August 12
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2018-08-12
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:
- office@holytrinitypgh.org
- 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:
- 2018-08-05
- Publish Date:
- 2018-07-29
- Publish Date:
- 2018-07-22
- Publish Date:
- 2018-07-15
- Publish Date:
- 2018-07-08
- Publish Date:
- 2018-07-01
Hymns of the Day
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Tone
When You descended into death, O Life immortal, You destroyed Hades with the splendor of Your divinity. And when You raised the dead from the depths of darkness, all the heavenly powers shouted: O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory to You! (Page 52)
Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Transfiguration in the Seventh Tone
You were transfigured on the mountain, O Christ our God, showing to Your disciples Your glory, as much as they could bear. Shine also upon us sinners with Your everlasting light, through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Giver of Light, Glory to You! (Page 69)
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 12
Afterfeast of the Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
August 12
Palamon, Elder of Saint Pachomius the Great
August 12
The Holy Martyrs Photius and Anicetus of Nicomedia
These Martyrs contested in Nicomedia about the year 288. When Diocletian stirred up his persecution of the Christians, Anicetus presented himself openly and said that all who worship idols are blind and senseless. He was beaten with rods so ruthlessly that his bones appeared from the rents and wounds in his flesh. As he was suffering further torments, his nephew Photius came and embraced him, calling him his father and his uncle. He was also put to many tortures with him. They were then imprisoned together for three years. Finally they were cast into a furnace, where they gave up their spirits, and their bodies were preserved unharmed. Saint Anicetus is one of the Holy Unmercenaries.
August 12
Sergios, Stephen and Kastor
August 12
Soldier-martyrs of Crete
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Epistle Reading
Prokeimenon. Second Tone. Psalm 117.14,18.
The Lord is my strength and my song.
Verse: The Lord has chastened me sorely.
The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 9:2-12.
Brethren, you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. This is my defense to those who would examine me. Do we not have the right to our food and drink? Do we not have the right to be accompanied by a sister as wife, as the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? Do I say this on human authority? Does not the law say the same? For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain." Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of a share in the crop. If we have sown spiritual good among you, is it too much if we reap your material benefits? If others share this rightful claim upon you, do not we still more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.
Gospel Reading
11th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 18:23-35
The Lord said this parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, 'Pay what you owe.' So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his lord delivered him to the torturers, till he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."
Bulletin Inserts
Pave a New Path in Holy Trinity's History
Be a part of Holy Trinity's historical footprint by purchasing a paver for yourself and/or your loved ones.
Holy Trinity's Taste of Greece
Wednesday, August 29 through Sunday, September 2, 2018.
Wisdom of the Fathers
Two things therefore does He here require, both to condemn ourselves for our sins, and to forgive others; ... and not merely to forgive with the lips, but from the heart.
Homily 61 on Matthew 18, 4th Century
When then you are minded to be revengeful, consider that against yourself are you revengeful, not against another; that you art binding up your own sins, not your neighbors ....
Homily 61 on Matthew 18, 4th Century
Wherefore then did He not do this, nor forgive the debt before the account? Desiring to teach him, from how many obligations He is delivering him, that in this way at least he might become more mild towards his fellow servant .... He gave more than he asked, remission and forgiveness of the entire debt.
Homily 61 on Matthew 18, 4th Century
Do we forgive our neighbors their trespasses? God also forgives us in His mercy. Do we refuse to forgive? God, too, will refuse to forgive us. As we treat our neighbors, so also does God treat us. The forgiveness, then, of your sins or unforgiveness, and hence also your salvation or destruction, depend on you yourself, man. For without forgiveness of sins there is no salvation.
Unknown, 18th century
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, Joann Pappas (40 Days) and Homer Johnson (2 years). Coffee Hour will be sponsored today by the Pappas and Johnson families. May their memory be eternal!
Back to School Backpack Program
Holy Trinity’s GOYA is working with FOCUS Pittsburgh this summer to provide children in need with Back to School Backpacks, filled with necessary school supplies. We were allocated 48 backpacks and have chosen a close-to-home elementary school to work with: Manchester Academic Charter School, on the city’s North Side (whose principal is our own Vas Scoumis). Please look for the backpacks and thank you for being generous by participating in this worthy cause.
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) of the Theotokos 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. All parishioners are encouraged to attend all services, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Saint George Chapel (8941 Ringeisen Road). Please complete a Paraclesis Names Form to submit prayers for your loved ones and bring it to the services at the Chapel. The final service is scheduled for tomorrow:
- Monday, August 13 (Special “Back to School/Off to College” prayers offered for students)
[Aug 14-15] Services for the Falling Asleep (Koimissis) of the Theotokos
Please note the following schedule of services in celebration of the Feast of the Falling Asleep (Koimissis/Dormition) of the Theotokos.
- Tuesday, August 14, 7:00pm: Great Vespers at our sister parishes of the Holy Dormition in Oakmont and Komissis Tis Theotokou in Aliquippa. Note: Both parishes feature the beautiful hymns before the Tomb of the Theotokos and a procession around the Church.
- Wednesday, August 15, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: Services will be held at our Saint George Chapel for those who wish to attend locally, and at both Oakmont and Aliquippa who wish to attend there.
Upcoming Greek Dance Practice Schedule
Please plan on having your children attend as many of the Greek Dance teaching sessions as possible. The HOPE dance group (kindergarten through second grade) will be taught by Eleni Dedousis (412-953-3699). The GOYA dance group will be taught by Victoria Andromalos-Dale (412-496-9128). The JOY dance group (third through sixth grade) will be taught by both Eleni and Victoria. Dance practice for JOY & GOYA will be every Tuesday at the church from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm. The first 45 minutes of practice will focus on dances for the JOY group and the last 45 minutes will focus on dances for GOYA, but dancers are invited and encouraged to attend the entire practice! The dances will all have new choreography and special additions, so practice is mandatory. Please arrive 5 minutes early and wear comfortable athletic attire. No flip flops allowed in class. Children must attend practice to be fitted for costumes. The fittings will need to be completed before the last 3 mandatory practices. Please feel free to reach out with any questions. We are so excited to share some new ideas and fun dances with our community! Here is the practice schedule:
- Sunday, August 12 – HOPE & JOY following Liturgy
- Tuesday, August 14 - HOPE 6:00pm / JOY 6:30pm / GOYA 7:15pm
- Sunday, August 19 - HOPE & JOY following Liturgy
- Tuesday, August 21- HOPE 6:00pm / JOY 6:30pm / GOYA 7:15pm
- Sunday, August 26 - HOPE & JOY following Liturgy
- Tuesday, August 28 - HOPE 6:00pm / JOY 6:30pm / GOYA 7:15pm
[Aug 26-Aug 28] Festival Pastry Baking, Cutting & Set-Up– Your Help is Needed!
Please mark your calendars and plan to come and help on the following dates. Bring the kids, bring your husbands, bring your wives, bring your friends! All are welcome…no experience necessary. Light and heavy tasks for all. THANK YOU!
- Sunday, August 26, following Liturgy - Baklava baking and pastry room & counter set up
- Monday, August 27, 3:00pm-9:00pm – Pastry Cutting
- Tuesday, August 28, 3:00pm-9:00pm – Pastry Cutting and FINAL FESTIVAL SET-UP
Holy Trinity’s Taste of Greece - Labor Day Weekend – August 29 through September 2
Please mark Wednesday, August 29, through Sunday, September 2 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! Sign up on Sundays in the Gallery following Divine Liturgy or go on line today to sign up at www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/volunteer. Thank you, good and faithful servants of Christ! We can’t do it without you!
Help Spread the Word About our Taste of Greece Festival with Lawn Signs and Flyers!
You are an important part of the advertising for our 2018 Taste of Greece Festival! If you have your yard signs from previous years (undated – saying “Labor Day Wednesday through Sunday”) pull them out and display them! A limited number of lawn signs are available today in the Gallery if you do not have one. Also, please take some flyers and pass them out to coworkers, neighbors and friends! We all need to pitch in to get the word out! Thank you!
Festival Aprons Available
Show your Holy Trinity pride by wearing a festival apron while you work! Royal blue aprons, embroidered with our festival logo, are available in both adult and children sizes. Cost is $16 for adults and $12 for children. 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 August 20th. Please contact Paula Valliant paulavalliant@gmail.com for more information.
Missing Festival Aprons
Please note that many of the plain blue aprons that have been purchased by Holy Trinity over the years have gone missing. If you helped at last year’s festival and borrowed any, please return them as soon as possible so that we may have adequate supply for this year’s volunteers. Thank you.
Note for Summer Travel – Remember to attend 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 to offer a special blessing to your family for your travels. Remember, "God is with us" always. Let’s not forget to invite Him!
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 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. Hint: It’s best to watch by clicking the online video broadcast, but it you’re in the car or not on wi-fi and don’t want to exhaust your data plan, try listening to the audio only version instead! There’s a link just below the video screen on our Live Broadcast page. The audio stream uses minimal data compared to the video stream, so it’s perfect for travelling!
[Sep 22] Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery Fund-Raising Dinner at St. Nicholas Cathedral
On Saturday, September 22, the fifth annual fund-raising banquet for the Nativity of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Monastery in Saxonburg will be held at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Oakland. The event is once again being held in memory of Gherontissa Taxiarchia. Vespers is open to all at 3:30 pm and tickets for the 6:00 pm Dinner Banquet are $100 per person. Please call 724-352-3999 for more information or RSVP online at www.2018MonasteryBanquet.Eventbrite.com
[Oct 3 and Oct 9 & 10] AARP Smart Driver Courses
Please join the Holy Trinity Senior Fellowship Ministry Group as they host two different “AARP Smart Driver” Courses. On Wednesday, October 3, the Smart Driver Refresher Course will be held for those who have previously taken the course within the last 3 years. The 4-hour Refresher Course will be a one-day only class, to be held here at Holy Trinity from 9:45 am until 2:30 pm. Then on Tuesday October 9 and Wednesday October 10, the full course will be offered. This two-day classroom course will take place here at Holy Trinity from 10:00 am until 2:30 pm each day (both sessions are necessary). Refresh your driving skills and learn strategies to help you stay safe behind the wheel. There are no tests to pass. Each session will be informative and casual. There will be a 20-minute break with refreshments each day. Upon completion of the course, you may be eligible to receive an auto insurance discount. Consult your insurance agent for details. You can register for these programs by calling the church office at 412-366-8700 or by email to Office@HolyTrinityPgh.org or online at www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/events. The cost is $15 for AARP members or $20 for non-members. Be sure to register early, as these classes are open to the public and seats may fill up quickly.
[Oct 5] Philoptochos Traditional Greek Dance
Please make plans to support our Ladies Philoptochos by attending a Traditional Greek Dance to be held here at Holy Trinity on Friday, October 5 from 7:30 pm until 11:30 pm featuring live music by Panigiri. Tickets, available for purchase beginning Sunday, September 9, are $15 per person and will include complimentary desserts and coffee. Casual Dress – All Ages – Open Seating – Cash Bar – Hot & Cold Appetizer Platters will be available for purchase.
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.
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!
Upcoming Memorials
August 19: George Dalson (3 years).
Pave a New Path in Holy Trinity's History! Paver Project Now Underway!
“Leave a footprint on the sands of time” (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow). All great individuals have left a footprint on history. Be a part of Holy Trinity’s historical footprint by purchasing a paver for yourself and/or your loved ones. Leave a lasting memory of your family name, or someone else’s name. Engrave a lasting tribute in honor of or in memory of a special person in your life. Or capture a very special event, like a wedding or baptismal anniversary. Please email Karen Georgiadis or Kathy Balouris at pavers@HolyTrinityPgh.org. Information is also available at on our website at www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/pavers. We will be selling pavers until Friday, November 16, 2018, unless we sell out before then. The inscription process begins this winter, with the Path will be installed in early spring 2019.