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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2018-12-02
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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (412)366-8700
  • Fax:
  • (412)366-8710
  • 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


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)

Seasonal Kontakion in the Third Tone

English: The Virgin on this day* is on her way to the cave where she* will give birth ineffably* to the Word Who is before all time. * Therefore, rejoice, O universe* when you hear it*; glorify with the angels and the shepherds* Him Who chose to be seen as* a new-born child*, the pre-eternal God. Greek: Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον, τον προαιώνιον Λόγον, εν Σπηλαίω έρχεται, αποτεκείν απορρήτως. Χόρευε η οἰκουμένη ακουτισθείσα, δόξασον μετά Αγγέλων και των Ποιμένων, βουληθέντα εποφθήναι, παιδίον νέον, τον προ αιώνων Θεόν. Phoenetics: I Parthénos símeron* ton pro-aiónion Lógon* en spiléo érhete* apótekín aporítos.* Hórevé, i ikouméni, akοutisthísa.* Dóxason, metá angélon ke tón piménon,* vouλithénda épofthíne,* pedíon neon* ton pro-eónon Theón. (Page 61)
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Saints and Feasts

Blindboy
December 02

14th Sunday of Luke


Habbakuk
December 02

Habakkuk the Prophet

This Prophet, whose name means "loving embrace," is eighth in order of the minor Prophets. His homeland and tribe are not recorded in the Divine Scriptures; according to some, he was of the tribe of Symeon. He prophesied in the years of Joachim, who is also called Jechonias, before the Babylonian captivity of the Jewish People, which took place 599 years before Christ. When Nabuchodonosor came to take the Israelites captive, Habakkuk fled to Ostrakine, and after Jerusalem was destroyed and the Chaldeans departed, Habakkuk returned and cultivated his field. Once he made some pottage and was about to take it to the reapers in the field. An Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and carried him with the pottage to Babylon to feed Daniel in the lions' den, then brought him back to Judea (Bel and the Dragon, 33-39): His book of prophecy is divided into three chapters; the third chapter is also used as the Fourth Ode of the Psalter. His holy relics were found in Palestine during the reign of Emperor Theodosius the Great, through a revelation to Zebennus, Bishop of Eleutheropolis (Sozomen, Eccl. Hist., Book VII, 29).


Porphyrios
December 02

Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia

Saint Porphyrios (Bairaktaris) was born in 1907 with the name Evangelos in Evoia, Greece, in the small village of Agios Ioannis (Saint John). As a child he tended to the sheep in the hills, and it is there that he first read the life of Saint John the Hut-Dweller (Commemorated January 15th) which planted the desire of monasticism in his heart. The spark lit by Saint John was fanned when at the age of seven he overheard a conversation about the divine beauty of the Holy Mountain. Eventually he stowed away on a boat to Thessalonica, hoping from there to reach Mount Athos.

On the evening after his arrival, a group of monks gathered at the harbor to take the boat to Mount Athos. One of them noticed the young Porphyrios and asked him where he was going. Porphyrios told the monk that he was going to the Holy Mountain, but lied about the reason as to why. The monk, seeing through this, told Porphyrios to tell any inquirers that he was his nephew and that his mother had passed away, for otherwise he would not be allowed on the mountain since he was still a child.

The monk, whose name was Panteleimon, became his spiritual father and brought him to Kavsokalyvia, a small skete where Panteleimon lived with his brother, the Priest Ioannikos, as fellow monastics. The young Porphyrios loved to carry out the virtue of obedience to his elders, at times being tested by them without even knowing it. When he was fourteen, his elder asked Porphyrios what he was planning to do with his life. The young man told him that he wished to stay on the Mountain. Two or three years later, Porphyrios was tonsured with the name Nikitas.

Once, being obedient to one of his elders against the wishes of the other, Porphyrios went out on a rainy day to collect snails. After hours of filling his sack, and burdened by the wind and cold, Porphyrios found himself suddenly caught in a rockslide and was buried up to his knees. Crying out to the Theotokos he was miraculously delivered, but having suffered badly he developed pleurisy and had to leave Mount Athos to seek medical treatment. The elder who told him to collect the snails profusely apologized, and personally saw Porphyrios off of Mount Athos, kissing him on the forehead in tears.

Porphyrios returned to the village of Agios Ioannis in Evoia where he reunited with his family. He stayed at the monastery of Saint Haralambos, which was near the village Avlonari, until he recovered. his good reputation as a faithful and obedient monk quickly spread and thus caught the attention of the Bishop Fostinis of Kymi. He began to visit Porphyrios frequently, and with the aid of Archbishop Porphyrios III of Sinai (from whom Porphyrios was given his final name), ordained the young monk a deacon and then a priest. Two years later he was made a confessor and would at times hear confessions for multiple days at a time without sleep or food.

His next major ministry was serving as the Chaplain at the Polyclinic Hospital in Athens for roughly 33 years (1940-1973). It was through the well-known Professor of Canon Law, Amilkas Alivizatos, that Porphyrios was assigned to the Church of Saint Gerasimos which was associated with the hospital. During this time he helped many patients spiritually by acting as their father confessor. In addition to his hospital duties, he helped to renew the Church of Saint Nicholas in Kallisia, often having recourse to it during the night to pray by himself or with family.

However, Porphyrios had still been unable to fulfill another dream he shared with his family: founding a monastery. After years of searching, he bought some land upon the top of a hill in Milesi where he later founded The Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration. He remained there for many years before returning to his old cell on Mount Athos where he spent his last years. He departed this life on December 2nd, 1991. Porphyrios was declared a saint by the Ecumenical Patriarchate on November 27th, 2013.


December 02

Our Righteous Father Cyril of Phileus


December 02

Joannicos the Monk of Devich


December 02

Myrope the Martyr of Chios


December 02

Theophilos the Hermit


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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 Letter to the Ephesians 6:10-17.

Brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand, therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; besides all these, taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.


Gospel Reading

14th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 18:35-43

At that time, as Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." And he cried, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me receive my sight." And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.


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Bulletin Inserts

    Orthodox Movie Night

    Orthodox Movie Night

    Thursday, December 13 at 7:00pm in the Fireside Room, featuring the movie "Whistle Down the Wind". Come and share in the fellowship. Popcorn and soft drinks provided!


    Men Who Cook

    Men Who Cook

    Please join us as Holy Trinity's most notable men compete for the coveted title of HT's Top Chef on Saturday, January 19, 2019!


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Wisdom of the Fathers

The Savior Himself is He Whom we are asked to put on. It is one and the same thing to say, 'Put on the whole armor of God,' and 'Put on the Lord Jesus Christ.' Our belt is truth and our breastplate is righteousness. The Savior is also called both 'truth' and 'righteousness.' On this principle He is also to be understood as the 'Gospel of peace.' He is Himself the 'shield of faith' and the helmet of salvation. He is the 'sword of the Spirit,' because He is the Word of God, living and efficacious, the utterance of which is stronger than any helmet and sharp on both sides.
St. Jerome
Unknown, 5th century

The mind of a heedful man is as it were a watchman on duty, or an unsleeping guard of the inner Jerusalem. Standing at the height of spiritual contemplation, he looks with an eye of purity upon the enemy powers who go around and attack his soul, in accordance with the Psalmist: 'And my eye hath looked down upon my enemies' (Ps. 53:9). From his eye the devil is not hidden, who 'as a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour' (I Pet. 5:8), nor are they who bend their bow 'to shoot in the dark the upright of heart (Ps. 10:2). And thus such a man, following the teaching of the divine Paul, receives 'the whole armor of God, that [he] may be able to withstand in the evil day (Eph. 6:13), and with this armor and with the cooperating grace of God, he repels visible attacks and vanquishes invisible warriors.
St. Seraphim of Sarov
Spiritual Instructions no. 30, Little Russian Philokalia Vol. 1; Saint Herman of Alaska Brotherhood pgs. 48-49, 19th century

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Parish News and Events

TODAY’S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

 

Parish Council Elections Today
As indicated in the notice to the recent General Assembly, regular Parish Council elections will be held today following the Divine Liturgy. The six candidates on the ballot are: George Danis, Tom Germanos, Karen Georgiadis, Mike Passodelis, Gerri Valliant and Jeanne Willow. Voting will start immediately following the Divine Liturgy. Standard voting rules as practiced in previous elections and assemblies apply: you must be a member in good standing (current and past stewardship as well as sacramental) to vote.

 

GOYA Meeting – TODAY

The GOYA teen ministry will hold a general meeting for all members following Church School in the Conference Room.

 

Visitation Ministry Christmas Gift Delivery – We Need Your Help!

The Visitation Ministry is coordinating their annual Christmas visits and gift deliveries for our homebound parishioners.  We need visitors who are willing to deliver gifts anytime in the month of December. If you are interested in visiting, please stop by the Visitation Ministry table in the Gallery after Liturgy TODAY to sign up. Gifts will be ready for pickup on the Sundays of Dec 9, 16, and 23. Allow God to use your hands and time to bless those in need this Christmas season. 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.

 

2019 Stewardship Cards – Pick Yours Up Today!

Our 2019 “ONE HOLY TRINITY” pledge cards are available again today for pick-up, before they get mailed to your homes.  Please take the time to carefully review it and consider increasing your prior year commitment, just as we continue to grow as a community.  Also, if you haven’t yet participated in the church mortgage drive, you still have the opportunity to do so, as we now enter the final 2 years of the mortgage payoff plan (exciting)! We will be trying something new this year: We ask that each of us bring back the completed pledge card to Church on December 9th.  This will be our true Stewardship Sunday!  So, before the new year begins, let us do as directed in Exodus 34:26: "The first fruits of your land you shall bring to the house of the Lord your God". To thank you, our faithful stewards, the Stewardship Committee will host the coffee hour that day.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Services This Week

Tues. Dec 4, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: St. Barbara the Great Martyr & St. John of Damascus (St. George Chapel)

Wed. Dec. 5, 9:00am Orthros/10:00am Divine Liturgy: St. Savas the Sanctified (Metropolis of Pittsburgh Chapel)

Wed. Dec. 5, 7:00pm: Great Vespers of St. Nicholas (St. Nicholas Cathedral)

Thurs. Dec 6, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: St. Nicholas (Holy Trinity Church)

 

[Dec 5] “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.
  •  “Explore the Word” - Bible Study Ministry - Wed. Dec 5, 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).
    (SCHEDULE NOTE: Bible Study will be held Dec. 5 & 12 this month. It will not be held Dec. 19 due to the community Christmas caroling event)

 

[Dec 2, 9, 14, 15] Christmas Pageant Rehearsals

This year’s Christmas pageant will once again be an “all new” Holy Trinity production, so everyone will need to be there for rehearsals. It’s going to be exciting, so please don’t miss out!

Sun. Dec. 2 & 9: Rehearsal will take place for grades 7-12 following Divine Liturgy and Church School. Please plan on staying until 12:30pm after Liturgy to make sure everything is completed. Teachers will have specific information for their classes.

Fri. Dec. 14: Rehearsal for grades 7-12 will take place during the GOYA Bread baking evening. All teens are asked to be there to help bake and rehearse.

Sat. Dec. 15: The complete cast rehearsal for the Holy Trinity Church School Christmas Pageant will be held on Saturday morning, December 15.

  • From 9:00am to 10:00am, Pre-School through Sixth grades will rehearse their parts.
  • From 9:00 am to 10:00am, the Junior Choir will rehearse their songs.
  • From 9:00am to 10:00am, the instrumental musicians will rehearse their performance.
  • From 9:30am to 11:00am, all 7th – 12th grades will rehearse the pageant.
  • Also note: “Bonus” attendance credit will be given for all students who participate that day.

 

[Dec 3, 10, 18 and Jan 2, 8, 22, 30] GOYA Basketball Practice

GOYA will hold basketball practice in preparation for the 2018 basketball tournament season on December 3, 10 & 18 and January 2, 8 & 22 from 6:30-8:30pm at Hosack Elementary School, 9275 Peebles Road, Allison Park, PA 15101.

 

[Dec 6] Holy Trinity Christmas Card and Poinsettias Forms Due December 6
Please remember that the forms and donations for the Holy Trinity Community Christmas Card and Poinsettias are due this Thursday, December 6. Additional forms can be found at the church office window. Thank you!

 

[Dec 7] “Drop and Shop” Evening for Parents

Attention ALL Holy Trinity parents: As an offering of “Thanks for all you do for us,” the teens of Holy Trinity GOYA are watching the kids for the night for free! "Drop and Shop" gives parents a free night to get Christmas shopping done while the kids have fun with their Holy Trinity friends. Drop them off at the church on Friday, December 7 at 6:00pm and be back by 9:00pm to pick them up. Open to ALL Holy Trinity parents of children from toddler through sixth grade. There is no charge, but advance reservation is required by tomorrow, Monday, December 3. Visit www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/events.

 

[Dec 9] FOCUS Christmas Gifts Due Back

A big "Thank You" goes out to everyone who picked up a FOCUS-Pittsburgh Christmas tag again this year, helping make a child’s or senior citizen’s Christmas a special one. Gifts are due back to the church no later than Sunday, December 9.

 

[Through Dec 9] 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 were also included in the November Herald.  Order now as quantities are limited!  All orders must be received and PREPAID by next Sunday, December 9. Orders will be ready for pick up following Liturgy on Sunday, December 23. Questions? Call Nicole Steiner at 412-781-6109.

 

[Dec 9] GOYA Fireside Chat

The GOYA teen ministry will hold its annual Christmas Fireside Chat at the Bordeianu home on Sunday, December 9 from 3:00-6:00pm. Information is being sent directly to GOYA families.

 

[Through Dec 12] NHCO’s annual Holiday Gift collection

North Hills Community Outreach is accepting new toys, games, sporting equipment, apparel and gift cards for children ages birth through 18, through Wednesday, December 12; earlier donations are encouraged! Gifts cards and gifts appropriate for teens are especially needed! All NHCO offices, including the main office at 1975 Ferguson Road, Hampton, are open weekdays, 9am-4pm. The pantry behind the main building in Hampton will be open for donations 9:00am - noon, Saturday, December 1. Alternative donation plans can be made by calling 412-487-6316 opt 1. For more information, visit www.nhco.org.

 

[Dec 13] Orthodox Movie Night

Please make plans to attend our next “Orthodox Movie Night” on Thursday, December 13 at 7:00pm in the Fireside Room, featuring the movie “Whistle Down the Wind”. After a confusing exchange with a strange man in their family barn, Kathy Bostock and her young siblings jump to the conclusion that the man is none other than Jesus Christ. Excitement erupts as word spreads among the children in their small farming community in Northwest England. Special Guest: His Eminence Metropolitan Savas will attend and lead us in a discussion to explore the symbolism in the film. Join us for an evening of film, fun and fellowship! Admission is free! Popcorn and soft drinks are provided.

 

[Dec 14] GOYA Christmas Bread Baking

All GOYA teens and any available parents are asked to be on duty for GOYA Christmas Bread baking on Friday, December 14. Parents are asked to come during the daytime starting at 9:00am. Teens are asked to be there after school and through to the end of the job in the evening. There will also be Christmas Pageant rehearsal for grades 7-12 that evening.

 

[Through Dec 16] Paver Project – DON’T WAIT OR IT WILL BE TOO LATE!

The deadline for buying, paying and inscription details for the Holy Trinity Paver project is fast approaching - DECEMBER 16, 2018. Don’t miss being a permanent 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 Sunday, December 16 unless we sell out before then. The inscription process begins this winter & the Path will be installed in early spring 2019.

 

[Dec 16] Church School Christmas Pageant           

The Holy Trinity Church School ministry will be offering its annual Christmas Pageant this year on Sunday, December 16. ALL the students of the Church School will be involved in this event. On that day, following Holy Communion, all Church School students and staff will depart for their classes and final preparations for the pageant. All our parishioners are asked to stay for the pageant and coffee hour in the social hall. Also, please note: Coffee Hour that day is sponsored by the Holy Trinity Church School Alumni. Any alumni - parents, graduates of any age, former staff - that would like to help, please contact Presvytera Becky.

 

[Dec 16] Annual Pan-Orthodox Choral Concert to Benefit FOCUS Pittsburgh

Please plan on attending this annual Choral Concert featuring the beautiful songs and hymns of the Nativity performed by Orthodox Choirs from the surrounding community.  The concert will be held on Sunday, December 16, beginning at 6:30pm at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 123 Gilkeson Road, Mt. Lebanon (Pittsburgh, PA 15228).  A free-will offering will support the work of FOCUS Pittsburgh.

 

[Dec 19] Community Christmas Caroling at Sisters of Divine Providence

Want to get into the Christmas spirit and do a good deed for our neighbors at the same time? How about joining in on a new annual tradition at Holy Trinity Church: Christmas caroling across the street at the Sisters of Divine Providence! These elderly nuns truly enjoy when we come with parishioners of all ages: adults, college students, GOYA, JOY, HOPE…everyone! Meet at 6:30pm on Wednesday, December 19 for a brief practice and then we will head across the way for this wonderful event. Everyone is invited to participate!

 

[Dec 20, 22, 23] Philoptochos Holiday Bake Sale - Volunteers Needed

The Ladies Philoptochos Society continues to prepare orders for their Holiday Bake Sale. Much help is needed, and all are welcome! No experience is necessary. We offer on the job training! Please contact Nicole Steiner at 412-781-6109 or littlefieds@yahoo.com  for more information.

  • Thursday, December 20: 9am-4pm (baking and wrapping Sweet Breads!) Main kitchen
  • Saturday, December 22: 10am-12pm (packing orders) Main kitchen
  • Sunday, December 23: following Liturgy (Order Pick Up Day) in the Gallery

 

[Dec 23 & Dec 30] No Church School Class

Attention, parents: there will be no Church School class on Sunday, December 23 and Sunday, December 30 due to the holiday celebrations, so please join together and worship as a family on those days.

 

[Dec 24, 25] Services for the Nativity of Christ

Please remember these festal celebrations for the Nativity of Christ and participate in them with your family. Please note that all Christmas services will be held at Holy Trinity Church.

 Mon. Dec. 24, 9:30 am: Royal Hours of the Nativity

This special service offers readings, prophecies and hymns which point to and interpret the Divine Incarnation.

Mon. Dec. 24, 6:30pm: Vesperal Liturgy of the Nativity

This service “opens the liturgical day” and begins the celebration of the Nativity.  Also, the Holy Trinity Choir will be offering a selection of beautiful Christmas carols following the service. (Note: This is not a Divine Liturgy. Those wishing to receive Holy Communion need to attend the Liturgy of the Forefeast of the Nativity on Sunday morning or Christmas morning on Tuesday.)

Tues. Dec. 25. 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: The Nativity

This is the main service of the Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Open the best gift first by attending Liturgy with your family and receiving the Holy Mysteries together! Make it a family tradition to keep the most important thing about Christmas the most important thing in your home!

 

[Jan 19] LOOKING FOR HOLY TRINITY’S TOP MALE CHEFS - SAVE THE DATE!

Mark your calendars for a fun evening feasting on edible creations from our top Holy Trinity Male Chefs! The event will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2019 in the Grand Room. Join us as Holy Trinity’s most notable men compete for the coveted title of HT’s Top Chef! Guests will visit food stations and be served samples of appetizers, entrees, sides and desserts. Vote for all your favorite chefs via tip jars in this friendly fundraising competition! Reservations are $30.00 per person. Proceeds to benefit the HT Capital Campaign, kitchen needs and FOCUS Pittsburgh. Reserve your seats online today at www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/events. If you are interested in competing for the title, please see Kathy Balouris, Karen Georgiadis or George Anthanasiou or email them at social@HolyTrinityPgh.org. More details to follow.

 

Philoptochos Turkey Fundraiser Thank You

The Ladies Philoptochos would like to thank everyone who has donated to their Annual Turkey Fundraiser so far, this year.  Your donations will be used to assist local needy families and food banks during the holiday season.  If you have not sent in your donation, there is still time to support this worthy cause.  Checks can be made payable to "Ladies Philoptochos Society" with “Turkey Fundraiser” written on the memo line and mailed to the church office. Thank you!

 

The 2019 Schedule is Out! Sign Up to Provide FOCUS Lunches for the Needy

It’s time once again to get your group or family together for a meaningful day of giving to the poor and hungry in our region. Sponsored through FOCUS Pittsburgh, the 2019 weekly schedule of delivering 140 lunch bags to our less fortunate neighbors, every Saturday of the year, has many open dates available. Holy Trinity Church’s participation has been critical in fulfilling this goal in the past, and we are grateful for our parishioners’ renewed generosity this time around. Please see Mike Kritiotis after Liturgy to sign up for a Saturday that fits your schedule or contact him by emailing outreach@holytrinitypgh.org for available dates. Thank you, good and faithful servants of Christ!

 

Holding a Ministry Activity or Committee Meeting at Church? Reservations Required!

Our community and its ministries are growing! If your ministry or committee is planning a meeting or activity and you are planning to hold it at the church, please note that reservations for rooms and event spaces are required. Please call the Church Office at 412-366-8700 and speak to our Office Administrator, Mary Portellos. There have been times when all the spaces have been filled, so your cooperation helps ensure every group that needs a place has one and helps minimize space conflicts. We have a beautiful facility – let’s work together so everyone who needs it can use it. Thank you!

 

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!

            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!

 

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