TODAY’S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Name Tag Sunday Today
Twice a year the Hospitality Ministry hosts a Name Tag Sunday. Trying to meet new people? Wondering the names of the folks you sit near every week? This is a great day to commit to reaching out to our Holy Trinity Family. From the youngest to the oldest, everyone will have a name tag. Introduce yourself and widen your HT family circle!
Sunday of Orthodoxy Procession Today
All the students and staff of Holy Trinity Church School have been asked to bring icons for the procession of the holy icons for the Sunday of Orthodoxy today. Please be sure your icon has your name marked on the back, so it does not get lost. The students will take part in the procession immediately following the Divine Liturgy today.
Ten Minutes of 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 JOY” today.
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 Lenten Soup Sales
GOYA Homemade Lenten Soup Sales have begun. Need a quick homemade meal? Just add a salad and bread or crackers to these delicious Lenten soups. This week's soups are Lentil Soup, Split Pea Soup, Vegetarian Tortilla and Chili. Holy Trinity GOYA thanks you for your constant support and wishes everyone a Blessed Lenten Journey.
Philoptochos Meeting - Today
This month’s Philoptochos meeting will take place today after Divine Liturgy in the Fireside Room. New members are always welcome!
Vespers Service Today at 5:00pm
The Orthodox Clergy Brotherhood of Greater Pittsburgh invites you to attend Sunday Lenten Vespers at St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in Monroeville, PA (2110 Haymaker Rd) this evening beginning at 5:00pm. The Guest Speaker will be His Eminence Mark, Archbishop of Philadelphia and Eastern PA, OCA. The Pan-Orthodox Choir of Pittsburgh will sing Vespers. There will be a Lenten Dinner to follow.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Services This Week
- TODAY, Sun. Mar. 17, 5:00pm: Sunday Vespers at St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in Monroeville, PA
- Mon. Mar. 18, 6:30pm: Great Compline (SG)
- NO Presanctified Liturgy this Wednesday (Metropolis Clergy Retreat)
- Fri. Mar. 22, 6:30pm: Service of Salutations to the Theotokos (SG)
“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.
[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:
- TODAY, 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.
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). The film’s run has now been extended through this Wednesday March 20. Don’t miss your chance to see this movie on the “big screen” here in Pittsburgh. 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 21] Senior Fellowship Ministry Meeting
The Senior Fellowship Ministry Group will hold its next meeting this 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 21-24, 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!
- THIS 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 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 23rd beginning at 5:00pm, in the Auditorium of Alumni Hall (7th 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 27-Apr 17] Faith and Family Weekdays Lenten Speakers Series
This year, our Lenten lessons are focusing on the theme, “A Better You. A Better World.” Each week a special presentation is offered by one of our clergy or guest presenters. Plan on being there for Pre-Sanctified Liturgy at 6:30pm, followed by a Lenten dinner and presentation in the Grand Room. The remaining speakers this year are:
- Mar. 27 – Andrew Abboud: “Living your faith in your vocation”
- Apr. 3 – Stacey Mason: “Philanthropy/IOCC”
- Apr. 10 – Father John Chakos: “Mission to Guatemala”
- Apr. 17 – Alex Corkos: “Relationships”
Please be sure to attend the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy and remain for the presentation. If you are able, please bring a Lenten dish to contribute to the meal (non-meat, non-fish, non-dairy). Thank you!
[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 20th 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 95th 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!
[Mar 31] Philoptochos News
Our Holy Trinity Philoptochos is calling for submissions of recipes for their new cookbook by the March 31st deadline. Please call/text Maria Georgiadis at 724-991-5129 with any questions. The 2019 Philoptochos dues are also to be submitted by March 31, 2019 to Nicole Steiner.
[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 31st deadline. To receive the Holy Trinity parish discount, be sure to use the code “HTPP19” at the time of registration.
[Apr 14] Philoptochos Pascha Bread Sale
The Ladies Philoptochos is again offering their delicious traditional Greek Pascha Bread for sale! All proceeds benefit the charitable endeavors of the Philoptochos. All orders must be prepaid and turned in to the office or mailed to the church by Sunday, April 14, 2019. Please make checks payable to “Holy Trinity Ladies Philoptochos” with “Pascha Bread” in the memo line. Pickup your PREPAID order at the Holy Trinity Center Gallery FOLLOWING Divine Liturgy on Palm Sunday, April 21st. Please call Nicole Steiner (412-352-0289) with any questions regarding orders.
[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. For general info, visit www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/chapel/consecration.
- To make service reservations:
- To purchase banquet tickets
- To pay by credit card: Visit www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/events
- – OR – To pay by cash or check, stop by the Chapel Consecration Table in the Gallery Sundays after Liturgy
[May 11] Metropolis of Pittsburgh Saint Photios Awards Banquet – Come and Honor the Awardees
His Eminence Metropolitan Savas invites all the clergy and laypersons of the Metropolis of Pittsburgh to celebrate and give thanks for its honored devout stewards of faith, time and talents at the Sixth Annual Saint Photios Awards Banquet, Saturday, May 11 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh-Cranberry, 910 Sheraton Drive, Mars, PA 16046. 4:00 pm Hors d’oeuvres, 5:15 pm Dinner. Donations for tickets are $85 per person for adults, $25 for children (under 12), and net proceeds benefit the Metropolitan’s Benevolent Fund. Reservations can be made by using the reservations form available in the Herald or from the Church Office window. Questions? Please call Mary Doreza at 412-877-3415. Please be there to celebrate all the awardees, including our own Holy Trinity recipients, George Dickos and Presvytera Becky Touloumes. The deadline for reservations is April 19.
[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!
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!
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!
- Sunday of Orthodoxy: TODAY
- 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
Welcome to the Sundays of Lent and the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil
During the Sundays of Lent, the Orthodox Church changes from using the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom to the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil. Why do we do that and what are the differences? To most outward appearances, the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil differs very little from the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, and those wishing to follow the service in the Divine Liturgy book may use the regular book to do so. The primary difference is in the prayers said by the priest in the later part of the service and the hymn “All of Creation” (“Epi Si Heri”) which replaces the usual “It Is Worthy” (“Axion Estin”) after the Consecration of the Holy Gifts. Why the change? In general, the prayers of St. Basil are more penitential, and therefore lend themselves to the Church's liturgical preparation for important holy days; hence, their use during Great Lent and on the eves of Nativity and Theophany. During this service, as the priest offers the prayers, there may be times when the choir completes its hymn and the priest is still offering the prayer. During this season of increased prayer and spiritual attention, please use those times to follow along with the prayers with your own heart and immerse yourself in this beautiful worship experience. Rather than “wait for” the priest to finish the prayers, join him in the prayer of your own heart! The large green Holy Trinity Divine Liturgy books indicate where the changes in those prayers are, and you may follow them to develop a greater understanding and appreciation of their beauty and meaning. A blessed Lent to all!
Holy Week Books Available at our Bookstore
If you do not already have one, please be sure to stop by our Three Hierarchs Orthodox Bookstore to pick up your copy of the Holy Week/Easter Service book from Patmos Press. This book contains all of the services for Holy Week and Easter in the original Greek text with the Modern English translation on opposing pages. All paragraphs are arranged to correspond to both languages, making it easy to follow the services in either language. This invaluable book is a great aid in participating fully in the services of Holy Week and are reasonably priced at only $25.00 each.
“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 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.
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.
Visitation Ministry Team Volunteers
The Visitation Ministry is always in need of volunteers to share their talent and time. We need volunteers who may enjoy visiting our homebound family members, designing crafts, baking cookies, transporting individuals to doctor appointments, reading the Bible at the bedside of one who is sick or has poor vision, offering grocery shopping or medication pickup at the local pharmacy, praying for those who are in need, providing a listening ear to those grieving loss, mailing cards to those who need encouragement, and so much more. 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.
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!