THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
September 15, 2024

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.

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

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!

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

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 EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Church School Registration
– Register your child for Church School Religious Education Classes and Armenian Language Classes. No charge. Church School students enjoy the benefits of a wonderful faith and cultural education with free attendance at Church School parties. We hope you will join us!
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