THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
March 3, 2024

Today is the Sunday of the Steward

Scripture Notes From Today’s Readings

Luke 16:1-31 – Parable of the Steward (1-13). Today’s reading also includes the renowned story of the unnamed rich man and Lazarus. The rich man ignores the poor and ailing Lazarus and after both have died, he sees that Lazarus is in heaven at Abraham’s side. Lamenting his own torment far from God, he asks that Lazarus be sent to warn his brothers of what can happen when they live selfish lives. Abraham tells him they had already been well informed by the Law and the Prophets so nothing more could help. Discuss/reflect: What do you think Jesus means when he says “No one can serve two masters” (13)? What “masters” pull you away from God? What makes it so difficult for people to be convinced of God’s ways?

Ephesians 4:17-5:14 St. Paul notes that ‘children of light’ must set aside past behaviors, having become renewed in Christ and created to be like God in true holiness (vv.23-24). The way of love excludes all the vices we might have once considered acceptable. Discuss/reflect: What specific ways does St. Paul cite as examples of “new self” behavior? (25: speak truthfully, 26: let go of anger quickly, 28: engage in useful work so we’re able to help others, 29: speak to build others up, 31: do not be iddbitter, or angry or slander others, 5:1: imitate God, 2: live a life of love, 3: avoid sexual immorality or any kind of impurity or greed, 7: avoid the people who encourage you to behave immorally.) Of those listed, what one behavior do you need God‘s help with?

Isaiah 56:1-57:21 Isaiah shares God’s exhortation to his people to maintain justice, do what is right, keep the holy day holy and welcome all people, even “outsiders,” removing obstacles in their way. To these he promises joy and blessings. He rails against the selfishness and ignorance of Israel’s leaders who seek their own gain with “mighty appetites.” Discuss/reflect: Why the importance of keeping the Sabbath holy? How do you dedicate the day to the Lord? Does your church family or your Sunday worship service present obstacles for someone of another background?

STEWARDS oversaw the finances and all the affairs of the house for wealthy families of ancient times. The steward in this parable (often translated as the “shrewd manager”) is farsighted about his own welfare. When his master accuses him of wasteful ways, demanding an accounting and threatening his dismissal, the steward reduces the moneys owed to his master by others so that they might employ him should it come to that (he was actually lowering his own built-in commission in every negotiation). He is commended by the master. Although a challenging parable, it is easier to understand when we see that Jesus is asking us to be as diligent and ambitious about our spiritual welfare as we are about our worldly security (8-9). Reflection: What masters pull at you for allegiance?

REQUIEM SERVICES: Hokehankist today will be for

Stephan Aksherian a father and grandfather on the 35^th anniversary of his eternal rest. Requested in loving memory by the Torcomian and Jayawant Families.
Larry L Grocott requested in loving memory by his devoted wife Dorothy Grocott.
Frank G. Murphy, Esq. Frank is survived by his devoted wife, Anna-Marie Murphy and his two adoring daughters, Natalie and Julianna.
Pearl Serabian Josephs requested in loving honor by her daughter Dorothy Grocott.
Armenouhi Aksherian, Amod Jayawant, Lucig, Hahop & Flora Haroutyun and Haig & Serbouhi Hambartsoumian requested by the Torcomian and Jayawant Families.

Coffee Hour today is sponsored by: Dorothy Grocott and Anna-Marie Murphy in memory of their loved ones as they remember them during this time.

The Seven Words Spoken from the Cross – During his final hours on the cross, our Lord made seven statements. Join us after Badarak today, MARCH 3 as Dn. Garo Garibian, in a PowerPoint presentation, examines these words and what they reveal about Christ’s divinity and his humanity.

A Lenten ZOOM by A New Face! – We are honored to welcome Fr. Glenn Sudano, who will address our faithful, via ZOOM on FRIDAY, MARCH 8 AT 7:00. His topic is “Standing Strong in Turbulent Times.” Fr. Glenn is a dynamic speaker who has led several retreats and programs for the clergy of our Diocese. See flyer in narthex.

The “Gospel” According to Elvis – Our faithful are invited to join us on SATURDAY, MARCH 16 for a unique IN-PERSON workshop on the Gospel music recorded by one of the most celebrated musicians in American history—Elvis Presley. After we listen to each song, Dn. Albert Keshgegian will guide the discussion using lyrics, Bible passages and prayers from the Armenian tradition, as we explore the meaning of this music for Christians. The workshop will run from 10:00 a.m.to 2:30 p.m.  Complimentary lunch and morning coffee and donuts (arrive at 9:30!) are included. Registration is a MUST. Please contact nancybasmajian@verizon.net no later than March 12. Flyers are available in the narthex.

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 New 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.

FAR’s Ayo! Platform is excited to launch a new project in partnership with Teach for Armenia (TFA). TFA is committed to improving education for children all over the country by enlisting exceptional university graduates to teach in under-resourced village schools for two-year terms. When Azerbaijan was attacked last September, Ayo! was partnering with TFA to fund teacher-leaders in Artsakh, who were committed to teaching children under blockade. Following the forced displacement, Ayo! put the project on hold. Now they are restarting the campaign and funding two displaced teachers from Artsakh ($5000 for each) for one year. Ayo!’s goal is to raise $10,000 by the end of February. Support Tigran and Alise (and the students they serve!) here: www.weareayo.org

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.

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.

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.

Seasonal Reminder – Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 10, 2024, so please remember to turn your clock forward one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night (March 9^th). Remember: Spring forward!

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

The Seven Words Spoken from the Cross
After Badarak
Mar 6 – Every Wednesday, 7 pm, Zoom Bible Study with Fr. Hakob
Mar 10 – Daylight Saving Time Begins
Mar 24 – Palm Sunday
Mar 28 – Holy Thursday
Mar 29 – Holy Friday
Mar 30 – Easter Eve and Fellowship
Mar 31 – Easter Sunday