THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
January 5, 2024

Sixth Sunday of Advent

A Very Happy & Healthy New Year to One and All

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Luke 22:24-30 At the Last Supper, on the very night Jesus would be arrested and taken to His death, the disciples are disputing who among them is the greatest. Jesus reminds them (oh, the endless patience of our Lord!) that they are not to be like the world where those in authority are considered important. Rather the greatest are those who serve humbly as He Himself was doing at their table. He commends them for being at His side; to such He promises a kingdom and a place at His table where they will dine seated on thrones (an image of the joyous fellowship possible in His presence) and judge the 12 tribes of Israel. (1 Cor 6:2-3).

Hebrews 13:18-25 The epistle writer asks for his readers’ prayers. The Greek verb suggests a continuous activity, so we understand they have been praying and will continue. He is sure he has done his utmost for them, hoping their prayers will soon bring him face-to-face with these people whom he clearly loves. He himself prays that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, continue to guide them on their journey to spiritual maturity.

Isaiah 51:15-52:3 God affirms his lordship over the people of Jerusalem, asking them to wake from their spiritual torpor and remember their harsh lesson of God’s judgment (“cup of wrath”). He promises to take that cup from their hand and place it that of their enemies. Awake! He exhorts them for the third time and be strong – they are now free of their chains and redeemed.

The Feast of Theophany: Monday, January 6
The Armenian Church celebrates the birth and baptism of Christ on the feast of Asdvadzahaydnootyoon on January 6. Surprisingly to us today, the birth of Jesus was of minor interest to the Early Church. The nativity of Christ was not viewed as the “birthday” of Jesus Christ the same way we tend to view birthdays; rather, the reverent emphasis was on Christ’s death and resurrection (beautifully demonstrated in Armenian miniatures where the baby Jesus is always shown with a cross embedded in His halo). Yet looking back at His birth from the perspective of His death, the nativity takes on deeper meaning, not as the birthday of a person, but as the coming of salvation into this world in Jesus Christ. Good News to us!

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.

The Nicene Creed/ Havadamk (Page 18 in New Divine Liturgy Book) – 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.

Pastor’s ZOOM Bible Study Returns on January 15^th – Fr. Hakob’s popular Bible study on the Gospel of John resumes with a look at chapter 9.  We encourage our faithful to establish a New Year’s resolution to attend one (or more) of these studies held every Wednesday evening at 7:00. Learning more about Scripture and the unique story told by the Evangelist John may enrich your life! Send an email to nancybasmajian@verizon.net to receive the link.

Zoom Book Club Returns on January 16^th – We are pleased to announce that the Holy Trinity Zoom Book Club has chosen “The Lost Ticket” by Freya Sampson as its first pick of the new year. An uplifting novel about lost love, the kindness of strangers and how life experience brings people together. Suzanne Sherenian will be our guide. If you are not a  regular, simply send an email to nancybasmajian@verizon.net to receive the Zoom link.

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.

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 at karinne.hov@gmail.com.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Armenian Christmas Eve – 3:00 PM Divine Liturgy
– Followed by a House Blessing in the Hall
– Please bring food to share during the fellowship hour

Jan 06        Armenian Christmas
Jan 12        Water Blessing Service
Jan 15        Weekly Bible Study Resumes
Jan 16        Zoom Book Club Resumes
Jan 19        Day of Remembrance