Publish-header
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2018-12-16
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
Forefathers
Organization Icon
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

Rev. Fr. John Touloumes, Protopresbyter
Proistamenos

fjt@HolyTrinityPgh.org | 412-366-8700
Rev. Fr. Radu Bordeianu
Assistant Priest

FrRadu@HolyTrinityPgh.org
Mary Portellos
Office Administrator

office@HolyTrinityPgh.org | 412-366-8700

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 Fourth Tone

The joyful news of Your Resurrection was told to the women disciples of the Lord by the angel. Having thrown off the ancestral curse, and boasting, they told the Apostles: death has been vanquished. Christ our God is risen, granting to the world great mercy. (Page 53)

Apolytikion for 11th Sun. of Luke in the Second Tone

By faith You justified the Forefathers, having through them betrothed to yourself the Church that came out of the nations. The saints are boasting in glory; for the glorious fruit, the Virgin who without seed gave birth to You, is from their progeny. At their entreaties, O Christ our God, save our souls.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Third Tone

English: The Virgin on this day* brings forth the One Who is above all things* and the earth a cave provides* for Him Who is beyond man’s touch.* Angels, along with shepherds now give their glory* Magi follow a star as they journey* when for our sake is born* a young child* the pre-eternal God. Greek: Η Παρθένος σήμερον, τον υπερούσιον τίκτει, και η γη το σπήλαιον, τω απροσίτω προσ­άγει. Άγγελοι, μετά Ποιμένων δοξολογούσι, Μάγοι δε, μετά Αστέρος οδοιπορούσι, δι’ ημάς γαρ εγεννήθη, Παιδίον νέον, ο προ αιώνων Θεός. (Page 61)
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Saints and Feasts

Forefathers
December 16

11th Sunday of Luke

On the Sunday that occurs on or immediately after the eleventh of this month, we commemorate Christ's forefathers according to the flesh, both those that came before the Law, and those that lived after the giving of the Law.

Special commemoration is made of the Patriarch Abraham, to whom the promise was first given, when God said to him, "In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed" (Gen. 22:18). This promise was given some two thousand years before Christ, when Abraham was seventy-five years of age. God called him and commanded him to forsake his country, parents, and kinsmen, and to depart to the land of the Canaanites. When he arrived there, God told him, "I will give this land to thy seed" (Gen. 12:7); for this cause, that land was called the "Promised Land," which later became the country of the Hebrew people, and which is also called Palestine by the historians. There, after the passage of twenty-four years, Abraham received God's law concerning circumcision. In the one hundredth year of his life, when Sarah was in her ninetieth year, they became the parents of Isaac. Having lived 175 years altogether, he reposed in peace, a venerable elder full of days.

December 16

The Holy Prophet Aggaeus (Haggai)

The Prophet Aggaeus, whose name means "festive," was born in Babylon at the time of the captivity Of the Jews. He began to prophesy in Jerusalem after their return thereto, and to admonish the people to rebuild the Temple, in the days of Zorobabel, the second year of the reign of Darius Hystaspes, King of Persia, about the year 520 before Christ. His prophecy, divided into two chapters, is ranked tenth among the minor Prophets.

December 16

Memnonus, Archbishop of Ephesus

December 16

Modestos, Archbishop of Jerusalem

December 16

Nicholas, Patriarch of Constantinople

December 16

Our Righeous Mother Blessed Empress Theophania

Saint Theophania, who was born in Constantinople, was of royal lineage. Instructed in letters, and adorned with many virtues, she was united in marriage to Emperor Leo the Wise (reigned 886-912). But counting the glory of the earthly kingdom as nought, she spent her nights and days in serving God with psalms and hymns and prayers, working various good deeds until she surrendered her spirit to God in peace, while still in her youth, being, according to some, about twenty years of age, according to others, twenty-seven. Her holy relics are still preserved in the patriarchal church in Constantinople as a source of healing for those that draw nigh with faith and longing. She was also the builder of the Holy Patriarchal and Stavropigeal Monastery of St. Anastasia the Protector from Potions in Chalke (883).

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Tone. Daniel 3.26,27.
Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers.
Verse: For you are just in all you have done.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Colossians 3:4-11.

Brethren, when Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. In these you once walked, when you lived in them. But now put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices and have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all.

Gospel Reading

11th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 14:16-24

The Lord said this parable: "A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time of the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, 'Come; for all is now ready.' But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I must go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.' And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and there is still room.' And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet. For many are called, but few are chosen.'"

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Bulletin Inserts

    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

And when were they bidden? By all the prophets; by John again; for unto Christ he would pass all on, saying, "He must increase, I must decrease;" by the Son Himself again, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you;" and again, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 69 on Matthew 22, 4th Century

What was the nature of the invitation? God the Father has prepared in Christ for the inhabitants of earth those gifts which are bestowed upon the world through Him, even the forgiveness of sins, the cleansing away of all defilement, the communion of the Holy Spirit, the glorious adoption of sons, and the kingdom of the heavens.
St. Cyril of Alexandria
Translation courtesy of "The Orthodox New Testament" Volume 1, 4th Century

And yet the calling was of grace; wherefore then doth He take a strict account? Because although to be called and to be cleansed was of grace, yet, when called and clothed in clean garments, to continue keeping them so, this is of the diligence of them that are called.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 69 on Matthew 22, 4th Century

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Parish News and Events

TODAY’S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

 

Christmas Pageant Today!
The Holy Trinity Church School ministry will be offering its annual Christmas Pageant today with another all-new script in our Grand Room, with all the young people of our Church School participating. Following Holy Communion, the students and staff will depart for their classes and final preparations for the pageant. Then, following the end of the Liturgy, all our parishioners are asked to stay for the pageant to enjoy this beautiful and fun presentation. Coffee Hour will be served first, by the Holy Trinity Church School Alumni families, in order to give the crew time to set for the pageant.

 

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 next Sunday, December 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.

 

Parish Wide Christmas Card Signing – Today!

Please join the Visitation Ministry Cards/Phone Call Committee and sign Christmas Cards to send blessings and best wishes to all of our homebound/facility bound fellow parishioners. This has become a yearly tradition that our homebound parishioners appreciate so very much. Please stop by our tables in the Gallery to sign the cards today. Thank you!

 

Paver Project – DON’T WAIT OR IT WILL BE TOO LATE! – Deadline TODAY!

The deadline for buying, paying and inscription details for the Holy Trinity Paver project is TODAY. 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 stop by the Gallery today or email Karen Georgiadis or Kathy Balouris at pavers@HolyTrinityPgh.org. Information is also available at on our website at www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/pavers. The inscription process begins this winter & the Path will be installed in early spring 2019.

 

GOYA Christmas Bread Available Today
Holy Trinity GOYA has their annual Christmas Bread available for pickup for those who pre-ordered and has a limited number of loaves also available for sale. Look for their table set up in the Gallery during Coffee Hour today.

 

Annual Pan-Orthodox Choral Concert to Benefit FOCUS Pittsburgh – Today

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 today 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.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Services This Week

Mon. Dec. 17, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: St. Dionysios of Zakynthos (St. George Chapel)

 

[Dec 19, 20] “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.
  • Wed. Dec. 19, 6:30pm: Community Christmas Caroling Outreach. See announcement below. This is part of the outreach component of our Faith and Family Weekdays ministry. Everyone is welcome! “
  • Thu. Dec. 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!

 

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

GOYA will hold basketball practice in preparation for the 2019 basketball tournament season on December 18 and January 2, 8 & 22 from 6:30-8:30pm at Hosack Elementary School, 9275 Peebles Road, Allison Park, PA 15101.

 

[Dec 19] Community Christmas Caroling at Sisters of Divine Providence: Open to Everyone!

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 this 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.

  • THIS 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 – NOTE UPDATED DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES – Corrected from previous Herald and Bulletins

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!

 

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

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.  We only have 4 dates left for HT volunteers to take!  They are all Sunday evenings (they're served dinner at 8:00pm): Jan 13; Mar 10; May 12; 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.

 

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!

 

[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!

 

FOCUS Pantry Food Drive - Thank You!

We would like to thank all the Holy Trinity Church School students and their families for the amazing response to our FOCUS Pantry Food Drive. Over 1,500 items were collected! Thank you, good and faithful servants! 

 

FOCUS Christmas Angel Gifts – Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who graciously provided gifts to help make a child’s or a senior citizen’s Christmas a special one!

 

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!

 

“ONE HOLY TRINITY” – Please Make Your Commitment and Submit Your 2019 Cards Today – AND, be Sure to Fulfil your 2018 Pledge!

Once again, this year’s pledge card system carries the theme of ONE Holy Trinity. Just like God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are one, we, the members of Holy Trinity Church, need to join together in love as one to serve the Church and to provide for its critical missions in today’s society. If you have not yet received a 2019 pledge card or are new to Holy Trinity, please note that additional pledge cards can be found at the Welcome Table located in the Narthex of the church.  Also, this is the time to catch up and fulfil/exceed your 2018 pledge.  Our member-funded church needs each and every one of us, no matter the amount. And remember, a signed pledge card is required as part of maintaining your membership in good standing at Holy Trinity Church each year. We’re grateful to all of you for your commitment. If you have any questions, please see a member of the Stewardship Committee or visit www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/stewardship.      

                       

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!

 

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 you require help when your row is dismissed, and they will provide someone to accompany you and provide assistance and safety.

 

Online Giving Reminder

Holy Trinity Church’s online giving program makes it possible to make contributions of various kinds to Holy Trinity Church online. Our secure system allows you to conveniently make donations online. You can choose to make a one-time contribution or establish a recurring weekly or monthly contribution. Best of all, you don’t need to remember to write a check or bring your offering to church - it’s already taken care of! Payments can be made via checking account, savings account, credit card or debit card. Visit www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/give to get started!

 

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 friends or family member so 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!

 

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), Father David Sedor (10 years), Themistocles Balouris (17 years), John Balouris (22 years) and Helen Balouris (29 years)

 

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