THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
March 19, 2023

Sunday of the Judge

Scripture Notes for Today’s Readings

Luke 17:20-18:14 Jesus describes the Second Coming as a time like any other in some ways, with people in pursuit of their usual pleasures; joys as well as suffering continue. Yet we learn that His Coming will be as bold as a bolt of lightning. We cannot be prepared for it if we have not lived all along as God’s devoted children; if we haven’t, we will be reluctant to leave behind earthly preoccupations for heavenly ones. This description is immediately followed by The Parable of the Unjust Judge (ort Persistent Widow). See below for more on this parable and reflection questions. Discuss/reflect: How does Jesus’ example of Lot’s wife looking back clarify the meaning of verse 33: “whoever tries to keep their life will lose it and whoever loses their life will preserve it”?

Philippians 3:1-4:9 “Rejoice in the Lord!” St. Paul declares, since all that once was valued is nothing, rubbish (lit: dung;3:8) compared to knowing Jesus. A life for those who eschew earthly things for a glorious “citizenship in heaven” is marked by joy, gratitude, a worry-free serenity. And a peace from God that “transcends all understanding.” (4:7) Discuss/reflect: How would you finish the sentence in v.13 as you try to draw ever closer to Christ: “…one thing I do:______.”

Isaiah 65:8-25 In prophesying to postexilic Israel, Isaiah shares God’s promises of judgment to the disobedient but salvation and renewal to the faithful – a world where there will no longer be tears and where the wolf and the lamb will peacefully co-exist. Discuss/reflect: “I called and you did not answer…I spoke and you did not listen…you chose what displeases me…” (v.12) In some ways, could this describe you? How?

Sunday of the Judge To underscore the importance of prayer, Jesus tells the parable of an unjust judge who neglects the pleas of a poor widow until, tired of her persistence, he hands down a decision and sends her away. Just as Jesus used the example of a less-than-virtuous-steward (last Sunday’s Lenten lesson), he now uses the example of an exasperated, self-centered judge. If he submits to the supplication of the widow, won’t a merciful, loving God hear and respond to our needs? Prayer is one of the essential ways we grow closer to God. It was the only thing the disciples asked Jesus to teach them! Reflection: When do you pray? Only at certain times? When you feel angry or sad? Thankful? Memorize IThessalonians 5:16-18 as a good mantra for prayerful living.

MITCHINK LUNCHEON IS TODAY!! Join us for a delicious Lenten luncheon, followed by an enlightening program presented by Chris Zakian, Director of Communications for the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church. His presentation is: "Deer Crossing: A Story of Armenia's First Christian." Luncheon cost per person is $15. All are welcome. Thank you to the Paretchan Family for providing desserts today in loving memory of Judy Paretchan.

PALM SUNDAY BANQUET: Sunday, April 2, 2023, 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 26, 2023.

KARASOONK: Today will be for JUDY PARETCHAN on her 40th day of eternal life requested in loving memory by her husband Don Paretchan and family.

REQUIEM SERVICES: Hokehankist today for VERONICA MONOKIAN – Remembered with love by her children Harry and Cindy, Robert and Jeanne, Ronald and Joy and families. Alter flowers donated by Margo Silk.

• DOROTHY CHINCHINIAN (5th anniversary of her eternal life), requested by her loving daughter, Nancy Chinchinian.
• KEVORK MAHSEREJIAN (3rd Anniversary of His eternal life) requested by the Mahserejian Family.

ALTAR FLOWERS are donated today by Margo Silk in loving memory of VERONICA MONOKIAN.

CHURCH CALENDAR (please mark your calendars)

• Sunday March 19 – Mitchink luncheon
• March 26 – Film: Amish Grace
• Sunday April 2 – Palm Sunday
• Thursday April 6 – Holy Thursday
• Friday April 7 – Holy Friday
• Saturday April 8 – Easter Eve
• Sunday April 9 – Easter Sunday
  • ***Every Wednesday, 7 pm, Zoom Bible Study with Fr. Hakob

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.

Bookstore News: We are pleased to inform our faithful that we are offering Dn. Albert

Keshgegian’s “My Lenten Journal: A Spiritual Journey to Easter” at half price! Now available for $5.00, it is the perfect companion for the Lenten season. The book takes us day by day (a mere three pages for each day) through Lent, then through Holy Week and ultimately to our journey’s end–the glorious day of Resurrection. Ideal for your bedside table or as a gift. The bookstore is open every Sunday following the Divine Liturgy.

Film Presentation: Join us on Sunday, March 26 following Badarak for a special presentation of “Amish Grace.” The film is based on a shocking event which took place in a small Pennsylvania Amish community in 2006 and their Christian response to the unspeakable tragedy. The 90-minute film is NOT recommended for children under 12 years of age.

“Hope in Hard Times:” Rev. Dr. Flora Keshgegian, theologian and episcopal priest, will close out the ACE 2023 Lenten series with a Zoom presentation on Friday evening, March 31 at 7:00. Her timely topic, based on her 2006 book, “Time for Hope,” will deal with hopefulness in a future that seems bleak: How can we, as Christians who claim hope as the center of our faith, turn away from despair and powerlessness toward hope? To receive the link, contact nancybasmajian@verizon.net.

ATTIC TREASURES – BAZAAR 2023 – Please do not bring your Attic Treasures to the church until September 15 th . While we appreciate the donations, we ask you to store them at your homes as we do not have a storage area. Thank you.

Seeking Part-time Organists – the Choir of Holy Trinity is looking for 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 to the interested candidates, along with one-on-one direction from a senior choir person. For further information, contact Karinne Andonian at karinne.hov@gmail.com .