THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
August 18, 2024

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.

Bringing Water (and Hope!) to Berkaber
The beautiful village of Berkaber is located in Armenia’s far eastern Tavush region. Its name directly translates to “bring the harvest,” and that’s just what the villagers are doing thanks to their new irrigation system! FAR, along with the Pan-Armenian Fund, supported the community with the initial investment to apply for a government grant to install the vital infrastructure. Robert Aghamyan, who used to rely on animal husbandry for income, has been able to transform his 3,000 square meters of land—just 500 meters from Azeri military posts—into his main source of livelihood. “Last year, we planted 9 kg of green peas and harvested 100 kg. That was amazing,” he shares. Prior to the irrigation system, Robert and his wife Taguhi had no plans or intention to cultivate the land, simply because there was no way to water it. “Two years ago, it was just grass… We plowed the land for the first time last year, and the first harvest was excellent.” Over the years, FAR has invested in community projects that create essential infrastructure for economic development in Tavush villages through the Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Program (BCPP). These initiatives have profoundly impacted the daily lives and future prospects of the villagers. Read more here: https://www.farusa.org/post/new-irrigation-system-sparks-orchard-boom-in-berkaber

Last Call for Graduates! – Graduates will be included in the next issue of the LOOYS (all levels). Write-up should include: full name, parents’ names, name of institution, grade level or degree achieved, activity involvement (church or school), and future plans (further education/work/other). Please include a picture (in high resolution color), if possible. Everything should be sent to choirboss@hotmail.com by August 18, 2024.

AYO – “Put Down Roots.” In partnership with the Yerevan Botanical Gardens, the project aims to create an educational-therapeutic horticulture space to provide opportunities for forcibly displaced children (and others) to get their hands dirty, de-stress and learn about the environment! Once built, this special section of the botanical gardens will be available for children and youth for years to come. You can directly support the initiative here: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/ayoisyou/.

Armenian Sisters Academy – The best way to learn about ASA is to experience it for yourself! Visit our campus to see how our deep appreciation for the Armenian language and culture empowers our students, promotes self-respect, and prepares future role models. All visitors must have a scheduled appointment and may not freely enter the building without prior notice. To schedule your private tour contact Legna Santerian at Lsanterian@asaphila.org or (610) 687-4100.

Stay Connected with our New Church Portal – Over the past several months Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church has changed to a new Church Management System called One Church.  The new software puts you in control of your information (email, phone number, giving information, etc.), allows us to communicate with you more effectively, facilitates online, text, and app donations, and provides greater connectivity throughout our community.  You should have received an email.  If you have not gotten one (please make sure to check your spam folder), then reach out to the church office.

Humanitarian Support for Artsakh Ongoing From The Knights And Daughters Of Vartan – As the Azeri government still cracks down on the Armenian people in the nation of Artsakh, the people are not giving up! Please consider making a donation to the Knights and Daughters of Vartan Call to Action Committee! Donations will go towards humanitarian aid. For further information please visit the Knights and Daughters of Vartan website at https://kofv.org/a-call-to-action-from-kdv-for-artsakh/

Mail your donations to Knights of Vartan, Mr. Ronald Nazeley, Treasurer, 558 Kentwood Bluffs Drive, Los Angeles 90045.

Checks should be made to Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Memo: Artsakh, and brought or mailed to church. Online donations can be made by going to www.holytrinity-pa.org, go to donations, scroll down to Open Donation and enter Artsakh.

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 to the interested candidates, along with one-on-one direction from a senior choir person.  For further information, contact Karinne Andonian at karinne.hov@gmail.com.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-Of-God (Grapes Blessing)
The Transgenerational Effects of Genocide – A presentation recommended for youth groups
Deadline for graduation submissions for the next LOOYS

Sep 02         Labor Day – Church Office Closed
Sep 15         Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Sep 19         Zoom Book Club Returns (see flyer in narthex)
Sep 21         Armenian Independence Day
Sep 29         Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak
Oct 26-27    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

Grape Donation Compliments of Karnig & Alice Torossian
Eileen Carr and Charles Garabed Altoonian, Jr.
Ayshe Chakmaklian
David & Terri Mears
Anne Terkanian
Richard and Linda Vishab
In Memory of Anahid & Diran Mardikian by Lucy Aghazarian
In Memory of Yeznig & Victoria Kazigian, Richard Kazigian and Joseph Carr by Gary Altoonian
In Memory of Doretta Basmajian Aslanian by Steven Aslanian
In Memory of Mother Mari Panjazjian and Mother-In-Law Mary Aznavuryan and In Honor of my mother Mary Panjarjian by Armenoui Aznavuryan
In Memory of Rimma Yegiazarova by Vlad Bagdasarian
In Memory of Hermine Bogosian and In Honor of Armand Bogosian by Paul Bogosian
In Memory of Vahan Boyajian and Janice Pinkerton by Florence Boyajian
In Memory of Mary Mirakian, Lula Brann, Naomi Antaramian, Rose Minassian, Margaret Ohanian, Marta Mirakian, and Theodora Crist-Mirakian by David & Marta Brann
In Memory of Ann Chopoorian, Mary Chopoorian and Bertha Rashoian by Jeanette Der Hagopian
In Memory of Hayarpie Garbian & Jean Quinn by Dr. Garo & Cecelia Garibian
In Memory of Kenneth M. Hayes and In Honor of Edward L. Munoz by Rose Garibian
In Honor of Holy Trinity Church Family by Rev. Fr. Hakob & Yn. Anna Gevorgyan
In Memory of George & Marge Arslanian by Elisa Arslanian-Giranda
In Memory of Susan Vosbikian and Sue Hagopian by Gay Hagopian
In Memory of our mothers Naomi Kapeghian and Kathryn Brocco by Barbara and Tom Harmon
In Memory of Jirair & Elizabeth Hovnanian and Diran & Zevart Shakarjian by Stephen & Nancy Hovnanian
In Memory of Benedetta Romano and the Jamgochian Family by Mary Jamgochian
In Memory of Edward L. Zarzatian, Jr. by Fred & Janet Jordan
In Memory of Kegham & Nevrig Kash by John Kash
In Memory of Arsen, Katherine, Ardelle, Arsen Jr, John and Nick Kashkashian by Ronald A. Kashkashian
In Memory of Edward Zarzatian and Mary & Jack Pagdikian by Alice & Frank Keytanjian
In Memory of my grandparents Albert & Naomi Kapeghian by Jaclyn King
In Memory of Naomi & Albert and Shant Kapeghian by Robert & Janice King
In Memory of Haig Hagopian by Joe & Tina LaRose
In Memory of Garabed & Elizabeth Tookmanian by Brenda & Hank LeCompte
In Memory and Honor of John Diran Mirijanian by Jan Diran Mirijanian
In Memory of Mary Haigazian, Berjoohy Haigazian and Sarah Terkhanian by Berjoohy Murray
In Memory Gilbert Sr. and Silva DeMirjian by Chris, Janice and Cole Owens
In Memory of Mary Paretchan by Donald Paretchan
In Memory of Sooren & Mary Paretchan by Michael & Tanya Paretchan
In Memory of Elizabeth & Souren Sadjian by Ernie & Chris Sadjian-Peacock
In Memory of Ned & Corinne Santerian and John & Rose Serabian and Edward & Rose Karnikian by Merle Santerian
In Memory of Fran Torcomian by Tom Torcomian
In Memory of Aivazian and Torossian Families by Alice and Karnig Torossian
In Memory of Larry Der Hagopian by Kim & Gena Der Hagopian Willard
In Memory of Harry Yazujian and Helen Vishab and Norair & Vera Hartunian by Gregory & Diane Yazujian
In Memory of Jack & Mary Pagdikian and Edward L. Zarzatian, Jr. by Rosemarie Zarzatian
In Memory of Albert Zerounian by Arpie and Nauver Zerounian