TODAY’S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES 

Vasilopita Celebration and Lunch Today

Holy Trinity Church will hold the annual Vasilopita Celebration today. As usual, a special tray will be passed by the Philoptochos at the end of Liturgy to benefit St. Basil Academy, the young people’s philanthropic institution run by the Archdiocese in Garrison, NY. Then, a Vasilopita Luncheon will be held in the Grand Room following Divine Liturgy, where the cutting of the community Vasilopita will take place and a complimentary lunch can be enjoyed by all. Leaders and/or representatives from all parish ministries are asked to be present at the luncheon to receive the Vasilopita on behalf of your ministry. The luncheon is being hosted by the Parish Council and also in part by the families of Nicholas Kaparakos, Peter Valliant and Areta Kalogeras who will be holding Memorial services for their departed loved ones today. This is also an opportunity for the Council and the Festival Committee to thank all our dedicated volunteers for their sacrificial and valued help for our most-successful-ever Taste of Greece Festival this year. Thank you for your participation! It is a community labor of love that can’t happen without you!

Memorials 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, Nicholas Kaparakos (1 year), Peter Valliant (1 year) and Areta Kalogeras (5 Years). May their memory be eternal!

TICKETS ON SALE TODAY FOR OUR INAUGURAL "MEN WHO COOK" EVENT!

Come See Us in the Gallery today for your tickets and Chef registration forms.

TO ALL ELIGIBLE MEN:  What an opportunity to showcase how creative your kitchen talents can be and make your women proud!  Join the fun and compete for the coveted title of Holy Trinity's Top Chef! 

TO ALL PARISHIONERS:  Mark your calendars for a fun evening feasting on edible creations from our top Holy Trinity Male Chefs!  Come and support our inaugural event:  "Men Who Cook" on Sunday, January 26, 2020 in the Grand Room from 5:00 – 8:00pm Bring your family and friends.  Invite your favorite male chef to participate too! Guests will visit food stations and be served samples of appetizers, entrees, sides and desserts.  Vote for your favorite chefs via tip jars in this friendly fundraising competition!  Reservations are $30 per person and are available at www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/events.  Tickets can also be purchased in the Gallery today following Liturgy. Proceeds to benefit the HT Capital Campaign, kitchen needs and FOCUS Pittsburgh.  If you have any questions, or want to compete for the title, please see Kathy Balouris or Karen Georgiadis or email them at social@HolyTrinityPgh.org.

Looking for Volunteers! Just Two 2020 Dates Now Available at Pleasant Valley Shelter to Feed the Homeless

Holy Trinity has a long-standing commitment to serve meals to the men at Pleasant Valley homeless shelter.  This organization, 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.  The following two dates in 2020 are still available, to prepare and serve these men dinner:  July 12; and Sept 13.  (They are Sunday evenings. Dinner is at 8:00pm. Our volunteers prepare and bring the cooked food to the shelter, where they serve it): Please see Mike Kritiotis today, or contact him at 412-518-0588, or at mkritiotis@gmail.com to sign up your family/group/ministry.

Services This Week:

Thur. Jan 16, 6:30pm Paraclesis Service to the Holy Theotokos (St George Chapel, 8941 Ringeisen Rd, Allison Park)

Fri. Jan 17, 9:00am Orthros/10:00am Liturgy: St. Anthony the Great (424 Miller Ave, Clairton, PA 15025)

[Jan 14, 15, 16] “Faith and Family WEEKDAYS” This Week

Holy Trinity Church’s “Faith and Family WEEKDAYS” ministry has been updated once again to provide valuable faith growth and learning to the entire Holy Trinity family. Building on the fruits of our five six 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. Prayer Partner Cards for First Quarter 2020 Distributed Today. Here is a ministry EVERYONE can participate in this vital ministry EVERY DAY: “Prayer Partners!” Would you like to know that someone is praying for you every day “just because” you are a part of this parish family? As a core component of our “Faith and Family Weekdays” Ministry, that is what happens here at Holy Trinity Church. On the first Sunday of January, April, July and October, blank prayer cards are distributed. Those in attendance are asked to write their first name only (baptismal name preferred) on one card. They will then be collected and randomly distributed at the end of the service. Each person will commit to offer prayers daily for the person they receive daily during that quarter. What a beautiful gift to pray for someone and be prayed for yourself. This “anonymous” ministry of spiritual service is known only to our merciful Lord, Who directs us through his Holy Apostle James, "Pray for one another" (James 5.16). Thank you for adding to the spiritual life and dedication of our Holy Trinity parish family. Remember: pray for your Prayer Partner every day!
• Tues. Jan 14, 7:00pm “Journey of Marriage” Marriage Prep Ministry
• Marriage preparation for couples using the excellent and interactive “Journey of Marriage” materials developed by Dr. Philip Mamalakis. From “Hello!” to honeymoon, this series educates and equips couples for fruitful Orthodox Christian married life. It’s fun, interactive and a great way to prepare.
• Wed. Jan 15, 6:30pm Worship/7:00pm Bible Study: “Explore the Word” - Bible Study Ministry - 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).
• Thur. Jan 16: “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!
• Thur. Jan 16, 6:30pm Worship: Paraclesis Service to the Holy Theotokos at our 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. We will alternate three different services throughout the remainder of the year. Next Paraclesis Service: (Feb 20).

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. Want to CONNECT with a person or ministry? We can help!

Ladies Philoptochos Bake Sale – Last Call!

The Ladies Philoptochos Omonia would like to thank everyone who ordered baked good items.  With the funds from the baked sale, we are able to help many people. We truly appreciate your generosity! If you are interested in purchasing any baked good items, we still have a few items available for sale TODAY. See Nicole Steiner or call her at 412-781-6109 (home) or 412-352-0289 (cell).  Remaining items: 36 dozen Koulourakia @ $7.00 per dozen, 6 dozen Kourambiedes @ $12.00 per dozen and 11 pans frozen Spanakopita @ $35.00 per pan (9 x 13 pans that you may cut to any size portions). 

Stewardship Update

The 2019 Stewardship Year-end statements will be sent out at the end of January. Also, the 2020 Holy Trinity Stewardship Pledge Cards have been distributed and all Holy Trinity Stewards should complete one immediately. If you have not yet received a 2020 pledge card or are new to Holy Trinity, 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. Questions? Contact Stewardship Co-chairmen Mike Kritiotis or Ted Stewart or email stewardship@HolyTrinityPgh.org.

[Jan 13, 27] GOYA Basketball Practice

GOYA will hold basketball practices in preparation for the 2020 basketball tournament season on January 13 & 27. Please check the GOYA email list for times and locations.

[Jan 15] Ministry Opportunity

As part of our Hospitality Ministry, we have assessed a need for “funeral greeters".  It is comforting to have a Holy Trinity member greet and assist family and friends as they arrive and during the funeral. For many visitors it is their first time in an Orthodox Church. Due to the last-minute nature of scheduling, this is on an 'as available basis'.  If you would like more information and instruction, please attend our meeting this Wednesday, January 15 at 5:45pm in the Conference Room or see Stacy at the Connect Center or call her at 412-298-9409.

[Jan 18 & 20] It’s a New YEAR so it’s time to PREPARE for Festival 2020!

We will be starting with BAKLAVA and CHOCOLATE BAKLAVA Prep on Saturday, January 18 beginning at 9:00am (Our MAIN Prep day) AND again on Monday, January 20 (MLK Day) beginning at 9:00 am. We will be continuing Monday for those who can’t make it on Saturday and for those who feel compelled to come back!  As always, there are tasks for ALL AGES so bring those students who are off from school. Thank you!

[Jan 19] Ten Minutes of HOPE and JOY  

Our children in HOPE (grades K-2) and JOY (grades 3-6) will continue to meet with Father Radu once a month for ten minutes after their Church School lesson. Please help your children formulate questions about our faith, and we will address those topics during a combined “Ten Minutes of HOPE” and “Ten Minutes of JOY” session next Sunday, Jan 19.

[Jan 25] HOPE & JOY Ice Skating

Our HOPE & JOY groups have planned an Ice-Skating outing at North Park on Saturday, January 25^th at 2:00pm. Please let Nicole Gross (tnpalmer113@gmail.com) or Eleni Dedousis (eadedousis@gmail.com) know if you are able to attend by January 23^rd. Pricing will range from $5-6 depending if we have enough participants to qualify for the group rate. We have a backup bad weather location of the Lemieux Center for ice skating if inclement weather is in the forecast.

[Jan 26] Philoptochos Meeting – Rescheduled Date

The Philoptochos will hold a meeting on Sunday, January 26 in the Fireside Room following Divine Liturgy. New members are always welcome! Please note that this meeting was originally scheduled for January 19.

Vigil Candle Requested Donations Update

Please note that as of January 1, 2020, due to an increase of cost to Holy Trinity, the cost of candles has gone up. The requested donation for the 7-Day Red Vigil candle is now $10 and the 14-Day White Sanctuary candle is now $20 each.

2020 Philoptochos Stewardship

It is time for current Philoptochos members to renew their memberships for 2020.  Suggested annual stewardship donation is $30.00.  Checks should be made payable to “Holy Trinity Omonia.”  Please return your Stewardship form and your Stewardship donation to Pam Bolkovac, Membership chairperson, or mail to Holy Trinity Philoptochos, Attn: Membership, 985 Providence Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. Copies of the form can be found in the January edition of the Herald and at the church office window. If you aren’t a member, we would love for you to join us!  It is only through your generous commitment of time, talent and support that we are able to pursue our philanthropic mission.

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.

Snow Cancellations – Where to Check

Please keep in mind over the winter months that there are a number of options to hear or read about event or service cancellations in the case of snow or inclement weather on the Holy Trinity "Snow Line." First stop: Check our website at www.HolyTrinityPgh.org. To hear by phone, call the church office (412-366-8700) then press option #8 and listen for a recorded weather cancellation announcement. To get updates by computer or smartphone, there are three options: 1) watch the parish email list for email announcements; 2) check the front page of our website, www.HolyTrinityPgh.org; or 3) friend us on Facebook at Facebook.com/holytrinitypgh. Finally, to get information by radio or television, watch the KDKA Storm Center, as Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church is registered there.

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 Memorials: Jan 19: Father John Androutsopoulos (6 months), Jan 26: Maria Grecos Dalson (40 days)