Publish-header
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2019-04-07
Bulletin Contents
The_ladder_of_the_divine_ascent_st._john_of_climacus
Organization Icon
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 Fourth Tone

The joyful news of Your Resurrection was told to the women disciples of the Lord by the angel. Having thrown off the ancestral curse, and boasting, they told the Apostles: death has been vanquished. Christ our God is risen, granting to the world great mercy. (Page 53)

Apolytikion of Sun. of St. John Climacus in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone

With the rivers of your tears, you have made the barren desert fertile, and with the sighs of sorrow from your heart you have made your labors to bear a hundredfold. With the glory of your miracles you have become a light to the inhabited earth, O John, our holy father. Pray to Christ our God for the salvation of our souls. (Page 73)

Seasonal Kontakion in the Eighth Tone

English: O Champion General, I your City now ascribe to you / triumphant anthems as the tokens of my gratitude, / being rescued from the terrors, O Theotokos. / Inasmuch as you have power unassailable, / from all kinds of perils free me so that unto you / I may cry aloud: Rejoice O unwedded Bride. Greek: Τη Υπερμάχω Στρατηγώ τα νικητήρια / Ως λυτρωθείσα των δεινων ευχαριστήρια / Αναγράφω σοι η Πόλις σου, Θεοτόκε / Αλλ΄ως έχουσα το κράτος απροσμάχητον / Εκ παντοίων με κινδύνων ελευθέρωσον / Ινα κράζω σοι, Χαίρε Νύμφη ανύμφευτε. Phoenetics: Ti i-per-ma-a-ho stra-ti-go ta ni-ki-ti-ri-a, / os li-tro-thi-sa ton di-non ef-ha-ri-sti-ri-a,/ a-na-gra-fo si i po-li sou The-o-to-ke. / Al-os e-hou-sa to kra-tos a-pros-ma-hi-ton, / ek pan-ti-on me kin-din-on e-lef-the-ro-son, / i-na kra-zo si: He-re nim-fi a-nim-fef-te. (Page 54)
BACK TO TOP

Saints and Feasts

The_ladder_of_the_divine_ascent_st._john_of_climacus
April 07

Sunday of St. John Climacus

The memory of this Saint is celebrated on March 30, where his biography may be found. He is celebrated today because his book, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, is a sure guide to the ascetic life, written by a great man of prayer experienced in all forms of the monastic polity; it teaches the seeker after salvation how to lay a sound foundation for his struggles, how to detect and war against each of the passions, how to avoid the snares laid by the demons, and how to rise from the rudimental virtues to the heights of Godlike love and humility. It is held in such high esteem that it is universally read in its entirety in monasteries during the Great Fast.


April 07

Martyrs Calliopius and Akylina

The holy Martyr Calliopius was from Perga in Pamphylia, brought up in piety by his godly mother Theocleia. When the persecution of Maximian broke out, Saint Calliopius presented himself of his own accord before the Governor Maximus in Pompeiopolis of Galatia. After he had suffered many torments, his mother visited him in prison and encouraged him in his martyrdom. After this, his thrice-blessed mother, upon learning that he was to be crucified on Holy and Great Thursday, bribed the tyrants to defer it one day, that he might imitate the Lord's Crucifixion on the same day that He suffered it. The holy Martyr Calliopius received the crown of martyrdom on Holy and Great Friday in the year 304, being crucified upside down.


April 07

George, Bishop of Mytylene

Saint George, Metropolitan of Mytilene, from his youth led a monastic life, and was especially accomplished in the virtue of humility. In the reign of Leo the Isaurian (716-741) the saint underwent persecution from the iconoclasts and became a Confessor. During the reign of the emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitos (780-797) Saint George was elevated to the archbishopal cathedral of the city of Mytilene on the island of Lesbos. His life was radiant with prudence and purity and resembled the life of angels. He possessed a gift of wonderworking, cast out unclean spirits and healed incurable diseases. The saint distinguished himself by his compassion, and he helped all the needy. In 815, during the reign of the iconoclast Leo the Armenian (813-820), the holy archpastor was banished and sent to Cherson, where he died in the year 821. At the hour of his death a bright star shone in the heavens over the city of Mytilene.


April 07

Gerasimos the God-Bearer

Our venerable Father Gerasimos was born in Constaninople to a pious family. When he traveled to the island of Patmos he became the disciple of St. Makarios at the seminary of Patmos which he had founded. Having distanced himself from the cares of the world, he received monastic tonsure at the Monastery of St. John the Theologian in Patmos, where he was later ordained a Deacon and a Priest. He lived a venerable life and was regarded as an excellent teacher and luminary to the students of the seminary. He reposed in the year 1770.


St_savvas_of_kalymnos
April 07

Savvas the New

St. Savvas the New (1862-1948) is the patron saint of the Greek Island of Kalymnos, where he lived during the last twenty years of his life as the priest and spiritual father of the nuns of the Convent of All Saints. He was a great ascetic, confessor, iconographer and miracle-worker. From a young age he had a calling for the holy monastic life and so he left for Mount Athos as a teen and entered St. Anne's Skete where he learned iconography and Byzantine music. After a few years, he traveled to Jerusalem for a pilgrimage to the holy sites, where he entered a monastery as a novice and was then tonsured a monk and given the name of Savvas. In 1902, St. Savvas was ordained a deacon and a year later he was ordained to the Holy Priesthood. He spent almost 10 years in the desert by the Jordan where he led an austere life and occupied himself with prayer and iconography. Due to health reasons and the political situation in Palestine which made life unsafe, St. Savvas returned to Greece where he searched for a quiet place to continue his monastic life. His prayers were answered when another saint, St. Nektarios of Aegina, had asked St. Savvas to come to the Holy Trinity Convent in Aegina and serve as a priest for nuns. There he would also be able to teach them the sacred art of iconography and Byzantine music. St. Savvas stayed at the convent for six years. This time at the Convent was one of the most significant events in the saint's life due to his association with St. Nektarios who was at the height of his spiritual development. St. Savvas had the opportunity to confess and receive counsel from St. Nektarios. St. Nekatrios fell asleep in the Lord on the evening of November 8, 1920, at the age of 74 in a hospital ward in Athens. His holy relics were returned to the Holy Trinity Monastery, where St. Savvas officated his Funeral service. St. Savvas painted the first icon of St. Nektarios. One day St. Savvas asked the Abbess not to let anyone disturb him for forty days, during which he remained confined to his cell. After 40 days, he came out of his cell holding an icon of St. Nektarios. He handed it to the Abbess and asked her to place it in the church for veneration. The Abbess was surprised since St. Nektarios had not yet been glorified ("canonized") as a saint. After St. Nektarios reposed, more and more pilgrims would come to the convent due to the growing reputation of St. Nektarios as a miracle-worker. This disrupted the quiet life that St. Savvas loved and so he departed the convent in 1925, again for a quieter life. St. Savvas spent the last years of his life as the priest and spiritual father at the Convent of All Saints on the island of Kalymnos. St. Savvas became a shining example of virtue to all who came into contact with him. He went to the Lord in 1948 on the eve of the feast of the Annunciation. Numerous miracles and healings have since been attributed to St. Savvas the New of Kalymnos.


April 07

Tikhon, Pat. of Moscow

Born in 1865 in the region of Pskov, our Father among the Saints Tikhon was tonsured a monk in 1891 and ordained to the priesthood in the same year. In 1897 he was consecrated Bishop of Lublin, and a year later appointed Bishop of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, with his see extending to all of North America from 1900 onwards. He did much to unite the Orthodox Christians of a great many ethnic backgrounds in North America, so that there was indeed one flock under one shepherd. In 1907 he was made Archbishop of Yaroslavl and Rostov, and in 1913, Archbishop of Lithuania.

In 1917, when he was Metropolitan of Moscow, he was elected to be the first Patriarch of Russia in over 200 years, in times that could not have been more difficult. After the Revolution of 1917, the persecution of the Russian Church by the atheist government grew more bold and more fierce with every year. By nature a meek and peace-loving man, Tikhon sought to determine, while giving only to God that which is God's, what could be given to Caesar to preserve peace and avoid the shedding of blood. At his departure on the feast of the Annunciation in 1925, Saint Tikhon made the sign of the Cross thrice, pronouncing the words, "Glory to Thee, O God!" Because of the many unspeakable sufferings he endured as Patriarch, he is honoured as a Confessor.

Note: St. Tikhon's repose was on the Feast of the Annunciation according to the Old Calendar (March 25), but on the New Calendar his repose falls on April 7.


BACK TO TOP

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Tone. Psalm 103.24,1.
O Lord, how manifold are your works. You have made all things in wisdom.
Verse: Bless the Lord, O my soul.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 6:13-20.

BRETHREN, when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore to himself, saying, "Surely I will bless you and multiply you." And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. Men indeed swear by a greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he interposed with an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God should prove false, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. John Climacus
The Reading is from Mark 9:17-31

At that time, a man came to Jesus kneeling and saying: "Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit; and wherever it seizes him it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able." And he answered them, "O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me." And they brought the boy to him; and when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, "How long has he had this?" And he said, "From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us." And Jesus said to him, "If you can! All things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!" And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again." And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, "He is dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?" And he said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting." They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he would not have any one know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him; and when he is killed, after three days he will rise."


BACK TO TOP

Bulletin Inserts

    2019 Schedule of Lenten Services

    2019 Schedule of Lenten Services

    Holy Trinity's 2019 Schedule of Lenten Services.


    2019 Holy Week and Pascha - Schedule of Services

    2019 Holy Week and Pascha - Schedule of Services

    We fervently request the entire Holy Trinity family to share fully in the fasting, prayer and liturgical observance of Holy Week and in the celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord.


    Holy Trinity Paver Project - Second Chance

    Holy Trinity Paver Project - Second Chance

    We all deserve second chances! Numbers are limited and the deadline is May 31 for your final opportunity to be part of this wonderful project.


    Journey to Fullness

    Journey to Fullness

    This excellent 16-part video teaching series is for everyone who wants to learn more about the "fullness of the faith" found in Orthodox Christianity, whether as inquirers wanting to know more, catechumens preparing to enter the Church or life-long members who simply want to deepen their knowledge of the Faith in which they were raised.


    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.


    2019 Festival Cooking Schedule - Updated

    2019 Festival Cooking Schedule - Updated

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


BACK TO TOP

Wisdom of the Fathers

Seest thou how He now proceeds to lay beforehand in them the foundation of His doctrine about fasting? ... See, at any rate, how many blessings spring from them both. For he that is praying as he ought, and fasting, hath not many wants, and he that hath not many wants, cannot be covetous; ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 57 on Matthew 17,4,5. B#54, pp.355,356., 4th Century

... he that is not covetous, will be also more disposed for almsgiving. He that fasts is light, and winged, and prays with wakefulness, and quenches his wicked lusts, and propitiates God, and humbles his soul when lifted up. Therefore even the apostles were almost always fasting.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 57 on Matthew 17,4,5. B#54, pp.355,356., 4th Century

He that prays with fasting hath his wings double, and lighter than the very winds. ... For nothing is mightier than a man who prays sincerely. ... But if thy body be too weak to fast continually, still it is not too weak for prayer, nor without vigor for contempt of the belly. For although thou canst not fast, yet canst thou avoid luxurious living.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 57 on Matthew 17,4,5. B#54, pp.355,356., 4th Century

BACK TO TOP

Parish News and Events

TODAY’S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES  

 

Memorial Today

Memorial prayers will be offered at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy today for the repose of the soul of the servant of God, Georgia Levendos Blackwell (1 year). May her memory be eternal!

 

Prayer Partner Cards for Second Quarter 2019 Distributed Today. Here is a ministry EVERYONE can participate in this vital ministry EVERY DAY: “Prayer Partners!” Would you like to know that someone is praying for you every day “just because” you are a part of this parish family? As a core component of our “Faith and Family Weekdays” Ministry, that is what happens here at Holy Trinity Church. On the first Sunday of January, April, July and October, blank prayer cards are distributed. Those in attendance are asked to write their first name only (baptismal name preferred) on one card. They will then be collected and randomly distributed at the end of the service. Each person will commit to offer prayers daily for the person they receive daily during that quarter. What a beautiful gift to pray for someone and be prayed for yourself. This “anonymous” ministry of spiritual service is known only to our merciful Lord, Who directs us through his Holy Apostle James, "Pray for one another" (James 5.16). Thank you for adding to the spiritual life and dedication of our Holy Trinity parish family. Remember: pray for your Prayer Partner every day!

 

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 Lemony Lentil, Tuscan Bean, Red Lentil & Root Vegetable and Orzo Vegetable. 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.

 

IMPORTANT CHAPEL CONSECRATION NOTE

ANYONE PLANNING ON COMING TO THE SERVICE IS ASKED TO RESERVE A SPOT SO WE CAN PLAN SPACE.

ANYONE ATTENDING THE BANQUET IS REQUIRED TO PURCHASE TICKETS IN ADVANCE.

 

Palm Sunday Tickets Available Today – Advance Purchase Required!

Please visit the GOYA table in the Gallery purchase your advance tickets for the Palm Sunday GOYA Community Fish Luncheon on April 21 (only two weeks from today!). Our teens are putting together a delicious meal as always, and they would really appreciate everyone not only attending, but purchasing tickets this week so they can get a good idea of how much food to prepare. Our teens work very hard throughout the year to serve the community and they truly appreciate your support. All proceeds raised go to fund the activities and philanthropic activities of our youth. Please plan on staying for the lunch– and PLEASE get your tickets today so our teens know how much to prepare. Thank you!

 

Philoptochos Meeting Today

“Today we invite current members and new members to attend a Philoptochos Meeting directly following Divine Liturgy. Get a cup of coffee and a snack and meet in the Fireside Room. Please join us in fellowship and love!”

 

Dance Troupe Meeting Today

There will be a short dance troupe meeting today during coffee hour in Conference Room “B”.  If your child is planning on dancing at the festival this year, please attend the meeting to learn some information about the troupe. We will be discussing dance practice dates and times, costumes, etc. Please reach out to Victoria or Eleni with any questions.

 

Lenten Vespers - Today at 5:00pm

The Orthodox Clergy Brotherhood of Greater Pittsburgh invites you to attend Lenten Vespers at Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church (220 Mansfield Blvd Carnegie PA, 15106) this evening beginning at 5:00pm.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Services This Week

- TODAY, Sun. Apr. 7, 5:00pm: Lenten Vespers at Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Carnegie, PA

- Mon. Apr. 8, 6:30pm: Great Compline (SG)

- Wed. Apr. 10, 6:30pm: Pre-Sanctified Liturgy followed by Lenten Covered Dish Dinner and “Faith and Family Weekdays” Wednesday Lenten Series presentation – Father John Chakos (HT)

- Fri. Apr. 12, 6:30pm: Service of the Akathist Hymn 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.
  • Mon. Apr. 8: “Journey to Fullness” (8:00-9:00pm): This excellent video teaching series is for everyone who wants to learn more about the “fullness of the faith” found in Orthodox Christianity, whether as inquirers, catechumens or life-long members. This 7-week series (repeated in the fall and the spring) consists of two video teaching segments per session, along with an interactive question and answer period with Father John.
  • Wed. Apr. 10: 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 Father John Chakos will speak about “Mission to Guatemala”.

 

[Apr 7 & 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.

- TODAY 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

 

[Apr 10 & 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:  this Wednesday, April 10 – Father John Chakos: “Mission to Guatemala” and Wednesday, April 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!

 

[Apr 14] Regular Spring General Assembly – NEXT SUNDAY

Please plan to attend the regular Spring General Assembly following Divine Liturgy next Sunday, April 14. An agenda has been included in the April edition of the Herald. This Assembly is to review parish life and hear reports on important parish matters. It is vital to the life of a healthy community that all members attend, as these meetings are quite important in the day-to-day life of the parish. Please remember, to vote at an assembly, you must be a member in good standing as defined in the Uniform Parish Regulations, which includes but is not limited to having a signed 2019 Holy Trinity Stewardship Pledge card submitted. Whether it is attending assemblies, taking in a leadership role in a ministry or just getting involved more, the Lord has a calling and a role for every one of us at Holy Trinity Church because you are a part of the Body of Christ and have an important contribution to offer.

 

[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 next Sunday, April 14th.  Please make checks payable to “Holy Trinity Ladies Philoptochos” with “Pascha Bread” in the memo line.  Order forms are available in the Herald or from the Church Office window. Pickup your PREPAID order in the Holy Trinity 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.

  • PLEASE MAKE RESERVATIONS TO ATTEND THE SERVICE:
  • ADVANCE TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE BANQUET:s
    • 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 6] New Bereavement Support Ministry: Monthly Group Sessions - Come & Join Us

The mission of our Visitation Ministry is to reach out to the sick, homebound and bereaved parishioners of Holy Trinity. Our Bereavement Support Ministry Team provides spiritual care to our parishioners and their extended family & friends in time of grief and loss. What does normal grief look like? How does gratitude co-exist with the pain and sorrow of losing a loved one? In the grieving process, can we feel anxious, lonely, and angry all at the same time? Sometimes these uncomfortable feelings can be confusing as we remember our loved ones. But we can learn to understand and work with these feelings on a daily basis. It’s important to be gentle to ourselves while grieving loss. If you have questions about grief and want to learn and share conversation, then please attend our first Bereavement Support Group session on Monday, May 6th in Conference Room A. Light refreshments and relaxed fellowship begin at 6:30 pm for those who choose. Then 7:00-8:30 pm is group learning and sharing with our Bereavement facilitators. Feel free to bring a family member and/or friend. Contact Amy Armanious, Visitation Ministry Coordinator with any questions at email Visitation@holytrinitypgh.org

 

[May 7-Jun 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!

  • Tuesday, May 7, 9:00am-9:00pm – Apricot Rolls
  • Tuesday, May 14, 9:00am-9:00pm – Apricot Rolls/Baklava
  • Tuesday, May 21, 11:00am-9:00pm – Baklava/Chocolate Baklava (following Liturgy)
  • Tuesday, May 28, 9:00am-9:00pm – Galaktoboureko
  • Tuesday, June 4, 9:00am-9:00pm – Koulourakia/Finikia
  • Tuesday, June 11, 9:00am-9:00pm – Kourambiethes
  • Tuesday, June 18, 9:00am-9:00pm – Finikia Dipping and Souzoukakia
  • Tuesday, June 25, 9:30am-8:30pm – Diples
  • Wednesday, June 26, 9:30am-8:30pm – Diples

 

Metropolis Summer Camp Registration is Open

Metropolis Summer Camp registration is now open at y2am.pittsburgh.goarch.org for all JOY and GOYA campers (through June 3). 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

 

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! The next Philoptochos Meeting is scheduled for TODAY following Divine Liturgy.  New members are always welcome! The Holy Cross Philoptochos (123 Gilkeson Rd Pittsburgh, PA 15241) has invited us to join them for a Fashion Show and Luncheon on Saturday, May 18, 11:00am Cocktails, 12:00 noon Luncheon and Fashion Show. Tickets are $40.00 per person. If you are interested in attending, please see Marianne Stearns.

 

Lenten and Holy Week Schedules of Services

The April edition of The Herald contains a complete schedule of services for Lent and Holy Week. Please post them 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.

 

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.

 

[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.

 

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!

 

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!

 

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!

-          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

 

 “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. 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.

 

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!

 

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!

 

BACK TO TOP

BACK TO TOP