THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
OCTOBER 5, 2025

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 – 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

• KAPRIELIAN, KOUYOUMJIAN, DEMIRJIAN, PAMBOUKJIAN and KESHISHIAN FAMILIES requested in loving memory by Arshag Kaprielian
• KOUYOUMJIAN, DEMIRJIAN, KEREMETELIAN, PAMBOUKJIAN AND KESHISHIAN families requested in loving memory by Arshag Kaprielian.
• BARBARA KUMKUMIAN on the 15th anniversary of her eternal request. Requested in loving memory by Carol Jerrahian and Nick Bokas.

KARASOONK TODAY WILL BE FOR

• Alice Karabian requested in loving memory by the Yazujian Families, the Dandegian Family, and the Vishab Family

ALTAR FLOWERS – are donated by Carol Jerrahian in loving memory of Barbara Kumkumian and by The Yazujian Families and the Dandegian Family in loving memory of Alice Karabian.

AGAPE HOUR – This week’s Agape Hour is sponsored by the Yazujian Families and the Dandegian Family in memory and honor of Alice Karabian. Please join us for good snacks and enlightening conversations.

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 of 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!

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!

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 thirty 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!

Additionally, we kindly request that you write the number corresponding to your name on the sign-up sheet on the bottom of your shoebox. This will allow us to discreetly identify returned shoeboxes.

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 16. Any questions can be referred to Gena DerHagopian or Alyssa Santerian.

REMINDER – Fall 2025 is here!!…..have you paid your 2025 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/

PASTOR’S BIBLE STUDY: Our Adult Christian Education (ACE) ministry team is pleased to announce a five-week Bible Study via Zoom on the Letter of St. James. Our guide will be Fr. Hakob, whose understanding of Scripture and our human frailties has inspired and comforted participants for several years. We will meet on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 from October 15 to November 12. All are welcome. To receive the Zoom link, send an email request to nancybasmajian@verizon.net.

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.

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~~~~~~~~~~

Fourth Sunday After Exaltation

First Communion Sunday and Commitment Service

Students make Monti with Mrs. Torcomian

Oct 15 Bible Study Resumes
Oct 22 Pastor’s Zoom Bible Study
Oct 25-26 Annual Harvest Bazaar
Oct 29 Pastor’s Zoom Bible Study
Nov 01 Caring for Friends Service Day
Nov 05 Pastor’s Zoom Bible Study
Nov 09 Finding meaning in Photography
Nov 12 Pastor’s Zoom Bible Study
Nov 27 Thanksgiving

Until The Annual Harvest Bazaar!!

Bazaar Prep – Volunteers Needed

Ladies (and Gentleman) of HTAC September and October Bazaar Prep

It’s time to prepare for the annual Bazaar! Let us know if you will be able to help with cooking, prep and/or food service on either of the dates below by emailing wg@holytrinity-pa.org and we will let the chefs/coordinators know they can count on you to help! (There may be more cooking dates to be announced so please keep checking for updates)

Choreg making
10am Wednesdays
October 8th and 15th

Tray Cheese Boureg making
10am Tuesday October 7th

Spinach Boureg making – CANCELLED
12pm Sunday October 12th

Yalanchee wrapping
10am Tuesday October 21st

Food Prep work (Night Before Bazaar)
5pm Friday October 24th

Hall and Kitchen Prep Work
Mornings before Bazaar starts
10am Saturday October 25th
10am Sunday October 26th

Food Service during Bazaar
One-hour shifts
Saturday October 25th
3 pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6 pm, 7 pm
Sunday October 26th