THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
October 27, 2024

Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross

 Scripture and Feast Day Notes

 From Today’s Readings:

Matthew 24:27-36 Although no one but the Father knows the exact day or hour, Jesus speaks of His return as unmistakable, as clear as the fig tree’s transformation when summer draws near. He will appear in the sky with power and great glory and will send His angels with a loud trumpet blast to gather the elect from the four corners of the world. Discuss/reflect: What does it mean, practically, to be ready for Jesus’ return if we do not know when that will be? If it were tomorrow, are you ready to eagerly present yourself to Him, or hang back in embarrassment?

I Corinthians 1:18-24 St. Paul talks about the different reactions to the message of the cross. Some believed it to be foolish; others believed it to be offensive; it was a stumbling block to those who sought a sign of worldly power and wisdom. God’s foolishness and weakness are wiser and stronger than anything non-believers could readily understand! Discuss/reflect: Where do you derive the wisdom and strength to be happy? Pray for God’s wisdom that you might understand the true, life-transforming message of the cross.

Isaiah 33:22-34:1 Isaiah encourages God’s people to place their trust in Him. As in today’s reading from Wisdom, we encounter images of a ship in disarray. Discuss/reflect: With what four roles is Jesus (Lord) identified in verse 22? (Judge, lawgiver, king, savior). How can each guide your behavior?

Wis.14:1-8 On the Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross as well as the earlier Feast of the Exaltation, this reading (which can only be found in the Armenian Bible or a Bible that includes the Deuterocanonical books) offers an image of a floundering ship and the raft that brings people to safety. “The people trust their lives to the smallest piece of wood …for blessed is the wood by which righteousness comes…” (14:5-7) – a reference for Christians to the Cross of Christ and the true path to salvation (as opposed to wooden idols).  Discuss/reflect: Do you trust your life to God’s sovereignty? If not, what idols are your gods?

Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross
In the 4^th century, the Emperor Constantine sent his mother Queen Helena to find the actual cross upon which Christ was crucified. She found the site (c.326), but three crosses were there. To authenticate the true cross of Christ, the body of a young man who had recently died was placed on each cross. The Holy Cross of Christ was ‘discovered’ when the deceased youth came back to life! Christians in Jerusalem began to venerate that cross, and since then it has been broken into fragments and dispersed among various churches. There is a fragment of the cross in Etchmiadzin, as well as in St. Vartan Cathedral in New York City. Discuss/Reflect: Although this was a discovery made long ago, even today we are called to discover the mystery of the cross in our daily lives. Are you willing to transform your life by taking up the cross, and allowing its power to give you new life in Christ?

   Department of Christian Education/Diocese of the Armenian Church (Eastern)/elisea@armeniandiocese.org

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 (Page 18 in New Divine Liturgy Book) – 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.

Coffee Fellowship Hour – Please join us in the hall for good conversation and fellowship.

About Our Sanctuary – Our ACE ministry team has updated a brochure originally created by our late pastor, V. Rev. Fr. Haigazoun Melkonian. It describes the people, events and symbols of our faith as displayed in our sanctuary. It is ACE’s humble offering to us, the faithful of Holy Trinity, intended to educate and enlighten and draw us closer to our Lord and to our Church. The brochure includes a great deal of information, but it is presented in such a way that you can take a “tour” on your own (or with your children) while sitting in a pew or moving around the church before or after Badarak. Copies are available in the narthex. (10/27)

A Letter from Home: On Sunday, November 3, Dn. Albert Keshgegian will present a video concerning a letter from Catholicos Khrimian Hayrig to the new Diocese in America; written in 1898, his words of encouragement still have meaning for us today. Join us during Fellowship for an uplifting conversation. (11/03)

“Caring for Friends” Service Day: Saturday, November 9 – Spend a gratifying and surprisingly fun morning (10:00 to 1:00) preparing meals in our church kitchen for home-bound individuals in the Philly region. You’ll be glad you did! Registration is required – send an email to nancybasmajian@verizon.net. (11/03)

Boo-Wling for Armenia: We are only a few weeks away from our event! This event is open to the entire family, parents, kids and grandparents. Wear your favorite Halloween costume and join us! The proceeds are for a great cause! (11/27)

The Knights of Vartan, Philadelphia Chapter are proudly hosting a Halloween-themed bowling event on November 2nd at 3pm
Location is: 2228 Haverford Rd, Ardmore, PA 19003.
Our ticket portal is now open, please visit the following links to secure your tickets for the event!
website: https://phillykov.wordpress.com/event:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/cccd699f-80ce-4646-a4be-665725a02d56

Bake Shoppe – It’s that time of year again and the Bake Shoppe is looking for delicious homemade items for the bazaar. This year the ACYOA Jr’s are organizing the Bake Shoppe. Please contact Sabrina Garibian at 401-225-5924 if you have any questions.

Operation Christmas Child is well underway, and we’re excited to let you know we only need commitments for 15 more shoeboxes to reach our goal of 100 shoeboxes!  If you haven’t done so already, please consider being a part of this amazing project! These shoeboxes are given to underprivileged children all over the world including Armenia, through Samaritan’s Purse. This worthy organization provided 30 tons of humanitarian aid and set up triage centers staffed with medical professionals to help our Artsakh brothers and sisters when they were tragically forced to leave their homes. Shipping fees are once again being underwritten by the generosity of the Adult Christian Education (ACE) Ministry. We hope you will help us reciprocate in this small way by filling a box or two or more!

For those unable to participate, donations will be gratefully accepted! Donation checks should be made payable to Holy Trinity Armenian Church, memo: OCC. Drop your boxes off early! Absolutely no boxes can be accepted after November 17. Any questions can be referred to Gena DerHagopian or Alyssa Santerian.

Harvest Bazaar Donations Needed! – As we prepare for our upcoming Harvest Bazaar, we are reaching out to our community for donations. We welcome contributions in the form cash, gift cards, new gifts, tickets for sporting events, theater, movie or any other new items that can be included in our gift baskets. Ask your local merchants such as hair, nail salons, restaurants, etc. if they will give gifts certificates. Any amount is welcome!

Children’s toys or gifts are needed and welcome for the children’s auction. Donations are also welcome for the basket of cheer! Every donation, large or small, is appreciated and will help make this event a success!

If you would like to donate, please contact Cecelia Garibian at 267-210-0670, email cecelia714@gmail.com or drop off your donations at the church on Sundays or contact the office at 215-663-1600 to arrange drop-offs during the week. Thank you for your support and generosity!

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 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.

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 SPECIAL EVENT~~~~~~~~~~

Annual Harvest Bazaar – October 26 & 27
Oct 26         Twelve Holy Doctors of the Church
Oct 27         Discovery of the Holy Cross
Oct 30         Zoom Bible Study with Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan
Nov 03         Return (Fall Back) to Standard Time
Nov 07         Zoom Book Club
Nov 28         Thanksgiving
Dec 15         Armenian School Performance

• Gregory & Stephanie Alexanian by Patricia & Vaughn Alexanian
• Diramayr Serbouhi Arzoumanian by Hagop Arzoumanian
• Rimma Yegiazarova by Vlad & Kristina Bagdasarian
• Rena Baker by Jacob Baker
• Sarkis & Dorothy Baldadian by Arthur Baldadian
• Nevart Sarkessian on 25th anniversary of her passing by Robert and Elizabeth Barone
• Hermine & Armand Bogosian by Paul Bogosian
• Armand Bogosian by Paul G. Bogosian
• Vahan Boyajian Family by Florence Boyajian
• Nishan Boyajian by Christine M. Boyajian
• Mirakian and Brann Families by David & Marta Brann
• Dirouhi Gutchigian by Ayshe Chakmaklian
• Robert Damerjian, Sr., Daniel & Tevolinda Damerjian, Nubas & Araxie Hintlian by Lorraine and Robert Damerjian, Jr.
• Albert and Florence Dandegian, Michael and Rose Karabian, Ruth DeStefano by Albert Dandegian, Jr.
• Larry Der Hagopian by Jeanette Der Hagopian
• Larry Der Hagopian by Kim & Larry Der Hagopian
• Albert DerPilbosian by Valerie DerPilbosian & Family
• Karapet & Hayarpie Garibian; Niaz Karibian by Dr. Garo & Cecelia Garibian
• George Hagopian by Donna Hagopian and Ashley Marshall
• Haig Hagopian by Gay Hagopian
• Hajatian & Vosbikian Families by Lynn & Michael Hajatian
• Grandparents and father of John Hanamirian
• Albert & Naomi Kapeghian by Tom & Barbara Harmon
• Samuel and Dorothy Baldadian by Joyce & Brian Hoyle
• Harry Injaian by Mary T. Injaian
• Van Injaian by Suzanne Injaian
• Jamgochian Family by Mary Jamgochian
• Antranik & Virginia Javardian, Andre Javardian, Dick & Evelyn Weinsheimer and Rosine Magarian by Gregory & Maria Javardian
• Barbara & Butch Kumkumian by Carol Jerrahian
• Edward L. Zarzatian, Jr. by Fred & Janet Jordan
• Berdj & Alice Kalustyan by Carol & Gary Kalustyan
• Michael & Rose Karabian, Ruth DeStefano, and Florence Dandegian by Alice Karabian
• Kegham & Nevrig Kash by John Kash
• Arsen, Katherine, Ardelle, Arsen Jr., John, and Nicholas Kashkashian by Ronald A Kashkashian
• Garabed and Asdghig Keshgegian by Albert & Patrice Keshgegian
• Edward Zarzatian, Jack & Mary Pagdikian by Alice & Frank Keytanjian
• Patrick Killian, John & Dorothy Chalikian by Joyce Killian, Stacey Alen, Alexis & Dylan Cakiryan
• Albert & Naomi and Shant Kapeghian by Robert & Janice King
• Haig Hagopian by Tina & Joe LaRose
• Garabed & Elizabeth and Martin Tookmanian by Hank & Brenda LeCompte
• Charles & Polly Mears by Terri & Dave Mears
• Dorothy & Sarkis Baldadian by The Melian Family
• Beatrice Minassian and Rose Timourian by Serge & Adrienne Minassian
• Arousiag & Hagop Gostegian & Johar Momjian by Esther Momjian
• Dorothy Cook on the 23rd year of her eternal rest by Emily Terjimanian and Karen Movsesian
• Ohanes Oskanian, MD by The Oskanian Family
• Mary & Sooren Paretchan by Don Paretchan
• Archbishop Papken Varjabedian by Michael & Tanya Paretchan
• Mary and Martin Parnagian by Linda Parnagian Preske & Grant Parnagian
• Elizabeth & Souren Sadjian and all deceased members of the Sadjian and Mordigian families by Ernie & Chris Peacock
• Albert Santerian by Linda Santerian
• Ned & Corinne Santerian, John & Rose Serabian, Edward & Rose Karnikian by Merle Santerian
• Robert H. (Bobby) Sarkisian, Mary Sarkisian Parnagian and Martin Parnagian by Mary Kapros Sarkisian
• Charles & Naomi Antaramian and Leona & Charles Garabedian by Jon & Charlene Simonian
• Charles & Alice Sisian by Denise Sisian
• Katch and Mary Kapeghian by Tom & Karen Vartanian Swartz
• Robert J Temoyan by Carol Temoyan
• Arshag, Eugenie & Garo Yeterian by Angel Tookmanian
• Elizabeth & Garabed Tookmanian by Mike Tookmanian
• Larry Der Hagopian by Kim and Gena Willard
• Norair and Vera Hartunian, Harry Yazujian and Helen Vishab by Gregory & Diane Yazujian
• Edward L. Zarzatian and Mary & Jack Pagdikian by Rosemarie Zarzatian
• Albert Zerounian, Beatrice Sinanian, Zerounian, Sinanian & Broukian families by Nauver and Arpie Zerounian