THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
December 8, 2024

Barekendan of the Fast of St. James

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Luke 14:12-24 While dining one Sabbath at the home of a prominent Pharisee, Jesus relates the parable of the “Great Banquet:” guests decline an invitation to a grand banquet – citing conventional life events as reasons (I just got married; I have important business to attend to). Hearing this, the host angrily sends his servant to invite the poor and the crippled and others marginalized by society. Those originally invited have forever lost their place at his table. Discuss/reflect: The excuses given (14:18-20) by those who declined the invitation are eerily familiar: the busy stuff of life. What are the reasons you don’t make time for God? At what peril?

2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 Paul lovingly declares his gratitude for a community that is exemplary in its faith and expansive love for one another. He prayerfully acknowledges their suffering – God shares in their pain and will lift them up for their worthiness at the end of time. As for those who shun the gospel of Jesus, including their persecutors, they will spend eternity away from Him.  Discuss/reflect: What is hell if not an eternity away from God’s presence and glory? (v.9) Its opposite is to be in His presence day in day out (think of the older brother in the Prodigal Son). Does that describe your life?

Isaiah 37:14-38 After Hezekiah’s prayer for deliverance from the Assyrians, Isaiah conveys God’s comforting response: that the planned attack on Jerusalem will fail. Discuss/reflect: Hezekiah’s prayer is essentially this: you alone are God of all, you made heaven and earth; hear my plight and deliver me. How telling that he begins by affirming who God is. Can you confidently declare the same? Begin your next prayer by telling the Lord what He means to you.

December 14^th is the Feast of St. James of Nisibis
St. James, a cousin of St. Gregory, was appointed bishop of Nisibis, Mesopotamia, in 308 A.D. Nisibis is the modern city of Nusaybin (in southwest Turkey on the border with Syria). He founded a theological school there, attended the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D., and was renowned for his pious and virtuous life. His protégé was the beloved theologian and writer, St. Ephraim.

James is perhaps best known, however, for his divine vision on Mount Ararat, where he found the sacred relic of Noah’s Ark.  According to tradition, while St. James preached in and around Nisibis, he heard that people doubted the story of Noah’s Ark. He was determined to provide his flock with evidence, so he set out for the peak of Mount Ararat to find the remains of the ark. During his arduous journey, an angel appeared to him in a vision and brought him a piece of the wood from Noah’s Ark. St. James prayed to God to produce a miracle at the place where he had the vision and immediately afterward a spring gushed forth, which exists to this day. The relic of Noah’s Ark received by St. James is currently in Holy Etchmiadzin. Reflection: Think of St. James’ life of godly accomplishment. Could this perhaps have opened his heart to that divinely inspired insight on Mt. Ararat? Pray about this. What answers are you seeking?

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: Hokehankist today will be for:

Munir A. Rihani on the 40^th day of his eternal rest. Requested in loving memory by his daughter Sabrina and her husband Antranig Garibian.

Alice Sarkissian requested in loving memory by her husband Jean, children Rosanne and Paul and daughter-in-law Christine.

The Men’s Club is requesting a Requiem service for the following past members:
Andy Vartanian
Babe Vartanian
Arsen Hanamirian
Ed Terzian
Ronnie Gooshian
Richard Weinsheimer
John Arslanian
George Arslanian

In remembrance of Munir A. Rihani on the 40^th day of his eternal rest, the following people have donated food and deserts for today’s festivities – Erika & Mike Torosian, Gina & Jake Terkanian, Amy & Nick Terkanian, Robbie & Christy Barone, Alex & Krikor Javardian, Legna & Mike Santerian, Naomi & Rick Mukalian, Melissa & Michael Paretchan, Tanya & Mickey Paretchan, Cecelia & Dr. Garo Garibian, Alex Yavru Sakuk, Stephanie & Harry Vartanian, Anne & George Terkanian, Armine & Jimmy Keshgegian, Diana & Garen Boghosian and Karinne & Greg Andonian

Fellowship Today – Lunch With Santa in lieu of coffee hour today.

Honoring St. Stephen – We urge our faithful to join us on Sunday, December 22 to celebrate the feast day of St. Stephen, the first martyr of the Church and patron saint of deacons. Five of our deacons will participate in a unique procession and a centuries-old tradition in which they wear the crown usually worn by the celebrant at Badarak—a most unusual sight. The service includes a beautiful prayer written by Dn. Albert Keshgegian especially for the occasion. A Requiem Service (Hokehankist) for the deacons who have served our parish through the years will follow. Our community is invited to a celebration honoring our deacons at Fellowship.  See the flyer in the narthex for more information.

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

Christmas Wishlist 2024 – Help the Sunday School community of the Eastern Diocese change lives and make Christmas joyful for 262 children who have been displaced from Artsakh and are now living in Armenia’s Syunik region through FAR’s Ayo! crowdfunding platform. Donations can be made directly at AYO!’s fundraising page at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/sundayschoolchristmasdrive/  (01/06)

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~~~~~~~~~~

Barekendan Of The Fast Of St. James

Christmas Party – Lunch with Santa & Gingerbread House Decorating
Enjoy crafts, music and games with DJ Robbie, and a visit from Santa!

Dec 09         Feast of the Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary
Dec 15         Armenian School Performance
Dec 22         Special Ceremony (stay tuned)
Dec 31         2024 Member Dues Deadline
Jan 05        Armenian Christmas Eve
Jan 06        Armenian Christmas
Jan 12        Water Blessing Service