THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
February 2, 2025

Third Sunday after the Octave of Theophany

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

John 6:39-47 Jesus continues to teach the crowds that have eagerly followed him to Capernaum. One can imagine the impact of His electrifying message: that He was sent from heaven by the Father so all who believe in Him might have eternal life! To the Jews’ grumbling that the simple son of Joseph and Mary could not be the Son of God, Jesus draws from their own history, asserting that unlike the manna from heaven which eased the Jews’ hunger only briefly, He was the eternally-nourishing “bread that came down from heaven.” (v.41; 49-50). Discuss/reflect: Imagine yourself one of the crowd that day. What are you hearing? What are you seeing all around you? Then these words reach your ears: “I am the bread that came down from heaven…whoever eats of this bread shall live forever.” What do you think?

2 Timothy 2:15-19 Timothy, entrusted with the Christian community in Ephesus, is counseled by his mentor Paul to avoid “godless chatter” – those who indulge in it grow only more ungodly. St. Paul refers to some who are spreading wrong teachings; believers must turn away from this. He reminds Timothy that God knows the hearts of those who follow Him   Discuss/reflect: What does “godless chatter” mean to you? What damage can it do?

Isaiah 62:1-11 Heralding a renewed love relationship with His holy city, the Lord presents Himself as the bridegroom to a restored Jerusalem. The Hebrew for “Deserted” and “Desolate” (v. 4) are commonly used for a wife whose husband has forsaken her and a childless woman respectively, so all of this imagery points to a now happy, fruitful ‘marriage.’ Its citizens will be protected by “His mighty arm” (v. 8) and enjoy the fruits of their labor in joyful peace. Discuss/reflect: What qualities of the marriage covenant also describe God’s relationship with His people? With you?

Saturday, February 8: The sons and grandsons of St. Gregory the Enlightener

How extraordinary that St. Gregory not only changed the hearts of a nation and therefore its entire history by evangelizing Armenia, but then gifted it with not one but two generations of dedicated Christian servants. His two sons (by wife Miriam), Sts. Aristakes and Vertanes and Vertanes’ sons Sts. Krikoris and Hoosig, were deeply devoted to Christ in the spirit of their illustrious father and grandfather. Aristakes succeeded his father as Catholicos and also attended the First Ecumenical Council at Nicaea in 325 A.D. Vertanes then succeeded his brother as Catholicos in 333. He in turn was followed by his son Hoosig, a vigorous defender of the faith against the ruling family; a dispute with his father-in-law King Diran led to Hoosig’s martyrdom in 347. Krikoris was a tireless evangelizer in Armenia’s neighbors, Georgia, and Caucasian Albania where he was martyred. An amazing dynasty of champions for Christ! Reflection: What do you think it takes to plant the zeal for Christ in the next generation?

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

Michael Mohn on the 1^st anniversary of his eternal rest. Requested in fond memory by Emily Terjimanian.
Ohannes Hashas requested in loving memory by the Hashas and Alexanian Families.
Helen Vishab on the 10-year anniversary of her passing. Requested in loving memory by the Vishab and Yazujian families as Helen remains in our warm thoughts, prayers and memories wherever we are.

Fellowship Coffee hour is sponsored today by Yn. Anna in honor of our Der Hakob’s birthday which is today!! We wish him a very happy birthday with many more to come.

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

Understanding our Sharagans – A Simultaneous Translation:  Our Adult Christian Education ministry is pleased to offer an enlightening experience for our faithful intended to deepen their understanding of the hymns of the Liturgy. On February 16, while Dn. Albert Keshgegian speaks the lyrics of the hymns in English, our choir will sing them acapella in Armenian. The effect will touch your heart! The sharagans—intended to be sung by the people—contain some of the most profound teachings of our faith.(02/09)

Poon Paregentan Celebration – Join us for a joyful Day of Good Living on Sunday March 2nd! Let us gather to share good food, games, uplifting music and a wonderful time together before entering the season of Lent. Festivities start at 12:30pm in Santerian Fellowship Hall. Church School Students are free. All others $15/per person. Purchase your tickets at the Church School Office or on the Church Website Holytrinity-pa.org from Feb 2nd to Feb 23rd. (02/23)

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.  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 you), by contacting Karinne Andonian at karinne.hov@gmail.com.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Coffee Hour with Birthday Wishes for our very own Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan
Feb 05         Weekly Bible Study
Feb 16         Annual Parish Assembly
Mar 02        Poon Paregentan Party
Mar 05        Lent Begins
Mar 06        Zoom Book Club