Sunday Messenger
September 20, 2026

Paregentan of the Fast of the Holy Cross of Varak

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

Mark 10:1-12 Since divorce was easily obtainable by Jewish men in 1^st century Palestine, Jesus had a particular point to make when He spoke about the sanctity of the marriage vow. Discuss/reflect: Deuteronomy 24:1 confirms that a husband could simply write his own certificate of divorce and dismiss his wife from the marriage. Jesus reminds the Pharisees that when God created men and women, He created them to be together and that what He intended for them should be honored. The Armenian Church takes the importance of marriage so seriously that while it acknowledges that there might be compelling reasons for a marriage to be dissolved, it is a sad event that calls for thoughtful reflection. Second marriage rituals have a penitential character. Do you think marriage is important for happiness? What qualities are essential for that relationship to thrive?

2 Corinthians 10:18-11:10 St. Paul defends his teaching against those who preach a different “gospel;” his witness is always focused on Jesus Christ. He humbly does what he can to support himself in his work, thus avoiding being a burden. Discuss/reflect: St. Paul proposes a metaphor of marriage when he says (v. 2), “I promised you to one husband, to Christ…” What does this suggest about our relationship with our Lord?

Isaiah 14:3-17 These verses refer to the fall of Babylon (Babylon had taken the Hebrews into captivity in a catastrophic episode known as the Babylonian Exile, c 587-537 BC) and eloquently sing of how the mightiest, the most terrible rulers are eventually in their graves, defeated by death. Discuss/reflect: What might the “pomp” and the “noise of harps” (v.11) be for you in your life, meaning, what do you take pride and pleasure in that might actually be distracting you from God and that is destined to end unlike God’s eternal love?

Tuesday, September 22, commemorates St. Shushan
Shushan was the daughter of the Armenian national hero and saint Vartan Mamigonian and wife of Varsken, a nobleman of Armenian/ Iranian descent who renounced Christianity in favor of Mazdeism to secure his position with the ruling Persians. Varsken demanded the same from his wife and when she refused, he had her imprisoned and tortured for seven years. To her last breath, she proclaimed Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Strengthening her in her resolve were a relic of Christ’s cross and a gospel that she had received as a gift from her grandfather, the renowned Catholicos Sahag Bartev. She died in 458 AD at the age of 45. She is honored as well in the Georgian Orthodox Church; the account of her martyrdom is the oldest extant work of Georgian literature. Reflection: Describe your relationship with the Lord. Would it be easily abandoned in the face of adversity?

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.

Altar flowers are placed in loving memory of Stephen Hovnanian on the 1^st year anniversary of his Eternal Rest.

Altar Flowers are also donated in fond memory of Berjouhe Paroonagian Gallo by her children and family.

Requiem Services – We Honor And Pray For These Souls

Hokehankist Today Will Be For

Stephen Hovnanian on the 1^st anniversary of his eternal rest. Requested in loving memory by his children and loving wife Nancy.
Berjouhe Paroonagian Gallo on the 10th anniversary of her eternal rest. Requested by her loving children and the Paroonagian, Temoyan and Tashjian. Families.

Agape Hour — a beautiful expression of love, community, and togetherness is just not the same without YOU!! Please join us after Divine Liturgy for fellowship and good conversation. All are Welcome! Today’s Agape Hour is sponsored in loving memory of Stephen Hovnanian by his devoted wife Nancy.

Knights and Daughters of Vartan invite you to please join them for their annual picnic on October 4th at 3 pm, at Red Battlefield Park in NJ, everyone is welcome to join! There is also a Zeffy event page if people want to reserve online. Please consider supporting this wonderful annual event!!  https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/annual-picnic-20

Harvest Bazaar Donations Needed! – Seeking Christmas Decorations & Jewelry 🎄We are currently collecting gently used Christmas decorations and jewelry. As you begin going through your holiday decorations and perhaps costume jewelry, you’re no longer wearing, please consider setting aside any items you would be willing to part with.  We welcome all donations—large or small—and are so grateful for your support!

Donated items may be brought to the church and left in the first Sunday School room.
If you have any questions, please contact Gena Der Hagopian Willard at  genawillard@aol.com or Alyssa Santerian at apsanterian@gmail.com. Thank you so much for your support!

Meat Preparation – We are also looking for volunteers that are interested in helping to cut meat for the bazaar. This is a great opportunity to come and socialize, swap stories (tall tales) and life experiences while helping to prepare for the bazaar. Anyone interested in helping to cut and prepare the meat for our annual bazaar, please contact Robbie Barone at 610-529-2178.

Member Directory – We are pleased to announce that we have an updated member directory. Please reach out to the office if you would like a printed or digital copy. Please note a verified connection with Holy Trinity will be performed before the directory is released to you.

Reminder – Fall 2026 is 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/

Renovations – We appreciate your patience as the church renovations are coming to an end. We expect everything to be back to normal prior to our annual bazaar. Please continue to pardon the inconvenience as we make the church safer and welcoming for our parishioners and guests. While these restrooms are unavailable, please remember that the restrooms near the elevator at the back of the Sunday School area are available. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding during this process.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Paregentan Of The Fast Of The Holy Cross Of Varak
Sep 21         Armenian Independence Day
Sep 27         Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak
Oct 24-25    Annual Harvest Bazaar