THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
September 21, 2025

Paregentan of the Fast of the Holy Cross of Varak

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Mark 10:1-12 Since divorce was easily obtainable by Jewish men in 1^st century Palestine, Jesus had a particular point to make when He spoke about the sanctity of the marriage vow. Discuss/reflect: Deuteronomy 24:1 confirms that a husband could simply write his own certificate of divorce and dismiss his wife from the marriage. Jesus reminds the Pharisees that when God created men and women, He created them to be together and that what He intended for them should be honored. The Armenian Church takes the importance of marriage so seriously that while it acknowledges that there might be compelling reasons for a marriage to be dissolved, it is a sad event that calls for thoughtful reflection. Second marriage rituals have a penitential character. Do you think marriage is important for happiness? What qualities are essential for that relationship to thrive?

2 Corinthians 10:18-11:10 St. Paul defends his teaching against those who preach a different “gospel;” his witness is always focused on Jesus Christ. He humbly does what he can to support himself in his work, thus avoiding being a burden. Discuss/reflect: St. Paul proposes a metaphor of marriage when he says (v. 2), “I promised you to one husband, to Christ…” What does this suggest about our relationship with our Lord?

Isaiah 14:3-17 These verses refer to the fall of Babylon (Babylon had taken the Hebrews into captivity in a catastrophic episode known as the Babylonian Exile, c 587-537 BC) and eloquently sing of how the mightiest, the most terrible rulers are eventually in their graves, defeated by death. Discuss/reflect: What might the “pomp” and the “noise of harps” (v.11) be for you in your life, meaning, what do you take pride and pleasure in that might actually be distracting you from God and that is destined to end unlike God’s eternal love?

Tuesday, September 23, commemorates St. Shushan
Shushan was the daughter of the Armenian national hero and saint Vartan Mamigonian and wife of Varsken, a nobleman of Armenian/ Iranian descent who renounced Christianity in favor of Mazdeism to secure his position with the ruling Persians. Varsken demanded the same from his wife and when she refused, he had her imprisoned and tortured for seven years. To her last breath, she proclaimed Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Strengthening her in her resolve were a relic of Christ’s cross and a gospel that she had received as a gift from her grandfather, the renowned Catholicos Sahag Bartev. She died in 458 AD at the age of 45. She is honored as well in the Georgian Orthodox Church; the account of her martyrdom is the oldest extant work of Georgian literature. Reflection: Describe your relationship with the Lord. Would it be easily abandoned in the face of adversity?

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.

Agape Hour – Please join us as we have good conversation and enjoy tasty treats after Badarak.

Harvest Bazaar Donations Needed! – As we prepare for our upcoming Harvest Bazaar, we are reaching out to our community for donations. We welcome contributions in the form of cash, gift cards, new gifts, tickets for sporting events, theater, movie or any other new items that can be included in our gift baskets. Ask your local merchants such as hair, nail salons, restaurants, etc. if they will give gifts certificates. Any amount is welcome!

If you would like to donate, please contact Cecelia Garibian at 267-210-0670, email cecelia714@gmail.com or drop off your donations at the church on Sundays or contact the office at 215-663-1600 to arrange drop offs during the week. Thank you for your support and generosity!

Reminder – Fall 2025 is here!!…..have you paid your 2025 dues yet? According to the Diocesan Bylaws, membership dues are to be paid no later than December 31st each year in order to be a member in “good standing” and to be eligible to vote at the annual assembly. You may pay by sending a check via snail mail, dropping off in the Narthex before/after Divine Liturgy or online at https://holytrinity-pa.org/donation/

Pastor’s Bible Study:  Our Adult Christian Education (ACE) ministry team is pleased to announce a five-week Bible Study via Zoom on the Letter of St. James. Our guide will be Fr. Hakob, whose understanding of Scripture and our human frailties has inspired and comforted participants for several years. We will meet on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 from October 15 to November 12. All are welcome. To receive the Zoom link, send an email request to nancybasmajian@verizon.net.

Guest Celebrant and Deacon Ordination – Join us for a celebratory Gala Spread on September 28^th following the Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, along with the deacon’s ordination at Holy Trinity Armenian Church. Reservations are required – $40 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under. Please email office@holytrinity-pa.org or call the church office at 215-663-1600 and leave a detailed message if you get the voicemail. Deadline to register is September 22, 2025.

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.

Church School Highlights

• 09/21 Fire drill
• 09/28 Students attend the Primate’s sermon!
• 10/05 First Communion Sunday and Commitment Service Der Hayr sermon to Parents!
• 10/05 Students make Monti with Mrs. Torcomian!

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.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Paregentan Of The Fast Of The Holy Cross Of Varak
Sep 21         Armenian Independence Day
Sep 25         Zoom Book Club
Sep 28         Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak
Oct 15         Bible Study Resumes
Oct 22         Pastor’s Zoom Bible Study
Oct 25-26    Annual Harvest Bazaar
Oct 29         Pastor’s Zoom Bible Study
Nov 01         Caring for Friends Service Day
Nov 05         Pastor’s Zoom Bible Study
Nov 09         Finding meaning in Photography
Nov 12         Pastor’s Zoom Bible Study

Bazaar Prep – Volunteers Needed

Ladies (and Gentleman) of HTAC September and October Bazaar Prep

It’s time to prepare for the annual Bazaar! Let us know if you will be able to help with cooking, prep and/or food service on either of the dates below by emailing wg@holytrinity-pa.org and we will let the chefs/coordinators know they can count on you to help! (There may be more cooking dates to be announced so please keep checking for updates)

Souboureg making: 10am Sunday September 21st

Choreg making: 10am Wednesdays September 24th, October 1st, 8th and 15th

Tray Cheese boureg making: 12pm Sunday October 12th

Yalanchee wrapping: 10am Tuesday October 21st

Food Prep work (Night Before Bazaar): 5pm Friday October 24th

Hall and Kitchen Prep Work: Mornings before Bazaar starts, 10am Saturday October 25th, 10am Sunday October 26th

Food Service during Bazaar: One-hour shifts, Saturday October 25th, 3 pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6 pm, 7 pm, Sunday October 26th