TODAY’S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Ten Minutes of HOPEOur children in HOPE (grades K-2) will meet today with Father Radu for ten minutes after their Sunday School lesson. This monthly encounter will be an opportunity for personal interaction and a meaningful dialogue on various aspects of our faith.
Philoptochos Meeting
The Ladies Philoptochos philanthropic ministry will be holding their monthly meeting today in the Fireside Room following Liturgy. They will be discussing upcoming events, elections and new business. Please join them!
GOYA Meeting
The GOYA teen ministry will hold their monthly meeting today following Church School. All teens are asked to attend to plan for the Palm Sunday Luncheon and spring activities.
GOYA Lenten Soup Sales
The GOYA is once again offering its very popular Lenten soup and sauces sales during the Sundays of Lent, February 26-April 2. Among the many good reasons to buy some to take home are that they are strict Lenten recipes, they provide fund-raising support for our GOYA ministry ... plus they taste great and they are good for you! Please visit the Lenten Soup Sales table in Gallery during Coffee Hour today! Thank you for supporting our youth as you strive to maintain and grow your spiritual discipline of fasting during Lent!
HOPE and JOY Bowling Event
The children of the HOPE and JOY youth ministries will go bowling at Paradise Isle today from 2-4pm (7601 Grand Ave Pittsburgh 15225). Please contact Yvonne Balouris at ybalouris@zoominternet.net with any questions.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Services This Week (Schedule available online at www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/calendar)
- Mon., Mar. 13, 6:30pm: Great Compline (SG).
- Wed., Mar. 15: Pre-Sanctified Liturgy (HT) followed by Lenten Dinner and special “Faith and Family Weekday” Lenten Presentation
- Fri., Mar. 17, 6:30pm: Service of Salutations to the Theotokos (SG).
[Mar 15, 16] “Faith and Family WEEKDAYS” This Week
Holy Trinity Church’s new, expanded “Faith and Family WEEKDAYS” ministry continues this week. Building on the fruits of our last three years of Wednesday evening, we are now including more days and more opportunities for everyone to participate in and grow from worship, spiritual life and educational ministries beyond Sunday morning and to make the church the "crossroad of daily life." To submit ideas or feedback, please see Spiritual Life Ministry Chairperson Joyce Athanasiou (412-292-4205).
THIS WEEK AT “FAITH AND FAMILY WEEKDAYS”
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What and When
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Ministry and Session Details
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Daily: Prayer Partners
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Have you remembered your prayer partner every day?
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Pre-Sanctified Liturgy and Lenten Speakers Series
Faith Growth Ministry Wed. Mar. 1
6:30pm Pre-Sanctified Liturgy
7:45pm Lenten Dinner and Presentation
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- Worship: Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts (6:30-7:45pm). This is a mid-week Lenten blessing provides by the Church as a way of offering the Holy Gifts between Sundays during Lent. The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is an evening service which comprises the solemn Lenten Vespers with the distribution of Holy Communion at the end. There is no consecration of the Holy Gifts during the service. Holy Communion is offered from the reserve gifts consecrated on the previous Sunday at the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Those Orthodox Christians wishing to receive Holy Communion should prepare as usual, but should also refrain from eating or drinking after their midday meal. Readings will be done by our older Church School students.
- Lenten Dinner (7:45pm): We will continue the tradition of Lenten dinners following Pre-Sanctified Liturgies by asking for volunteers to bring food. Everyone is invited to stay for this light meal. After the meal is served, everyone will remain in the Grand Room for the Lenten Speakers Series presentation. - Special Lenten Presentations (8:00pm). Each week a special presentation will be offered by one of our clergy or guest presenters. This week (March 15): His Grace Bishop Neophytos will speak to about “Connecting with Missions” (see special announcement below).
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“Prayer and Panera”
Men’s Ministry
Thu. Feb. 16
7:00am Worship/Session
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The Saint Nikodemos Men’s Fellowship hosts this morning session of prayers and Christian fellowship (with coffee and bagels, too!). The group meets at church promptly at 7:00 a.m. for a 15-20 minute morning prayer and scripture, then moves up the hill to Panera for 30-45 minutes of coffee, breakfast and Christian men’s conversation.
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Faith and Family Weekdays Lenten Speakers Series
This year, we will focus on the theme, “Lent: A Time to Connect.” Each week a special presentation will be offered by one of our clergy or guest presenters. Plan on being there for Pre-Sanctified Liturgy at 6:30pm, followed by a Lenten dinner and presentation in the Grand Room. The speakers this year are:
- Mar. 15 - Bishop Neophytos: “Connecting with Missions”
- Mar. 22 - Sister Michelle of Holy Transfiguration Monastery: “Connecting with Silence”
- Mar. 29 - Nick Chakos: “Connecting with Compassion”
- Apr. 5 - Bob Stearns: “Connecting with Our God-Given Potential”
[Mar 15] A HOLY TRINITY LENTEN SPEAKERS SERIES SPECIAL EVENT: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2017: 6:30PM PRE-SANCTIFIED LITURGY FOLLOWED BY LENTEN DINNER AND PRESENTATION BY HIS GRACE BISHOP NEOPHYTOS
Holy Trinity Church has been given a special blessing this Lent with a visit of His Grace Bishop Neophytos of Nyeria and Mt. Kenya. His Grace will join us for Pre-Sanctified Liturgy and then address us in the Grand Room as part of our Lenten Speakers series. This is a wonderful opportunity to “Connect with Missions” during our “Time to Connect” Lenten theme this year. Tell you friends. Bring your family! His Grace, the ruling bishop of Nyeri, Neophytos Kongai was born in 1970 in the village of Kesengei, in the Nandi district of Kenya. He holds a degree from the “Archbishop Makarios III” Patriarchal Academy in Kenya. He was ordained a Deacon on September 13, 1998 and a Priest on the 27th of the same month from the then Metropolitan Seraphim of Kenya (now of Zimbabwe and Angola). He served in parishes in Nairobi and at the Patriarchal Academy there as Deputy Principal. On February 27, 2005, he was consecrated as Archimandrite by His Eminence Makarios of Kenya. In the same year he was awarded a post-graduate title in Theological Studies from the Theological College of Holy Cross in Boston. In 2007 he was tonsured a monk at the Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration in Veroia. He is a candidate for a Doctorate in Pastoral Theology, with a scholarship from the Aristoteleian University of Thessaloniki. On November 26, 2014, proposed by His Beatitude, he was elected by the Holy Synod as Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Nitria.
[Mar 17, 18] Spanakopita! Your help is needed!
Yes! We are going GREEN for St Patricks Day – Greek style! Please come and help us complete 250 pans of Spanakopita this Friday and Saturday!! The hours are Friday, March 17, 9am-5pm, and Saturday, March 18, 9am-9pm. WE NEED EVERYONE! Younger and Older...Men and Women! There is a lot of lifting, wrapping and moving in addition to the relaxing job of layering filo! Don't miss the fun! See you there! Thanks, Stacy Dickos. Questions? Call 412-298-9409.
[Mar 19] Ten Minutes of JOY
Our children in HOPE (grades K-2) and JOY (grades 3-6) will continue to meet with Father Radu once a month for ten minutes after their Church School lesson. To have more personal interaction and a meaningful dialogue, please help your children formulate questions about our faith, and we will address those topics during our “Ten Minutes of HOPE” and “Ten Minutes of JOY.” The next session is JOY on March 19.
[Mar 26] Greek Room Greek Independence Day Celebration
The Greek Nationality Room Committee of the University of Pittsburgh announces its annual Greek Independence Day Celebration, Sunday, March 26 at 5:30 PM at the Frick Fine Arts Auditorium of the University of Pittsburgh. This year includes a Lecture-Presentation titled, “Refugees And Liberty In The Greek War Of Independence,” including an Exhibit Of Rare Photography & Artwork from the period commemorating 196 years since the liberation of Greece. This year’s annual commemorative event, in addition to the lecture-presentation, exhibit, and artwork, will also feature thematic poetry and dances representative of the areas from which Greeks fled as refugees, generously-presented by the Grecian Odyssey Dancers. A sampling of Greek regional olive oils, and artisanal bread, complemented by light refreshments, will be served following the program. For more information, contact: asbmh@pitt.edu.
Upcoming Lenten and Paschal Dates
Wondering about Lenten and Paschal dates? Here’s a helpful guide to some of the important events coming up. Mark them on your calendar!
- Godparent Sunday/Lenten Luncheon: Mar. 19
- Saturday of Lazarus/Palm Cross/Candle prep: Apr. 8
- Palm Sunday: Apr. 9
- Holy Week: Apr. 9-15
- Holy Friday (schedule off work & school): Apr. 14
- The Great and Holy Pascha: Apr. 16
Welcome to the Sundays of Lent and the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil
During the Sundays of Lent, the Orthodox Church changes from using the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom to the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil. Why do we do that and what are the differences? To most outward appearances, the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil differs very little from the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, and those wishing to follow the service in the Divine Liturgy book may use the regular book to do so. The primary difference is in the prayers said by the priest in the later part of the service and the hymn “All of Creation” (“Epi Si Heri”) which replaces the usual “It Is Worthy” (“Axion Estin”) after the Consecration of the Holy Gifts. Why the change? In general, the prayers of St. Basil are more penitential, and therefore lend themselves to the Church's liturgical preparation for important holy days; hence, their use during Great Lent and on the eves of Nativity and Theophany. During this service, as the priest offers the prayers, there may be times when the choir completes its hymn and the priest is still offering the prayer. During this season of increased prayer and spiritual attention, please use those times to follow along with the prayers with your own heart and immerse yourself in this beautiful worship experience. Rather than “wait for” the priest to finish the prayers, join him in the prayer of your own heart! The large green Holy Trinity Divine Liturgy books indicate where the changes in those prayers are, and you may follow them to develop a greater understanding and appreciation of their beauty and meaning. A blessed Lent to all!
Lenten and Holy Week Schedules of Services
The February issue of The Herald contains a complete schedule of services for Lent. A Holy Week schedule will be included in the March issue. Please post them in a conspicuous place in your home. Make a family plan and circle the services you are able to attend and place them on your schedule and on your phone’s calendar! As the hymn from the Book of Psalms tells us during the Great Compline service, “God is with us.” Lent provides us a special time to be with Him. See you there!
Lenten Coffee Hour Reminder
Please keep in mind that throughout Lent our Coffee Hours following the Divine Liturgy observe the Orthodox Lenten fasting schedule. Anyone sponsoring a memorial coffee hour or providing Church School snacks is asked to take care that non-meat and non-dairy items are provided. The Philoptochos and the Church School can provide a list of suggestions for good alternatives. Thank you for helping our community grow in this proper and helpful Orthodox spiritual practice and discipline.
Lenten Resources Available on the Internet
Looking for educational or inspirational information and resources for Lent? Try one of the best religious sites on the Internet: the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. To visit the general site, go to lent.goarch.org. There you will find Lenten messages, scriptures, prayers, articles, hymns, videos and more.
Sign Up to Provide FOCUS Lunches for the Poor and Needy
It’s time once again to get your group together or gather your family for a meaningful day of giving to the poor and hungry in our region. Sponsored through FOCUS Pittsburgh, the 2017 schedule of delivering lunch bags to our less fortunate neighbors, every Saturday of the year, still has many open dates available. Holy Trinity Church’s participation has been critical in fulfilling this goal in the past, and we are grateful for our parishioners’ renewed generosity this time around. Please see Mike Kritiotis after Liturgy to sign up for a Saturday that fits your schedule, or contact him by calling 412-518-0588 or emailing outreach@holytrinitypgh.org for available dates. Thank you, good and faithful servants of Christ!
Need Physical Assistance to Receive Holy Communion?
Do you require physical assistance to receive Holy Communion? The Holy Trinity Parish Council and Hospitality Ministry team would be glad to help. Please indicate you require help when your row is dismissed and they will provide someone to accompany you and provide assistance and safety.
Online Giving Reminder
Holy Trinity Church’s online giving program makes it possible to make contributions of various kinds to Holy Trinity Church online. Our secure system allows you to conveniently make donations online. You can choose to make a one-time contribution or establish a recurring weekly or monthly contribution. Best of all, you don’t need to remember to write a check or bring your offering to church - it’s already taken care of! Payments can be made via checking account, savings account, credit card or debit card. Visit www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/give to get started!
Welcome, Holy Trinity Guests!
We welcome all our guests to Holy Trinity Church today, whether as visitors from out of town, family members joining others here for worship today or even soon-to-be members here for the first time. No matter what the reason the Holy Spirit brought you here today, we welcome you with open arms and hearts filled with the love of Christ. Please help us welcome you by signing in at the hospitality table in the Narthex, where you will be presented with a yellow lapel Cross to help our Holy Trinity family know you're here. Please fill out an information card so we can contact you with any information you may need concerning life here at Holy Trinity Church.
About Receiving Holy Communion in the Orthodox Church
As an extension of our hospitality and outreach ministries, we welcome all who have come to worship with us today. Whether you are an Orthodox Christian, an inquirer to the faith or a first-time guest in an Orthodox Church, we are pleased to have you with us and thankful for the opportunity to share and bear witness to this ancient and timeless Faith. In accordance with the holy canons and traditions of the Church, please note that Holy Communion and the other Holy Mysteries (Sacraments) are received only by those who are baptized and chrismated (confirmed) Orthodox Christians who have properly prepared through prayer, fasting and confession. All others are invited receive the antidoron (blessed bread) and a blessing from the priest at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy. The antidoron is not a sacramental offering, but is blessing and a reflection of the agape (love) feast that followed worship in the ancient Christian Church. Please join our parish family for hospitality after the holy services and allow us to meet and welcome you. Interested in joining or learning more about the Orthodox Christian Faith? Please see one of our priests or complete a visitor’s card today!