THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
Sunday, May 16, 2021

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

John 12:12-23 Great crowds welcome Jesus into Jerusalem and wave palms and sing songs of praise. Although the disciples were present, it was only after Jesus rose from the dead that they truly understood the meaning of this day. Some Gentiles – surprisingly —  ask the disciple Philip if they might be able to meet Jesus. Perhaps now, at a symbolic moment when all people are beginning to seek him – and not just the Jews who were initially and exclusively welcome, Jesus declares that the hour had come for him to be glorified, that his march to the cross had begun.  Discuss/reflect: The Greeks seeking Jesus clearly unsettled the disciples; this was an unusual request in the religious landscape of that moment. Philip and Andrew conferred about these newcomers. Is there a “screening process,” i.e. certain requirements, for who can draw closer to your community (and therefore Jesus)? If so, what are the criteria?

Acts 23:12-35 A group of Jews were conspiring to kill Paul while he was in Jerusalem. Overhearing their plot, Paul’s nephew reports it to his uncle and then to the Roman commander who has Paul immediately transferred to Caesarea under heavy guard and with an explanatory letter to Felix, the Governor of Judea and Samaria. Discuss/reflect: Both St. Paul’s nephew and the Roman commander took risks in acting boldly against a popular movement. Has your faith every guided you to go “against the tide” even if it meant taking an unpopular stand?

1 John 5:13-21 The writer assures the faithful of the truth of eternal life and that everything asked of God according to his will is heard and provided. Evil is real and everywhere; therefore, God’s children need to remember all they have come to know about the Lord and keep themselves and one another from sin. Discuss/reflect: The last line of this epistle starkly exhorts: “keep yourselves from idols.” It seems this has always been a problem worth warning people about. What “idols” of the world today tempt you away from following Jesus?

Today is Second Palm Sunday

Falling on the 4^th day after Ascension, this Sunday is given its name based on the lection reading of the day, which is about Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Begining with New Sunday (directly after Easter), the Armenian church lectionary prescribes daily readings from the Gospel of John in sequential order arriving on this Sunday at the Palm Sunday story. Reflection:This is a perfect time to reread and relive Jesus’ triumphant entry. Think of the people welcoming Jesus that day with palms and hosannas. Now reflect on your experience in church worship: do you feel the awe and joy of that day as if you are celebrating a true hero’s victory?The reign of a King and Savior?If not, why not? 

    Department of Christian Education/Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)/elisea@armeniandiocese.org

“Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night….” (Nehemiah 1:5–6).   Prayers are requested for Ethel Terzian, Taron Poghosyan, Alice Charles, Theodora Mirakian, Leslie Movsesian & Larry Grocott.

Please note that all parishioners are required to wear a mask at all times anywhere in the Church building or on the Church grounds. If you need a mask, we will be glad to provide you with one. No exceptions.

PLEASE JOIN US TODAY as we celebrate the Church School graduates from both 2020 and 2021.  The Graduation Ceremony will take place in the Sanctuary immediately following the Divine Liturgy.  All are welcome.

COUNTRY STORE IS OPEN AND READY FOR BUSINESS:  We are well stocked in our store and invite you to come in after church most Sundays or place an order for pickup with Lorraine Damerjian @ 215-572-8465. 

Adult Christian Education (ACE) Upcoming Programs

May 20 –Book Club: “Beast on the Moon”  by Richard Kalinoski
Rev. Fr. Yeprem Kelegian, Guest Moderator

June 24 – Book Club: “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson, Dn. Armen Terjimanian, Facilitator

We invite you to join us by contacting nancybasmajian@verizon.net for further information or to sign up and receive the link for any or all of these programs.

MEMORIAL DAY GRAVE BLESSING –  If anyone wishes to offer prayers and have a graveside blessing for their loved ones on Monday, May 31, 2021 (Memorial Day), Der Hayr will be available by appointment. Please contact him for additional details at 917-213-8658 (cell) or in person at church.

CHESS FOR WOUNDED HEROES: May 15, 2021 2-4 pm Online participation. Sign up via tinyurl.com/shooshanigchess to receive lichess.org link. All proceeds go to wounded soldiers who fought in Artsakh.

DIVINE LITURGY IN YOUR HOME

Since we do not stream services at our church every week, we invite you to click on one of the following links to partake of Badarak at any of the following:

https://www.facebook.com/SSSMAAC/live/ (St. Sahag & St. Mesrob Armenian Church)
http://www.stleon.org (St Leon Live Stream)
https://www.facebook.com/stvartancathedral (St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral)
http://www.holy-martyrs.org (Holy Martyrs Live Stream)

 ASA OPEN HOUSE: Interested in finding out more about ASA for your child?

We welcome the opportunity to meet with you, answer any questions and guide your family through the admissions process. Though our campus is open, due to safety concerns in light of COVID-19 we are unable to welcome visitors to campus during school hours. We have transitioned our spring open house and tours into virtual zoom/phone meetings as well as after-hours tours. Email Legna Santerian at lsanterian@asaphila.org to schedule a tour – just for your family!

We look forward to meeting you and introducing you to the Armenian Sisters Academy!
Check out our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wevb1U3tAnI 

Legna