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, March 17.

Holy Trinity Greek Dance Troupe – Measuring for Costumes Today
The Holy Trinity Greek Dance Troupe is in the process of ordering new costumes for all groups. Victoria and Eleni will be going to the Church School classrooms today to measure students who have danced this past year. If your child is new to dancing and they will dance this year, please let them know so that they can measure your child. It is very important that even if they aren’t 100% sure that they are going to dance they should be measured. Questions? Contact Victoria at v.andromalosdale@gmail.com or Eleni at eadedousis@gmail.com.

GOYA Meeting – Today

GOYA will be holding a meeting today following Church School. All teens are invited to attend.

GOYA Lenten Soup Sales – Beginning Today

The GOYA is once again offering its very popular Lenten soup and sauces sales throughout Lent, starting TODAY and ending April 21. Among the many good reasons to buy some to take home are that they are strict Lenten recipes, they provide fund-raising support for our GOYA ministry ... plus they taste great and they are good for you! Please visit the Lenten Soup Sales table in Gallery during Coffee Hour each week! Thank you for supporting our youth as you strive to maintain and grow your spiritual discipline of fasting during Lent!

Holy Trinity Young Adults Pre-Lenten Covered Dish Brunch Today

The Holy Trinity Young Adults Ministry will meet today, following Divine Liturgy, for a pre-Lenten covered dish brunch in the Fireside Room.  Please see Eleni Valliant for more details. (elenivalliant@gmail.com)

Lent Starts Tonight!

Lent officially begins on the Orthodox liturgical calendar this evening with the Solemn Vespers service to be held at the St George Chapel (8941 Ringeisen Rd, Allison Park). It is one of the most beautiful and solemn services of the year and is a deeply meaningful way to step into this season of repentance. Please plan on attending at 6:30pm this evening at the Chapel. If you have never been to one, you have never experienced Lent like this.

Services This Week

- TODAY, Sun. Mar. 10, 6:30pm: Solemn Vespers of Forgiveness (SG)

- Mon. Mar. 11, 6:30pm: Great Compline (SG)

- Wed. Mar. 13, 6:30pm: Pre-Sanctified Liturgy followed by Lenten Covered Dish Dinner and “Faith and Family Weekdays” Wednesday Lenten Series presentation – Father Demetrios Carellas (HT)

- Sat. Mar. 16, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: Saturday of the Souls (SG)

[Mar. 11] Offices Closed on Pure Monday

Please note that the offices of the Archdiocese, Metropolis and Holy Trinity Church will be closed on the first day of Lent, Pure Monday, March 11.

“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.
• Tue. Mar. 12: “Journey of Marriage” Marriage Prep Ministry (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.
• Wed. Mar. 13: Pre-Sanctified Liturgy, Lenten Dinner and Lenten Speakers Series

          - Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts (6:30-7:45pm): This is a mid-week Lenten blessing provides by the Church as a way of    offering the Holy Gifts between Sundays during Lent. The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is an evening service which comprises the solemn Lenten Vespers with the distribution of Holy Communion at the end. There is no consecration of the Holy Gifts during the service. Holy Communion is offered from the reserve gifts consecrated on the previous Sunday at the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Those Orthodox Christians wishing to receive Holy Communion should prepare as usual but should also refrain from eating or drinking after their midday meal. Readings will be done by our older Church School students.
- Lenten Dinner (7:45pm): We will continue the tradition of Lenten dinners following Pre-Sanctified Liturgies by asking for volunteers to bring food. Everyone is invited to stay for this light meal. After the meal is served, everyone will remain in the Grand Room for the Lenten Speakers Series presentation.
- Lenten Speakers Series (8:00pm). Each week a special presentation will be offered by one of our clergy or guest presenters. This week our guest speaker will be Father Demetrios Carellas.

• Thu. Mar. 14: “Prayer and Panera” Men’s Ministry (7:00am Worship/Session): 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!
• Thu. Mar. 14: “Orthodox Movie Night” - Entertainment & Fellowship Ministry (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 presenting “Russian Night!”. Popcorn & soft drinks provided. Admission is Free! Come and share in the fellowship!

[Mar 10-24, 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!

• TODAY, 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 15-17] Pittsburgh Premier of the Movie “Faith, Hope & Love”

FAITH, HOPE, & LOVE is a heartwarming romantic comedy about two vulnerable, lost souls who have each suffered deep losses and have their guards up, as a result. When they enter a dance contest, their lives connect, and they begin to discover new perspectives on life, love, and faith (rated PG). This film, by Greek American filmmaker Robert Krantz, is scheduled to be shown at the AMC Waterfront 22 Theatre (300 W Waterfront Dr, Homestead, PA 15210) from Friday, March 15 thru Sunday March 17. For additional information, you can visit the Facebook Event page for the Pittsburgh opening at http://bit.ly/FHLPittsburghPA or view the trailer on the movie’s website at www.FHLMovie.com.  

[Mar 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. The final Saturday of the Souls service will be offered this Saturday, March 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 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 schedule:

- 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

Lenten and Holy Week Schedules of Services

The March issue of The Herald contains a complete schedule of services for Lent.  Please post it in a conspicuous place in your home. Make a family plan and circle the services you are able to attend and place them on your schedule and on your phone’s calendar! As the hymn from the Book of Psalms tells us during the Great Compline service, “God is with us.” Lent provides us a special time to be with Him. See you there!

Lenten Coffee Hour Reminder

Please keep in mind that throughout Lent our Coffee Hours following the Divine Liturgy observe the Orthodox Lenten fasting schedule. Anyone sponsoring a memorial coffee hour or providing Church School snacks is asked to take care that non-meat and non-dairy items are provided. The Philoptochos and the Church School can provide a list of suggestions for good alternatives. Thank you for helping our community grow in this proper and helpful Orthodox spiritual practice.

Lenten Resources Available on the Internet

Looking for educational or inspirational information and resources for Lent? Try one of the best religious sites on the Internet: the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. To visit the general site, go to www.goarch.org/lent. There you will find Lenten messages, scriptures, prayers, articles, hymns, videos and more.

[Mar 17] Philoptochos News – Mark Your Calendar – Meeting Date Change

The next regular Philoptochos meeting has been rescheduled for Sunday March 17, following Divine Liturgy, in the Fireside Room.  Also, our Holy Trinity Philoptochos is calling for submissions of recipes for their new cookbook by the March 31^st deadline. The 2019 Philoptochos dues are also to be submitted by March 31, 2019 to Nicole Steiner.

[Mar 21] Senior Fellowship Ministry Meeting

The Senior Fellowship Ministry Group will hold its next meeting on Thursday, March 21, 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).

[Mar 23] The Unknown Women Heroes of the Greek War of Independence

The Greek Room Committee, together with the American Hellenic Foundation of Western PA, invite all to attend their annual celebration commemorating Greek Independence Week on Saturday March 23^rd beginning at 5:00pm, in the Auditorium of Alumni Hall (7^th Floor Alumni Hall, 4227 Fifth Ave, University of Pittsburgh, across from the Cathedral of Learning). “The Passerine, the Swan, the Falcon, the Hawk: The Unknown Women Heroes of the Greek War of Independence” will feature a multi-media presentation and a performance by the Grecian Odyssey Dancers.

[Mar 26] Metropolis Summer Camp Registration Opens

Metropolis Summer Camp registration opens on March 26 at y2am.pittsburgh.goarch.org for all JOY and GOYA campers. Be sure to register early, as sessions sell out quickly. To receive the Holy Trinity parish discount, be sure to use the code “SC19HTP” at the time of registration. Dates below (grades indicate what level the student will be in the Fall of 2019):

• Week 1, Elementary: June 16-22 (grades 2-4)
• Week 2, Middle School: June 23-29 (grades 5-7)                 
• Week 3, Junior High Session: June 30-July 6 (grades 7-9)
• Week 4, High School Session: July 7-13 (grades 10-12)

      *7th graders are able to attend either Week 2 or 3

[Mar 30] Lenten Family Retreat at St. Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Cathedral

We have all been invited to attend a Lenten Family Retreat hosted by St. Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Cathedral (290 Thompson Run Rd) on Saturday, March 30. 9:00am Divine Liturgy with light Brunch following; 11:00am Lecture by Fr. John Parker, Dean of St. Tikhon’s Seminary / Youth Activities; 1:00pm Lunch; 5:00pm Vigil for the Elevation of the Cross with St. Tikhon’s Choir. Please RSVP by March 20^th to Sarah Arnold (sarahrah4@gmail.com) and kindly include the names and ages of youth in your family who will be attending. 

[Mar 31] Paver Project Unveiling/Blessing Following Liturgy

Be sure to attend the Unveiling and Blessing of the 95^th Anniversary Paver Project on Sunday, March 31, the Feast of the Veneration of the Holy Cross. The event will be held following Liturgy outside in front of the church. Don’t miss it!

[Mar 31] Annual Lenten Luncheon

Our Ladies Philoptochos Society “Omonia” will present its annual Lenten Luncheon on Sunday, March 31 following Divine Liturgy. Enjoy a delicious selection of Lenten foods while supporting the Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and the charitable activities of the Philoptochos. Donations of Lenten (non-meat /non-dairy) salads, soups, side dishes, & desserts will be greatly appreciated! Please contact Sherry Clayton 412-216-4793 or Ashley Bournias 412-298-3700 by Sunday, March 24 if you can donate a luncheon item. Thank you!

[Apr 5-7] GOYA Spring Retreat – “Made Perfect Through My Weakness”

The Metropolis of Pittsburgh presents the 2019 GOYA Spring Retreat April 5-7 at Camp Nazareth. The retreat will feature Deacon George Athanasiou as guest speaker. Register at y2am.pittsburgh.goarch.org/retreats by the March 31^st deadline. To receive the Holy Trinity parish discount, be sure to use the code “HTPP19” at the time of registration.   

[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. Look for information in the Herald and on the website. Banquet tickets are available starting today in the Gallery. General Info: www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/chapel/consecration Reservations & Tickets: www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/events

[Jun 17-22] Community Adult & Teen Mission Trip

The Holy Trinity Missions Ministry is coordinating a philanthropic mission trip to Houston, June 17-22. This trip is open to Holy Trinity adults and teens 14 and over. See the flyer in the March Herald or visit www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/missions.

[Nov 4-11] Mount Athos Pilgrimage

The Holy Trinity Pilgrimage Ministry is hosting a pilgrimage to Mount Athos Nov. 4-11. This spiritual journey is open to all men of the parish 18 and over. The trip will also include a guided tour of Thessaloniki. Space is limited to 8 men. See the flyer in the March Herald or visit www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/pilgrimage.

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!

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!

-          Cheesefare Sunday (Last day of eating dairy): TODAY

-          Pure Monday (Lent begins TOMORROW): 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

Sign Up to Provide FOCUS Lunches for the Needy - More Dates are Available

If you’re looking for ways to get your family/friends/group/ministry together for a meaningful day of giving to the poor and hungry in our region, here’s your chance! 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 still available. Please see Mike Kritiotis after Liturgy to sign up for a Saturday that fits your schedule or email outreach@holytrinitypgh.org for available dates. Thank you, good and faithful servants of Christ!

“ONE HOLY TRINITY” – Please Make Your Commitment and Submit Your 2019 Stewardship Pledge Card

Once again, this year’s stewardship 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 stewardship 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, you should have already received your Stewardship and Total Giving report for 2018.  If you haven’t already, 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.

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!

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!