Shogh Sunday Bulletin Issue # 176 - January 1, 2023

HEBREWS13.18-25

Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Brothers and sisters, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for in fact I have written to you quite briefly.

I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you. Greet all your leaders and all the Lord’s people. Those from Italy send you their greetings. Grace be with you all.

LUKE 22.24-30

A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. You are those who have stood by me in my trials. And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

That evening the church lanterns are lit and people take home the lit candles from church as a symbol of divine light and blessing. The Feast of the Holy Nativity (Christmas) is preceded by a weeklong fast (the Fast of Nativity), which begins from December 30 till January 5. According to tradition, after the Christmas Eve Mass people spread the good news of Christ's birth, and gather together at a dinner table friends and family, where traditional food such as fish, vegetable dishes and wine are served.

NATIVITY AND THEOPANY (January 6, 2022)

On January 6, the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates the Holy Birth (Sourp Dznount) and the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ (Theophany).

By the 4th century all Christian Churches were celebrating Christmas on January 6. However, to prevent the pagan traditions within the Roman Empire, in 336 the Roman church officially declared to celebrate Christmas on December 25.

During the fourth Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon in 451 (Armenian Church did not attend it), it was decided to observe the Nativity of our Lord on December 25, and Theopany on January 6th. The Armenian Apostolic Church remained faithful to the tradition and celebrates both the Holy Nativity and Theophany together on January 6.

BLESSING OF WATER

On January 6 the Armenian Church commemorates not only the birth of Christ, but also His baptism by John the Baptist, which is remembered through the "Blessing of Water" ceremony. Following the Divine Liturgy the celebrant clergy performs the ceremony of Jurorhnek, or the "Blessing of Water."

During the ceremony, the cross is dipped in water to bless it. Then, the Holy Chrism (Muron) is poured into the water from a doveshaped container. The shape of containers symbolizes the appearance of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove. At the end of the service, the members of the parish receive the blessed water to drink and take home for the family members who were not able to attend the church that day.

THEOPANY

is referred to the Baptism of our Savior Jesus Christ in honor of his manifestation as the Son of God. During the Baptism the Holy Trinity was revealed: the Father pronounced, "This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased," and the Holy Spirit in the shape of a dove descended and alighted on Jesus Christ. (Matt. 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22).

Requested by Mr. & Mrs. George & Sissi Abadjian and Family Mr. & Mrs. Harout & Tsoline Dzerentsian and Family Mrs. Sona Narinian

In Memory of THE LATE KRIKOR & JORJET ABADJIAN, THE LATE KHACHIG DJELLADIAN THE LATE OVSANNA NARINIAN

The Altar Flowers are sponsored by MR. & MRS. GEORGE & SISSI ABADJIAN

In Memory of DEPARTED SOULS OF ABADJIAN, DJELLADIAN AND NARINIAN FAMILY MEMBRES

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

24-30, 2022

Christmas Donation

Mr. & Mrs. Kevork & Alis Belgen $200

Mrs. Arpiné Altounian $200

Mr. & Mrs. Edward & Ani Avanessy $200

Mr. Antranig Boyrazian $50

Miss Tamar Yacoubian $100

Mr. & Mrs. Harout & Rita Yacoubian $100

Mr. Kirkor Ozsogomonyan $100

Ms Hripsime Manook $200

Dr. Vahe Sivaciyan $200

Mr. & Mrs. Simon & Salpy Kutyan $100

Mr. Haig Der Ohanian $100

Mr. & Mrs. Madat & Tamar Mamourian $100

Ms Anahid Mamourian $500

Mr. Henry S Abraham $200

Mr. & Mrs. Noubar & Nazen Takessian $100

Miss Bette Ounjian $100

Mr. & Mrs. John & Freda Kalaidjian $100 Mrs. Rima Baghdassarians $100

Mr. Berdj Toughlouian $100

General

Mr. & Mrs. Sogomon & Areknaz Sakarya $200

Mr. & Mrs. Karen & Anahit Boshyan $100

Mr. Nareg Minassian $200 (Saturday School)

Ms. Nevart Chirinian $50

Mr. Soren Khatchatorian-Aghani $100

G. Max Auto $50

Dr. & Mrs. Harry & Christine Sakarya $50 Mrs. Mari Badalian $200

Mr. & Mrs. Fuad Garabed & Siran Hambarsom $150 (Altar Flowers & General Donation)

Anonymous Donor $100 Mrs. Sonia Artinian $100

Mr. & Mrs. Varoujan & Armine Ghanbari $100

94th Anniversary of Holy Trinity Armenian Church (Continuation)

Miss Bette Ounjian $100

Mr. & Mrs. John & Freda Kalaidjian $100

Membership 2022

Mrs. Lorans Ohanis Nalbandian $80 Miss Alis Spanos $80

Membership 2023

Dr. Berj Bardekjian $80 Mrs. Aida Bardekjian $80 Mr. Berdj Toughlouian $80

In Memory of THE LATE DR. NORAYR JELILIAN

Jelilian & Mardian Families $1,000 Karol Healey & Family $50

Dn. & Mrs. Krikor & Anais Tozak $100 Mr. & Mrs. Ardem & Aline Keshishian $40

Dr. & Mrs. Harry & Christine Sakarya $100 Mr. Jirayr Mardirossian $50

Silva & Nevart Karakashian $50

Garabed & Vergine Mardirossian $50

Mr. Tzevac Sorfazlian $50

Lisa & Steve Nguyen –Xaykongon $100

Tho Nguyen $100

Anahid Manoukian $100

Mr. & Mrs. Sarkis & Betty Topjian $100

Mr. & Mrs. Jan & Nelida Zengilli $100

Mr. & Mrs. Alexan & Nora Baltayan $50

Mr. & Mrs. Armen & Silva Kurkjian $100

Mrs. Hripsime Dwyer $50

Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Steven & Rebecca Ascott $50 Ms. Talar Assadourian $75

Mr. & Mrs. Raffi & Joy Bedrosyan $100

Dr. & Mrs. Jack & Kathrin Sakarya $100

Mr. Hovsep Kassapian $40

Ms Tania Boudreau $102 Mrs. Sona Keskek $100 Mr. Sarkis Tchilinguerian $50 Harout Mardirossian & Hagop Mardirossian and Families $200

Dr. & Mrs. Masis & Elizabeth Asik $100 Mrs. Hera Kavukian $150

Mr. & Mrs. Gulbenk & Araxi Kedilerli $100

Dr. & Mrs. Raffy & Sonya Chouljian $250 Mrs. Nadia Ermarkaryan $100

Mr. & Mrs. Arno & Christine Ermarkaryan $100

THE LATE KARNEEK VARJABEDIAN

Ms Hripsime Manook $100

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