THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
April 30, 2023

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)

40^TH Day Dedication – On the occasion of the 40th day dedication of Baby Kapriel Raffi Terjimanian, a gift is presented to the church by his grandparents, Greg & Karen Movsesian and Arsen & Shoghig Terjimanian. Proud parents are Deacon Armen and Emily Terjimanian

Coffee Hour – Our Coffee Hour Fellowship today will also be a celebration to welcome the arrival of Baby Kapriel Raffi Terjimanian, first-born child of our Pastoral Intern, Dn. Armen and our beloved choir member, Emily.  All are welcome to join in the festivities.

Seeking Part-time Organists – the Choir of Holy Trinity is looking for 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 @ karinne.hov@gmail.com.

ATTIC TREASURES – BAZAAR 2023:  Please do not bring your Attic Treasures to the church until September 15th. While we appreciate the donations, we ask you to store them at your homes as we do not have a storage area.  Thank you.

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.

CHURCH CALENDAR (please mark your calendars)

May 7 – Church School classes end today; will resume in the Fall
May 10 – Bible Study with Fr. Hakob resumes
June 4 – Youth Concert following Badarak