THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
July 6, 2025

Fourth Sunday After Pentecost

Church will be open from 11:00am – 12:00pm for individuals to come for Prayers, Candle Lighting and Meditation only

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Isaiah 1:21-31 The prophet continues God’s message to a once-faithful Jerusalem, now depicted as a tarnished prostitute. Justice is not served, rulers seek bribes, and widows are neglected. But God will purge away all these impurities and restore the city to righteousness.  Discuss/reflect: Does your parish spend time working on behalf of the oppressed and the poor in your community? What situations ought it to address?

Romans 7:25-8:11 These verses, in which the word “Spirit” appears so often, answer the question: what does it mean to belong to Christ and live in the Spirit and how does that change my life? Paul declares gratefully that because God offered up his own Son as a sin offering, we have been set free from sin and death, something the old Law could not have accomplished. Those not living according to the Spirit, controlled by a sinful nature, are strangers to God and would not even be able to understand his ways. Discuss/reflect: “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” (8:6) In these difficult times, what governs your mind: life and peace or anxiety and fear? If the latter, what might you do to draw closer to the One who can change this?

Matthew 12: 38-45 Despite all the miracles that Jesus has already worked, the scribes and Pharisees ask for more signs. The exasperated Jesus cites Jonah, first for how the prophet’s message of repentance was quickly heeded by the Ninevites (non-Jews) and also for Jonah’s ‘burial’ in the belly of the fish for 3 days and 3 nights, a foreshadowing of Jesus’ burial and resurrection. Jesus laments how evil can easily find a home in the hearts of those who do not understand who He is. Discuss/reflect: Does God dwell in your heart? Do you feel his presence in all you do, think, say? Does that change what happens to you or does it change who you are?

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
This week’s Agape Hour is cancelled as Yn. Anna is traveling with Der Hayr.

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 7/14 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.

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.

Church Membership – Our spiritual church is thriving, and our children are smiling, but have you thought about becoming a member if you are not one already?  Membership is the key to the success of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church.  When you become a member of the church, you strengthen the foundation of Holy Trinity, allowing it to become stronger and more successful.  You have the opportunity to vote in the parish assembly, join various committees and organizations and to help forge the path of Holy Trinity.

If you wish to become a member, please go to https://holytrinity-pa.org/donation/ and select the appropriate membership for 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.

Ladies of Holy Trinity ~~~ July Social Gatherings 

July 16^th at 1:00pm – Pearls and Petals at the Pearl S. Buck House
If you love history, architecture, literature, folk art, fine art, or just stepping back in time, join us for the Life & Legacy Tour featuring one of a kind floral arrangement with flowers from the life and literary works of Pulitzer and Nobel prize winning author and humanitarian Pearl S. Buck. Tour begins at 1pm. Cost $15.00 pp • Pearl S. Buck House, Perkasie, PA • (11:30am Lunch optional for additional fee) • RSVP by 7/10 to WG@Holytrinity-pa.org. (7/15)

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 the Garibian’s in Rydal, Pa. Open to Women & Men. Parking is limited • Carpooling is encouraged • Maximum of 30 people • Cost $15.00 pp – RSVP by 7/20 to WG@Holytrinity-pa.org.(7/27)

Jul 04         Independence Day – Office Closed
Jul 27         Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord
Aug 17        Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-Of-God (Grapes Blessing)
Sep 01         Labor Day – Church Office Closed
Sep 14         Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Sep 21         Armenian Independence Day
Sep 28         Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak