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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2021-10-17
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
Allsaint
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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 Eighth Tone

From on high You descended, O merciful One, and accepted the three-day burial to free us from our passions. Glory to You, O Lord, our life and resurrection. (Page 54)

Apolytikion for Sun. of the 7th Ecumenical Council in the Eighth Tone

Most glorified are You, O Christ our God, Who has established our Fathers as luminous stars upon the earth and through them did guide us all to the true Faith. O Most Merciful One, glory to You.

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

October 17

Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council

On the Sunday that falls on or immediately after the eleventh of this month, we chant the Service to the 350 holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council, which gathered in Nicaea in 787 under the holy Patriarch Tarasius and during the reign of the Empress Irene and her son, Constantine Porphyrogenitus, to refute the Iconoclast heresy, which had received imperial support beginning with the Edict issued in 726 by Emperor Leo the Isaurian. Many of the holy Fathers who condemned Iconoclasm at this holy Council later died as Confessors and Martyrs for the holy Icons during the second assult of Iconoclasm in the ninth century, especially during the reigns of Leo the Armenian and Theophilus.

October 17

Andrew the Righteous Monk-martyr of Crete

Saint Andrew was from the island of Crete, where he lived the monastic life. During the reign of Constantine Copronymus, he came to Constantinople and suffered many things in defence of the veneration of the holy icons. Finally, he was dragged through the market, bound by the feet, one of which was severed by a fishmonger wielding a cleaver, and thus the Saint surrendered his spirit unto God in the year 761. His sacred relics were buried at a certain place called "The Judgment."

October 17

Holy Martyrs Cosmas and Damian of Arabia

The Martyrs and Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian were physicians in Arabia, who believed in Christ. They traveled through the cities and the villages, preaching Christ and healing the sick. The saints would not take any sort of payment for the help they rendered. In Cilicia, pagans seized the holy physicians and led them before the governor, Lysias. Since they refused to renounce Christianity, the governor ordered the saints to be brutally beaten, and then cast into the sea. An angel of God rescued them from the sea and brought them to shore. Then the pagans beheaded the saints and three other Christians: Leontius, Anthimus, and Eutropius. The Unmercenary Saints Cosmas and Damian of Arabia should not be confused with the Unmercenary Saints Cosmas and Damian of Asia Minor (November 1), or the Unmercenary Saints Cosmas and Damian of Rome (July 1).

October 17

Hosea the Prophet

According to some, Hosea, whose name means "God is help," was from the tribe of Issachar, or more likely, from that of Reuben; he was the son of Beeri. He is the first in order of the twelve minor Prophets and the most ancient of all. He prophesied in the days of the divided Kingdom; the Lord told him to take a harlot to wife (Hosea 1:2), and then an adulteress (ibid., 3:1). The harlot, a known sinner, was a figure of the Kingdom of Israel in Samaria, which openly worshipped idols; the adulteress, lawfully married yet sinning secretly with her lovers, was a figure of the Kingdom of Judah in Jerusalem, which, while having the Temple, and the priesthood, and the divine worship according to the Law, stealthily served the idols also. The Prophet Hosea prophesied for sixty years, and lived for some ninety years, from 810 to 720 B.C. His book is divided into fourteen chapters.

October 17

Removal and Placing of the Sacred Relics of the Holy and Righteous Lazarus

The Transfer of the relics of Righteous Lazarus of the Four Days, Bishop of Kiteia on Cyprus, took place in the ninth century. The Righteous Saint Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary, lived in the village of Bethany, not far from Jerusalem. During His earthly life the Lord Jesus Christ often visited the house of Lazarus, whom He much loved and called His friend (John 11:3,11), and when Lazarus had died and lain four days already in the grave, the Lord raised him from the dead (John 11:1-44). (The Church remembers Saint Lazarus on the Saturday of the Sixth Week of Great Lent, “Lazarus Saturday.”)

Many of the Jews, when they heard about this, came to Bethany. Being persuaded of the reality of this most remarkable wonder, they became followers of Christ. Righteous Lazarus is mentioned in the Holy Gospel once more: when the Lord had come again to Bethany six days before the Passover, Lazarus was also there (John 12:1-2, 12:9-11). After his raising, Saint Lazarus lived another thirty years as a bishop on the island of Cyprus, where he spread Christianity and peacefully fell asleep in the Lord. The holy relics of Saint Lazarus were discovered in Kiteia. They were within a marble coffin, upon which was inscribed: “Lazarus of the Four-Days, the friend of Christ.” The Byzantine emperor Leo the Wise (886-911) gave orders to transfer the relics of Saint Lazarus to Constantinople in the year 898 and place them within the church of the Righteous Lazarus.

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Tone. Daniel 3.26,27.
Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers.
Verse: For you are just in all you have done.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to Titus 3:8-15.

Titus, my son, the saying is sure. I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men. But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned.

When I send Artemas or Tychicos to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not to be unfruitful.

All who are with me send greeting to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council
The Reading is from Luke 8:5-15

The Lord said this parable: "A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold." And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, he said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. And as for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience." As he said these things, he cried out "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

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Bulletin Inserts

    Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, October 17, 2021

    Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, October 17, 2021

    Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, October 17, 2021

    Holy Trinity E-Giving Guide

    Holy Trinity E-Giving Guide

    We have expanded our opportunities to do so and now have a number of ways. The first way is that you can continue to bring or mail your donations to the church using the offering/capital campaign envelopes. The second way is Give By Web - the online method on the church’s website. Go to HolyTrinityPgh.org/give, or from the home page click on the Online Giving Tab, then click Give and simply enter your information. The third way is Give By Text, which is as easy as sending a text with the amount you would like to donate to 833-955-2176. You will receive a confirmation link immediately via text. The fourth way is Give By App using the Vanco GivePlus app, found in the App Store and on Google Play. Find information on it and more at HolyTrinityPgh.org/give-info.

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Wisdom of the Fathers

For by seed here He means His doctrine, and by land, the souls of men, and by the sower, Himself .... For as the sower makes no distinction in the land submitted to him, but simply and indifferently casts his seed; so He Himself too makes no distinction of rich and poor, of wise and unwise, of slothful or diligent, of brave or cowardly; but He discourses unto all, fulfilling His part, although foreknowing the results.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 44 on Matthew 12, 4th Century

When you see life's pleasures, beware that they might not distract you, for they conceal death's snares. Likewise a fisherman casts not his hook to no purpose. As bait for his hook, the enemy uses the delusion of sensuality to arouse desire, that he might thereby catch men's souls and subject them to himself. A soul which has been caught to serve the enemy's will then serves as a snare for other souls, for it conceals the grief of sin with its apparent delight.
St. Ephraim the Syrian
A Spiritual Psalter no 43, pg. 74, 4th century

His is truly the Sower of all that is good, and we are His farm. The whole harvest of spiritual fruits is by Him and from Him. He taught us this when He said, 'Without me you can do nothing.'
St. Cyril of Alexandria
Commentary on Luke, Homily 41. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol: Luke. Downer's Grove: Intervarsity Press, 132.

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Parish News and Events

TODAY’S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

 

Memorials Today

Memorial prayers will be offered at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy today for the repose of the souls of the servants of God, Mary Z. Panos (40 days) and Nellie S. Saba (1 year). May their memory be eternal! The Panos family is sponsoring the Coffee Hour today.

 

Church School Continues Today

Church School begins at 9:30am with Divine Liturgy and the children’s sermon, followed by classes after Holy Communion. Let's make sure all our parish's children are here and ready to start the school year right by arriving on time for Divine Liturgy at 9:30am and hearing the Church School message following the Gospel. Communion/Dismissal from Liturgy reminder: At the time of Holy Communion 1) The Church School Staff only is asked to please proceed first to receive from the left chalice so they may depart for their classrooms before their students arrive; 2) All Church School students will then be dismissed by the Parish Council down the center aisle only. 3) All other parishioners and Orthodox Christian guests will then be dismissed by the Parish Council down the center aisle only. Thank you for your cooperation!

 

Church School Class Dismissal Times – NOTE CHANGE OF DISMISSAL TIME TO 11:15!
A message from our Church School Staff to all parents: Please assist us in offering our children the time to fully participate in their lessons each Sunday by allowing them to remain in class until the end of the session. IMPORTANT: ALL CLASSES CONCLUDE AT 11:15am. Parents of Pre-School (only) students should go to the upper level of the Education Center to pick up their children at 11:15 by using the Education Center stairs in the Gallery near the Bookstore. Parents of all other students are asked to wait for their children downstairs in the Gallery or Grand Room during Coffee Hour. Church School snacks are now located in the first floor hall outside the Fireside Room. Thank you for your cooperation and support.

 

Church School Registration for 2021-2022 Continues for New and Returning Students
Registration for Church School classes for 2021-2022 continues. If your children are not registered, you may sign them up by visiting Presvytera Becky in Conference Room A at the conclusion of classes (11:15am).

 

Church School Snack Signup for Parents

All Church School families are asked to sign up for hosting one Church School snacks Sunday. Even if there are multiple children in a family, each family is asked to pick just one Sunday. A list is available in the Gallery following Divine Liturgy.

 

Philoptochos Meeting Today

There will be a brief Philoptochos meeting today in the Grand Room following Divine Liturgy. New members are welcome!

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Services This Week

- Monday, October 18, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Divine Liturgy – St. Luke the Evangelist. (Saint George Chapel)

 

[Oct 24] Youth Sunday / GOYA Fall Fest “Grab and Eat” Sale

Next Sunday, Holy Trinity Church will highlight and feature the young people of our community taking on the responsibilities of the Parish Council and Hospitality Ministry. Three of our young members will also be delivering the youth sermons on that day: HOPE: Stephanie Stepanow; JOY: Athan Lupnacca; and GOYA: Alex Tomalski. In addition, the GOYA will be offering food and baked goods in “Grab and Eat” pre-packed packages for their Fall Fest during Coffee Hour. Thank you for supporting our teens. They love serving this church and greatly appreciate when you support them, too!

 

[Nov 1] Bereavement Ministry Meeting

Please make plans to join us for our next monthly group gathering on Monday, November 1. The Holy Trinity Bereavement Support Ministry Team provides spiritual care to our parishioners and their extended family & friends in times of grief and loss of a loved one. Fellowship & Light Refreshments begin at 6:30pm followed by Group Support, Learning and Conversation from 7:00-8:00pm. All are welcome to participate in group sharing or observe through quiet time with others who care. To learn more about our Bereavement Support Ministry and/or our private support sessions, please contact Amy Armanious at visitation@HolyTrinityPgh.org

 

[Nov 19-21] GOYA Fall Retreat

The annual Metropolis GOYA Fall Retreat will be held at Camp Nazareth from November 19-21. Holy Trinity GOYAns may at no charge by using the Scholarship code “GFHT21”. Please visit y2am.pittsburgh.goarch.org to register.

 

Calling All Spero’s Books: Please Come Home!

Hi! We are happy to be back open for the 2021-22 school year and look forward to seeing all Spero's precious children! Please help us find all the missing books from Spero's Church School Lending Library. Many of our students borrowed books prior to the pandemic and we need them to keep our library running. Please check around your home and cars to see if any books belonging to Spero are still with you. If you find any, please put them in the Spero's Library return box at the top of the Church School stairs so we can get them ready for other children to enjoy.  Remember that Spero needs the books returned before you can borrow another one and he doesn't want you to miss out on the fun of reading!

 

Visitation Ministry Needs Your Help This Fall

Currently, our Visitation Ministry Team is in need of drivers to help parishioners with medical appointments, shopping, local errands and pharmacy drive thru. If anyone can assist, please contact Amy Armanious at visitation@holytrinitypgh.org or see Amy at coffee hour. Any helping hands are appreciated. Thank you!

 

Christmas Gift Collection for the Residents of Kane Community Living Center in Ross Township

Spread the joy of the Nativity by offering gifts of love to the residents of Kane Community Living Center! Requested new personal items include: Fleece Blankets, Easy Adult Coloring Books, Large Print Word Search Books, Colored Pencils, Hand Lotion, Lip Balm, Brushes/Combs, Hair Ties, Headbands, Bite Size Candy, Snack Size bags of Chips, Pretzels, Cookies, etc. (Hint; many of these items can be purchased in bulk at the Dollar Tree Store, Costco, or Sam’s Club). Please deliver items to Holy Trinity no later than Sunday, December 5. No need to wrap! A collection bin will be placed in the Gallery. Thank you!

 

Holy Trinity Church Completion and 2023 Consecration Campaign: Have You Pledged Yet?

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 2021-2023.  If you need a new Stewardship card to fill in the center section, please see Jim Balouris, Charlie Petredis or George Dickos or stop in the Church Office. The most important aspect of this Campaign is participation by everyone! Please do your part as a member of the Holy Trinity family on this important project – you will be glad you did!  If there are any questions in the meantime, please see Jim, Charlie, or George above.  May God continue to richly bless His Holy Church!

 

Stewardship Update

Although we are three-quarters through the year, we are still seeking 2021 Stewardship pledge cards from all our parishioners. If you have not yet received a 2021 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. And remember, a signed pledge card is required as part of maintaining your membership in good standing at Holy Trinity each year. We are grateful for your commitment. Questions? Contact Stewardship Co-chairmen Mike Kritiotis or Ted Stewart or email stewardship@HolyTrinityPgh.org.

 

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!

Order of receiving: 1) The Church School Staff only is asked to please proceed first to receive from the left chalice so they may depart for their classrooms before their students arrive; 2) All Church School students will then be dismissed by the Parish Council down the center aisle only. 3) All other parishioners and Orthodox Christian guests will then be dismissed by the Parish Council down the center aisle only.

How to receive: Please remember the following helpful hints aimed at helping to preserve the solemnity and safety of the Holy Mystery. In approaching the Holy Chalice, we respectfully ask anyone wearing a mask to fully remove it as you approach the Holy Gifts and do not replace it until you have received antidoron, so that the Body and Blood of Christ are not spread on the mask and discarded. Also, anyone wearing lipstick should remove it before receiving. For all those receiving, please wait in the Holy Communion line reverently, prayerfully, and quietly without talking. 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. Be sure to offer your baptismal name to priest before receiving. Please take great care that the red cloth is fully under your chin and to 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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