THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
January15, 2023

First Sunday after the Octave of Theophany

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Luke 4:14-30 Jesus is in Galilee teaching to the delight and appreciation of his listeners. But in a synagogue one day, as He preaches the purpose of His mission for the poor, the sick, and the oppressed (again to an admiring congregation), He challenges their understanding of this mission, proposing that outsiders often grasp it better than they do. They are enraged, ready to drive him out of town and even kill (!) him.

John 2: 1-11 In the Gospel of John, the miracle at the wedding of Cana is the first “sign” of Jesus’ sovereignty over all Creation and that He was indeed the Messiah. So much of note in this renowned story: The very first words “on the third day” call to mind Jesus’ glorious resurrection; the servants know who it was who turned the water into wine but not the “higher ups;” the wine steward confides in the bridegroom thinking he is responsible for the new wine when it was actually Jesus, the true bridegroom; the jars are filled “to the brim” pointing to God’s abundance.

1 Timothy 1: 1-11 Paul urges his protégé Timothy to be diligent against the “myths and genealogies” that so distracted people of that time (we have our own infamous distractions). In addition, an emphasis on the law has many losing sight of the simple Gospel doctrines of love and sincere faith.

Isaiah 54: 1-13 What a bold declaration of love from God to His people! The Lord foresees His return to His beloved spouse, Israel, and her descendants overflowing into neighboring nations and cities. Never again will His covenant with her be broken and He will rebuild Jerusalem (54:11- “O afflicted city!”) with precious stones.

Tuesday, January 17,  St. Antony the Hermit

St. Antony was one of the most beloved and well-known of the “desert fathers and mothers” who in the 3rd century chose to live in prayerful solitude or in small communities in the desert wilderness in the Middle East and, primarily, Egypt. By the time St. Antony had died in the mid-4^th century, thousands of faithful had been drawn to this lifestyle following his example. Another revered saint of the Armenian Church, St. Athanasius (who is remembered on January 22 this year), wrote in his famous life of St. Antony that so many had followed him “the desert had become a city.” This astounding movement was the early foundation of Christian monasticism.

Hokehankist today will be for:

Ann and Deran Chopoorian , requested by Jeanette Der Hagopian and Family in loving memory of parents/grandparents.

Larry Der Hagopian, beloved husband and father requested in loving memory by Jeanette Der Hagopian and Family

Altar flowers today are donated by Jeanette Der Hagopian and Family in loving memory of parents/grandparents, Ann and Deran Chopoorian, and beloved husband and father, Larry Der Hagopian.

A Day of Remembrance:  At the conclusion of Badarak today, there will be a brief candle-lighting ceremony and hokehankisd to honor the memory of those in our community who passed away in 2022. Through this humble gesture—now in its 9th year–the entire Holy Trinity parish shares in each family’s loss and remembers all the departed with love, gratitude, and consoling prayer.

Coffee Hour Fellowship today is sponsored by the Adult Christian Education (ACE) Ministry in loving memory of those who passed away in 2022.

ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY: Scheduled for March 5, 2023 with a snow date of March 12, 2023.

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.

Learn about the Liturgy: January 29: Have you ever wondered about some of the words and actions of the Badarak? Or, been curious about Der Hayr’s elaborate vestments? If you answered “yes” to these questions, then attending The Instructed Liturgy on Sunday, January 29 is a must! This program, coordinated by Dn. Albert Keshgegian, is a unique educational opportunity to help the faithful grow in their knowledge and experience of the Divine Liturgy at the most effective time—as it is unfolding before them. The commentary, which will be offered by James Keshgegian and Ani Peckjian, will interrupt the Badarak in progress several times in order to explain what is happening and why. PLEASE NOTE:  Because the introduction is the longest and most informative section of the commentary and comes at the very beginning of Badarak, we must stress the importance of being prompt. It is crucial that you be present for the entire Liturgy, which will begin at 10:30 and end at the usual time.

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.

CHURCH CALENDAR (please mark your calendars)

Sunday January 15^th: Day of Remembrance

Saturday January 21^st – Royal Tea Party

Sunday January 29 – Instructed Liturgy

Sunday  February 5 – Church school resumes

Sunday February 12 – Blessing of Married Couples

Sunday February 19 – Poon Paregentan

Sunday March 5 – ACYOA Soup Sunday and Parish Annual Assembly

Sunday March 12 – Snow date – Parish Assembly

Sunday March 19 – Mitchink luncheon

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.

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS: In an effort to inform parishioners and friends when a Holy Trinity church service or program needs to be canceled or delayed due to inclement weather or other reasons, we request that you check our website (www.holytrinity-pa.org) or facebook page (www.facebook.com/holytrinitypa) for the most accurate information