THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
January 18, 2026

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.

Monday January 19, 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-4th 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 25th 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.

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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.

Requiem Services – We Honor And Pray For These Souls

Karasoonk (40 Days) Today Will Be For

Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian on the 40th day of his eternal rest. Requested in loving memory by Yn. Joyce Arzoumanian, Mr. Hagop Arzoumanian, Mrs. Maro Arzoumanian Pattoukian and Family, Artinian Family (Egypt), Mrs. Sima Arzoumanian, Mr. & Mrs. Krikor and Sossi Soghomonian and Family, Mr. & Mrs. Harout & Lena Arzoumanian, Mr. & Mrs. Armand and Sylvia Markarian and Family, Mr. & Mrs. Ara and Kelly Arzoumanian and Family, Mr. & Mrs. Berdj and Liz Mazmanian and Family, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony and Suzy Pellegrino and Family, Mr. & Mrs. Daniel and Selena Mazmanian, Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian and Family, Ms. Anahid Arzoumanian and Family, Dr. Yervant Arzoumanian and Family, Mr. & Mrs. David and Margaret Mgrublian and Family, Mr. & Mrs. Sarkis and Suzy Arzoumanian and Family, Mr. & Mrs. Mgo and Naira Tashjian

Hokehankist Today Will Be For

Esther Momjian and Anne Hanamirian. Requested in loving memory by their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. The Momjian, Hanamirian and Semerjian Families.
Gurgen & Catherine Sarkisov requested in loving memory by their grandchildren Elena Perelman and Natalya Ryabysheva and their daughter Tatyana Ryabysheva.
Rantik & Asya Osipyan requested in loving memory by their grandchildren Nicholas Hovsepian and Elina Osipyan.
Kima Avakyan, Vera Avakyan and Horest Petrosyan requested in loving memory by the Avakyan Family.

Altar Flowers today are donated in loving memory of Esther Momjian and Anne Hanamirian along with their fellow parishioners who passed away in 2025 by the Momjian, Hanamirian and Semerjian Families.

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.

Today’s Agape Hour is sponsored by the family of Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian.

Annual Parish Assembly – Scheduled for February 22, 2026 with alternate snow dates of March 1 or March 8.

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.

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.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~
Day of Remembrance
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.

Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian
Svitlana Agadzhanova
Armen Alahverde, Jr
Alex Alexanian
Kima Avakyan
Sarah Babaian
Nick Bagdatev
Bruce Boyajian
Galya Gazarova
Martin Gutchigian
Anna Hanamirian
Nezihe Hashas
Denise Hess
Stephen Hovnanian
Elizabeth Hovsepian
Alice Karabian
Esther Momjian
Nina Okoorian
Markrit Shadoyan
Andranik Tovmasyan

~~~~~~~~~~UPCOMING EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~
Jan 19 MLK Day – Church Office Closed
Jan 22 Zoom Book Club Meets
Jan 31 Snowball Dance
Feb 16 Lent Begins
Feb 22 Annual Parish Assembly