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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2019-03-24
Bulletin Contents
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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





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 Second Tone

When You descended into death, O Life immortal, You destroyed Hades with the splendor of Your divinity. And when You raised the dead from the depths of darkness, all the heavenly powers shouted: O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory to You! (Page 52)

Apolytikion of Forefeast of the Annunciation in the Fourth Tone

Today is the prelude of the joy of the universe, and it incites us to sing the forefestal hymns. For behold, Gabriel is coming, and he will say to the Virgin: Rejoice, Maiden full of grace; the Lord is with you.

Apolytikion of Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone

O Gregory the Wonderworker, light of Orthodoxy, support and teacher of the Church, glory of monks and invincible protector of theologians, pride of Thessalonika and preacher of grace, pray without ceasing for the salvation of our souls. (Page 72)

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Tone

The Archangel spoke to you, * O Theotokos, * and the Holy Spirit came * on you and thus you did conceive * the Father's Son, who is one in throne * and one in essence. * Through you, thus, was Adam recalled.
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Saints and Feasts

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March 24

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359.

His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers today.


Annuncia
March 24

Forefeast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos


St.artemon
March 24

Artemon the Presbyter


Theonas
March 24

Our Holy Father Theonas, Archbishop of Thessolonica


March 24

Zachariah the Recluse


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Second Tone. Psalm 117.14,18.
The Lord is my strength and my song.
Verse: The Lord has chastened me sorely.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3.

"IN THE BEGINNING, Thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end." But to what angel has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet?" Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?

Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
The Reading is from Mark 2:1-12

At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum and it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is a blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-he said to the paralytic-"I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"


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Bulletin Inserts

    2019 Schedule of Lenten Services

    2019 Schedule of Lenten Services

    Holy Trinity's 2019 Schedule of Lenten Services.


    About the Services of Lent

    About the Services of Lent

    A helpful guide describing the individual services offered during Lent and why you should make plans to attend.


    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.


    Sunday March 31, 2019

    Sunday March 31, 2019

    This is a day that you won't want to miss! Godparent/Godchild Sunday; Divine Liturgy & Lenten Luncheon to benefit Holy Cross Seminary; Unveiling and Blessing of the 95th Anniversary Paver Project.


    2019 Festival Cooking Schedule

    2019 Festival Cooking Schedule

    Please join us. The earlier we start, the less we have to do this summer!


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Wisdom of the Fathers

Now Matthew indeed saith, that "they brought him," but the others, that they also broke up the roof, and let him down. And they put the sick man before Christ, saying nothing, but committing the whole to Him.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century

For though in the beginning He Himself went about, and did not require so much faith of them that came unto Him; yet in this case they both approached Him, and had faith required on their part. For, "Seeing," it is said, "their faith;" that is, the faith of them that had let the man down.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century

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Parish News and Events

TODAY’S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES  

 

Father John with Young Adults This Morning

Father John is with our Young Adult Ministry on a weekend retreat this morning at Antiochian Village.

 

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.

 

Chapel Consecration Reservations and Banquet Tickets – Available Today

Reservations for the Saint George Chapel Consecration on May 4 and tickets for the Consecration Banquet on May 5 are now available online, but you can also find them at the Consecration table in the Gallery during Coffee Hour today. Please make your reservations and get your tickets today for this historic event in the life of our community.

 

Festal Great Vespers of the Annunciation - Today at 5:00pm

The Orthodox Clergy Brotherhood of Greater Pittsburgh invites you to attend the Festal Great Vespers of the Annunciation at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church (1128 Summit St White Oak, PA 15131) this evening beginning at 5:00pm.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Services This Week

- TODAY, Sun. Mar. 24, 5:00pm: Festal Great Vespers at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in White Oak, PA

- Mon. Mar. 25, 8:15am Orthros, 9:30am Divine Liturgy of the Annunciation (SG)

- Wed. Mar. 27, 6:30pm: Pre-Sanctified Liturgy followed by Lenten Covered Dish Dinner and “Faith and Family Weekdays” Wednesday Lenten Series presentation – Andrew Abboud (HT)

- Fri. Mar. 29, 6:30pm: Service of Salutations to the Theotokos (SG)

 

Offices Closed for the Feast of the Annunciation – March 25

The offices of the Archdiocese, Metropolis and Holy Trinity Church will be closed on Monday, March 25, for the great Feast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos. Please attend services at St. George Chapel (see above).

 

“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. Mar. 27: 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 on a subject related to our 2019 Lenten theme: “A Better You. A Better World.” This week Andrew Abboud will speak about “Living Your Faith in Your Vocation”.

 

[Mar 24-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 remaining schedule of services is as follows:

- TODAY, 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

 

[TODAY and 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 - 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

 

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 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.

 

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.

 

Philoptochos News

There is still time to submit your favorite recipe to the Holy Trinity Philoptochos cookbook, which will be sold at the 2019 Taste of Greece Festival. The new deadline for submission of recipes has been extended to April 30th.  Anyone in the Parish may submit a recipe, Greek or Non-Greek.  Share a family recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation!   Please call/text Maria Georgiadis at 724-991-5129 with any questions. Easter Bread Baking will take place on Thursday, April 18th from 9:00am to 4:00pm.  Easter Bread pick-up will take place on Palm Sunday, April 21st (which is American Easter).  Place your Easter Bread orders now!! Just a reminder that the Philoptochos Lenten Luncheon/Godparent Sunday will be held next Sunday, March 31st after Divine Liturgy, in the Grand Room. The next Philoptochos Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, April 7th after Divine Liturgy.  New members are always welcome! The deadline for Philoptochos membership dues is next Sunday, March 31. Please submit to Nicole Steiner. Thank you!

 

[Mar 26] Metropolis Summer Camp Registration Opens Tuesday

Metropolis Summer Camp registration opens this Tuesday 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 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] JOY/HOPE to Visit Vincentian Home

The JOY/HOPE kids will be visiting Vincentian Nursing Home on Saturday, March 30th from 1:30-3:30pm to play BINGO with the residents there.  We kindly ask that each child offer new “Bingo Prizes” for the residents.  They enjoy decorations for their room (Easter, Spring, available at the Dollar Store), large candy bars...no nuts, stuffed animals, and snacks. Please plan to meet at Vincentian (111 Perrymont Rd Pittsburgh, PA 15237), drive around to the left side of the building and enter at the blue awning (Building 4). Please contact Kelley Kaparakos with any questions and to confirm availability at kelley@hamptonbanquethall.com or text to 724-612-6574.  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 – NEXT SUNDAY!

Be sure to attend the Unveiling and Blessing of the 95th Anniversary Paver Project next 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 next 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 TODAY 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 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 14th.  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.

 

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!

 

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!

-          Godparent Sunday/Lenten Luncheon: NEXT SUNDAY, 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!

 

“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.

 

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!

 

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!

 

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!

 

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