Memorials and Trisagion Prayers 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, Peter Ladakos (21 years), James Hartig (15 years), Katherine Hartig (14 years) and for all our departed Church Musicians: Katherine Amentis, Gus Anestis, Marie Backeris, George Christ, Betty Clayton, Johanna Cocheres, Harry Constandy, Luther Geanopulos, Constantine Hampers, Helen Hampers, Helen Karas, Marie Kourakos, Stacey Kresho, Peter Lalikos, James Levendos, Anna Lozos, Evelyn Tanner, Helen Valliant and George Vlahakis,. May their memory be eternal! Trisagion prayers will be also offered for George Kalodikis (12 years). May his memory be eternal!

National Church Music Sunday Today – Honoring our Choir and Chanters

Today, our parish community joins communities around the Archdiocese in observing “National Church Music Ministry Sunday.” It is held each year on a Sunday close to the feast day of Saint Romanos, the Melodist (October 1st), one of the greatest Byzantine music composers. On this day, we recognize those women and men who have heard and responded to the Lord’s invitation to be church musicians: that is, Chanters and Choir members. As church musicians, these people represent the laity in the liturgical dialogue of our worship services. In glory to God, the Holy Trinity, they commit themselves to learning the hymns of our Orthodox faith, understanding the sequence of our liturgical worship, and actively offering their prayers in song to enhance the beauty of our worship. We ask each of them, and our congregation as well, to be mindful of the special ministry they fulfill in singing the hymns of our faith and leading us to worship. Thank you, good stewards, for this indispensable and essential ministry in our church and for elevating your offerings to match the beauty and majesty of our new home! Memorial prayers will be offered for our departed Church Musicians today.

New Prayer Partner Cards - Today

Have you been praying for your Prayer Partner every day? We’ll be distributing new cards today following Divine Liturgy for the 4th quarter of 2018. Remember, one of the most powerful things a Christian community does is…“Pray for one another” (James 5.16).

OCF College Students Sunday - Today

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America has designated today as College Student Sunday. On College Student Sunday, parishes recognize and honor their Orthodox College Students and support the work of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship, the Assembly’s official campus ministry. Through contributions from canonical jurisdictions and the support of generous donors nationwide, OCF sustains a network of over 350 on-campus chapters, while also providing dynamic programming through district and regional retreats, College Conference, Real Break, and the Summer Leadership Institute. “OCF has a mission of reaching out to Orthodox young adults…in a way that keeps and strengthens their relationships with Jesus Christ,” said His Grace Bishop Gregory of Nyssa, Metropolitan-elect and OCF Episcopal Liaison to the Assembly of Bishops. Encouraging all Orthodox faithful to remember Orthodox young adults as College Student Sunday approaches, he affirmed OCF’s mission to the campus. “It is a time of physical, emotional, spiritual, and social challenges. I believe it is important—indeed critical—for the Church to help facilitate as much as possible these young adults finding each other for fellowship and support.” Here at Holy Trinity Church, we are the sponsoring parish for the Duquesne University OCF chapter. Today we will be introducing the students and hosting a meal for them in the Fireside Room following Liturgy. Please be sure to welcome them with the traditional warmth of our Holy Trinity hospitality as extended members of the Holy Trinity family!

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.

[Oct 8, 10, 11] “Faith and Family WEEKDAYS” This Week

Holy Trinity Church’s new, expanded “Faith and Family WEEKDAYS” ministry continues this month. Building on the fruits of our last five years, we are now including more days and more opportunities for everyone to participate in and grow from worship, spiritual life and educational ministries beyond Sunday morning and to make the Church the "crossroad of daily life”.

THIS WEEK’S OFFERINGS:

• Daily: Prayer Partners. Have you remembered your prayer partner every day? Please keep the promise. New prayer cards will be distributed today for Q4 2018.
• “Journey to Fullness” - Faith Growth Ministry - Mon. Oct 8, 7:00pm: This excellent video teaching series is for everyone who wants to learn more about the “fullness of the faith” found in Orthodox Christianity, whether as inquirers, catechumens or life-long members. This 8-week series (repeated in the fall and the spring) consists of two video teaching segments per session, along with an interactive question and answer period with Father John.
• “Explore the Word” - Bible Study Ministry - Wed. Oct 10, 6:30pm Worship/7:00pm Bible Study. Prayerfully read the Bible! In Deut. 11, it says, “Lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul.” Each Wednesday come and till your heart in worship in the Church at 6:30 and then meet at 7:00 the Conference Room for the study of the Gospel of St. Matthew led by Father Radu Bordeianu. Learn the Scriptures. Depend your faith. “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3.18).
• “Orthodox Movie Night” - Entertainment & Fellowship Ministry - Thu. Oct 11, 7:00pm.  A monthly offering of inspirational and cultural entertaining movies with snacks and good company in the Fireside Room. Free to all, it’s a relaxing and uplifting alternative to the “same old stuff” on cable TV. Why sit around alone and watch that when you can enjoy a night of Holy Trinity fellowship and entertainment? This Week’s Title: “Zorba the Greek” Traveling to inspect an abandoned mine his father owns in Crete, English author Basil (Alan Bates) meets the exuberant peasant Zorba (Anthony Quinn) and invites him along. When things go wrong, Zorba teaches Basil how to enjoy life even under the most trying circumstances. (See flyer)

[Oct 9 & 10] AARP Smart Driver Course

Please register to join the Holy Trinity Senior Fellowship Ministry Group as they host the “AARP Smart Driver” Full Course this Tuesday October 9 and Wednesday October 10.  The 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 soon, as these classes are open to the public.

[Oct 14] Flu Shot Clinic

Holy Trinity Church is hosting its 5^th Annual Flu Shot Clinic in the Fireside Room following the Divine Liturgy next 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. Total cost is $37.00 which includes transportation, boat tour and lunch. Transportation will depart from Holy Trinity at 9:30am. Advance payment is required to secure your reservation by this Wednesday, October 10.

[Oct 21] Holy Trinity Dance Troupe – Pancake Rally

The Holy Trinity Dance Troupe will be hosting an “all you can eat” Pancake Rally on Sunday, October 21 following Liturgy. The menu includes pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs and drink choices of apple juice, orange juice and coffee. The Dance Troupe will be selling tickets following Liturgy and on the day of the Rally in the Grand Room. They are asking for a minimum donation of $5 for Children’s tickets (ages 18 and under) and $8 for Adult tickets. All proceeds from this Rally will go towards purchasing new dance costumes. If you are interested in donating any items to the Pancake Rally, please contact Eleni Dedousis (eadedousis@gmail.com) or Victoria Andromalos-Dale (v.andromalosdale@gmail.com).

Outreach to Greece – Youth Soccer Club Support

A few of our parishioners have family in Xerokambi, Lakonia (in the Southern Peloponnese region of Greece).  They would like to form a support group for the town’s youth soccer club.  They hope to raise small amounts of money to help with uniforms or even travel expenses, such as gasoline, for team road trips to nearby towns.  In view of the recent fires in Greece this may seem a luxury, but it is important to the boys and girls there.  They have lost many of their arts and sports programs.  Please see Lynda Areheart or contact her at 412-561-7795 if you would like to support this cause.

[Nov 4] Regular Fall General Assembly

Please plan to attend the regular Fall General Assembly on Sunday, November 4. An agenda was mailed in the October edition of the Herald. This Assembly is to review parish life, nominate candidates for the Parish Council and other important committees and hear reports on important parish matters. It is vital to the life of a healthy community that all members attend, as these meetings are quite important in the day-to-day life of the parish. Please remember that, to vote at an assembly or in elections, you must be a member in good standing as defined in the Uniform Parish Regulations. Also, the requirements to run for Parish Council according to the UPR and the Holy Trinity By-Laws are indicated in the nomination form mailed in the Herald. These include, but are not limited to, being an enrolled member in good standing for three years prior to the date of nomination, having a signed 2018 Holy Trinity Stewardship Pledge card submitted and attending the Parish Council Seminar on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at 6:30pm. The Parish Council elections are scheduled for December 2, 2018. Whether it is attending assemblies, being voted on council, taking in a leadership role in a ministry or just getting involved more, the Lord has a calling and a role for every one of us at Holy Trinity Church because you are a part of the Body of Christ and have an important contribution to offer. God has already equipped you with it and is waiting for you to step up and use it. Consider it. Pray about it. What's yours?

[Nov 9] Kardiotissa – Tender Hearted Icon of the Theotokos

Please join the Community of Holy Cross Pittsburgh for an All-Night Vigil with the Kardiotissa – Tender Hearted Icon of the Theotokos on Friday, November 9. This miraculous Icon has been streaming myrrh almost continuously for seven years. Come when you can and stay as long as you want. 6:00pm Arrival of the Kardiotissa Icon; 7:00pm Small Paraklesis to the Theotokos; 8:00pm Sermon and stories by Fr. Mark Leasure, followed by Anointing with Myrrh; 10:00pm Festive Matins/Orthros Service; 11:30pm Divine Liturgy; 1:00am Light Meal. The church will be open all night for you to come and pray. The Icon will depart Saturday morning. Holy Cross Church is located at 123 Gilkeson Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15228.

[Nov 11] Military Appreciation Day, Card Signing and Coups for Troops

On Sunday November 11, in observance of Veteran’s Day, the Visitation Ministry Team needs your support once again to coordinate a Military Appreciation Day in honor of parishioners, family, and community members who have served and are still serving our country in the military.  This tribute will include a memorial service for all veterans and fallen heroes, and special recognition of living veterans and active military service members.  Please see the attached flyer.

[Nov 11] IOCC Orthodox Homefront; Parish Emergency, Disaster Preparedness & Response Workshop

On Sunday November 11 from 2:30-5:30pm Holy Trinity will be hosting the IOCC’s Orthodox Homefront Workshop. Part of IOCC’s US Program, the Homefront helps parishes prepare for regional emergencies, disasters, and parish critical incidents, enhance their capability to respond, and connects parishes with a network of organizations and agencies active in emergencies. Parish leaders, especially clergy, parish council members, and laypeople with expertise in emergency response, health & social services are encouraged to attend. Register by Nov 8 at: HolyTrinityPgh.org/events/homefront

[Nov 11] IOCC Dinner with Wine Pairings

Come and enjoy a traditional family-style Middle Eastern feast with four wine parings on Sunday, November 11 from 6:00-8:00pm. This IOCC fundraiser will be hosted by Khalil’s II Restaurant located at 4757 Baum Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Tickets are $75.00 per person. Limited seating is available. Please RSVP by November 6. Questions? Contact Danielle Opacic at dopacis@verizon.net or 412-915-5525. Tickets & Sponsorships at: www.iocc.org/pittsburgh 

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.

In the Hospital? Home-Bound? Please let the Church Office know! 
In today’s age of information privacy, churches are not notified when parishioners are admitted to hospitals, nursing homes or other care facilities. Both those facilities and your church depend on having the church notified by a friend or family member so that pastoral care and outreach can be offered. The same goes for those homebound. If you or any of your loved ones are in any of these situations, please contact the Church Office at 412-366-8700 to request a visit from our priests or our new and wonderful Visitation Ministry. Also, interested in helping reach out to fellow parishioners in those situations? Please contact Amy Armanious at visitation@HolyTrinityPgh.org.

Want the Weekly Bulletin sent to your email box? Sign Up Today!

Want to receive the Sunday Bulletin directly via email? Want announcements on Holy Trinity events? Go to www.HolyTrinityPgh.org and sign up today using the sign-up box on the left side of any page!

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.

Need Physical Assistance to Receive Holy Communion?

Do you require physical assistance to receive Holy Communion? The Holy Trinity Parish Council and Hospitality Ministry team would be glad to help. Please indicate that you require help when your row is dismissed and they will provide someone to accompany you and provide assistance and safety.

“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!

            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!

Upcoming Memorials

Oct 14:  Kelly Karavolos (1 year) and Georgia Castellano (1 year)