WHAT CURRENT METROPOLIS POLICIES MEAN FOR OUR PARISH: We are able to continue to worship as we have been (masks, distancing, sanitizing, check-in, 50% max occupancy, etc). Coffee hour and any in-person meetings are suspended until further notice, but we are encouraged to gather via phone or zoom.
BLESSING EVERY HOUSE IN 2021: Due to COVID, Fr. Anastasios' current plan for house blessings is as follows, instead of signing up, Father plans to bless every home of our parishioners in the local area. He will be praying a short service and blessing the OUTSIDE of each home (unless asked specifically not to come). He intends to leave one bottle of holy water at each residence with instructions for sprinkling the inside. Father will keep all exposure to a short limit to protect everyone and masks with social distancing will be required. These will not be appointment-based, but rather he will be doing specific areas on specific days and will bless the outside of your home even if you are away. Thank you for your understanding.
*Please let us know if you have moved or no longer reside at the address we mail things to.
Annual Parish Vasilopita Cutting - THIS SUNDAY, January 10th: New Year Greetings from Philoptochos! Wishing everyone a wonderful 2021 - and we can’t think of a better way to start the church year than with the traditional distributing of the Vasilopita!! This year will be a little different due to COVID restrictions, but in a sense much easier; somewhat of a Baggie ‘grab bag’ from a table on the Solea to facilitate the process. Once your name is called, select one (or more if being acknowledged for multiple positions) and return to your seat. There will be a tray designated for St. Basil’s Academy as all proceeds support the school’s many needs.
As in the past, we THANK YOU in advance for your generous donations.
Orthodox Catechism Classes For Anyone (Lifelong Member, Inquirers, those looking to convert, refresher, etc): Please contact Fr. Anastasios if interested. Our class schedule will be as follows, Monday Evenings from 6:30pm-8:30pm:
- January 11th, 25th,
- February 1st, 8th, 22nd,
- March 1st (If needed, the 8th)
Parish Council Meeting - THIS TUESDAY, January 12th: The 2021 Parish Council will convene its first meeting with a swearing-in, an election of officers, and its regular meetings. As of the writing of this bulletin, we have not been cleared for any in-person meetings, so this will be scheduled for zoom, and if we do receive permission before Tuesday, we will conduct the meeting as a hybrid meeting in the Hall and via Zoom.
GOYA: The schedule, if allowed, will be to take down the Christmas Tree in the Hall on January 17th after Liturgy. We will also be holding a zoom meeting on January 20th at 8:15pm.
2021 Stewardship Drive: Join us in supporting our Church. Stewardship Cards are available on the back of the two most recent newsletters and on the Pangari at church. Stewardship is our greatest fundraiser and also lets us know that you stand with your church. We thank you for your dedication over the years and especially during 2020 and look forward to many years of serving you and your family through your generous donations.
YOUNG ADULT GATHERING - January 19th 7:30-8:30pm: Our Metropolis of Pittsburgh, the American Carpatho-Russian Diocese, and the Ukrainian Diocese are calling all Young Adults for a "Young Adult Monthly Gathering" to discuss "What Resolutions are you making to keep Christ center in your life?" with Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh & Metropolitan Gregory of Nyssa. Sign up at tinyurl.com/YoungAdult-NewYear
CHECK-IN VOLUNTEERS: In the current policies of the metropolis we are required to have a check-in person or team for every service. We are looking for additional volunteers who are willing to come a little early to check people in and, if able, to help sanitize after the services. Please contact Fr. Anastasios if you are interested in helping a necessary function during these times.
ONLINE GIVING & STEWARDSHIP: Is OPEN! Online giving can be found by clicking here! Please consider your continued support of our church through becoming one of our online giving families. You can make general contributions and stewardship contributions.
REGULAR GIVING: The church is still accepting donations in normal ways through the mail and drop off. Thank you to all of those who have continued to contribute in these challenging times.
Live-Stream: If you don't have a Facebook account, don't worry! You can still access our services right on our website (HTGOC.ORG) or a larger video directly on facebook, learn more by watching the following video:
The Liturgical Guide Book published by the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians identifies the hymns that are sung, especially noting changes, in the Divine Liturgy on Sunday and other select feasts for the ecclesiastical year. It also includes a bibliography of liturgical music, recordings, and other music resources. This resource is very useful for chanters, choirs, and parish offices.
