THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
December 22, 2024

Fifth Sunday of Advent

A Very Merry Christmas to One and All

 Before Others or Before God?

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:

Everyone must be his own judge…Let us examine ourselves well; let us turn on our ourselves – on our own souls – that magnifying glass through which we view the transgressions of others, and we will see the sooty footprints of Satan are revealed in our soul’s dark corners…Instead of the Pharisee’s pride, let us clothe ourselves in the tax collector’s humility. (trans. Roberta Ervine)

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:

A hermit was asked, ‘What is humility?’ He answered, ‘Humility is a great work, and a work of God. The way of humility is to undertake bodily labour, and believe yourself a sinner, and make yourself the servant of all.’ A brother said, ‘What does it mean, to be the servant of all?’ He answered, ‘To be the servant of all is not to look at the sins of others, always to look at your own sins, and to pray to God without ceasing.’ (trans. Benedicta Ward)

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.”

By Dn. Eric Vozzy

TODAY’S BIBLE READINGS:

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:

• The importance of humility: God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
• The danger of self-righteousness: Comparing ourselves to others and feeling superior can hinder our relationship with God.
• The power of repentance: God is merciful and forgiving to those who sincerely acknowledge their sin and seek his mercy.

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.

REQUIEM SERVICES: Hokehankist today will be for:

 the following deacons who have faithfully served Holy Trinity through the years

Ohannes Bebirian
Arshavir Hagopian
Albert Kapeghian
George Kashikjian
Garbis Kelyan
Krikor Mahserejian
Minas Maloumian
Sebouh Minassian
Shahab Minassian
Berj Yeretzian

Altar Candles – Are donated today by Dn. Albert Keshgegian and his wife Patrice on the occasion of their 50^th wedding anniversary.

Men’s Club News:  The December 2024 drawing for the “200 Club Raffle” was completed on 12/15/24. Please take a moment to visit the HTAC Website and click on Men’s Club for details. (Reminder- Everyone is eligible to purchase a ticket next season for this annual raffle that also benefits our wonderful church. Thank you!)

Fellowship Today – Please join us in our hall for good conversation and fellowship. A great opportunity for reflection of the lovely Special Ceremony for Feast Day of St. Stephen.

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~~~~~~~~~~

Special Ceremony for Feast Day of St. Stephen
Dec 25         Christmas – Office Closed
Dec 31         2024 Member Dues Deadline
Jan 05        Armenian Christmas Eve
Jan 06        Armenian Christmas
Jan 12        Water Blessing Service

A Christmas Prayer

Robert Louis Stevenson

Loving Father,

help us to remember the birth of Jesus,

that we may share in the songs of the angels,

the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world.

Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings,

and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

May the Christmas morning

make us happy to be Thy children,

and the Christmas evening bring us

to our beds with grateful thoughts,

forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake.

AMEN