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Holy Trinity Church
Publish Date: 2018-10-07
Bulletin Contents
Hymns of the Day
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Worship Services this Week
Parish News and Events
Wisdom of the Fathers
Saints and Feasts
Sergiusbaccos
Organization Icon
Holy Trinity Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (724) 266-5336
  • Fax:
  • (724) 266-0703
  • Street Address:

  • 2930 Beaver Road

  • Ambridge, PA 15003
  • Mailing Address:

  • 2930 Beaver Road

  • Ambridge, PA 15003

Contact Information

Proistamenos Fr. Emmanuel N. Lillios

fremmanuellillios@mail.goarch.org | (724) 266-5336

Services Schedule

Sunday Summer Hours - from first Sunday after Memorial Day

Orthros 8:30 am

Divine L:iturgy 9:30 am

Sunday Winter Hours - from first Sunday after Labor Day

Orthros 9:00 am

Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

Saturday Vespers 6:00 pm

Week Day Divine Liturgy 9:00 am

Past Bulletins


Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Tone

When you descended to the realm of death You as life immortal rendered to Hades a mortal blow by Your all radiant divinity. And when You from infernal depths and the darkness below did raise the dead. All the hosts of heaven's powers did proclaim and cry out, O life giving Christ and our God we give glory.

Apolytikion for Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus in the Fourth Tone

Thy Martyrs, O Lord, in their courageous contest for Thee received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since they possessed Thy strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

Apolytikion for the Church in the Plagal Fourth Tone

Blessed are You, O Christ our God; Who has shone forth the fishermen to be all wise, by sending upon them the Holy Spirit and through them, You gathered the whole world in Your net, O lover of Mankind, glory to You.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Tone

O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

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

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 11:31-33; 12:1-9.

Brethren, the God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed for ever, knows that I do not lie. At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas guarded the city of Damascus in order to seize me, but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped his hands.

I must boast; there is nothing to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven -- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into Paradise --whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows -- and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. Though if I wish to boast, I shall not be a fool, for I shall be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. And to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I besought the Lord about this, that it should leave me; but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Gospel Reading

3rd Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 7:11-16

At that time, Jesus went to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a large crowd from the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." And he came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all; and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and "God has visited his people!"

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Worship Services this Week

NO ADDITIONAL WORSHIP SERVICES THIS WEEK

 

 

 


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Parish News and Events

TODAY'S TRISAGION

Today we pray a Trisagion for the repose of the soul of George Diamantis, who fell asleep in the Lord 58 years ago. May his memory be eternal.


WELCOME, FATHER YANNI!

Today we welcome Fr. Yanni Verginis and his family to our beloved Holy Trinity. He has kindly come to relieve Fr. Emmanuel as he recovers from a serious bout of pneumonia. He is improving and his upcoming vacation promises some necessary rest. Fr. Bill Evansky (412-741-5008) and Fr. Michael Kochis (412-771-9124) are available in case of emergency. Please extend your famous hospitality to Fr. Yanni and his family.


PASSING A TRAY FOR OCF SUNDAY

The first Sunday of October has been designated College Student Sunday by the Holy Synod in order to raise awareness and assist this vitally important ministry to our youth on campuses across the country. We will pass a special tray to support the Orthodox Christian Fellowship mission. Learn more at www.ocf.net.


NATIONAL CHURCH MUSIC SUNDAY

This Sunday, October 7th, we commemorate National Church Music Sunday in the entire Archdiocese. This is the day when we take time to recognize our Chanters, Choir Directors, Choir Members, Organists, the Weekday Choir and others who enhance the worship of the Church through hymns and prayers. Thank you to all of ourchurch musicians here at Holy Trinity for your dedication and for offering your talents to Our Lord's Holy Church.


THANKSGIVING BASKETS

Today we begin taking monetary donations toward the 25+ Thanksgiving Food Baskets that will be distributed among the needy families in our area. Our Parish has always been so generous in sharing their blessings with the less fortunate during this holiday season. God bless you and thank you. You can give your donations to Coordinators Sophia Chickos or Harriet Sickles.


HAPPENINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY

*The JOY and HOPE children will begin their annual JOY Toy Drive for Christmas presents for the children at the Beaver County Women's Shelter. Please bring NEW unwrapped toys for all ages and deposit them in the big Toy Box by the coat rack. Gift cards are great for teenagers. For monetary donations or gift cards, please talk to Nicoletta Elolo and Sara Portoulas. Thank you!!

*The Ladies Philoptochos will have a meeting during Coffee Hour.

*The New Missions Ministry will have its first meeting following Divine Liturgy in the Church Office. Anyone interested in this new adventure is invited to come to this informational meeting!


3RD ANNUAL FOCUS FUNDRAISER

The Third Annual Fundraiser for FOCUS West Central PA is scheduled for this Thursday, October 18. We welcome you to join us for a fun evening of food and fellowship in our own HTGOC Church Hall!  The doors will open at  6PM, with a complementary dinner and program 6:30PM-8:30PM. Our keynote speaker this year is Stephanie Schindel , a faculty member at Geneva College. She teaches students in the areas of Human Services, Psychology, and Criminal Justice. She is also involved in many Human Service organizations in Beaver and Lawrence Counties.  Registration was due October 5, but if you would like to make a donation please talk to Joanne Jamis Cain or Marion Vasilakis.


GOYA COSMIC BOWLATHON

This coming Saturday evening, the GOYA will have a Bowl-a-Thon under the Cosmic Lights at Fair Oaks Lanes in Leetsdale from 9 to 11pm. The Kitchen will be OPEN!! Come and HAVE FUN at this fundraiser.


SURVEY FOR JOY AND HOPE PARENTS

Nicoletta Elolo and Sara Portoulas, JOY/HOPE Advisors, ask the JOY and HOPE parents to please take this survey concerning our JOY and HOPE Program! Thank you!!https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GBTQ6KR  


MISSIONS MINISTRY ESTABLISHED

We are excited to announce our new Missions Ministry, headed by Hoggin and Nicoletta Aswani-Elolo and George and Sara Portoulas. All are welcome to join this new ministry, showing our love for God by serving His children. We are currently exploring Mission Trip opportunities and will host an informational meeting on Sunday, October 14, during Coffee Hour.


COFFEE HOUR CLEAN-UP

We ask that all organizations be diligent in their responsiblities in cleaning the Church Hall following their designated Coffee Hours. This includes proper disposal of leftover koliva with Memorials, cleaning off tables in the Fellowship Hall, kitchen clean-up. and disposal of all garbages into the outdoor dumpster. Thank you very much!


SENIOR PROJECT UPDATE

John Diamantis is a Senior at Ambridge Area High School and has chosen his Parish of Holy Trinity to be focus of his Senior Project. He wishes to purchase new altar boy robes in time for the holy season of Pascha. Please pick up John’s  latest letter in the Narthex to learn more. Donation checks must be made out to Holy Trinity Church with "Altar Boy robes" in the memo. Thank you!

 

John’s Mother, Rita, is selling Apple Dumplings for $5 each to raise funds for John’s Project. Order them from her now for Oct. 28 delivery: 724-266-1506. Thank you!

 


PRE-1951 CHURCH RECORDS

The Church Record Books of Baptisms, Weddings, and Deaths before 1951 have been missing since the move from the old church to our present location. In an effort to restore this valuable information, we ask if you have any certificates from this time period, that you bring them in to be copied, or mail in a copy. Thank you!!


FALL GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Sunday, October 21, is the date of our Fall General Assembly. If you wish to be eligible to vote, you must have a 2018 Stewardship Pledge Card on file. Check with the office if you are not sure. Thank you.


SEAFOOD DINNER

Tickets are now on sale for our Annual Seafood Dinner. Zach Economos is the Chairman and the Parish Council is also selling tickets. The Dinner is scheduled a little earlier this year, Friday, November 9, at 7:00pm.


GOYA FALL RETREAT

The Metropolis Fall Retreat for GOYAns will be Friday through Sunday, November 16-18, at Camp Nazareth. Register at camp@pittsburgh.goarch.org.


DATES TO REMEMBER:

ONGOING: Thanksgiving Baskets Collection

     Altar Boy Robe Senior Project

     Food Items for Center for Hope Pantry and FOCUS West Central

     Collecting Aluminum Cans for FOCUS West Central

Sunday, October 14 - Philoptochos Meeting

     Missions Meeting

     Start of JOY Toy Drive

Wednesday, October 17 - Parish Council Meeting at 7pm

Thursday, October 18 - FOCUS Fundraiser Dinner here 6:30-8:30pm

Saturday, October 20 - GOYA Cosmic Bowlathon at Fair Oaks 9-11pm

Sunday, October 21 - Fall General Assembly

Saturday, October 27 - GOYA BEE-TREAT at Annunciation Church in Akron 9:30-5 

     followed by Orthodoxy on Tap at 7pm

Friday, November 9 - Seafood Dinner

Friday-Sunday, November 16-18 - GOYA Fall Retreat at Camp Nazareth


NOTICE:

No gum-chewing, food or drinks are allowed in the Church. Please refrain from chewing gum in Church, especially if you plan to receive Holy Communion.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

That dead man was being buried, and many friends were conducting him to his tomb. But there meets him Christ, the Life and Resurrection, for He is the destroyer of death and of corruption; He it is "in Whom we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28); He it is Who has restored the nature of man to that which it originally was; and has set free our death-fraught flesh from the bonds of death.
St. Cyril of Alexandria
Commentary on the Gospel of St. Luke, Homily 36.42, p. 153., 5th Century

The virgin's son met the widow's son. He became like a sponge for her tears and as life for the death of her son. Death turned about in its den and turned its back on the victorious one.
St. Ephrem the Syrian
Commentary on Tatian's Diatessaron, 6.23. (Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. vol. 3: Luke, Intervarsity Press)

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Saints and Feasts

Sergiusbaccos
October 07

Sergius & Bacchus the Great Martyrs of Syria

These holy Martyrs were Romans of high rank in the service of the Emperor Maximian, to whom it was reported that they did not take part in the festivals of the idols. When he called them into his presence, they confessed their Faith in the one God. He had them arrayed in women's clothes and paraded through the streets in mockery. They were afterwards scourged, from which Saint Bacchus died. This was about the year 296. Saint Sergius was then taken to Resapha in Syria, where he was tortured and beheaded. His tomb in Resapha became a very famous shrine, to which pilgrims came from as far away as Western Europe; Resapha was later renamed Sergiopolis in his honour.

Jamesalphaeus
October 09

James the Apostle, son of Alphaeus

The holy Apostle James was one of the Twelve, and preached Christ to many nations, and finally suffered death by crucifixion.

Allsaint
October 09

Andronicus & his wife Athanasia of Egypt

Saints Andronicus and Athanasia were from Antioch, and finished their lives in asceticism about the year 500.

Allsaint
October 09

The Righteous Patriarch Abraham and his nephew Lot

The holy Patriarch Abraham, born a pagan, ten generations after Noah, when the knowledge of God had perished from among men, became the beginning of God's dispensation for the universal renewal and salvation of man. He was called out of his country--the land of the Chaldees, that is, Mesopotamia--to the land of Canaan, and received the promise that through his seed all the nations of the earth should be blessed; through his singular faith in the promises of God, he was justified before the giving of the Law and the coming of Grace; through his willingness to sacrifice Isaac, he portrayed the love wherewith God loved the world in sacrificing His only-begotten Son. The greatness of Abraham, and the trials that he and his righteous nephew Lot underwent, are set forth in the Book of Genesis in the Old Testament, chapters twelve through twenty-five. See also the Sunday of the Holy Forefathers, December 11-17.

Allsaint
October 10

Eulampius & Eulampia the Martyrs

The Martyrs Eulampius and Eulampia were from Nicomedia, and contested for Christ during the reign of Maximian, in the year 296.

Allsaint
October 10

The 14 Holy Elders of Optina Monastery

On this day we also celebrate the Synaxis of the Righteous Fathers of Optina Hermitage in Russia, who struggled valiantly in the monastic life in prayer, humility, obedience, and love, and whom God deemed worthy of the lofty gifts of discernment, prophecy, clairvoyance, and eldership, that is, the grace to guide souls on the unerring path of salvation. They are Leo (who reposed in 1841), Macarius (1860), Moses (1862), Anthony (1865), Hilarion (1873), Ambrose (1891), Anatolius (1894), Isaacius (1894), Joseph (1911), Barsanuphius (1913), Anatolius (1922), Nectarius (1928), Nicon (1931), and Isaacius (1936).

Philipap
October 11

Philip the Apostle of the 70, one of the 7 Deacons

Saint Philip, who had four daughters that prophesied, was from Caesarea of Palestine. He preached throughout Samaria; it was he also who met the eunuch of Candace, the Queen of the Ethiopians, as the eunuch was reading the Prophet Esaias, and he instructed and baptized him (Acts 8:26-39). He reposed in Tralles of Asia Minor while preaching the Gospel.

Allsaint
October 11

Theophanes the Confessor, Bishop of Nicaea

Saint Theophanes, the brother of Saint Theodore the Branded, was a Palestinian by race. Both were monks at the Monastery of Saint Sabbas. They were called "the Branded" because Theophilus, the last of the Iconoclast emperors, had twelve iambic verses branded by hot irons on their foreheads and then sent them into exile, where Theodore died in the year 838. After the death of Theophilus in 842, Theophanes was elected Bishop of Nicaea. Both brothers composed many canons and hymns, thereby adorning the services of the Church.

Allsaint
October 12

Probus, Andronicus, & Tarachus, Martyrs of Tarsus

The holy Martyrs contested for Christ during the reign of Diocletian, in the year 296 or 304. Tarachus was advanced in years, of Roman birth, and had been a soldier; Probus was from Side in Pamphylia, and Andronicus from Ephesus. They were taken together in Cilicia and subjected to manifold exceedingly cruel tenures. Tarachus was beaten on his cheeks and neck with stones, his hands were burned, he was hanged on a post and smoke was put underneath him to choke him; vinegar was forced down his nostrils; after enduring further tortures, he was carved to pieces. Probus was thrashed with whips, his feet were burned with red hot irons, his back and sides were pierced with heated spits; finally he also was cut up with knives, and received the crown of martyrdom. Andronicus suffered similar tortures, and also finished his course being cut to pieces, commending his soul into the hands of God.

Symeonnewspious
October 12

Symeon the New Theologian

Saint Symeon became a monk of the Studite Monastery as a young man, under the guidance of the elder Symeon the Pious. Afterwards he struggled at the Monastery of Saint Mamas in Constantinople, of which he became abbot. After enduring many trials and afflictions in his life of piety, he reposed in 1022. Marvelling at the heights of prayer and holiness to which he attained, and the loftiness of the teachings of his life and writings, the church calls him "the New Theologian." Only to two others, John the Evangelist and Gregory, Patriarch of Constantinople, has the church given the name "Theologian." Saint Symeon reposed on March 12, but since this always falls in the Great Fast, his feast is kept today.

Allsaint
October 13

Carpus, Papylus, Agathodorus, & Agathonica, the Martyrs of Pergamus

Saint Carpus was Bishop of the Church of Thyatira in Asia Minor and Papylus was his deacon, whom he had ordained. Seized as Christians and tormented in Thyatira, they were taken to Sardis, whither Agathodorus, their servant, followed them, and also confessed Christ, and was tormented with them. Together with Agathonica, the sister of Saint Papylus. they were all beheaded during the reign of Decius, in the year 250.

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