THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
December 29, 2024

Fifth Sunday of Advent

A Very Merry Christmas to One and All

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Luke 19:12-28 Nearing Jerusalem to face His last days, Jesus tells a cautionary tale about a man who goes to a distant country to be crowned king and entrusts his servants with money to “put to work.” Upon his return, he commends those who have increased the sum through wise investment and curses the one who simply hoarded it, afraid of the master. He takes this and awards it to the servant who did the most with his money, vowing that “to the one who has, more will be given and for the one who has nothing, even this will be taken away.” Discuss/reflect: The Parable of the Ten Minas drives home some powerful points: all that we have is God’s, He gives us complete freedom in its use, He asks that until He returns, we use it wisely and well. But we’re accountable! – no excuses for being lax or timid. What are your gifts and assets? How are you using them? As He would want?

Hebrews 7:11-25 The epistle writer describes the breakthrough priesthood of Jesus, which unlike that of Aaron and his line, is eternal and bears a new and different covenant. This priesthood is compared with that of Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-20; Psalm 110:4), the king and high priest from Salem who offered bread and wine and his blessing to Abram. With the character of his priesthood, the symbolic elements of Holy Communion, his kingship over Salem (“peace”), Abram’s reverence, and his blessing, Melchizedek is seen as a Christ-like figure. Discuss/ reflect: What would you want to ask of Jesus as priest?

Isaiah 41:4-14 God commands the distant nations to be ready to meet his judgment, reminding them that He is the source and overseer of history, the first and the last. To lowly and humble Israel (41:14) whom He has chosen and upheld, He pledges protection. Discuss/reflect: Read and re-read verse 13. Imagine God’s hand in yours as He whispers in your ear “Do not be afraid; I will help you.” Draw on this image throughout the day, especially at difficult moments.

Thursday, December 26 – Holy Apostles Peter and Paul

These saints were the most influential of the first followers and apostles. Called by Jesus to leave his fishing boat and become a “fisher of men,” Peter was always named first whenever the Gospels listed the Twelve. He was one of Jesus’ closest disciples (along with James and John); they alone were with Him at the Transfiguration and accompanied Him as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. It was Peter who asked to walk on water to prove the strength of his faith and it was he who first boldly acknowledged Jesus as the Christ (Luke 9:20). Peter denied Jesus three times the night of His arrest and yet the Book of Acts describes his evangelizing work and leadership in the Early Church as powerful and prolific. Once the disciples opened their ministry to all people and not just Jewish converts, St. Paul takes center stage in the Book of Acts. A witness to Stephen’s stoning, Paul experiences conversion on the road to Damascus where Christ appears to him (Acts 9) and is transformed from Christian persecutor to world-renowned apostle. St. Paul proceeded to take Christ’s message of salvation throughout the Roman Empire, penning the most important epistles in the New Testament.

Department of Christian Education/Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)/elisea@armeniandiocese.org

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:

Nikolay Hovhannisyan loving father requested by his daughter Alla Arzumanyan.

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

Pomegranates Are Donated Today By Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan.

Pomegranate Blessing Service – In the Armenian tradition, the pomegranate as a national symbol reflects the meaning of life, prosperity and abundance. In the Christian symbolism the pomegranate represents the blood shed by Jesus Christ, symbolizing also the Glorious Resurrection of our Lord and the diversity of God’s grace. In the interpretations of our church fathers, the pomegranate is presented that the church members are as diverse as the granules of the pomegranate, but the pomegranate is covered by a solid peel, all being united in one Church.  This blessing service was directed by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and should be conducted within 30 minutes of the new year.  However, for the sake of convenience, we will be conducting this thanksgiving service following Badarak today.

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 – FAR’s Ayo! program is so close to fully funding their “Christmas Wishlist” Advent campaign in partnership with our Eastern Diocese parishes. Families exchange gifts in Hayastan on December 31, so there’s still time to join in. You can sponsor a bicycle (or part of one) for a child displaced from Artsakh now living in Syunik. Thank you for bringing magic to these precious children who need cheering up. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Ayo! team!  https://secure.qgiv.com/event/sundayschoolchristmasdrive/   (01/06)

Քրիստոս ծնվեց և հայնվեց, մեզ և ձեզ մեծ Ավետիս։

Merry Christmas!

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~~~~~~~~~~

Pomegranate Blessing Service
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