Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church

THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
December 10, 2023

Barekendan of the Fast of St. James

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Luke 14:12-24 While dining one Sabbath at the home of a prominent Pharisee, Jesus relates the parable of the “Great Banquet:” guests decline an invitation to a grand banquet – citing conventional life events as reasons (I just got married; I have important business to attend to). Hearing this, the host angrily sends his servant to invite the poor and the crippled and others marginalized by society. Those originally invited have forever lost their place at his table. Discuss/reflect: The excuses given (14:18-20) by those who declined the invitation are eerily familiar: the busy stuff of life. What are the reasons you don’t make time for God? At what peril?

2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 Paul lovingly declares his gratitude for a community that is exemplary in its faith and expansive love for one another. He prayerfully acknowledges their suffering - God shares in their pain and will lift them up for their worthiness at the end of time. As for those who shun the gospel of Jesus, including their persecutors, they will spend eternity away from Him. Discuss/reflect: What is hell if not an eternity away from God’s presence and glory? (v.9) Its opposite is to be in His presence day in day out (think of the older brother in the Prodigal Son). Does that describe your life?

Isaiah 37:14-38 After Hezekiah’s prayer for deliverance from the Assyrians, Isaiah conveys God’s comforting response: that the planned attack on Jerusalem will fail. Discuss/reflect: Hezekiah’s prayer is essentially this: you alone are God of all, you made heaven and earth; hear my plight and deliver me. How telling that he begins by affirming who God is. Can you confidently declare the same? Begin your next prayer by telling the Lord what He means to you.

December 16 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?

REQUIEM SERVICES: Hokehankist today will be for:

Elmira Agabekyan – Beloved Mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great grandmother. Elmira passed away at 85 years old on December 1st, 2023, joining in heaven her husband Karlen, youngest daughter Tamara and son Karen. She is survived by her daughter Natalia, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, eight grandchildren and a great granddaughter. Requiem for the soul of Elmira requested by Natalia & Gevork Sarkisian.
Serak and Gladys Aslanian and Charles and Alice Basmajian – In loving memory of all our parents from their family Steve, Dorie, Megan, Daniel and Charlie.
Armenouhi Aksherian on the second anniversary of her passing. Stephan, Haroutyun, Lucig, Hagop, & Flora Aksherian, Haig & Serbouhi Hambartsoumian, Amod Jayawant. Requested by Flora Jayawant and Tory & Anita Torcomian and family.
Mamikon Kocharyan, Mari Kocharyan, Manya Kocharyan, Hovhannes Kocharyan, Ilia Sargsyan, Emma Sargsyan, Vanik Sargsyan, Donara Sargsyan, Onik Sargsyan, Suren Sargsyan - requested by Karinne, Vigen Vahe, and the Kocharyan family.
All the victims of the 1988 Armenian Earthquake.
The Men's Club is requesting a Requiem service for the following past members
Larry Der Hagopian
Mike Hajatian Sr
Antranik Javardian
Rich Kazigian
Harry Mirijanian
Roman Radynsky
Bob Sarkisian
Harry Sarkisian
John Terzian
Berj Yeretzian

Prayer Request - We ask our faithful to pray for Shoghig Terjimanian, the mother of Dn. Armen, who recently suffered a brain bleed at her home in Michigan. Please pray for her return to good health and strength for her family.

Special Program Next Sunday - December 17, 2023

Join us next week during Fellowship as we hear the story of Sarah Stites, a young woman, born and raised in the Washington DC area, who moved to Armenia and immersed herself in the culture, the people and the difficulties in making a commitment to serve our homeland through FAR's AYO program. Come and hear her unique and inspiring story.

Fellowship Today
Lunch With Santa in lieu of coffee hour today

Men's Club News: The latest Men's Club drawings for the "200 Club" were completed on 11/12 & 12/3. Please visit the church website under "Men's Club" for details on the lucky winners!

Guest Speaker - December 17, 2023
What would draw a young woman, born and raised in the Washington DC area, to move to Armenia and immerse herself in the culture, the people and the difficulties to make a commitment to serve our homeland through FAR's AYO program. Come and hear her unique and inspiring story when she visits us in person on Sunday, December 17, following Badarak.

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.

Artsakh Support Desperately Needed - Since early this year, we have closely followed the news from and about Artsakh. We prayed often, deeply and fervently. We didn’t know what else to do. Our hearts broke when the unimaginable happened and Artsakh was lost to us. Now is our time to help the thousands of refugees who had to flee to mainland Armenia to seek a safe haven. They left their homes and most of their belongings forever. We are appealing to our faithful to give generously from your heart to help our sisters and brothers who have given their all.

Checks should be made to Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Memo: Artsakh, and brought or mailed to church. Online donations can be made by going to www.holytrinity-pa.org, go to donations, scroll down to Open Donation and enter Artsakh.

Humanitarian Support for Artsakh Ongoing From The Knights And Daughters Of Vartan - As the Azeri government still cracks down on the Armenian people in the nation of Artsakh, the people are not giving up! Please consider making a donation to the Knights and Daughters of Vartan Call to Action Committee! Donations will go towards humanitarian aid. For further information please visit the Knights and Daughters of Vartan website @ https://kofv.org/a-call-to-action-from-kdv-for-artsakh/

Mail your donations to Knights of Vartan, Mr. Ronald Nazeley,Treasurer, 558 Kentwood Bluffs Drive, Los Angeles 90045.

Pastor’s Weekly ZOOM Bible Study – Our Adult Christian Education ministry team is pleased to invite our faithful to Fr. Hakob’s Bible Study on the GOSPEL OF LUKE. We meet every Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 8:00 via Zoom. Last year, we journeyed with Der Hayr methodically through the Gospel of Matthew and learned a great deal. So, why are we studying the Gospel of Luke? Isn’t it just another gospel? Join us every Wednesday OR any Wednesday to discover how Luke’s account of Jesus’ life and ministry differs from the other gospels and what it means for us. To receive the Zoom link, contact [email protected].

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 @ [email protected].

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Lunch With Santa

Please join us for the Church School Lunch with Santa at 12:30pm. You may purchase tickets at the door. Enjoy crafts, music and games with DJ Robbie, and a visit from Santa! Children are free.

Dec 13 – Weekly Zoom Bible Study
Dec 17 – Inspiring guest speaker following Badarak
Jan 5 – Armenian Christmas Eve
Jan 6 – Armenian Christmas
Jan 7 – Water Blessing Service

Holy Trinity Armenian Church The Mission of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church is to preach the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ and to proclaim its message of salvation. This mission is realized through worship, education, witness, service and a common life in Christ as expressed in the distinctive faith-experience of the A...

Check out the Auction for Artsakh

THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
December 3, 2023

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 16 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?

REQUIEM SERVICES: Hokehankist today will be for:

Joseph D. Chamoun requested by his loving wife Ani Chamoun and his children Diran Chamoun, Alain Chamoun and Anna-Marie Murphy.

Fellowship Today

Coffee Hour is sponsored today by Ani Chamoun in memory of her husband Joseph D. Chamoun. All are welcome.

Guest Speaker - December 17, 2023

What would draw a young woman, born and raised in the Washington DC area, to move to Armenia and immerse herself in the culture, the people and the difficulties to make a commitment to serve our homeland through FAR's AYO program. Come and hear her unique and inspiring story when she visits us in person on Sunday, December 17, following Badarak.

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.

Renovations are Complete: The newly remodeled restrooms are available for use. Each one is now a "Single-Use", Family-type Restroom and is Handicap accessible. This upgrade means anyone can use either restroom. There is a locking mechanism on each door. Other than just washing your hands, we request that you lock the door after you enter. The status of each restroom is visible on the exterior of the door, either "vacant” or “in use". If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact the church office.

Artsakh Support Desperately Needed - Since early this year, we have closely followed the news from and about Artsakh. We prayed often, deeply and fervently. We didn’t know what else to do. Our hearts broke when the unimaginable happened and Artsakh was lost to us. Now is our time to help the thousands of refugees who had to flee to mainland Armenia to seek a safe haven. They left their homes and most of their belongings forever. We are appealing to our faithful to give generously from your heart to help our sisters and brothers who have given their all.

Checks should be made to Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Memo: Artsakh, and brought or mailed to church. Online donations can be made by going to www.holytrinity-pa.org, go to donations, scroll down to Open Donation and enter Artsakh.

Humanitarian Support for Artsakh Ongoing From The Knights And Daughters Of Vartan - As the Azeri government still cracks down on the Armenian people in the nation of Artsakh, the people are not giving up! Please consider making a donation to the Knights and Daughters of Vartan Call to Action Committee! Donations will go towards humanitarian aid. For further information please visit the Knights and Daughters of Vartan website @ https://kofv.org/a-call-to-action-from-kdv-for-artsakh/

Mail your donations to Knights of Vartan, Mr. Ronald Nazeley,Treasurer, 558 Kentwood Bluffs Drive, Los Angeles 90045.

Pastor’s Weekly ZOOM Bible Study – Our Adult Christian Education ministry team is pleased to invite our faithful to Fr. Hakob’s Bible Study on the GOSPEL OF LUKE. We will meet every Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 8:00 via Zoom. Last year, we journeyed with Der Hayr methodically through the Gospel of Matthew and learned a great deal. So, why are we studying the Gospel of Luke? Isn’t it just another gospel? Join us beginning November 8 to discover how Luke’s account of Jesus’ life and ministry differs from the other gospels and what it means for us. To receive the Zoom link, contact [email protected]

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 @ [email protected].

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Second Sunday of Advent

Dec 6 – Weekly Zoom Bible Study

Dec 9 – Feast of the Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary

Dec 10 – Christmas with Santa

Dec 17 – Inspiring guest speaker following Badarak

Holy Trinity Armenian Church The Mission of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church is to preach the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ and to proclaim its message of salvation. This mission is realized through worship, education, witness, service and a common life in Christ as expressed in the distinctive faith-experience of the A...

THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
November 26, 2023

First Sunday of Advent

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Luke 12:13-31 Jesus tells the parable of a rich fool who plans to build a bigger place to store his surplus grain so he might “eat, drink, and be merry” (v.19) only to die that very night; how much wiser to be “rich toward God” rather than for ourselves! Jesus continues to reorder our priorities: do not be anxious, He advises, about anything (12:22-31) - better to seek God’s Kingdom from which all things will flow in abundance as it does for the birds and the flowers of the field. Discuss/reflect: Jesus could not be clearer: “A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (12:16) What do you need or like to have around you in great number? How can you come out from under this burden to live the trusting, care-free life to which our Lord invites you?

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 In this first chapter of his letter, St. Paul overflows with praise and thanksgiving for a beloved community. Their exemplary faith, even in suffering, had inspired countless others across the region. Discuss/reflect: Read verse 3 aloud. Prayerfully turn the questions around: “Does my faith produce work, does love prompt labor, does hope inspire better endurance?”

Isaiah 36:1-9 The king of Assyria has invaded Judah and from captured Lachish sends a commander to demand Jerusalem’s surrender (an Assyrian wall relief depicting this capture has been excavated at the site). He questions King Hezekiah’s reliance on God. Discuss/reflect: In v.4, the Assyrian enemy mocks King Hezekiah’s faith: in the face of enemy assault, on what could he possibly base his confidence? What forces assail your faith today? How do you respond?

Today is the First Sunday of Advent

Unlike the four-week Advent of the Western Church, the season preceding Christmas in the Armenian Church is fifty days, called Heesnag (from the word for fifty, heesoon). As a period of spiritual preparation, Heesnag contains a total of three designated weeks of fasting (aside from the usual Wednesday and Friday fasts). So, unlike Great Lent, it is not a continuous period of this discipline. Bottom line: Our Advent or Heesnag is a beautiful time to prepare, body and soul, for the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Prayerful activity: Every day, spend five minutes reading some part of the Christmas story: Luke 1:26-56; Luke 2:1-20; Matthew 1:18-25; Matthew 2. Read only a few verses at a time and savor them. Keep reading and repeating in preparation for Christmas.

Fellowship Today

There will be no coffee hour today. Please use the “extra” time to do something thoughtful for family, friends or a total stranger.

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.

Artsakh Support Desperately Needed - Since early this year, we have closely followed the news from and about Artsakh. We prayed often, deeply and fervently. We didn’t know what else to do. Our hearts broke when the unimaginable happened and Artsakh was lost to us. Now is our time to help the thousands of refugees who had to flee to mainland Armenia to seek a safe haven. They left their homes and most of their belongings forever. We are appealing to our faithful to give generously from your heart to help our sisters and brothers who have given their all.

Checks should be made to Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Memo: Artsakh, and brought or mailed to church. Online donations can be made by going to www.holytrinity-pa.org, go to donations, scroll down to Open Donation and enter Artsakh.

Humanitarian Support for Artsakh Ongoing From The Knights And Daughters Of Vartan - As the Azeri government still cracks down on the Armenian people in the nation of Artsakh, the people are not giving up! Please consider making a donation to the Knights and Daughters of Vartan Call to Action Committee! Donations will go towards humanitarian aid. For further information please visit the Knights and Daughters of Vartan website @ https://kofv.org/a-call-to-action-from-kdv-for-artsakh/

Mail your donations to Knights of Vartan, Mr. Ronald Nazeley,Treasurer, 558 Kentwood Bluffs Drive, Los Angeles 90045.

Pastor’s Weekly ZOOM Bible Study – Our Adult Christian Education ministry team is pleased to invite our faithful to Fr. Hakob’s Bible Study on the GOSPEL OF LUKE. We will meet every Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 8:00 via Zoom. Last year, we journeyed with Der Hayr methodically through the Gospel of Matthew and learned a great deal. So, why are we studying the Gospel of Luke? Isn’t it just another gospel? Join us beginning November 8 to discover how Luke’s account of Jesus’ life and ministry differs from the other gospels and what it means for us. To receive the Zoom link, contact [email protected]

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 @ [email protected].

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.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

First Sunday of Advent

Dec 9 – Feast of the Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary

Dec 17 – Inspiring guest speaker following Badarak.

Holy Trinity Armenian Church The Mission of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church is to preach the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ and to proclaim its message of salvation. This mission is realized through worship, education, witness, service and a common life in Christ as expressed in the distinctive faith-experience of the A...

THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
November 19, 2023

Tenth Sunday of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Luke 9:44-50 The disciples argue about who among them would be the greatest (even though they have just heard their beloved Lord predict His betrayal!). Jesus derails their debate by bringing a child to His side, challenging them to welcome such little ones and others who are “least” in the world’s eyes. The theme of welcoming extends to the man driving out demons (9: 49-50) for whom he also asks a generosity of heart. Discuss/reflect: In verse 46, how do you think the disciples are gauging greatness? How do you? How does Jesus? (9:48)

Philippians 1:1-11 All the more poignant as he is writing from prison in Rome, St. Paul joyfully remembers the Philippians and thinks of them as his fellow travelers (“your partnership in the gospel from the first”), sharing in God’s grace. Their faith is so admirable that Paul foresees God continuing to work in their lives, bringing it to “completion” at the end of time. He prays that their love lead them to ever greater knowledge and insight. Discuss/reflect: How is God at work in a believer’s life (1:6, 9-11)? How might knowing this make you feel about uncertainties in your life?

Isaiah 25: 9-26:7 These verses begin with an oracle against Moab, a neighbor of Judea, and end, in Chapter 26, with a beautiful psalm-like prayer of trust in God. Discuss/reflect: “The path of the righteous is level…You make the way of the righteous smooth.” (26:7) Hmmm…We know that God never promises an easy, untroubled life. So what do you think is meant here? How indeed can your life, in Christ, be smooth and level?

REQUIEM SERVICES: Hokehankist today will be for:

Lori L. Aghazarian on the first anniversary of her eternal rest requested by Lucy Aghazarian and Aram Alan Aghazarian in loving memory.

Aram Avedis Aghazarian on the 6th anniversary of his eternal rest requested by Lucy Aghazarian and Aram Alan Aghazarian in loving memory.

Theodora Crist-Mirakian on the 2nd anniversary of her eternal rest requested in loving memory by David & Marta Brann, family and friends.

Alter Flowers Today

Today’s alter flowers are sponsored by David & Marta Brann in memory of Theodora Crist-Mirakian.

Fellowship Today

The Coffee Hour is sponsored by Lucy Aghazarian in memory of her loved ones Lori L. Aghazarian and Aram Avedis Aghazarian.

Artsakh Support Desperately Needed - Since early this year, we have closely followed the news from and about Artsakh. We prayed often, deeply and fervently. We didn’t know what else to do. Our hearts broke when the unimaginable happened and Artsakh was lost to us. Now is our time to help the thousands of refugees who had to flee to mainland Armenia to seek a safe haven. They left their homes and most of their belongings forever. We are appealing to our faithful to give generously from your heart to help our sisters and brothers who have given their all.

Checks should be made to Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Memo: Artsakh, and brought or mailed to church. Online donations can be made by going to www.holytrinity-pa.org, go to donations, scroll down to Open Donation and enter Artsakh.

Humanitarian Support for Artsakh Ongoing From The Knights And Daughters Of Vartan - As the Azeri government still cracks down on the Armenian people in the nation of Artsakh, the people are not giving up! Please consider making a donation to the Knights and Daughters of Vartan Call to Action Committee! Donations will go towards humanitarian aid. For further information please visit the Knights and Daughters of Vartan website @ https://kofv.org/a-call-to-action-from-kdv-for-artsakh/

Mail your donations to Knights of Vartan, Mr. Ronald Nazeley,Treasurer, 558 Kentwood Bluffs Drive, Los Angeles 90045.

Pastor’s Weekly ZOOM Bible Study – Our Adult Christian Education ministry team is pleased to invite our faithful to Fr. Hakob’s Bible Study on the GOSPEL OF LUKE. We will meet every Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 8:00 via Zoom. Last year, we journeyed with Der Hayr methodically through the Gospel of Matthew and learned a great deal. So, why are we studying the Gospel of Luke? Isn’t it just another gospel? Join us beginning November 8 to discover how Luke’s account of Jesus’ life and ministry differs from the other gospels and what it means for us. To receive the Zoom link, contact [email protected]

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 @ [email protected].

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.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Barekendan (Eve) of the Fast of Advent

Nov 23 – Thanksgiving

Nov 26 – First Sunday of Advent

Dec 9 – Feast of the Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary

THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
November 12, 2023

Ninth Sunday after Exaltation

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Luke 8:49-56 Earlier in this chapter, the synagogue official Jairus has begged Jesus to heal his ailing daughter. Now Jesus hears the news that the official’s daughter has died. He tells Jairus not to be afraid, but only believe, and she would be made well. And indeed, Jesus brings her back to life. Discuss/reflect: While those around him laughed at the impossibility of such a thing, Jesus did proceed to reverse the seemingly irreversible. What have you long struggled with that you might offer up to Him for healing?

Ephesians 5:15-33 How appropriate are verses 15-21 to our times! “Fill yourselves with the Spirit,” Paul advises the community. “The days are evil” (5:16) so rather than wasting time in vain pursuits, simply live gratefully with God’s praises on your lips and (literally!) a song in your heart. Discuss/reflect: St. Paul advises that we give thanks to God “always and in everything” (verse 20). What are you grateful for? Pray about these people or things.

Isaiah 24:1-12 Isaiah describes God’s judgment upon Judah - the devastation of the earth as a result of sin and transgression. Discuss/reflect: God’s people have broken their covenant (24:5-6). How might we today be hurting ourselves or the earth by ignoring God’s laws and covenant?

Saturday, November 18: Holy Apostles Andrew and Philip

“Come, follow me” were the first few words Jesus spoke to Andrew and his brother Simon Peter (Matthew 4:18-20; Mark 1:16-18) as he was walking beside the Sea of Galilee and saw them casting their nets. He then declared that he would make them fishers of men. This universal paradigm of discipleship and witness suggests that when we follow our Lord we are changed by Him to such a degree that we want to share this joy with others. Little is said about Andrew in the Gospels, but it was he who encouraged his brother to follow Jesus (John 1:41-42); he told Jesus about the boy with the loaves and fishes (John 6:8); and when Philip wanted to speak to Jesus about Greeks who sought to meet Him, he spoke to Andrew first (John 12:22). Tradition reports that after preaching in Greece, Anatolia and elsewhere, he was arrested and crucified on an x-shaped cross, feeling himself unworthy to be crucified as Jesus was.

Like Andrew, Philip was from Bethsaida. After he was called by Jesus, he tells Bartholomew (John 1:45) -- who doubts anything “good can come from Nazareth” -- to “come and see.” An account of his martyrdom relates that Philip was arrested with Bartholomew but brought about his companion’s release even though he himself was crucified. Outside of the Gospels, incidents from the lives of these two apostles can be found in histories, hagiographies, and anonymous Acts. Reflection: Andrew is often seen bringing others to Christ. Is your faith and trust in Him so strong that you too look for every opportunity to do so?

Department of Christian Education/Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)/[email protected] )

REQUIEM SERVICES: Hokehankist today will be for:

Doretta Basmajian Aslanian is remembered by her beloved husband Steven on what would have been the 36th anniversary of their marriage on November 15th. Additionally, she is remembered by her loving children Megan and Daniel, her brother Charlie and her church family.

Robert Sarkisian in remembrance of what would have been his 102nd birthday on November 15th. Requested by his loving wife Mary Sarkisian.

Fellowship Today

Coffee Hour is sponsored in loving memory of Doretta Basmajian Aslanian by her family.

Pastor’s Weekly ZOOM Bible Study – Our Adult Christian Education ministry team is pleased to invite our faithful to Fr. Hakob’s Bible Study on the GOSPEL OF LUKE. We will meet every Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 8:00 via Zoom. Last year, we journeyed with Der Hayr methodically through the Gospel of Matthew and learned a great deal. So, why are we studying the Gospel of Luke? Isn’t it just another gospel? Join us beginning November 8 to discover how Luke’s account of Jesus’ life and ministry differs from the other gospels and what it means for us. To receive the Zoom link, contact [email protected]

Artsakh Support Desperately Needed - Since early this year, we have closely followed the news from and about Artsakh. We prayed often, deeply and fervently. We didn’t know what else to do. Our hearts broke when the unimaginable happened and Artsakh was lost to us. Now is our time to help the thousands of refugees who had to flee to mainland Armenia to seek a safe haven. They left their homes and most of their belongings forever. We are appealing to our faithful to give generously from your heart to help our sisters and brothers who have given their all.

Checks should be made to Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Memo: Artsakh, and brought or mailed to church. Online donations can be made by going to www.holytrinity-pa.org, go to donations, scroll down to Open Donation and enter Artsakh.

Humanitarian Support for Artsakh Ongoing From The Knights And Daughters Of Vartan - As the Azeri government still cracks down on the Armenian people in the nation of Artsakh, the people are not giving up! Please consider making a donation to the Knights and Daughters of Vartan Call to Action Committee! Donations will go towards humanitarian aid. For further information please visit the Knights and Daughters of Vartan website @ https://kofv.org/a-call-to-action-from-kdv-for-artsakh/

Mail your donations to Knights of Vartan, Mr. Ronald Nazeley, Treasurer, 558 Kentwood Bluffs Drive, Los Angeles 90045.

Operation Christmas Child is underway. Samaritan’s Purse, the organization that sponsors the shoebox project, provided 30 tons of humanitarian aid to those who were forced from their homes as a result of the Artsakh War. We ask you to consider filling one or more shoeboxes in appreciation for what they have done to help our homeland in our time of need. The shipping fees of $10 per box are being underwritten by the generosity of the Adult Christian Education (ACE) Ministry. For those who are unable to fill a shoebox, donations will be gratefully accepted. Checks should be made payable to: Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Memo: OCC. To receive materials, please see Jeanette or Berjoohy.

REVISED ABSOLUTE DEADLINE IS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023

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 willc be provided to the interested candidates, along with one-on-one direction from a senior choir person. For further information, contact Karinne Andonian @ [email protected].

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.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Deadline for Operation Christmas Child is today!!!!

Nov 19 -Barekendan (Eve) of the Fast of Advent

Nov 23 – Thanksgiving