September 16
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2018-09-16
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:
- 2018-09-23
- Publish Date:
- 2018-09-09
- Publish Date:
- 2018-09-02
- Publish Date:
- 2018-08-26
- Publish Date:
- 2018-08-19
- Publish Date:
- 2018-08-12
Hymns of the Day
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Seventh Tone
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 for Afterfeast of the Holy Cross in the First Tone
Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance; grant victory to Your rulers against their adversaries; and protect Your commonwealth through Your Cross. (Page 72)
Apolytikion for Great Martyr Euphemia in the Third Tone
To the Orthodox you brought elation, * the unorthodox, humiliation, * O Euphemia, the beautiful virgin of Christ. * For what the Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical * Synod decreed well as dogma you ratified. * Pray to Christ our God, O glorious Martyr, fervently, * entreating Him to grant us His great mercy.
Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Tone
You who were lifted on the cross voluntarily,* O Christ our God, bestow Your tender compassions* upon Your new community to which You gave Your name.* Cause our faithful emperors to be glad in Your power,* granting them the victories against their adversaries.* And for an ally, Lord, may they have You,* peace as their armor, the trophy invincible.
Saints and Feasts
September 16
Dorotheos the Hermit of Egypt
Saint Dorotheos, Egyptian Hermit, a native of the Thebaid region in Egypt, labored in asceticism for 60 years in the Skete desert, on the Western side of the River Nile.
September 16
Edith the Nun of Wilton Abbey
September 16
Euphemia the Great Martyr
The holy Great Martyr Euphemia suffered martyrdom in the city of Chalcedon in the year 304, during the time of the persecution against Christians by the emperor Diocletian (284-305). One and a half centuries later, at a time when the Christian Church had become victorious within the Roman Empire, God deigned that Euphemia the All-Praised should again be a witness and confessor of the purity of the Orthodox teaching.
In the year 451 in the city of Chalcedon, in the very church where the glorified relics of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia rested, the sessions of the Fourth Ecumenical Council (July 16) took place. The Council was convened for determining the precise dogmatic formulae of the Orthodox Church concerning the nature of the God-Man Jesus Christ. This was necessary because of the widespread heresy of the Monophysites [“mono-physis” meaning “one nature”], who opposed the Orthodox teaching of the two natures in Jesus Christ, the Divine and the Human natures (in one Divine Person). The Monophysites falsely affirmed that in Christ was only one nature, the Divine [i.e. that Jesus is God but not man, by nature], causing discord and unrest within the Church. At the Council were present 630 representatives from all the local Christian Churches. On the Orthodox side Anatolius, Patriarch of Constantinople (July 3), Juvenal, Patriarch of Jerusalem (July 2), and representatives of Saint Leo, Pope of Rome (February 18) participated in the conciliar deliberations. The Monophysites were present in large numbers, headed by Dioscorus, the Patriarch of Alexandria, and the Constantinople archimandrite Eutychius.
After prolonged discussions the two sides could not come to a decisive agreement. The holy Patriarch Anatolius of Constantinople proposed that the Council submit the decision of the Church dispute to the Holy Spirit, through His undoubted bearer Saint Euphemia the All-Praised, whose wonderworking relics had been discovered during the Council’s discussions. The Orthodox hierarchs and their opponents wrote down their confessions of faith on separate scrolls and sealed them with their seals. They opened the tomb of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia and placed both scrolls upon her bosom. Then, in the presence of the emperor Marcian (450-457), the participants of the Council sealed the tomb, putting on it the imperial seal and setting a guard to watch over it for three days. During these days both sides imposed upon themselves strict fast and made intense prayer. After three days the patriarch and the emperor in the presence of the Council opened the tomb with its relics: the scroll with the Orthodox confession was held by Saint Euphemia in her right hand, and the scroll of the heretics lay at her feet. Saint Euphemia, as though alive, raised her hand and gave the scroll to the patriarch. After this miracle many of the hesitant accepted the Orthodox confession, while those remaining obstinant in the heresy were consigned to the Council’s condemnation and excommunication.
September 16
Melitina the Martyr
The Holy Martyr Melitina lived in the city of Marcianopolis in Thrace during the rule of the emperor Antoninus Pius (138-161). She was a fervent Christian, and the Lord blessed her with the gift of wonderworking. Her fiery preaching converted many pagans to Christ. Antiochus, the governor of the city of Marcianopolis, ordered that she be tortured, since this holy woman could not be persuaded to deny Christ. She was handed over to the governor’s women who tried to convert her by flattery and kindness. Not only was Saint Melitina not deceived or softened by their efforts, but she made Christians of the governor’s women. When the governor learned of this, he had Saint Melitina brought to trial, and sentenced her to be beheaded. A Christian named Acacius reverently took the martyr’s body with the intention of burying her in his homeland of Macedonia. During the voyage, however, Acacius fell sick and died. The ship stopped at the island of Limnos, where the body of Saint Melitina was buried. The martyr-loving Acacius was laid to rest beside her grave.
September 16
Ninian the Enlightener of Scotland
Saint Ninian was born in Cumberland in Britain around the year 360, about a half century after the Emperor Constantius Chlorus died in the British city of York, and his son Constantine, who was with him when he died, was proclaimed Emperor. Ninian was born of Christian parents of noble lineage, at a time when paganism was still strong in his native land. As a young man he went to Rome, where he spent many years in study and ascetical struggles. At Rome, Saint Ninian was consecrated some time after the death of Pope Damasus in 384, and was sent back to his native island about the end of the fourth century. On his return journey, it is likely that he passed through Tours and met Saint Martin; what is certain is that many churches and cells associated with Saint Ninian, including his own cathedral in Whithorn, were named in honour of Saint Martin. When Saint Ninian returned to Cumberland, he established monasteries that fostered both the life of prayer and missionary labours. By his preaching, his godly life, and his miracles, he ministered to his own countrymen, the Britons, and also converted many of the pagan Picts, who inhabited the northern regions (in today's Scotland). He reposed in peace at his see of Whithorn in Galloway in 432.
September 16
Sebastiana, Disciple of St. Paul the Apostle
The Holy Martyr Sebastiana was a follower of the holy Apostle Paul. During a persecution against Christians under the emperor Dometian (81-96), she was on trial as a Christian before the governor named Georgios in the city of Marcianopolis in the Mizea region. Saint Sebastiana firmly confessed her faith in Christ, and for this she was subjected to cruel tortures. At first they beat her, and then they threw her into a red-hot oven, from which she emerged unharmed. They sent the saint to the city of Heraklea, where sentence was pronounced on her a second time. The governor, named Pompian, gave orders to tie the saint to a tree and lacerate her body with roof-tiles. The martyr remained unbroken in her faith. Then the governor gave her to be eaten by wild beasts. There too, the Lord preserved the holy martyr, and the beasts refused to touch her. Then, by order of the governor, Saint Sebastiana was beheaded. Her body, thrown into the sea, was taken by angels to the island of Rhodes.
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 Letter to the Galatians 2:16-20.
Brethren, knowing that a man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law, because by works of the law shall no one be justified. But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we ourselves were found to be sinners, is Christ then an agent of sin? Certainly not! But if I build up again those things which I tore down, then I prove myself a transgressor. For I through the law died to the law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Gospel Reading
Sunday after Holy Cross
The Reading is from Mark 8:34-38; 9:1
The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."
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.
Wisdom of the Fathers
And see how He also makes His discourse unexceptionable: not saying at all, "whether you will, or no, you must suffer this," but how? "If any man will come after me."
Homily 55 on Matthew 16, 1. B#54, p.339., 4th Century
"I force not, I compel not, but each one I make lord of his own choice; wherefore also I say, 'If any man will.' For to good things do I call you, not to things evil, or burdensome; not to punishment and vengeance, that I should have to compel.
Homily 55 on Matthew 16, 1. B#54, p.339., 4th Century
To deny oneself means to give up one's bad habits; to root out of the heart all that ties us to the world; not to cherish bad thoughts and desires; to suppress every evil thought; to avoid occasions of sin; not to desire or to do anything out of self-love, but to do everything out of love for God. To deny oneself, according to St. Paul means "to be dead to sin. . . but alive to God."
The Lenten Spring, SVS Press, p. 147, 19th Century
Interior crosses can found at all times, and more easily than exterior ones. You have only to direct your attention to yourself and examine yourself with a sense of repentance, and a thousand interior crosses will at once present themselves to you. . . Interior crosses are sometimes so burdensome that the sufferer can find no consolation whatever in anything.
All this can happen to you too! But in whatever position you may be, and whatever sufferings of the soul you may feel, do not despair and do not think that the Lord has abandoned you. NO! God will always be with you and will invisibly strengthen you even when it seems to you that you are on the very brink of perdition.
The Lenten Spring, SVS Press, p. 148, 19th Century
A Christian's . . . duty is to "take up his cross." The word cross means sufferings, sorrows and adversities. To take up one's cross means to bear without grumblings everything unpleasant, painful, sad, difficult and oppressive that ay happen to us in life. . .without expecting any earthly reward in return, but bear it all with love, with joy and with courageous strength.
The Lenten Spring, SVS Press, p. 147, 19th Century
Parish News and Events
TODAY’S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
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 and Snacks/Volunteers Signup 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. Also, 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. And help is still needed in the area of assistant teachers and volunteers for special events and projects for Church School and other youth ministries. See Presvytera Becky at Coffee Hour.
Philoptochos Meeting Today
“Today we invite current members and new members to attend a Philoptochos Meeting directly after Divine Liturgy in the Fireside Room. Get a cup of coffee and snack and meet in the Fireside Room. Please join us in fellowship and love!”
Philoptochos Traditional Greek Dance – Tickets Available for Purchase 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 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!
GOYA Fall Kickoff - TODAY
The GOYA teen ministry will hold its 2018-2019 Fall Kick-Off at the home of Jim and Yvonne Balouris today, following the Steelers game. Parents are asked to also attend a parents’ meeting at the event. All teens are invited.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
“Faith and Family WEEKDAYS” This Week
- Daily: Prayer Partners. Have you remembered your prayer partner every day? Please keep the promise.
- Thu. September 20, 7:00am Worship/Session: “Prayer and Panera” Men’s Ministry. The Saint Nikodemos Men’s Fellowship hosts this morning session of prayers and Christian fellowship (with coffee and bagels, too!). The group meets at church promptly at 7:00am for a 15-20-minute morning prayer and scripture, then moves up the hill to Panera for 30-45 minutes of coffee, breakfast and Christian men’s conversation on living as a Christian man in today’s world. Change up your morning. Give it a try!
- Thu. September 20, 6:30pm Worship: Paraclesis Service at St. George Chapel. The Paraclesis, also known as the Service of Supplication, is offered monthly at our St. George Chapel. It contains hymns and prayers asking the Lord for guidance, personal strength and healing. The most popular form invokes the prayers of the Holy Theotokos. We will alternate that service with two others, one for St. Nektarios and the other for St. Paisios.
[Sep 17] “Second Helping of Holy Trinity” Event
Tomorrow, 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, including existing new members and inquirers, interested in finding out more about the life of Holy Trinity Church and her ministries is encouraged to attend.
[Sep 20] Senior Fellowship Ministry Meeting
The next meeting of the Senior Fellowship Ministry will be held this Thursday, September 20 at 11:30 am in the Gallery. We will also discuss and plan our schedule for the year, so please bring your ideas! Kindly bring your own lunch for this meeting. Questions? Please call Joyce Countouris (412-366-1498) or Georgiann Bounos (412-761-6953).
[Sep 22] Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery Fund-Raising Dinner at St. Nicholas Cathedral
This 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.
[Oct 14] Flu Shot Clinic
Holy Trinity Church is hosting its 5th Annual Flu Shot Clinic in the Fireside Room following the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, October 14. Certified immunizing pharmacists from Rite Aid will be here to offer Flu Shots from 11:15 am until 1:30 pm for adult parishioners and children ages 9 years and older. The Center for Disease Control states that an “annual influenza vaccination is the most effective method for preventing influenza virus infection and its complications”. Please be sure to bring your insurance card listing your ID# as there is $0.00 Copay with most insurance plans and Rite Aid will handle the direct billing for the vast majority of insurances. The price for the standard vaccine for those without insurance is $34.99.
[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!
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.
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!