THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
August 17, 2025

Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Isaiah 7:10-16 In His ongoing communication with Ahaz, King of Judah (under attack from Syria and Israel), God asks him to request a sign regarding his fate. Ahaz refuses, thinking this would blasphemously test God. Exasperated, Isaiah reveals the sign: that a young woman would bear a child, that He would be called Immanuel (God with us) and that before He grew to maturity those attacking Judah would have ceased to exist. Discuss/reflect: What situation are you facing that frightens you now? On a scale of 1 to10, how trusting are you of God for help and guidance?

Gal 3:29-4:7 In these verses, beautifully linked by the word “heir” in the first and last lines of the textual unit, St. Paul declares that now that we belong to Christ, we are His rightful heirs. As children, we were once no better than the slaves on any estate, tethered to the world’s ways. But “when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law…” (4:4) that we might receive the “full rights of sons.” Discuss/reflect: In verse 6 we have been granted the unthinkable privilege of looking upon the Creator of the Universe as our father. How does knowing that you are a child of God change how you look at your life?

Luke 1:26-38 The angel Gabriel visits Mary with the news of her impending role as mother of Jesus (Asdvadzadzin, lit. “bearer” of God). In one of the most famous encounters in the Gospels, depicted in countless works of art and literature, Mary responds humbly but immediately to God’s call to a miraculous service. This has made many consider Mary to be the first of the apostles, the first to be “called and sent out” on God’s behalf. Discuss/reflect: In what areas of your life do you need to feel that “nothing is impossible with God?” (v.37) What keeps you from believing this?

Today is the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, the Mother of God
The oldest of feasts associated with St. Mary, Assumption is celebrated on the Sunday nearest August 15 and commemorates the taking up into heaven (“assumption”) of the Holy Mother at her death. Tradition relates that Mary lived another 15 years after our Lord’s crucifixion. St. Bartholomew, the only apostle absent from Jerusalem when St. Mary died, asked to visit her tomb upon his return a short while after she was buried. When the tomb was unsealed, her body was gone and angels were heard singing for three days and three nights. The blessing of grapes is associated with this feast day. Grapes are the “first fruit” of the harvest, a reference to Jesus Himself and to St. Mary as the first apostle and witness to the new covenant. Grapes are also made into the wine of Communion.  Reflection: All Christians cherish and honor Mary. Read more about her in Luke 1:39 through chapter 2 and then John 2:1-11.

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 – Please join us for fellowship and a special presentation by Ani Jilozian following Badarak today.

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.

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~~~~~~~~~~

Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-Of-God (Grapes Blessing)

Violence Against Women!
We invite our faithful to join us today 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.

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
Oct 25-26    Annual Harvest Bazaar