THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
April 26, 2026

Red Sunday

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

John 5:19-30 Jesus replies to the Jews who criticize him for healing on the Sabbath and calling God his Father. He affirms that 1) the Father has granted him life-giving power and entrusts him alone to judge the world (vv 21-22) and  2) those who hear his words and believe will have eternal life (vv 24-25, 29). Discuss/reflect: “Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me,” says the Lord, “crosses over from death to life.” Powerful words that point to eternal life but also to the way we live here and now. In what specific ways do we cross over from death to life when we follow Jesus?

Acts 13:16-43 Just as Peter did at Pentecost (Acts 2) in Jerusalem, here St. Paul teaches the Jews in Antioch the history of God’s intervention in the life of His people right up to Jesus’ resurrection. What God promised has been fulfilled, Paul exclaims, and through Jesus’ Resurrection, our sins are forgiven in a way that would be impossible under the old Law. Discuss/reflect: Paul reviews God’s relationship with the Jews from the beginning all the way to the resurrection of the Son. How might knowing this story deepen your faith? Hearing Paul’s ‘sermon,’ what central truth speaks to you?

1 Peter 5:1-14 Peter exhorts church leaders to serve willingly and generously and to be alert because evil “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” He urges all believers to be humble, self-controlled, and firm in their faith, understand there will be suffering in life, and place their anxieties in God’s loving care. Discuss/reflect: What area of your life would you like God to make strong, firm, and steadfast? (v 10)

This Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Eastertide, known as Red Sunday (Garmir Giragi). The name does not have an ecclesiastical origin. Red is the color of blood, and this may be an appropriate time to honor the memory of the early Christian martyrs. Like last week’s Green Sunday, it is a celebration of nature and life, symbolizing rebirth after the Resurrection of our Lord.

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.

Agape Hour – Coffee hour is just not the same without YOU!! Please join us after Divine Liturgy. Dessert Contributions are Welcome! Your homemade or store-bought treats will add sweetness to our fellowship and are greatly appreciated!

200 Club News – The April 2026 drawing (the 6th for 2025-26 season) of the “200 Club Raffle” was completed on 4/19/2026.

$500  Todd & Seta Pica  #156
$200  Charlene Simonian  #105
$100  Mike & Erika Torosian  #010
$100  Lisa & Jeff Brennan  #121
$100  Angel Tookmanian  #076

After being displaced from Artsakh in 2023, Nora Balluyan faced the daunting challenge of rebuilding her life and continuing her education in Armenia. With her family struggling to make ends meet, transferring into a program that aligned with her studies seemed out of reach—until the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) team stepped in. Through the Matevosyan Scholarship, FAR provided the critical support Nora needed to cover tuition and continue her studies in English and Russian, helping her regain stability during an incredibly uncertain time.

Today, Nora is thriving—working as an English teacher, continuing her education, and planning for a master’s degree. She credits FAR not only for financial assistance, but for the sense of encouragement and community that helped her move forward with confidence.

Stories like Nora’s highlight the life-changing impact of FAR’s education programs for displaced Armenian students. To learn more or support students like Nora, visit FAR’s website: https://www.farusa.org/education

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.

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.  You know you’ve been pondering volunteering for this rewarding role. Make this the week that you reach out for further information (I double dare  you), by contacting Karinne Andonian at karinne.hov@gmail.com.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

(Red Sunday)
May 03        Church School Graduation Ceremony
May 10        Mother’s Day
Jun 21        Father’s Day