THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
January 4, 2026

Luke 22:24-30 At the Last Supper, on the very night Jesus would be arrested and taken to His death, the disciples are disputing who among them is the greatest. Jesus reminds them (oh, the endless patience of our Lord!) that they are not to be like the world where those in authority are considered important. Rather the greatest are those who serve humbly as He Himself was doing at their table. He commends them for being at His side; to such He promises a kingdom and a place at His table where they will dine seated on thrones (an image of the joyous fellowship possible in His presence) and judge the 12 tribes of Israel. (1 Cor 6:2-3).

Hebrews 13:18-25 The epistle writer asks for his readers’ prayers. The Greek verb suggests a continuous activity, so we understand they have been praying and will continue. He is sure he has done his utmost for them, hoping their prayers will soon bring him face-to-face with these people whom he clearly loves. He himself prays that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, continue to guide them on their journey to spiritual maturity.

Isaiah 51:15-52:3 God affirms his lordship over the people of Jerusalem, asking them to wake from their spiritual torpor and remember their harsh lesson of God’s judgment (“cup of wrath”). He promises to take that cup from their hand and place it that of their enemies. Awake! He exhorts them for the third time and be strong – they are now free of their chains and redeemed.

The Armenian Church celebrates the birth and baptism of Christ on the feast of Asdvadzahaydnootyoon on January 6. Surprisingly to us today, the birth of Jesus was of minor interest to the Early Church. The nativity of Christ was not viewed as the “birthday” of Jesus Christ the same way we tend to view birthdays; rather, the reverent emphasis was on Christ’s death and resurrection (beautifully demonstrated in Armenian miniatures where the baby Jesus is always shown with a cross embedded in His halo). Yet looking back at His birth from the perspective of His death, the nativity takes on deeper meaning, not as the birthday of a person, but as the coming of salvation into this world in Jesus Christ. Good News to us!

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.

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

Church School Pageant January 11^th – This year we will be holding our pageant within the eight-day celebration of Theophany/Christmas which is observed from Jan 6th to 13th commemorating both the birth and baptism of Jesus Christ. We hope you will join us for both the pageant and water blessing service.

Seeking Christmas Decorations and Jewelry – We are currently planning for 2026 events and are in need of gently used Christmas decorations and jewelry.

As you sort through your items this holiday season – or when you pack them away in January of 2026 – please consider setting aside any decorations or jewelry with which you are willing to part.  We welcome all donations and greatly appreciate your support.  Please remember to bring your donated items to the church and leave them in the first Sunday School Room. Any questions, please contact Gena DerHagopian Willard or Alyssa Santerian.(01/11)

Discover the Beauty of the Armenian Language! – Learn Eastern Armenian with Mariam, a native speaker, through engaging and personalized classes that focus on the alphabet, vocabulary, cultural insights, and practical communication. Sign up now and start your Armenian language journey with Mariam! For more information, please contact Mariam via Email at marpoghosyan17@gmail.com or call her at 445-256-3966.

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 for the interested candidates, along with one-on-one direction from a senior choir person.  For more information, please contact Karinne Andonian at karinne.hov@gmail.com.

 ~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Jan 05         Armenian Christmas Eve

Jan 06         Armenian Christmas

Jan 11         Water Blessing Service

Jan 11         Church School Pageant

Jan 18         Day of Remembrance

Jan 19         MLK Day – Church Office Closed

Jan 22         Zoom Book Club Meets

Jan 31         Snowball Dance