THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
May 29, 2022

Second Palm Sunday

COVID UPDATE: Based on the recent increase in Covid infections, Montgomery County is recommending that masks be worn indoors in all public areas and to maintain social distance.

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 4th 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?  

 Starting September 11, we will resume passing the plate after communion.

COFFEE HOUR TODAY – Please join us today following Badarak as we celebrate a milestone birthday for Gayane Hambardzumyan.    All are welcome.

MEMORIAL DAY GRAVE BLESSING – If anyone wishes to offer prayers and have a graveside blessing for their loved ones on Monday, May 30, 2022 (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.

AN AFTERNOON AT THE MOVIES:   Join us on Sunday, June 5, following the Divine Liturgy for a presentation of a family-friendly, PG-rated film called “Overcomer.” Your heart will be touched by this Spirit-filled and inspirational movie about a high school basketball coach and his team challenged with an uncertain future. Sponsored by our Adult Christian Education (ACE) ministry, parishioners of all ages will enjoy this film and… the popcorn is FREE!

ZOOM BIBLE STUDY WITH FR. HAKOB:  Der Hayr is inviting us to an informal three-week Thursday morning Bible study on St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians. Why not take a mid-morning break from your daily routine to explore St. Paul’s advice to a church community embarking on a new way of life?! We will meet via Zoom on Thursdays, June 2, 9 and 16 for one-hour beginning at 10:30. To receive the Zoom link, contact nancybasmajian@verizon.net.

Adult Christian Education (ACE) Survey 

Thank you to all who took the time to fill out the ACE survey. If you haven’t yet filled one out, we encourage you to do so in order for us to provide programs

that would help our people grow in their relationship with God.  Survey forms are available in the Narthex as is the box where you can drop them.

COUNTRY STORE – We invite you to come visit us after church most Sundays.  See Liz or Jeanette. If you wish to place an order for pickup, contact Lorraine Damerjian @ 215-572-8465, and she can help you with that.

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. 

HAVE A HAPPY & SAFE MEMORIAL DAY