February 04
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2024-02-04
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
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
General Information
- Phone:
- (412)366-8700
- Fax:
- (412)366-8710
- Email:
- office@holytrinitypgh.org
- Street Address:
- 985 Providence Blvd.
- Pittsburgh, PA 15237-5951
Contact Information
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
- Publish Date:
- 2024-02-11
- Publish Date:
- 2024-01-28
- Publish Date:
- 2024-01-21
- Publish Date:
- 2024-01-14
- Publish Date:
- 2024-01-07
- Publish Date:
- 2023-12-31
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 Presentation in the First Tone
Rejoice, you who are full of grace, O Virgin Theotokos, for from you has risen the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, enlightening those in darkness. Rejoice, also, O you righteous Elder, for you received in your arms the Redeemer of our souls, Who also grants to us the Resurrection. (Page 65)
Seasonal Kontakion in the First Tone
Your birth sanctified a Virgin's womb and properly blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and saved us O Christ our God, give peace to Your commonwealth in troubled times and strengthen those in authority, whom You love, as only the loving One.
Saints and Feasts
February 04
Afterfeast of the Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple
February 04
Hieromartyr Abramius
The Hieromartyr Abramius, Bishop of Arbela, suffered during a persecution against Christians in Persia under the emperor Sapor II. When they demanded that the saint renounce Christ and worship the sun, he answered, “How foolish to forsake the Creator and instead worship creatures! Isn’t the sun just a creation of my God?” After this, they fiercely beat and tortured him. Saint Abramius prayed during torture, echoing the words of the Savior: “Lord, do not count this sin against them, for they know not what they do!” The hieromartyr was beheaded by the sword.
February 04
Isidore of Pelusium
This Saint was from Alexandria and was a disciple of Saint John Chrysostom. He struggled in asceticism in a monastery at Mount Pelusium, and became abbot of the monks struggling in that monastery. He wrote a great many epistles replete with divine grace, wisdom, and much profit. Over 2,000 of them are preserved in Volume 78 of Migne's Patrologia Graeca (PG 78:177-1646); according to some, he wrote over 3,000 epistles, according to others, 10,000. He reposed on February 4, 440.
February 04
John the Righteous, Bishop of Irinopolis
February 04
Joseph the New Martyr of Aleppo
February 04
Nicholas the Confessor
February 04
Theodosios the Righteous
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 Second Letter to the Corinthians 4:6-15.
Brethren, it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For while we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.
Since we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, "I believed, and so I spoke," we too believe, and so we speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
Gospel Reading
15th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 22:35-46
At that time, a lawyer came up to Jesus and asked him a question, to test him. "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets."
Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, saying, "What do you think of the Christ? Whose son is he?" They said to him, "The son of David." He said to them, "How is it then that David, inspired by the Spirit, calls him Lord, saying, 'The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, till I put your enemies under your feet'? If David thus calls him Lord, how is he his son?" And no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.
Bulletin Inserts
Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, February 4, 2024
Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, February 4, 2024
The Jared Box Project
The GOYA & Philoptochos are working together to fill 200+ Jared's Boxes with small gifts, games, books & other activities to give a fun diversion to children in local hospitals. Please see the attached flyer for details on how you can help.
2024 Stewardship Independence
2024 is the Year for Stewardship Independence!
Holy Trinity Hospitality Hour
The all new "Holy Trinity Hospitality Hour" will continue to embrace the opportunity to foster Christ-centered relationships, to "love your neighbor", to meet and greet newcomers and to build and strengthen existing friendships...but in a whole new format!
Wisdom of the Fathers
He who truly wishes to believe in God must be lifted above himself, his mind, and even the whole world. For this reason, the value of faith is considered higher than the value of man. It is even higher than the value of the whole world. Therefore, the reward of faith should be higher than all of man's possessions along with the glories of this world. The reward of faith is God.
Orthodox Prayer Life: The Interior Way, p. 74, 20th century
Between ourselves and the transcendent God there is a relationship of love, similar in kind to that between each of us and those other human beings dearest to us. We know other human beings through our love for them, and through theirs for us. So it is also with God.
The Orthodox Way, p. 12, 20th Century
Every work which does not have love as its beginning and root is nothing.
Unknown, 4th century
Parish News and Events
TODAY'S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Name Tag Sunday Today!
Trying to meet new people? Wondering the names of the folks you sit near every week? This is a great day to commit to reaching out to our Holy Trinity Family. From the youngest to the oldest, everyone will have a name tag. Introduce yourself and widen your HT family circle!
In Honor of 50 Years of Service to the Holy Trinity Community - George Pantelakis, Protopsaltis
Thank you to the Pantelakis Family for hosting today’s Hospitality Hour in honor of 50 years of service to our community of our Protopsaltis, George Pantelakis. May God grant him many more years!
JOY Activity Today During Hospitality Hour – Project Sweet Peas
Today all our JOY children (ages 8-12) will have the opportunity to assemble care packages for Project Sweet Peas. Project Sweet Peas supports families of premature or sick infants and those who have been affected by pregnancy and infant loss. Enjoy cookie decorating and help us create care packages to support families in need! All you need to do is show up and help assemble the care packages. All items will be provided. What a beautiful way to begin the month of February and reach out with a small gift of love to families in need. This is a beautiful way to help teach our children what outreach and God's love is all about. (Parents please note: Teachers will escort the children directly to the Fireside Room after class. Project will only last throughout the Hospitality Hour. Thank you for your patience in giving the children time to complete their project.)
UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Services This Week:
- Saturday, February 10, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Divine Liturgy: St. Haralambos the Great Martyr (Holy Trinity Church)
(Note: This feast is being celebrated at the Holy Trinity Church instead of the Saint George Chapel because the relics of St. Haralambos were encased in the Holy Altar Table of Holy Trinity Church during our recent Consecration.)
Faith & Family Weekdays
Faith and Family Weekdays is back, and there are many ways for each of to grow in the knowledge and practice of our faith. Ready to learn more about the Bible, about the Orthodox Church, about navigating life’s challenges as a Christian, a woman, or a man? It’s all there. There’s a lot more to church than Sundays, and here is where to find it.
THIS WEEK:
- Tuesday Feb 6, 7:00pm: “Journey of Marriage” – Marriage seminar aimed at preparing couples for their wedding. Based on the “Journey of Marriage” course by Dr. Philip Mamalakis. Conducted as group sessions with other couples to share and grow together. Sessions are Feb 6, Mar 5, Apr 2 & May 7.
- Wed. Feb 7, 6:30pm Vespers/7:00pm: “Explore the Word” - Father Radu leads us through his new book, “Icon of the Kingdom of God.” Drawing on a rich knowledge of scripture, the Church fathers, and theologians, learn what the Church is and what it means to us. Remaining dates are Feb 7, 21 & 28.
2024 Stewardship – Have You Committed Yet? We Can Do This Together!
Holy Trinity Church and all its ministries are made possible through the generous donations and support of our stewards, who offer their time, talents, and treasures throughout the year. The 2024 Stewardship Pledge Cards have been mailed out. If you have not yet received a printed pledge card, you may pick one up in the Narthex or call the office at (412-366-8700) to request one to be sent by mail. You also have the option of making your 2024 Stewardship Pledge ONLINE through our new Realm system. It’s so easy! Just visit our website at HolyTrinityPgh.org/pledge or click the “2024 Stewardship Pledge” icon on the front page. Remember, every Holy Trinity member who pledges or donates already has a Realm account, and that makes pledging, giving, and reporting so much easier! You can even access your giving statement any time from your account without waiting for it to be mailed or emailed. Not sure how to access your account? Just visit HolyTrinityPgh.org/give and click “Sign In.” Use your email address and password to login. Don’t know your password? Simply click “Forgot password” and a link will be emailed to you to create or re-create one. And remember, 2024 is the year we ask everyone to make a “Stewardship Independence Pledge” as we together climb Holy Trinity’s “Stewardship Independence Mountain” to fully support our church with internal funding and your love.
[Feb 5] GOYA Basketball Practice
GOYA continues to practice for the 2024 season. This week’s practice will be held on Monday, February 5 from 6:00-8:00pm at the North Allegheny Intermediate School (NAI), 350 Cumberland Rd, Lower Gym. All teens are invited.
The Jared Box Project
The GOYA & Philoptochos are working together to fill 200+ Jared's Boxes with small gifts, games, books & other activities to give a fun diversion to children in local hospitals. We will be collecting items for tween & teen boys and girls (ages 8 and up). Items may be purchased at the dollar store or on our Amazon gift registry under "Holy Trinity Pittsburgh GOYA" and dropped off in the collection bin in the gallery by next Sunday, February 11. The boxes will be assembled as a service project during the upcoming Holy Trinity hosted GOYA basketball tournament. For more information about The Jared Box Project see https//thejaredbox.org or contact Nicole Steiner at 412-352-0289.
[Feb 16-18] Holy Trinity GOYA Basketball Tournament - Volunteers Needed!
Save the dates for the upcoming Holy Trinity hosted GOYA Basketball Tournament to be held February 16-18, 2024! We are making plans to welcome over 400 GOYAns, clergy, coaches, and chaperones from 11 parishes throughout the Metropolis. To make the tournament a success, the GOYA will need help from everyone in our community. Volunteers will be needed to run the clocks and keep score, oversee gyms & hotels, serve as medical points of contact at the gyms, sell concessions and prepare and serve meals. Please volunteer online at HolyTrinityPgh.org/volunteer. Contact Tournament Chairperson, Penny Balouris at 724-813-5726 for more info.
Hospitality Hour News
We are starting a New Year and need some help with our Hospitality Hour. It is not much effort if it is shared, so please do your part and volunteer! How? Offer to help set up or clean up once or twice during the year or gather with a couple of families and host a Sunday, to honor someone or something, or "just because". See an Open Table date? Bring something and help out. Please do not let this fall on just a few people! Questions? Contact Stacy Dickos at 412-298-9409 or email hospitality@HolyTrinityPgh.org.
Greece By Faith – Act Fast – This Trip Is Filling Quickly!!
The Holy Trinity Pilgrimage Ministry is pleased to announce its 2024 Pilgrimage: “Greece by Faith” September 23 through October 4, 2024. To request a reservation form, please send an email to pilgrimage@HolyTrinityPgh.org. Your reservation form and $800 deposit must be and submitted by March 11, 2024. Full payment is due June 21, 2024. For more details visit: holytrinitypgh.org/2024-greece. A brochure was included in the January edition of the Herald and additional copies can be found at the church office window.
Keeping Holy Trinity “Like New” Is Up to You
When, by God’s grace, we moved into our beautiful new Church and Center in 2013, we committed as a Holy Trinity family to do our best to always keep the entire facility in “Like New” condition. Keeping that commitment is up to all of us. It means leaving things as clean and organized and even better than when we found them. It’s not “someone else’s job” to clean up. It’s ours. It also means notifying the church office of any maintenance needs beyond regular clean-up as they are discovered. Let’s all double down on that effort so we all together can keep these beautiful facilities are looking as good or better than the day we moved in. Thank you for your support and love for your Church!
Snow Cancellations – Where to Check
Please keep in mind over the winter months that there are multiple options to hear or read about event or service cancellations in the case of snow or inclement weather on the Holy Trinity "Snow Line." First stop: Check our website at www.HolyTrinityPgh.org. To hear by phone, call the church office (412-366-8700) then press option #7 and listen for a recorded weather cancellation announcement. To get updates by computer or smartphone, there are three options: 1) watch the parish email list for email announcements; 2) check the front page of our website, www.HolyTrinityPgh.org; or 3) friend us on Facebook at Facebook.com/holytrinitypgh. Finally, to get information by radio or television, watch the KDKA Storm Center, as Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church is registered there.
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 us know that 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. Following Liturgy, we invite you to join us for our Hospitality hour.
About Receiving Holy Communion in the Orthodox Church
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. Please also join our parish family for Hospitality Hour 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! How to receive: Please remember the following helpful hints aimed at helping to preserve the solemnity and safety of the Holy Mystery. Anyone wearing lipstick should remove it before receiving. Be sure to offer your baptismal name to priest before receiving. Please take great care that the red cloth held by the acolytes (you should not hold it) is fully under your chin, then use the centuries-old practice of receiving: please fully open your mouth, then gently close your lips to make sure the Holy Gifts are securely in your mouth and so that none of the holy and precious Body and Blood of Christ is accidentally spilled. Thank you for your cooperation, and may God have mercy on us all!
Upcoming Memorial: February 11, Maria Leontiadou (13 years)