THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
November 30, 2025

Luke 13:1-9 Jesus refers to two local tragedies: Galilean pilgrims massacred by Pilate and people killed by a collapsing tower. He counters the world view of the time that those whose lives were cut short must have sinned in some way. No indeed! They were no better nor worse than any of us. But the fact that lives may tragically and suddenly end calls all the more for repentance; without skipping a beat, our Lord tells the story of a fig tree which has yet to bear fruit but is spared for one more year. Cultivated and tended it has been given every opportunity to be fruitful. Discuss/reflect: What kind of “death” do you think Jesus refers to in verse 5? What are the different ways your faith has been nourished? What fruit has this produced in your life? If none or little, what are you waiting for?!

I Thessalonians 4:1-11 St, Paul commends the Thessalonians for acknowledging God’s gift of holiness, as a result they shun sexual immorality, exert honorable self-control, and love others as one might a sister or brother. Paul encourages them to love even more expansively. Discuss/reflect: Paul taught this community how to live in order to please God (4:1). Whom do you live to please? How would you live differently if it were God you were aiming to please?

Isaiah 36:22-37:11 Assyria has leveled the Northern Kingdom and is now at Jerusalem’s door, threatening Hezekiah and mocking his God. Yet King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah remain steadfast in their trust in God. Discuss/reflect: God is unequivocal in His response to Hezekiah’s fear, in summary: Do not be afraid! Listen! I have an answer… (37:6-7) Think of a worry or fear of your own. How might these emphatic words comfort 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.

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.

The Men’s Club Committee requests Hokehankist for the following past members

Alex Alexanian

Mamas Alexanian

Albert Der Pilbosian

John Der Pilbosian

Larry Der Hagopian

Haig Hagopian

Mike Hajatian Sr

Arsen Hanamirian

Bob Hanamirian

Antranik Javardian

Rich Kazigian

Pat Killian

Aram (Butch) Kumkumian

Agape Hour Fellowship Today – Please join us after Badarak for delicious snacks and good conversation.

 Two Baptisms Centuries Apart: Join us on Sunday, December 7 as our older Church School students make a presentation on our sanctuary art. The works they will describe tell the story of the baptism of Christ and the baptism of King Drtad — both events impact the faith and foundation of the Armenian Church. The seven participating students will describe the art and share the meaning and symbolism in the creation. Thanks to photographer Gary Altoonian, parishioners will receive copies of the two works of art in order to follow the narrative.(12/07)

Ladies of HTAC (WG) Advent Appreciation Lunch – Please join us for an appreciation lunch and an on-the-spot Secret Santa Gift Swap on Saturday, December 13^,th at Alyssa Santerian’s home in Maple Glen, Pa. Let’s come together to celebrate the Coming of Christ and the joy you bring to our church community! Lunch will be provided by WG and the fun and laughter will be provided by you! Please bring a wrapped present of no more than a $10 value to participate in our on-the-spot Secret Santa Swap. Let us know if you’d like to bring a holiday dessert or side dish to enhance the menu!  RSVP by 12.05.2025 to WG@holytrinity-pa.org

Reminder: According to the Diocesan Bylaws, membership dues are to be paid no later than December 31st each year, in order to be a member in “good standing” and to be eligible to vote at the annual assembly. Any monies received after that date will be applied to the new year.  For any questions regarding your status, please call the church office.

  

Seeking Christmas Decorations and Jewelry – We are currently planning for 2026 events and are in need of gently used Christmas decorations and jewelry. As you sort through your items this holiday season – or when you pack them away in January of 2026 – please consider setting aside any decorations or jewelry with which you are willing to part.  We welcome all donations and greatly appreciate your support.   Please remember to bring your donated items to the church and leave them in the first Sunday School Room. Any questions, please contact Gena DerHagopian Willard or Alyssa Santerian.(01/11)

Church School Lunch with Santa – Join us on December 7^th after Badarak for a Lunch with Santa and Nutcracker Decorating Party! Add to the fun by dressing up as your favorite Nutcracker character. Tickets: Adults $25; non-church school students $10; Church School Students and kids under age 3 are Free. Ticket purchases by cash or check to “HTAC Church School” should be given directly to Yn Anna Gevorgyan or you may purchase tickets online at www.holytrinity-pa.org starting November 16^th. Tickets should be purchased no later than November 30^th to help us prepare accordingly.

Discover the Beauty of the Armenian Language! – Learn Eastern Armenian with Mariam, a native speaker, through engaging and personalized classes that focus on the alphabet, vocabulary, cultural insights, and practical communication. Sign up now and start your Armenian language journey with Mariam! For more information, please contact Mariam via Email at marpoghosyan17@gmail.com or call her at 445-256-3966.

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.  For more information, please contact Karinne Andonian at karinne.hov@gmail.com.

Help the Church School with three Community Service Projects this Season

1.       Local Community: We are collecting cans of soup for our local Cheltenham Food Pantry. Please put your cans of soup in the Basket Outside the School office between Nov 9 – Nov 30.
2.       Armenia Communities: Consider donating to We Are Ayo! Dishing Up Joy fundraiser. They are raising funds to provide brand-new set of dishwater and cookware for seven FAR centers across Armenia. Go to https://www.weareayo.org/ to find the project listed above and donate! ; and/or

3.       Armenia Communities: Advent Season Diocese-wide FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE FOR Church Schools. Consider donating to We Are Ayo! Annual Christmas Wishlist project to bring warmth and cheer to 200 socially vulnerable families with 3 or more children in  Armenia’s Syunik region. These include both local Syunetsis and families displaced from Artsakh who live in border regions. Deliver a Christmas tree, ornaments, lights, and festive foods to help restore the magic of the season. Go to the Special   Fundraising Challenge Link and Sponsor a family here (and make sure to credit your parish team): https://secure.qgiv.com/event/ayoisyou/  *We Are Ayo! is the fundraising platform for Fund For Armenian Relief (FAR). You can do this throughout the Advent Season starting Nov 16th!

Nov 14         Special Presentation on Nor Luyce

Nov 27         Thanksgiving – Church Office Closed

Dec 07         Church School Lunch with Santa

Dec 09         Feast of the Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary

Dec 25         Christmas

Dec 31         2025 Member Dues Deadline

Jan 01        New Years Day

Jan 06        Armenian Christmas