ՇՈՂ - SHOGH
FIFTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
SYNAXIS READINGS
Isaiah 40.18-31
Hebrews 4.16-5.10
Luke 18.9-14
MORNING SERVICE at 9:30 am
DIVINE LITURGY at 10:30 am
Celebrated by REV. ARCHPRIEST FR. ZAREH ZARGARIAN
Vicar and Parish Priest
Choirmaster: Dn. Shahe Altounian
Organist: Mrs. Sona Artinian
HEBREWS
4.16-5.10
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.”
- FEASTS OF THE WEEK
ST. STEPHEN THE PROTO-DEACON
This year on December 25, 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.
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 26 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 the Gospel when he saidthat Christ wastheSonofthe livingGod. 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.
-
ւոյ սիւներէն մէկը: Յետա-
գային, իր գործունէութեան վայրը հանդիսացաւ
Եփեսոսի եկեղեցին:
Ան գրած է Աւետարան մը, երեք ընդհանրական նամակներ, եւ Յայտնութեան գիրքը: Տէրոջը կամքով, Յովհաննէս Ա-
ռաքեալ միւս առաքեալներէն աւելի ապրեցաւ եւ վախճանեցաւ 100 թ. ՝ 94
տարեկան հասակին:
Requested by Mrs. Araksin Sirob Boghos and children,
Issa Zuhair Garabeit
Diana Zuhair Garabeit
Noora Zuhair Garabeit
Dani Zuhair Garabeit and siblings,
Nazar, Jolet, Zyad, Janet, Jackleen, Evleen, Kivork, Zavin, Vazgeen, and Zabel Garabeit Kivork
In Memory of
Their Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother and Uncle
THE LATE ZUHEIR GARABEIT KIVORK
On the 3rd day of his passing
Requested by
Mrs. Sona Sarkissian
Ms. Yester Sarkissian
Mr. & Mrs. Hovig and Taline Moushian and children, Teni and Noah Moushian
Mr. & Mrs. Hagop and Aram Sarkissian and children, Senn and Manuel Sarkissian
Mr. & Mrs. Avedis & Ardemis Moushian
In Memory of
Their Beloved Husband, Brother, Father, and Grandfather
THE LATE ZOHRAB SARKISSIAN
On the 1st anniversary of his passing
Requested by
Mrs. Armenouhi Svazlian-Andonian and Family
Mr. Jirayr Svazlian and Family
Mrs. Verjine Svazlian and Family
All Daghavarian & Ghazarian Family members
In Memory of
THE LATE ZOHRAB-KARNIG SVAZLIAN
On the 1st anniversary of his passing
Requested by Kalender & Kurkcuyan Families
In Memory of
THE LATE SETA KURKCUYAN
On the 1st anniversary of her passing
Requested by Her Nieces and Nephews
In Memory of Their Beloved Aunt
THE LATE SURPUHI EVRAN
On the 4th anniversary of her passing
As well as in memory of THE LATE
SARKIS AND HAYGUHI EVRAN
SUREN AND ALIS EVRAN
DIKRAN & ARMINE ISNAR
DR. PILIBOS AKCASU
And the Deceased Members of Gumushdjian, Citak, Asdvadzadourian, Dulgeroglu, Gedikyan, Havlucuyan and Abdalyan Families
Requested by
Mr. & Mrs. André and Annie (Sismanian) Choquet, and their children Alex & Mathieu
In Memory of Their Beloved Mother & Grandmother,
THE LATE ARCHALOUS SISMANOGLU
On the 3rd anniversary of her passing Their Beloved Father & Grandfather
THE LATE NISAN SISMANOGLU
On the 4th anniversary of his passing
Requested by
Mr. & Mrs. Masis & Jaklen Esagholian
In Memory of Their Beloved Father, Father in Law and Relative
THE LATE HOVHANES ESAGHOLIAN
THE LATE VARJOUK AVASAPIAN
THE LATE MELIKSET KESHISHIAN
THE LATE KOREN GASPARIAN
THE LATE GEORGIC KOUDAVERDIAN
Requested by The Aginian Family
In Memory of THE LATE DIRAN AGINIAN
On the 19th anniversary of his passing
Requested by
Abajian, Jelladian & Zerentsian Families
In Memory of Their Beloved Family Members of THE LATE KRIKOR & GEORGETTE ABAJIAN
THE LATE KRIKOR & OVSANNA NARENIAN
THE LATE HOVHANNES & VERJINE ZERENTSIAN
THE LATE SUSAN TOROSSIAN
Requested by Mrs. Rita Musluyan
Mr. & Mrs. Hagop & Dalita Dokmecian and Son, Ari
Rev. Fr. Vazken & Yeretsgin Arpi Kuzuian and Daughter, Alina
In Memory of
THE LATE SASNAYK MUSLUYAN
On the 51st anniversary of his passing
Following the Divine Liturgy, a memorial reception will be hosted by the family of THE LATE ZOHRAB KARNIG SVAZLIAN in the lower level of the church
*** Altar Flowers are sponsored by MRS. ARMENOUHI
SVAZLIAN-ANDONIAN
In Memory of THE LATE ZOHRAB -KARNIG SVAZLIAN
Arrangement by Ann's Flowers
List of Donations from December 14 to 20, 2024
CHURCH RENOVATION FUND
Ms Rose Aharonian $1,600
CHRISTMAS OFFERING
Ms Anahid Mamourian $420
Mr. & Mrs. Haig & Yeranuhi Kelledjian $250
Ms Hripsime Manook $200
Mrs. Zamira Yukhtman $150
Mr. & Mrs. Nizag & Elizabeth Derhovagimian $100
Mr. & Mrs. Harout & Tsoline Zeroghlian $100
Dr. & Mrs. Nurel & Lena Beylerian $50
GENERAL
Mr. & Mrs. Sogomon & Areknaz Sakarya $1,000
Mr. & Mrs. Mike & Vicki Kesian $200
Dr. Nana Sogomonian $150
Mr. & Mrs. Karen & Inessa Darbinyan $100
Ms Taline Baltayan $100
MEMBERSHIP
Ms Anahid Mamourian $80
Mr. Haig Der Ohanian $80
ALTAR FLOWERS
Mrs. Armenouhi Andonian $100
IN MEMORY OF
THE LATE HAGOP ALTOUNIAN
Mrs. Arpiné Altounian $100
THE LATE STEPHAN SEMERDJIAN
Mr. Jack Semerdjian $200
THE LATE FILOR TAKVORIAN
Ms Emma De Lint $150
THE LATE SARKIS GOKDAG
Mr. & Mrs. Sogomon & Areknaz Sakarya $200
Mr. Raffi Libarian $50
THE LATE ZOHRAB SVAZLIAN
Mrs. Armenouhi Andonian $200
THE LATE ZUHAIR KIVORK
Mr. & Mrs. Zadeek & Seta Hettan Gorgisian $100
Mr. & Mrs. Zadig & Nvart Mirzoyan $100
Mr. Frank G. $100
THE LATE SASNAYK MUSLUYAN
Mrs. Rita Musluyan $100
THE LATE SETA KURKCUYAN
Mr. & Mrs. Berc & Talin Kalender $200
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.
Donations may be made:
E-transfer via: info@TorontoArmenianChurch.com Cheques payable to:
Tel:
HOLY TRINITY
ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH
Vicar of Armenian Church Canadian Diocese and Parish Priest Rev. Archpriest Fr. Zareh Zargarian
Pastor’s Assistant Rev. Fr. Hayari Tanashian
Church Office Hours: Monday to Friday - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Executive Secretary, Ani Sarvarian
Ani@TorontoArmenianChurch.com
Administrative Secretary, Betty Panossian
Betty@TorontoArmenianChurch.com
920 Progress Ave. Toronto, ON, M1G 3T5
Tel: 416 431 3001
www.TorontoArmenianChurch.com info@TorontoArmenianChurch.com @TorontoArmenianChurch.com