THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
June 8, 2025

Pentecost

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

Scripture and Feast Day Notes From Today’s Readings

From Today’s Readings
Acts 2:1-21 While the disciples are gathered in one place, the Holy Spirit comes to them in a great wind and in tongues of fire which appear above each disciple, empowering them to speak different languages. Addressing the crowd’s rumor that the disciples seem to be drunk, Peter recalls the prophetic words of Joel: the “Holy Spirit would be poured out over the people, gifting them with dreams and visions” and filling the world with a flurry of signs in anticipation of the coming of the Lord.  Discuss/reflect: vv 1-4 is the renowned description of a notable event. Prayerfully imagine you were there with the disciples. Experience a howling wind that filled the house. What did it sound and feel like? What do you make of these tongues of fire? Why fire? How do you picture them coming “to rest” on the disciples?

John 14:25-31 In preceding verses we read about Jesus washing the disciples’ feet in the Upper Room where he predicts Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s heart-breaking denial. Here, he promises the Holy Spirit, the Counselor, whom the Father will send to remind them of all they had learned and continue to teach them. He assures them that he will return, leaving them with a peace that transcends the world’s understanding.   Discuss/reflect: Does your faith in Jesus Christ provide you inner peace, no matter what shape your personal life or the world may be in?  If not, what is keeping you from the peace Jesus promised?

Today is Pentecost (Hokekaloost)
Falling 50 days after Easter, Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, empowering them to go out into the world and share Jesus’ message of salvation. (See Acts 2:1-21 and above for full account.) Armenians are especially grateful for the gift of language received by the disciples Thaddeus and Bartholomew who were then able to journey to Armenia (each at a different time) to convert and baptize many. These First Enlighteners planted the seeds that St. Gregory would cultivate and bring to full bloom a few centuries later when Armenia became the “first Christian nation” under his mentorship. This coming of the Holy Spirit took place at the time of the Feast of Weeks, a harvest feast of pilgrimage, so Jews from everywhere were gathered in Jerusalem to give thanks for the first fruits of nature. Similarly, Christian Pentecost is a festival of thanksgiving for the first fruits of the Holy Spirit. Reflection: The Holy Spirit descended on a group of Jesus’ followers whose hearts were open to His coming.. How ready are you to receiving the Spirit’s guidance and power?

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 greetings 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 Will Be For: Suren Yessayan requested in loving memory by Dn. Garo & Cecelia Garibian, Michael & Tanya Paretchan and Greg & Maria Javardian.

Altar Flowers are donated today by the Garibian, Paretchan and Javardian families in honor of Suren Yessayan.

Agape Hour – Exciting News!
We’re updating the name of our Fellowship/Coffee Hour! From now on, you’ll see it listed as Agape Hour — a beautiful expression of love, community, and togetherness. Same warm gathering, just with a new name that reflects our spirit more deeply. Our first Agape hour last week was sponsored by William Katsak & Firuza Abramyan.

Mens Club News – The May 2025 drawing for the “200 Club Raffle” was completed on 5/18/2025.

$500            Michael S Paretchan        #070
$200            Ava Crothers                   #142
$100            Valerie DerPilbosian         #095
$100            Daniela Garibian             #182
$100            Elizabeth Barone             #005

The winners can also be viewed on the HTAC Website by clicking on Men’s Club for details.
(Reminder- Everyone is eligible to purchase a ticket next season for this annual raffle which benefits our wonderful church. Thank you!)

Church Membership – Our spiritual church is thriving and our children are smiling, but have you thought about becoming a member if you are not one already?  Membership is the key to the success of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church.  When you become a member of the church, you strengthen the foundation of Holy Trinity, allowing it to become stronger and more successful.  You have the opportunity to vote in the parish assembly, join various committees and organizations and to help forge the path of Holy Trinity.

If you wish to become a member, please go to https://holytrinity-pa.org/donation/ and select the appropriate membership for 2025.

HYE Power 2025 – Trinity Cup – A Day of fellowship, food and fierce fun featuring volleyball, soccer and kickball. This is family fun for all ages on June 22^nd at 1:00pm. $5 entry fee (proceeds to go towards future events) and free parking right here at Holy Trinity Armenian Church. Questions or want to get involved? – Call or text Scott Santerian at (267) 567-2454.

Pondering The Word Of God: A ZOOM presentation by Leslie Movsesian—Wednesday evening, June 11 at 7:00. Join Leslie as we share ways we take in, understand and apply the Word of God to our lives. She will share how visualizing and translating a parable into a painting can help deepen her understanding of the message being conveyed.  She will also introduce us to the concept of Biblical Meditation in which we can achieve the same ends. Look for the Zoom link coming to your mailbox soon!(06/08)

Lost & Found – We, once again, have a collection of unclaimed jackets, coats and sweaters. Please check the coat rack near the main restrooms for missing items. If these items are not claimed by June 15^th, they will be donated to local shelters.

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.

Jun 11        Pondering the Word of God — Leslie Movsesian
Jun 15        Father’s Day
Jun 22        HYE Power 2025 – Trinity Cup
Jul 05         Independence Day