THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
January 14, 2024

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.

Thursday January 18, 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.

REQUIEM SERVICES: Hokehankist today will be for:

Susan (Okoorian) Mayer and all Okoorians who have passed away – requested in loving memory by her aunt and uncle, Jacob and Nina Okoorian and family.
Elmira Agabekyan requested by Gevork & Natalia Sarkissian for the soul of their mother-in-law, on her Karasoonk.

This year, the Ladies of Holy Trinity want to honor the women who came before us. This Sunday we request Hokehankist for Hyarpi Garibian, Siranush Bahadourian, Tevolinda Damerjian, Araxie Boornazian, Acabe Boornazian, & Rose Boornazian.

Fellowship Today: Fellowship today is sponsored by Gevork & Natalia Sarkissian in loving memory of their mother-in-law, Elmira Agabekyan, on the occasion of her Karasoonk.

With Love, We Remember – Please join us today for our annual Day of Remembrance in which we honor the memory of those in our community who passed away in 2023. Immediately following Badarak today, there will be a brief candle-lighting service and hokehankist. Through this ceremony, now in its 10th year, the entire Holy Trinity Parish shares in each family’s loss and remembers all the departed with love, gratitude, and consoling prayer.

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.

Renovations are Complete – The newly remodeled restrooms are available for use. Each one is now a “Single-Use”, Family-type Restroom and is Handicap accessible. This upgrade means anyone can use either restroom. There is a locking mechanism on each door. Other than just washing your hands, we request that you lock the door after you enter. The status of each restroom is visible on the exterior of the door, either “vacant” or “in use”. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact the church office.(1/14)

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.

Artsakh Support Desperately Needed – Since early this year, we have closely followed the news from and about Artsakh. We prayed often, deeply and fervently. We didn’t know what else to do. Our hearts broke when the unimaginable happened and Artsakh was lost to us. Now is our time to help the thousands of refugees who had to flee to mainland Armenia to seek a safe haven. They left their homes and most of their belongings forever. We are appealing to our faithful to give generously from your heart to help our sisters and brothers who have given their all.

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~~~~~~~~~~

Annual Day of Remembrance
Jan 17 – Weekly Zoom Bible Study
Jan 21 – Church School Spring Semester Begins
Feb 11 – Poon Paregentan
Feb 11 – Blessing of Married Couples
Feb 12 – Lent begins
Feb 18 – Vartanantz Program
Mar 10 – Mitchink Luncheon