TODAY’S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES 

Parish Council Elections

Elections for the 2020-2021 Parish Council term will be held TODAY immediately following Divine Liturgy. Voting requires membership in good standing including submitting a signed 2019 Holy Trinity Stewardship Pledge Card.

Philoptochos Holiday Bake Sale – Today is the Final Day to Place Your Orders

As we approach the holiday season let the ladies of the Philoptochos help check something off your list!  It is time for our annual Holiday Bake Sale of Spanakopita, Tiropita, Baklava, Kourambiedes, Koulourakia, Finikia, Paximadia and Sweet Breads. Order forms are available at the church office window and were also included in the November edition of the Herald.  Order now as quantities are limited!  All orders must be received and PREPAID by TODAY. Orders will be ready for pick up following Liturgy on Sunday, December 22. Questions? Call Nicole Steiner at 412-781-6109.

OUTREACH NEWS: FOCUS Christmas Angel Tags – Gifts Due Back Today

Thank you to all who participated in the Angel project again this year! Through this wonderful outreach, 95 children and 20 senior citizens will receive a gift from Santa, thanks to your generosity and outpouring of support. Please drop off your gifts under the tree located in the Gallery.

Parish Wide Christmas Card Signing – Today!

Please join the Visitation Ministry Cards/Phone Call Committee and sign Christmas Cards to send blessings and best wishes to all of our homebound/facility bound fellow parishioners. This has become a yearly tradition that our homebound parishioners appreciate so very much. Please stop by our tables in the Gallery to sign the cards today. Thank you!

Visitation Ministry Christmas Gift Delivery - We Need Your Help!

The Home Visitation Ministry has prepared Christmas gifts for parishioners who are homebound or in nursing facilities. We need visitors who are willing to deliver the gifts. If you are interested in volunteering, please stop by the Visitation Ministry table in the Gallery after Liturgy TODAY to sign up and pick up a gift to be delivered. Allow God to use your hands and time to bless those in need this Christmas season!  

GOYA Fireside Chat - Today

The GOYA teen ministry will hold its annual Christmas Fireside Chat TODAY from 3:00-6:00pm. Information and location was sent directly to GOYA families on the GOYA email and Remind systems.

“Feed the Homeless” 2020 Dates Available at Pleasant Valley Shelter – Sign Up Today!

Holy Trinity has a long-standing commitment to serve meals to the men at Pleasant Valley homeless shelter.  The organization has just made available our dinner dates for 2020.  This shelter, near our old neighborhood on the North Side, provides overnight accommodations to 30 homeless men, 365 nights each year and relies totally on volunteers to feed the men.  The following five dates are available, to prepare and serve these men dinner - they are all Sunday evenings. (They're served dinner at 8:00pm. Our volunteers bring the cooked food to the shelter and serve it): Jan 12; Mar 8; May 10; July 12; and Sept 13.  Please see Mike Kritiotis today, or contact him at 412-518-0588, or at mkritiotis@gmail.com to sign up your family/group/ministry.

Services This Week

• Mon. Dec 9, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: The Conception of the Holy Theotokos by St. Anna (St. George Chapel)
• Thurs. Dec 12, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: St. Spyridon the Wonderworker (at Holy Trinity Church, followed by the Philoptochos Annual Senior Christmas Luncheon)

[Dec 10-11] “Faith and Family WEEKDAYS” This Week

Holy Trinity Church’s “Faith and Family WEEKDAYS” ministry has been updated once again to provide valuable faith growth and learning to the entire Holy Trinity family. Building on the fruits of our five six years, we are now including more days and more opportunities for everyone to participate in and grow from worship, spiritual life and educational ministries beyond Sunday morning and to make the Church the "crossroad of daily life”.

THIS WEEK’S OFFERINGS:

• Daily: Prayer Partners. Have you remembered your prayer partner every day? Please keep the promise.
• Tues. Dec 10, 7:00pm “Journey of Marriage” Marriage Prep Ministry
• Marriage preparation for couples using the excellent and interactive “Journey of Marriage” materials developed by Dr. Philip Mamalakis. From “Hello!” to honeymoon, this series educates and equips couples for fruitful Orthodox Christian married life. It’s fun, interactive and a great way to prepare.
• Wed. Dec 11, 6:30pm Worship/7:00pm Bible Study: “Explore the Word” - Bible Study Ministry - Prayerfully read the Bible! In Deut. 11, it says, “Lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul.” Each Wednesday come and till your heart in worship in the Church at 6:30pm and then meet at 7:00pm in the Conference Room for the study of the Gospel of St. Matthew led by Father Radu Bordeianu. Learn the Scriptures. Depend your faith. “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3.18).

“ONE HOLY TRINITY” – Please Make Your Commitment and Submit Your 2020 Cards Today – AND, be Sure to Fulfil your 2019 Pledge!

Our Stewardship aims to promote spiritual growth and strengthen faith. At Holy Trinity, we’re blessed with the incredible support from you, our Stewards, who unselfishly and joyfully offer their time, talents and treasures, which in turn enhances the spirituality and ministry of the parish.  Let’s continue to be active and practicing Stewards and generously offer our gifts to God through His Church.  Please set a reminder to submit your 2020 pledge card before year-end.  If you have not yet received a 2020 pledge card or are new to Holy Trinity, additional pledge cards can be found at the Welcome Table located in the Narthex of the church.  Also, this is the time to catch up and fulfil/exceed your 2019 pledge!  Our member-funded church needs each and every one of us, no matter the amount. And remember, a signed pledge card is required as part of maintaining your membership in good standing at Holy Trinity Church each year. We’re grateful to all of you for your commitment. If you have any questions, please see a member of the Stewardship Committee or visit www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/stewardship.

Philoptochos Turkey Fundraiser - Thank You!

The Ladies Philoptochos would like to thank everyone who has donated to their Annual Turkey Fundraiser for their kindness and generosity. Because of you, 19 families will have a brighter Christmas and, because of you, 3 school backpack initiatives, 2 women’s shelters, and 3 food pantries will benefit.  If you have not yet sent in your donation, there is still time to support this worthy cause.  Checks can be made payable to "Holy Trinity Philoptochos" with “Turkey Fundraiser” written on the memo line and mailed to the church office. Thank you very much!

[Dec 8, 13, 14] Christmas Pageant Rehearsals

This year’s Christmas pageant will once again be an “all new” Holy Trinity production, so everyone will need to be there for rehearsals. It’s going to be exciting, so please don’t miss out!

Sun. Dec. 8: Rehearsal will take place for grades 7-12 following Divine Liturgy and Church School. Please plan on staying until 12:30pm after Liturgy to make sure everything is completed. Teachers will have specific information for their classes.

Fri. Dec. 13: Rehearsal for grades 7-12 will take place during the GOYA Bread baking evening. All teens are asked to be there to help bake and rehearse.

Sat. Dec. 14: The complete cast rehearsal for the Holy Trinity Church School Christmas Pageant will be held on Saturday morning, December 14.

• From 9:00am to 10:00am, Pre-School through Sixth grades will rehearse their parts.
• From 9:00 am to 10:00am, the Junior Choir will rehearse their songs.
• From 9:00am to 10:00am, the instrumental musicians will rehearse their performance.
• From 9:30am to 11:00am, all 7^th – 12^th grades will rehearse the pageant.
• Also note: “Bonus” attendance credit will be given for all students who participate that day.

[Dec 11, 20] Philoptochos Baking Dates

We will be preparing homemade pastries and breads for our Holiday Bake Sale.  If you are available to help with baking on any of the days, please join us for an hour or more! Don’t know how to make Greek pastries? We offer on the job training!  Any questions? Please call Nicole Steiner 412-781-6109.

• Wednesday, Dec 11: 9:00am-4:00pm Pastry Making     
• Friday, Dec 20: 9:00am-4:00pm Sweet Bread

[Dec 12] Philoptochos Senior Christmas Luncheon

Just a reminder that our annual Philoptochos Senior Christmas Luncheon will be held this Thursday, December 12. The Luncheon will begin at 11:00am in our Grand Room following the 9:30am Feast Day Liturgy of St. Spyridon. Advance registration for this event was required.

[Dec 13] GOYA Christmas Bread Baking

All GOYA teens and any available parents are asked to be on duty for GOYA Christmas Bread baking on Friday, December 13. Parents are asked to come during the daytime starting at 9:00am. Teens are asked to be there after school and through to the end of the job in the evening. There will also be Christmas Pageant rehearsal for grades 7-12 that evening.

[Dec 15] Church School Christmas Pageant           

The Holy Trinity Church School ministry will be offering its annual Christmas Pageant this year on Sunday, December 15. ALL the students of the Church School will be involved in this event. On that day, following Holy Communion, all Church School students and staff will depart for their classes and final preparations for the pageant. All our parishioners are asked to stay for the pageant and coffee hour in the social hall. Also, please note: Coffee Hour that day is sponsored by the Holy Trinity Church School Alumni. Any parents or graduates that would like to help, please contact Presvytera Becky.

[Dec 18] Community Christmas Caroling at Sisters of Divine Providence

Want to get into the Christmas spirit and do a good deed for our neighbors at the same time? How about joining in on a new annual tradition at Holy Trinity Church: Christmas caroling across the street at the Sisters of Divine Providence! These elderly nuns truly enjoy when we come with parishioners of all ages: adults, college students, GOYA, JOY, HOPE…everyone! Meet at 6:30pm on Wednesday, December 18 for a brief practice and then we will head across the way for this wonderful event. Everyone is invited to participate!

Calling All Spero’s Books: Please Come Home in December!

Attention Church School parents and students: Spero needs your help! If you have borrowed any books or DVD’s from the St. Spyridon Children’s Library, please return them by the end of December. That would be a great Christmas gift for Spero! If you cannot locate any books or materials, please see a library staff member about replacing them. Also, if a staff member contacts you about missing materials checked out by your children, please respectfully and responsibly fulfill their request to return or replace them. Many years of development and investment have gone into our Saint Spyridon Library. It is a valuable community resource – let’s respect it and care for it properly. Thank you!

[Dec 22 & Dec 29] No Church School Class

Attention, parents: there will be no Church School class on Sunday, December 22 and Sunday, December 29 due to the holiday celebrations, so please join together and worship as a family on those days.

[Dec 24, 25] Services for the Nativity of Christ

Please remember these festal celebrations for the Nativity of Christ and participate in them with your family. Please note that all Christmas services will be held at Holy Trinity Church.

• Tues. Dec. 24, 9:30 am: Royal Hours of the Nativity
• This special service offers readings, prophecies and hymns which point to and interpret the Divine Incarnation.
• Tues. Dec. 24, 6:30pm: Vesperal Liturgy of the Nativity
• This service “opens the liturgical day” and begins the celebration of the Nativity.  Also, the Holy Trinity Choir will be offering a selection of beautiful Christmas carols following the service. (Note: This IS a Divine Liturgy with the Eucharist. Those wishing to receive Holy Communion need to observe appropriate fasting during the daytime.)
• Wed. Dec. 25. 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: The Nativity
• This is the main service of the Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Open the best gift first by attending Liturgy with your family and receiving the Holy Mysteries together! Make it a family tradition to keep the most important thing about Christmas the most important thing in your home!

[Jan 26] Looking for Holy Trinity’s Top Male Chefs – Rescheduled - SAVE THE DATE!

Mark your calendars for a fun evening feasting on edible creations from our top Holy Trinity Male Chefs! “Men Who Cook” will be held on Sunday, January 26, 2020 in the Grand Room. Join us as Holy Trinity’s most notable men compete for the coveted title of HT’s Top Chef! Guests will visit food stations and be served samples of appetizers, entrees, sides and desserts. Vote for all your favorite chefs via tip jars in this friendly fundraising competition! Reservations are $30.00 per person and are available at www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/events. Proceeds to benefit the HT Capital Campaign, kitchen needs and FOCUS Pittsburgh. If you are interested in competing for the title, please see Kathy Balouris or Karen Georgiadis or email them at social@HolyTrinityPgh.org.  More details to follow!

Holy Trinity’s Connect Center
The “Connect Center” is a great resource and contact display prominently located in the Gallery every Sunday and it is for YOU! The purpose is to help EVERYONE in our Holy Trinity community become more informed about the many ministries and opportunities offered here and to make it easier to become involved in all areas of life at Holy Trinity Church. Want to CONNECT with a person or ministry? We can help!

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.

Visitation Ministry Team Volunteers

The Visitation Ministry is always in need of volunteers to share their talent and time. We need volunteers who may enjoy visiting our homebound family members, designing crafts, baking cookies, transporting individuals to doctor appointments, reading the Bible at the bedside of one who is sick or has poor vision, offering grocery shopping or medication pickup at the local pharmacy, praying for those who are in need, providing a listening ear to those grieving loss, mailing cards to those who need encouragement, and so much more. If you are interested and want to learn more about our Visitation Ministry, please contact Amy Armanious at 412-628-0973 or email visitation@holytrinitypgh.org

Holding a Ministry Activity or Committee Meeting at Church? Reservations Required!

Our community and its ministries are growing! If your ministry or committee is planning a meeting or activity and you are planning to hold it at the church, please note that reservations for rooms and event spaces are required. Please call the Church Office at 412-366-8700 and speak to our Office Administrator, Mary Portellos. There have been times when all the spaces have been filled, so your cooperation helps ensure every group that needs a place has one and helps minimize space conflicts. We have a beautiful facility – let’s work together so everyone who needs it can use it. Thank you!

Sunday Coffee Hour Sponsors

Did you know that sponsoring the Sunday Coffee Hour is not just for Memorials? You can sponsor the Coffee Hour in honor of a loved one’s Birthday, Anniversary, Graduation, Baptism, Chrismation or simply out of love for your parish family. Several families can also go in together to sponsor Coffee Hour. Best of all, you will help to support our Ladies Philoptochos who faithfully take care of providing the Coffee Hour on most Sundays. Please contact Marianne Stearns or the church office for more information. Thank you!

Online Giving Reminder

Holy Trinity Church’s online giving program makes it possible to make contributions of various kinds to Holy Trinity Church online. Our secure system allows you to conveniently make donations online. You can choose to make a one-time contribution or establish a recurring weekly or monthly contribution. Best of all, you don’t need to remember to write a check or bring your offering to church - it’s already taken care of! Payments can be made via checking account, savings account, credit card or debit card. Visit www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/give to get started!

Snow Cancellations – Where to Check

Please keep in mind over the winter months that there are a number of options to hear or read about event or service cancellations in the case of snow or inclement weather on the Holy Trinity "Snow Line." First stop: Check our website at www.HolyTrinityPgh.org. To hear by phone, call the church office (412-366-8700) then press option #8 and listen for a recorded weather cancellation announcement. To get updates by computer or smartphone, there are three options: 1) watch the parish email list for email announcements; 2) check the front page of our website, www.HolyTrinityPgh.org; or 3) friend us on Facebook at Facebook.com/holytrinitypgh. Finally, to get information by radio or television, watch the KDKA Storm Center, as Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church is registered there.

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 stop by our Connect Center located in the Gallery and join us for our Fellowship Coffee 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!

            For those who do receive, please remember the following helpful hints aimed at helping to preserve the solemnity and safety of the Holy Mystery: 1) The Church School Staff only is asked to please proceed first to receive from the left-most chalice so they may depart for their classrooms before their students arrive; 2) All other students, parishioners and Orthodox Christian guests, please remain at your place until you are dismissed by the Parish Council down the center aisle only; 3) We respectfully ask women to remove their lipstick before approaching the Holy Chalice; 4) Please wait in the Holy Communion line reverently, prayerfully and quietly without talking; 5) It is traditional as we approach with awe that we make the sign of the Cross  or bow down with a “metanoia” as an act of humility before the Lord; 5) Be sure to offer your baptismal name to priest before receiving; 6) Please take great care to place the red cloth under your chin and to fully open your mouth so that none of the precious Body and Blood of Christ is accidentally spilled, then to dab your lips on the cloth afterwards so none of the Holy Gifts are left on other objects. Thank you for your cooperation, and may God have mercy on us all!

Upcoming Memorials Dec 22: Freda Boyaci (40 days), Sandra Lolis (40 days) and Pitsa Yeatras (40 days)