THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
September 14, 2025

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

Galatians 6:14-18 St. Paul declares that all his praises are reserved for the Cross; through it, the world was crucified to him. Traditions are not as important as being part of the “new creation.” Discuss/reflect: What do you think St. Paul meant when he said the “world had been crucified to him” (v.14)?  What are some of the ways this might be true for you as you grow closer to Jesus?

John 3:13-21 Jesus continues his instruction to the Pharisee Nicodemus. The Son of Man would be lifted up to heaven that all might share in eternal life. For God so loved the world that He would redeem it with His own Son (v.17). Light has come into the world (in Jesus) but those who fear exposure, prefer the darkness. Hmmm… Discuss/reflect: If God were to shine a bright light on your life would you be happy or ashamed? What can you do to “clean up your act” so that the light of the Lord is welcome, freeing you to become who God always meant you to be?

Isaiah 49:13-23 A refrain of joyous comfort from God who declares that His people will never be forgotten. “Lift up your eyes and look around” the Lord declares (v.18). Even if they feel forsaken, in ruin, God reminds them that His love is more powerful than that of a mother for her child. The analogy of a mother’s love in verse 15 is another example of God’s tenderness expressed in female imagery Discuss/reflect: Why is it hard to remember God’s love and blessings in the midst of difficulty? What might it take for you to “shout for joy”?

Today is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross is one of the five major feasts (daghavars) of the Armenian Church, observed on the Sunday nearest September 14. On that day, there is a procession and an antasdan service, which is the blessing of the fields, popularly known as the four corners of the world.

In early times, the most important church in Jerusalem was named the Church of the Holy Cross. It had been built over the place where Jesus was crucified. Every year, the bishop would take out a relic of the cross and elevate it over his head for the people to honor and venerate. This ceremony is the origin of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross.

Traditionally, we connect another story to this Feast Day. In the 7th century, the Persians captured the cross of our Lord after devastating the city of Jerusalem. Emperor Heracles fought a battle against them (in which Armenian troops participated) and liberated the cross. Upon his return, he exalted it in Christian lands, including Armenia, through which the victorious army carried it back to Jerusalem. Activity: On this feast day, put a small cross in your pocket and reflect reverently throughout the day on Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice changed your life now and for all eternity

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 as we have good conversation and enjoy tasty treats after Badarak.

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!

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!

Guest Celebrant and Deacon Ordination – Join us for a celebratory Gala Spread on September 28^th following the Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, along with the deacon’s ordination at Holy Trinity Armenian Church. Reservations are required – $40 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under. Please email office@holytrinity-pa.org or call the church office at 215-663-1600 and leave a detailed message if you get the voicemail. Deadline to register is September 22, 2025.

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.

Church School Highlights

• POSTPONED 9/21 Students make Manti with Mrs. Torcomian! (And a fire drill)
• 9/28 Students attend the Primate’s sermon!
• 10/5 First Communion Sunday and Commitment Service Der Hayr sermon to Parents! 

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 Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Church School Resumes
Welcome Back Registration and first classes! Also, Students will participate in the procession of basil during the Exaltation of the Cross service and enjoy Pizza and ice cream afterwards to celebrate our return to Church school!
Rescheduled – ACYOA Juniors Dance has been moved to February 14, 2026
Postponed – Honoring our Grandparents will be rescheduled
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
Nov 09         Finding meaning in Photography

Bazaar Prep – Volunteers Needed
Ladies (and Gentleman) of HTAC September and October Bazaar Prep

It’s time to prepare for the annual Bazaar! Let us know if you will be able to help with cooking, prep and/or food service on either of the dates below by emailing wg@holytrinity-pa.org and we will let the chefs/coordinators know they can count on you to help! (There may be more cooking dates to be announced so please keep checking for updates)

Souboureg making
10am Tuesday September 16th
10am Sunday September 21st

Choreg making
10am Wednesdays September 24th, October 1st, 8th and 15th

Tray Cheese boureg making
12pm Sunday October 12th

Yalanchee wrapping
10am Tuesday October 21st

Food Prep work (Night Before Bazaar)
5pm Friday October 24th

Hall and Kitchen Prep Work
Mornings before Bazaar starts
10am Saturday October 25th
10am Sunday October 26th

Food Service during Bazaar
One-hour shifts
Saturday October 25th; 3 pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6 pm, 7 pm
Sunday October 26th: 1 pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm