THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
August 3, 2025

Second Sunday after Transfiguration

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings
Matthew 18:10-14 Jesus had just cited children and their open-hearted, unfettered faith as the answer to the disciples’ question: “who will be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” With the story of the 100 sheep, he confirms that the Father cares for them all fiercely and equally. He will leave the 99 and look for the one lost sheep, celebrating joyfully when it is found. Discuss/reflect: Sometimes we church members are like the 99 sheep, contentedly grazing with fellow believers. We look down on the one who “goes astray.” What does this parable teach us about that attitude? What might help us see things as God does?

1 Corinthians 1:25-30 St. Paul reminds the faithful that it was not because of their superior qualities that they were called to faith. God calls people out of their foolishness, their unimportance, and their weakness to a strength and widsom that can only be found in Christ.  Discuss/reflect: In what ways do “weak things of the world shame the strong”? (v 27)

Isaiah 3:16-4:1 In God’s judgment on Judah and Jerusalem, Isaiah has already described the breakdown of social order. He now focuses on the women, whose finery and beauty – representing a culture of luxury and pride – he describes in detail. All will be removed and defiled as punishment. Discuss/reflect: What are some ways a frivolous, self-centered attitude is encouraged by today’s consumer culture? Have you bought in? How?

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

Fran Torcomian on the 7th Anniversary of her eternal rest. Requested in loving memory by the Torcomian and Karagiannis Families.

KARASOONK today will be for

Galya Gazarova on the 40^th day of her eternal rest. Requested in loving memory by Ashot and Angela Bagdasarova

 Agape Hour – Please join us for fellowship and good conversation following Badarak today.

Violence Against Women!  We invite our faithful to join us on Assumption Sunday, August 17^th for an eye-opening presentation on domestic violence in Armenia. Our speaker, Philadelphia native Ani Jilozian, who serves as the Director of Development at the Women’s Support Center in Armenia, will share the important work being done by the organization to combat, treat and prevent violence against women and children. Ani will speak to us following Badarak and a special Agape Fellowship. (08/17)

Discover the Beauty of the Armenian Language! – Learn Eastern Armenian with Mariam, a native speaker, through engaging and personalized classes that focus on the alphabet, vocabulary, cultural insights, and practical communication. Sign up now and start your Armenian language journey with Mariam! For more information, please contact Mariam via Email at marpoghosyan17@gmail.com or call her at 445-256-3966.

Art and Biblical Meditation – Our Adult Christian Education (ACE) ministry is pleased to announce a 2-session IN PERSON mini-workshop on looking at art from a Biblical and meditative perspective. Led by Leslie Movsesian. The second session (30-40 minutes) will follow Badarak on August 10. To register, please send an email to nancybasmajian@verizon.net (08/10)

Ladies of Holy Trinity August Regional Socials
These events are open to both women and men!! Join us for one or all events this August:

• August 14th EVENING- 6:30pm Armenian Cooking Class at Cafe POM in Paoli, PA ($40/pp)- Maximum of 12 people – Learn to make Armenian recipes and take home what you make! BYOB
• August 21st DAYTIME- 11:30am Indian King Tavern Museum (free admission) followed by 12:15pm Lunch ($) at Umile Trattoria in Haddonfield NJ*
• August 28th DAYTIME- 11:00am Wharton Esherick Museum ($22/pp for museum tour) followed by 12:30pm Lunch ($) at Cafe POM in Paoli, PA*

RSVP for All Events by August 10^th to WG@holytrinity-pa.org

* You may choose to attend only the lunch at each daytime event if you wish. Please indicate which event(s) you will be attending and if you plan to attend only lunch on the daytime outings. We hope you will join us!

Seeking Part-time Organists – The Choir of Holy Trinity continues to seek multiple talented musicians who would be seriously interested in playing the organ for the Sunday morning Divine Liturgy (Badarak) on a rotating schedule. Organ lessons will be provided for the interested candidates, along with one-on-one direction from a senior choir person.  For more information, please contact Karinne Andonian at karinne.hov@gmail.com.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Second Sunday After Transfiguration
Aug 10         Art & Biblical Meditation
Aug 17         Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-Of-God (Grapes Blessing)
Aug 17         Program on the Women’s Support Center in Armenia
Sep 01         Labor Day – Church Office Closed
Sep 14         Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Sep 18         Zoom Book Club
Sep 21         Armenian Independence Day
Sep 28         Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak