THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
December 19, 2021

Fourth Sunday of Advent 

COVID UPDATE:  August 23, 2021, The Montgomery County Office of Public Health advises that masks should be worn in public indoor settings regardless of vaccination status. Please exercise your best judgment and caring for everyone in our Church community. Thank you   

A Very Merry Christmas to One and All

 Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Luke 17:1-10 Jesus shares four critical teachings with his disciples (and us): 1. Sin will come – watch for those who carry it with them, 2. Be generous with your forgiveness, 3. The smallest seed of faith can empower you beyond your understanding, and 4. Doing all I tell you does not call for self-congratulations, for it is simply what you should be doing. Discuss/reflect: Which of these four life guidelines speaks to you? Can you think of a specific experience?

Hebrews 1:1-14 The early readers of Hebrews might have venerated angels to such a degree that the epistle writer felt it important to stress Jesus’ sovereignty over them. In doing so, he lays out a compelling series of statements about who Jesus is. Discuss/reflect. With pen in hand, read today’s epistle reading. Underline or write out the words or phrases that describe Jesus. Begin a prayer with “Lord Jesus Christ, you who…Add all these descriptions and then your personal petitions.

Isaiah 38:1-8 King Hezekiah, ill and at the point of death, prays for healing. God restores the King’s health and pledges protection to Jerusalem. Discuss/reflect: Hezekiah declares to God that he had “done what is good in Your eyes. (v 3).” In St. Nersess’ famous “Wisdom” prayer, he asks God for the wisdom to “do what is good in Your sight.” What do you do that might be god in His sight?

Saturday, December 25 is the Feast of St. Stephen (and Christmas!)

Ordained (in an early ritual of laying on of hands) along with six others to serve the poor at the common table, St. Stephen was renowned for his dedication and faith. Acts 6-8:2 relates his story, culminating in a martyr’s death by stoning and his burial. He is acknowledged by the Church as the first to die for his faith (protomartyr). The intensity and sincerity of St. Stephen’s faith deeply impressed Saul, the infamous persecutor of Christians who witnessed Stephen’s martyrdom. Upon his own conversion, he became Paul, zealous apostle to the Gentiles and one of the greatest missionaries of the Church. St. Stephen is the role model for altar servers, particularly deacons. During Badarak on this feast day, it is traditional in some places for all deacons serving at the altar to wear a liturgical crown, which is worn only by priests on all other days of the year, the crown here being a symbol of martyrdom. St. Stephen is often depicted holding a censer and a miniature church, as well as a martyr’s palm branch and stones.

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

REQUIEM SERVICES: Karasoonk (40^th Day memorial Service) today will be for:

ANDRANIK HAMAZASPYAN on the 40^th Day of His eternal life requested in loving memory by the Hamazaspyan and West Families.

Hokehankist today will be for:

LUCEEN ATTARIAN (5^th Anniversary of Her eternal life) requested in loving memory by Lynne Attarian Asadourian and Family.

Peter and Victoria Peckjian, Oskan and Elmas Harootunian, Michael, Shoonorig, Levon, and Jeane Hintlian, Arnold and Patricia Peckjian Harry and Virginia Hintlian, Richard Peckjian & Nina Harootunian requested in loving memory by the Peckjian Family.

COFFEE HOUR: today is sponsored by the Hamazaspyan and West Families in loving memory of ANDRANIK HAMAZASPYAN on the 40^th Day of His eternal life.

MEN’S CLUB NEWS – The December 2021 200 CLUB drawing was completed on 12/12/21. You can see the results on our HTAC Website. Click on: Organizations, Men’s Club. –Congratulations to the Winners!

COUNTRY STORE IS OPEN AND READY FOR BUSINESS:  We are well stocked in our store and invite you to come in after church most Sundays or place an order for pickup with Lorraine Damerjian @ 215-572-8465. 

HOLY TRINITY ZOOM BOOK CLUB:  Join us on Thursday evening, January 13 at 7:00 for a discussion on Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger. This is an unforgettable novel— a page-turner and mystery—about discovering the price of wisdom and the enduring grace of God.  Nancy Basmajian will serve as facilitator.  All those interested should contact nancybasmajian@verizon.net to receive the Zoom link. Invite a friend!

A NEW NAME – THE SAME MISSION

For over 15 years we have prepared meals for the elderly and isolated shut-ins in the Delaware Valley through the Aid for Friends organization. Our mission continues the same, but the organization has a new name: Caring for Friends.  We hope to do our part with our own “CARING” volunteers when we gather on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 10 am for a goal of 200 meals.  With your help, we can do it.  For students who would like to earn credit for a “Service Day,” an appropriate letter will be given for active participation. Please RSVP to Jeanette Der Hagopian by January 14 @ 215-672-4188 or choirboss@hotmail.com.

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.

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.

The Armenian Sisters Academy, Radnor PA. Has an immediate opening for a full-time toddler care teacher. If interested please contact Doreen Yeremian. 6106134733

Message from Montgomery County: ” With the colder weather and indoor activities of the holiday season, it’s important that you are protected and are considerate of others. Please stay safe. ”

Our community is stronger when we’re all protected. The best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and widely available. The COVID-19 vaccine will protect you from severe illness, hospitalization, and death; and protects vulnerable people in your community who can’t get the vaccine. A healthier community starts with you. For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, call the Montgomery County Office of Public Health at 610-278-5117 or visit https://www.montcopa.org/3660/COVID-19-Vaccine.