THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
November 19, 2023

Tenth Sunday of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Luke 9:44-50 The disciples argue about who among them would be the greatest (even though they have just heard their beloved Lord predict His betrayal!). Jesus derails their debate by bringing a child to His side, challenging them to welcome such little ones and others who are “least” in the world’s eyes. The theme of welcoming extends to the man driving out demons (9: 49-50) for whom he also asks a generosity of heart. Discuss/reflect: In verse 46, how do you think the disciples are gauging greatness? How do you? How does Jesus? (9:48)

Philippians 1:1-11 All the more poignant as he is writing from prison in Rome, St. Paul joyfully remembers the Philippians and thinks of them as his fellow travelers (“your partnership in the gospel from the first”), sharing in God’s grace. Their faith is so admirable that Paul foresees God continuing to work in their lives, bringing it to “completion” at the end of time. He prays that their love lead them to ever greater knowledge and insight.  Discuss/reflect: How is God at work in a believer’s life (1:6, 9-11)? How might knowing this make you feel about uncertainties in your life?

Isaiah 25: 9-26:7 These verses begin with an oracle against Moab, a neighbor of Judea, and end, in Chapter 26, with a beautiful psalm-like prayer of trust in God. Discuss/reflect: “The path of the righteous is level…You make the way of the righteous smooth.” (26:7) Hmmm…We know that God never promises an easy, untroubled life. So what do you think is meant here? How indeed can your life, in Christ, be smooth and level?

REQUIEM SERVICES: Hokehankist today will be for:

Lori L. Aghazarian on the first anniversary of her eternal rest requested by Lucy Aghazarian and Aram Alan Aghazarian in loving memory.

Aram Avedis Aghazarian on the 6th anniversary of his eternal rest requested by Lucy Aghazarian and Aram Alan Aghazarian in loving memory.

Theodora Crist-Mirakian on the 2^nd anniversary of her eternal rest requested in loving memory by David & Marta Brann, family and friends.

Alter Flowers Today

Today’s alter flowers are sponsored by David & Marta Brann in memory of Theodora Crist-Mirakian.

Fellowship Today

The Coffee Hour is sponsored by Lucy Aghazarian in memory of her loved ones Lori L. Aghazarian and Aram Avedis Aghazarian. 

Artsakh Support Desperately Needed – Since early this year, we have closely followed the news from and about Artsakh. We prayed often, deeply and fervently. We didn’t know what else to do. Our hearts broke when the unimaginable happened and Artsakh was lost to us. Now is our time to help the thousands of refugees who had to flee to mainland Armenia to seek a safe haven. They left their homes and most of their belongings forever. We are appealing to our faithful to give generously from your heart to help our sisters and brothers who have given their all.

Checks should be made to Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Memo: Artsakh, and brought or mailed to church. Online donations can be made by going to www.holytrinity-pa.org, go to donations, scroll down to Open Donation and enter Artsakh.

Humanitarian Support for Artsakh Ongoing From The Knights And Daughters Of Vartan – As the Azeri government still cracks down on the Armenian people in the nation of Artsakh, the people are not giving up! Please consider making a donation to the Knights and Daughters of Vartan Call to Action Committee! Donations will go towards humanitarian aid. For further information please visit the Knights and Daughters of Vartan website @ https://kofv.org/a-call-to-action-from-kdv-for-artsakh/

Mail your donations to Knights of Vartan, Mr. Ronald Nazeley,Treasurer, 558 Kentwood Bluffs Drive, Los Angeles 90045.

Pastor’s Weekly ZOOM Bible Study – Our Adult Christian Education ministry team is pleased to invite our faithful to Fr. Hakob’s Bible Study on the GOSPEL OF LUKE. We will meet every Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 8:00 via Zoom. Last year, we journeyed with Der Hayr methodically through the Gospel of Matthew and learned a great deal. So, why are we studying the Gospel of Luke? Isn’t it just another gospel? Join us beginning November 8 to discover how Luke’s account of Jesus’ life and ministry differs from the other gospels and what it means for us. To receive the Zoom link, contact nancybasmajian@verizon.net

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 to the interested candidates, along with one-on-one direction from a senior choir person.  For further information, contact Karinne Andonian @ karinne.hov@gmail.com.

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.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Barekendan (Eve) of the Fast of Advent

Nov 23 – Thanksgiving

Nov 26 – First Sunday of Advent

Dec 9 – Feast of the Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary