Each year, on January 13, the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates the Feast of Naming of Our Lord Jesus Christ. As Evangelist St. Luke writes in his Gospel, according to the Jewish tradition “After eighth days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” (Lk 2:21). “Jesus” is a Hebrew word which means “Savior”.  In the Gospel of St.Luke it says, “And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.” (Lk 1:31).

Parallel to the name “Jesus” the name “Christ” was given to the Savior, which is a Greek word and it means “Consecrated” and corresponding to the Hebrew word “Messiah”.

On the Feast of Naming of Our Lord Jesus Christ a Divine Liturgy is celebrated in Armenian Churches.

Water Blessing Service
Today, in the ceremony of the Blessing of the Water, we celebrate Jesus’ baptism.   The following is a meditation by Dn. Albert Keshgegian, adapted from “Beside Still Waters: Day by Day through Lent”:

Why did Jesus go and get baptized before he started his ministry?  Baptism is purification of sin, especially the original sin with which we are all born.   But Jesus was born without sin and never sinned.  Why did he wish to be baptized?  To teach us that this is the path to God the Father and to show us, through his humility, the way.

In fact, Christ’s entire life was full of things that he didn’t have to do, but he did, out of love for us and to help us.   Christ didn’t have to be born as a human being.  But he was.   He became human because he wanted to be like us.  To show us perfect love in human form, and to inspire us to what we ourselves can achieve.   Christ didn’t have to be born in a lowly barn and manger.  But he was, to show us the humility that we must have if we are to follow him.   Christ didn’t have to roam the countryside, seeking the tax collectors, the ill and infirm, the fallen women, and all the sinners.  But he did, because he wanted to make sure that the message of God’s love reached everyone.  Christ didn’t have to wash the disciples’ feet, but he did, to show them, and us, the humility of a Christian leader.  And Christ didn’t have to die on the cross, but he did.  Because he loved us so much.  He didn’t want us to suffer and die for our mistakes.  Instead, he took all our sins upon himself and paid the price that we should have paid.  From birth, to baptism, to crucifixion, to today, Christ did, and continues to do for us, out of a love deeper than we could ever comprehend.

And what about us?  Christ also calls us to baptism.  Although he didn’t “need” to be baptized, we do.   Each of us caries that original human sin of selfishness that Adam and Eve had and that caused them to become separated from God.  Christ was God’s Son from the beginning.  Even though we are all created in God’s image, we do not actually become his children until our sin is removed through baptism.  It is then that we become God’s sons and daughters.  It is then that we too become his beloved, just as Jesus was.

And just as the Holy Spirit appeared at Jesus’ baptism, we also receive the Holy Spirit through the sacrament of Chrismation administered at the same time as our baptism.  We receive the power of the Holy Spirit that acts in our lives, giving us the ability to do the work of God.  After his baptism, Jesus began his ministry.  After our baptism, we become servants of God and ministers for him, just as Jesus was.  We carry the word of God wherever we go – to our community, to our school, to our workplace.

We go out like the apostles, each doing our own part in our own way, to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

By: Deacon Albert Keshgegian

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John 11: 1-46 (pages 96-97) New Testament – (Please follow the Armenian Reading in your Bible)

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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.

Agape Hour Today – All are invited, long time parishioners, new members, and first-time visitors, please join us after Badarak in our lovely hall for Christian fellowship, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, and greet fellow parishioners and Der Hayr. Agape hour begins when Der Hayr blesses the table.

Day of Remembrance – On Sunday, January18 there will be a short candle-lighting service and hokehankisd to honor the memory of those in our community who passed away in 2025 and received the burial rites of our church. Through this ceremony, the entire Holy Trinity Parish shares in each family’s loss and remembers all the departed with love, gratitude and consoling prayer.

Nominees For Parish Council – Any dues paid member may submit their name to anyone on the Nominating Committee if you wish to run for office. Don’t wait to be asked – offer your services to your church.

Seeking Christmas Decorations and Jewelry – We are currently planning for 2026 events and are in need of gently used Christmas decorations and jewelry.

As you sort through your items this holiday season – or when you pack them away in January of 2026 – please consider setting aside any decorations or jewelry with which you are willing to part. We welcome all donations and greatly appreciate your support.  Please remember to bring your donated items to the church and leave them in the first Sunday School Room. Any questions, please contact Gena DerHagopian Willard or Alyssa Santerian.(01/11)

Discover the Beauty of the Armenian Language! – Learn Eastern Armenian with Mariam, a native speaker, through engaging and personalized classes that focus on the alphabet, vocabulary, cultural insights, and practical communication. Sign up now and start your Armenian language journey with Mariam! For more information, please contact Mariam via Email at marpoghosyan17@gmail.com or call her at 445-256-3966.

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.  For more information, please contact Karinne Andonian at karinne.hov@gmail.com.

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Godfather of the Cross: Michael “Mick” Paretchan

Church School Pageant

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