Matthew 5:17-48 – Having just proclaimed the Beatitudes — an astounding list of promised blessings — Jesus clarifies that these do not replace the Law, but rather fulfill it, bringing it to completion. Sins such as murder and adultery begin in the heart; honor, justice and commitment need to be taken seriously. Discuss/reflect: Jesus asks us to be completely reconciled with others before we honor God at the altar (23-24). What might this prompt us to do before we receive Holy Communion? (Consider those we have hurt and heal our differences.)

Romans 12:1-13:10 – A beautiful companion reading to Jesus’ teachings about the Law, St. Paul asserts that the Torah is no longer the norm for conduct, rather it is love that must guide our behavior; love is the true “fulfillment of the law.”(13:10) Discuss/reflect: In verses 12:9-21, which two commands are the easiest for you to keep? Which two the hardest?

Isaiah 33:2-22 – In the shadow of Israel’s enemy Assyria, Isaiah pleads for God’s power and presence, trusting that he will appear in all his majesty as lawgiver, judge and king. Discuss/reflect: What qualities of God in vv 2 and 3 are reflected in the titles given to him in v. 22? (God is gracious, strong, a source of salvation and terrifyingly great power; these qualities are reflected in his title of judge, lawgiver and king).

Today is the Sunday of the Expulsion

Expulsion Sunday reminds us of that original exile from God’s presence: Adam and Eve driven out of Paradise for eating from the tree that had been forbidden to them.

The notion that they were wiser than God in deciding to eat the fruit of the “knowledge of good and evil” is at the heart of every sinful thought or action to this day. And even now, when we do something we’re not proud of, facing God is indeed as difficult as it was for Adam and Eve who tried to hide from Him as He walked “in the Garden in the cool of the day.” (Genesis 3:8) Thankfully, in God’s loving mercy, this is an exile He will not let us endure forever. Great Lent is a unique opportunity to ponder God’s absence even as we seek Him in 40 days of prayer and reflection.

Reflection: Read Genesis 3. Why would God allow Adam and Eve to fail when tempted? What does this say about God? About what He wants from 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 – In lieu of the forecasted bad weather, there will not be an Agape Hour today. Please stay safe and warm.

Annual Parish Assembly – RESCHEDULED for Sunday March 8, 2026 due to expected inclement weather.

Lent 2026 – Our Adult Christian Education (ACE) team has planned an impressive and diverse program this Lenten season. It includes five Zooms and one special presentation following Sunday Badarak. We will begin with a Rest Service on February 20 followed by two sessions on February 27 and March 6 featuring Rev. Fr. Arshen and Yn. Sirarpi Aivazian speaking on the spiritual poetry of Bishop Yeghishe Tourian. On March 13, Dn. Armen Terjimanian will moderate “Frequently Asked Questions on the Badarak” and on March 27 our senior deacon Albert Keshgegian will discuss his latest publication, “Take the Light: Reflections of God’s Love in our Lives.” All these Zooms will be held on Friday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00.   The single in-person program will be offered on March 22 by Shoghik Mikayelyan, the CEO of Nor Luyce Mentoring Center for Youth in Yerevan.  For more information on all these opportunities, take a flyer that will be available in the narthex.03/22

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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.  You know you’ve been pondering volunteering for this rewarding role. Make this the week that you reach out for further information (I double dare   you), by contacting Karinne Andonian at karinne.hov@gmail.com.

 ~~~~~~~~~~UPCOMING EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

​Feb 27         Zoom Fr. Arshen Aivazian presents

Mar 05         Zoom Book Club Meets

Mar 06         Zoom Lenten Presentation: Yn. Sirarpi Aivazian

Mar 08         RESCHEDULED – Parish Assembly

Mar 13         Zoom FAQs on the Badarak: Dn. Armen Terjimanian

Mar 22         Presentation on Nor Luyce Mentoring Center in Armenia

Mar 27         Zoom Book Presentation: Dn. Albert Keshgegian

Mar 29         Palm Sunday

Apr 05         Easter