THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
September 1, 2024

Third Sunday after Assumption

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Isaiah 9:8-19 God’s warnings through his prophet are unequivocal: even though the people of Israel confidently plan to rebuild after an attack by enemies, their evil and neglect of God will render all they do futile. His punishment will continue because of Israel’s prideful arrogance. Discuss/reflect: Evil is referred to (v. 18) as a raging forest fire that consumes all in its path. This image is particularly vivid today as we consider the horrendous fires consuming California and other parts of the world. As you look at current events, where do you see this engulfing effect of evil? How can it be stopped? (Gods has concrete suggestions in chapter 10!)

2 Corinthians 1:1-11 Often personal and passionate in the opening lines of his epistles, here St. Paul stresses the compassion of a God who comforts the suffering, enabling us, in turn, to comfort others. This is particularly meaningful to Paul who has just endured unimaginable hardships in his travels and realized that relying entirely on God’s love and mercy was the only way to survive. Discuss/reflect: Paul found that troubles and hardship led him to rely on God all the more (v.9) How do you respond when life gets difficult? Can you recall a difficult time during which you experienced God’s comforting presence?

Mark 4:35-41 Chapter 4 begins and ends with Jesus in a boat, as he teaches about the nature and power of God. Here, the disciples fear for their lives as a storm develops on the Sea of Galilee and Jesus, no doubt exhausted, is asleep. After stilling the waves and winds, Jesus asks the disciples (and all of us!) why they are lacking in faith.  For even now, after all the disciples had seen and heard, they ask in awe: “Who can this be?” Discuss/reflect: In Scripture, God addresses fear more than any other emotion, repeatedly asking us not to be afraid. What fears do you have? In what ways might this story be instructive in handling them?

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 – 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.

Coffee Hour – There will not be a coffee hour today.

Honoring Our Grandparents: We invite our entire community to join us on Sunday, September 8 as we celebrate National Grandparents Day. There will be a short blessing service following the Divine Liturgy in which we will recognize the special love and gifts grandparents share with their grandchildren and their contribution to our parish family. Fellowship will follow in the Santerian Hall.

Church School Registration – Sept 15^th – Register your child for Church School Religious Education Classes and Armenian Language Classes. No charge. Church School students enjoy the benefits of a wonderful faith and cultural education with free attendance at Church School parties. We hope you will join us!

Bringing Water (and Hope!) to Berkaber
The beautiful village of Berkaber is located in Armenia’s far eastern Tavush region. Its name directly translates to “bring the harvest,” and that’s just what the villagers are doing thanks to their new irrigation system! FAR, along with the Pan-Armenian Fund, supported the community with the initial investment to apply for a government grant to install the vital infrastructure. Robert Aghamyan, who used to rely on animal husbandry for income, has been able to transform his 3,000 square meters of land—just 500 meters from Azeri military posts—into his main source of livelihood. “Last year, we planted 9 kg of green peas and harvested 100 kg. That was amazing,” he shares. Prior to the irrigation system, Robert and his wife Taguhi had no plans or intention to cultivate the land, simply because there was no way to water it. “Two years ago, it was just grass… We plowed the land for the first time last year, and the first harvest was excellent.” Over the years, FAR has invested in community projects that create essential infrastructure for economic development in Tavush villages through the Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Program (BCPP). These initiatives have profoundly impacted the daily lives and future prospects of the villagers. Read more here: https://www.farusa.org/post/new-irrigation-system-sparks-orchard-boom-in-berkaber

AYO – “Put Down Roots.” In partnership with the Yerevan Botanical Gardens, the project aims to create an educational-therapeutic horticulture space to provide opportunities for forcibly displaced children (and others) to get their hands dirty, de-stress and learn about the environment! Once built, this special section of the botanical gardens will be available for children and youth for years to come. You can directly support the initiative here: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/ayoisyou/.

Armenian Sisters Academy – The best way to learn about ASA is to experience it for yourself! Visit our campus to see how our deep appreciation for the Armenian language and culture empowers our students, promotes self-respect, and prepares future role models. All visitors must have a scheduled appointment and may not freely enter the building without prior notice. To schedule your private tour contact Legna Santerian at Lsanterian@asaphila.org or (610) 687-4100.

Stay Connected with our Church Portal – Over the past several months Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church has changed to a new Church Management System called One Church.  The new software puts you in control of your information (email, phone number, giving information, etc.), allows us to communicate with you more effectively, facilitates online, text, and app donations, and provides greater connectivity throughout our community.  You should have received an email.  If you have not gotten one (please make sure to check your spam folder), then reach out to the church office.

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 at karinne.hov@gmail.com.

Sep 02         Labor Day – Church Office Closed
Sep 08         Grandparents Day
Sep 15         Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Sep 15         Church School Registration
Sep 19         Zoom Book Club Returns (see flyer in narthex)
Sep 21         Armenian Independence Day
Sep 29         Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak
Oct 26-27    Annual Harvest Bazaar