THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
December 17, 2017

Fourth Sunday of Advent

St. James of Nisibis

St. James, a Syrian monk and first cousin of St. Gregory, was appointed bishop of the Christian city Nisibis in Mesopotamia in 308 A.D. According to his disciple, St. Ephraem, James founded the basilica and theological School of Nisibis. Additionally, he was recorded as a signatory for the canons produced at the first of three ecumenical councils accepted by the Armenian Church.

St. James is also known for his divine vision on Mount Ararat, where he found the sacred relic of Noah’s Ark and brought it to the Armenian people.

According to tradition, while St. James preached in and around Nisibis, he heard that people doubted the story of Noah’s Ark. He was determined to provide his flock with evidence, so he set out on a journey to the top of Mount Ararat to find the remains of the ark.

Some time into his journey, before reaching his destination, he felt tired and decided to stop and rest before moving forward. After he continued on his journey, he took a second break. However, when he awoke, he found himself in the spot that he originally chose as his resting place. He continued on his journey, yet he encountered the same phenomenon for seven years. Nevertheless, James carried forward, relying on his faith to see him to the end of his journey.

One day, while he slept, an angel appeared to him in a vision and brought him a piece of the wood from Noah’s Ark. The angel told him that he could not see any more of the ark, but that the wooden remnant would be proof enough for the naysayers.

The relic of Noah’s Ark received by St. James is currently in possession of Holy Etchmiadzin.

TODAY’S BIBLE READINGS:

Hebrews 1: 1-14 (page 196) New Testament
Luke 17: 1-10 (page 73) New Testament – (Please follow the Armenian Reading in your Bible)
Isaiah 38: 1-8 (page 714) Old Testament

REQUIEM SERVICES: Hokehankist today will be for:

– SERAK & GLADYS ASLANIAN and CHARLES & ALICE BASMAJIAN requested by their loving family Steven, Dorie, Megan and Danny Aslanian.
– SARKIS & DOROTHY BALDADIAN requested by Arthur and KC Baldadian.
– ANDREW HACHADOURIAN requested by Rose Garibian and Family.

“Pray constantly” wrote St. Paul in 1 Thessalonians. Among us, pray for Larry Der Hagopian, Pearl Jamgochian, Annabelle Alexanian & Albert Santerian. Pray for the families of the more than two dozen who were killed and many others who were injured during the horrific attack in the holiest of places – a house of worship in a small Texas town. May they feel the strong presence of God at their sides. Please continue your prayers for those affected by nature’s great storms as many remain without homes, comfort or well-being. Pray for leaders all over so that peace in our countries will prevail.

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: NO coffee hour today due to Lunch with Santa.

TODAY: Lunch and a visit by Santa in the hall. Adults are $10.00 and church school students are free. Reservations are a MUST. Questions call Nancy Hovnanian at 609-922-1101. Everyone is welcome!

Christmas Gift for Vanadzor: The Ladies of Holy Trinity are collecting money every Sunday until Armenian Christmas to send a financial gift to Vanadzor, the home for senior Armenians outside of Yerevan. The collection container sits on a table in the Narthex. During this holiday season, please remember these elderly Armenians. Thank you.
ACYOA, Jr. Poinsettia Plant Sale: The ACYOA, Jrs. will be selling poinsettia plants TODAY. Proceeds will go towards their sponsorship of a child through CASP.

ACYOA, Jr. Non-perishable Food Drive: The ACYOA Jrs. are collecting non-perishable foods for a local food pantry now through the month of December thru January 14, 2018. At the end of the food drive they will personally deliver the collection to the food pantry.

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.

FAR UPDATE: Flora Yesayan, 68, is the sole caretaker of her grandchildren, Narek, 11, Nune, 17, and Zina, 20. Flora can’t tell the story of her family without tears. Her son died in a car crash five years ago; her daughter-in-law died of cancer a year and a half ago. Now, the family tries to make the best of it. This year, Narek was chosen as a Children of Armenia Sponsorship Program (CASP) stipend recipient. CASP provides financial assistance to orphans or children of single mothers until they turn 18. This fall, FAR distributed CASP funds to 428 children. To read more, go to FAR’s blog: http://farusa.org/2017/12/05/casp-casp-support-helps-one-woman-to-raise-her-grandchildren/ To support projects like CASP, go to: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/armenianrelief/

CHURCH CALENDAR (please mark your calendars)

December
Dec 17 Lunch with Santa
Dec 31 Pomegranate Sunday

January
Jan 5 Theophany Eve: Divine Liturgy
Jan 6 Feast of Theophany: Divine Liturgy
Jan 7 Blessing of Water Service
Jan 14 Day of Remembrance
Jan 27-28 ACYOA Lock-In

A GENTLE REMINDER – We wish to remind our parishioners that, by order of the Fire Department, no parking is allowed in the Fire Lane, which is the area next to the lawn and the building in the parking lot. In addition, we have noticed cars who have no handicapped placard or identifying license plate parked in the handicapped spaces, especially behind the building, We ask for your courtesy in respecting the rules and leaving the handicapped spaces for those who truly need them.

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.

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.

Anyone who wishes to request any Requiem Services MUST inform the office by 1:30pm Wednesday the week before. If you also want to sponsor the Fellowship Hour you MUST call Merle Santerian at 215-947-3777.

Would you like to:

– receive this Bulletin on Friday via email?
– request a Hokehankist, house blessing or hall rental information?
– find in-depth information on our faith, our parish and our activities?
– sign up for an event online?
– If the answer to any of these questions is YES, please visit our parish website at www.holytrinity-pa.org

WE ASK THAT EVERYONE KINDLY TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES and all other such electronic devices prior to entering the sanctuary out of respect for the sanctity of our services.