THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
December 21, 2025

We go to Church, we’re involved, we fast during Great Lent. During Badarak we confess our sins, we bow down to the ground, we even beat our chests when we say “Վա՛յ ինձ, վայ ինձ, վայ ինձ”. Throughout our liturgical services we sing the prayer of the tax collector, “Lord, have mercy” (Der voghormya) over and over. In fact, it is his prayer that serves as the foundation of the refrain “Lord have mercy” that permeates our liturgical and personal prayer.

But before whom do we do these things? The Pharisee stood before other people around him, and comparing himself with them, he was able to pridefully read his spiritual resume. In contrast, the tax collector bowed down before a holy and righteous God, not before other people, and was therefore compelled to humbly utter the words, “Lord, have mercy” (Տէր ողորմեայ). When we do the same, we can’t help but to see the urgency of our situation and our humble dependence on God for the cure.

The point is not to criticize pious activity, customs, rituals, and righteous deeds. They are good and even essential. They are a response to God, acts of worship born from our faith. But without a heart of true repentance, one of humility, these things will only lead to judgment of others, pride, and arrogance. The downfall of the Pharisee is that his heart was in the wrong place. Instead of God, he used other people as his measure of spiritual success. The tax collector, on the other hand, like St. Gregory of Narek, contrasted his ailing and infirmed soul with the holiness of God.

In one of his sermons, Archbishop Norayr Bogharian† (1904-1996) from Jerusalem encourages us to examine our own sins rather than point out the sins of others:

A story from one of the Desert Fathers, a saying from an early Christian monk helps us understand humility and how we should view ourselves in comparison to others:

God sees our heart, so it’s a good idea to be as honest as possible with him when we pray. And when we are honest with who we really are in his sight, can we really attempt to impress him by reading off our accomplishments, bragging about how we are better than others? Or will we, like the tax collector, feebly bow before our Creator, our Great Physician, barely able to utter the words, “Der voghormya, Der voghormya, Der voghormya.”

Hebrews 4:16-5:10 We can confidently approach God in prayer because Jesus understands our struggles and intercedes for us. Jesus’ suffering and obedience make Him uniquely qualified to be our High Priest. Through his sacrifice and intercession, we can receive mercy, grace, and help in times of need.

This passage offers comfort and encouragement to believers, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles and that they have a powerful advocate in Jesus Christ.

Luke 18:9-14 These verses teach us several important lessons:

Isaiah 40:18-31 In Isaiah the prophet delivers a powerful message of hope and encouragement to the people of Israel. Overall, this passage offers a message of comfort and assurance to those experiencing hardship or doubt. It encourages them to find strength and hope by placing their trust in the ever-present and powerful God.

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 – Please join us in our hall for good conversation and fellowship.

The December 2025 drawing (the second for 2025-26 season) of the “200 Club Raffle” was completed on 12/14/2025.

$500            Denise Hess                    #186

$200            George & Anne Terkanian #078

$100            Mary Sarkisian                #041

$100            Greg & Diane Yazujian     #118

$100            Garo Garibian                 #165

All winners can be viewed on the HTAC Website by clicking on “Men’s Club” for details.

Matching Scholarships for ACT College Students – Gor, a first-year Computer Science student at FAR’s new Armenian Creative Technologies (ACT) College, grew up in Stepanakert, Artsakh, dreaming of becoming a programmer. Even after being displaced in 2023, he’s now thriving at ACT—thanks to a scholarship.

FAR’s Ayo! crowdfunding platform is raising $2,500 scholarships for 12 talented students like Gor. And this week, your gift can go twice as far: a generous supporter is matching all donations through December 9.

If our community raises $10,000—enough for four scholarships—she’ll match it with four more. Help FAR unlock the full match and support Armenia’s next generation of innovators. #GoFARwithACT

CHANGE OF DATE Ladies of HTAC (WG) Advent Appreciation Lunch Dec 27th Please join us for an appreciation lunch and an on-the-spot Secret Santa Gift Swap at Alyssa Santerian’s home in Maple Glen, Pa. Let’s come together to celebrate the Coming of Christ and the joy you bring to our church community! Lunch will be provided by the WG, and the fun and laughter will be provided by you! Please bring a wrapped present of no more than a $10 value to participate in our on-the-spot Secret Santa Swap. Let us know if you’d like to bring a holiday dessert or side dish to enhance the menu! NEW RSVP DATE by 12.19.2025 to WG@holytrinity-pa.org

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.

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.

 ~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Dec 25         Christmas – Church Office Closed

Dec 31         2025 Member Dues Deadline

Jan 01        New Years Day – Church Office Closed

Jan 05        Armenian Christmas Eve

Jan 06        Armenian Christmas

Jan 11        Water Blessing Service

Jan 19        MLK Day – Church Office Closed

Jan 31        Snowball Dance