THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
May 10, 2026

Sixth Sunday of Eastertide

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

John 9:39-10:10 Jesus describes himself as the Gate through which his sheep pass, following the voice of the One they know. Whoever enters by this Gate, will “find pasture..and be saved.” (v.9) Discuss/reflect: Jesus describing himself as the Gate is one of the famous “I am’s” of the Gospel of John, in which Jesus provides a number of images which express his character. In verse 11, he is “the good shepherd.” What do the images of “gate” and “good shepherd” tell you about Jesus? What images could you add that would describe who he is to you?

Acts 20:17-38 St. Paul touches the hearts of the church elders in Ephesus with his eloquent farewell. Predicting an uncertain fate, Paul declares his life meaningless save for the task of witnessing to God’s power and grace. He asks these leaders to be good shepherds to their flock, as “wolves” will surely be on the prowl. He exhorts them to always work hard for the less fortunate. Discuss/reflect: St. Paul asks the Ephesians to think back on his time with them as a testimony to God’s grace (vv 18, 24). If someone watched you in action, what would they assume a Christian lifestyle is like? How would you like to change so they can get a better picture?

1 John 3:2-6 John relates that Christians are not fully who they will become with God’s grace. And yet only those who truly know Christ can come close to living a life without sin. If we continue to sin, how can we say we know Jesus? Discuss/reflect: In what ways do you habitually “keep on sinning” (v. 6)? Thoughtless anger? Envy? Lack of charity? Unforgiving spirit? What might these habits be saying about your walk with Jesus?

Thursday, May 14^th, is the Feast of the Ascension of Jesus In Acts 1:1-11, we read a full account of Jesus’ ascension (see after having appeared to the disciples frequently during a forty-day period, Jesus told them to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the gift he had promised: the Holy Spirit. When asked by his devoted followers when he would return to “restore the kingdom to Israel” (still thinking of an earthly one), Jesus told them it was not known, but that they should continue to witness to him “in Jerusalem… and to the ends of the earth.” He was then taken up before their eyes. Two angelic figures appeared nearby as they watched their Lord disappear into the clouds. They assured the disciples that he would indeed return in the very same way. Reflection: Read Acts 1:1-11 and imagine yourself one of Jesus’ followers. You have heard him promise the power of the Holy Spirit and ask you to be his witness to the ends of the earth. Now you watch as he ascends to heaven. What are you feeling? Hoping? What are your fears?

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 greetings 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.

Requiem Services: Hokehankist Today Will Be For:

Georgy Osipyan and Eduard Mirzoyan. Requested in loving memory by Boris Avakyan.

Agape Hour – Coffee hour is just not the same without YOU!! Please join us after Divine Liturgy. Dessert Contributions are Welcome! Your homemade or store-bought treats will add sweetness to our fellowship and are greatly appreciated!

FAR – After being displaced from Artsakh in 2023, Nora Balluyan faced the daunting challenge of rebuilding her life and continuing her education in Armenia. With her family struggling to make ends meet, transferring into a program that aligned with her studies seemed out of reach—until the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) team stepped in. Through the Matevosyan Scholarship, FAR provided the critical support Nora needed to cover tuition and continue her studies in English and Russian, helping her regain stability during an incredibly uncertain time.

Today, Nora is thriving—working as an English teacher, continuing her education, and planning for a master’s degree. She credits FAR not only for financial assistance, but for the sense of encouragement and community that helped her move forward with confidence.

Stories like Nora’s highlight the life-changing impact of FAR’s education programs for displaced Armenian students. To learn more or support students like Nora, visit FAR’s website: https://www.farusa.org/education

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.  You know you’ve been pondering volunteering for this rewarding role. Make this the week that you reach out for further information, by contacting Karinne Andonian at karinne.hov@gmail.com.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Sixth Sunday of Eastertide
Mother’s Day

May 28        Book Club “How to Read a Book”
Jun 19        Juneteenth – Church Office Closed
Jun 21        Father’s Day
June 24       Book Club “90 Minutes in Heaven”