Memorial Today

Memorial prayers will be offered at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy today for the repose of the soul of the servant of God, Peter Valliant (40 days). The Valliant family is sponsoring a portion of the Valentine Breakfast today in his memory. May his memory be eternal!

Ten Minutes of HOPE and JOY  

Our children in HOPE (grades K-2) and JOY (grades 3-6) will continue to meet with Father Radu once a month for ten minutes after their Church School lesson. Please help your children formulate questions about our faith, and we will address those topics during our “Ten Minutes of HOPE” today and “Ten Minutes of JOY” next Sunday, February 17.

GOYA Community Valentine’s Breakfast

Holy Trinity GOYA will present a Community Valentine’s Breakfast today following Divine Liturgy. In addition to a wonderful community fellowship event, this is an “Outreach of Love” project of Holy Trinity GOYA. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the mission ministry of GOYA in helping to serve those in need. Freewill offerings will be accepted, with a suggested donation of $10.00 for adults and $6.00 for children 12 and under. Please plan on staying to enjoy a homemade breakfast in a community fellowship setting and supporting the mission ministry of GOYA. Thank you!

[Feb 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.
•  “Explore the Word” - Bible Study Ministry - Wed. Feb 13, 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 - Thurs. Feb 14, 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 is “I Hate Valentine’s Day” written and directed by Nia Vardalos. Rated PG-13. Popcorn & soft drinks provided. Admission is Free! Come and share in the fellowship!

[Feb 11 & 20] GOYA Basketball Practice

GOYA will hold basketball practice in preparation for the 2019 basketball tournament season on February 11 & 20 from 6:30-8:30pm at Hosack Elementary School, 9275 Peebles Road, Allison Park, PA 15101.

[Feb 12] Senior Fellowship Ministry Meeting

The Senior Fellowship Ministry Group is planning a special “Valentine’s Week” edition of their monthly meeting to be held this Tuesday, February 12, 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. For more information call Joyce Countouris (412-366-1498) or Georgianne Bounos (412-761-6953).

[Feb 16] HOPE and JOY Event - Urban Air Trampoline Park

The HOPE and JOY children and their parents are invited for a fun afternoon at Urban Air Trampoline Park (351 American Way Cranberry Township PA) this Saturday, February 16^th at 11:00am.  Cost is $20 which includes the socks.  Please go on line to www.urbanaircranberry.com and complete the waiver ahead of time.  Please contact Kelley Kaparakos at 724-612-6574 or kelley@hamptonbanquethall.com to confirm attendance or if you have additional questions.  Thank you!

[Feb 17] Saint Photios Awards Nominations Due

The sixth Annual Metropolis of Pittsburgh Saint Photios Awards Banquet will be held on Saturday, May 11. Nominations for two recipients from Holy Trinity Church are due to the church office by next Sunday, February 17 and must be submitted using the form that was included in the February edition of the Herald. Additional copies of the Nomination Form can be found at the church office window. Thank you for your input!

[Feb 18] Ordination of George Athanasiou – Luncheon Sold Out!

By the grace of God and through the Laying on of Hands by His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh, the servant of God, George Athanasiou will be ordained to the Holy Diaconate on Monday, February 18^th here at Holy Trinity Church, 8:30AM Orthros/9:30 Liturgy. Luncheon reservations have been sold out. Please plan to arrive early as seating in the Church will be on a first-come first-serve basis. Overflow seating will be available in the Conference Room. The service will also be available via live Internet broadcast at www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/live.

[Mar 2, 9, 16] Saturdays of Souls

Preceding the start of Lent and during the first week of Lent, the Church offers the “Saturdays of the Souls” to commemorate those who have fallen sleep in the Lord. Services are held at the Saint George Chapel located at Holy Trinity Cemetery. Orthros is at 8:30am followed by Divine Liturgy at 9:30am and the Memorial Service. This year, Saturday of the Souls services will be offered on Saturday March 2^nd, 9^th and 16^th. Please see the flyer in the February edition of the Holy Trinity Herald or download the names form from our website (holytrinitypgh.org/documents/worship) to submit names for commemoration and be sure to attend and commemorate your departed loved ones.

[Mar 7-24] Festival Cooking – IT’S BACK!

IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY to get started on our FESTIVAL COOKING 2019!  Please mark your calendars and plan to come and help on the following weekends. Bring the kids, bring your husbands, bring your wives, bring your friends!  All are welcome...no experience necessary. Tons of light and heavy tasks for all. THANK YOU!

• Thursday, March 7, 6:00pm-10:00pm - Pastitsio
• Friday, March 8, 9:00am-9:00pm - Pastitsio
• Saturday, March 9, after Saturday of Souls Liturgy, 11:00am-5:00pm – Pastitsio
• Sunday, March 10, after Liturgy, 12:00pm-3:00pm – Pastitsio
• Thursday, March 21, 6:00pm-10:00pm – Spanakopita
• Friday, March 22, 9:00am-9:00pm – Spanakopita
• Saturday, March 23, 9:00am-5:00pm – Spanakopita
• Sunday, March 24, after Liturgy, 12:00pm-3:00pm - Spanakopita

[Mar 16] IV On-the-Go Day Retreat

For GOYA students grades 7^th – 12^th: Save the date because Ionian Village is coming to you here at Holy Trinity on Saturday March 16 from 9:30am until 6:00pm! “IV On-the-Go” is a traveling retreat program that promises to give the young people of our community a taste of the unique and interactive approach to youth ministry from the Office of Ionian Village. Just like at camp, participants will encounter our Orthodox faith in an up close and unforgettable way. Register online today at https://bit.ly/2zwTubM

[Mar 31] Philoptochos Cookbook Submissions Due

Our Holy Trinity Philoptochos is calling for submissions of recipes for their new cookbook by the March 31^st deadline. Please see the flyer enclosed in the February edition of the Herald. Additional submission forms can be found at the church office window. Please remember that anyone can submit a recipe. Thank you!

[May 4 & 5] Saint George Chapel Consecration Weekend

Please mark your calendar for the historic event of the Consecration of our community’s Saint George Chapel on Saturday, May 4. Also, a Consecration Banquet will be held on Sunday, May 5 following the Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Church. Watch for more information in the coming weeks, but please save the dates from now so you don’t miss it!

2019 Stewardship Drive Now Under Way

The 2019 stewardship pledge submissions are off to a very good start!  If you haven’t yet, please be sure to complete and submit yours as soon as possible.  Remember that our own offerings are the primary source of revenue, to fulfill our mission and grow our community ministries.  Let us be generous, be charitable and be good Stewards of the Faith.  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!

Sunday Coffee Hour Sponsors

Did you know that sponsoring the Sunday Coffee Hour is not just for Memorials? You can sponsor the Coffee Hour in honor of a loved one’s Birthday, Anniversary, Graduation, Baptism, Chrismation or simply out of love for your parish family. Several families can also go in together to sponsor Coffee Hour. Best of all, you will help to support our Ladies Philoptochos who faithfully take care of providing the Coffee Hour on most Sundays. Please contact Marianne Stearns or the church office for more information. Thank you!

Snow Cancellations – Where to Check

Please keep in mind over the winter months that there are a number of options to hear or read about event or service cancellations in the case of snow or inclement weather on the Holy Trinity "Snow Line." First stop: Check our website at www.HolyTrinityPgh.org. To hear by phone, call the church office (412-366-8700) then press option #8 and listen for a recorded weather cancellation announcement. To get updates by computer or smartphone, there are three options: 1) watch the parish email list for email announcements; 2) check the front page of our website, www.HolyTrinityPgh.org; or 3) friend us on Facebook at Facebook.com/holytrinitypgh. Finally, to get information by radio or television, watch the KDKA Storm Center, as Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church is registered there.

Holy Trinity’s Connect Center
The “Connect Center” is a great resource and contact display prominently located in the Gallery every Sunday and it is for YOU! The purpose is to help EVERYONE in our Holy Trinity community become more informed about the many ministries and opportunities offered here and to make it easier to become involved in all areas of life at Holy Trinity Church. Stop by today and check it out or just say hi!

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!

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

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 Feb 24: Nicholas Kaparakos (40 days)