get through the crowds in a home where Jesus is teaching, lower him from a hole in the roof so that he might be healed. By first forgiving the man’s sins, Jesus is boldly declaring His divinity since God alone can forgive sin; such forgiveness better reveals His identity as the Son of God than do the miracles He performs. This spiritual healing is immediately followed by a physical cure: the man rises up and walks. Discuss/reflect: Notable in this story is the determined action of four men to bring their friend to Jesus for healing. No obstacle deterred them. Has the strong faith of others ever helped you grow closer to God? How might your committed faith help someone else experience spiritual healing?

1 Corinthians 13:11-14:5 St. Paul has already outlined the need for us to discern our spiritual gifts so that we might serve the common good and affirmed that without love none of these gifts are effective. Here he reminds us that we are like children until we mature spiritually: only then will we see that love outlasts even those things that seemingly endure forever such as faith and hope. In praising prophecy over the gift of tongues, he praises that gift which serves others rather than one’s self. Discuss/reflect: In what ways do you think you talk, think, and reason like a child (v.11) when it comes to God?

Isaiah 7:1-9 Facing an impending attack from their enemies, the people of Judah were filled with fear (v.2). God instructs Isaiah to tell their king Ahaz to have courage and be firm in his faith for “Unless your faith is firm, you shall not be firm!” (v. 9) Discuss/reflect: What situation are you facing that frightens you now? What makes it difficult for you to trust God for strength and guidance?

Saturday, August 15, is the Feast of Shoghagat

Shoghagat might best be translated in a phrase: “rays of light descending as droplets from heaven.” The term and the Feast Day derive from St. Gregory’s vision as recorded in the 5^th century history by Agathangelos. In that account, we read how King Drtad and the nobles fasted and repented, listening attentively to St. Gregory’s every word as he taught them the long history of God’s plan of salvation for humankind. He shared a momentous vision he had seen: of light flowing to the earth, of Jesus striking the ground with a golden hammer, angels, thunderous sounds as the firmaments opened and springs gushed forth, columns of cloud and fire. It was on that site that he understood he was to build a Cathedral (Etchmiadzin, lit. “where the Only-Begotten descended) and chapels to Sts. Hripsime, Gayane, and their sister nuns. Since the Mother Cathedral is dedicated to St. Mary, the feast is always observed on the Saturday preceding the Assumption.

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

Gilbert DeMirjian Sr. on the 19th Anniversary of his eternal rest and Silva DeMirjian on the 25th Anniversary of her eternal rest. Requested in loving memory by Gilbert DeMirjian Jr., Janice Owens, Lynne Hoepfl and Families. As our parents, your love remains the foundation of our lives and the light that continues to guide us.

Altar flowers are placed in loving memory of Silva & Gilbert DeMirjian, Sr. by their children and families.

Agape Hour – Please join us for fellowship and good conversation following Badarak today in our lovely hall for Christian fellowship, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, and mingle with fellow parishioners. Please feel free to bring other treats to share during Agape Hour.

Renovations – In an effort to make the church safer and welcoming for our parishioners and guests, renovations have begun on the lower bathrooms. Please pardon our appearance during this time as the renovations will take a few weeks. While these restrooms are unavailable, please remember the restrooms near the elevator at the back of the Sunday School area are available. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this process.

Reminder – The finale of Summer 2026 is almost here!!…..have you paid your 2026 dues yet? According to the Diocesan Bylaws, membership dues are to be paid no later than December 31st each year in order to be a member in “good standing” and to be eligible to vote at the annual assembly. You may pay by sending a check via snail mail, dropping off in the Narthex before/after Divine Liturgy or online at https://holytrinity-pa.org/donation/

Holy Badarak – Over the summer is a wonderful time to learn and familiarize yourself with the Badarak. If your children sing in the school choir, please encourage them to come sing in our church choir to continue developing their voice on Sundays during the summer. It’s ok if they don’t know many of the sharagans, they will learn. And if they can read music, they will be fine. Our senior choir members are here to help. We look forward to seeing your children upstairs with us!

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Paregentan of the Fast of Assumption
Aug 12       Breakfast on the Beach – Zoom Part 3
Aug 16       Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-Of-God (Blessing of the Grapes)
Sep 07        Labor Day – Church Office Closed
Sep 13        Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Sep 17        Zoom Book Club Meets
Sep 21        Armenian Independence Day
Sep 27        Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak
Oct 24-25   Annual Harvest Bazaar