The Sunday Messenger
July 27, 2025

Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Wisdom 7:25-8:4 Solomon extols the virtues of wisdom, having sought her from his youth: she is a powerful source of renewal, prevails against evil, and draws us to friendship with God since “God loves nothing so much as the person who loves wisdom.” (v. 28) Discuss/reflect: In 1 Kings 3: 1-15, God asks Solomon what he wants most. Rather than long life or wealth, he asks for wisdom, which in Hebrew is literally “a listening heart.” How might such a heart help you?

Zechariah 14: 16-21 Declaring that a day is coming when the Lord will be king over the whole earth, the prophet foresees that all — even former enemies of the faith — will be called to Jerusalem on the Feast of the Tabernacles to celebrate and worship him as the Lord Almighty. Discuss/reflect: “Holy to the Lord” will be inscribed on the horses’ bells and on cooking pots (v.20) on that day. What parts of your life do you feel are inscribed to the Lord? 

1 John 1:1-7 John proclaims the truth of Jesus Christ based on all he has seen, heard,  and touched so that others “may have fellowship with us” (v. 3) and in turn with God. God is light and walking in that light means living by the truth and loving God and one another. Discuss/reflect: In what ways have you, like John, “seen,” “heard,” and “touched” Jesus?

Matthew 16:13-17:13  This rich account, worthy of a long summation, begins with the important conversation at Caesarea Philippi when Jesus asks “Who do people say I am?” After hearing the answers (John the Baptist, a prophet), he asks “and who do you say I am?” To which Peter famously replies “You are the Christ, the Son of God.” In the next account, Jesus predicts his death and counsels that anyone who follows him must take up his cross as well for “those who want to save their life will lose it.” Finally, we read the account of Jesus’ transfiguration.

Today is the Feast of the Transfiguration
The Transfiguration, one of the five major feasts of the Armenian Church, marks the extraordinary occasion Jesus took his three closest disciples, Peter, James, and John, up to Mt. Tabor where he was “transfigured,” appearing radiant. Moses and Elijah appeared at his side, symbols of the Law and Prophecy which Jesus had come to fulfill. A voice from heaven was heard saying: “This is my beloved Son.”

Some customs of an ancient Armenian pagan festival for the goddess Asdghig are still associated with this feast, such as decorating the church with roses (and therefore the Feast’s name Vartavar; it is more formally called Aylagerbootyoon or Baydzaragerbootyoon) and spraying one another with water. Reflection: Only in Matthew, do we learn the disciples’ reaction to this miracle: fear and awe, calmed by Jesus’ touch. (17:6-7) Think of a time when you were afraid, anxious, or confused. Were you aware of Jesus’ presence? Next time you feel this way, prayerfully dwell on the Lord’s radiant transfiguration

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 greetings 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 for fellowship and good conversation following Badarak today.

Violence Against Women!  We invite our faithful to join us on Assumption Sunday, August 17^th for an eye-opening presentation on domestic violence in Armenia. Our speaker, Philadelphia native Ani Jilozian, who serves as the Director of Development at the Women’s Support Center in Armenia, will share the important work being done by the organization to combat, treat and prevent violence against women and children. Ani will speak to us following Badarak and a special Agape Fellowship. (08/17)

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.

Art and Biblical Meditation – Our Adult Christian Education (ACE) ministry is pleased to announce a 2-session IN PERSON mini-workshop on looking at art from a Biblical and meditative perspective. Led by Leslie Movsesian. The second session (30-40 minutes) will follow Badarak on August 10. To register, please send an email to nancybasmajian@verizon.net (08/10)

Ladies of Holy Trinity August Regional Socials

Join us for one or all events this August:

• August 14th EVENING- 6:30pm Armenian Cooking Class at Cafe POM in Paoli, PA ($40/pp)- Maximum of 12 people – Learn to make Armenian recipes and take home what you make! BYOB
• August 21st DAYTIME- 11:30am Indian King Tavern Museum (free admission) followed by 12:15pm Lunch ($) at Umile Trattoria in Haddonfield NJ*
• August 28th DAYTIME- 11:00am Wharton Esherick Museum ($22/pp for museum tour) followed by 12:30pm Lunch ($) at Cafe POM in Paoli, PA*
• RSVP for All Events by August 10^th to WG@holytrinity-pa.org

* You may choose to attend only the lunch at each daytime event if you wish. Please indicate which event(s) you will be attending and if you plan to attend only lunch on the daytime outings. We hope you will join us!

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 Transfiguration of our Lord
Following Coffee Hour at 1:00pm, we will again have a Fire Truck to enjoy the fun of water games of Vartavar. Bring your children and water toys.
Aug 10         Art & Biblical Meditation
Aug 17         Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-Of-God (Grapes Blessing)
Aug 17         Program on the Women’s Support Center in Armenia
Sep 01         Labor Day – Church Office Closed
Sep 14         Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Sep 18         Zoom Book Club
Sep 21         Armenian Independence Day
Sep 28         Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak