Sunday Messenger
October 18, 2026

Sixth Sunday After Exaltation

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

Luke 4:14-23 Jesus is teaching in Nazareth following His victory over the devil in the wilderness. In a way, this is the Jesus story in miniature: He is first met with praise and acclaim, but this response sours through jealousy, suspicion, and ignorance. Discuss/reflect: When Jesus spoke to his “hometown crowd” in Nazareth, they first marveled at His “gracious words.” Later, what He told them made them so angry they wanted to drive Him over a cliff (vv 28-30). What teachings of Jesus are the hardest for you to hear? Love your enemy?  Give all you have to the poor? Do good works without seeking public credit? Or?

Galatians 4:3-18 St. Paul reminds the Galatians that Christ offers the possibility of being God’s sons and daughters and therefore not slaves to pagan philosophies. He calls on their friendship and open-hearted spirit to turn from wrong influences. Discuss/reflect:  To fully understand the intimate relationship we can now have with God, consider the difference between being a paid ‘servant’ (cook, housekeeper, driver) to a family and being one of the children in the family. Itemize qualities that distinguish each relationship.

Isaiah 20:2-21:6 The Judeans were looking to Egypt and Cush for protection, but these powers would be shamefully toppled. Discuss/reflect: Such a timely story, as true today as it was so many centuries ago! After the last year and a half of pandemic and seismic social and economic changes, what things (people, values, goals, material items, etc.) do you no longer think are important to your happiness and security? Identify what really matters. Do this all in the form of a conversation with the Person who matters most!

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 – 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.

Agape Hour – a beautiful expression of love, community, and togetherness is just not the same without YOU!! Please join us after Divine Liturgy for fellowship and good conversation. All are Welcome. Please join us for good snacks and enlightening conversations.

Operation Christmas Child begins again, and we invite you to be a part of this amazing outreach by filling shoeboxes for 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!

Additionally, we kindly request that you be certain the number corresponding to your name on the sign-up sheet is written on the bottom of your shoebox. This will allow us to discreetly identify returned shoeboxes.

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 15. Any questions can be referred to Gena DerHagopian or Alyssa Santerian.

Attention Parishioners – If you donated or know of anyone who dropped off jewelry at the church for our upcoming Harvest Bazaar, please contact Grace Meranshian at 856-728-7464. An item of significant value was found among the donations, and we would like to make sure it was not dropped off in error. If it was in error, we would like to get it returned to its rightful owner. Thank you for your help and generosity!

Harvest Bazaar Donations Needed! – Seeking Christmas Decorations & Jewelry 🎄We are currently collecting gently used Christmas decorations and jewelry. As you begin going through your holiday decorations and perhaps costume jewelry, you’re no longer wearing, please consider setting aside any items you would be willing to part with.  We welcome all donations—large or small—and are so grateful for your support!

Donated items may be brought to the church and left in the first Sunday School room.
If you have any questions, please contact Gena Der Hagopian Willard at  genawillard@aol.com or Alyssa Santerian at apsanterian@gmail.com. Thank you so much for your support!

Meat Preparation – We are also looking for volunteers that are interested in helping to cut meat for the bazaar. This is a great opportunity to come and socialize, swap stories (tall tales) and life experiences while helping to prepare for the bazaar. Anyone interested in helping to cut and prepare the meat for our annual bazaar, please contact Robbie Barone at 610-529-2178.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Sixth Sunday After Exaltation
Oct 24-25    Annual Harvest Bazaar
Nov 01         Return (Fall Back) to Standard Time
Nov 15         Deadline for Operation Christmas Child
Nov 26         Thanksgiving
Dec 05         Caring for Friends Service Day