September 09
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2018-09-09
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:
- 2018-09-02
- Publish Date:
- 2018-08-26
- Publish Date:
- 2018-08-19
- Publish Date:
- 2018-08-12
- Publish Date:
- 2018-08-05
- Publish Date:
- 2018-07-29
Hymns of the Day
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Sixth Tone
The heavenly powers appeared at Your tomb, and those guarding it became like dead men. Mary stood at Your grave, seeking Your pure body. You stripped the power of hades, not touched by its corruption. You met the virgin woman as one Who grants life. O Lord, Who rose from the dead, glory to You. (Page 53)
Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Nativity of the Theotokos in the Fourth Tone
Your Nativity, O Theotokos, has proclaimed joy to the whole universe; for from you has dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, annulling the curse and bestowing the blessing, abolishing death and granting us life everlasting. (Page 55)
Apolytikion for Synaxis of the Holy Ancestors of God in the Second Tone
As we celebrate the memory of Your righteous Ancestors, through them we importune You, O Lord, that You save our souls.
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 Fourth Tone
In your holy birth, Immaculate One, Joachim and Anna were rid of the shame of childlessness; Adam and Eve of the corruption of death. And so your people, free of the guilt of their sins, celebrate crying: "The barren one gives birth to the Theotokos, who nourishes our life."
Saints and Feasts
September 09
Afterfeast of the Nativity of the Theotokos
September 09
The Holy & Righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna
Today, the day following the Nativity of the most holy Theotokos, we celebrate the synaxis of Saints Joachim and Anna, honouring them as her parents. Saint Joachim, the son of Barpathir, was of the tribe of Judah, and was a descendant of King David, to whom God had revealed that the Savior of the world would be born from his seed. Saint Anna was of the prestigious Hebrew tribe of Levi and she was the daughter of the high priest Nathan. The couple lived at Nazareth in Galilee. They were childless into their old age and all their life they grieved over this. They had to endure derision and scorn, since at that time childlessness was considered a disgrace. They never grumbled, but fervently prayed to God, humbly trusting in Him.
Once, during a great feast, the gifts which Joachim took to Jerusalem as an offering to God were not accepted by the priest Reuben, who considered that a childless man was not worthy to offer sacrifice to God. This pained the old man very much, and he, regarding himself the most sinful of people, decided not to return home, but to settle in solitude in a desolate place. When Saint Anna learned what humiliation her husband had endured, she sorrowfully entreated God with prayer and fasting to grant her a child. In his desolate solitude the righteous Joachim also asked God for this. The prayer of the saintly couple was heard. An angel told them that a daughter would be born to them, Who would be blessed above all other women. He also told them that She would remain a virgin, would be dedicated to the Lord and live in the Temple, and would give birth to the Savior. Obeying the instructions of the heavenly messenger, Saints Joachim and Anna met at the Golden Gate in Jerusalem. Then, as God promised, a daughter was born to them and they named her Mary. Saint Joachim died a few years later at the age of 80, after his daughter went to live in the Temple. Saint Anna died at the age of 70, two years after her husband. The names of Sts. Joachim and Anna are an integral part of the Divine Liturgy; always mentioned in the prayerful conclusion of services. Saints Joachim and Anna are often invoked by couples trying to have children.
September 09
Memory of the Third Holy Ecumenical Council in Ephesus
September 09
Severian the Martyr of Sebastia
Saint Severian, a senator from Sebastia, was both an illustrious man of wealth and a fearless Christian. Because he encouraged the holy Forty Martyrs of Sebastia to stand fast in their confession, he was given over to terrible torments, and received his own crown during the reign of Licinius and Lysius the Duke, about the year 315.
September 09
Theophanes the Confessor
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Epistle Reading
Prokeimenon. Sixth Tone. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 6:11-18.
Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
Gospel Reading
Sunday before Holy Cross
The Reading is from John 3:13-17
The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him."
Bulletin Inserts
Come and See! A Second Helping of Holy Trinity
On Monday, September 17 from 6:30-8:00pm we are hosting guests from our festival who want to learn more about our Church Community and the Orthodox Faith. We would like to welcome them with the loving arms of our parish. EVERYONE is encouraged to attend, and our goal is to have representation of all of our ministries and age groups.
Wisdom of the Fathers
For since Nicodemus had said, "We know that Thou art a teacher come from God," on this very point He sets him right, all but saying, "Think Me not a teacher in such manner as were the many of the prophets who were of earth, for I have come from heaven (but) now. None of the prophets hath ascended up thither, but I dwell there."
Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century
For not in heaven only is He, but everywhere, and He fills all things; but yet He speaks according to the infirmity of His hearer, desiring to lead him up little by little ... For after having spoken of the very great benefaction that had come to man by Baptism, He proceeds to mention another benefaction, which was the cause of this, and not inferior to it; namely, that by the Cross ...
Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century
Parish News and Events
TODAY’S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Church School Begins Today!
Church School for the 2018-2019 year begins today with Children's Homily following the Gospel and continues with the first session after Holy Communion. Parents, let's make sure all our parish's children are here and ready to start every Sunday by arriving on time for Divine Liturgy at 9:30am so they can hear the Church School message, receiving the blessing of attending the Divine Liturgy and receiving Holy Communion, then grow from the dedicated faith learning time in class. Remember, parents are their children's first teachers in the faith, so the most important lesson of a Sunday morning is waking and preparing them for on-time arrival at the Liturgy, so they don't miss a single blessing.
SPECIAL EVENT TODAY: Following Church School classes, there will be a brief ice cream social for all students.
Church School Dismissal Times
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 11:30am. Parents of Pre-School and Kindergarten students may pick up their children on the upper level Education Center 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. Thank you for your cooperation and support.
Church School Registration for 2018-2019 Continues
Registration for Church School classes for 2018-2019 continues today. You may sign up your new or returning child(ren) during Coffee Hour today. See Presvytera Becky
Church School Snack and Youth Ministries Volunteer 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. Also, help is still needed in the area of assistant teachers and volunteers for special events and projects for Church School and other youth ministries. Sign up in the Gallery after Liturgy. Thank you!
Festival Items Available for Purchase in Gallery - Today
There are a limited number of Festival items available for purchase in the Gallery today during Coffee Hour. Please see Marianne Stearns or Leo Loomis following Divine Liturgy.
Philoptochos Traditional Greek Dance – Tickets Available for Purchase beginning TODAY!
Please make plans to support our Ladies Philoptochos by attending a Traditional Greek Dance to be held on Friday, October 5 from 7:30 pm until 11:30 pm featuring live music by Panigiri. Tickets, available for purchase beginning TODAY, 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. Please stop by the Gallery to purchase your tickets today!
UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Services This Week
- Thursday, September 13, 7:00pm: Great Vespers of the Elevation of the Holy Cross (Holy Cross - Mt. Lebanon)
- Friday, September 14, 8:15am Orthros/9:30am Divine Liturgy of the Elevation of the Holy Cross (at Holy Cross Church in Mt. Lebanon due to the celebration of the nameday of our sister parish).
Festival Lawn Signs – Collect, Store and Save!
The Festival Committee thanks everyone who placed the lawn signs around the North Hills area. Please help collect them so that we can be good citizens and not leave them out beyond the event. Also, please feel free to store your signs at home and save them for next year, since the committee was insightful enough to remove the dates and simply say “Labor Day Weekend.” If you do not want to store them, you may return them to the church and you can pick them up again next year. Thank you!
[Sep 16] GOYA Fall Kickoff
The GOYA teen ministry will hold its 2018-2019 Fall Kick-Off at the home of Jim and Yvonne Balouris next Sunday, September 16 following the Steelers game. Parents are asked to also attend a parents’ meeting at the event. All teens are invited.
[Sep 17] “Second Helping of Holy Trinity” Event
On Monday, September 17 from 6:30-8:00pm we are hosting guests from our festival who want to learn more about our Church Community and the Orthodox Faith. We call it the “Second Helping of Holy Trinity.” We would like to welcome them with our traditional Holy Trinity hospitality. Everyone interested in finding out more about Holy Trinity Church and her ministries is encouraged to attend. Also, our goal is to have representation of all of our ministries and age groups, so please see Stacy Dickos to make sure your ministry is represented. Please spread the word.
[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
[Sep 23] Youth Sunday / GOYA Fall Fest
Holy Trinity Church will highlight and feature the young people of our community on Youth Sunday, September 23. In addition, the GOYA will be offering baked goods and food for their Fall Fest during Coffee Hour. Please support our youth.
[Sep 27] Love & Marriage, But No Baby Carriage
Our sister parish of St. Alexander Nevsky is offering a panel discussion on Thursday, September 27 beginning at 7:00pm. “Love & Marriage, But No Baby Carriage” will discuss new reproductive technologies in light of Orthodox Christian beliefs and ethics. St. Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Cathedral is located at 8290 Thompson Run Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.
[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 may fill up quickly.
[Oct 18] Senior Fellowship Group – Boat Tour of Moraine State Park
Make your reservation to join our Senior Fellowship Group on an enclosed pontoon boat tour of Moraine State Park on Thursday, October 18. Enjoy learning about the area’s natural history and osprey reintroduction, while appreciating the beautiful Fall scenery and wildlife on an exciting trip around Lake Arthur. A boxed Lunch will be provided. Please contact Joyce Countouris (412-366-1498) or Georgiann Bounos (412-761-6953) to make your reservation and lunch menu selection. Depending on the number of reservations, bus or van transportation departing from Holy Trinity may be considered. More details will follow. This event is open to anyone who is interested in having a great time!
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.
“God’s House – Our Responsibility”
Attention all Holy Trinity parishioners, parents and youth: We all know the Church is “God’s House.” He expects us, however, to take care of it. That means leaving things the way we found them, cleaning up after ourselves and caring for every part of God’s House even better than we treat our own. Holding an event or meeting? Leave the place the way you found it – or better. Coffee Hour? Please place all your trash in the cans after and be sure not to spill or crush things on the floor. And children? Please help them to understand – kindly – their need to also take care of God’s House. We can all do this together! 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 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!