THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
January 21, 2024

Third Sunday after the Octave of Theophany

Scripture Notes For Today’s Readings: 

John 6:15-21 In this account of Jesus’ miracle of walking on the water, he assures his terrified disciples: “It is I; don’t be afraid.”(v.20). The original Greek is a more powerful construction, namely, “I AM,” echoing God’s very same self-identification to Moses at the burning bush.

2 Tim 2:15-26 Timothy describes the life of righteousness and love for all ministers in God’s service. To counter false teachings, he suggests instructing people gently so that their hearts might open to God’s truth.

Is 61:10-62:9 Isaiah describes God’s redemptive promises to the Israelites who have returned from a long and painful exile. Now they will be acknowledged by all as a blessed, priestly people of God, clothed in “garments of salvation” and “robes of righteousness.”(v.10). These images are echoed in the Armenian rites of baptism and ordination as well as in the priest’s vesting prayers before the Divine Liturgy.

Saturday, February 27: St. Sarkis the Warrior

“Warrior” might seem a curious word for describing a saint! And yet the imagery of spiritual warfare is deeply biblical. There were also many soldiers and generals (St Vartan) who fought for their faith, standing firm and courageous for Christ. Sarkis was a soldier of Greek descent in Emperor Constantine’s army. When Emperor Julian took the throne in 361, he began to zealously promote traditional Roman paganism instead of the Christian faith legitimized by Emperor Constantine in 313. This earned him the title “Apostate.” Under threat of persecution, Sarkis and his son Mardiros sought the protection of King Tiran of Armenia. From there, he went to serve in the Persian army, where he and his son won many converts to Christianity. When they refused to worship pagan idols, father and son were martyred. Fourteen Persian soldiers whom Sarkis had converted to Christianity risked their lives to bury the general’s body and they too were executed. In the fifth century, Mesrob Mashdotz moved the saint’s remains to Armenia.

Altar flowers are donated in loving memory of Larry Der Hagopian, Deran & Ann Chopoorian, Jake & Virginia Der Hagopian and Edward & Melena Ayjian.

REQUIEM SERVICES: Hokehankist today will be for:

Larry Der Hagopian, Deran & Ann Chopoorian, Jake & Virginia Der Hagopian and Edward & Melena Ayjian, requested by the Der Hagopian, Farah and Willard families in loving memory of their loved ones.

Haig Hagopian beloved husband, father and grandfather as well as parents, grandparents and great-grandparents, Aram and Sue Hagopian; and for their nephew and cousin, Gregory Misak Seferian on the third anniversary of his eternal life. Requested in loving memory by Gay and Marie Hagopian and Tina, Joseph and Armen LaRose.

This year, the Ladies of Holy Trinity want to honor the women who came before us. This Sunday we request Hokehankist for Dorothy Chalikian, Varteny Javian, Elsie Parnagian, Berjouhe Paroonagian, & Sara Terkhanian.

Fellowship Today: As we approach the beginning of Lent, we look to simplify our Coffee Hour.  Effective immediately, we will only provide coffee and tea.  We invite our parishioners to bring anything they would like to share on the Coffee Hour table.

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 2024.  For any questions regarding your status, please call the church office.

Annual Parish Assembly – Scheduled for February 25, 2024. If an alternative date is needed, it will be scheduled for March 2024.

Zoom Book Club – The Holy Trinity Book Club continues to attract readers since its debut in January of 2021, a creation of our Adult Christian Education ministry. The next selection is an American classic: MY ANTONIA by Willa Cather. The discussion will be facilitated by Suzanne Sherenian on Thursday, February 22. Grab a flyer from the narthex for more information about the novel and how to receive the Zoom link (02/04)

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

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.

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.

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.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Church School Spring Semester Begins

Jan 24 – Weekly Zoom Bible Study
Feb 11 – Poon Paregentan
Feb 11 – Blessing of Married Couples
Feb 12 – Lent begins
Feb 18 – Vartanantz Program
Feb 25 – Annual Parish Assembly
Mar 10 – Mitchink Luncheon