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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2024-03-10
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
Judgement-sunday
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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

Deacon Matthew Palamara
Deacon

DeaconMatthew@HolyTrinityPgh.org

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 Seventh Tone

By Your Cross You destroyed death and to the thief You opened paradise. You transformed the sorrow of the Myrrh-bearers, and commanded the Apostles to proclaim that You have risen from the dead, Christ our God, granting the world great mercy. (Page 53)

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 First Tone

When You come, O God, upon the earth with glory, the whole world will tremble. The river of fire will bring men before Your judgement seat, the books will be opened and the secrets disclosed. Then deliver me from the unquenchable fire, and count me worthy to stand at Your right hand, Judge most righteous. (Page 71)
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Saints and Feasts

Judgement-sunday
March 10

Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)

The foregoing two parables -- especially that of the Prodigal Son -- have presented to us God's extreme goodness and love for man. But lest certain persons, putting their confidence in this alone, live carelessly, squandering upon sin the time given them to work out their salvation, and death suddenly snatch them away, the most divine Fathers have appointed this day's feast commemorating Christ's impartial Second Coming, through which we bring to mind that God is not only the Friend of man, but also the most righteous Judge, Who recompenses to each according to his deeds.

It is the aim of the holy Fathers, through bringing to mind that fearful day, to rouse us from the slumber of carelessness unto the work of virtue, and to move us to love and compassion for our brethren. Besides this, even as on the coming Sunday of Cheese-fare we commemorate Adam's exile from the Paradise of delight -- which exile is the beginning of life as we know it now -- it is clear that today's is reckoned the last of all feasts, because on the last day of judgment, truly, everything of this world will come to an end.

All foods, except meat and meat products, are allowed during the week that follows this Sunday.

March 10

Anastasia of Alexandria

St. Anastasia the Patrician of Alexandria lived in Constantinople and was descended from an aristocratic family. She was an image of virtue and enjoyed the respect of Emperor Justinian. Widowed at a young age, Anastasia decided to leave the world and save her soul. She secretly left Constantinople and went to Alexandria. She founded a small monastery not far from the city and devoted herself entirely to God. Several years later, Emperor Justinian was widowed and decided to search for Anastasia and marry her. As soon as she learned of this, St. Anastasia journeyed to a remote skete to ask Abba Daniel for help. To safeguard Anastasia, the Elder dressed her in a man’s monastic garb and called her the eunuch Anastasios. Having settled her in a very remote cave, the Elder gave her a rule of prayer and ordered her never to leave the cave and to receive no one. Only one monk knew of this place. His obedience was to deliver a small portion of bread and a pitcher of water to the cave once a week, leaving it at the entrance. Anastasia dwelt in seclusion for twenty-eight years.

The Lord revealed to Anastasia the day of her entry into the heavenly kingdom. Having learned of her approaching death, she wrote several words for Abba Daniel on a piece of broken pottery and placed it at the entrance to the cave. The Elder appeared and brought everything necessary for her burial. He found Anastasia still alive, and confessed and communed her with the Holy Mysteries. At Abba Daniel’s request, St. Anastasia blessed him and the monk accompanying him. With the words: “Lord, into Thy hands I commend my spirit,” the saint died in peace in 567. After the grave was prepared, the Elder gave his disciple his outer garment and ordered him to dress the deceased “brother” in it. As he was putting on the rassa, the monk noticed that she was a woman, but he did not say anything. However, when they returned to the monastery after her burial, the disciple asked Abba Daniel whether he knew the “brother” was a woman, and the Elder related to the young monk the life of St. Anastasia. Later, this narrative was written down. The relics of St. Anastasia were transferred to Constantinople in 1200 and placed near the Church of Hagia Sophia.

March 10

Michael Mauroudes the New-Martyr

March 10

Quadratus the Martyr & his Companions

These Martyrs contested for piety's sake in Corinth during the reign of the Emperor Valerian (253-260).

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Tone. Psalm 146.5;134.3.
Great is our Lord, and great is his power.
Verse: Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 8:8-13; 9:1-2.

Brethren, food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. Only take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if any one sees you, a man of knowledge, at table in an idol's temple, might he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? And so by your knowledge this weak man is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of my brother's falling, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to fall.

Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

Gospel Reading

Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)
The Reading is from Matthew 25:31-46

The Lord said, "When the Son of man comes in his glory and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.' Then he will say to those at his left hand, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' Then he will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.' And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

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Bulletin Inserts

    Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, March 10, 2024

    Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, March 10, 2024

    Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, March 10, 2024

    2024 Schedule of Lenten Services

    2024 Schedule of Lenten Services

    2024 Schedule of Lenten Services

    2024 Festival Cooking Schedule

    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!

    NHCO Personal Care Collection

    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 Stewardship Independence

    2024 is the Year for Stewardship Independence!

    Holy Trinity Hospitality Hour

    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!

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Wisdom of the Fathers

"Christian love is the 'possible impossibility' to see Christ in another man, whoever he is..."
Alexander Schmemann
Great Lent, 20th Century

So great was the honour and providential care which God bestowed upon man that He brought the entire sensible world into being before him and for his sake. The kingdom of heaven was prepared for him from the foundation of the world (cf. Matt. 25:34); God first took counsel concerning him, and then he was fashioned by God's hand and according to the image of God (cf. Gen. 1:26-27). God did not form the whole man from matter and from the elements of this sensible world, as He did the other animals. He formed only man's body from these materials; but man's soul He took from things supercelestial or, rather, it came from God Himself when mysteriously He breathed life into man (cf. Gen. 2:7).
St. Gregory Palamas
Topics of Natural and Theological Science no. 24, The Philokalia Vol. 4 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg. 356, 14th century

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Parish News and Events

 

TODAY'S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

 

Memorial Today

Memorial prayers will be offered at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy today for the repose of the soul of the servant of God, Stella Athanasiou (6 years). May her memory be eternal!

 

Welcome North Hills Community Outreach!

Today we have the honor of receiving a visit from representatives from North Hills Community Outreach, a community and interfaith-based organization addressing the needs of people in crisis, hardship and poverty right here in Northern Allegheny County. Jon Jordan is NHCO's Food Pantry Coordinator, and Abby Kelly is the Development Coordinator. They will speak to us briefly about the great work that their organization has been doing in our region since 1987, with the motto of "People Helping People". They will also be available during Hospitality Hour. Since our arrival to the North Hills, we at Holy Trinity Church have supported NHCO in various ways. We are now committing to a more serious level of support and involvement and will be announcing that today. This is in pursuit of fulfilling one of the goals of our parish mission, to “Maintain an active outreach ministry,” and one of the on-going projects of that goal, “Provide regular support of local area programs for the needy.” We are so grateful for the enthusiasm with which the local community has received us and supported us since our arrival in 2013. We are now dedicating ourselves to giving back, especially in the form of support for those in need right in our own North Hills neighborhood. May the NHCO programs and our parish’s support of them and those they serve indeed be blessed!

 

Holy Trinity Dance Troupe - Pancake Rally Fundraiser - Today

The HT Dance Troupe will be hosting a pancake rally fundraiser during hospitality hour today. 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. Your donations will allow the dance troupe to purchase additional costumes for our ever-growing youth groups to use during our festival. Thank you for your support!

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Services This Week:

- Tues. March 12, 6:30pm - Paraclesis to the Theotokos (St. George Chapel, 8941 Ringeisen Rd, Allison Park, PA 15101)

- Sat. March 16, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Divine Liturgy: Saturday of the Souls (St. George Chapel)

 

“Greece By Faith” Pilgrimage – Act Fast – Early Access Registration and Deposit Due by Tomorrow!

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, see Father John today or send an email to pilgrimage@HolyTrinityPgh.org. To guarantee a spot as a Holy Trinity parishioner, your reservation form and $800 deposit must be submitted by TOMORROW, Monday, March 11. After that date, the trip will be open to others outside the parish. Full payment is due June 21, 2024. For more details visit: holytrinitypgh.org/2024-greece.

 

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 12, 9:00am-9:00pm – Galaktoboureko
  • Thursday, March 21, 9:00am-9:00pm – Spanakopita
  • Friday, March 22, 9:00am-5:00pm – Spanakopita
  • See the enclosed flyer for the rest of the upcoming dates.

 

[Mar 15] Akathist to the Mother of God "The Inexhaustible Cup" – St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church

Our sister parish of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church (2201 Duncan Ave, Allison Park, PA 15101) will offer an Akathist to the Mother of God "The Inexhaustible Cup" this Friday, March 15 beginning at 6:30pm. This prayer service is offered on behalf of those who suffer from alcoholism and other addictions. Those who have friends or family members who struggle with addiction, as well as those who work in the field of recovery, are also encouraged to attend.

 

[Mar 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. The remaining Saturday of the Souls services will be offered on Saturday, March 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 16] Metropolis Regional Lenten Mini Retreat – Open to all HOPE and JOY Kids (K-6th Grade)

The Metropolis Department of Youth & Young Adult Ministries presents a Lenten Mini Retreat this 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-6th 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.

 

[Mar 17 – Apr 28] GOYA Lenten Soup Sales

The GOYA is once again offering its very popular Lenten soup sales during the Sundays of Lent. 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! Beginning next Sunday, please visit the Lenten Soup Sales table in Gallery during Coffee Hour each week! Thank you for supporting our youth as you strive to maintain and grow your spiritual discipline of fasting during Lent!

 

[Mar 24] Sunday of Orthodoxy Icon Procession

Church School students will once again participate in the annual Procession of the Holy Icons at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, March 24. All students should bring an icon of their patron saint or other favorite icon to hold in the procession that day. Be sure to have the name of the student on the back of the icon to identify it.

 

[Mar 24] Great Vespers of the Annunciation and Pan-Orthodox Sunday of Orthodoxy Celebration

The Orthodox Clergy Brotherhood of Greater Pittsburgh invites you to attend the Great Vespers of the Annunciation and Pan-Orthodox Sunday of Orthodoxy Celebration here at Holy Trinity Church on Sunday, March 24 beginning at 4:30pm. Celebrant and Homilist will be His Grace Bishop Andrei of Cleveland, the Romanian Episcopate of the Orthodox Church in America. Also featured will be the Pan-Orthodox Choir of Pittsburgh under the direction of Fr. Tom Soroka. Great Vespers will be followed by fellowship and Lenten refreshments. All parishioners are invited to attend!

 

[Mar 31] Holy Trinity Cemetery Notice – Deadline for Removing Christmas Decorations

Whoever wishes to save Christmas wreaths or decorations at their family memorial stones are asked to remove them before Sunday, March 31st to get ready for spring grass cutting. Decorations left behind will be discarded. The Cemetery Committee thanks you for your understanding.

 

Holy Trinity AOA (Active Older Adults) – Paint Party Rescheduled and Other Events Update

A flyer for the new “Active Older Adults” (AOA) ministry at Holy Trinity Church was included in the March edition of the Holy Trinity Herald, but please note the following changes:

  • The “Paint Party” originally set for March 14 has been rescheduled for Thursday, May 23.
  • The Erie bus trip to see the solar eclipse has been canceled.
  • The Frick Pittsburgh Museum event originally set for May 8 will be rescheduled for June or later.
  • The Flight 93 Memorial trip will be rescheduled for a later date.

Now, as for the “Paint Party,” - Adults 60 years old and older: Come unleash your inner artist and enjoy a glass of wine and appetizers while socializing with your old and newly acquainted friends on Thursday, May 23 beginning at 1:00pm in the Gallery. Take home your masterpiece to display on your wall. The cost is $36.00 per person. To reserve your spot, please email your reservation to AOA@HolyTrinityPgh.org or see or call Tasy at 724-612-9145.

 

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 4th. 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.

 

Lenten Hospitality Hours

Please keep in mind that throughout Lent our Hospitality Hours following the Divine Liturgy will observe Orthodox Lenten fasting practices. Any families or ministries hosting a Memorial or Ministry Hospitality Hour and any families providing the Church School snacks are asked to take care that non-meat and non-dairy items are provided. The Hospitality Hour and Church School ministries can provide suggestions of needed. Thank you for helping our community grow in the proper and helpful Orthodox spiritual practice and discipline.

 

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.

 

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 17: Eleftherios (Lou) Parikakis (40 days), Mary Anne Bistolas (5 years), Helen Georgakakos (17 years) and Mary Bayetis (42 years)

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