THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
December 18, 2022

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Luke 17:1-10 Jesus shares four critical teachings with his disciples (and us): 1. Sin will come – watch for those who carry it with them, 2. Be generous with your forgiveness, 3. The smallest seed of faith can empower you beyond your understanding, and 4. Doing all I tell you does not call for self-congratulations, for it is simply what you should be doing. Discuss/reflect: Which of these four life guidelines speaks to you? Can you think of a specific experience?

Hebrews 1:1-14 The early readers of Hebrews might have venerated angels to such a degree that the epistle writer felt it important to stress Jesus’ sovereignty over them. In doing so, he lays out a compelling series of statements about who Jesus is. Discuss/reflect. With pen in hand, read today’s epistle reading. Underline or write out the words or phrases that describe Jesus. Begin a prayer with “Lord Jesus Christ, you who…Add all these descriptions and then your personal petitions.

Isaiah 38:1-8 King Hezekiah, ill and at the point of death, prays for healing. God restores the King’s health and pledges protection to Jerusalem. Discuss/reflect: Hezekiah declares to God that he had “done what is good in Your eyes. (v 3).” In St. Nersess’ famous “Wisdom” prayer, he asks God for the wisdom to “do what is good in Your sight.” What do you do that might be God in His sight?

Saturday December 24 – David the Prophet King and the Holy Apostle James the Brother of the Lord.

David was the youngest of eight brothers and was brought up to be a shepherd where he learned courage, tenderness, and caring. David became the second King of Israel. In the Bible, the name David belongs solely to him, which indicates the unique place he had as an ancestor and forerunner of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the New Testament there are more than 50 references to David, including the title given to Jesus—Son of David. David was a poet and is regarded as the author of the Book of Psalms.

James the Apostle is called “Brother of the Lord.” Probably because of his close relationship with Jesus, he was granted a special appearance of the Lord after the Resurrection. He is believed to have been a first cousin of the Lord, or as some biblical scholars have suggested, a son of Joseph. After the Resurrection and the Ascension, while the other apostles scattered all over the world, James remained in Jerusalem where he served as the Bishop and became a leading spokesman of the early church.

James, the brother of the Lord (Acts 12:17; 15:13; 21:18; Galatians 1:19), was not one of the twelve apostles, the first bishop of Jerusalem.

Hokehankist today will be for:

NIKOLAY HOVHANNISYAN requested in loving memory his daughter Alla Arzumanyan 

MANYA KOCHARYAN – requested by her loving children Karine, Vigen and Vahe

COFFEE HOUR today is sponsored in loving memory of Manya Kocharyan by Karine Kocharyan, Vigen Kocharyan, Vahe Kocharyan, Samvel Amirkhanyan, Yeva, Yelena and Rafayel Amirkhanyan.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 18 – students from the Armenian Language Classes will be holding a concert during coffee hour which will be dedicated to “Komidas Vartapet” and other wonderful Armenian Saints, Poets, and Musicians. Please, support our young performers by your warm presence.

CHURCH CALENDAR (please mark your calendars)

January
Thursday January 5^th: Armenian Christmas Eve followed by Fellowship
Friday January 6^th: Armenian Christmas
Sunday January 8^th: Water Blessing Service & Christmas Pageant
Sunday January 15^th: Day of Remembrance
Saturday January 21^st – Royal Tea Party

THIS CHRISTMAS LET’S SUPPORT FAR’S CHILDREN
Parakar Special School serves about 200 students both with and without disabilities. Many of the children were given up by their parents as a result of their disabilities; thus, most of the children live at the school.

The children always look forward to New Year, which is the most wonderful time of the year for them! Usually, they are able to have a humble dinner together to ring in the New Year. This year, FAR wants to make their celebration special by including gifts of warm winter clothes and to ensure that they have fruits and sweets too. http://WWW.WEAREAYO.ORG

MEN‘S CLUB NEWS – The Nov & Dec. 2022 “200 CLUB” drawing have been completed. You can see the results on our HTAC Website. Click on: Organizations, Men’s Club.   –Thank you for your support!

Seeking Part-time Organists – the Choir of Holy Trinity is looking for 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.

REMINDER: According to the Diocesan Bylaws, membership dues are to be paid no later than December 31st each year in order to be a member in “good standing” and to be eligible to vote at the annual assembly. Any monies received after that date will be applied to the new year.  For any questions regarding your status, please call the church office.

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.