August 03
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2025-08-03
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
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
General Information
- Phone:
- (412)366-8700
- Fax:
- (412)366-8710
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Street Address:
- 985 Providence Blvd.
- Pittsburgh, PA 15237-5951
Contact Information
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
- Publish Date:
- 2025-07-27
- Publish Date:
- 2025-07-20
- Publish Date:
- 2025-07-13
- Publish Date:
- 2025-07-06
- Publish Date:
- 2025-06-29
- Publish Date:
- 2025-06-22
Hymns of the Day
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Seventh Tone
The By Your Cross You destroyed death and to the thief You opened paradise. You transformed the sorrow of the Myrrh-bearers, and commanded the Apostles to proclaim that You have risen from the dead, Christ our God, granting the world great mercy. (Page 53)
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 Seventh Tone
You were transfigured on the mountain, O Christ our God, and Your disciples beheld Your glory as far as they could bear. Thus, when they see You crucified, they may understand Your voluntary passion, and proclaim to the world that You are truly the brightness of the Father.
Saints and Feasts
August 03
Isaacius, Dalmatus, & Faustus, Ascetics of the Dalmation Monastery
Of these, Saint Isaacius is celebrated also on May 30. He became a monk at an early age and was a worker of every virtue; a zealot for the Orthodox Faith, he was also deemed worthy of the gift of prophecy. The Saint dwelt in a small hut near Constantinople. When Valens the Arian marched against the Goths, who were at the Danube River, this righteous one went out himself to meet the Emperor and, taking in hand the reins of the Emperor's horse, said to him with boldness that God had incited the barbarians to come against him, since he himself had incited many to speak against God in blasphemy, and had driven God's true worshippers out of the divine houses of prayer. Furthermore, he told him, if he ceased fighting against God by means of heresy and returned the good shepherds (that is, the Orthodox bishops) to the flock of Christ, he would easily gain the victory over his enemies. However, if he did not desist from these things, nor have God as his ally, at the very outset of the battle both he and his army would certainly be destroyed. "Learn from experience," he said, "that it is hard to kick against the pricks. Thou shalt not return, and this expedition will be destroyed." But the Emperor became angry and had the righteous one locked in prison that he might punish him and put him to death on his return after he conquered the barbarians. But he was utterly defeated and was burned alive in a certain village in the year 378 (Theodoret of Cyrrhus, Eccl. Hist., ch. 4: 31-32). When his surviving soldiers returned from the war, wishing to tempt the Saint, they came to him and said, "Prepare to make thy defense before the Emperor, who is coming to fulfil what he spoke against thee." But the Saint answered, "It has already been seven days that I smelled the stink of his bones, which were burned in the fire." Thus the righteous one was released from prison. All marveled because of his prophecy, and he became even more wondrous by means of the zeal he displayed in behalf of Orthodoxy in 381, when the Second Ecumenical Council was convoked. After this, a monastery was built in Constantinople for him, and he piously shepherded those struggling with him in asceticism. Having served as an example of the monastic life for them, he reposed in peace about the end of the fourth century, leaving Dalmatus as his successor.
As for Saint Dalmatus, he was at first a soldier in the second division of the soldiers known as the Scholarii. Later, however, he forsook all things and taking his son Faustus, went to the above-mentioned monastery of Saint Isaacius, where he donned the monastic habit. Through his virtue he became venerable in the sight of all. He was present at the Third Ecumenical Council that was convoked in Ephesus in 431, and there displayed his zeal for Orthodoxy against Nestorius. The Council elected him Archimandrite of the monasteries in Constantinopie. Having lived for more than eighty years, he reposed in the Lord.
August 03
Salome the Holy Myrrhbearer
St. Salome (Salómē) was the was the wife of Zebedee and the mother of the holy Apostles James and John. She was one of the women who followed Christ and ministered to Him from their own means, even until His Crucifixion and Burial. On the third day they went to the tomb to anoint His body, they did not lose their faith in Him, nor did they fear the Jewish rulers. Salome was also one of the Holy Myrrhbearing women to whom the Angel revealed Christ's Resurrection. After the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, Salome continued to distinguish herself by her zeal and her almsgiving. The persecution of the Jerusalem Church caused Salome great sorrow. Her final heartbreak was when Herod beheaded her eldest son James (Acts 12:2). But Christ strengthened her, and in the hope of resurrection to everlasting life, she surrendered her soul in peace.
August 03
Theoctistus the Wonderworker
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Epistle Reading
Prokeimenon. Seventh Tone. Psalm 28.11,1.
The Lord will give strength to his people.
Verse: Bring to the Lord, O sons of God, bring to the Lord honor and glory.
The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 1:10-17.
Brethren, I appeal to you by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brethren. What I mean is that each one of you says, "I belong to Paul," or "I belong to Apollos," or "I belong to Cephas," or "I belong to Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispos and Gaius; lest any one should say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any one else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
Gospel Reading
8th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 14:14-22
At that time, Jesus saw a great throng; and he had compassion on them, and healed their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a lonely place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves." Jesus said, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat." They said to him, "We have only five loaves here and two fish." And he said, "Bring them here to me." Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass; and taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke and gave the loaves to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Then he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.
Bulletin Inserts
Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, August 3, 2025
Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, August 3, 2025
Wisdom of the Fathers
For being twelve, they had five loaves only and two fishes; so secondary to them were the things of the body: so did they cling to the things spiritual only. And not even that little did they hold fast, but gave up even it when asked.
Homily 49 on Matthew 14, 4th Century
And another thing too we learn, the self-restraint of the disciples which they practised in necessary things, and how little they accounted of food.
Homily 49 on Matthew 14, 4th Century
Parish News and Events
TODAY'S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Installation of Philoptochos Board and Officers Today
Following today’s Divine Liturgy, the Board and Officers of our Holy Trinity Ladies Philoptochos will be installed. They are as follows: Sherry Clayton (President), Penny Balouris (Vice President), Pam Bolkovac (Treasurer), Sandy Schall (Assistant Treasurer), Nicole Steiner (Recording Secretary), Anna Halkias (Corresponding Secretary), Marianne Stearns (Past President), Board Members: Kay Balouris, Connee Bistolas-Walters, Athena Bober, Marianne Bonfield, Cindy (Morris) Criss, Carole Labiaux, Anita Maier, and Tasy McCann. Congratulations to all! Please offer them your support and prayers as they continue to serve the poor, the needy and the Holy Church of Christ in the Lord.
Hospitality Hour Sponsors
Today’s Hospitality Hour is being sponsored by the Jewell Family and the Petredis Family. Thank you!
UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
[Aug 1-14] Fasting and Schedule of Paraclesis Services
The Church observes the holy season of the Theotokos, August 1-14, with both prayer and fasting. During that time, we are in a strict fast period in honor of the Theotokos and Mother of God in preparation for her feast of Koimissis (Dormition or Falling Asleep in the Lord) on August 15. According to the canons of the Church, this is a time when we abstain from all meat, dairy, fish, wine, and olive oil. Adding the complete purpose to this spiritual preparation, of course, is our participation in an increased prayer life, including the Paraclesis services, Holy Confession, and personal prayer. "Paraclesis Services" are beautiful sung services asking for the prayers and intercessions of the Theotokos to her Son and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Please complete a Paraclesis Names Form to submit prayers for your loved ones and bring it to the services. A copy of the Paraclesis Names Form was included in the June-August edition of the Herald. Additional copies can be found at the church office window or at holytrinitypgh.org/documents/worship. Parishioners are encouraged to attend all Paraclesis services, which will be held beginning at 6:30pm at the St. George Chapel located at 8941 Ringeisen Rd, Allison Park, PA 15101. The schedule of the remaining services is as follows:
· Monday, August 4
· Friday, August 8
· Monday, August 11
Wednesday, August 13
[Aug 8] Holy Trinity Hosting Regional Paraclesis Service for Metropolis Youth
The Metropolis of Pittsburgh Youth and Young Adult Ministries Office is once again coordinating Paraclesis to the Theotokos services in the three regions of the Metropolis to give our youth from various parishes an opportunity to come together again and offer this beautiful service they have come to love so much at camp. This year the Central Region service is being hosted by Holy Trinity Church at our Saint George Chapel on Friday, August 8, at 6:30pm. In addition to hosting young people from the area, it is obviously important that the youth of Holy Trinity attend to participate in worship and to be gracious hosts for the young people of our sister communities. All Holy Trinity HOPE, JOY and GOYA youth and their families are invited and encouraged to attend. Let’s open the arms of Holy Trinity hospitality to our brothers and sisters!
Upcoming Greek Dance Troupe Practice Schedule
Our Dance Troupe continues to practice in preparation for their festival performances. If you have any questions, please reach out to Victoria (412.496.9128) or Eleni (412.953.3699). The groups are as follows: HOPE- 5 years old-2nd grade, JOY-3rd grade to 6th grade, GOYA 7th grade-12th grade. The practice schedule is below.
- Sun, Aug 3: ALL Groups, Hospitality Hour
- Thu, Aug 7: ALL Groups, 6pm
- Sun, Aug 10: ALL Groups, Hospitality Hour
- Wed, Aug 13: ALL Groups, 6pm
- Sun, Aug 17: ALL Groups, Hospitality Hour
- Tue, Aug 19: ALL Groups, 6pm
- Sun, Aug 24: ALL Groups, Hospitality Hour
[Aug 5] Great Vespers and Blessing of First Fruits for the Feast of the Transfiguration
We will celebrate the Great Vespers of the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on the evening of August 5, and in keeping with the wonderful tradition of the Blessing of the Fruits on the feast, it is customary to bring a tray of washed grapes or fruit to be blessed and distributed at the end of the service. In the days of a farming society, this was the first offering back to God from the harvest. Even though they are most often bought from a grocery store today, we should not lose touch with the idea of offering back to God the first fruits of all our blessings! The service will be held at 6:30pm on Tuesday, August 5 at our St. George Chapel (8941 Ringeisen Rd, Allison Park, PA 15101), followed by the Blessing of the First Fruits.
[Aug 6] Divine Liturgy of the Transfiguration at Holy Transfiguration Monastery
The Sisters of the Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration in Ellwood City, PA invite you to attend their Annual Pilgrimage and Patronal Feast on Wednesday, August 6. His Grace, the Right Reverend Benedict, Bishop of Hartford and New England (OCA) will serve as the presiding Hierarch at the 9:30am Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Lunch will follow. The Sacrament of Holy Unction will be offered at 2:30pm, with the singing of the Paraklesis Hymns to the Mother of God. All services will be held outdoors. Reservations are not required. The monastery is located at 321 Monastery Ln, Ellwood City, PA 16117. For additional information please visit www.OrthodoxMonasteryEllwoodCity.org.
[Aug 5] Message from North Hills Community Outreach – One Day Giving Event with Matching Funds!
On Tuesday, August 5, NHCO is participating in the Pittsburgh Foundation’s Critical Needs Day, a one-day giving event that strengthens the essential safety net of human services in Allegheny County. Every donation of $25 or more will be partially matched from a $500,000 incentive pool, multiplying your impact! You don’t have to wait - you can schedule your gift today to be counted on Critical Needs Day. Visit www.PittsburghGives.org to schedule your donation. Thank you for helping to improve the quality of life for so many in our very own community. Your generosity matters more than ever!
[Aug 10] Hospitality Hour – Open Table Next Sunday – Please Bring a Lenten Item to Share!
When there is no ministry or memorial hosting Hospitality Hour following Sunday Divine Liturgy, we offer “Open Table Sundays,” on which we ask parishioners to please bring something small to share on platter and place it on the table in the Gallery. The next “Open Table Sunday” is scheduled for Sunday, August 10. Please remember this is a Lenten period, so refrain from meat, dairy, fish, cheese, etc. Also, we need folks to help set up & clean up on that day. Please note that we still need Hospitality Hour hosts for August 17 & August 24. Questions? Contact Stacy Dickos at 412-298-9409 or email [email protected]
[Aug 14-15] Services for the Falling Asleep (Koimissis) of the Theotokos
Please note services offered in celebration of the Feast of the Falling Asleep (Koimissis) of the Theotokos:
· Thursday, August 14, Great Vespers at our sister parishes of the Holy Dormition in Oakmont (6:00pm) and Komissis Tis Theotokou in Aliquippa (6:30pm). Note: Both parishes feature the beautiful hymns before the Tomb of the Theotokos and a procession around the Church.
· Friday, August 15, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: Services will be held at our Saint George Chapel (8941 Ringeisen Rd, Allison Park) for those who wish to attend locally, and at both Oakmont and Aliquippa as well.
[Aug 23] Metropolis of Pittsburgh - GOMOPalooza Music & Arts Festival
Metropolitan Savas invites you to attend the 2nd Annual GOMOPalooza Music & Arts Festival on Saturday, August 23 from 11:00am - 9:00pm. Featuring: Bands, Solo Acts, Arts & Crafts, 2 Music Stages, Kids Games, Food & Beverages. Fun for all the family! Free admission & parking. Location: St. Demetrios Community Center, 3223 Atlantic St NE, Warren, OH 44483
[Aug 28-31] Holy Trinity’s Taste of Greece – Your Help is Really Needed!
Please mark Labor Day Weekend, Thursday, August 28, through Sunday, August 31 on your calendar for our 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! Sign up at www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/volunteer or scan this QR Code. Thank you, good and faithful servants of Christ! We can’t do it without you!
Festival Ads Available: Space is Waiting for You!
The Festival Ad Book is back and it’s looking for your support. Please consider placing a business ad or a personal/family listing. Ads start at $175 for a quarter-page and go to $550 for a full-page, with premium color pages also available at higher prices. A patron line is available for only $50. Application Forms were included in the June-August edition of the Herald and can also be found at the church office window. For more info, please email [email protected]
Festival Aprons – Place Your Order Now!
Show your Holy Trinity spirit by wearing a festival apron while you work! Royal blue aprons, embroidered with our festival logo, are available in two lengths. The regular length apron (31”) is $18 and the extra-long length (34”) is $21. Aprons can be monogrammed with your name for an additional $4. To receive your apron in time for the festival, your order must be placed by Sunday, Aug. 17th. Please contact Paula Valliant at [email protected] to place your order.
Help Spread the Word About our Taste of Greece Festival with Lawn Signs!
You are an important part of the advertising for our 2025 Taste of Greece Festival! If you still have your yard signs from last year with days listed as THURSDAY thru Sunday, now is the time to pull them out and display them! (Please do not use older signs that list a Wednesday start.) Please note that McCandless Township does not permit signs to be placed on public property - only private property with the owner’s permission. All signs must be placed at least 5 ft from the pavement.
[Sept 6] Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery – Feast Day Services
Gerontissa Theophano and the Sisters invite you to attend the Feast Day services of the Nativity of the Theotokos on Saturday, September 6, beginning at 9:00am; Hours, Divine Liturgy and Lunch to follow. Home-made pastries, frappes and items made by the sisters will also be available for purchase. Please RSVP, so that the Monastery can provide adequate hospitality, via email at: [email protected] or by phone at 724-352-3999. Visitors should be dressed modestly for all visits to the Monastery (121 St Elias Ln, Saxonburg, PA 16056). If you are unable to attend, please consider helping the Sisters to complete their new Monastery Church. You can make an online charitable contribution at www.nativityofthetheotokosmonastery.org/donate or simply mail your check to the address listed above.
Stewardship 2025 – We Reached the Summit – Let’s Be Sure Not to Slide Back Down!
This year, let’s maintain and grow as our theme for 2025 calls us to be “Stewards of God’s Blessings.” Have you submitted your 2025 pledge yet? Whether new or renewing your pledge, there are two ways: 1) Use a 2025 Stewardship pledge card or 2) Go online to your Holy Trinity Realm account (see below) at HolyTrinityPgh.org/pledge. And there are many ways to give: in person via cash; in person or by mail via check; online at HolyTrinityPgh.org/give; via text by texting HOLYTRINITYPGH to 73256; via the Realm app on your phone; and the giving kiosk in the Narthex. Remember, it is a lifetime commitment to keep Holy Trinity Church vibrant, growing and bearing witness to Holy Orthodoxy for all!
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!
Youth Safety Certification Reminder for Adults
Youth Protection Policy Note: All adults involved with youth ministry contact will need to complete the youth safety and protection requirements of the “Policies for the Safety of Youth and Children” of the Archdiocese, Metropolis and Holy Trinity Church. Are you not yet certified? Do you have any questions? Please see our parish Youth Safety Coordinator Victoria Ambrose or email [email protected].
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!
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 us know that you're here. And please be sure to stay and enjoy our after-Liturgy Hospitality Hour!
About Receiving Holy Communion in the Orthodox Church
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. Please also join our parish family for Hospitality Hour 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, then use the centuries-old practice of receiving: please fully open your mouth, then gently close your lips to make sure the Holy Gifts are securely in your mouth and so that none of the holy and precious Body and Blood of Christ is accidentally spilled. Thank you for your cooperation, and may God have mercy on us all!
Upcoming Memorial: August 10, Anthony Pickios (1 year)