THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
March 22, 2026

Sunday of the Advent

Scripture Notes for Today’s Readings
This sixth and last Sunday of Lent is dedicated not only to the Second Coming of Christ but also to His Incarnation, God’s becoming Jesus, fully God and fully human. He will come again — this time not as the gentle and lowly Savior, but as a righteous judge in the glory of His Father with a retinue of angels. He will sift through the good and evil just as a shepherd separates the sheep and the goats at day’s end. Jesus declares (Matthew 25:31- 46) that we will be judged for acts of righteous goodness born of a loving faith. Did we feed the hungry? Console those in need of comfort, ease suffering? Only on this unequivocal basis, will we be received into eternal life. Reflection: Prayerfully read Matthew 25:31-46. Imagine that day of glory 0and visualize where you will be; pray for Jesus to open your heart that you might see His face “in the least of these.”

Scripture Notes from Today’s Readings
Matthew 22:34-23:39 – In these verses, Jesus summarizes the law in the two greatest commandments in which all the law and prophecies of the Old Testament can be summarized (22:36-40). In 23, there is an extended warning (the “seven woes”) against the vanities and false pieties of the Pharisees. The reading concludes with Jesus’ poignant lament for Jerusalem in which (23:37) – in one of the rare moments when a female metaphor for God is used – He yearns to protect its people as a “mother bird gathers her young under her wings.” Discuss/reflect: Why do you think Jesus asks us to love God (22:37) “with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind?” What is distinct about each of these three ways of loving?

Colossians 2:8-3:17 –  In a beautiful accompaniment to today’s Gospel, St. Paul urges us to depend on Christ rather than human tradition or worldly principles. Through baptism we have died with Him and are raised with Him into faith and a new way of living. That virtuous, good life is eloquently described in 3:12-17. Discuss/reflect: In Christ “you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” (3:9-10) Comparing the “old” ways described in 3:5-8 with the “new” outlined in 3:12-17, how would you rate yourself? Where do you need more of God’s help?

Isaiah 66:1-24 – Isaiah conveys God’s promise of both restoration and judgment; His children will thrive and be comforted in a new Jerusalem. But those who persist in false worship and rebellion will be harshly judged. Again (as in the Gospel passage above), we are offered a beautiful female image: God will comfort His people as a mother does her child. Discuss/reflect: Isaiah shares these words of God in verse 13: “As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you.” God is more often described as a father; what shades of meaning does this picture of God as mother add to your understanding of His love?

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.

Requiem Services – We Honor And Pray For These Souls
Karasoonk today will be for

Rosemarie Haigazian on the 40^th day of her Eternal Rest. Requested in loving memory by her sister Berjoohy Murray and family.

Agape Hour Today is sponsored by the family of Rosemarie Haigazian – All are invited, long time parishioners, new members, and first-time visitors, please join us after Badarak in our lovely hall for Christian fellowship, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, and greet fellow parishioners and Der Hayr. Agape hour begins when Der Hayr blesses the table.

Palm Sunday Banquet – Sunday, March 29, 2026, is ACYOA Day.  Immediately following Church Services, ACYOA is sponsoring a Banquet.  Donations: Adults $40.00 – Children ages 4 to 12 yrs. $15.00 – Children 3 and under Free.  No tickets will be sold at the door. For reservations, please send in your check by the Deadline: March 22, 2026.

200 Club News – The March 2026 drawing (the 5^th for 2025-26 season) of the “200 Club Raffle” was completed on 3/15/2026.

$500    Vahan Paretchan                    #056
$200    Grant Parnagian                     #017
$100    Cece Garibian                         #021
$100    Diran Alexanian                      #157
$100    Vaughn Alexanian                  #108

Congratulations and thank you for your support !
All 200 Club Winners can be viewed on the HTAC Website by clicking on “Men’s Club” for details.

Lent 2026 – Our Adult Christian Education (ACE) team invites you to the last of our Zoom programs in this year’s Lenten series. On Friday evening, March 27^th, senior deacon Albert Keshgegian will discuss his latest publication, “Take the Light: Reflections on God’s Love in our Lives” (available in our bookstore).  While participants need not read the entire book beforehand, it will certainly enrich our conversation. You are encouraged to, at least, browse through the reflections for something that you may wish to question or comment upon. You will receive the Zoom link in time to participate in this interactive session with fellow parishioners.(04/22)

ASA Scholarship Applications Now Open – The Armenian Students’ Association of America (ASA) is now accepting applications for its Scholarships, as well as the Silver and Gold Medal Awards. Eligible students of Armenian descent are encouraged to apply. For eligibility requirements and application details, please visit www.asainc.org. The application deadline is April 1.(04/01)

Armenian Heritage Walk – Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate a milestone that has been decades in the making, the Armenian Heritage Walk at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This black-tie event will honor the completion of Phase One and mark the official unveiling and dedication of the Armenian Heritage Walk on April 25, 2026, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM at The National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Set against the backdrop of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, the night will shine with purpose, pride, and community as we introduce a meaningful new cultural landmark, a lasting gift to the nation. For more information or to purchase tickets please go to https://www.armenianheritagewalk.org/event-details/armenian-heritage-walk-gala (04/19)

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 (I double dare  you), by contacting Karinne Andonian at karinne.hov@gmail.com.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Sunday of the Advent
Deadline to register for Palm Sunday Banquet
Mar 27         Zoom Book Presentation: Dn. Albert Keshgegian
Mar 29         Palm Sunday
Apr 02         Holy Thursday
Apr 03         Holy Friday
Apr 04         Easter Eve and Fellowship
Apr 05         Easter
Apr 25         Armenian Heritage Walk