Shogh Sunday Bulletin Issue # 175 - December 25, 2022

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.

In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.”

And he says in another place, “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

LUKE 18. 9-14

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people robbers, evildoers, adulterers or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

ST. STEPHEN THE PROTO-DEACON

This year on December 26, the Armenian Apostolic Church will commemorate the memory of St. Stephen the Proto-Deacon. He became the first Martyr of the Christian church. St. Stephen was stoned by his fellow Jewish brothers for confessing the truth about Jesus the Messiah. Before His death, he was chosen to be part of the first group of seven deacons to serve food to church members: "They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them" (Acts 6:5-6). This is why he is called St Stephen the ProtoDeacon and the Proto-Martyr. St. Stephen was one of the first Jews who believed in Jesus Christ and accepted Christianity. St. Stephen excelled in wisdom; he was a very skilled speaker and a sharp debater during arguments. With false accusations the Pharisees brought him to judgment. During the trial St. Stephen gave a speech where he proclaimed the good news of Jesus Christ and declared His divinity. For that, he was accused of blasphemy and was sentenced and stoned to death. After the martyrdom of St. Stephen, persecution against Christians increased leading into many deaths and martyrdoms.

KNOW? St. Stephen’s day is pronounced Deacons’ Day. This feast in the Armenian Church is appropriately dedicated to all deacons. They serve the altar on that day adorned with their finest orarion (ուրար) and attire. They are also granted the privilege to wear a crown (սաղաւարտ), which is part of the vestment of the priest.

COMMEMORATION OF THE APOSTLES ST. PETER AND ST. PAUL

On December 27 the Armenian Church commemorates the Apostles St. Peter and St. Paul.

St. Peter was one of the 12 apostles of Christ. He was the brother of Andrew and the witnessed Our Lord’s transfiguration and the other important events related to Jesus. Peter was a fisherman. Peter was born in the village Bethsaida and later was moved to the town Capernaum where Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law. Peter is more famous from the part of theGospel when hesaidthat Christ wastheSonofthelivingGod. AndJesus stated that being the Savior of the world and the Son of God He would build His Church (See Mt 16:15-19). Two letters from Peter have been preserved. According to the tradition, Peter was martyred in Rome and wascrucified head-down.

St. Paul is the thirteenth Apostle of Our Lord Jesus Christ. He was born in the town Tarsus of Cilicia in the beginning of the first century. His parents were citizens of Rome who according to Heronimus had came from Galilee. First he studied in his native town and then he continued his education in Jerusalem. According to his own words Paul had been a Pharisee, had strictly obeyed the law and persecuted the Christians. However, on his way to Damascus Jesus appeared to Paul, after which Apostle Paul (whose name was initially Saul) became one of the greatest preachers of Christ’s commandments. He was baptized by the apostle Ananias. He has made several trips and preached the word of God. Fourteen letters from Paul have been preserved. The New Testament does not record Paul's death, but according to tradition he was beheaded in the year 67 in Rome during the rule of Nero.

Requested by

Mr. & Mrs. Miran and Tamar Nshanian and Family In Memory of Their beloved Mother and Grandmother THE LATE LAYLA ABDUL MESSIAH GERGES

On 1st Anniversary of her passing

Requested by

Mr. & Mrs. Fuad Garabed & Siran Hampartsum In Memory of their Beloved Parents

The Late Sempad & Vartouhi Arakelian The Late Fattouhi & Hayganoush Garabed The Late Nigola & Lernig Dzadourian In Memory of THE LATE SEMPAD & VARTOUHI ARAKELIAN THE LATE FATTOUHI & HAYGANOUSH GARABED THE LATE NIGOLA & LERNIG DZADOURIAN

Altar’s Poinsettias are donated by YERETSGIN NAIRA ZARGARIAN

On the occasion of Christmas

The Altar Flowers are sponsored by MR. & MRS. FUAD GARABED & SIRAN HAMPARTSUM

In Memory of SEMPAD & VARTOUHI ARAKELIAN FATTOUHI & HAYGANOUSH GARABED NIGOLA & LERNIG DZADOURIAN

Flower arrangements are provided by KEN'S FLOWERS

If you wish to sponsor fresh flowers for the Altar in honour of your loved ones on their birthday, anniversary, graduation or in memory of a departed soul, please contact the church office to book the date

Tel: 416 431 3001 OR info@TorontoArmenianChurch.com

17-23, 2022

Christmas Offering

Mr. & Mrs. Avak & Angelika Garibyan $750

Mr. & Mrs. Nizag Derhovagimian $100 Mrs. Marie Dekirmendjian $100 (Church & Visitation Committee)

In Memory of

The Late Srpuhi Evran and the deceased members of the Evran, Isnar, Gumushdjian, Citak, Asdvadzaduryan, Dulgeroglu, Gedikyan, Havlucuyan and Abdalyan Families

Mr. & Mrs. Hrant & Arpi Citak $250 Mrs. Taline Gumushdjian $250

Mr. & Mrs. Setrak and Julia Isnar $400 Ms Alexia Citak $250

Mr. & Mrs. Harutyun & Alis Akcasu $200

The Late Manuel & Takuhi Sakarya

Dr. & Mrs. Harry & Christine Sakarya $100

The Late Kegham Nayir

Mr. & Mrs. Sogomon & Areknaz Sakarya $200 Dr. & Mrs. Harry & Christine Sakarya $100

The Late Areknaz Nalbandian

Mrs. Araxi Nalbandian $200

Mr. & Mrs. Boghos & Zaroug Ishkanian $100 Mrs. Maria Jamgochian $100

General

Mr. Michael Mohareb MPC $5,000

Mr. & Mrs. Samir & Layla Nasri $500

Mr. & Mrs. Mike & Vicki Kesian $200

Mr. & Mrs. Berge & Annie Shalvardjian $100

Anonymous Donor $100 Mrs. Cecilia Jaladian Abajian $100 Mrs. Anahit Davtyan $100

94th Anniversary of Holy Trinity Armenian Church (continuation)

Mrs. Calabrina Boyajian $300

Mr. & Mrs. Vaghinak & Jenik Vartanian $200

Mr. & Mrs. Ardashes and Hripsik Sinani $200

Mr. Leonard Tossounian $500

Mrs. Rosin Imasdounian $100

Mrs. Jaklin Avrand Nazari $200

Park Lawn Corp. Funeral & Cremation Services $250

Sunday School

Mr. Yesai Libarian $100

St Sahag & St. Mesrob Armenian Saturday School

Mrs. Mary Darakjian $500

Mr. Mosi Minassian $500

Mr. Harout Hagopian $200

Membership 2022

Mrs. Araxi Nalbandian $80

Mrs. Silva Mermer $80

Mr. Levon Mermer $80 Mrs. Layla Jirgess $80

Mr. Samir Nasri $80

APPRECIATION

We thank all our donors for supporting Holy Trinity Armenian Church through their heartfelt donations. If you prefer to stay anonymous, please contact the Church office and inform the administration.

Tel: 416 431 3001 info@TorontoArmenianChurch.com

Donations may be made

Over the phone: 416 431 3001 ext. 2 or 3 E-transfer via: info@TorontoArmenianChurch.com Cheques payable to: HTAC

We thank you sincerely for your support!

We are happy to announce that Holy Trinity Armenian Church's Sunday School Registration is now open for children 4 years and older. Kindly completetheregistrationformonlinetoincludeyourchild(ren)fortheyear 2022-23.

https://www.torontoarmenianchurch.com/.../sunday-school/

The Sunday School is from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Holy Trinity Armenian Church. For information, please contact us by email: info@TorontoArmenianChurch.com or callusat416 4313001ext.3