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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2019-06-30
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
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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

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the First Tone

Though the tomb was sealed with a stone by the Jews and the soldiers guarded Your pure body, You arose, O Savior, on the third day, giving life to the world. Therefore, O Giver of Life, the heavenly powers praise You. Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ; glory to Your kingdom; glory to Your plan of redemption, O only loving God. (Page 52)

Apolytikion for Synaxis of the 12 Apostles in the Third Tone

O Holy Apostles, intercede with the merciful God that He grant unto our souls the forgiveness of sins. (Page 67)

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Tone

A protection of Christians unshameable, Intercessor to our Holy Maker, unwavering; reject not the prayerful cries of those who are in sin. Instead, come to us for you are good; your loving help bring unto us who are crying in faith to you: Hasten to intercede and speed now to supplicate, as a protection for all time, Theotokos, for those who honor you. (Page 54)
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Saints and Feasts

30_12apost
June 30

Synaxis of the Twelve Holy Apostles

The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew, the First-called; James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, who was also the Evangelist and Theologian; Philip, and Bartholomew (see also June 11); Thomas, and Matthew the publican, who was also called Levi and was an Evangelist; James the son of Alphaeus, and Jude (also called Lebbaeus, and surnamed Thaddaeus), the brother of James, the Brother of God; Simon the Cananite ("the Zealot"), and Matthias, who was elected to fill the place of Judas the traitor (see Aug. 9).

June 30

Michael the New Martyr of Athens

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Eighth Tone. Psalm 18.4,1.
Their voice has gone out into all the earth.
Verse: The heavens declare the glory of God.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 4:9-16.

Brethren, God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are ill-clad and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become, and are now, as the refuse of the world, the off-scouring of all things. I do not write this to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me.

Gospel Reading

Synaxis of the Twelve Holy Apostles
The Reading is from Matthew 9:36, 10:1-8

At that time, when Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every infirmity. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaios, and Thaddaios; Simon the Cananaean. and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out, charging them, "Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And preach as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying, give without pay."

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Bulletin Inserts

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Wisdom of the Fathers

But of what laborers doth He speak here? Of the twelve disciples...He sent them out alone. ...Because though they were but twelve, He made them many from that time forward, not by adding to their number, but by giving them power. ...He Himself at once ordains them...Whence it is evident that Himself is the husbandman, Himself the Lord of the harvest...Still the Spirit was not yet given...How then did they cast out the spirits? By His command, by His authority. ...Seest thou the greatness of their ministry? Seest thou the dignity of apostles?...See how He provides for their conduct, and that no less than for their miracles, implying that the miracles without this are nothing. Thus He both quells their pride by saying, "Freely ye have received, freely give;" and takes order for their being clear of covetousness.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 32 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

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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, Joann Pappas (1 Year). The coffee hour will be sponsored today by the Pappas family.  May her memory be eternal.

 

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 [except Pentecost Sunday]. 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”! Pay close attention: there will be a 5-minute question and answer session at the end of each Liturgy, too!

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

[Jul 1] New Bereavement Support Ministry: Monthly Group Sessions - Come & Join Us Tomorrow

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 scheduled for TOMORROW, Monday, July 1 in the Fireside Room. Light refreshments and relaxed fellowship begin at 6:30pm for those who choose. Then 7:00-8:30pm 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

 

Upcoming Greek Dance Practice Schedule

Attention parents: Please plan on having your children attend as many of the Greek Dance teaching sessions as possible. The HOPE dance group (kindergarten through second grade) will be taught by Eleni Dedousis (412-953-3699). The GOYA dance group will be taught by Victoria Andromalos-Dale (412-496-9128). The JOY (third through sixth grade) dance group will be taught by both Eleni and Victoria. Please arrive 5 minutes early and wear comfortable athletic attire. No flip flops allowed in class. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

  • Wednesday, July 3: HOPE 6:00-6:30pm / JOY 6:30-7:15pm / GOYA 7:15-8:00pm
  • Sunday, July 7: HOPE & JOY during coffee hour
  • Wednesday, July 10: HOPE 6:00-6:30pm / JOY 6:30-7:15pm / GOYA 7:15-8:00pm
  • Sunday, July 14: HOPE & JOY during coffee hour
  • Tuesday, July 16: HOPE 6:00-6:30pm / JOY 6:30-7:15pm
  • Wednesday, July 17: JOY 6:30-7:15pm / GOYA 7:15-8:00pm
  • Sunday, July 21: HOPE & JOY during coffee hour
  • Tuesday, July 23: HOPE 6:00-6:30pm / JOY 6:30-7:15pm
  • Wednesday, July 24: JOY 6:30-7:15pm / GOYA 7:15-8:00pm
  • Tuesday, July 30: HOPE 6:00-6:30pm / JOY 6:30-7:15pm
  • Wednesday, July 31: JOY 6:30-7:15pm / GOYA 7:15-8:00pm

 

[Jul 4-5] Office Closed for Independence Day Holiday

The offices of the Archdiocese, Metropolis and Holy Trinity Church will be closed on Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5, for the celebration of America's Independence Day holiday.

 

[Jul 6-7] Holy Trinity Dance Troupe Costume Fittings

The Holy Trinity Dance Troupe will begin costume fittings next weekend. They will be at the church on Saturday, July 6 from 2:00-4:00pm and on Sunday, July 7 following Liturgy to complete the fittings and assign costumes.

 

[July 8] Deadline to Place Your Order for New Holy Trinity Dance Troupe T-Shirts

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 deadline to place your order is July 8,but don’t delay. Place your order today! The shirts will be delivered during a dance practice in late July or early August.

 

[July 12-Aug 11] Festival Cooking Continues – With YOUR Help!

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!

  • Friday, July 12, 9:00am-5:00pm – Souvlaki Cutting and Skewering
  • Saturday, July 13, 9:00am until completed – Souvlaki Cutting and Skewering
  • Tuesday, July 23, 9:30am-8:30pm – Diples – NEW DATE!
  • Wednesday, July 24, 9:30am-8:30pm – Diples – NEW DATE!
  • 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

 

[Jul 17] Senior Fellowship Ministry Outing      

Our Holy Trinity Senior Fellowship group is planning another outing on Wednesday, July 17 to Evergreen Community Park in Ross Township (3430 Evergreen Rd, Pittsburgh 15237, near Valliant’s Diner). There they will join other area seniors for a lunch time social under the pavilion. Bring your own bagged lunch and Ross Township will provide the drinks and dessert.  Plan to arrive at the church by 11:30am and carpool to the park to arrive by 12:00 noon.  Please RSVP to Joyce Countouris (412-366-1498) or Georgiann Bounos (412-761-6953) if you would like to attend.

 

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!

 

Holy Trinity’s Taste of Greece - Labor Day Weekend – August 28 through September 1

Please mark Wednesday, August 28, through Sunday, September 1 on your calendar for the next “Taste of Greece” festival. The Festival Committee is asking everyone, new members and old hands, young and young at heart, to pledge a donation of their time and talents so that we can continue to grow both the success of the festival and the fellowship with all our Holy Trinity church family members!

 

Festival Ads Available: Space is Waiting for You!

The Festival Ad Book is back and is looking for your support. Please consider placing a business ad or a personal/family listing. Ads start at $175 for a quarter page and go to $550 for a full page, with premium color pages available at higher prices as well. A patron line is available for only $50. Application Forms were included in the May/June edition of the Herald and can also be found at the church office window. Please be sure to share them with your favorite business establishments and ask them to support our church! For more information, please email FestivalAds@HolyTrinityPgh.org

 

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.

 

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!

 

Hospitality Ministry Opportunities

Have you noticed that Hospitality and Outreach are a large part of our Holy Trinity mission? Helping everyone feel welcomed into our Church, whether it is just one visit or returning guests and members.... we continue to reach out.

There are currently 3 areas we have identified and are looking for additional folks to help:

  1. Funeral Greeters - This is our newest addition to Hospitality Ministry. We have found it to be very important and comforting to have a Holy Trinity representative in the Narthex to greet the family and guests during visitations and funerals. The commitment is on an 'as available' basis. You would get a phone call or email describing the times needed and can volunteer as your schedule allows. Because it tends to be a 'last minute' need, we could use several people who are willing to help.
  2. Connect Center Staff- The Connect Center is relatively new, set up outside of the Grand Room during coffee hour, it provides a place for ALL folks to get information about Holy Trinity and its Ministries. One person per week is needed for at least the first 1/2 hour after Liturgy. This is on a rotating basis, approximately every 4-6 weeks.
  3. Sunday Morning Greeters - This ministry is fairly well staffed. Two greeters Sept-May (one greeter June-August) from 9am- 10:15 am.  These folks welcome everyone, focusing on new visitors. Greeters rotate approximately once every six weeks. Responsibilities also involve some follow up at coffee hours and beyond.

If you are interested in being a part of any or all of these outreach efforts, please Contact Stacy Dickos at hospitality@holytrinitypgh.org or 412-298-9409.

 

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: July 14: S. Sava Macut (1 Year)

 

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