THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
March 29, 2026

Palm Sunday (Dzaghgazart)

This day recalls Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. He is greeted by throngs of people laying their cloaks and palm branches on the road before him as a royal carpet of welcome. Matthew understood the event as the fulfillment of specific prophecies, including  Zechariah 9:9 (today’s reading). Therefore, for many gathered, this was the entrance of the Messiah and conformed fully to Old Testament prophecy and Jewish expectations. Yet how poorly the crowd understood the nature of the kingdom and the king they were welcoming since not long afterwards their “Hosannas!” turned to  the jeering shouts of “Crucify him!”

The service of the Opening of the Doors is also held on Palm Sunday, during which the priest and people pray for entry once again into God’s presence. The term Dzaghgazart (“adorned with flowers”) may refer to an older pagan feast. Discuss/reflect: In Matthew 21:10 we read that “when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked: “Who is this?” Has he entered your heart? Are you prompted to know more about who He is?

From Today’s Scripture Readings

Matthew 20:29-21:17 The healing of the two blind men is a poignant prelude to the story of Jesus’ triumphal arrival in Jerusalem (see below). The two persist in loudly declaring their faith despite the crowd’s rebuke. Upon being healed by their Lord, they follow him. The passage continues with the Palm Sunday story (21:1-11) and the account of Jesus driving the moneychangers from the Temple. Discuss/reflect: If Jesus said to you (as he did to the blind men) “what do you want me to do for you?” how would you answer?

Philippians 4:4-7 In a letter overflowing with the joy of knowing Jesus, St. Paul sums it all up in these few verses: Rejoice in the Lord, know that he is near, be gentle with everyone, don’t worry about a thing, pray your gratitude, and God’s peace will guard your heart in Christ Jesus.

Discuss/reflect: Personalize verse 7 and memorize it: “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” Pray this throughout the day.

Zechariah 9:9-15 Set in the context of the Jews’ return from the Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem, Zechariah looks expectantly to when God will transform his people into a holy nation. In these verses, we see a striking prophecy of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem “gentle and riding on a donkey.” Discuss/reflect: What images of peace and restoration can you identify in verses 9-10? Why a donkey (v.9; see Matthew 21:5 ) and not a warhorse?

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.

Agape Hour – There is no Agape Hour today as the hall will be hosting the ACYOA Palm Sunday Banquet. Hopefully everyone is registered because, unfortunately, no tickets will be sold at the door.

Lent 2026 – Our Adult Christian Education (ACE) team invites you to the last of our Zoom programs in this year’s Lenten series. On Friday evening, March 27^th, senior deacon Albert Keshgegian will discuss his latest publication, “Take the Light: Reflections on God’s Love in our Lives” (available in our bookstore).  While participants need not read the entire book beforehand, it will certainly enrich our conversation. You are encouraged to, at least, browse through the reflections for something that you may wish to question or comment upon. You will receive the Zoom link in time to participate in this interactive session with fellow parishioners.(04/22)

Church School Breakfast & Learn Parents’ Roundtable April 12, 2026 @ 11:15am in the Conference Room – Parents of Church School Age students, please join us for a continental breakfast and an opportunity to hear from a professional Pediatrician about the topic of co-regulation and social media recommendations for children.

ASA Scholarship Applications Now Open – The Armenian Students’ Association of America (ASA) is now accepting applications for its Scholarships, as well as the Silver and Gold Medal Awards. Eligible students of Armenian descent are encouraged to apply. For eligibility requirements and application details, please visit www.asainc.org. The application deadline is April 1.(04/01)

Armenian Heritage Walk – Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate a milestone that has been decades in the making, the Armenian Heritage Walk at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This black-tie event will honor the completion of Phase One and mark the official unveiling and dedication of the Armenian Heritage Walk on April 25, 2026, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM at The National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Set against the backdrop of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, the night will shine with purpose, pride, and community as we introduce a meaningful new cultural landmark, a lasting gift to the nation. For more information or to purchase tickets please go to https://www.armenianheritagewalk.org/event-details/armenian-heritage-walk-gala (04/19)

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.  You know you’ve been pondering volunteering for this rewarding role. Make this the week that you reach out for further information (I double dare  you), by contacting Karinne Andonian at karinne.hov@gmail.com.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Palm Sunday (Dzaghgazart)
Palm Sunday Banquet – ACYOA Day No tickets will be sold at the door
Apr 02         Holy Thursday
Apr 03         Holy Friday
Apr 04         Easter Eve and Fellowship
Apr 05         Easter
Apr 25         Armenian Heritage Walk

Palm Sunday Palms and Palm Sunday Flowers are donated by

Lucy Aghazarian in Memory of Aram Avedis and Lori Aghazarian
Stephen & Jean Ajemian
Hagop Arzoumanian in Memory of Diramayr Serbouhi Arzoumanian
Steve Aslanian
Vlad & Kristina Bagdasarian in Memory of Rimma Yegiazarova
Stephanie Ekizian Balint, Steve Balint & Family in Memory of Hagop Jack Ekizian
Paul G. Bogosian in Memory of Hermine and Armand Bogosian
Paul G. Bogosian In Honor of Michael Tookmanian for his service to the church for over two decades
David and Marta Brann in Memory of Mirakian and Brann Families
Lorraine Damerjian and Robert Damerjian Jr. in Memory of Robert Damerjian Sr.
Elizabeth Garabedian in Memory of the Kayaian Family
Donna Hagopian & Ashley Marshall in Honor of George G. Hagopian
Greg and Maria Javardian
Fred & Janet Jordan in Memory of Edward L. Zarzation, Jr.
Gary & Carol Kalustyan in Honor of Berdj & Alice Kalustyan
Ronald A. Kashkashian in Memory of Ardelle, Arsen Jr., John & Nicholas Kashkashian
Frank & Alice Keytanjian in Memory of Jack & Mary Pagdikian and Edward L. Zarzatian
Joyce Killian in Memory of Patrick Killian and John & Dorothy Chalikian
Karen Kirakozov in Memory of Rafael, Enok, Hayastan, Satenik and in Honor of Matthw, Mariam, Diana and Ofelia
Grace & Mesrob Odabashian
The Oskanian family in Memory of Ohanes B. Oskanian, MD
Jerry & Theresa Sisian