Sunday Messenger
September 13, 2026

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.

Requiem Services – We Honor And Pray For These Souls

Hokehankist Today Will Be For

Armen Mirakian on the 6th Anniversary of his eternal rest, Theodora Crist Mirakian on the 5^th Anniversary of her eternal rest and Alice Karabian on the 1^st anniversary of her eternal rest. Forever loved, deeply missed, and always remembered by David & Marta Brann, the Yazujian and Dandegian Families as well as the friends who loved them.

Yester Ergenian on the 25^th year of her eternal rest. Requested in loving memory by her daughter Markrid and Nazareth Keshishian and her granddaughter Arousiag Keshishian and their families.

Altar Flowers – Today’s lovely arrangements are sponsored by the Yazujian and Dandegian Families in Memory of Alice Karabian.

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. Today’s Agape Hour is sponsored by the Yazujian and Dandegian Families in Memory of Alice Karabian. All are invited to share and fellowship.

Knights and Daughters of Vartan invite you to please join them for their annual picnic on October 4th at 3 pm, at Red Battlefield Park in NJ, everyone is welcome to join! There is also a Zeffy event page if people want to reserve online. Please consider supporting this wonderful annual event!! https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/annual-picnic-20

Harvest Bazaar Donations Needed! – Seeking Christmas Decorations & Jewelry 🎄We are currently collecting gently used Christmas decorations and jewelry. As you begin going through your holiday decorations and perhaps costume jewelry, you’re no longer wearing, please consider setting aside any items you would be willing to part with.  We welcome all donations—large or small—and are so grateful for your support!

Donated items may be brought to the church and left in the first Sunday School room.

If you have any questions, please contact Gena Der Hagopian Willard at  genawillard@aol.com or Alyssa Santerian at apsanterian@gmail.com. Thank you so much for your support!

Meat Preparation – We are also looking for volunteers that are interested in helping to cut meat for the bazaar. This is a great opportunity to come and socialize, swap stories (tall tales) and life experiences while helping to prepare for the bazaar. Anyone interested in helping to cut and prepare the meat for our annual bazaar, please contact Robbie Barone at 610-529-2178.

Member Directory – We are pleased to announce that we have an updated member directory. Please reach out to the office if you would like a printed or digital copy. Please note a verified connection with Holy Trinity will be performed before the directory is released to you.

Renovations – We appreciate your patience as the church renovations are coming to an end. We expect everything to be back to normal prior to our annual bazaar. Please continue to pardon the inconvenience as we make the church safer and welcoming for our parishioners and guests. While these restrooms are unavailable, please remember that the restrooms near the elevator at the back of the Sunday School area are available. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding during this process.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

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