THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
May 25, 2025

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 29^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.

Fellowship Today – As always, we welcome you to please join us after Divine Liturgy for conversation and snacks.

Finding Meaning in Photography – Join us for a Zoom presentation by photographer Gary Altoonian on Wednesday, June 4 at 7:00 pm.  Our ACE team is pleased to announce a very special program in which Gary shares his photographs—you will be amazed at how he captures the ordinary and the sublime! What inspires him? What inspires us when we gaze upon his creations?  Look for the Zoom link coming in your inbox.(06/01)

Pondering The Word Of God: A ZOOM presentation by Leslie Movsesian—Wednesday evening, June 11 at 7:00. Join Leslie as we share ways we take in, understand and apply the Word of God to our lives. She will share how visualizing and translating a parable into a painting can help deepen her understanding of the message being conveyed.  She will also introduce us to the concept of Biblical Meditation in which we can achieve the same ends. Look for the Zoom link coming to your mailbox soon!(06/08)

Lost & Found – We, once again, have a collection of unclaimed jackets, coats and sweaters. Please check the coat rack near the main restrooms for missing items. If these items are not claimed by June 15^th, they will be donated to local shelters.

AYO – Did you know that public transportation runs only sporadically in certain parts of Armenia’s Syuniq region? A medical clinic in Darbas serves patients from seven surrounding rural villages, but transportation is a huge issue, especially for socioeconomically disadvantaged and elderly patients. Going to the clinic can be a full-day endeavor or simply impossible. Fund for Armenian Relief’s Ayo! platform is working to support the Darbas clinic, and its sole physician Dr. Anush, by purchasing an all-terrain vehicle for them. They will use it to reach elderly and hard-to-reach patients, pick up medicine and handle emergency cases should the roads be closed due to severe weather conditions. Join other donors from around the Eastern Diocese and make your contribution at https://www.weareayo.org (slowly getting there, as of this week the project had a bit of a boost and is now 93% funded!!).

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.

Jun 04       Finding Meaning in Photography — Gary Altoonian
Jun 11       Pondering the Word of God — Leslie Movsesian
Jun 15       Father’s Day