Sunday Messenger
November 8, 2026

Ninth Sunday after Exaltation

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

Luke 8:49-56 Earlier in this chapter, the synagogue official Jairus has begged Jesus to heal his ailing daughter. Now Jesus hears the news that the official’s daughter has died. He tells Jairus not to be afraid, but only believe, and she would be made well. And indeed, Jesus brings her back to life. Discuss/reflect: While those around him laughed at the impossibility of such a thing, Jesus did proceed to reverse the seemingly irreversible. What have you long struggled with that you might offer up to Him for healing?

Ephesians 5:15-33 How appropriate are verses 15-21 to our times! “Fill yourselves with the Spirit,” Paul advises the community. “The days are evil” (5:16) so rather than wasting time in vain pursuits, simply live gratefully with God’s praises on your lips and (literally!) a song in your heart. Discuss/reflect: St. Paul advises that we give thanks to God “always and in everything” (verse 20). What are you grateful for? Pray about these people or things.

Isaiah 24:1-12 Isaiah describes God’s judgment upon Judah – the devastation of the earth as a result of sin and transgression. Discuss/reflect: God’s people have broken their covenant (24:5-6). How might we today be hurting ourselves or the earth by ignoring God’s laws and covenant?

Saturday, November 7: Holy Archangels Gabriel and Michael

The word ‘angel’ means ‘messenger.’ And, indeed, the Archangel Gabriel announced the birth of John the Baptist to his father Zechariah, and the birth of Christ to Mary, the Mother of God. The Archangel Michael, cited in the books of Daniel and Revelation, led God’s armies against evil, guarding the Church. Angels sing and celebrate in perpetual glorification of God, a privilege we share with them at Badarak.

Reflection: Angels are described in the Bible as both benign in form (Luke 24:4; Acts 1:10) as well as fearsome with multiple wings all covered with eyes (Revelation 4:8).

How are they pictured in popular culture? Look up references to angels in Scripture to add to your understanding.

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!

New Sunday School Leadership – We ask our congregation to welcome Stephanie Vartanian and Seta Pica who were recently appointed by Fr. Hakob to serve as Co-Superintendents of our Sunday School. They will be taking over the helm from the capable hands of Leslie Movsesian who led the educational program for several years. The school officially opened on October 4 offering six classes from Pre-School (ages 4 and 5) through high school (grade 11). Parents are encouraged to see the Registrar, Gloria Basmajian, any Sunday in the lobby bookstore to register their children. Classes take place on Sunday from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. We wish Stephanie and Seta much success in their crucial mission of providing for the spiritual growth of our youth!

Pastor’s Bible Study:  Our Adult Christian Education (ACE) ministry team is pleased to announce that our Bible Study via Zoom will be resuming on November 11^th. Our guide will be Fr. Hakob, whose understanding of Scripture and our human frailties has inspired and comforted participants for several years. We will meet on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 beginning November 11^th. All are welcome. To receive the Zoom link, send an email request to nancybasmajian@verizon.net.

Post Bazaar Lost & Found: We have an item left behind after our annual Bazaar. If you are missing a pricey personal item, please contact the office and provide a description so that we can return it to you.

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.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~ 

Ninth Sunday After Exaltation
Nov 11         Veteran’s Day – Church Office Closed
Nov 11         Pastor’s Zoom Bible Study
Nov 15         Deadline for Operation Christmas Child
Nov 18         Pastor’s Zoom Bible Study
Nov 26         Thanksgiving
Dec 05         Caring for Friends Service Day