TODAY’S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Church School Graduation Today
The Church School ministry will hold its graduation ceremony today following the Divine Liturgy. Students and staff are asked to attend and sit with their class during Liturgy. Following the service, the Church School will have a Graduation Celebration, Open House, Picnic Lunch, Games and Registration for the 2019/2020 school year. There will also be an opportunity for anyone who would like to lend a hand with this ministry to volunteer your services and talents. Thank you to all the support provided by the families throughout the year and especially to the dedicated offerings of love and talents made by the Church School staff. And remember, classes are over, but worship goes on, so...SEE YOU ALL NEXT SUNDAY!!
Coffee Hour Today
Today’s Coffee Hour will be sponsored by Lynn and Ethel Barker in memory of Areta Kalogeras (4 years). May her memory be eternal!
UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Services This Week: (“SG” = St. George Chapel)
Tuesday, May 21: 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy – Saints Constantine and Helen (SG)
[May 20-23] “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. May 20: “Journey to Fullness” (7:00-8:30pm): 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.
- “Explore the Word” - Bible Study Ministry - Wed. May 22, 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 23: “Prayer and Panera” Men’s Ministry (7:00am Worship/Session): The Saint Nikodemos Men’s Fellowship hosts this morning session of prayers and Christian fellowship (with coffee and bagels, too!). The group meets at church promptly at 7:00am for a 15-20-minute morning prayer and scripture, then moves up the hill to Panera for 30-45 minutes of coffee, breakfast and Christian men’s conversation on living as a Christian man in today’s world. Change up your morning. Give it a try!
- Thu. May 23, 6:30pm Worship: Paraclesis Service at St. George Chapel. The Paraclesis, also known as the Service of Supplication, is offered monthly at our St. George Chapel. It contains hymns and prayers asking the Lord for guidance, personal strength and healing. The most popular form invokes the prayers of the Holy Theotokos. We will alternate that service with two others, one for St. Nektarios and the other for St. Paisios. This week: St. Paisios (those who purchased service books previously should bring them; others will be available).
[May 21-Aug 11] 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 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
- Friday, August 2, 9:00am-5:00pm - Souvlaki Cutting and Skewering
- Saturday, August 3, 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 26] New GOYA Parents Meeting: For all incoming 7th Grader Parents
There will be a “New GOYA Parents Meeting” for the parents of all teens who will be entering 7th grade in the fall. This is a great way to become familiar with this vital teen ministry, find out about the opportunities, expectations and exciting adventures ahead for your teen and your family. Questions? See Presvytera Becky or email GOYA@HolyTrinityPgh.org.
[May 26] 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. The next scheduled practice will be held on Sunday, May 26 (HOPE/JOY during Coffee Hour in Fireside Room).
[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. Donations: If you are donating any Spaghetti Dinner supplies, such as paper products, plated, or nonperishable items, Eleni will collect those items on Sunday, May 26. If you are donating a food item, check in with Eleni on Sunday, May 26 and she will let you know when and where those items will be collected. Thank you for your support!
[Jun 3] New Bereavement Support Ministry: Monthly Group Sessions - Come & Join Us
Our Bereavement Support Ministry Team provides spiritual care to our parishioners and their extended family & friends in time of grief and loss. If you have questions about grief and want to learn and share conversation, then please attend our next Bereavement Support Group session on Monday, June 3rd in the Fireside Room. 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
[Jun 3] Metropolis Summer Camp Registration Deadline
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 grade the student is completing now):
- 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
Summer Sermons Reminder - Be Here on Time!
Please remember that during the summer months, when there is no Church School, the sermon is offered at its proper liturgical place following the Gospel (that’s usually about 9:45am!). Much as we are all reminded how important it is to arrive for the start of Divine Liturgy, perhaps there are times of genuine, urgent need that prohibit our personal on-time arrival. If you arrive during the sermon, please remember to enter quietly and wait until the end of the homily to find a seat. Better yet, set your alarm to get you there on time so you don’t miss a single blessing! Thank you.
Summer Teaching Series Sermons through July 29: The Divine Liturgy
Ever get stumped by a question about the Orthodox Christian Faith you know you should know? So many of those answers are found in the Creed. So, recognizing the need for a “return to basics” in our preaching from time to time to refresh the faithful members of the community on the foundations of the Faith we sometimes take for granted, we will be offering a “Summer Teaching Series” during the Sunday sermons of June and July. This summer the series will focus on one of the central features of the Orthodox Christian Faith: The Divine Liturgy. It’s more than “Come and See”…It’s “Come and Learn!.” And it’s just another great reason to be here every Sunday during the summer months!
Note for Summer Travel – Easy Way to Find the Nearest Orthodox Church!
Where we travel, whenever we go, we take our faith with us, for as it says in the Psalms, "God is with us!" Keeping that in mind, please remember to plan ahead and check for the location of the nearest Orthodox Christian Church if you will be staying over a Sunday. There are two great web sites to check: our own Archdiocese (www.goarch.org) and Orthodoxy in America (www.OrthodoxyInAmerica.org), a multi-jurisdictional listing of all Orthodox parishes. Also, for major trips such as overseas travels, please feel free to stay following antidoron and ask Father John to offer a special blessing to your family for your travels. Remember, "God is with us" always. Let’s not forget to invite Him!
Vacationing or Travelling with No Church Nearby? Watch and Listen Online!
As noted above, we should all try to find a nearby Orthodox Church when we’re travelling or vacationing, but sometimes that’s just not practical or possible. So, for the next best thing, join your church family back here at Holy Trinity by watching or listening online! Find us at www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/live. Hint: It’s best to watch by clicking the online video broadcast, but it you’re in the car or not on wi-fi and don’t want to exhaust your data plan, try listening to the audio only version instead! There’s an audio-only link on our Live Broadcast page. The audio stream uses minimal data compared to the video stream, so it’s perfect for travelling!
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!
FOCUS-Pittsburgh Bag Lunches - Sign your Family or Group up for a Worthy Cause
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!
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. Copies of the order form can be found at the church office window. 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.
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: June 2, Maria Kritiotis (40 Days)