THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
November 10, 2024

Ninth Sunday after Exaltation

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Luke 8:49-56 Earlier in this chapter, the synagogue official Jairus has begged Jesus to heal his ailing daughter. Now Jesus hears the news that the official’s daughter has died. He tells Jairus not to be afraid, but only believe, and she would be made well. And indeed, Jesus brings her back to life. Discuss/reflect: While those around him laughed at the impossibility of such a thing, Jesus did proceed to reverse the seemingly irreversible. What have you long struggled with that you might offer up to Him for healing?

Ephesians 5:15-33 How appropriate are verses 15-21 to our times! “Fill yourselves with the Spirit,” Paul advises the community. “The days are evil” (5:16) so rather than wasting time in vain pursuits, simply live gratefully with God’s praises on your lips and (literally!) a song in your heart. Discuss/reflect: St. Paul advises that we give thanks to God “always and in everything” (verse 20). What are you grateful for? Pray about these people or things.

Isaiah 24:1-12 Isaiah describes God’s judgment upon Judah – the devastation of the earth as a result of sin and transgression. Discuss/reflect: God’s people have broken their covenant (24:5-6). How might we today be hurting ourselves or the earth by ignoring God’s laws and covenant?

Saturday, November 16: Holy Apostles Andrew and Philip

“Come, follow me” were the first few words Jesus spoke to Andrew and his brother Simon Peter (Matthew 4:18-20; Mark 1:16-18) as he was walking beside the Sea of Galilee and saw them casting their nets. He then declared that he would make them fishers of men. This universal paradigm of discipleship and witness suggests that when we follow our Lord we are changed by Him to such a degree that we want to share this joy with others. Little is said about Andrew in the Gospels, but it was he who encouraged his brother to follow Jesus (John 1:41-42); he told Jesus about the boy with the loaves and fishes (John 6:8); and when Philip wanted to speak to Jesus about Greeks who sought to meet Him, he spoke to Andrew first (John 12:22). Tradition reports that after preaching in Greece, Anatolia and elsewhere, he was arrested and crucified on an x-shaped cross, feeling himself unworthy to be crucified as Jesus was.

Like Andrew, Philip was from Bethsaida. After he was called by Jesus, he tells Bartholomew (John 1:45) — who doubts anything “good can come from Nazareth” — to “come and see.” An account of his martyrdom relates that Philip was arrested with Bartholomew but brought about his companion’s release even though he himself was crucified. Outside of the Gospels, incidents from the lives of these two apostles can be found in histories, hagiographies, and anonymous Acts. Reflection: Andrew is often seen bringing others to Christ. Is your faith and trust in Him so strong that you too look for every opportunity to do so?

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.

Coffee Fellowship Hour – Please join us in the hall for good conversation and fellowship.

Operation Christmas Child – A HUGE THANK YOU to our Holy Trinity Church Family for generously and swiftly reaching our ambitious goal of donating 100 shoeboxes to Samaritan’s Purse.  WE DID IT!  Please remember to drop your boxes off by November 17th at the very latest.  Boxes should be left in the church conference room.  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.

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.

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.

Pastor’s Weekly ZOOM Bible Study – Our Adult Christian Education ministry team is pleased to invite our faithful to Fr. Hakob’s Bible Study on the GOSPEL OF JOHN. We are meeting every Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 8:00 via Zoom. Last year, we journeyed with Der Hayr methodically through the Gospel of Luke and learned a great deal. So, why are we studying the Gospel of John? Isn’t it just another gospel? Join us to discover how John’s account of Jesus’ life and ministry differs from the other gospels and what it means for us. To receive the Zoom link, contact nancybasmajian@verizon.net

Special Prayer Service for Artsakh Armenians
All Armenian Churches around the globe are joining in prayer today for the liberation of Artsakh Armenians who are still being held captive in Azerbaijan – one year after the ethnic cleansing of our precious Artsakh, and four years after the surprise attack and subsequent war again our people there.  Today we pray for their well-being and to draw attention to the illegal and immoral imprisonment of our fellow countrymen.

Nov 11         Veteran’s Day – Church Office Closed
Nov 13         Zoom Bible Study with Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan
Nov 14         Zoom Book Club
Nov 17         Deadline for Operation Christmas Child
Nov 17         Barekendan of the Fast of Advent
Nov 20         Zoom Bible Study with Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan
Nov 28         Thanksgiving
Dec 08         Church School Lunch with Santa
Dec 15         Armenian School Performance