THE SUNDAY MESSENGER

John 7: 37-52 During the important Jewish Feast of the Tabernacles, Jesus has been teaching the crowds and the Temple authorities. He speaks of the “living water” that will flow from those who believe in him (meaning that they will be filled with the Holy Spirit). People ask one another if he is indeed the Christ.  The Temple guards, transfixed by his words, feel powerless to intervene. Discuss/reflect: Why were the guards unable to stop Jesus from speaking (vv 45-46)? In what ways would the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life be like “flowing water?”

Titus 1:1-11 St. Paul advises his protégé Titus to discourage wrong teachings and to carefully consider the qualities of those appointed elders of the community.  Discuss/reflect: What are the qualities St. Paul considered important to those who lead a Christian community? (vv 6-9) Why do you think these are mostly about ‘being’ rather than ‘doing’? What would you add to the list?

Is 63:18-64:12 Israel continues its frank admission of sinfulness and pleads for God’s merciful intervention. Discuss/reflect: Meditate on 64:8; pray the verse several times slowly. Imagine yourself as soft clay on a potter’s wheel with God’s hands poised to shape you. What do you feel?  Do you trust him to shape you?

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.

Agape Hour Today – All are invited, long time parishioners, new members, and first-time visitors, please join us after Badarak in our lovely hall for Christian fellowship, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, and greet fellow parishioners and Der Hayr. Agape hour begins when Der Hayr blesses the table.

Annual Parish Assembly – Scheduled for February 22, 2026 with alternate snow dates of March 1 or March 8.

Nominees For Parish Council – Any dues paid member may submit their name to anyone on the Nominating Committee if you wish to run for office. Don’t wait to be asked – offer your services to your church.

Blessing of Marriages – Married couples of all ages are invited to participate in a brief blessing service after Badarak on February 15. The ceremony, which has become an annual tradition at Holy Trinity, is intended to honor the relationship of husband and wife and is an opportunity for couples to rededicate that relationship to God and his sacred purposes. We look forward to seeing our entire church family present to witness the ceremony.

Lent 2026 – Our Adult Christian Education (ACE) team has planned an impressive and diverse program this Lenten season. It includes five Zooms and one special presentation following Sunday Badarak. We will begin with a Rest Service on February 20 followed by two sessions on February 27 and March 6 featuring Rev. Fr. Arshen and Yn. Sirarpi Aivazian speaking on the spiritual poetry of Bishop Yeghishe Tourian. On March 13, Dn. Armen Terjimanian will moderate “Frequently Asked Questions on the Badarak” and on March 27 our senior deacon Albert Keshgegian will discuss his latest publication, “Take the Light: Reflections of God’s Love in our Lives.” All these Zooms will be held on Friday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00.  The single in-person program will be offered on March 22 by Shoghik Mikayelyan, the CEO of Nor Luyce Mentoring Center for Youth in Yerevan.   For more information on all these opportunities, take a flyer that will be available in the narthex.03/22

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.

Poon Paregentan Celebration – Join us for a joyful Day of Good Living on Sunday March 15^th! Let us gather to share good food, games, uplifting music and a wonderful time together before entering the season of Lent. Festivities start at 12:30pm in Santerian Fellowship Hall. Church School Students and Children aged 5 and under Free. All others are $25/per person. Purchase your tickets at the Church School Office or on the Church Website Holytrinity-pa.org from until Feb 13^th.

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.  You know you’ve been pondering volunteering for this rewarding role. Make this the week that you reach out for further information (I double dare  you), by contacting Karinne Andonian at karinne.hov@gmail.com.

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