2019 Stewardship Pledge Return Sunday and Coffee Hour

Our 2019 “ONE HOLY TRINITY” commitment pledge card has either been picked up by you or been 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 had asked that each of us bring back our completed pledge card to Church today.  Today 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 today.

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 and pick up a gift to be delivered. Gifts will also be available for pick up on the Sundays of Dec 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.

FOCUS Christmas Gifts Due Back - Today

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. Please drop off your gifts under the tree located in the Gallery.

Philoptochos Holiday Bake Sale – Final Day to Place Your Order Is Today

As we approach the holiday season let the ladies of the Philoptochos help check something off your list! All orders must be received and PREPAID by TODAY! Orders will be ready for pick up following Liturgy on Sunday, December 23. Questions? Call Nicole Steiner at 412-781-6109.

GOYA Fireside Chat – Today

The GOYA teen ministry will hold its annual Christmas Fireside Chat at the Bordeianu home later this afternoon from 3:00-6:00pm. Information was sent directly to GOYA families.

Services This Week

Wed. Dec. 12, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: St. Spyridon (St. Spyridon Church, Monessen, PA)

[Dec 11, 12, 13] “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 of Marriage” Marriage Prep Ministry - Tue. Dec. 11, 7:00pm. Marriage preparation for couples using the excellent and interactive “Journey of Marriage” materials developed by Dr. Philip Mamalakis. From “Hello!” to honeymoon, this series educates and equips couples for fruitful Orthodox Christian married life. It’s fun, interactive and a great way to prepare.
•  “Explore the Word” - Bible Study Ministry - Wed. Dec 12, 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 not be held Wed. Dec. 19 due to the community Christmas caroling event)
• “Orthodox Movie Night” - Entertainment & Fellowship Ministry - Thurs. Dec. 13, 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: “Whistle Down the Wind”. After a confusing exchange with a strange man in their family barn, a girl 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 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!

TODAY: 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 7^th – 12^th grades will rehearse the pageant.
• Also note: “Bonus” attendance credit will be given for all students who participate that day.

[Dec 10] Young Adult Ministry – Prosphoro Making

Holy Trinity's Young Adult Ministry will be gathering tomorrow, Monday, December 10 at 6:30 pm in the church kitchen to prepare Prosphoro. All young adults are welcome to attend. Questions? Call Andrew Abboud at 937-974-2342.

[Dec 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 10 & 18 and January 2, 8 & 22 from 6:30-8:30pm at Hosack Elementary School, 9275 Peebles Road, Allison Park, PA 15101.

[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 this 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 14] GOYA Christmas Bread Baking

All GOYA teens and any available parents are asked to be on duty for GOYA Christmas Bread baking this 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.

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

The deadline for buying, paying and inscription details for the Holy Trinity Paver project is fast approaching – NEXT SUNDAY, 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 next 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 next 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 us for an 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 6:15pm 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 a combined Vespers/Divine Liturgy with Holy Communion) Those wishing to receive Holy Communion should refrain from eating or drinking following their noon meal.
• Tues. Dec. 25. 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy - The Nativity of our Lord: 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 Athanasiou 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!

“Feed the Homeless” 2019 Dates Available at Pleasant Valley Shelter – Sign Up Quickly!

Holy Trinity has a long-standing commitment to serve meals to the men at Pleasant Valley homeless shelter.  With grateful appreciation, the organization has just made available our dinner dates for 2019.  This shelter, near our old neighborhood on the North Side, provides overnight accommodations to 30 homeless men, 365 nights each year and relies totally on volunteers to feed the men.  As in past years, we've been given just six dates to prepare and serve these men dinner - they are all Sunday evenings (they're served dinner at 8:00pm): Jan 13; Mar 10; May 12; July 14; Sept 8 and Nov 10.  Please see Mike Kritiotis today, or contact him at 412-518-0588, or at mkritiotis@gmail.com to sign your family/group/ministry up.

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!

Calling All Spero’s Books: Please Come Home in December!

Attention Church School parents and students: Spero needs your help! There are many books and DVDs missing from his library. If you have any books out from the St. Spyridon Children’s Library, please return them by the end of December. That would be a great Christmas gift for Spero! If you cannot locate any books or materials, please see a library staff member about replacing them. Also, if a staff member contacts you about missing materials checked out by your children, please respectfully and responsibly fulfill their request to return or replace them. Many years of development and investment have gone into our Saint Spyridon Library. It is a valuable community resource - let`s respect it and care for it properly. 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: December 23: Sandra Balouris (1 year) and Father David Sedor (10 years)