THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
December 15, 2024

Fourth Sunday of Advent

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?

Monday December 23 – David the Prophet King and the Holy Apostle James the Brother of the Lord.

David was the youngest of eight brothers and was brought up to be a shepherd where he learned courage, tenderness, and caring. David became the second King of Israel. In the Bible, the name David belongs solely to him, which indicates the unique place he had as an ancestor and forerunner of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the New Testament there are more than 50 references to David, including the title given to Jesus—Son of David. David was a poet and is regarded as the author of the Book of Psalms.

James the Apostle is called “Brother of the Lord.” Probably because of his close relationship with Jesus, he was granted a special appearance of the Lord after the Resurrection. He is believed to have been a first cousin of the Lord, or as some biblical scholars have suggested, a son of Joseph. After the Resurrection and the Ascension, while the other apostles scattered all over the world, James remained in Jerusalem where he served as the Bishop and became a leading spokesman of the early church.

James, the brother of the Lord (Acts 12:17; 15:13; 21:18; Galatians 1:19), was not one of the twelve apostles, the first bishop of Jerusalem.

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:

 Andrew & Rosemary Hachadorian requested in loving memory by Edward Muñoz and Rose Garibian.
Serak & Gladys Aslanian and Charles & Alice Basmajian requested in loving memory of all our parents from their family Steve, Dorie, Megan, Daniel and Charlie.
The Men’s Club is requesting a Requiem service for the following past members:
Pat Killian
Robert Temoyan
Haig Hagopian
Aram (Butch) Kumkumian
Albert DerPilbosian 

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

Honoring St. Stephen – We urge our faithful to join us on Sunday, December 22 to celebrate the feast day of St. Stephen, the first martyr of the Church and patron saint of deacons. Five of our deacons will participate in a unique procession and a centuries-old tradition in which they wear the crown usually worn by the celebrant at Badarak—a most unusual sight. The service includes a beautiful prayer written by Dn. Albert Keshgegian especially for the occasion. A Requiem Service (Hokehankist) for the deacons who have served our parish through the years will follow. Our community is invited to a celebration honoring our deacons at Fellowship.  See the flyer in the narthex for more information.

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 – Help the Sunday School community of the Eastern Diocese change lives and make Christmas joyful for 262 children who have been displaced from Artsakh and are now living in Armenia’s Syunik region through FAR’s Ayo! crowdfunding platform. Donations can be made directly at AYO!’s fundraising page at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/sundayschoolchristmasdrive/  (01/06)

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~~~~~~~~~~

4^th Sunday of Advent
Dec 22         Special Ceremony for Feast Day of St. Stephen
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