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)

Seasonal Kontakion in the Third Tone

Foolishly have I run away from Your glory, O Father, wasting in in the wealth that You gave me. Therefore with the words of the Prodigal I cry unto You: I have sinned before You, compassionate Father. Accept me in repentance and make me as one of Your hired servants. (Page 70)

Saints and Feasts

March 03

Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Through the parable of today's Gospel, our Saviour has set forth three things for us: the condition of the sinner, the rule of repentance, and the greatness of God's compassion. The divine Fathers have put this reading the week after the parable of the Publican and Pharisee so that, seeing in the person of the Prodigal Son our own wretched condition -- inasmuch as we are sunken in sin, far from God and His Mysteries -- we might at last come to our senses and make haste to return to Him by repentance during these holy days of the Fast.

Furthermore, those who have wrought many great iniquities, and have persisted in them for a long time, oftentimes fall into despair, thinking that there can no longer be any forgiveness for them; and so being without hope, they fall every day into the same and even worse iniquities. Therefore, the divine Fathers, that they might root out the passion of despair from the hearts of such people, and rouse them to the deeds of virtue, have set the present parable at the forecourts of the Fast, to show them the surpassing goodness of God's compassion, and to teach them that there is no sin -- no matter how great it may be -- that can overcome at any time His love for man.

March 03

The Holy Martyrs Eutropius, Cleonicus, and Basiliscus

The Martyrs, who were from Amasia, were fellow soldiers and kinsmen of Saint Theodore the Tyro (see Feb. 17). They were betrayed to the Governor Asclepiodotus as Christians, during the reign of Diocletian (284-305). After many torments, Eutropius and Cleonicus were crucified; Basiliscus was not slain together with them, but was shut up in prison, in the hope that with time he might change his mind and sacrifice to the idols. He was beheaded on May 22; see also the account on that day.

March 03

Nonnita, mother of Saint David of Wales

March 03

Theodoretos the Holy Martyr of Antioch

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 First Letter to the Corinthians 6:12-20.

Brethren, "all things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be enslaved by anything. "Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food" -- and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who joins himself to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, "The two shall become one flesh." But he who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Shun immorality. Every other sin which a man commits is outside the body; but the immoral man sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body and in your spirit which belong to God.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Prodigal Son
The Reading is from Luke 15:11-32

The Lord said this parable: "There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the property that falls to me.' And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his belly with the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.' And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to make merry. Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.' But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, 'Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf!' And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'"

Bulletin Inserts

Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, March 3, 2024

2024 Schedule of Lenten Services

2024 Festival Cooking Schedule

Look over the dates and times listed here. You'll see both evening and daytime hours, during the week and on the weekends. Everyone's help is needed! No experience needed; we train on the job!

Introducing: Active Older Adults!

We are pleased to announce a new ministry serving an important and valued part of our community: Holy Trinity "AOA" (Active Older Adults). Here are some of the things they have planned!

NHCO Personal Care Collection

Holy Trinity is collecting personal care items to be distributed to families and individuals who use the North Hills Community Outreach food pantries. Please see the attached flyer for a list items being accepted through April 4 or you can order from their Amazon Wishlist and have the items delivered directly to NHCO. Thank you!

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

Thank God every day with your whole heart for having given to you life according to His image and likeness - an intelligently free and immortal life...Thank Him also for again daily bestowing life upon you, who have fallen an innumerable multitude of times, by your own free will, through sins, from life unto death, and that He does so as soon as you only say from your whole heart: 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before Thee!' (Luke 15:18).

St. John of Kronstadt

My Life in Christ: Part 1; Holy Trinity Monastery pgs. 104-105, 19th century

But if he had despaired of his life, and, ... had remained in the foreign land, he would not have obtained what he did obtain, but would have been consumed with hunger, and so have undergone the most pitiable death: ...

St. John Chrysostom

AN EXHORTATION TO THEODORE AFTER HIS FALL, 4th Century

... but since he repented, and did not despair, he was restored, even after such great corruption, to the same splendour as before, and was arrayed in the most beautiful robe, and enjoyed greater honours than his brother who had not fallen.

St. John Chrysostom

AN EXHORTATION TO THEODORE AFTER HIS FALL, 4th Century

Parish News and Events

TODAY'S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

Welcome Jesse Cone!
Today we have the honor of receiving a visit from Jesse Cone, Head of School of the new Saint Constantine School, his wife, Kelly, and their four boys. Jesse will offer us an overview of this exciting new development in Orthodox education in the Pittsburgh area … including the announcement of a location for the school and news on the opening of the school for the 2024-2025 academic year. What is the Saint Constantine School? As described by them, “Founded in Houston in 2016, it is now one of the largest Orthodox Christian schools in the nation with over 550 students. We are continuing our mission to provide that same quality educational experience nationwide, and our first branch campus will open here in Pittsburgh in 2024. With the support of our National and Pittsburgh Boards of Directors, TSCS is dedicated to providing in Pittsburgh a comprehensive formational education that is engaging, rigorous, and in harmony with the Eastern Orthodox Church. Guided by a commitment to the timeless traditions of the Christian Church, mind, and worldview, The Saint Constantine School endeavors to educate students for the Church, the city of Pittsburgh, the United States, and the world.”

Hospitality Hour
Today’s Hospitality Hour is being hosted by the Holy Trinity Stewardship Ministry. Thank you!

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Services This Week:

- Saturday, March 9,8:30am Orthros/9:30am Divine Liturgy: Saturday of the Souls (St. George Chapel)

Faith & Family Weekdays This Week

Tuesday Mar 5, 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 Mar 5, Apr 2 & May 7.
Thurs. Mar 7, 7:00am: “Prayer & Panera” – Prayer and Christian fellowship for men. Meet at church promptly at 7:00am for a 15–20-minute morning prayer and scripture, then move up the hill to Panera for 45 minutes of coffee & conversation.

[Mar 4] Bereavement Support Ministry Meeting - Tomorrow

Please make plans to join us for our next group gathering tomorrow, Monday, March 4. The Holy Trinity Bereavement Support Ministry Team provides spiritual care to parishioners and their extended family & friends in time of grief and loss of a loved one. Fellowship and light refreshments begin at 6:30 pm followed by group support, learning, and conversation from 7:00-8:00 pm. All are welcome to participate in group sharing or observe through quiet time with others who care. To learn more about our Bereavement Support Ministry and our private support sessions, please contact Amy Armanious at visitation@HolyTrinityPgh.org

Festival Cooking – IT’S BACK!

IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY to get started on our FESTIVAL COOKING 2024! Please mark your calendars and plan to come and help on the following days. Bring the kids, bring your husbands, bring your wives, bring your friends! All are welcome...no experience necessary. Tons of light and heavy tasks for all. THANK YOU!

THIS Tuesday, March 5, 9:00am-9:00pm – Baklava and Chocolate Baklava
Tuesday, March 12, 9:00am-9:00pm – Galaktoboureko
See the enclosed flyer for the rest of the upcoming dates.

[Mar 9, 16, 23] Saturdays of Souls

Preceding the start of Lent and during the first week of Lent, the Church offers the “Saturdays of the Souls” to commemorate those who have fallen sleep in the Lord. Services are held at the Saint George Chapel located at Holy Trinity Cemetery. Orthros is at 8:30am followed by Divine Liturgy at 9:30am and the Memorial Service. This year, Saturday of the Souls services will be offered on Saturday, March 9, 16 & 23. Please see the insert in the March edition of the Herald or download the form from our website (HolyTrinityPgh.org/documents/worship) to submit names for commemoration and be sure to attend and commemorate your departed loved ones.

[Mar 10] Holy Trinity Dance Troupe - Pancake Rally Fundraiser

The HT Dance Troupe will be hosting a pancake rally fundraiser during hospitality hour next Sunday March 10. They will be serving pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs, and fruit, as well as juices and coffee. Tickets are $5 for children and $10 for adults. These donations will allow the dance troupe to purchase additional costumes for our ever-growing youth groups to use during our festival.

Greece By Faith – Act Fast – This Trip Is Filling Quickly!!

The Holy Trinity Pilgrimage Ministry is pleased to offer its 2024 Pilgrimage: “Greece by Faith”, September 23 through October 4, 2024. To request a reservation form, please send anemail to pilgrimage@HolyTrinityPgh.org. Your reservation form and $800 deposit must be submitted by next Monday, 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.

Local Outreach #1 – Help NHCO With Personal Care Collection

Personal hygiene items are a necessity and can be an expense that many low-income families cannot afford. Since Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits cannot be used to purchase personal care items, North Hills Community Outreach collects these items and gives them to families and individuals who use their food pantries. The current drive runs through April 4. It’s a perfect way to offer a meaningful gift to a neighbor in need. You can order items from their Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3L30SER2JSP2T?ref_=wl_share and have them sent directly to the NHCO office at 1975 Ferguson Road, Allison Park, PA 15101. Donations can also be dropped off at any of NHCO’s three offices Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm. The Allison Park location also accepts donations the first Saturday of every month between 9am-noon. Another option is to bring your items to Holy Trinity and place them in the collection bin located in the Gallery. We are collecting new full-size items including shampoo, conditioner, disposable razors, shaving cream, toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, lip balm, body lotion, deodorant, shower gel & bars of soap. Thank you!

Local Outreach #2 - More Dates Now Available to “Feed the Homeless” at Pleasant Valley Shelter

Our neighbors at Pleasant Valley informed us that our help is still needed to provide and serve dinner to the men who count on this ministry, located on the North Side near our old church, for a hot meal. With a small bit of your time and treasures, you can feed 30+ homeless people. Several dates are available, both weekday and weekend evenings throughout the year. Meals can be dropped off curbside or - better yet – you could stay and personally serve on site. You will not forget this rewarding experience, and those you help will not forget you! There are several easy ways to sign up: go to https://ncm.corsizio.com to register directly for a date that fits your schedule; or see Mike Kritiotis today, call 412-518-0588, or email outreach@HolyTrinityPgh.org. Detailed instructions are found on the website or can be emailed.

[Mar 16] Metropolis Regional Lenten Mini Retreat – Open to all HOPE and JOY Kids (K-6^th Grade)

The Metropolis Department of Youth & Young Adult Ministries presents a Lenten Mini Retreat on Saturday, March 16 from 12:00pm until 4:00pm at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church (123 Gilkeson Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15228). All HOPE and JOY age kids (K-6^th Grade) are invited to attend. Participants will enjoy learning about the Triodion Period leading up to Lent. Lessons include crafts, service projects and more! Lunch will be provided. To reserve your spot, please visit: https://www.tinyurl.com/MiniLentCentral. Questions? Contact Elias Diamond at ediamondhcpgh@gmail.com.

2024 “Stewardship Independence Mountain” – Have You Joined the Climb? We Need You!

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.

Hospitality Hour News

Our Hospitality Hour is something many parishioners and visitors greatly appreciate and comment about frequently, as it exemplifies the fellowship and community spirit of Holy Trinity Church. Such an on-going offering would be too much for one ministry or group to do continuously, but it is not much effort for any single person or group 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. Questions? Contact Stacy Dickos at 412-298-9409 or email hospitality@HolyTrinityPgh.org.

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 Memorials: Mar 10: Stella Athanasiou (6 years); Mar 17: Eleftherios (Lou) Parikakis (40 days), Mary Anne Bistolas (5 years), Helen Georgakakos (17 years) and Mary Bayetis (42 years)

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!

Meatfare Sunday (Last day of eating meat): Mar. 10
Cheesefare Sunday (Last day of eating dairy): Mar. 17
Pure Monday (Lent begins): Mar. 18
Sunday of Orthodoxy: Mar. 24
Godparent Sunday/Philoptochos Lenten Luncheon: Apr. 7
Saturday of Lazarus/Palm Cross/Candle prep: Apr. 27
Palm Sunday: Apr. 28
Holy Week: Apr. 29-May 4
Holy Friday (schedule off work & school): May 3
The Great and Holy Pascha: May 5

General Information

Contact Information

Services Schedule

Past Bulletins

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Sixth Tone

Seasonal Kontakion in the Third Tone

Saints and Feasts

Sunday of the Prodigal Son

The Holy Martyrs Eutropius, Cleonicus, and Basiliscus

Nonnita, mother of Saint David of Wales

Theodoretos the Holy Martyr of Antioch

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Gospel Reading

Bulletin Inserts

Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, March 3, 2024

2024 Schedule of Lenten Services

2024 Festival Cooking Schedule

Introducing: Active Older Adults!

NHCO Personal Care Collection

2024 Stewardship Independence

Holy Trinity Hospitality Hour

Wisdom of the Fathers

Parish News and Events