THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
May 7, 2023

Apparition of the Holy Cross

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

John 7:14-23 Preaching in the temple courts, Jesus told those amazed at his knowledge that all he taught was from the One who sent him. He exhorts them to see that healing on the Sabbath is more proper than their strict adherence to Mosaic Law. Discuss/reflect: Jesus taught a humane flexibility about “tradition” and asks people to scrutinize their own behavior: “Has not Moses given you the law?And yet not one of you keeps the law” (v 19) When it comes to your Christian faith, do you ‘walk the walk’ or just ‘talk the talk’  (as so many of Jesus’ critics did)?

Acts 17:1-15 Accompanied by Silas, St. Paul preached in the synagogues at Thessalonica and Berea. Although many Jews jealously opposed him – even inciting mobs to riot – Paul converted a large number. Discuss/reflect: The Bereans were eager students of the Bible and “examined the Scriptures every day” (v.11). How often do you read the Bible? If not often, how could you increase your time spent with the Word of God, so that you, too, might be able to “reason from the Scriptures” like St. Paul (v. 2)?

1 John 1:1-10 John shares his joy in all he has experienced and witnessed. God is light; those who claim fellowship with him can longer walk in the darkness. He exhorts believers to be honest about their shortcomings since Jesus forgives our sins if we confess them. Ultimately, fellowship with God leads to fellowship with one another. Discuss/reflect: The epistle writer shares his experience of the Lord “to make [his] joy complete.” (v.4) How important it is that he considers his faith complete only when proclaimed to others! Do you witness to your faith? By example? By invitation? In conversation?

Today is the Feast of the Apparition of the Holy Cross
The 4^th Sunday after Easter, this important feast of the cross recalls a miracle occurring in 351 A.D. when a huge cross appeared in the sky over Mt. Zion in Jerusalem. It was seen stretching from the Mount of Olives to Golgotha (a distance of approx. 1½ miles). The miracle affected everyone: Christians were strengthened in their faith and many non-believers were converted as a result. There is historical proof of this event. The presiding Archbishop of Jerusalem, Guregh (St. Cyril), wrote to the Christian Emperor Constantine of Constantinople telling him of this great miracle; the letter has been preserved by the Armenian Church. At the time, Constantine was still defending the teachings of the heretic Arius and thereby promoting division in the church. But the letter renewed his faith and fortified his resolve to adhere to orthodox doctrine.

REQUIEM: Karasoonk (40th Day Memorial Service) today will be for:

• Bryan Peckjian on the 40th day of his eternal life requested by Talene, Ani and Alise Peckjian, in loving memory of their beloved husband and father.
• Rita Chopoorian on the 40th day of her eternal life, requested by the Der Hagopian, Farah and Willard Families, in memory of their loving sister-in-law and aunt.

REQUIEM: Hokehankisd for:

• Babken Hambardzumian, requested by Osepyan and Hambardzumian families.

ALTAR FLOWERS are donated by the Der Hagopian, Farah and Willard Families, in loving memory of Rita Chopoorian.

COFFEE HOUR FELLOWSHIP today is sponsored by Talene, Ani and Alise Peckjian in loving memory of Bryan Peckjian.

PRAYERS are requested for Elaine Mirijanian Squadroni who is critically ill and currently undergoing treatment. Elaine is the daughter of the late Helen and Raymond Mirijanian and grew up at Holy Trinity along with her extended Mirijanian Family.

A JOYFUL NOISE – We congratulate Emily Asadoorian, our “organist in training” who played the entire Badarak last Sunday for the first time. We look forward to her growing into her new role and being with us as often as she is available.

Attic Treasures – Bazaar 2023: Please do not bring your Attic Treasures to the church until September 15th. While we appreciate the donations, we ask you to store them at your homes as we do not have a storage area.  Thank you.

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.

CHURCH CALENDAR (please mark your calendars)

• May 7 – Church School classes end today; will resume in the Fall
• May 10 – Bible Study with Fr. Hakob resumes
• June 4 – Youth Concert following Badarak