THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
December 1, 2024

Second Sunday of Advent

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Reading

Luke 13:1-9 Jesus refers to two local tragedies: Galilean pilgrims massacred by Pilate and people killed by a collapsing tower. He counters the world view of the time that those whose lives were cut short must have sinned in some way. No indeed! They were no better nor worse than any of us. But the fact that lives may tragically and suddenly end calls all the more for repentance; without skipping a beat, our Lord tells the story of a fig tree which has yet to bear fruit but is spared for one more year. Cultivated and tended it has been given every opportunity to be fruitful. Discuss/reflect: What kind of “death” do you think Jesus refers to in verse 5? What are the different ways your faith has been nourished? What fruit has this produced in your life? If none or little, what are you waiting for?!

I Thessalonians 4:1-11 St, Paul commends the Thessalonians for acknowledging God’s gift of holiness, as a result they shun sexual immorality, exert honorable self-control, and love others as one might a sister or brother. Paul encourages them to love even more expansively. Discuss/reflect: Paul taught this community how to live in order to please God (4:1). Whom do you live to please? How would you live differently if it were God you were aiming to please?

Isaiah 36:22-37:11 Assyria has leveled the Northern Kingdom and is now at Jerusalem’s door, threatening Hezekiah and mocking his God. Yet King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah remain steadfast in their trust in God. Discuss/reflect: God is unequivocal in His response to Hezekiah’s fear, in summary: Do not be afraid! Listen! I have an answer… (37:6-7) Think of a worry or fear of your own. How might these emphatic words comfort you?

December 14 is the Feast of St. James of Nisibis
St. James, a cousin of St. Gregory, was appointed bishop of Nisibis, Mesopotamia, in 308 A.D. Nisibis is the modern city of Nusaybin (in southwest Turkey on the border with Syria). He founded a theological school there, attended the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D., and was renowned for his pious and virtuous life. His protégé was the beloved theologian and writer, St. Ephraim.

James is perhaps best known, however, for his divine vision on Mount Ararat, where he found the sacred relic of Noah’s Ark.  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 for the peak of Mount Ararat to find the remains of the ark. During his arduous journey, an angel appeared to him in a vision and brought him a piece of the wood from Noah’s Ark. St. James prayed to God to produce a miracle at the place where he had the vision and immediately afterward a spring gushed forth, which exists to this day. The relic of Noah’s Ark received by St. James is currently in Holy Etchmiadzin. Reflection: Think of St. James’ life of godly accomplishment. Could this perhaps have opened his heart to that divinely inspired insight on Mt. Ararat? Pray about this. What answers are you seeking?

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:

The Men’s Club is requesting a Requiem service for the following past members:

John Terzian
Harry Mirijanian
Larry DerHagopian
Berj Yeretzian
Harry Sarkisian
Mike Hajatian Sr
Antranik Javardian
Roman Radynsky
Rich Kazigian
Bob Sarkisian

Fellowship Today – Please join us in the hall following Badarak today for conversation and tasty treats.

Men’s Club News – The November 2024 drawing for the “200 Club” raffle was completed 11/17/24. This was the first drawing for the 2024-25 season so please take a moment to visit the HTAC Web site and click on Men’s Club for details on the winners.

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.

Church School Christmas Party – Next Sunday – Get into the holiday spirit with our Gingerbread House Decorating Party! Bring your friends and family for an afternoon of cheerful music with DJ Robbie, tasty food, scrumptious pastries, sweet candies, a hot chocolate bar and a visit from Santa Claus! Church School Students free. All others are $15.00. Get your tickets online at www.holytrinity-pa.org between 11/17 and 12/1.

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~~~~~~~~~~

Second Sunday of Advent
Deadline to get tickets for Church School Christmas Party. Tickets can now be obtained online
Nov 28         Thanksgiving – Church Office Closed
Dec 08         Church School Lunch with Santa
Dec 09         Feast of the Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary
Dec 15         Armenian School Performance
Dec 22         Special Ceremony (stay tuned)
Dec 31         2024 Member Dues Deadline