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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2017-08-20
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
Theway
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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 Second Tone

When You descended into death, O Life immortal, You destroyed Hades with the splendor of Your divinity. And when You raised the dead from the depths of darkness, all the heavenly powers shouted: O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory to You! (Page 52)

Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Dormition in the First Tone

In giving birth you retained your virginity, and in falling asleep you did not forsake the world, O Theotokos. You were translated unto life, being the Mother of Life. And by your intercessions you deliver our souls from death. (Page 69)

Apolytikion of Holy Trinity Church (Page 75) in the First Tone

English: Blessed are You, O Christ our God, Who has shown forth the fishermen to be most wise by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit. And through them, You drew the world into Your net. O merciful One, glory to You!
Greek: Ευλογητός ει Χριστέ, ο Θεός ήμων, ο πανσόφους τους αλιείς αναδείξας, καταπέμψας αυτοίς το Πνεύμα το άγιον, και δι΄αυτών την οικουμένην σαγηνεύσας, φιλάνθρωπε, δόξα σοι.
Phoenetics: Ev-lo-yi-tos i Hri-ste o The-os i-mon. O Pan-so-fous tous a-li-is a-na-di-xas ka-ta-pemp-sas af-tis to Pnev-ma to A-yi-on, ke di af-ton tin i-kou-men-in sa-i-nef-sas, fi-lan-thro-pe, do-xa si.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Tone

Neither the grave nor death could contain the Theotokos, the unshakable hope, ever vigilant in intercession and protection. As Mother of life, He who dwelt in the ever-virginal womb transposed her to life.
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Saints and Feasts

Theway
August 20

11th Sunday of Matthew

Dormition
August 20

Afterfeast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary

Samuel
August 20

Samuel the Prophet

This most holy man, a Prophet of God from childhood, was the last judge of the Israelite people, and anointed the first two Kings of Israel. He was born in the twelfth century before Christ, in the city of Armathaim Sipha, from the tribe of Levi, the son of Elkanah and Hannah (Anna). He was the fruit of prayer, for his mother, being barren, conceived him only after she had supplicated the Lord with many tears; wherefore she called him Samuel, that is, "heard by God." As soon as Hannah had weaned him, she brought him to the city of Silom (Shiloh), where the Ark was kept, and she consecrated him, though yet a babe, to the service of God, giving thanks to Him with the hymn found in the Third Ode of the Psalter: "My heart hath been established in the Lord . . ." Samuel remained in Silom under the protection of Eli the priest. He served in the Tabernacle of God, and through his most venerable way of life became well-pleasing to God and man (I Kings 2: 26). While yet a child, sleeping in the tabernacle near the Ark of God, he heard the voice of God calling his name, and foretelling the downfall of Eli; for although Eli's two sons, Ophni and Phineas, were most lawless, and despisers of God, Eli did not correct them. Even after Samuel had told Eli of the divine warning, Eli did not properly chastise his sons, and afterwards, through various misfortunes, his whole house was blotted out in one day.

After these things came to pass, Samuel was chosen to be the protector of the people, and he judged them with holiness and righteousness. He became for them an example of all goodness, and their compassionate intercessor before God: "Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; yea, I will serve the Lord, and show you the good and the right way" (ibid. 12:23). When he asked them -- having God as witness -- if he ever wronged anyone, or took anyone's possessions, or any gift, even so much as a sandal, they answered with one voice: "Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, nor afflicted us, neither hast thou taken anything from anyone's hand" (ibid. 12:4). When Samuel was old, the people asked him for a king, but he was displeased with this, knowing that God Himself was their King. But when they persisted, the Lord commanded him to anoint them a king, saying, "They have not rejected thee, but they have rejected Me from reigning over them" (ibid. 8:7); so Samuel anointed Saul. But Saul transgressed the command of God repeatedly, so Samuel anointed David. Yet, since Samuel was a man of God, full of tender mercy, when the Lord told him that He had rejected Saul, Samuel wept for him the whole night long (ibid. 15:11); and later, since he continued to grieve, the Lord said to him, "How long wilt thou mourn for Saul?" (ibid. 16:1). Having lived blamelessly some ninety-eight years, and become an example to all of a God-pleasing life, he reposed in the eleventh century before Christ. Many ascribe to him the authorship of the Books of judges, and of Ruth, and of the first twenty-four chapters of the First Book of Kings (I Samuel).

August 20

Hierotheos, Bishop of Hungary

August 20

Holy Martyr Luke of Bouleutos

Oswin
August 20

Oswin the Martyr, King of Deira

St. Oswin, King of Deira, was martyred at Gilling, near Richmond, Yorkshire, England, on August 20, 651.

St_stephen_king_of_hungary
August 20

Stephen, First King of Hungary

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Second Tone. Psalm 117.14,18.
The Lord is my strength and my song.
Verse: The Lord has chastened me sorely.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 9:2-12.

Brethren, you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. This is my defense to those who would examine me. Do we not have the right to our food and drink? Do we not have the right to be accompanied by a sister as wife, as the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? Do I say this on human authority? Does not the law say the same? For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain." Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of a share in the crop. If we have sown spiritual good among you, is it too much if we reap your material benefits? If others share this rightful claim upon you, do not we still more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.

Gospel Reading

11th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 18:23-35

The Lord said this parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, 'Pay what you owe.' So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his lord delivered him to the torturers, till he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."

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Bulletin Inserts

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Wisdom of the Fathers

Do we forgive our neighbors their trespasses? God also forgives us in His mercy. Do we refuse to forgive? God, too, will refuse to forgive us. As we treat our neighbors, so also does God treat us. The forgiveness, then, of your sins or unforgiveness, and hence also your salvation or destruction, depend on you yourself, man. For without forgiveness of sins there is no salvation.
St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
Unknown, 18th century

Two things therefore does He here require, both to condemn ourselves for our sins, and to forgive others; ... and not merely to forgive with the lips, but from the heart.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 61 on Matthew 18, 4th Century

When then you are minded to be revengeful, consider that against yourself are you revengeful, not against another; that you art binding up your own sins, not your neighbors ....
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 61 on Matthew 18, 4th Century

Wherefore then did He not do this, nor forgive the debt before the account? Desiring to teach him, from how many obligations He is delivering him, that in this way at least he might become more mild towards his fellow servant .... He gave more than he asked, remission and forgiveness of the entire debt.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 61 on Matthew 18, 4th Century

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Parish News and Events

TODAY’S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

 

Artoclasia Today

An Artoclasia (Blessing of the Five Loaves) will be offered at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy today by Katherine Balouris in celebration of the Feast of the Komissis of the Panagia and for the health of the Balouris family and all the Holy Trinity parishioners.

 

Church School for 2017-2018 – Please Register Today, Classes Start September 10
Registration for Church School classes for 2017-2018 continues today. You may sign up your child(ren) in the Gallery during Coffee Hour if they are returning students or new students may sign up online or at the registration table. If you have not yet done so, please do it today. Classes start September 10. Thank you!

 

Church School Snack and Youth Ministries Volunteer Signup for Parents

All Church School families are asked to sign up for hosting one Church School snacks Sunday. Even if there are multiple children in a family, each family is asked to pick just one Sunday. A list is available in the Gallery following Divine Liturgy. Also, help is still needed in the area of assistant teachers and volunteers for special events and projects for Church School and other youth ministries. Sign up in the Gallery after Liturgy. Thank you!

 

Festival Aprons Available – Deadline to Place Your Order is Today!

Show your Holy Trinity pride by wearing a festival apron while you work!  Royal blue aprons, embroidered with our festival logo, are available in both adult and children sizes. Cost is $16 for adults and $12 for children. Aprons can be monogrammed with your name for an additional $4. To receive your apron in time for the festival, your order must be placed by TODAY!  Please contact Paula Valliant at paulavalliant@gmail.com for more information.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Festival Volunteers REALLY Needed!  Please Sign Up Online!
The Festival Committee is asking everyone - new members and old hands, young and young at heart - to pledge a donation of their time and talents so that we can continue to grow both the success of the festival and the fellowship with all our Holy Trinity church family members! Based on the trends from recent years, this looks to be our biggest crowd ever, so please consider donating your day (or days!) as your offering of stewardship to Holy Trinity Church. Visit www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/volunteertoday to sign up for your preferred areas and times! Thank you!

 

Greek Dance Practices – Getting Ready for the Festival

One of the public’s favorite features of our “Taste of Greece” Festival is our live Greek dance performances. To prepare for this year’s event, please note the following practice schedules. Parents, please be sure your children attend.

HOPE (Kindergarten – Second Grade) Contact Eleni Dedousis (412-953-3699 or eadedousis@gmail.com).

  • Every Sunday following Liturgy: August 20, 27
  • Weekdays:
    • Thursday, August 24: 6:00pm
    • Tuesday August 29: 5:30pm

JOY (Third – Sixth Grades) and GOYA (Seventh – Twelfth Grades)

  • Every Thursday from 6:30-8:00pm
  • Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00pm
    We will be adding new dances to the show this year and ask that dancers come to as many practices as possible. The GOYA/JOY dancers will be dancing every night of the festival!!!  Victoria Andromalos-Dale (412-496-9128 or v.andromalosdale@gmail.com)

 

Help Spread the Word about the 2017 Taste of Greece with Lawn Signs and Flyers!

You are an important part of the advertising for our 2017 Taste of Greece Festival!  If you have your yard signs from previous years (undated – saying “Labor Day Weekend - Wednesday through Sunday”) pull them out and display them! A limited number of lawn signs are available today in the Gallery if you do not have one.  Also, please take some flyers and pass them out to coworkers, neighbors and friends! We all need to pitch in to get the word out!  Thank you!

 

Festival Outreach – New This Year

As a new addition to the church tours this year, we are adding a short service in the church every night DURING THE FESTIVAL from 8:30-8:45pm for those guests who may want to "COME AND SEE" our way of worship. Perhaps some of us can spare 15 minutes during this busy time and plan to attend as we are able!

 

[Sep 9] Monastery Fund-Raising Dinner at St. Nicholas Cathedral

On Saturday, September 9, the fourth annual fund-raising banquet for the Nativity of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Monastery in Saxonburg will be held at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Oakland. The event is once again being held in memory of Gherontissa Taxiarchia, the founder of the Monastery and the theme is, “All Generations Will Call Me Blessed.” Vespers is open to all at 3:00 pm and tickets for the 4:00 pm Dinner Banquet are $100. Please call 724-352-3999 for more information or RSVP online by September 1 at www.2017dinnerbanquet.eventbrite.com  

 

[Sep 19, 26 & 28] AARP Smart Driver Courses

Please join the Holy Trinity Senior Fellowship Ministry Group as they host two different “AARP Smart Driver” Courses.  On Tuesday, September 19, the Smart Driver Refresher Course will be held for those who have previously taken the course within the last 3 years. The 4-hour Refresher Course will be a one-day only class, to be held here at Holy Trinity from 10:00 am until 2:30 pm. Then on Tuesday September 26 and Thursday September 28, the full course will be offered. This two-day classroom course will take place here at Holy Trinity from 10:00 am until 2:30 pm each day (both sessions are necessary). Refresh your driving skills and learn strategies to help you stay safe behind the wheel. There are no tests to pass. Each session will be informative and casual. There will be a 20-minute break with refreshments each day. Upon completion of the course, you may be eligible to receive an auto insurance discount. Consult your insurance agent for details. You can register for these programs by calling the church office at 412-366-8700 or by email to Office@HolyTrinityPgh.org or online at www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/events. The cost is $15 for AARP members or $20 for non-members. Be sure to register early, as these classes are open to the public and seats may fill up quickly. New BOGO announcement from AARP: Take the full two-day course (Sept 26 & 28) and Bring a Friend for Free! Both participants will need to register for the two-day course, but on the morning of the first class only one fee will be paid. 

 

[Oct 10] Holy Trinity’s "COME AND SEE" Event

On Tuesday, October 10 from 6:30-8:00pm we are hosting guests from our festival who want to learn more about our Church Community and the Orthodox Faith. We would like to welcome them with the loving arms of our parish. EVERYONE is encouraged to attend and our goal is to have representation of all of our ministries and age groups. More information will follow but please mark your calendars!

 

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!

 

Upcoming Trisagion

August 27 - Dinos Dickos (4 years)

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Calendar of Events

  • Upcoming Holy Trinity Church Events

    August 20 to September 3, 2017

    Sunday, August 20

    8:15AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    11:00AM Artoclasia - For the Panagia, the Balouris family and all the Holy Trinity parishioners

    Sunday, August 27

    8:15AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:45AM + Dinos Dickos Trisagion (4 years)

    10:45AM GOYA Officers Installation

    Tuesday, August 29

    8:30AM Orthros/9:30 Liturgy: Beheading of Saint John the Baptist (SG)

    Wednesday, August 30

    Taste of Greece Festival

    Sunday, September 3

    8:15AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

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