THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
September 4, 2022 

Paregentan of the Fast of Exaltation 

Church Today, September 4, 2022
Today there is an adjusted schedule. Church will be open only from 10:30-11:30am for those who wish to pray and/or light candles. A short service will also be conducted by a deacon in the absence of Der Hakob.

Update on the Primate’s Recovery
Our Primate, Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan, continues to receive excellent medical care in the Albany area under the supervision of top specialists in trauma, surgery, and physical therapy, and also in consultation with advisors from the Armenian American Health Professionals Organization. The doctors have greatly pleased with his progress and on their advice, when it is suitable to do so, he will be transferred to New York City to complete his rehabilitation and healing.

Hayr Sourp’s spiritual wellbeing remains strong and positive, and of course overflowing with gratitude to God, to our faithful, and to the merciful hands tending to him. We continue to offer heartfelt prayers for his ongoing physical recovery, and ask that all our people do the same.

As our Primate progresses towards health, he has been working with the Diocesan Council and administration to advance the mission of the Diocese.

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Isaiah 13:1-11 This oracle against Babylon points to its destruction on “the day of the Lord,” the day of God’s judgment. The sound of advancing armies and genuine human terror is vividly described. The cosmos shares in the agony as the heavens darken. Discuss/reflect: Throughout Scripture, Babylon stands for arrogant pride (Isaiah 47:8: “I am and there is none besides me.”) and godlessness. God musters an army from the “ends of heaven” against this – a terrifying image! What 21^st century phenomena speak of arrogant human pride?

2 Corinthians 7: 4-16 Paul’s spirit is comforted by the fact that rather than being distressed by a letter he had sent them, the Corinthians were prompted to repent. They embrace Titus and feel only concern and love for Paul. “I rejoice…!” exclaims a relieved and encouraged apostle. “Godly sorrow,” he declares, brings an eager desire to be better; worldly sorrow leads only to fruitless regret.  Discuss/reflect: The literal phrase in Greek for “Godly sorrow” is “what God sees as sorrowful.” Can you think of a time when godly sorrow motivated you to make a real change in your life?

Mark 7:31-37 A deaf mute from Decapolis, the predominantly Greek region of 1^st century Palestine, is brought to Jesus by caring people who seek His healing. Jesus takes him away from the crowd and first touches his ear and then, using His own saliva, touches his tongue, looking heavenward as He heals the man. Discuss/reflect: As in other healing stories, here we see again how people are brought to Jesus by others who are convinced that He can change lives. Think of a time someone brought you closer to God’s healing touch. Thank them in prayer.

Thursday, September 8: Feast of the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God
Although not recorded in Scripture, Mary’s birth and upbringing are mentioned in early Christian sources such as the Infancy Gospel of James. James recounts the longing of Sts. Joachim and Anne for a child; they find comfort in the story of Isaac’s birth to the elderly Abraham and Sarah. Joachim fasts for 40 days and nights; Anna wraps herself in mourning clothes and sits in her garden praying fervently. After angels appear to them

both assuring them of a child, Anna runs up to Joachim and, filled with emotion, “hung on his neck” exulting “The Lord has blessed me abundantly!” In joy and gratitude, they promise the child to the Lord and when Anna gives birth and learns it’s a girl, she names her Mary. So fervent was their desire for holiness, that as Mary took her first steps, they vowed not to let her walk on anything impure until she was dedicated to the Temple and so created a ritually sacred space for their beloved daughter. Reflection: James describes Sts. Joachim and Anne as a very human couple who loved God, one another, and their daughter with tenderness and devotion. How might their example be instructive for us in learning how to hear God’s plan for our lives?

COUNTRY STORE – We invite you to come visit us after church most Sundays.  See Liz or Jeanette. If you wish to place an order for pickup, contact Lorraine Damerjian @ 215-572-8465, and she can help you with that.

COFFEE HOUR – There is no coffee hour today.

Seeking Part-time Organists – the Choir of Holy Trinity is looking for 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 @ karinne.hov@gmail.com.

A NOTE OF URGENCY FROM DER YEPREM KELEGIAN
An elementary school in Siunik, 500 yards from the Azeri border needs a bomb shelter.  They have no safe place for them and the villagers to hide in case of gunfire or shells.  The school is in Nerkin Khndzoresk.  Google map so that you can get a “picture” of the valiant villagers who are holding onto our land.  Then click and donate to protect our vulnerable children. http://www.weareayo.org

September 18: Church School opening. We are thrilled to inform our faithful, especially our young families, that Church School is back and IN PERSON!  Both the Language Education and Christian Education divisions of our school will hold Registration on Sunday, September 18 starting at 10:30 in the church lobby—there is no registration or book fee. Help us spread the word—every child is welcome. After Badarak, our faithful are invited to join us outdoors for pizza and ice cream/water ice!

September 21-Book presentation by Adrienne G. Alexanian on her father’s memoir Forced into Genocide: Memoirs of an Armenian Soldier in the Ottoman Turkish Army
Wednesday 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM   Armenian Martyrs’ Congregational Church
100 N. Edmonds Avenue Havertown, PA (610) 446-3330   office@amccpa.org
There are no other books in literature on this aspect of the Armenian Genocide. The book contains rare documents and pictures which will be shown during the presentation. Book signing during the reception. All proceeds will be donated to the AMCC.

September 22 –  Zoom Book Club – our Book Club will discuss an exciting novel—it’s historical fiction, a thriller, and a not-be-to-missed page turner! Written by Amor Towles, A Gentleman in Moscow has been chosen as the Best Book of the Year (2016) by The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, and the Philadelphia Inquirer, among other publications. We will meet at 7:00 via Zoom with our facilitator, Nancy Basmajian. To receive the Zoom link, go to nancybasmajian@verizon.net.

September 28

Attention all ladies and gal-pals –  enjoy a delightful “Paint & Sip” evening packed with fun and fellowship!  Sit back, “wine” down and enjoy a relaxing time in Santerian Hall on Wednesday, September 28 from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.

• Reservations: Required by September 18, 2022….Space is limited
• No painting experience necessary – TRULY!!! You will be guided with easy step-by-step instruction.
• Cost: $25 per person – includes all supplies, mezze, soft drinks and lots of laughs (BYOB)
• Payment Via: Online (HTAC Website) or make your check payable and mail to HTAC / Memo Section: Paint And Sip
• For More Information: Gena Willard 215-805-6559 genawillard@aol.com

LOST AND FOUND – Please take a look at the coat racks in the hallway as we have begun to accumulate miscellaneous pieces of clothing.  We will be donating any remaining items to charity in December.