THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
November 3, 2024

25^th Anniversary of the Enthronement of Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Luke 8:17-21 Jesus asks His disciples to listen carefully, one of many references He makes to truly hearing the word of God, as this will lead to true comprehension. Since all that is hidden will be disclosed, it will be only “those who have ears to hear” (Luke 8:8) who will understand. The visit of His family gives Jesus an opportunity to remind the disciples that an authentic relationship with Him is not through blood ties (or belonging to the right church family), but rather through hearing and acting upon the word of God. Discuss/reflect: Before the Gospel is read, the deacon gives us an instruction: Broskhoomeh (“listen attentively”). Are you listening carefully? If not, what might you do to truly absorb the day’s lesson?

Ephesians 1:1-14 St. Paul emphatically declares that all spiritual blessings, including our heavenly inheritance, come to us in Christ. There is no power, no promise, no purpose, no hope in any other. It is not in ourselves to merit being children and heirs; rather, it is in Christ. And all of this is marked by a seal: “the promise of the Holy Spirit” Discuss/reflect: Itemize what God has done for you starting in verse 4. What does it mean to you to have been chosen 1) in Him, 2) before the creation of the world, 3) to be holy and blameless?” Amazing! How might knowing this change how you feel about yourself?

Isaiah 22:15-24 God sends Isaiah to warn Shebna, a court official in Jerusalem who is chiseling his own grand tombstone, that his self-importance and love of luxury will be humbled by God. Discuss/reflect: Surely it is a message to us all when the Lord tells Shebna that he will die while his “splendid chariots” remain behind. (22:18) What are your ‘splendid chariots,’ things which are important to you for the stature, comfort, or identity they confer but which have no meaning in heaven?

Saturday, November 9: Holy Archangels Gabriel and Michael

Angels were created by God at the beginning of time. “…when I laid the foundations of the earth…the morning stars sang and my angels shouted for joy.” (Job 38:4,7) Angels sing and celebrate in perpetual glorification of God. “Thousands upon thousands attended Him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him.” (Daniel 7:10) The word ‘angel,’ means ‘messenger.’ The Archangel Gabriel announced the birth of John the Baptist to his father Zechariah, and the birth of Christ to Mary, the Mother of God. The Archangel Michael, cited in the books of Daniel and Revelation, leads God’s armies against evil, guarding the Church. And then, there are our guardian angels: “See that you despise not one of these little ones,” Christ said, “for I say to you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 18:10) Prayerful activity: Angels are far from being cute Hallmark cherubs. Read descriptions in Daniel 10:5-6 and Isaiah 6:2-4 and as you read, draw what you see.

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.

The Nicene Creed/ Havadamk (Page 18 in New Divine Liturgy Book) – 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.

Coffee Fellowship Hour – Please join us in the hall for good conversation and fellowship.

“Caring for Friends” Service Day: Saturday, November 9 – Spend a gratifying and surprisingly fun morning (10:00 to 1:00) preparing meals in our church kitchen for home-bound individuals in the Philly region. You’ll be glad you did! Registration is required – send an email to nancybasmajian@verizon.net. (11/03)

Operation Christmas Child is well underway, and we’re excited to let you know we only need commitments for 15 more shoeboxes to reach our goal of 100 shoeboxes!  If you haven’t done so already, please consider being a part of this amazing project! These shoeboxes are given to underprivileged children all over the world including Armenia, through Samaritan’s Purse. This worthy organization provided 30 tons of humanitarian aid and set up triage centers staffed with medical professionals to help our Artsakh brothers and sisters when they were tragically forced to leave their homes. Shipping fees are once again being underwritten by the generosity of the Adult Christian Education (ACE) Ministry. We hope you will help us reciprocate in this small way by filling a box or two or more!

For those unable to participate, donations will be gratefully accepted! Donation checks should be made payable to Holy Trinity Armenian Church, memo: OCC. Drop your boxes off early! Absolutely no boxes can be accepted after November 17. Any questions can be referred to Gena DerHagopian or Alyssa Santerian.

AYO – “Put Down Roots.” In partnership with the Yerevan Botanical Gardens, the project aims to create an educational-therapeutic horticulture space to provide opportunities for forcibly displaced children (and others) to get their hands dirty, de-stress and learn about the environment! Once built, this special section of the botanical gardens will be available for children and youth for years to come. You can directly support the initiative here: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/ayoisyou/.

Armenian Sisters Academy – The best way to learn about ASA is to experience it for yourself! Visit our campus to see how our deep appreciation for the Armenian language and culture empowers our students, promotes self-respect, and prepares future role models. All visitors must have a scheduled appointment and may not freely enter the building without prior notice. To schedule your private tour contact Legna Santerian at Lsanterian@asaphila.org or (610) 687-4100.

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 to the interested candidates, along with one-on-one direction from a senior choir person.  For further information, contact Karinne Andonian at karinne.hov@gmail.com.

Dn. Albert Keshgegian will present a video concerning a letter from Catholicos Khrimian Hayrig to the new Diocese in America; written in 1898, his words of encouragement still have meaning for us today. Join us during Fellowship for an uplifting conversation

Church School Presentation – today, several of our Church School students will teach us about two of the most prominent stained-glass windows in our sanctuary. They will share what they have noticed in the holy scenes which depict two of our major feast days. We hope you will listen and learn, and make sure you get a good seat!

Daylight Savings Time ends at 2:00am Sunday November 3, 2024

Enjoy an extra hour of sleep!

Nov 06         Zoom Bible Study with Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan
Nov 07         Zoom Book Club
Nov 09         Caring For Friends Service Day
Dec 08         Church School Lunch with Santa
Nov 10         Special Global Prayer Service for Artsakh Armenians
Nov 17         Deadline for Operation Christmas Child
Nov 28         Thanksgiving
Dec 15         Armenian School Performance