Sunday Messenger
October 11, 2026

Fifth Sunday After Exaltation

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Mark 12:35-44 To those gathered around him in the temple courts, Jesus boldly challenges the teachers of the law for dismissing Him as a mere son of David rather than David’s Lord and God’s Son. He contrasts their pompous self-importance and the wealthy with a poor widow who gives a much greater share of what she has to the temple offering. Discuss/reflect: A poor, nameless widow caught Jesus’ eye in her act of generosity. Would your spirit of giving to the poor, to all in need, do the same? Say a prayer of thanks to her for providing once upon a time in Jerusalem, in humble innocence, an example the Lord deemed worthy for all time.

Galatians 2:1-10 St. Paul is addressing the validity of his ministry to the Gentiles (non-Jews), confirming that even the church leaders knew it to be important and true. (Conservative traditionalists thought non-Jews needed to become Jews first before accepting Christ.) Poignantly, he is reminded by these leaders to always remember the poor. Discuss/reflect: Based on these verses, what do you think a person needs to do/to be in choosing to follow Christ? Pray for a humble heart, open to the suffering in the world.

Isaiah 19:1-11 Isaiah asserts that even Egypt, a great and fearful power upon which people depended, is subject to God‘s will; their idols would be crushed and their destiny cruelly altered. Discuss/reflect: “The Lord rides on a swift cloud and is coming to Egypt…the idols of Egypt tremble before Him (19:1). What a beautiful image! Replace the word Egypt with your own home/town/country. What idols would tremble? In these troubling times, pray for God’s presence.

Holy Evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John (Saturday, October 17)

The four Gospels are among the most beloved books of the Bible. As those who lived during Jesus’ time began to age and die, people felt it important to record the accounts of those who had known Him. There were many gospels circulating in the early centuries of the church. But the gospels that grew widely popular, were read most often, and sanctioned by the church elders entered the canon. These four Gospels are considered sacred biographies for although they are certainly biographical and historical, they are primarily a personal witness to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as understood by a particular writer, inspired by the Holy Spirit.

During Badarak, when the deacon elevates the Gospel book over his head or whenever we kiss the Gospel book, we are lovingly acknowledging its value and authority in our lives. As Christians, we are called to be the Gospel. God has chosen us to be His evangelists and inspire others to experience Jesus Christ.

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.

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. 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.

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.

~~~~~~~~~~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

13 Until The Annual Harvest Bazaar!!