Sunday Messenger
November 1, 2026

26th Anniversary of the Enthronement of Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians 

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

Luke 8:17-21 Jesus asks His disciples to listen carefully, one of many references He makes to truly hearing the word of God, as this will lead to true comprehension. Since all that is hidden will be disclosed, it will be only “those who have ears to hear” (Luke 8:8) who will understand. The visit of His family gives Jesus an opportunity to remind the disciples that an authentic relationship with Him is not through blood ties (or belonging to the right church family), but rather through hearing and acting upon the word of God. Discuss/reflect: Before the Gospel is read, the deacon gives us an instruction: Broskhoomeh (“listen attentively”). Are you listening carefully? If not, what might you do to truly absorb the day’s lesson?

Ephesians 1:1-14 St. Paul emphatically declares that all spiritual blessings, including our heavenly inheritance, come to us in Christ. There is no power, no promise, no purpose, no hope in any other. It is not in ourselves to merit being children and heirs; rather, it is in Christ. And all of this is marked by a seal: “the promise of the Holy Spirit” Discuss/reflect: Itemize what God has done for you starting in verse 4. What does it mean to you to have been chosen 1) in Him, 2) before the creation of the world, 3) to be holy and blameless?” Amazing! How might knowing this change how you feel about yourself?

Isaiah 22:15-24 God sends Isaiah to warn Shebna, a court official in Jerusalem who is chiseling his own grand tombstone, that his self-importance and love of luxury will be humbled by God. Discuss/reflect: Surely it is a message to us all when the Lord tells Shebna that he will die while his “splendid chariots” remain behind. (22:18) What are your ‘splendid chariots,’ things which are important to you for the stature, comfort, or identity they confer but which have no meaning in heaven?

Saturday, November 7: Holy Archangels Gabriel and Michael
Angels were created by God at the beginning of time. “…when I laid the foundations of the earth…the morning stars sang and my angels shouted for joy.” (Job 38:4,7) Angels sing and celebrate in perpetual glorification of God. “Thousands upon thousands attended Him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him.” (Daniel 7:10) The word ‘angel,’ means ‘messenger.’ 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, leads God’s armies against evil, guarding the Church. And then, there are our guardian angels: “See that you despise not one of these little ones,” Christ said, “for I say to you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 18:10) Prayerful activity: Angels are far from being cute Hallmark cherubs. Read descriptions in Daniel 10:5-6 and Isaiah 6:2-4 and as you read, draw what you see.

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

Alice Torossian requested in loving memory by her brother, nieces & nephews Fr. Arshen Aivazian and family: Yeretsgin Sirarpi, daughter Macrina and her husband Stan Sheridan and children Noah Garabed and Ani Grace, and son Timothy Hovhannes Aivazian.

Ara and Alyce Jilajian requested in loving memory by Brenda Jilajian

Naomi Kapeghian on her heavenly birthday in loving memory by Barbara & Tom Harmon and Janice & Robert King.

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.

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~~~~~~~~~~

26^th Anniversary of The Enthronement of Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians
Daylight Savings Time ends at 2:00am Sunday November 1, 2026 – Enjoy an extra hour of sleep but don’t be late for Badarak!
Nov 05         Zoom Book Club Meets
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