THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
March 23, 2025

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 bitter, 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

Dn. Krikor Mahserejian and his son Kevork Mahserejian requested in loving memory by the Mahserejian family.

Fellowship Today – Please join us in our hall for good conversation and fellowship.

Church School Cathedral Renovation Collection: Between Poon Paregentan and Easter, the Church School students across the Eastern Diocese have been asked to help raise money toward renovating our Cathedral in NYC that has fallen into disrepair. The Cathedral was a fulfillment of a dream to build a beautiful “national home” uniting all our parishes and faithful in the USA. It began with the generation that survived the Armenian Genocide and found refuge in America. They built our Cathedral out of gratitude to our Lord Jesus Christ, for the blessings He gave them. In the early 1950s, faithful of all ages gave their support to the project—often collecting nickels and dimes in a “Cathedral Fundraising Box” that could be seen in every Armenian home. Like our ancestors, we are being asked to continue this tradition and give our support to ensure that the Cathedral will be strong and sturdy for each of us and many generations to come. Please help our students with collection in your homes or by putting collection in the plate marked Cathedral Fundraising in our Narthex. Thank you!

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, now the project is 65% funded!).

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.

Mar 21         Madonna and Child Zoom program
Mar 26         Zoom Bible Study
Mar 30         Saintly Women’s Day
Apr 02         Zoom Bible Study
Apr 04         Lenten Program: Exploring Mark
Apr 09         Zoom Bible Study – Last Session
Apr 10         Zoom Book Club
Apr 11         Lenten Program: Lift Up Your Voice
Apr 13         Palm Sunday
Apr 17         Holy Thursday
Apr 18         Holy Friday
Apr 19         Easter Eve and Fellowship
Apr 20         Easter
Apr 26         Armenian Heritage Walk 2025 – Meher Statue, adjacent to the Philadelphia Museum of Art