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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2019-07-28
Bulletin Contents
Healsick
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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

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

  • 985 Providence Blvd.

  • Pittsburgh, PA 15237-5951


Contact Information





Services Schedule

Worship Schedule

8:15 a.m. Orthros

9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy

Worship Locations:

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

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


Past Bulletins


Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Fifth Tone

To the Word, co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation, let us, the faithful, give praise and worship. Of His own will He mounted the Cross in the flesh, He suffered death and raised the dead by His glorious resurrection. (Page 53)

Seasonal Kontakion in the Seventh Tone

You were transfigured on the mountain, O Christ our God, and Your disciples beheld Your glory as far as they could bear. Thus, when they see You crucified, they may understand Your voluntary passion, and proclaim to the world that You are truly the brightness of the Father.
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Saints and Feasts

Healsick
July 28

6th Sunday of Matthew


Irenchry
July 28

Irene the Righteous of Chrysovalantou

Saint Irene, who was from Cappadocia, flourished in the ninth century. Because of her great beauty and virtue, she was brought to Constantinople as a prospective bride for the young Emperor Michael (842-867); however, as Saint Joannicius the Great foretold, it was God's will that she assume the monastic habit instead. She shone forth in great ascetical labours, and suffered many attacks from the demons; while yet a novice, she attained to the practice of Saint Arsenius the Great, of praying the whole night long with arms stretched out towards Heaven (see May 8). God showed forth great signs and wonders in her, and she became the Abbess of the Convent of Chrysovalantou. She was granted the gift of clairvoyance and knew the thoughts of all that came to her. She appeared in a vision to the king and rebuked him for unjustly imprisoning a nobleman who had been falsely accused. Through a sailor from Patmos to whom he had appeared, Saint John the Evangelist sent her fragrant and wondrous apples from Paradise. She reposed at the age of 103, still retaining the youthful beauty of her countenance. After her repose, marvelous healings beyond number have been wrought by her to the present day.


28_july_st_paul_xeropotamou
July 28

Our Righteous Father Paul of Xeropotamou

Our Righteous Father Paul was the son of Emperor Michael Cyropalates. With an excellent education, with rare wisdom and at the same time combined with meekness, Procopius (as he was earlier called) was in his youthful years a subject of astonishment to all of Constantinople. In one of his charters, Emperor Roman the Elder, calls him "the greatest of all the philosophers." Being afraid that his soul would become proud, and that it not perish because of human glory, this handsome youth one day dressed in the rags of a beggar and came to Holy Mount Athos where he received the monastic tonsure from the illustrious Saint Cosmas. After enduring mortification of solitude, he restored the Monastery Xeropotamou and shortly after that build a new monastery of Saint Paul where he died in old age. When this monastery was consecrated, Emperor Roman sent a large portion of the Holy and Venerable Cross as a gift, which is preserved there even today. It is said of this saint, that he preached the Holy Gospel in Macedonia and in Serbia. He endured much torment from the wicked Emperor Leo the Armenian, the Iconoclast, and reposed in the year 820 A.D. Before his death, St. Paul said to the brethren: "Behold the hour comes which my soul has always desired and which my body has always feared."


Proch1cp
July 28

Prochoros, Nicanor, Timon, & Parmenas the Apostles of the 70

These Apostles of the Seventy are mentioned in Acts 6:5. Saint Prochoros became Bishop of Nicomedia and reposed in peace. Saint Nicanor was stoned to death in Jerusalem. Saint Timon became Bishop of Bostra in Arabia and ended his life in martyrdom by fire at the hands of the pagans. Saint Parmenas died in peace in Jerusalem.


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

6th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 12:6-14

Brethren, having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.


Gospel Reading

6th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 9:1-8

At that time, getting into a boat Jesus crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, they brought to him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say 'Rise and walk?' But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" he then said to the paralytic -- "Rise, take up your bed and go home." And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.


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Bulletin Inserts

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Wisdom of the Fathers

In this place He gives a complete likeness of the resurrection. Healing wounds of mind and body, He forgives the sins of souls and makes an end of the infirmity of the flesh: This is to cure the whole man. And though it is a great thing to forgive men their sins. . . nevertheless, it is a much more divine work to give resurrection to their bodies, because the Lord is Himself the resurrection.
Saint Ambrose
The Healing of the Paralytic, P. L. 15 (col. 1638), Fourth Century

The Lord looks with affection on the humble. . .Learn, you who are sick, to gain health through prayer. Should you be diffident because of your grave sins, seek the prayers of others, call upon the Church to pray for you, and in His regard for her, the Lord will give what He could refuse to you.
Saint Ambrose
The Healing of the Paralytic, P. L. 15 (col. 138), Expos., in Toal, IV: 182, 183., Fourth Century

God listens, not to our voice, but to our heart. He does not need to be prodded with shouts, since He sees our thoughts, as the Lord proved when He asked, "Why do you think evil in your hearts?" And elsewhere He stated: "All the assemblies shall know that I am He who searches minds and hearts."
Saint Cyprian of Carthage
The Lord's Prayer, Third Century

In this case indeed He discloses also another sign, and that no small one, of His own Godhead, and of His equality in honor with the Father. For whereas they said, "To unbind sins pertains to God only," He not only unbinds sins, but also before this He makes another kind of display in a thing which pertained to God only; the publishing the secrets in the heart. For neither had they uttered what they were thinking.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 29 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 souls of the servants of God, Nina Nikolayavna (6 years) and other departed members of the Stepanow family. May their memory be eternal! Coffee Hour will be sponsored today by the Stepanow family.

 

Summer Teaching Series Sermons Concludes Today

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 Liturgy.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

[Aug 1-14] Fasting and Schedule of Paraclesis Services  

The Church observes the holy season of the Theotokos, August 1-14, with both prayer and fasting. During that time, we are in a strict fast period in honor of the Theotokos and Mother of God in preparation for her feast of Koimissis (Dormition or Falling Asleep in the Lord) on August 15. According to the canons of the Church, this is a time when we abstain from all meat, dairy, fish, wine and olive oil. Adding the complete purpose to this spiritual preparation, of course, is our participation in an increased prayer life, including the Paraclesis services, Holy Confession and personal prayer. "Paraclesis Services" are beautiful sung services asking for the prayers and intercessions of the Theotokos to her Son and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. All parishioners are encouraged to attend all services, which will be held at 6:30pm at the Saint George Chapel (8941 Ringeisen Road). Please complete a Paraclesis Names Form to submit prayers for your loved ones and bring it to the services at the Chapel. A copy of the Paraclesis Names Form was included in the July/August edition of the Herald. Additional copies can be found at the church office window or at www.holytrinitypgh.org/documents/worship. The schedule of services is as follows:

- Friday, August 2

- Wednesday, August 7

- Friday, August 9

- Monday, August 12

 

[Aug 1] Metropolis of Pittsburgh Regional Youth & Young Adult Paraklesis – Just Like Camp!

Need that Summer Camp feeling just one more time before you go back to school? Miss your camp friends and want an opportunity to see them? Then, join us for our annual Youth Night Paraklesis Service at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Canonsburg, PA on Thursday, August 1st beginning at 7:00pm. Fellowship and light Lenten refreshments to follow. Invite your friends and cabin mates to come! Questions? Please contact Deacon George Athanasiou at 412-292-4208.

 

[Aug 3] 25th Memorial Commemoration of Gerontissa Taxiarchia

Gerontissa Theophano and the Sisters of the Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery welcome you to come and honor the memory of Gerontissa Taxiarchia on Saturday, August 3, with 9:00am Hours, Hierarchical Divine Liturgy & Memorial Services. Following services, a lunch will be provided. The monastery is located at 121 St Elias Ln, Saxonburg, PA 16056. Visitors should be modestly dressed. Women are asked to wear long skirts and men to wear long pants. For additional information on upcoming services and events, you can visit their website at www.NativityoftheTheotokosMonastery.org.

 

[Aug 5] Great Vespers and Blessing of First Fruits for the Feast of the Transfiguration

We will celebrate the Great Vespers of the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on the evening of August 5, and in keeping with the wonderful tradition of the Blessing of the Fruits on the feast, it is customary to bring a tray of washed grapes or fruit to be blessed and distributed at the end of the service. In the days of a farming society, this was the first offering back to God from the harvest. Even though they are most often bought from a grocery store today, we should not lose touch with the idea of offering back to God the first fruits of all our blessings! The service will be held at 6:30pm on Monday, August 5 at our Saint George Chapel, followed by the Blessing of the First Fruits.

 

[Aug 6] Divine Liturgy of the Transfiguration at Holy Transfiguration Monastery

The Sisters of the Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration in Ellwood City, PA invite you to attend their Annual Pilgrimage Patronal Feast on Tuesday, August 6. His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel, the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, will serve as the presiding Hierarch. Beginning with the Akathist, “Glory to God for All Things” at 9:30am followed by the 10:00am Hierarchical Liturgy and Blessing of Fruit followed by a 12:30pm Picnic Luncheon. The Sacrament of Holy Unction will be offered at 2:30pm, concluding with 4:00pm light refreshments and the close of the Pilgrimage. The monastery is located at 321 Monastery Ln, Ellwood City, PA 16117. For additional information please visit www.OrthodoxMonasteryEllwoodCity.org.

 

Time to Return FOCUS Backpacks

Thank you to everyone who so generously took the 98 empty backpacks we at Holy Trinity Church offered to provide for needy local students. In order for the FOCUS ministry to receive backpacks (now filled by you with supplies!) in time to distribute them to the children, we are asking for all backpacks to be returned by August 1. Please remember that in addition to the supplies, it is requested that a $10 donation be made to cover the cost of the backpack. Make checks payable to “FOCUS”. Please be sure to check your bag in at the designated table in the Grand Room during Coffee Hour by August 1.

 

Church School for 2019-2020 – Please Register Today – Classes Start September 8
Registration for Church School classes for 2019-2020 continues today. You may sign up your child(ren) in the Grand Room during Coffee Hour if they are returning students or new students may sign up online or at the registration table. If you have not yet done so, please do it today. Classes start September 8. Thank you!

 

Church School Snack and Youth Ministries Volunteer Signup for Parents

All Church School families are asked to sign up for hosting one Church School snacks Sunday. Even if there are multiple children in a family, each family is asked to pick just one Sunday. A list is available in the Grand Room following Divine Liturgy. Also, adult volunteers are needed for various events during the year. Please sign up today. Thank you!

 

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. All practices from August 13 until the festival are mandatory if you want to dance at the festival. If you are unable to attend one of these practices, please let either Victoria or Eleni know so that they can plan accordingly.

  • THIS Tuesday, July 30: HOPE 6:00-6:30pm / JOY 6:30-7:15pm
  • THIS Wednesday, July 31: JOY 6:30-7:15pm / GOYA 7:15-8:00pm
  • Sunday, August 4: JOY & GOYA during coffee hour
  • Tuesday, August 6: HOPE 6:00-6:30pm / JOY 6:30-7:15pm / GOYA 7:15-8:00pm
  • Sunday, August 11: HOPE & JOY during coffee hour
  • Tuesday, August 13: HOPE 6:00-6:30pm / JOY 6:30-7:15pm / GOYA 7:15-8:00pm
  • Sunday, August 18: HOPE, JOY & GOYA during coffee hour
  • Tuesday, August 20: HOPE 6:00-6:30pm / JOY 6:30-7:15pm / GOYA 7:15-8:00pm
  • Sunday, August 25: HOPE, JOY & GOYA during coffee hour
  • Tuesday, August 27: HOPE 6:00-6:30pm / JOY 6:30-7:15pm / GOYA 7:15-8:00pm

 

[Aug 2 – 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!

  • THIS Friday, August 2: 9:00am-5:00pm - Souvlaki Cutting and Skewering
  • THIS 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

 

[Aug 19] 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, August 19th in the Conference 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

 

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!

 

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

 

Festival Aprons – Place Your Order

Show your Holy Trinity pride by wearing a festival apron while you work!  Royal blue aprons, embroidered with our festival logo, are available in both adult and children sizes. Cost is $16 for adults and $12 for children. Aprons can be monogrammed with your name for an additional $4. To receive your apron in time for the festival, your order must be placed by August 17th. Please contact Paula Valliant paulavalliant@gmail.com to place your order.

 

Help Spread the Word About our Taste of Greece Festival with Lawn Signs and Flyers!

You are an important part of the advertising for our 2019 Taste of Greece Festival!  If you have your yard signs from previous years (undated – saying “Labor Day Wednesday through Sunday”) pull them out and display them! Also, please take some flyers and pass them out to coworkers, neighbors and friends! We all need to pitch in to get the word out!  Thank you!

 

[Aug 25-Aug 27] Festival Pastry Baking, Cutting & Set-Up – Your Help is Needed!

Please mark your calendars and plan to come and help on the following dates. Bring the kids, bring your husbands, bring your wives, bring your friends!  All are welcome…no experience necessary. Light and heavy tasks for all. THANK YOU!

  • Sunday, August 25, following Liturgy - Baklava baking and pastry room & counter set up
  • Monday, August 26, 3:00pm-9:00pm – Pastry Cutting
  • Tuesday, August 27, 3:00pm-9:00pm – Pastry Cutting and FINAL FESTIVAL SET-UP

 

[Aug 28-Sep 1] 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!

 

[Oct 13] Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery Fund-Raising Dinner at St. Nicholas Cathedral

On Sunday, October 13, the sixth Annual Dinner Banquet to benefit the Nativity of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Monastery in Saxonburg will be held at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Oakland. This year’s event will honor the 25th Anniversary of the Repose of Gerontissa Taxiarchia and the 30th Anniversary of the Founding of the Monastery. Tickets for the Dinner Banquet are $125 per person. Please call 724-352-3999 or visit nativityofthetheotokosmonastery.org and click on the https://2019monasterybanquet.eventbrite.com/ link to register online. Holy Trinity’s own Harry Athanasiou will serve as Master of Ceremonies and Jim Balouris will serve as the Live Auctioneer. You won’t want to miss this event!

 

[Oct 25] Philoptochos Traditional Greek Dance– Save the Date!

Please make plans to support our Ladies Philoptochos by attending a Traditional Greek Dance to be held here at Holy Trinity on Friday, October 25 from 7:30 pm until 11:30 pm featuring live music by Panigiri. Tickets, available for purchase beginning Sunday, September 22, are $15 per person and will include complimentary desserts and coffee. Casual Dress – All Ages – Open Seating – Cash Bar – Hot & Cold Appetizer Platters will be available for purchase.

 

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.

 

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!

 

Light of Life Rescue Mission – Employment Opportunities

Since 1952, Light of Life Rescue Mission has been a safe refuge for homeless and hurting people in the Pittsburgh area.  The organization currently has several job positions available. Light of Life offers excellent benefits for full-time staff.  Interested applicants are invited to view the openings and apply at: https://lightoflife.isolvedhire.com/jobs/

 

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.

 

“ONE HOLY TRINITY” – Please Make Your Commitment

Once again, this year’s stewardship pledge card system carries the theme of ONE Holy Trinity. Just like God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are one, we, the members of Holy Trinity Church, need to join together in love as one to serve the Church and to provide for its critical missions in today’s society. If you have not yet submitted a 2019 pledge card or are new to Holy Trinity, please note that additional pledge cards can be found at the Welcome Table located in the Narthex of the church.  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.

 

Meals on Wheels – Volunteer Delivery Drivers Needed

The Northern Area Multi Service Center (NAMS) is looking for enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers to assist with their county-based Meals on Wheels program. Drivers are needed on Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 9:30am and 2:30pm (time slots can be tailored to meet your availability) to deliver prepared meals to senior’s homes in the community/area of your choice. You must be 21 years of age or older and use your own vehicle. For more information or to sign up for this opportunity, please contact Wendy Allman at 412-781-1176 x2064 or wendy.allman@namsc.com.  

 

Welcome, Holy Trinity Guests!

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

 

About Receiving Holy Communion in the Orthodox Church

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

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

 

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