Sunday of the World Church (Green Sunday)

THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
May 4, 2025
Sunday of the World Church (Green Sunday)
Scripture and Feast Day Notes
John 2:23-3:12 Nicodemus, a Jewish leader and teacher, is impressed with the “signs and wonders” Jesus has performed and wants to know more. Jesus tells him of a second, even more life-changing birth when we are born again “of water and the Spirit.” Discuss/reflect: The Armenian Church baptizes infants while godparents, parents, and community stand witness and pledge to nurture the child’s faith. We are “born again” at baptism, but what are ways to continue this spiritual birthing throughout our lives?
Acts 9:23-31 The newly converted St. Paul is preaching in the synagogues of Damascus. When his life is threatened, followers lower him over a wall in a basket. Barnabus later introduces and defends him to the apostles in Jerusalem (who might have been wary since Paul was once a zealous persecutor of Christians). The church experiences peace and great growth. Discuss/reflect: The church is described as “living in the fear of God.” (v.31) The Greek word “phobos” denotes reverential awe so v 31 literally translates from the Greek as “[the churches] walked in awe of God, were comforted by the Holy Spirit and grew in numbers.” What might this be telling us about what is needed for the church, the Body of Christ, to grow? Do you feel this awe? See Galatians 5:22-26 for the fruit that walking with the Spirit bears in us individually.
1 Peter 2:1-10 The apostle Peter describes all believers as “living stones” who come to the Living Stone, Christ, to be built into the spiritual house that is the Church. He eloquently outlines the new status believers have with God. Discuss/reflect: These images of Peter’s (vv 9-10) are meant to describe each one of us. Rewrite them in your own words; elaborate as if you were explaining them to someone else. How might these qualities influence the way you live?
Today is Sunday of the World Church (Green Sunday) The second Sunday after Easter is dedicated to the very first church in the world – established in Jerusalem by Christ. It was there in the Upper Room (Verna-doon) that Jesus shared His Body and Blood in the bread and wine of the new Covenant with his disciples and where they in turn gathered with other followers before and after the Resurrection and at Pentecost. It was this nucleus of Christ’s church that would one day become a church of millions. Although the site remains a place of pilgrimage, the original building itself no longer exists. In its place, we have a world church—the entire earth which the Christian Church has taken under its roof. The name “green” conveys the idea of new life in Christ’s resurrection as well as its glorious evidence in nature at this time of year. Reflection: As in the budding greenery of spring, what outer evidence would others see in you of your new life in Christ?
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.
Exploring Narek: An ACE Zoom presentation by Dn. Armen Terjimanian on Wednesday evening, May 7 at 7:00pm. Join us as we delve into an Armenian spiritual masterpiece, written in the 10th century with grace and beauty by St. Gregory of Narek. This introduction is a MUST for all those who wish to understand and explore Armenian spirituality and find relevance and meaning in the 21st century. To receive the link, send a request to nancybasmajian@verizon.net.(05/04)
MADONNA AND CHILD — Sunday, May 18, an IN-PERSON EVENT! For those who missed Dn. Albert Keshgegian’s ZOOM presentation on one of the most popular depictions in Chrisian art, he will present highlights of the program for us at Sunday Fellowship. Many artists, classical and modern, have painted St. Mary with baby Jesus; the painting is at the altar of Armenian churches around the world. Why this picture with this pose? What meaning and message does it have for us? How does it compare with other depictions of Madonna and Child, which may have different messages? (05/18)
ACE Presents LIFT UP YOUR VOICE — If you’ve ever wondered what our Choir members are thinking or feeling as they sing our sharagans, join us on Tuesday evening, May 20 at 7:00 via Zoom. The one-hour session will be led by Jeanette Der Hagopian and Emily Terjimanian. Whether you sing or not, we invite you to explore our music and make new discoveries about our faith. Look for the Zoom link coming soon in your mailbox! (05/18)
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 20 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 is 72% funded which unfortunately is exactly the same as last week).
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 (we double dare you), by contacting Karinne Andonian at karinne.hov@gmail.com.
~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~
Church School Graduation Ceremony Class of 2025 and Closing Day
May 07 ACE Program: Exploring Narek
May 11 Mother’s Day
May 18 Madonna and Child presentation — Dn. Albert Keshgegian
May 20 ACE Program: Lift Up Your Voice
May 22 Zoom Book Club Discussion
Jun 04 Finding Meaning in Photography — Gary Altoonian
Jun 11 Pondering the Word of God — Leslie Movsesian
Jun 15 Father’s Day