THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
July 13, 2025

Fifth Sunday After Pentecost

 Deacon Service Today

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Isaiah 2:5-11 Isaiah continues to unfold God’s warning that the people of Judah and Jerusalem have abandoned him for meaningless abundance and idols. Their treasure is no longer their Lord, but rather gold and silver, horses and chariots.  God, however, will bring down the arrogant. In the last days “the Lord alone will be exalted.” (v.11) Discuss/reflect: What are your precious treasures and idols (2:7-8)? Use your answers to pray a confessional prayer and ask to be freed from materialism and idolatry that you might “walk in the light of the Lord.” (2:5)

Romans 8:31-10:4 St. Paul outlines the unambiguous nature of God’s sovereignty. His fierce love, a love that took his own Son to the cross, calls us to a relationship where  neither persecution, nor famine, nor any danger, in fact nothing, “in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus.” (8:39) Paul expresses compassion for the Israelites who still believe the Law is the way to God rather than faith in his love and mercy. Discuss/reflect: In what ways do we establish our own rules of righteousness rather than submitting to God’s (10:3)? Do you do this? Do religious institutions do this?

Matthew 13:24-30 In the Parable of the Weeds, one of a number of “Kingdom” parables in this theologically-rich chapter, Jesus uses the harvest as a common symbol for the final judgment. The weeds are brought into being by Evil itself and will prosper side by side in the world. Only in the fullness and end of time and only with God’s discernment and not our own limited understanding, will the weeds be burned (an agricultural image well understood in Jesus’ time). God’s judgment may take many of us by surprise as we think – often in ignorance and intolerance — about who we feel is “in” and who is “out”! Jesus explains the parable to his disciples in vv 36-43. Discuss/reflect: Have you had a season in your own life where a person could have looked at you and judged you harshly

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
There will not be an Agape Hour this week. Please join us next Sunday when Agape Hour returns.

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 two sessions (30-40 minutes each) will follow Badarak on July 20 and August 10. To register, please send an email to nancybasmajian@verizon.net (08/10)

Attention Graduates! – Looking for graduates (of all levels) to be included in upcoming digital church bulletins. We invite you to submit your own details for inclusion. Write-up should include: full name, parents’ names, name of institution, grade level or degree achieved, activity involvement (church or school), and future plans (further education/work/other). Please include a picture (in high resolution color), if possible. Everything should be sent to office@holytrinity-pa.org by July 15, 2025.

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.

Calling All interested in teaching Church School – The Children & Family Ministry and the Armenian Language Ministry of the Diocese of the Armenian Church (Eastern) are delighted to invite you to the Annual Mardigian Institute 2025: Church School Teachers’ Symposium.

We are excited to bring back this cherished gathering for our Church School educators. This free of charge symposium will be a meaningful opportunity to reconnect, share best practices, and deepen our collective efforts in nurturing faith and Armenian Christian identity in our communities.

Dates: August 15–17, 2025
Location: The Holy Mountain Retreat Center at Graymoor
RSVP TO: churchschool@holytrinity-pa.org by July 14, 2025 if you are interested in attending!
We are opening this to anyone who may be interested in teaching church school next year!(7/13)

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.

Ladies of Holy Trinity ~~~ July Social Gatherings

July 28^th at 7:00pm – Backyard Concert with ASC folk group
If you love music, storytelling, and the Armenian culture, join us for a soiree with the “Armenian Social Club” featuring Karinne’ Andonian, at Garo & CeCe Garibian’s home in Rydal, Pa. Open to Women & Men. Parking is limited • Carpooling is encouraged • Maximum of 30 people • Cost $15.00 pp – RSVP by July 20, 2025 to WG@Holytrinity-pa.org.(7/27)

Jul 20         Art & Biblical Meditation
Jul 27         Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord
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