The Sunday Messenger
October 4, 2026

Fourth Sunday After Exaltation

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

Mark 11:27-33 Having overturned the tables of the money changers a day before, Jesus is in the temple courts again and hostilely questioned by the chief priests, elders, and teachers of the law: by what authority does He do what He does? Jesus wisely deflects their question. Discuss/reflect: In what ways do you question and perhaps even undermine Jesus’ authority?

2 Corinthians 13:5-13 Paul asks the Corinthians to test their faith, knowing that if Christ is indeed in their hearts, they cannot fail. His humble prayer is “for their perfection.” (v.9) Memorable verse (12): “Greet one another with a holy kiss” (a foundational verse for our kiss of peace during Badarak). Discuss/reflect: In what area of your spiritual life will you aim “for perfection” this week?

Isaiah 17:7-14 Isaiah announces God’s judgment against Syria and Israel who were aligned against Judah. Having turned away from God, none of their endeavors can be fruitful: they might plant the finest imported vines, but there will be no harvest, only pain.  Enemies will rage like surging waters; it is God’s rebuke alone that sends them fleeing. Discuss/ reflect: How might the story of Jesus’ stilling the storm (Mark 4:35-41) together with the image of verse 13 affect you as you face today’s precarious world? Form a prayer out of your answer.

Is the Feast of the Holy Translators
Mesrob, Yeghishe, Moses, David the Philosopher, Gregory of Narek, Nersess the Grace-filled These well-known saints are remembered on other days of the church calendar year, but the Armenian Church remembers them here specifically as “translators,” those who enlighten others about our faith through prayers, hymns, poetry, philosophy and even history. Translation goes beyond rendering one language into another. It is the sharing of the experience of Christ with His people

St. Gregory of Narek (c 945-1003) was a beloved teacher, churchman and prolific writer. Born in Narek (near Lake Van) he entered the monastery there and wrote Bible commentaries, history and deeply affecting prayers. His renowned collection Speaking with God from the Depths of My Heart was so treasured that it was thought to have healing powers.  Reflection: Consider Gregory’s Prayer 24: “Dear Lord, I pray that I might be honored with clothing of light, from which I have been stripped/that I might touch the hand of Him, from whom I am separated/that I might receive my daily bread, for which I have not worked/that I might be showered with rewards, which I have not earned/that I might remember all my blessings, which I always forget. What are some of the blessings in your life you need to remember?”

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

Karasoonk Today Will Be For

Liliya Bagdasarian on the 40th day of her eternal rest. Requested in loving memory by Vlad & Kristina and the entire Bagdasarian family.

Hokehankist Today Will Be For

Anna Hanamirian requested in loving memory by the Hanamirian and Semerjian families. Forever loved, deeply missed, and always remembered.

Altar Flowers – are donated by the Hanamirian and Semerjian families in memory of Anna Hanamirian.

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 by the Hanamirian and Semerjian families in honor of Anna Hanamirian. Today’s Agape hour is also being sponsored by the Bagdasarian Family on the occasion of Liliya Bagdasarian’s 40^th day of eternal rest. Please join us for good snacks and enlightening conversations.

Operation Christmas Child begins again, and we invite you to be a part of this amazing outreach by filling shoeboxes for underprivileged children all over the world including Armenia, through Samaritan’s Purse.  This worthy organization provided 30 tons of humanitarian aid and set up triage centers staffed with medical professionals to help our Artsakh brothers and sisters when they were tragically forced to leave their homes. Shipping fees are once again being underwritten by the generosity of the Adult Christian Education (ACE) Ministry. We hope you will help us reciprocate in this small way by filling a box or two or more!

Additionally, we kindly request that you be certain the number corresponding to your name on the sign-up sheet is written on the bottom of your shoebox. This will allow us to discreetly identify returned shoeboxes.

For those unable to participate, donations will be gratefully accepted!  Donation checks should be made payable to Holy Trinity Armenian Church, memo: OCC. Drop your boxes off early! Absolutely no boxes can be accepted after November 15. Any questions can be referred to Gena DerHagopian or Alyssa Santerian.

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.

Renovations – We have appreciated your patience during the bathroom renovations. Please continue to pardon the inconvenience as we make the church safer and welcoming for our parishioners and guests. The lower bathrooms may be used now in the final stretch. Please be aware there are some final touches that will be completed prior to Bazaar. Additionally, 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~~~~~~~~~~

Fourth Sunday After Exaltation
Oct 24-25    Annual Harvest Bazaar
Nov 01         Return (Fall Back) to Standard Time
Nov 15         Deadline for Operation Christmas Child
Nov 26         Thanksgiving
Dec 05         Caring for Friends Service Day