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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2019-02-24
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
Prodson
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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

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 Sixth Tone

The heavenly powers appeared at Your tomb, and those guarding it became like dead men. Mary stood at Your grave, seeking Your pure body. You stripped the power of hades, not touched by its corruption. You met the virgin woman as one Who grants life. O Lord, Who rose from the dead, glory to You. (Page 53)

Apolytikion for 1st and 2nd Finding of the Head of the Forerunner in the Fourth Tone

The Forerunner's head has risen once again from the earth; * it sends forth the brilliant rays of incorruption and cures to the faithful all. * Above it has assembled the arrays of the Angels; * below it calls the human race to gather together. * In unison we offer up glory to Christ our God.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Third Tone

Foolishly have I run away from Your glory, O Father, wasting in in the wealth that You gave me. Therefore with the words of the Prodigal I cry unto You: I have sinned before You, compassionate Father. Accept me in repentance and make me as one of Your hired servants. (Page 70)
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Saints and Feasts

Prodson
February 24

Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Through the parable of today's Gospel, our Saviour has set forth three things for us: the condition of the sinner, the rule of repentance, and the greatness of God's compassion. The divine Fathers have put this reading the week after the parable of the Publican and Pharisee so that, seeing in the person of the Prodigal Son our own wretched condition -- inasmuch as we are sunken in sin, far from God and His Mysteries -- we might at last come to our senses and make haste to return to Him by repentance during these holy days of the Fast.

Furthermore, those who have wrought many great iniquities, and have persisted in them for a long time, oftentimes fall into despair, thinking that there can no longer be any forgiveness for them; and so being without hope, they fall every day into the same and even worse iniquities. Therefore, the divine Fathers, that they might root out the passion of despair from the hearts of such people, and rouse them to the deeds of virtue, have set the present parable at the forecourts of the Fast, to show them the surpassing goodness of God's compassion, and to teach them that there is no sin -- no matter how great it may be -- that can overcome at any time His love for man.

07_john2
February 24

First & Second Finding of the Venerable Head of John the Baptist

The first finding came to pass during the middle years of the fourth century, through a revelation of the holy Forerunner to two monks, who came to Jerusalem to worship our Saviour's Tomb. One of them took the venerable head in a clay jar to Emesa in Syria. After his death it went from the hands of one person to another, until it came into the possession of a certain priest-monk named Eustathius, an Arian. Because he ascribed to his own false belief the miracles wrought through the relic of the holy Baptist, he was driven from the cave in which he dwelt, and by dispensation forsook the holy head, which was again made known through a revelation of Saint John, and was found in a water jar, about the year 430, in the days of the Emperor Theodosius the Younger, when Uranius was Bishop of Emesa.

February 24

Boswell, Abbot of Melrose Abbey

February 24

Cumine the White, Abbot of Iona

February 24

Romanos, Prince of Uglich

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Seventh Tone. Psalm 63.11,1.
The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord.
Verse: Oh God, hear my cry.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 4:6-15.

Brethren, it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For while we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.

Since we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, "I believed, and so I spoke," we too believe, and so we speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Prodigal Son
The Reading is from Luke 15:11-32

The Lord said this parable: "There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the property that falls to me.' And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his belly with the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.' And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to make merry. Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.' But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, 'Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf!' And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'"

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Bulletin Inserts

    2019 Festival Head Start Cooking Schedule

    2019 Festival Head Start Cooking Schedule

    Please join us for these March dates. Everyone is welcome! The earlier we start, the less we have to do this summer!

    Sunday Lenten Vespers Series

    Sunday Lenten Vespers Series

    The Orthodox Clergy Brotherhood of Greater Pittsburgh is pleased to offer for the first time in the Pittsburgh region a series of Sunday Lenten Vespers services to be held in Orthodox parishes of various jurisdictions around the Pittsburgh area. Each service will take place at 5:00pm and will be followed by Lenten refreshments. All Orthodox Christians in the area are invited to join the Orthodox clergy of the area in praying these beautiful Lenten services together.

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Wisdom of the Fathers

He who truly wishes to believe in God must be lifted above himself, his mind, and even the whole world. For this reason, the value of faith is considered higher than the value of man. It is even higher than the value of the whole world. Therefore, the reward of faith should be higher than all of man's possessions along with the glories of this world. The reward of faith is God.
Fr. Matthew the Poor
Orthodox Prayer Life: The Interior Way, p. 74, 20th century

Thank God every day with your whole heart for having given to you life according to His image and likeness - an intelligently free and immortal life...Thank Him also for again daily bestowing life upon you, who have fallen an innumerable multitude of times, by your own free will, through sins, from life unto death, and that He does so as soon as you only say from your whole heart: 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before Thee!' (Luke 15:18).
St. John of Kronstadt
My Life in Christ: Part 1; Holy Trinity Monastery pgs. 104-105, 19th century

What is it that I love when I love you? Not the beauty of a body or the comeliness of time. Nor the luster of the light pleasing to the eyes, nor the sweet melodies of all manner of songs, nor the fragrance of flowers, ointments and spices, not manna and honey, nor limbs welcome to the embrace of the flesh - I do not love these when I love my God. And yet there is a kind of light, a kind of voice, a kind of fragrance, a kind of foods, a kind of embrace, when I love my God, who is the light, voice, fragrance, food, embrace of the inner man, where there shines into the soul that which no place can contain, and there sounds forth that which time cannot end, where there is fragrance which no breeze disperses, taste which eating does not make less, and a clinging together which fulfillment does not terminate. It is this that I love when I love my God.
St. Augustine
Confessions 10.6 in The Confessions of St. Augustine, p. 244, 5th century

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Parish News and Events

TODAY’S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES  

 

Memorials 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, Nicholas Kaparakos (40 days). May his memory be eternal! The Kaparakos Family will sponsor the coffee hour today in his memory.

 

Young Adults Coffee House Training Today

Join us in the Fireside Room after liturgy today! We will be preparing for the grand opening of the Grounded in Faith Coffee House. Learn to pull a perfect espresso shot and master pouring latte art! You can also help us to decorate cups and signage for the big day. Food provided.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

[Feb 26] “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 – Tues. Feb. 26, 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.

 

[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 2nd, 9th and 16th. 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 3] GRAND OPENING of “Grounded in Faith” Coffee House

The HT Young Adults, with the support of Telos, Parish Council, and Philoptochos, will be serving premium freshly-ground single-origin espresso beverages once monthly as a supplement to coffee hour. Come and support our young adults at their Grand Opening, next Sunday, March 3 and purchase an espresso, americano, cappuccino, or hot cocoa for just $2!

 

[Mar 7-24, Jun 25-26] 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 days. 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-5:00pm – Spanakopita
  • Saturday, March 23, 9:00am-5:00pm – Spanakopita
  • Sunday, March 24, after Liturgy, 12:00pm-3:00pm – Spanakopita
  • Tuesday, June 25, 9:30am-8:30pm – Diples
  • Wednesday, June 26, 9:30am-8:30pm – Diples

 

[Mar 10 & Mar 24] 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” on Sunday, March 10 and “Ten Minutes of JOY” on March 24.

 

[Mar 16] IV On-the-Go Day Retreat – Teens Please Register Now

Our young people hear about the Archdiocese’s Ionian Village summer camp in Greece all the time, and many of our teens have attended over the past few years. Well, “IV” is coming to you here at Holy Trinity on Saturday March 16 from 9:30am until 6:00pm! This is a rare opportunity all our GOYA teens should attend. “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 16] Metropolis of Pittsburgh Ladies Philoptochos Daffodil Luncheon

The annual Metropolis of Pittsburgh Ladies Philoptochos Daffodil Luncheon will be held on Saturday, March 16 at the Alex D. Krassas Event Center, Saint Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church (251-25th Street, N.W. Canton, OH 44709) at 11:00am. Proceeds to benefit the Metropolis Philoptochos Social Service Fund and The Ronald McDonald House of Akron. Please contact Marianne Stearns (412-600-2159) by TOMORROW, Monday, February 25 to make a reservation. Lenten Luncheon Ticket price is $60.00 per person (check to be made payable to the “Metropolis of Pittsburgh Philoptochos”).

 

[Mar 17-Apr 14] Pittsburgh Area Orthodox Clergy Brotherhood Announces Sunday Lenten Vespers Series

The Orthodox Clergy Brotherhood of Greater Pittsburgh is pleased to offer for the first time in the Pittsburgh region a series of Sunday Lenten Vespers services to be held in Orthodox parishes of various jurisdictions around the Pittsburgh area. Each service will take place at 5:00pm and will be followed by Lenten refreshments. All Orthodox Christians in the area are invited to join the Orthodox clergy of the area in praying these beautiful Lenten services together. The order of services and their locations is as follows:

- March 17: SAINT NICHOLAS SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH, 2110 Haymaker Rd., Monroeville, PA

Speaker: His Eminence Mark, Archbishop of Philadelphia and Eastern PA, OCA. Lenten Dinner to follow

- March 24: ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, 1128 Summit St., White Oak, PA

Festal Great Vespers of the Annunciation

- March 31: SAINT ALEXANDER NEVSKY ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL, 290 Thompson Run Rd., Pittsburgh, PA

- April 7: SAINTS PETER & PAUL UKRANIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH, 220 Mansfield Blvd., Carnegie, PA

- April 14: SAINT GEORGE ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH, 3230 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA

Veneration of Relic of Saint John Maximovitch following Vespers

 

[May 4 & 5] Saint George Chapel Consecration Weekend: Sat. May 4 - Service/Sun. May 5 - Banquet

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!

 

Holy Trinity Greek Dance Troupe
The Holy Trinity Greek Dance Troupe is in the process of ordering new costumes for all our groups. We would like to measure all those children who may possibly dance at the Festival this year in order to ensure that we order enough. We will have a poster in the Gallery with a picture of all the different costumes so that you can see what we will be ordering. We will also be setting up some dates and times to ensure that everyone who may dance gets measured. Please keep a look out in the bulletin for those dates. It is very important that even if you aren’t 100% sure that you are going to dance, if there is a slight chance, that you need to be measured. We are ordering the costumes in March. If you have any questions, please reach out to Victoria at v.andromalosdale@gmail.com or Eleni at eadedousis@gmail.com.

 

Philoptochos News

Our Holy Trinity Philoptochos is calling for submissions of recipes for their new cookbook by the March 31st deadline. The 2019 Philoptochos dues are also to be submitted by March 31, 2019 to Nicole Steiner. The next regular Philoptochos meeting is scheduled for March 24, 2019 following Divine Liturgy. New members are always welcome!

 

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. If you have misplaced your pledge card, additional copies can be found in the Narthex of the church.  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!

 

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!

 

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!

 

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!

 

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!

 

Upcoming Lenten and Paschal Dates

Wondering about Lenten and Paschal dates? Here’s a helpful guide to some of the important events coming up. Mark them on your calendar!

-          Meatfare Sunday (Last day of eating meat): Mar. 3

-          Cheesefare Sunday (Last day of eating dairy): Mar. 10

-          Pure Monday (Lent begins): Mar. 11

-          Sunday of Orthodoxy: Mar. 17

-          Godparent Sunday/Lenten Luncheon: Mar. 31

-          Saturday of Lazarus/Palm Cross/Candle prep: Apr. 20

-          Palm Sunday: Apr. 21

-          Holy Week: Apr. 21-27

-          Holy Friday (schedule off work & school): Apr. 26

-          The Great and Holy Pascha: Apr. 28

          

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 March 3: Stella Athanasiou (1 year)

 

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