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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2017-03-19
Bulletin Contents
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Bulletin Inserts
Wisdom of the Fathers
Parish News and Events
Calendar of Events
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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (412)366-8700
  • Fax:
  • (412)366-8710
  • Street Address:

  • 985 Providence Blvd.

  • Pittsburgh, PA 15237-5951

Contact Information

Rev. Fr. John Touloumes, Protopresbyter
Proistamenos

fjt@HolyTrinityPgh.org | 412-366-8700
Rev. Fr. Radu Bordeianu
Assistant Priest

FrRadu@HolyTrinityPgh.org
Mary Portellos
Office Administrator

office@HolyTrinityPgh.org | 412-366-8700

Services Schedule

Worship Schedule

8:15 a.m. Orthros

9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy

Worship Locations:

Sunday worship location: Holy Trinity Church, 985 Providence Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15237

Weekday/Feast Day worship location: St. George Chapel, 8941 Ringeisen Rd., Allison Park, PA

Past Bulletins


Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Sixth Tone

The heavenly powers appeared at Your tomb, and those guarding it became like dead men. Mary stood at Your grave, seeking Your pure body. You stripped the power of hades, not touched by its corruption. You met the virgin woman as one Who grants life. O Lord, Who rose from the dead, glory to You. (Page 53)

Apolytikion for Sun. of the Holy Cross in the First Tone

Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance; grant victory to Your rulers against their adversaries; and protect Your commonwealth through Your Cross. (Page 72)

Seasonal Kontakion in the Eighth Tone

English: O Champion General, I your City now ascribe to you / triumphant anthems as the tokens of my gratitude, / being rescued from the terrors, O Theotokos. / Inasmuch as you have power unassailable, / from all kinds of perils free me so that unto you / I may cry aloud: Rejoice O unwedded Bride. Greek: Τη Υπερμάχω Στρατηγώ τα νικητήρια / Ως λυτρωθείσα των δεινων ευχαριστήρια / Αναγράφω σοι η Πόλις σου, Θεοτόκε / Αλλ΄ως έχουσα το κράτος απροσμάχητον / Εκ παντοίων με κινδύνων ελευθέρωσον / Ινα κράζω σοι, Χαίρε Νύμφη ανύμφευτε. Phoenetics: Ti i-per-ma-a-ho stra-ti-go ta ni-ki-ti-ri-a, / os li-tro-thi-sa ton di-non ef-ha-ri-sti-ri-a,/ a-na-gra-fo si i po-li sou The-o-to-ke. / Al-os e-hou-sa to kra-tos a-pros-ma-hi-ton, / ek pan-ti-on me kin-din-on e-lef-the-ro-son, / i-na kra-zo si: He-re nim-fi a-nim-fef-te. (Page 54)
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Saints and Feasts

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March 19

Sunday of the Holy Cross

With the help of God, we have almost reached the middle of the course of the Fast, where our strength has been worn down through abstinence, and the full difficulty of the labour set before us becomes apparent. Therefore our holy Mother, the Church of Christ, now brings to our help the all-holy Cross, the joy of the world, the strength of the faithful, the staff of the just, and the hope of sinners, so that by venerating it reverently, we might receive strength and grace to complete the divine struggle of the Fast.

Chrysanthus_and_daria
March 19

The Holy Martyrs Chrysanthus and Daria

Saint Chrysanthus, who was from Alexandria, had been instructed in the Faith of Christ by a certain bishop. His father, who was a senator by rank and a pagan, had him shut up in prison for many days; then, seeing the unchanging disposition of his mind, he commanded that a certain young woman named Daria be brought from Athens. She was a very beautiful and learned maiden, and also an idolater, and Chrysanthus' father wedded him to her so that he might be drawn away from the Faith of Christ because of his love for her. Instead of this however, Chrysanthus drew Daria unto piety, and both of them boldly proclaimed Christ and received the crown of martyrdom in 283, during the reign of Numerian, when they were buried alive in a pit of mire.

Dimitriostornaras01
March 19

Demetrios the New Martyr

St. Demetrios the New Martyr gave his life for Christ on March 19, 1564. He was beheaded for refusing to deny Christ and convert to the Muslim faith.

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Sixth Tone. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6.

BRETHREN, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee"; as he says also in another place, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek."

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Holy Cross
The Reading is from Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."

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Bulletin Inserts

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Wisdom of the Fathers

"I force not, I compel not, but each one I make lord of his own choice; wherefore also I say, 'If any man will.' For to good things do I call you, not to things evil, or burdensome; not to punishment and vengeance, that I should have to compel.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 55 on Matthew 16, 1. B#54, p.339., 4th Century

And see how He also makes His discourse unexceptionable: not saying at all, "whether you will, or no, you must suffer this," but how? "If any man will come after me."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 55 on Matthew 16, 1. B#54, p.339., 4th Century

A Christian's . . . duty is to "take up his cross." The word cross means sufferings, sorrows and adversities. To take up one's cross means to bear without grumblings everything unpleasant, painful, sad, difficult and oppressive that ay happen to us in life. . .without expecting any earthly reward in return, but bear it all with love, with joy and with courageous strength.
St. Innocent of Alaska
The Lenten Spring, SVS Press, p. 147, 19th Century

To deny oneself means to give up one's bad habits; to root out of the heart all that ties us to the world; not to cherish bad thoughts and desires; to suppress every evil thought; to avoid occasions of sin; not to desire or to do anything out of self-love, but to do everything out of love for God. To deny oneself, according to St. Paul means "to be dead to sin. . . but alive to God."
St. Innocent of Alaska
The Lenten Spring, SVS Press, p. 147, 19th Century

Interior crosses can found at all times, and more easily than exterior ones. You have only to direct your attention to yourself and examine yourself with a sense of repentance, and a thousand interior crosses will at once present themselves to you. . . Interior crosses are sometimes so burdensome that the sufferer can find no consolation whatever in anything. All this can happen to you too! But in whatever position you may be, and whatever sufferings of the soul you may feel, do not despair and do not think that the Lord has abandoned you. NO! God will always be with you and will invisibly strengthen you even when it seems to you that you are on the very brink of perdition.
St. Innocent of Alaska
The Lenten Spring, SVS Press, p. 148, 19th Century

Nothing comes without effort. The help of God is always ready and always near, but is given only to those who seek and work, and only to those seekers who, after putting all their powers to the test, then cry out with their whole heart: "Lord, help us."
St. Theophan the Recluse
19th Century

If you would be victorious, taste the suffering of Christ in your person, that you may be chosen to taste His glory. For if we suffer with Him, we shall also be glorified with Him. Blessed are you if you suffer for righteousness' sake. Behold, for years and generations the way of God has been made smooth through the Cross and by death. The way of God is a daily Cross. The Cross is the gate of mysteries.
St. Isaac the Syrian
The Orthodox Way: Revised Edition, SVS Press, p. 129

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Parish News and Events

TODAY’S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

 

Godparent/Godchild Sunday

Holy Trinity Church celebrates its annual Godparent/Godchild Sunday today at the midpoint of Lent. This special day provides us with an opportunity to observe the Lenten Feast of the Veneration of the Holy Cross and re-commit ourselves to the Lord Who took up that Cross for us. We ask all those who are able to celebrate with their Godparent(s) —who placed that first Cross on their Godchildren's neck at Baptism—to renew that commitment with thanksgiving and joy. We also welcome all whose Godparents are not able to be here, for various reasons—including repose in God’s heaven kingdom—and ask that they be remembered in prayer. May God continually renew and strengthen your relationship and life in His Holy Church! Thank you for attending this annual event. Be sure to stay and enjoy the Lenten Luncheon together!

 

No Church School Today for Godparent/Godchild Sunday

There are no Church School classes today in honor of Godparent/Godchild Sunday.

 

Philoptochos Lenten Luncheon

Holy Trinity Philoptochos is hosting their annual Lenten Luncheon following Divine Liturgy today in honor of Godparent/Godchild Sunday and the Veneration of the Holy Cross (Third Sunday of Lent). Ticket donations are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-12. Enjoy a delicious selection of Lenten foods while supporting the Philoptochos’ charitable activities. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in celebration of the Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross.

 

GOYA Lenten Soup Sales

The GOYA is once again offering its very popular Lenten soup and sauces sales during the Sundays of Lent, through 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!

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Services This Week (Schedule available online at www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/calendar)

  - Mon., Mar. 20, 6:30pm: Great Compline (SG).

  - Wed., Mar. 22, 6:30pm: Pre-Sanctified Liturgy (HT) followed by Lenten Dinner and special “Faith and Family Weekday” Lenten Presentation

  - Fri., Mar. 24, 7:00pm: Great Vespers for the Feast of the Annunciation (services held at Annunciation Churches in McKeesport and New Kensington)

  - Sat., Mar. 25, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: The Feast of the Annunciation (SG)

 

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. 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 26] 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 next “Ten Minutes of JOY” on Sunday, March 26.

 

[Mar 26] Philoptochos Pascha Bread Sale - Deadline for Orders

Please note that the deadline to place your order for the Philoptochos Pascha Bread Sale is next Sunday, March 26. Order forms were included in the March edition of the Herald and can also be found outside of the church office window. Orders will be ready for pick up on Palm Sunday, April 9. All proceeds benefit the charitable endeavors of the Philoptochos.

 

[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.

 

[Apr. 2] IOCC Syria Relief Dinner

Please plan on attending the IOCC Syrian Relief Dinner & Prayer Service to be held on Sunday, April 2 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The Prayer Service will begin at 4:00 pm followed by a Lenten Dinner/Reception beginning at 5:00 pm. The event will be hosted and led by several Orthodox Hierarchs including His Eminence Metropolitan Savas. Requested donations for tickets are $50 for adults; $20 for students (age 7-18); children 6 and under are free. Register online at iocc.org/pittsburgh or call Sophie (412-341-6869), Zelfa (412-417-4706) or Mari (412-915-7380). Tickets must be purchased by March 31.

 

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!

-          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 March issue of The Herald contains a complete schedule of services for Lent and Holy Week. 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.

 

Festival Cooking Schedule: April/May

It’s time! Festival cooking is here. Please mark these dates on your calendar, put them in your phone, hand them on your refrigerator, or do whatever you need to be sure to be there…and remember to invite some friends! Watch for more dates all the way through July in the April edition of the Holy Trinity Herald!

 

Date

Day

Times

Food Item Being Prepared

April 25

Tuesday

9am-9pm

Apricot Rolls

May 2

Tuesday

9am-9pm

Finkia, Koulourakia

May 5

Friday

9am-9pm

Souvlakia

May 6

Saturday

9am-5pm

Souvlakia

May 9

Tuesday

9am-9pm

Kourambiethes

May 16

Tuesday

9am-9pm

Galaktoboureko

May 23

Tuesday

9am-9pm

Souzoukakia

 

 

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!

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Calendar of Events

  • Upcoming Holy Trinity Church Events

    March 19 to April 2, 2017

    Sunday, March 19

    Holy Trinity Godparent/Godchild Sunday

    8:15AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:45AM Philoptochos Lenten Luncheon

    Monday, March 20

    6:30PM Great Compline (SG)

    Tuesday, March 21

    7:00PM Parish Council

    Wednesday, March 22

    6:30PM Pre-Sanctified Liturgy followed by Lenten Dinner and Faith & Family Weekday Lenten Presentation (HT)

    Friday, March 24

    7:00PM Great Vespers of the Annunciation (McKeesport and New Kensington)

    Saturday, March 25

    8:30AM Orthros/ 9:30am Liturgy: The Annunciation of the Theotokos (SG)

    Sunday, March 26

    8:15AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:45AM Church School Class Session

    10:45AM + Anne Chapas (40 Days) and Frank Chapas (7 years) Memorial + Coffee Hour

    12:00PM Parish Oratorical Festival at Holy Trinity Church

    5:30PM Greek Room Celebration of Greek Independence Day

    Monday, March 27

    6:30PM Great Compline (SG)

    Tuesday, March 28

    9:00AM "Hearts of Faith" Women's Ministry

    Wednesday, March 29

    6:30PM Pre-Sanctified Liturgy followed by Lenten Dinner and Faith & Family Weekday Lenten Presentation (HT)

    Friday, March 31

    6:30PM Service of the Akathist Hymn (SG)

    Saturday, April 1

    11:00AM Metropolis of Pittsburgh Philoptochos Daffodil Luncheon

    6:00PM Lecture-Concert: A Byzantine Musical Journey Through Holy Week

    Sunday, April 2

    8:15AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:45AM Church School Class Session

    1:00PM HOPE/JOY Visit to Holy Transfiguration Monastery

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