THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
May 11, 2025

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.

Fellowship Today – As always, we welcome you to please join us after Divine Liturgy for conversation and snacks.

MADONNA AND CHILD — Sunday, May 18, an IN-PERSON EVENT! For those who missed Dn. Albert Keshgegian’s ZOOM presentation on one of the most popular depictions in Chrisian art, he will present highlights of  the program for us at Sunday Fellowship. Many artists, classical and modern, have painted St. Mary with baby Jesus; the painting is at the altar of Armenian churches around the world.  Why this picture with this pose? What meaning and message does it have for us?  How does it compare with other depictions of Madonna and Child, which may have different messages? (05/18)

ACE Presents LIFT UP YOUR VOICE — If you’ve ever wondered what our Choir members are thinking or feeling as they sing our sharagans, join us on Tuesday evening, May 20 at 7:00 via Zoom. The one-hour session will be led by Jeanette Der Hagopian and Emily Terjimanian. Whether you sing or not, we invite you to explore our music and make new discoveries about our faith. Look for the Zoom link coming soon in your mailbox! (05/18)

AYO – Did you know that public transportation runs only sporadically in certain parts of Armenia’s Syuniq region? A medical clinic in Darbas serves patients from seven surrounding rural villages, but transportation is a huge issue, especially for socioeconomically disadvantaged and elderly patients. Going to the clinic can be a full-day endeavor or simply impossible. Fund for Armenian Relief’s Ayo! platform is working to support the Darbas clinic, and its sole physician Dr. Anush, by  purchasing an all-terrain vehicle for them. They will use it to reach elderly and hard-to-reach patients, pick up medicine and handle emergency cases should the roads be closed due to severe weather conditions. Join 20 other donors from around the Eastern Diocese and make your contribution at https://www.weareayo.org (slowly getting there, as of this week the project is 72% funded which, unfortunately, is exactly the same as last week).

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 (we double dare you), by contacting Karinne Andonian at karinne.hov@gmail.com.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Mother’s Day
May 18       Madonna and Child presentation — Dn. Albert Keshgegian
May 20       ACE Program: Lift Up Your Voice
May 22       Zoom Book Club Discussion
Jun 04       Finding Meaning in Photography — Gary Altoonian
Jun 11       Pondering the Word of God — Leslie Movsesian
Jun 15       Father’s Day

God’s Masterpiece is Mother
By Herbert Farnham

God took the fragrance of a flower…
The majesty of a tree…
The gentleness of morning dew…
The calm of a quiet sea…
The beauty of the twilight hour…
The soul of a starry night…
The laughter of a rippling brook…
The grace of a bird in flight…
Then God fashioned from these things
A creation like no other,
And when His masterpiece was through
He called it simply – Mother