THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
January 26, 2025

Second Sunday after the Octave of Theophany

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

John 3:13-21 Jesus continues his instruction to the Pharisee Nicodemus. The Son of Man would be lifted up to heaven that all might share in eternal life. For God so loved the world that He would redeem it with His own Son (v.17). Light has come into the world (in Jesus) but those who fear exposure, prefer the darkness. Hmmm… Discuss/reflect: If God were to shine a bright light on your life would you be happy or ashamed? What can you do to “clean up your act” so that the light of the Lord is welcome, freeing you to become who God always meant you to be?

1 Timothy 4:12-5:10 Paul encourages his beloved protégé Timothy, now leading the community in Ephesus, to be confident in his gifts, even though he is a young man. He should be a good example in all he does and says and take great care of all in need (particularly widows, as these women were extremely vulnerable in a time when men were the legal and societal protectors of their families). Discuss/reflect: We’ve all heard the expression “he talks the talk but doesn’t walk the walk.” Why is personal example so important in Christian leadership (v.12)?

Isaiah 58:13-59:7 Addressing a community reshaping itself after a long and painful exile, these verses express God’s desire for righteous living, for His people to honor God’s holy day with joy and hearts of faith and commit to holiness and social justice. Pious practices are meaningless if offered up by a sinful and unjust society. Discuss/reflect: For most of us, Sundays remain the only day God is — if even nominally — front and center. What does Sunday mean to you? In what ways do you carry its message through the rest of the week?

Thursday, January 23^rd: St. Vahan of Goghtn

The story of St. Vahan of Goghtn is one of the most poignant among Armenian saints. He was born in the eighth century of a princely family in the Goghtn region of the province of Siunik. After persecution of the Armenians by the Arabs in 707 (during which Vahan’s father, Prince Khosrov, was martyred), four-year-old Vahan was taken to Damascus where he was raised in the royal court as a Muslim. He was eventually appointed chancellor to the Emir. Some years later, he was allowed to go back to Armenia with the promise to eventually return. Vahan converted to Christianity, married an Armenian princess, and lived a peaceful life for about a decade. A change of Arab rule forced Vahan to leave his home and family to escape recapture. While in exile, he became a monk. In 736, Vahan went to the new Arab Emir in uttermost misery. The Emir offered him a high position, authority, and wealth, but Vahan refused, preferring his faith in Christ to personal comfort and glory. He was martyred on March 18, 737 A.D. His last words were a bold declaration: “I chose death for the sake of Christ rather than earthly life.” Reflection: As you consider St. Vahan’s life, what especially strikes you? What qualities emerge that are admirable, perhaps even extraordinary? What one word would you choose as an epithet for this saintly man?

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

Albert Torcomian on the 17th anniversary of his eternal rest. Requested in loving memory by The Torcomian, Baboujian, Rosado and Karagiannis families.
John, Annie and Robert Veiga. Requested in loving memory by The Torcomian, Baboujian, Rosado and Karagiannis families.
Archbishop Papken Varjabedian, Kegham & Sonig Varjabedian, Shahe Varjabedian, and Hagop & Miriam Varjabedian requested by the Paretchan, Garibian, and Javardian Families.
Karapet & Hayarpi Garibian, and Niaz Karibian, requested by the Paretchan, Garibian, and Javardian Families.
Antranik & Virginia Javardian, and Andre Javardian, requested by Greg & Maria Javardian and Family.
Richard & Evelyn Weinsheimer, and Albert Chapjian, requested by Greg & Maria Javardian and Family.
Hreshtak Mukalian in loving memory on the five-year anniversary of his passing, and in loving memory of our parents, Marguerite and George Gutchigian, Rose, Richard and Gay Mukalian, and brother Harry Gutchigian by Naomi and Rick Mukalian, Nicole and Ricky Mukalian, and Lauren Mukalian.

Alter Flowers are donated today by Dn. Garo & Mrs. Cecelia Garibian in memory of their loved ones.

Coffee hour is sponsored today by Martin Gutchigian’s children in recognition of his 103^rd birthday!

Men’s Club News – The January 2025 drawing for the “200 Club Raffle” was completed on 01/19/2025. Please take a moment to visit the HTAC Website and click on Men’s Club for details. (Reminder- Everyone is eligible to purchase a ticket next season for this annual raffle which benefits our wonderful church. Thank you!)

Fake Emails – We wanted to let everyone know that someone is spoofing Der Hakob on email.  The email will say it is coming from him, but if you look at the email address, it will be from some fake address that is not his.

So please be careful and make sure you read and RE-READ any emails from him to make sure it is really him.

If you’re ever in doubt, please DO NOT reply to the email, but rather call the church office to confirm.  As we all know, our beloved pastor will always call you if he ever needs something, no matter how serious it could be.

Scheduled for February 16, 2025 with alternate snow dates of February 23 or March 9.

Annual Giving Statements were mailed this week along with forms for 2025 Membership Dues. As a 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.

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~~~~~~~~~~

Church School Spring Semester Begins
Jan 29        Weekly Bible Study
Feb 16         Annual Parish Assembly
Feb 27         Zoom Book Club
Mar 02        Poon Paregentan Party
Mar 05        Lent Begins