Sunday Messenger
August 16, 2025

Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

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.

Let the Sound Fade: By Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan

There is something fascinating about the sound of a church bell. When someone pulls the rope, the bell begins to swing. The clapper strikes the metal, and the sound travels through the air. It moves across the village, through the streets, and over the rooftops.

But when the person releases the rope, the bell does not immediately become silent. The rope may be hanging still. The hand may have let go. No one may be pulling anymore. Yet the sound continues.

For a little while, the bell keeps ringing. The echo remains. But if no one takes hold of the rope again, the sound becomes weaker. Little by little, it fades. Eventually, silence returns.

That is how many struggles work in the spiritual life.

Worry may still echo after you choose to trust God. Anger may still make noise after you decide to forgive. Fear may still ring in your heart after you begin to pray. Temptation may still call your name after you have turned toward Christ. But here is the important truth: do not keep pulling the rope.

Every time you replay the hurt, you pull the rope. Every time you feed the fear, you pull the rope. Every time you return to the same bitterness, the same anxiety, the same painful memory, the bell grows louder.

The Scripture says, “Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him” (Psalm 37:7). Stillness does not mean that every echo will disappear the moment we choose faith. It teaches us to stop giving the noise more strength while we wait for God’s peace to settle within us.

Sometimes we become discouraged because, even after we pray, we still feel the echo. We think, “If I really trusted God, why am I still anxious?” Or, “If I truly forgave, why does the memory still hurt?” But healing often happens like the fading of a bell. The sound weakens little by little. Grace works quietly. Peace returns gradually.

Friends, the echo may remain for a while, but it will not last forever. The noise of worry, anger, fear, and temptation has no eternal power over a heart surrendered to God. Leave the rope alone. Be still. Trust the Lord. And let the sound fade.

Agape Hour – Please join us for fellowship and good conversation following Badarak today in our lovely hall for Christian fellowship, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, and mingle with fellow parishioners. Please feel free to bring other treats to share during Agape Hour.

Renovations – In an effort to make the church safer and welcoming for our parishioners and guests, renovations have begun on the lower bathrooms. Please pardon our appearance during this time as the renovations will take a few weeks. While these restrooms are unavailable, please remember the restrooms near the elevator at the back of the Sunday School area are available. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this process.

Reminder – The finale of Summer 2026 is almost here!!…..have you paid your 2026 dues yet? According to the Diocesan Bylaws, membership dues are to be paid no later than December 31st each year in order to be a member in “good standing” and to be eligible to vote at the annual assembly. You may pay by sending a check via snail mail, dropping off in the Narthex before/after Divine Liturgy or online at https://holytrinity-pa.org/donation/

Holy Badarak – Over the summer is a wonderful time to learn and familiarize yourself with the Badarak. If your children sing in the school choir, please encourage them to come sing in our church choir to continue developing their voice on Sundays during the summer. It’s ok if they don’t know many of the sharagans, they will learn. And if they can read music, they will be fine. Our senior choir members are here to help. We look forward to seeing your children upstairs with us!

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-Of-God (Grapes Blessing)
Sep 07        Labor Day – Church Office Closed
Sep 13        Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Sep 17        Zoom Book Club Meets
Sep 21        Armenian Independence Day
Sep 27        Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak
Oct 24-25   Annual Harvest Bazaar

On the occasion of the Feast of Blessed Virgin Mary and the Rite of the Blessing of Grapes, the following have made donations to our Church

Jacob Baker
Ayshe Chakmaklian
Victoria Shakarjian
In Honor of Raymond Arko by Connie Arko Paparian
In Honor of Mr. & Mrs. Sarkis Baldadian by Ruth Melian
In Memory of Doretta Basmajian Aslanian by Steven Aslanian
In Memory of Armand Bogosian by Paul Bogosian
In Honor of Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan by Jeanette Der Hagopian
In Honor of Hermine and Boghos Bogosian by Paul Bogosian
In Memory of Robert Damerjian, Sr. and Nubar & Araxie Hintlian and Harry Hintlian by Lorraine and Robert Damerjian, Jr.
In Honor of Jeanette Der Hagopian and Deborah Sarajian by Larry & Kim Der Hagopian
In Memory of Larry Der Hagopian, Ann & Deron Chopoorian by Jeanette Der Hagopian
In Memory of Mary Haigazian, Berjoohy Haigazian and Rosemarie Haigazian by Berjoohy Murray & Family
In Memory of Hayarpie Garibian & Jean Quinn by Dr. Garo & Cecelia Garibian
In Memory of Gostigian, Mardikian and Aghazarian Families by Lucy and Aram Alan Aghazarian
In honor of Hagop, Yester and Mardiros Ergenian by Arousiag Keshishian
In Memory of Hashas & Alexanian Families by John & Selma Alexanian
In Memory of Jirair & Elizabeth Hovnanian and Diran & Zevart Shakarjian by Nancy Hovnanian
In Memory of Virginia Javardian, Rosine Magarian and Elize Tashjian by Gregory & Maria Javardian
In Memory of my grandparents Albert & Naomi Kapeghian by Jaclyn & Kyle Blalock
In Memory of our mothers Naomi Kapeghian and Kathryn Brocco by Barbara & Tom Harmon
In Memory of Arsen & Katherine Kashkashian by Ronald A. Kashkashian
In Memory of Kegham & Nevrig Kash by John Kash
In Memory of the Kayaian Family by Elizabeth Garabedian
In memory of Garabed and Asdghig Keshgegian by Albert & Patrice Keshgegian
In Memory Richard Maloumian Sr. by Florence Maloumian
In Memory of Mary Minassian, Mariam Mamigian, Mariam Alekian, and Mariam Arslanian by Talene, Ani, and Alise Peckjian
In Memory of Mary Mirakian, Naomi Antaramian, Rose Minassian, Margaret Ohanian, Marta Mirakian, Yn. Ovsanna Minassian, Mary Minassian, Theodora Crist-Mirakian and Ann Sahagian by David & Marta Brann
In Memory of Mary Pagdikian and Rosemarie Zarzatian by Alice & Frank Keytanjian
In Memory of Ned Santerian, Corinne Santerian Moore, Rose & John Serabian. Edward & Rose Karnikian by Merle Santerian
In Memory of Alice Sarkissian by Jean Sarkissian
In Memory of Nishan & Hamest Sekdorian by Garo and Bertha Sekdorian
In Memory of Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Sisian by Jerry J. Sisian
In Honor of St. Mary, mother of Christ, for a special Thanksgiving by Angel Tookmanian
In Memory of Stephan Sarkissian and Evgenia Movsesian by Ka’ren Sarkissian
In Memory of Martin Tookmanian LeCompte Brenda & Hank LeCompte
In Memory of Yeznig & Maxime Torossian and Haroutyoon & Hripsime Aivazian by Alice and Karnig Torossian
In Memory of Archbishop Papken Varjabedian by Tanya & Michael Paretchan
In Memory of Alice Vartanian by Connie Arko Paparian
In Memory and Honor of Linda Vishab by Richard, Stefanie and Lori Vishab
In Memory of Harry Yazujian and Helen Vishab and Norair and Vera Hartunian by Gregory & Diane Yazujian
In Memory of Rimma Yegiazarova by Vlad & Kristina Bagdasarian
In Memory of Rosemarie & Edward L. Zarzatian, Jr. by Fred & Janet Jordan
In Memory of Albert Zerounian and Beatrice Sinanian by Arpie and Nauver Zerounian
In Honor of the Holy Trinity Family by Rev. Fr. Hakob & Yn. Anna Gevorgyan