THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
June 14, 2026

Third Sunday After Pentecost

 Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Matthew 12:1-8 When the Pharisees chastise Jesus for allowing his disciples to pick grain on the Sabbath, he cites many instances from their own history (King David) and tradition (practices of priests at the Jerusalem temple) to counter their accusations. Alluding to the prophet Hosea’s words, he declares human need (hunger in this case) more important than rules. Discuss/reflect: Prayerfully contemplate this lovely NLT version of Hosea 6:6 (to which Jesus refers): “I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.” What changes in your ‘habits of faith’ might these words prompt you to make?

Romans 6:12-23 St. Paul exhorts his listeners to reject sin as their master, since they now live under grace rather than the Law. God has freed us from enslavement to sin; obedience leads to righteousness. “The wages of sin are death;” but holiness leads to eternal life with Christ Jesus. Discuss/reflect: If St. Paul were here today, what sins would he say enslave our society?

Isaiah 1:1-15 God despairs of a rebellious people who continue to turn from his ways. Since their hearts are not open to God, their worship and prayers are meaningless. “Your incense is detestable to me…I cannot bear your assemblies!”(v.13) Discuss/reflect: Worship of God needs to spring from genuine faith and reverence to have meaning. How would you rate your worship?

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.

Agape Hour — a beautiful expression of love, community, and togetherness is just not the same without YOU!! Please join us after Divine Liturgy for fellowship and good conversation. All are Welcome!

Holy Badarak – Over the summer is a wonderful time to learn and familiarize yourself with the Badarak. If your children sing in the school choir, please encourage them to come sing in our church choir to continue developing their voice on Sundays during the summer. It’s ok if they don’t know many of the sharagans, they will learn. And if they can read music, they will be fine. Our senior choir members are here to help. I look forward to seeing your children upstairs with us!

Calling all beach lovers! Join us this summer at the water’s edge for a great “beach read.” Rev. Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian, pastor of St. Peter Armenian Church in Watervliet, NY will guide us on a three-session ZOOM based on an inspiring little book called Breakfast on the Beach: Finding God at the Water’s Edge.  Even though we won’t actually be having breakfast at the beach, we promise you a different kind of fulfilling experience at the water’s edge. We will explore a new way to reflect on the sea, the sand, the sky, the shells and more. It is there we hope to encounter Christ. Participants can purchase the book at our bookstore for a discounted price of $5. Please note that only those who register for the program qualify for the reduced price (copies are limited). Join us, via Zoom, on the following Wednesday evenings: July 22, 29 and August 12. You can register at the bookstore or send an email to nancybasmajian@verizon.net.(07/19)

Attention Graduates! Looking for graduates (of all levels) to be included in upcoming digital church bulletins. We invite you to submit your own details for inclusion. Write-up should include: full name, parents’ names, name of institution, grade level or degree achieved, activity involvement (church or school), and future plans (further education/work/other). Please include a picture (in high resolution color), if possible. Everything should be sent to office@holytrinity-pa.org by July 3, 2026.

Book Club News – The Holy Trinity ZOOM Book Club will soon conclude another successful season with the Planning Team of Alyssa Santerian and Suzanne Sherenian. They have worked together for three years to create a comfortable environment for sharing and facilitated engaging book discussions. Both are avid readers, enthusiastic about books and articulate leaders. While Alyssa has decided to step down, she will remain an active member and occasional facilitator. Don Paretchan will join Suzanne in planning and implementing the 2026-27 season. There is one session remaining in this season; we hope you will join us on Thursday, June 25 as we discuss “90 Minutes in Heaven” by Don Piper. 06/21

Church Membership – Our spiritual church is thriving and our children are smiling, but have you thought about becoming a member if you are not one already?  Membership is the key to the success of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church.  When you become a member of the church, you strengthen the foundation of Holy Trinity, allowing it to become stronger and more successful.  You have the opportunity to vote in the parish assembly, join various committees and organizations and to help forge the path of Holy Trinity.

If you wish to become a member, please go to https://holytrinity-pa.org/donation/ and select the appropriate membership for 2026.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Third Sunday After Pentecost
Jun 19         Juneteenth – Church Office Closed
Jun 21         Father’s Day
Jul 03          Independence Day Observed – Church Office Closed
Jul 12          90^th Birthday Celebration in Honor of Merle Santerian
Oct 24-25     Annual Harvest Bazaar