HOLY TRINITY ARMENIAN CHURCH OF GREATER BOSTONPastor, Father Vasken A. Kouzouian

145 Brattle Street • Cambridge, MA 02138 • 617.354.0632 • www.htaac.org

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015Guest Celebrant: The Pastor

Morning Service: 9:15 a.m.; Divine Liturgy: 10:00 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Readings of the Day:Is. 37:14-38. 2 Thes. 1:1-12. Lk. 14:-12-24.

WELCOME

We welcome those who are visiting our church. The Pastor and the ParishCouncil would like to invite you to make the Holy Trinity Church yourspiritual home. You are cordially invited to take part in the Service andactivities of our church. If you would like to be placed on our mailing list,please sign our Guest Book located in the Vestibule.

BIBLE READING

Please be seated for today’s Bible reading from the First Epistle of St. John,chapter 3, vs. 16-23 (page 772), that will be read by Sona Tashjian.

FEAST DAYS

• Today is the Third Sunday of Advent. The liturgical color for thisthird Sunday of Advent is gold, representing love.

• Yesterday was the Feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.

• Monday, December 7, is the Feast of St. Minas the Egyptian.

• Wednesday, December 9, is the Feast of the Conception of the HolyVirgin Mary.

• Next Saturday, December 12, is the Feast of St. James, Bishop ofNisibis.

From Today’s Reading

Luke 14:12-24 In the Parable of the Great Banquet, we learn that it issadly foolish to be too busy for God. A complacent faith can lose us ourplace at His table! Reflection: Why did the invited guests decline? (They werebusy “being busy” vv.18-20.) What are the reasons you don’t make time forGod?

1 Thessalonians 1:1-12 Paul’s greeting to the Thessalonians expressesdeep gratitude for their faith. Not only have they turned from pagan idolsand serve “the living and true God,” but their exemplary faith – even in

suffering – became an inspiring model for other believers. Reflection: Whatqualities does St. Paul mention (v. 3) as having inspired the Thessalonians? Howare these qualities reflected in your life?

Isaiah 37:14-38 After Hezekiah’s prayer for deliverance from theAssyrians, Isaiah conveys God’s comforting response: that the plannedattack on Jerusalem will fail. Reflection: Recite Hezekiah’s prayer in your ownwords up to v. 17a. Then continue by citing a specific evil (in the world, in yourlife) from which you would seek God’s deliverance.

St. Nicholas, Saturday, December 5

St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, was known for his boundless love, a love thatinspired miracles. He was reported to have been imprisoned for his faithduring the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian, and waspresent at the Council of Nicaea. But his name and story are perhapsmost associated with Christmas.

According to tradition, when Bishop Nicholas’ wealthy parents died, hesold all that he had and distributed the money to the poor. He thendevoted himself to helping orphans, widows, and prisoners. One well-known example of Bishop Nicholas’ charity concerned three very poorgirls. Their father was about to turn them out of the house since he couldnot afford a dowry for them. Nicholas left gifts of bags of gold on threeoccasions so that the girls could marry. This led to the practice of childrenbe given presents at Christmas in his name which itself evolved from St.Nicholas to Sint Klaes and then Santa Claus by the Dutch. (The modernday image of Santa Claus also draws from the story of the pagan god Thorwho was associated with winter and the Yule log and rode on a chariotdrawn by goats named Cracker and Gnasher). Nicholas is the patron saintof Greece, Apulia, Sicily, Lorraine and Russia. He died in Myra c. 350.

Department of Christian Education, Diocese of the Armenian Church (Eastern)

PARTICIPATION IN THE DIVINE LITURGY

Please use the Divine Liturgy books that are found in the pew racks. Thesebooks contain the Armenian text as well as the English transliteration andtranslation in the second section.

For your convenience, the applicable page number in the burgundy DivineLiturgy book is located above both the right and left doors by the Altarleading to the Vestry and Baptistry. When the light shows green, thecongregation stands; when the light shows red, the congregation kneels; and

when green and red lights are off, you may be seated. If assistance is needed,please ask a member of the Parish Council.

Parishioners are also encouraged to sing with the Choir, whose real purposeis to lead the congregation in singing the hymns. Also join in the recitationof the Creed which is found on pages 18 and 19 of the second section.

VOGHCHOOYN - KISS OF PEACE

During the Divine Liturgy, when the Parish Council members pass the Kissof Peace in church, the response from the receiver should be “Orhnyal ehhaidnootyunn Krisdosee” (Blessed is the revelation of Christ). When yougive the Voghchooyn, please say “Krisdos e mech mer haydnetsav” (Christis revealed amongst us).

CONFESSION AND HOLY COMMUNION

Those faithful who feel spiritually prepared to receive our Lord in thesacrament of Holy Communion are asked to bring their pew books withthem to the General Confession and, together with the deacon, areasked to read the confession aloud. The essence to this sacrament lieswith the individual(s) offering his or her own confession through the priestto God. In addition to reading the text of the confession, each participantmust recall his or her own sins, truly seek God’s forgiveness, and make acommitment to the Lord to strive not to sin anymore. The Englishconfession may be found on page 48 in the burgundy Divine Liturgy bookand on page x in the blue Divine Liturgy book found in the pew racks. Weurge our parishioners to come forward for confession and HolyCommunion through the center aisle.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Your prayers are requested for Arthur Avakian, James Azarian, TacouhieInguilizian, Marilyn Malkasian, for the good health of all those who sufferfrom illness in their own private way, and for those who mourn the loss ofa loved one.

Please note that if you would like Fr. Vasken to offer your prayer requestduring his silent prayers at the celebration of the Divine Liturgy nextSunday, please fill out the Prayer Request card located in the pew boxand place it in the offering plate as it passes.

PRAYERS FOR RECENTLY DECEASED

Your prayers are requested for the recently-deceased souls of Winifred R.(Aaronian) Goebel and George D. Hagopian.

REQUIEM SERVICE

We have all been asked to pray during the Divine Liturgy for the souls of:

- Victims of the 1988 Earthquake in Armenia

- Dr. Martin & Anna Alexander: From their Trust Fund

- Boghos & Arpeny Jamgotchian: requested by Jane Jamgotchian andPaul Jamgotchian for parents

- Nishan Panosian, Florence Acabe Panosian, Edward Panosian,George Panosian, Stephen Panosian, Rose Panosian, andMadeline Blascio: requested by Frances Panosian and Family

- Epross Tashjian, 46th Anniversary: requested by Albert Oskoianfor grandmother

TODAY’S CALENDAR

FELLOWSHIP HOUR

You are all welcome to join us in the Johnson Hall following churchservices for Fellowship Hour, hosted today by the Parish Council andDiocesan Delegates.

BRIGHTENING OF OUR CHRISTMAS TREE

The third lighting of our Christmas tree today will be held in the Charlesand Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall at the conclusion of church services. Please see below.

FIRST ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE BRIGHTENING

We hope you will be part of this festive endeavor by donating one or morelights in honor or in memory of family and friends. Your $20 contributionfor each light will help strengthen our Church as we continue to meet theneeds of our parishioners and provide events throughout the year for theenjoyment of the Armenian community.

As of December 3, we have 135 lights and, as additional lights are purchased,our tree will grow brighter each week throughout the Christmas season. Alldonors will be listed in a pamphlet distributed on December 20, when the angelwill be placed on the tree. Brochures have been mailed and copies areavailable in the Vestibule.

ACYOA JUNIORS CHRISTMAS BALL

Hosted by our ACYOA Juniors, this Winter Wonderland Semi-Formal isopen to all ACYOA Juniors (ages 12-18) in our Diocese. Donation is$15 per person with 20% of each admission directly benefitting the Sts.

Tarkmanchatz Armenian School of Jerusalem. Advance reservationsrequired. For more information or to make a reservation, please contacthtchristmasball@gmail.com. RSVP deadline is tomorrow.

EREVAN CHORAL SOCIETY CHRISTMAS CONCERT

The Erevan Choral Society Christmas Holiday Concert will be held nextSunday, December 13, at 7:00 p.m., in the church sanctuary with ComposerKonstantin Petrossian conducting. Featured will be the Vocal Quartet fromthe Bostonians and Knarik Nerkararyan, soprano. In attendance will be HisExcellency Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Armenia’s Permanent Representativeto the United Nations.

You are warmly invited to attend this complimentary concert that is a giftto the community.

2016 ANNUAL WINTER BALL

Our Annual Winter Ball will be held on Saturday, January 9, beginning at8 p.m., in the Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall. Featured will betraditional Armenian music with Jason Naroian, Leon Janikian, DaveAnsbigian and Brian Ansbigian; hot and cold mezze buffet and cash bar;formal attire; doors open at 7:30 p.m. Donation, adults - $30; 12 andunder- $20. After January 1, $40 for adults; $30 for children 12 and under.

For tickets, go to www.holytrinitywinterball.eventbrite.com; for tablereservations of 8 to 10, email holytrinityacyoaseniors@gmail.com, or call617.354.0632.

YOUNG ADULT MENTORING NETWORK

Is your company hiring? Have you heard friends say that their companiesare hiring? The Young Adult Mentoring Network would like to help matchmembers looking for positions with companies who want to hire! If youknow of any openings, either at your own company or through yourconnections, please forward the information/listings tohtacmentoring@gmail.com.

NAROD PAMPHLET

Copies of the third issue of the Narod pamphlet, published by our churchto provide the faithful significant information regarding the sacredtraditions, rituals and services of the Armenian Apostolic Church, areavailable in the Vestibule. This third issue covers the Sacrament ofBaptism. The fourth issue will be available on December 20.

STEWARDSHIP 2016 - “Embracing the Gospel of Christ”

This year, our focus is on “Embracing the Gospel of Christ.” With ourmartyred ancestors now saints, we have a responsibility as theirdescendants to keep our faith alive and our Church thriving.

We ask that you become a part of Stewardship 2016 as we journey togetherin Christian fellowship and as an Armenian Church Family. Pledge packetsare available in the Vestibule.

Parishioners have until December 31, 2016, to fulfill their pledge.

Dictionary Definitions

Creed: From the Latin verb “to believe” (credo), a creed is a formalstatement of faith or confession of belief.

Taken from "In Remembrance of Him," a course on the Divine Liturgy

of the Armenian Church, Junior and Senior High student text

by Elise Antreassian Bayizian

For Your Information . . .

• We have available personal receivers for the hearing impaired thatwill enhance your hearing ability during the Badarak and sermon. For assistance, please see a Parish Council member in the Vestibule.

• A Reminder - to access our handicap church entrance, follow theDorian walkway from either the parking lot or to the right of the maindoors of the church.

• If you know of someone ill or in need of a visit from our Pastor, pleasecontact the church office, 617.354.0632 or by email, office@htaac.org.

• There are copies of The Litt le Golden Bib le Storybook , When I Goto Church, and Bible story picture books available in the Vestibule forthe youngest members of our congregation to quietly enjoy duringchurch services. We kindly ask that you return them to the Vestibuleat the conclusion of church services.

CALENDAR

Sat, Dec 12 ACYOA Juniors Christmas Ball

Sun, Dec 13 Christmas Holiday Concert; Erevan Choral Society; with Vocal Quartet from the Bostonians and KnarikNerkararyan, Soprano; 7pm

Mon, Dec 14 Parish Council Meeting; Johnson Hall; 6:45pm

Sun, Dec 20 Christmas Family Service; Divine Liturgy at 10am

Sunday School presents their Christmas Pageantwith Caroling at the conclusion of church services

Placing Angel on our Christmas Tree Ceremony

Sun, Dec 27 No Sunday School classes & Sun, Jan 3

Tues, Jan 5 Christmas Eve Services; Evening Service, 7pm;Candlelight Divine Liturgy, 7:30pm

Wed, Jan 6 Armenian Christmas Divine Liturgy, 10am

Joint Trinity Men’s Union/Women of Holy TrinityChristmas Party, Charles & Nevart Talanian CulturalHall

Sat, Jan 9 Winter Ball for the entire parish, hosted by the ACYOASeniors; Charles & Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall

Sun, Jan 10 Holy Nativity and Theophany/Blessing of the Water;Divine Liturgy 10am

Armenian Christmas Family Luncheon sponsored bythe Sunday School; admission, $10, and for children 10and under, $6; RSVP by January 5 to the church office

Save the Date

Sun, Feb 7 Poon Paregentan

Sun, Feb 21 Annual Parish Assembly

Follow us at www.htaac.org; Twitter: @FrVasken

www.facebook.com/HolyTrinityArmenianChurch