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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2022-06-26
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
Callapostles
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

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 First Tone

Though the tomb was sealed with a stone by the Jews and the soldiers guarded Your pure body, You arose, O Savior, on the third day, giving life to the world. Therefore, O Giver of Life, the heavenly powers praise You. Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ; glory to Your kingdom; glory to Your plan of redemption, O only loving God. (Page 52)

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 Second Tone

A protection of Christians unshameable, Intercessor to our Holy Maker, unwavering; reject not the prayerful cries of those who are in sin. Instead, come to us for you are good; your loving help bring unto us who are crying in faith to you: Hasten to intercede and speed now to supplicate, as a protection for all time, Theotokos, for those who honor you. (Page 54)
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Saints and Feasts

Callapostles
June 26

2nd Sunday of Matthew

Tikhvin
June 26

Appearance of the Icon of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos of Tikhvin

According to one tradition, this icon was painted by Saint Luke the Evangelist. It was formerly situated in the famous Church of Blachernae in Constantinople. In 1383, it appeared upon the waters of Lake Ladoga, whence it travelled miraculously through the air to the city of Tikhvin; there, it remained by the River Tikhvinka, and a monastery was built to shelter the icon. In 1613-14 this monastery miraculously withstood the many attacks of the Swedish invaders. In the early twentieth century it was brought to America and was returned to Russia in 2004. The holy icon is renowned for a great many miracles wrought through it by the all-holy Mother of God, especially for the healing of children.

Pachomiusdavidthess
June 26

David the Righteous of Thessalonika

Saint David, who was from Thessalonica, lived a most holy and ascetical life. For some years, he took up his dwelling in the branches of an almond tree, exposed to all the elements and extremes of the weather. He reposed in peace during the reign of Saint Justinian the Great, in the sixth century.

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. First Tone. Psalm 32.22,1.
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 2:10-16.

Brethren, glory and honor and peace for every one who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality. All who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. When Gentiles who have not the law do by nature what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or perhaps excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.

Gospel Reading

2nd Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 4:18-23

At that time, as Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left their boat and their father, and followed him. And he went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.

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Bulletin Inserts

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Wisdom of the Fathers

Prayer, fasting, vigil and all other Christian practices, however good they may be in themselves, do not constitute the aim of our Christian life, although they serve as the indispensable means of reaching this end. The true aim of our Christian life consists in the acquisition of the Holy Spirit of God.
St. Seraphim of Sarov
The Acquisition of the Holy Spirit: Chapter 3, The Little Russian Philokalia Vol. 1; Saint Herman of Alaska Brotherhood pg. 79, 19th century

But mark both their faith, and their obedience. For though they were in the midst of their work (and you know how greedy a thing fishing is), when they heard His command, they delayed not, ... but "they forsook all and followed," ... Because such is the obedience which Christ seeks of us, as that we delay not even a moment of time.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 14 on Matthew 4, 4th Century

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Parish News and Events

 

TODAY'S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

 

Regular Spring General Assembly – TODAY

Please plan to attend the regular Spring General Assembly following Divine Liturgy today. An agenda has been included in the June edition of the Herald. This Assembly is to review parish life and hear reports on important parish matters. It is vital to the life of a healthy community that all members attend, as these meetings are quite important in the day-to-day life of the parish. Please remember, to vote at an assembly, you must be a member in good standing as defined in the Uniform Parish Regulations, which includes but is not limited to having a signed 2022 Holy Trinity Stewardship Pledge card submitted. Whether it is attending assemblies, taking in a leadership role in a ministry or just getting involved more, the Lord has a calling and a role for every one of us at Holy Trinity Church because you are a part of the Body of Christ and have an important contribution to offer.

 

Today’s Hospitality Hour Hosts: The Holy Trinity Parish Council

 

Greek Dance Practice Today

Greek Dance practice for ALL Groups will be held today during Hospitality Hour.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Father John Away in July

One of the important lessons learned by both Father John and the community last year was the importance of clergy taking real time off for renewal and recharging. That lesson has carried forward, so during Father John’s vacation in July, he will not be available via phone, email or social media, and all our parishioners are asked to refrain from contacting him to allow this time to be a true break rather than just working time away from the office, always on call. In Father John’s absence, Father Radu Bordeianu (FrRadu@HolyTrinityPgh.org) will be offering liturgical services and fulfilling urgent pastoral care needs. Please see him following services regarding personal matters or contact our Office Administrator, Mary Portellos (412-366-8700 or office@HolyTrinityPgh.org) with any clergy requests, including memorials and sacraments. For clergy emergencies only, call 412-366-8700 and select option “2”. For all other office matters, including facilities scheduling, Bulletin and email announcements for ministry events, please contact Mary Portellos (see above) as usual. For Parish Council and other administrative matters, please contact our Parish Council President, George Dickos (pcpresident@HolyTrinityPgh.org). For all other needs, please contact the ministry or organizational leader directly or pass your request through the Church Office. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!

 

Greek Dance Troupe News: T-Shirts and Practice Schedule

Our Holy Trinity Dance Troupe is getting t-shirts this year. If anyone in your family would like to purchase one, please go to waterfrontembroidery.com. Select the "Customer Stores" option and then choose "Holy Trinity". Orders must be submitted by this Thursday, June 30th. Please reach out to Eleni Dedousis if you have any questions at Eadedousis@gmail.com. Please plan on having your children attend as many of the dance troupe practice sessions as possible. As a reminder, the groups are HOPE (5 years old through 2nd grade), JOY (3rd through 6th grade) and GOYA (7th through 12th grade). Any recent graduates can also attend if they would like to dance. All practices will be held at Holy Trinity Church. Please feel free to reach out with any questions to Eleni Dedousis (412-953-3699) or Victoria Andromalos-Dale (412-496-9128).

  • TODAY, Sunday, June 26: ALL Groups, during Hospitality Hour

 

[June 28-July 23] Festival Cooking – IT’S BACK!

Cooking for our Taste of Greece 2022 Festival is well underway, and the Festival Committee offers its sincere thanks to all those who have so generously offered their time and talents to make it possible. But WE’RE NOT DONE YET! 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, June 28, 9:00am-9:00pm – Souzoukakia                  
  • Thursday, July 21, 11:00am-9:00pm – Moussaka  
  • Friday July 22, 9:00am-9:00pm – Moussaka    
  • Saturday, July 23, 9:00am-5:00pm – Moussaka                      

                             

[July 3] Next Hospitality Hour “Open Table” Sunday

Thank you to the ministries and individuals who have hosted our new Hospitality Hour. There are several Sundays coming up without hosts, so rather than have a Sunday without Hospitality Hour, we are introducing a new idea to fill the gap: “Open Table” Sundays.  On those days, we are asking parishioners to bring an item to share. Keep it simple! Maybe some cookies, some fruit, some munchies. Put it on a plate and place it on the table in the Gallery on the way into Liturgy. Maybe a favorite homemade dish, or something store bought is ok!  Also, if you are willing to make coffee, help set up or clean up email hospitality@holytrinitypgh.org. The first one held on Pentecost Sunday was a huge success, and thank you to everyone who brought items to share! The next OPEN TABLE date is Sunday, July 3.

 

[July 16, 30 & Sept 10] Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery – Summer Feast Days

Gerontissa Theophano and the Sisters warmly welcome you to the Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery’s Summer Feast Days. “Please come with family and friends and spend the day at the Monastery.  Following Divine Liturgy at our outdoor Pavilion, we will be offering lunch.  Browse our icons and handiwork for sale, pastries, as well as frappes at our cafe.” Please RSVP so that the Monastery can prepare adequate hospitality. Email: info@NativityoftheTheotokosMonastery.org or call 724-352-3999. The Monastery is located at 121 St. Elias Lane, Saxonburg, PA 16056

  • Saturday, July 16, 9:00am Hours, Divine Liturgy, Feast Day of the Prophet Elias
  • Saturday, July 30, 9:00am Hours, Divine Liturgy, Memorial Commemoration of Gerontissa Taxiarchia  
  • Saturday, September 10, 9:00am Hours, Divine Liturgy, Feast Day of the Nativity of the Theotokos

 

Our Church, Our Stewardship

As we enter into the summer months, please remember to stay current on your 2022 Stewardship pledge.  Even though many of us will be traveling away from Holy Trinity during the summer, the church continues to have daily operating expenses that require our support.  It is easy to keep up with your pledge even when you are away through our on-line giving program.  This way your contributions can be more equally distributed throughout the year enabling better planning of our financial obligations.  Additionally, if you have not yet turned in your pledge card for 2022, it is not too late! Our member-funded church needs each of us to participate in the Stewardship program.  Stewardship is the foundation for belonging to Holy Trinity Church and providing support for its many ministries and activities, financially, and with your time and talents.  With the pandemic the past two years, our Stewardship program has fallen slightly behind our pre-pandemic levels of participation - while, just like most things nowadays, operating the church has gotten more costly.  If you have not maintained your stewardship involvement, it is time to renew your commitment to Holy Trinity and be a full participant again in the life of the Church.  If you are new to Holy Trinity, please consider joining as a member.  Pledge cards can be found in the Narthex, or through the church office, or from any Stewardship committee member.  If you have any questions, contact Mike Kritiotis or George Mellis; or email stewardship@holytrinitypgh.org.

 

Holy Trinity Church Completion & Consecration Campaign: Have You Pledged?

Plans are now being developed to complete the necessary items so Holy Trinity Church can be consecrated by the end of 2023, as was approved by the General Assembly last November. The plans provide for completing all the items required for consecration including completing the remaining iconography in the Church and Narthex; installation of numerous items of handcrafted ecclesiastical wood furnishings, most notably a permanent iconostasis and required new Holy Altar table; Altar furnishings and other liturgically required items for the Consecration; and more appropriate seating to replace the temporary chairs in the Church. If you haven’t done it already, please fill out the center section of the “ONE HOLY TRINITY” Pledge Card with your Church Completion and Consecration Campaign pledge amounts for 2022-2023.

 

Holy Trinity’s Taste of Greece - Labor Day Weekend – September 1 through September 4

Please mark Thursday, September 1, through Sunday, September 4 on your calendar for the next “Taste of Greece” festival. The Festival Committee is asking everyone, new members, and old hands, young and young at heart, to pledge a donation of their time and talents so that we can continue to grow both the success of the festival and the fellowship with all our Holy Trinity church family members!

 

Festival Ad Book – Your Support is Needed

For more than 45 years, Pittsburghers have enjoyed the wonderful food, pastries, music, and dancing of Holy Trinity's Greek Food Festival. Now in our 10th year at our North Hills location, we continue to host over 20,000 guests to share in our culture and faith by providing them with an authentic “Taste of Greece” experience!

Our four day festival, September 1-4, is a wonderful opportunity for you to promote your business or organization, pay tribute to your friends and family, or celebrate a special event, while also providing valuable support to Holy Trinity Church and its ministries. Depending what type of ad you choose, you may also create additional exposure by having your message displayed on the digital screens throughout our church.

            We encourage you to place an ad in this year's Festival program book by submitting your information through the form included in this Bulletin and emailed to all parishioners. The final deadline to submit your ad is Friday, July 22, 2022. Additionally, we are always looking for volunteers to assist us for the continued success of the Festival. We welcome your help and participation.

Thank you in advance for supporting our Festival once again this year.  Should you have any questions regarding the Festival Program Book, please contact: FestivalAds@HolyTrinityPgh.org or 412-366-8700. We look forward to hearing from you soon! The Festival Ad Committee

 

Sunday Hospitality Hour Sponsors Needed

Did you know that sponsoring the Hospitality Hour is not just for Memorials or Holy Trinity Ministry Groups? Individual parishioners are encouraged to sponsor the Hospitality Hour in honor of a loved one’s Birthday, Anniversary, Graduation, Baptism, Chrismation or simply out of love for their parish family. Parishioners can also reach out and combine their efforts with other individuals or families! For additional information please contact Coordinator: Stacy Dickos (412-298-9409), Scheduler: Theanne Gagianas (724-986-4546) or by email at hospitality@HolyTrinityPgh.org. Additional information is available on our website: www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/hospitality-hour or on the sign-up board located in the Gallery following Divine Liturgy today.

 

Vacationing or Travelling with No Church Nearby? Watch and Listen Online!

As noted above, we should all try to find a nearby Orthodox Church when we’re travelling or vacationing, but sometimes that’s just not practical or possible. So, for the next best thing, join your church family back here at Holy Trinity by watching or listening online! Find us at www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/live.

 

Note for Summer Travel – Easy Way to Find the Nearest Orthodox Church!

Where we travel, whenever we go, we take our faith with us, for as it says in the Psalms, "God is with us!" Keeping that in mind, please remember to plan ahead and check for the location of the nearest Orthodox Christian Church if you will be staying over a Sunday. There are two great web sites to check: our own Archdiocese (www.goarch.org) and Orthodoxy in America (www.OrthodoxyInAmerica.org), a multi-jurisdictional listing of all Orthodox parishes. Also, for major trips such as overseas travels, please feel free to stay following antidoron and ask Father John or Father Radu to offer a special blessing to your family for your travels. Remember, "God is with us" always. Let’s not forget to invite Him!

 

IOCC Ukraine Crisis Response

Please continue to pray for everyone affected by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, and for the teams who are serving them on the ground. The conflict in Ukraine has greatly affected ordinary people, destroying infrastructure and forcing millions to flee their homes seeking safety. The result is the largest displacement of people in Europe since World War II. With long-standing relationships in the region, including in Romania and Moldova, IOCC has mobilized to serve people affected by the crisis in Ukraine. Women and children, persons with disabilities or serious medical conditions, older persons, and minority groups are increasingly facing barriers in accessing critical services such as transportation, food products, medicines, and emergency healthcare in impacted areas. You can serve people affected by the Ukraine crisis with a gift today to IOCC's Ukraine Crisis Response Fund by visiting www.iocc.org/ukraine22 to make a secure online donation or by phone at 877.803.4622 or by stopping at the church office window to pick up a pre-addressed IOCC donation envelope. Kindly make your personal check payable to “IOCC” and note “Ukraine Crisis” in the memo line. Thank you!

 

In the Hospital? Home-Bound? Please let the Church Office know! 
In today’s age of information privacy, churches are not notified when parishioners are admitted to hospitals, nursing homes or other care facilities. Both those facilities and your church depend on having the church notified by a friend or family member so that pastoral care and outreach can be offered. The same goes for those homebound. If you or any of your loved ones are in any of these situations, please contact the Church Office at 412-366-8700 to request a visit from our priests or our wonderful Visitation Ministry. Also, interested in helping reach out to fellow parishioners in those situations? Please contact Amy Armanious at visitation@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 our Holy Trinity family know 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

As an extension of our hospitality and outreach ministries, 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. The antidoron is not a sacramental offering but is blessing and a reflection of the agape (love) feast that followed worship in the ancient Christian Church. Please join our parish family for hospitality after the holy services 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 and please fully open your mouth so that none of the precious Body and Blood of Christ is accidentally spilled. Thank you for your cooperation, and may God have mercy on us all!

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