Publish-header
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2024-04-07
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
03_calvary
Organization Icon
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 Third Tone

Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, for the Lord has shown the power of His reign; He has conquered death by death, and become the first born of the dead. He has delivered us from the depths of Hades; and has granted to the world great mercy. (Page 52)

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)

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 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)
BACK TO TOP

Saints and Feasts

03_calvary
April 07

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.

April 07

Calliopios and Akylina the Martyrs

The holy Martyr Calliopios was from Perga in Pamphylia, brought up in piety by his godly mother Theocleia. When the persecution of Maximian broke out, Saint Calliopius presented himself of his own accord before the Governor Maximus in Pompeiopolis of Galatia. After he had suffered many torments, his mother visited him in prison and encouraged him in his martyrdom. After this, his thrice-blessed mother, upon learning that he was to be crucified on Holy and Great Thursday, bribed the tyrants to defer it one day, that he might imitate the Lord's Crucifixion on the same day that He suffered it. The holy Martyr Calliopios received the crown of martyrdom on Holy and Great Friday in the year 304, being crucified upside down.

April 07

George, Bishop of Mytilene

The righteous George struggled in behalf of the holy icons, and reposed in peace about the year 821.

April 07

Gerasimos the God-Bearer of Byzantium

April 07

Righteous Father Savvas the New of Kalymnos

Sttikhon
April 07

Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow and Enlightener of North America

Born in 1865 in the region of Pskov, our Father among the Saints Tikhon was tonsured a monk in 1891 and ordained to the priesthood in the same year. In 1897 he was consecrated Bishop of Lublin, and a year later appointed Bishop of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, with his see extending to all of North America from 1900 onwards. He did much to unite the Orthodox Christians of a great many ethnic backgrounds in North America, so that there was indeed one flock under one shepherd. In 1907 he was made Archbishop of Yaroslavl and Rostov, and in 1913, Archbishop of Lithuania.

In 1917, when he was Metropolitan of Moscow, he was elected to be the first Patriarch of Russia in over 200 years, in times that could not have been more difficult. After the Revolution of 1917, the persecution of the Russian Church by the atheist government grew more bold and more fierce with every year. By nature a meek and peace-loving man, Tikhon sought to determine, while giving only to God that which is God's, what could be given to Caesar to preserve peace and avoid the shedding of blood. At his departure on the feast of the Annunciation in 1925, Saint Tikhon made the sign of the Cross thrice, pronouncing the words, "Glory to Thee, O God!" Because of the many unspeakable sufferings he endures as Patriarch, he is honoured as a Confessor.

BACK TO TOP

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."

BACK TO TOP

Bulletin Inserts

BACK TO TOP

Wisdom of the Fathers

The key to knowledge is the humility of Christ. The door of the Kingdom of Heaven is open, not to those who only know in their learned minds the mysteries of faith and the commandments of their Creator, but to those who have progressed far enough to live by them.
St. Bede the Venerable
Unknown, 8th 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

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

BACK TO TOP

Parish News and Events

 

TODAY'S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

 

Godparent/Godchild Sunday

Today 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! (Note: 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 today following Divine Liturgy in honor of Godparent/Godchild Sunday and the Veneration of the Holy Cross. Ticket donations are a Free Will Offering. Enjoy a delicious selection of Lenten foods while supporting the Philoptochos’ charitable activities.

 

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! Please visit the Lenten Soup Sales table in Gallery during Hospitality Hour each week through April 28! Thank you for supporting our youth as you strive to maintain and grow your spiritual discipline of fasting during Lent!

 

Holy Trinity Dance Troupe - New Dancer Registration

There will be a registration table located in the Gallery, today and next Sunday April 14, for parents to sign up their children for the Holy Trinity Dance Troupe. Parent contact information is needed so that the dance practice schedule can be emailed. The groups are as follows: HOPE: 5 years old through 2nd grade; JOY: 3rd grade-6th grade; GOYA: 7th grade-12th grade. We look forward to starting our dance practices soon!

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Upcoming Services - Locations: (HT) Holy Trinity Church; (SG) St. George Chapel, 8941 Ringeisen Rd, Allison Park, PA

- Mon. Apr 8, 6:30pm: Great Compline (SG)

- Wed. Apr 10, 6:00pm: Pre-Sanctified Liturgy at St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, 2201 Duncan Ave, Allison Park (Note both earlier time and different location)

- Fri. Apr 12, 6:30pm: Service of Salutations to the Theotokos (SG)

 

2024 Lenten Theme: “Lent with Intent”

Each year we offer a theme for Lent which builds on our Orthodox Christian tradition in a way that helps us grow and connect with Christ in today’s world. This year the theme is “Lent with Intent”, taken from Psalm 116.12-13: “What can I offer the Lord for all he has done for me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will keep my promises to the Lord in the presence of all his People.” During the Lenten journey you will hear lessons on the many opportunities the Church provides as we restore our relationship with God and His Holy Church, through which we find true peace in Him Who is our peace, Jesus Christ.

 

Lenten and Holy Week Schedules of Services

The March edition of The Herald contained a complete schedule of services for Lent and the April edition of The Herald contains the Holy Week schedule. Please post them in a conspicuous place in your home. Make a family plan and circle the services you can attend and place them on your schedule and on your phone and computer calendars! As the hymn from the Book of Psalms tells us during the Great Compline service, “God is with us.” 

 

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!

 

It's Lent - Time for Confession
Holy Confession is one of the foundations of Orthodox Christian spiritual life and should be practiced on a regular basis. Often times fast periods such as Lent offer us an added motivation to examine our soul and realize it’s time to “clean things up” as we accept the gracious offer of Jesus Christ, who commissioned His Holy Apostles when He appeared to them after the Resurrection, “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them” (John 20.22). To schedule a confession, please see Father John, Father Radu or call the Church office. If you would like to have it before Pascha, it must be done prior to Holy Week due to the liturgical and pastoral schedule of that week.

 

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.

 

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 https://www.goarch.org/lent

 

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!

  • Saturday, April 13, 9:00am-6:00pm – Kourambiethes and Finikia
  • See the previously published cooking schedule for additional upcoming dates.

 

“Greece By Faith” 2024 Pilgrimage –Spots are still available!

The Holy Trinity Pilgrimage Ministry is pleased to offer its 2024 Pilgrimage: “Greece by Faith”, September 23 through October 4, 2024. Spots are still available for parishioners, and registration is now open to those outside the parish. To request a reservation form, see Father John today or send an email to pilgrimage@HolyTrinityPgh.org.Full payment is due June 21, 2024. For more details visit: holytrinitypgh.org/2024-greece.

 

[Apr 20] Holy Trinity Cemetery – Community Clean-Up Day

Please make plans to join us on Saturday, April 20th from 9:00am until 4:00pm for Community Clean-Up Day at Holy Trinity Cemetery (8941 Ringeisen Rd Allison Park, PA 15101). Volunteers are asked to help with the general Spring cleaning of the Cemetery grounds. Bring your lawn & garden tools and a pair of work gloves! Topsoil will be provided for those parishioners who would like to work on their family’s individual graves. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Rain date if needed, will be Sunday, April 21st. All help is greatly appreciated! Questions? Please call Bill Fiedler at 412-364-1545.

 

Visitation Ministry PASCHA GIFTS

The Visitation Ministry is coordinating Pascha visits and gift deliveries for our homebound parishioners. If you know of someone in need of a visit/gift, please contact Amy Armanious at visitation@holytrinitypgh.org

 

[May 23] AOA Holy Trinity Active Older Adults - Paint Party

For the entire community 60 years old and older.  Enjoy an afternoon of companionship, while painting your masterpiece under the direction of a local artist while sipping wine and enjoying appetizers & desserts on Thursday, May 23 at 1:00pm in the Gallery. To reserve your spot, please email your reservation to AOA@HolyTrinityPgh.org or see or call Tasy at 724-612-9145. The cost is $36.00 per person. Make new friends and get reacquainted with old ones. We can also plan more events and trips for our group together. Want to be part of the AOA Planning Committee?  Call or see Tasy.

 

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: April 14: Demetria Frankos (20 years), Stefanos Karavolos (25 years); April 21: Father Sarantos Serviou (1 year), Presvytera Nancy Athanasia Serviou (3 years), Georgiann Bounos (1 year), Stefanos Bounos (15 years), Agapios Kritiotis (2 years) & Maria Kritiotis (5 years)

 

BACK TO TOP

BACK TO TOP