THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
October 6, 2024

Fourth Sunday After Exaltation 

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

Mark 11:27-33 Having overturned the tables of the money changers a day before, Jesus is in the temple courts again and hostilely questioned by the chief priests, elders, and teachers of the law: by what authority does He do what He does? Jesus wisely deflects their question. Discuss/reflect: In what ways do you question and perhaps even undermine Jesus’ authority?

2 Corinthians 13:5-13 Paul asks the Corinthians to test their faith, knowing that if Christ is indeed in their hearts, they cannot fail. His humble prayer is “for their perfection.” (v.9) Memorable verse (12): “Greet one another with a holy kiss” (a foundational verse for our kiss of peace during Badarak). Discuss/reflect: In what area of your spiritual life will you aim “for perfection” this week?

Isaiah 17:7-14 Isaiah announces God’s judgment against Syria and Israel who were aligned against Judah. Having turned away from God, none of their endeavors can be fruitful: they might plant the finest imported vines, but there will be no harvest, only pain.  Enemies will rage like surging waters; it is God’s rebuke alone that sends them fleeing. Discuss/ reflect: How might the story of Jesus’ stilling the storm (Mark 4:35-41) together with the image of verse 13 affect you as you face today’s precarious world? Form a prayer out of your answer.

Is the Feast of the Holy Translators

Mesrob, Yeghishe, Moses, David the Philosopher, Gregory of Narek, Nersess the Grace-filled These well-known saints are remembered on other days of the church calendar year, but the Armenian Church remembers them here specifically as “translators,” those who enlighten others about our faith through prayers, hymns, poetry, philosophy and even history. Translation goes beyond rendering one language into another. It is the sharing of the experience of Christ with His people

St. Gregory of Narek (c 945-1003) was a beloved teacher, churchman and prolific writer. Born in Narek (near Lake Van) he entered the monastery there and wrote Bible commentaries, history and deeply affecting prayers. His renowned collection Speaking with God from the Depths of My Heart was so treasured that it was thought to have healing powers.  Reflection: Consider Gregory’s Prayer 24: “Dear Lord, I pray that I might be honored with clothing of light, from which I have been stripped/that I might touch the hand of Him, from whom I am separated/that I might receive my daily bread, for which I have not worked/that I might be showered with rewards, which I have not earned/that I might remember all my blessings, which I always forget. What are some of the blessings in your life you need to remember?”

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 (Page 18 in New Divine Liturgy Book) – 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: Karasoonk today will be for:

Khoren Stepanyan requested by his sister, Anna Stepanyan and brother-in-law, Vrezh Israelyan on the 40^th day of his eternal rest.

REQUIEM SERVICES: Hokehankist today will be for:

Rosette Alyanakian on the second anniversary of her eternal rest. Requested in loving memory by Ben & Trina Hamalian and their children Benjamin and Jessica.

Altar Flowers – are donated by Ben & Trina Hamalian and their children Benjamin and Jessica, in loving memory of their mother and grandmother

Coffee Fellowship Hour – is hosted by the Israelyan family in loving memory of Khoren Stepanyan. Please join us in the hall for good conversation and fellowship.

Pastor’s Weekly ZOOM Bible Study – We are pleased to invite our faithful to Fr. Hakob’s Bible Study on the GOSPEL OF JOHN. He has already led us through the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke. In this series, we will study St. John’s version, which provides us with a fresh approach to the life of Christ and includes several passages unique to this Gospel. Join us every Wednesday OR any Wednesday beginning October 16 from 7:00 to 8:00 in the evening—you may learn something new about your faith and yourself! Flyers with more info are available in the narthex (10/13).

About Our Sanctuary – Our ACE ministry team has updated a brochure originally created by our late pastor, V. Rev. Fr. Haigazoun Melkonian. It describes the people, events and symbols of our faith as displayed in our sanctuary. It is ACE’s humble offering to us, the faithful of Holy Trinity, intended to educate and enlighten and draw us closer to our Lord and to our Church. The brochure includes a great deal of information, but it is presented in such a way that you can take a “tour” on your own (or with your children) while sitting in a pew or moving around the church before or after Badarak. Copies are available in the narthex. (10/27)

Reminder – Fall 2024 is here!!…..have you paid your 2024 dues yet? According to the Diocesan Bylaws, membership dues are to be paid no later than December 31st each year in order to be a member in “good standing” and to be eligible to vote at the annual assembly. You may pay by sending a check via snail mail, dropping off in the Narthex before/after Divine Liturgy or online at https://holytrinity-pa.org/donation/

Operation Christmas Child begins again, and we invite you to be a part of this amazing outreach by filling shoeboxes for underprivileged children all over the world including Armenia, through Samaritan’s Purse. This worthy organization provided 30 tons of humanitarian aid and set up triage centers staffed with medical professionals to help our Artsakh brothers and sisters when they were tragically forced to leave their homes. Shipping fees are once again being underwritten by the generosity of the Adult Christian Education (ACE) Ministry. We hope you will help us reciprocate in this small way by filling a box or two or more!

For those unable to participate, donations will be gratefully accepted! Donation checks should be made payable to Holy Trinity Armenian Church, memo: OCC. Drop your boxes off early! Absolutely no boxes can be accepted after November 17. Any questions can be referred to Gena DerHagopian or Alyssa Santerian.

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!

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.

Oct 16         Zoom Bible Study with Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan
Oct 26-27    Annual Harvest Bazaar
Nov 28         Thanksgiving
Dec 15         Armenian School Performance