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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2019-05-05
Bulletin Contents
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Bulletin Inserts
Wisdom of the Fathers
Parish News and Events
Calendar of Events
Thomsund
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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (412)366-8700
  • Fax:
  • (412)366-8710
  • Street Address:

  • 985 Providence Blvd.

  • Pittsburgh, PA 15237-5951

Contact Information

Rev. Fr. John Touloumes, Protopresbyter
Proistamenos

fjt@HolyTrinityPgh.org | 412-366-8700
Rev. Fr. Radu Bordeianu
Assistant Priest

FrRadu@HolyTrinityPgh.org
Mary Portellos
Office Administrator

office@HolyTrinityPgh.org | 412-366-8700

Services Schedule

Worship Schedule

8:15 a.m. Orthros

9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy

Worship Locations:

Sunday worship location: Holy Trinity Church, 985 Providence Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15237

Weekday/Feast Day worship location: St. George Chapel, 8941 Ringeisen Rd., Allison Park, PA

Past Bulletins


Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion of Great and Holy Pascha in the Fifth Tone

English: Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life. Greek: Χριστός ανέστη εκ νεκρών, θανάτω θάνατον πατήσας και τοις εν τοις μνήμασιν, ζωήν χαρισάμενος. Phoenetics: Christós anésti ek nékron, thanáto thánaton patísas, ke tis en tis mnímasi zoín harisámenos. (Page 74)

Apolytikion for Thomas Sun. in the Seventh Tone

Christ our God, You are the Life that dawned from the grave, though the tomb was sealed. Through closed doors You came to the Apostles. You are the Resurrection of all. And, You renewed us through them with an upright spirit, according to Your great mercy.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Eighth Tone

Though You descended into the grave, O Immortal One, yet You destroyed the power of Hades, and arose as victor, O Christ God, calling to the myrrh-bearing women "Rejoice," and giving peace to Your Apostles, O You Who grants resurrection to the fallen. (Page 74)
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Saints and Feasts

Thomsund
May 05

Thomas Sunday

Though the doors were shut at the dwelling where the disciples were gathered for fear of the Jews on the evening of the Sunday after the Passover, our Saviour wondrously entered and stood in their midst, and greeted them with His customary words, "Peace be unto you." Then He showed unto them His hands and feet and side; furthermore, in their presence, He took some fish and a honeycomb and ate before them, and thus assured them of His bodily Resurrection. But Thomas, who was not then present with the others, did not believe their testimony concerning Christ's Resurrection, but said in a decisive manner, "Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe." Wherefore after eight days, that is, on this day, when the disciples were again gathered together and Thomas was with them, the Lord Jesus came while the doors were shut, as He did formerly. Standing in their midst, He said, "Peace be unto you"; then He said to Thomas, "Bring hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and bring hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not unbelieving, but believing."

And Thomas, beholding and examining carefully the hands and side of the Master, cried out with faith, "My Lord and my God." Thus he clearly proclaimed the two natures - human and divine - of the God-man (Luke 24:36-49; John 20:19-29).

This day is called Antipascha (meaning "in the stead of Pascha," not "in opposition to Pascha") because with this day, the first Sunday after Pascha, the Church consecrates every Sunday of the year to the commemoration of Pascha, that is, the Resurrection.

05_irene
May 05

Irene the Great Martyr

Saint Irene was the daughter of a princelet called Licinius; named Penelope by her parents, through a divine revelation she was brought to faith in Christ and at Baptism was renamed Irene. In her zeal for piety she broke in pieces all the idols of her father, who commanded that she be trampled underfoot by horses. But while she remained unharmed, one of the horses rose up and cast down her father, killing him. By her prayer she raised him to life again, and he believed and was baptized. Afterwards, in many journeyings, Saint Irene suffered torments and punishments for her faith, but was preserved by the power of God, while working dread miracles and converting many thousands of souls. At last she came to Ephesus, where she fell asleep in peace, in the first half of the fourth century. Two days after her death, her gravestone was found lifted off, and her grave empty. At least two churches were dedicated to Saint Irene in Constantinople, and she is also the patroness of the Aegean island of Thera, which is commonly called Santorin (or Santorini), a corruption of "Saint Irene."

0505ephraim-neamakri
May 05

The Righteous Martyr Ephraim the Younger

May 05

Euthymios the Wonderworker, Bishop of Madytos

May 05

Neophytos, Gaius, & Caianus the Monk-martyrs

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Tone. Psalm 146.5;134.3.
Great is our Lord, and great is his power.
Verse: Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good.

The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 5:12-20.

In those days, many signs and wonders were done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high honor. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and pallets, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed. But the high priest rose up and all who were with him, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the common prison. But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out and said, "Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life."

Gospel Reading

Thomas Sunday
The Reading is from John 20:19-31

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them: "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them: "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him: "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them: "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe."

Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said: "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

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Bulletin Inserts

    Orthodox Movie Night

    Orthodox Movie Night

    Please plan to join us this Thursday, May 9 in the Fireside Room beginning at 7:00pm for Orthodox Movie Night. This month’s feature film is “Wonder”. Oscar winner Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson and Jacob Tremblay star in this heartwarming and uplifting film. Rated PG - Parental Guidance Suggested. This is truly a movie for the entire family! Children are welcome! Admission is Free! Popcorn and soft drinks are provided. Come and share in the fellowship!

    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.

    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!

    2019 Pittsburgh Summer Greek Festivals Guide

    2019 Pittsburgh Summer Greek Festivals Guide

    It's a great tradition and it's here again: 47 days of Greek Festivals in the Pittsburgh region, so plan well and you can eat Greek all summer!

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Wisdom of the Fathers

For great is the dignity of the priests. ... And hold them very exceedingly in honor; for you indeed care about your own affairs, and if you order them well, you give no account for others; ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 86, 4th Century

... but the priest even if he rightly order his own life, if he have not an anxious care for yours and that of all those around him, will depart with the wicked into hell; and often when not betrayed by his own conduct, he perishes by yours, if he have not rightly performed all his part.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 86, 4th Century

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Parish News and Events

TODAY’S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES  

 

No Coffee Hour Today: Saint George Chapel Consecration Banquet

Following Divine Liturgy today, the usual Coffee Hour is not being held due to the Saint George Chapel Consecration Banquet, which will be held in the Grand Room. Advance purchase tickets were required.

 

Welcome Deacon George!

Today we welcome the newly-ordained Deacon George Athanasiou, who is assisting in the Holy Sanctuary today. He will be offering the homily as well. Welcome home, Deacon George!

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

[May 8, 9] “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.
  • “Explore the Word” - Bible Study Ministry - Wed. May 8, 6:30pm Worship/7:00pm Bible Study. Prayerfully read the Bible! In Deut. 11, it says, “Lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul.” Each Wednesday come and till your heart in worship in the Church at 6:30pm and then meet at 7:00pm in the Conference Room for the study of the Gospel of St. Matthew led by Father Radu Bordeianu. Learn the Scriptures. Depend your faith. “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3.18).
  • Thu. May 9: “Orthodox Movie Night” - Entertainment & Fellowship Ministry (7:00pm):  A monthly offering of inspirational and cultural entertaining movies with snacks and good company in the Fireside Room. Free to all, it’s a relaxing and uplifting alternative to the “same old stuff” on cable TV. Why sit around alone and watch that when you can enjoy a night of Holy Trinity fellowship and entertainment? This week presenting “Wonder”. Popcorn & soft drinks provided. Admission is Free! Come and share in the fellowship!

 

[May 6] New Bereavement Support Ministry: Monthly Group Sessions – BEGINS TOMORROW!

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. If you have questions about grief and want to learn and share conversation, then please attend our first Bereavement Support Group session this 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 by email at 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!

  • THIS 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
  • Friday, July 12, 9:00am-5:00pm – Souvlaki Cutting and Skewering
  • Saturday, July 13, 9:00am until completed – Souvlaki Cutting and Skewering
  • Thursday, August 8, 5:00pm-9:00pm – Moussaka
  • Friday, August 9, 9:00am- 5:00pm - Moussaka
  • Saturday, August 10, 9:00am-5:00pm - Moussaka
  • Sunday, August 11, following Liturgy until completed – Moussaka

 

[May 8-May 28] Dance Troupe Practice

Our Holy Trinity Dance Troupe will practice during the month of May in preparation for the Festival. The groups are separated as follows Hope (kindergarten through 2nd grade), Joy (3rd through 6th grade), Goya (7th through 12th grade). Please try to attend as many practices as you can throughout the spring and summer. Practice dates are this Wednesday, May 8 (Hope 6:15-6:45pm Joy 6:45-7:15pm) and Sunday, May 28 (Hope/Joy during Coffee Hour in Fireside Room).

 

Philoptochos News

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 contact Marianne Stearns by this Tuesday, May 7.

 

[May 19] Church School Graduation/Open House/Picnic

Please note that the last day of Church School for this semester will be May 19. All students are asked to attend and sit with their class during Liturgy. Following the service, the Church School will have a graduation celebration, picnic lunch and open house. Attention parents: Help is needed with the picnic. Please contact Presvytera Becky to volunteer.

 

[May 27] Memorial Day Service for Veterans

Please gather in front of the Holy Trinity Cemetery Was Memorial at 10:00 am on Monday, May 27 as we hold a special ceremony to honor and remember our veterans. Please note that this service is to commemorate veterans; it is not a general memorial service for all the departed. That will be held according to Orthodox tradition on the Pentecost weekend Saturday of Souls (June 15 this year) with a Divine Liturgy and Memorial at the Saint George Chapel. Memory Eternal!

 

[May 31] Deadline for “Second Chance” on Paver Project

We all deserve second chances! Between now and May 31, we are offering a one-time-only second-chance for you to be a part of this beautiful project or to add that paver you were thinking about but didn’t do the first time around. Please email Kathy Balouris and Karen Georgiadis for more information or to secure your paver at pavers@HolyTrinityPgh.org

 

[Jun 2] Holy Trinity Dance Troupe – Spaghetti Dinner

On Sunday, June 2 following Liturgy, our Holy Trinity Dance Troupe will host a Spaghetti Dinner in the Grand Room. All donations will go toward purchasing new dance costumes! Donations per ticket are $10 for Adults and $5 for Students.

 

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 can attend either Week 2 or 3

 

New Holy Trinity Dance Troupe T-Shirts – Place Your Order!

The HT Dance Troupe has created new T-shirts for this year. The new design reads “Holy Trinity Dance Troupe” on the front and features a Greek flag on the back. These black T-shirts are available in both long sleeve and short sleeve options. A copy of the order form has been included in this bulletin. You can also reach out to Eleni (eadedousis@gmail.com) for any questions or waterfrontemb@aol.com for additional ordering information. The ordering deadline is Monday, July 8th but don’t delay. Place your order today! The shirts will be delivered during a dance practice in late July or early August.

 

[July 14] Volunteers Needed for Pleasant Valley Shelter Dinner

This shelter, near our old neighborhood on the North Side, provides overnight accommodations to 30 homeless men, 365 nights each year and relies totally on volunteers to feed the men.  We have one date that is now open for HT volunteers to provide this dinner: Sunday, July 14.  Please contact Mike Kritiotis today at 412-518-0588, or at mkritiotis@gmail.com to sign your family/group/ministry up. Thank you, good and faithful stewards!

 

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!

 

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 and check it out or just say hi!

 

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.

 

In the Hospital? Home-Bound? Please let the Church Office know! 
In today’s age of information privacy, churches are not notified when parishioners are admitted to hospitals, nursing homes or other care facilities. Both those facilities and your church depend on having the church notified by a friend or family member so that pastoral care and outreach can be offered. The same goes for those homebound. If you or any of your loved ones are in any of these situations, please contact the Church Office at 412-366-8700 to request a visit from our priests or our new and wonderful Visitation Ministry. Also, interested in helping reach out to fellow parishioners in those situations? Please contact Amy Armanious at visitation@HolyTrinityPgh.org.

 

Welcome, Holy Trinity Guests!

We welcome all our guests to Holy Trinity Church today, whether as visitors from out of town, family members joining others here for worship today or even soon-to-be members here for the first time. No matter what the reason the Holy Spirit brought you here today, we welcome you with open arms and hearts filled with the love of Christ. Please help us welcome you by signing in at the hospitality table in the Narthex, where you will be presented with a yellow lapel Cross to help our Holy Trinity family know you're here. Please fill out an information card so we can contact you with any information you may need concerning life here at Holy Trinity Church. Following Liturgy, we invite you to stop by our Connect Center located in the Gallery and join us for our Fellowship Coffee hour.

 

About Receiving Holy Communion in the Orthodox Church

As an extension of our hospitality and outreach ministries, we welcome all who have come to worship with us today. Whether you are an Orthodox Christian, an inquirer to the faith or a first-time guest in an Orthodox Church, we are pleased to have you with us and thankful for the opportunity to share and bear witness to this ancient and timeless Faith. In accordance with the holy canons and traditions of the Church, please note that Holy Communion and the other Holy Mysteries (Sacraments) are received only by those who are baptized and chrismated (confirmed) Orthodox Christians who have properly prepared through prayer, fasting and confession. All others are invited receive the antidoron (blessed bread) and a blessing from the priest at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy. The antidoron is not a sacramental offering but is blessing and a reflection of the agape (love) feast that followed worship in the ancient Christian Church. Please join our parish family for hospitality after the holy services and allow us to meet and welcome you. Interested in joining or learning more about the Orthodox Christian Faith? Please see one of our priests or complete a visitor’s card today!

            For those who do receive, please remember the following helpful hints aimed at helping to preserve the solemnity and safety of the Holy Mystery: 1) The Church School Staff only is asked to please proceed first to receive from the left-most chalice so they may depart for their classrooms before their students arrive; 2) All other students, parishioners and Orthodox Christian guests, please remain at your place until you are dismissed by the Parish Council down the center aisle only; 3) We respectfully ask women to remove their lipstick before approaching the Holy Chalice; 4) Please wait in the Holy Communion line reverently, prayerfully and quietly without talking; 5) It is traditional as we approach with awe that we make the sign of the Cross  or bow down with a “metanoia” as an act of humility before the Lord; 5) Be sure to offer your baptismal name to priest before receiving; 6) Please take great care to place the red cloth under your chin and to fully open your mouth so that none of the precious Body and Blood of Christ is accidentally spilled, then to dab your lips on the cloth afterwards so none of the Holy Gifts are left on other objects. Thank you for your cooperation, and may God have mercy on us all!

 

Upcoming Memorial: May 12,MaryAyne Bistolas (40 Days)

 

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