THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
September 22, 2023

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 24, 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 (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.

REQUIEM SERVICES: Karasoonk today will be for:

Shant Kapeghian on the 40^th day of his eternal rest requested in loving memory by the King, Harmon, Worrell, and Blalock families.
Shant Kapeghian on the 40^th day of his eternal rest requested with love by Roupen & Marge Gureghian and family.
Nishan Boyajian on the 40^th day of his eternal rest requested in loving memory by his family and close friend.

Hokehankist today will be for: 

Arthur Aznavuryan on the 16^th anniversary of his eternal rest. Beloved husband, father and grandfather. Requested by his wife, son and daughter, Armenoui and Carlo Aznavuryan & family, Lolita Babikian & children.
Onnig Babikian on the 21^st anniversary of his eternal rest. Beloved husband, father and grandfather. Requested by his wife Lolita Babikian and children and the Armenoui and Carlo Aznavuryan family.
Also, for all deceased members of the Babikian, Aznavuryan and Panjarjian families.

Altar Flowers – donated today in loving memory of Shant Kapeghian by his sisters Janice King and Barbara Harmon.

Coffee Fellowship Hour – is hosted by the family of Shant Kapeghian.

Please join us in the hall for good conversation and fellowship.

Reminder – Fall 2024 is here!!…..have you paid your 2024 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/

Operation Christmas Child begins again, and we invite you to be a part of this amazing outreach by filling shoeboxes for underprivileged children all over the world including Armenia, through Samaritan’s Purse. This worthy organization provided 30 tons of humanitarian aid and set up triage centers staffed with medical professionals to help our Artsakh brothers and sisters when they were tragically forced to leave their homes. Shipping fees are once again being underwritten by the generosity of the Adult Christian Education (ACE) Ministry. We hope you will help us reciprocate in this small way by filling a box or two or more!

For those unable to participate, donations will be gratefully accepted! Donation checks should be made payable to Holy Trinity Armenian Church, memo: OCC. 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.

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 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!

Children’s toys or gifts are needed and welcome for the children’s auction. Donations are also welcome for the basket of cheer! Every donation, large or small, is appreciated and will help make this event a success!

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!

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.

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