Philoptochos Sunday Today

Today is a day on which we and parishes around the Archdiocese celebrate the many years of Philoptochos service to our church, our community, our friends and our families. In honor of the event, the Philoptochos will offer an Artoclasia (Blessing of the Loaves), a Memorial for their departed members, a special collection for the benefit of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and sponsor the Coffee Hour today. The Philoptochos Mission Statement is: “To promote charitable, benevolent and philanthropic outreach, to preserve the sanctity of life and family and to perpetuate and promote our Orthodox faith and traditions.” If anyone is interested in joining this wonderful ministry, please see any Philoptochos member. We also congratulation our local Philoptochos Chapter President Marianne Stearns today for the honor of being appointed to the National Philoptochos Society Board.

Sisters of the Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery – Christmas Boutique

The Sisters of the Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery in Saxonburg, PA will be visiting Holy Trinity Church today. Please be sure to stop by and visit their Christmas Boutique in the Gallery following Liturgy. You can help to support the Monastery while getting an early start on your Christmas gift shopping this year!

Regular Fall General Assembly Today

Please stay today to attend the regular Fall General Assembly following Divine Liturgy. 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?

GOYA Meeting

There will be a GOYA Meeting held today in the Conference Room following Church School.

Upcoming Services

• Thursday, Nov 8, 9:00am Orthros/10:00am Liturgy: The Holy Archangels (Angel’s Acres Chapel, Canonsburg, PA)
• Friday, Nov 9, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: St. Nektarios the Wonderworker (St. George Chapel)

[Nov 5, 7, 8] “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.
• “Journey to Fullness” - Faith Growth Ministry - Mon. Nov 5, 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. Nov 7, 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 6:30pm and then meet at 7:00pm in 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. Nov 8, 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? Featuring: “The Icon of Christ: Parts 4-7”. This Serbian documentary provides a thorough explanation of the theology of icons and the purpose of their veneration. Popcorn & soft drinks provided. Admission is Free! Come and share in the fellowship!

[Nov 9] Kardiotissa – Miraculous Crying “Tender Hearted” Icon of the Theotokos to Visit Area

Please join the Community of Holy Cross Pittsburgh for an All-Night Vigil with the “Kardiotissa” (“Tender Hearted”) Icon of the Theotokos this 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.

Holy Trinity Dance Troupe - Thank You!

“The HT dance troupe would like to thank all of the parishioners who came to the pancake rally and supported us. It was a great success for our group. All proceeds will go towards purchasing new costumes. We also would like to thank all those who donated food items and paper products for the event, as well as monetary donations and those who helped us work the event. Your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks again!” Eleni Dedousis and Victoria Andromalos-Dale

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

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 provide the full name, branch of service, and period of service (if known) for any active-duty, reserve, and military veterans (living or reposed) so that we may offer our prayers and gratitude on this memorable day.  It will also be appreciated if you are able to provide a framed photo copy of each honoree (no original photos please) that we will proudly display during Coffee Hour.  To submit your service member information, please contact Sherry Clayton at 412-216-4793 or saclayton12@yahoo.com.  Also, our gratitude will be further demonstrated by a Card Signing event by all parishioners during Coffee Hour. The cards created through our labor of love will be distributed in care packages to Deployed Troops, Veterans, First Responders, and Wounded Warriors by Operation Gratitude. We were blessed and excited with participation in last year’s beautiful celebration, and we hope you will join us next Sunday, Nov 11^th. Be sure to continue clipping manufacturer coupons for Coups for Troops!

[Nov 11] GOYA Skyzone Trip

Our GOYA teens will be taking a trip to the Skyzone Trampoline park next Sunday, November 11 after Liturgy. Watch the GOYA email list for information.

[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 15] Senior Fellowship Ministry Meeting

The Senior Fellowship Ministry Group will meet on Thursday, November 15, beginning at 11:30am in the Fireside Room. Everyone is welcome to share a very nice luncheon from all who attend, by bringing a small casserole, fruit, veggie or dessert dish. There are no dues or fees, just great companionship. Coffee and water will be provided. We will also welcome our friend Becky who will once again help us to select Avon items for the senior gift bags for distribution during the Christmas holidays. In this way, we can wish all our friends, good health and happiness during the celebration of the Nativity. For more information call Joyce Countouris (412-366-1498) or Georgianne Bounos (412-761-6953).

[Nov 16-18] Metropolis GOYA Fall Retreat – Register Now

Missing camp already? The 2018 GOYA Fall Retreat will be held at Camp Nazareth from Friday, Nov. 16 through Sunday, Nov. 18. The theme is “Trusting in God.” Registration must be done at y2am.pittsburgh.goarch.org/retreats. The code for reduced registration fee for Holy Trinity GOYAns is HTPF50.

[Nov 18] HOPE and JOY – Museum Trip

The HOPE and JOY children and their parents will be visiting the Carnegie Museum of Art on Sunday, November 18 for a docent-led tour of the Greek Art and Antiquities collection.  Tickets are $9 for children and $12 for adults and include museum admission for the day. Please arrive at the art museum no later than 1:00pm. Please contact Jeanne Willow to confirm your attendance and for tickets at jeannetorlidas@verizon.net.

[Nov 25] GOYA Turkey Bowl

The GOYA will hold its annual Turkey Bowl Thanksgiving Weekend Football Game on Sunday, November 25, following Divine Liturgy. This is a fun and friendly GOYA tradition, and everyone is invited: players, non-players, cheerleaders, parents and fans! Players should bring a change of clothes and shoes for play. Sign up at the November 4^th GOYA meeting. The flag football game will be followed by hot chocolate, meatless “walking tacos” and other goodies. Yum!

[Nov 27, 29 & Dec 20] Philoptochos Baking Dates

We will be preparing homemade pastries and breads for our Holiday Bake Sale in the Bakery area of Kitchen.  If you are available to help with baking on any of the days, please join us for an hour or more! Don’t know how to make Greek pastries? We offer on the job training!  Any questions? Please call Nicole Steiner 412-781-6109.

• Tuesday, November 27: 9am-9pm Koulourakia
• Thursday, November 29: 9am-9pm Baklava/Kourambiedes
• Thursday, December 20: 9am-4pm Sweet Bread

Philoptochos Holiday Bake Sale

As we approach the holiday season let the ladies of the Philoptochos help check something off your list!  It is time for our annual Holiday Bake Sale of Spanakopita, Tiropita, Baklava, Kourambiedes, Koulourakia, Finikia, Paximadia and Sweet Breads. Order forms are available at the church office window and will also be included in the November edition of the Herald.  Order now as quantities are limited!  All orders must be received and PREPAID by Sunday, December 9. Orders will be ready for pick up following Liturgy on Sunday, December 23. Questions? Call Nicole Steiner at 412-781-6109.

Pave a New Path in Holy Trinity's History! Paver Project – Still Time Left!

“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!

Upcoming Memorials Nov 18: Charles Siebott (40 days), George Zozos (1 year) and Persephone Zozos (2 years)