THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
September 8, 2024

Paregentan of the Fast of Exaltation

 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.

 Sunday, 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?

 Department of Christian Education/Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)/elisea@armeniandiocese.org

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: Hokehankist today will be for:

Bryan Peckjian
Rev. Fr. Mgerditch and Yeretzgin Ovsanna Minassian
Misak and Noemzar Mazmanian
Peter and Victoria Peckjian
Oskan and Elmas Harootunian
Deacon Shahab and Mary Minassian
Arnold and Patricia Peckjian
Deacon Sebouh and Rose Minassian
Dr. Gabriel and Virginia Tatarian
Dr. Michael and Shashanig Hintlian and Hintlian family
Richard Peckjian
Diran and Nina Harootunian
Jack, John, and Soren Goushian
John and Elizabeth Arslanian

Requested by the Peckjian and Sherenian families

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

Church School Registration – Sept 15^th – Register your child for Church School Religious Education Classes and Armenian Language Classes. No charge. Church School students enjoy the benefits of a wonderful faith and cultural education with free attendance at Church School parties. We hope you will join us!

Bringing Water (and Hope!) to Berkaber

The beautiful village of Berkaber is located in Armenia’s far eastern Tavush region. Its name directly translates to “bring the harvest,” and that’s just what the villagers are doing thanks to their new irrigation system! FAR, along with the Pan-Armenian Fund, supported the community with the initial investment to apply for a government grant to install the vital infrastructure. Robert Aghamyan, who used to rely on animal husbandry for income, has been able to transform his 3,000 square meters of land—just 500 meters from Azeri military posts—into his main source of livelihood. “Last year, we planted 9 kg of green peas and harvested 100 kg. That was amazing,” he shares. Prior to the irrigation system, Robert and his wife Taguhi had no plans or intention to cultivate the land, simply because there was no way to water it. “Two years ago, it was just grass… We plowed the land for the first time last year, and the first harvest was excellent.” Over the years, FAR has invested in community projects that create essential infrastructure for economic development in Tavush villages through the Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Program (BCPP). These initiatives have profoundly impacted the daily lives and future prospects of the villagers. Read more here: https://www.farusa.org/post/new-irrigation-system-sparks-orchard-boom-in-berkaber

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.

Stay Connected with our Church Portal – Over the past several months Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church has changed to a new Church Management System called One Church.  The new software puts you in control of your information (email, phone number, giving information, etc.), allows us to communicate with you more effectively, facilitates online, text, and app donations, and provides greater connectivity throughout our community.  You should have received an email.  If you have not gotten one (please make sure to check your spam folder), then reach out to the church office.

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.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

A BLESSING SERVICE HONORING OUR GRANDPARENTS

Today, as our nation celebrates Grandparents Day, we want to take this opportunity to honor our grandparents with a short blessing service following the Divine Liturgy. We hope you will join us as we recognize the special love and gifts grandparents share with their grandchildren and their contribution to our parish family. Please  join us for fellowship in our Santerian Hall.

All are welcome!!

Sep 08         Grandparents Day
Sep 15         Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Sep 15         Church School Registration
Sep 19         Zoom Book Club Returns (see flyer in narthex)
Sep 21         Armenian Independence Day
Sep 29         Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak
Oct 26-27    Annual Harvest Bazaar