THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
February 5, 2023

Fourth Sunday After the Octave of Theophany

SCRIPTURE NOTES FOR TODAY’S READINGS: 

John 6:22-38 Having witnessed the miracle of Jesus feeding thousands with just a few loaves and fish, the people eagerly seek him, asking: ‘What other miraculous sign will you give us? Will it be like the manna God sent down to our ancestors in the wilderness?’  Jesus answers that he offers more than physical sustenance. He is the true bread from heaven: “I am the bread of life; he who comes to me will never go hungry.” (v.35) Discuss/reflect: Bread is a symbol for the physical food we need to live. What kind of hunger do you think Jesus is talking about when he says we will “never be hungry again?” What worldly hungers distract you from the nourishment only Jesus can provide?

2 Tim 3:1-12 St. Paul warns Timothy of false teachers who might appear godly and yet their behavior will reveal their character (v. 8: Jannes and Jambres were Egyptian court magicians at the time of Moses, false teachers themselves). He also declares that following Christ is not easy! (v.12)  For many, it will be easier to be selfish, greedy, unforgiving, unloving, ungrateful and vain pleasure-seekers (vv 2-4). Discuss/reflect: Do the disagreeable qualities listed in vv 2-4 figure in today’s world? Are there times you display a “form of godliness” (v 5) without the inner heart for God?

Is 63:7-18 Almost Psalm-like in structure, these verses recall God’s saving actions in the past (such as the Exodus), acknowledge the sins of Israel, and end with a plea for mercy. Discuss/reflect: In verse 7, the prophet sings “of the kindnesses of the Lord.” Make such a list from what you observe in the world, in others, and in your own life.     

REQUIEM SERVICES: Hokehankist today will be for:

ARCHBISHOP PAPKEN VARJABEDIAN, KEGHAM & SONIG VARJABEDIAN, SHAHE VARJABEDIAN, and HAGOP & MIRIAM VARJABEDIAN requested by the Paretchan, Garibian, and Javardian Families.

KARAPET & HAYARPIE GARIBIAN and NIAZ KARABIAN requested by the Paretchan, Garibian, and Javardian Families.

SOOREN & MARY PARETCHAN requested by Robert & Diane Paretchan, Donald & Judy Paretchan, Michael & Tanya Paretchan and Families.

ANTRANIK & VIRGINIA JAVARDIAN and ANDRE JAVARDIAN requested by Greg & Maria Javardian and Family.

RICHARD & EVELYN WEINSHEIMER requested by Greg & Maria Javardian and Family.   

ALTAR FLOWERS   are donated today by Mr. & Mrs. M. Paretchan, Mr. & Mrs. R. Paretchan, and Mr. & Mrs. D. Paretchan in loving memory of their parents SOOREN and MARY PARETCHAN.

ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY: Scheduled for March 5, 2023 with alternate snow date of March 12, 2023.

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.

Blessing of Marriages:  Next Sunday February 12, married couples of all ages are invited to participate in a brief blessing service after Badarak. 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.

Church School Opens Spring Semester:   Today, our Language Education Superintendent Yn. Anna Gevorgyan and our Christian Education Superintendents Janet Jordan and Arous Keshishian and the teaching staffs of both divisions of our Church School welcome back returning students and greet newcomers. We provide education for children and teens in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 10. Language classes begin at 10:30 followed by Christian education at 11:15. Newcomers interested in enrolling in either program are asked to contact Registrar Gloria Basmajian at gbasmaji@temple.edu.    NOTE: Returning students need NOT re-register.

Seeking Part-time Organists – the Choir of Holy Trinity is looking for 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 @ karinne.hov@gmail.com.

CHURCH CALENDAR (please mark your calendars)

Sunday February 5 – Church school resumes

Sunday February 12 – Blessing of Married Couples

Sunday February 19 – Poon Paregentan

Sunday March 5 – ACYOA Soup Sunday and Parish Annual Assembly

Sunday March 12 – Snow date – Parish Assembly

Sunday March 19 – Mitchink luncheon

BOOKSTORE NEWS: As we approach the holy season of Great Lent (which begins on Monday, February 20), we are pleased to announce that “My Lenten Journal: A Spiritual Journey to Easter” by our senior deacon, Albert Keshgegian is now available at our bookstore for $10. Originally published by the Diocese in 1997, it has recently been re-printed for a new audience.  A perfect companion for Lent, the journal moves us day by day through Lent by offering meditations based on the biblical reading of each day. It also offers simple, heartfelt prayers, anecdotal information on Scripture and the Armenian Church and reflection questions that help us apply spiritual lessons to our everyday lives. The bookstore is open every Sunday following the Divine Liturgy.

Poon Paregentan Celebration Luncheon: February 19, 2023 following services in the church hall. Adults are $10.00 per person, children (ages 5-17) are free. RSVP by February 12,2023. Everyone is welcome.

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.

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS: In an effort to inform parishioners and friends when a Holy Trinity church service or program needs to be canceled or delayed due to inclement weather or other reasons, we request that you check our website (www.holytrinity-pa.org) or Facebook page (www.facebook.com/holytrinitypa) for the most accurate information.