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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2020-02-02
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
Preslord
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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 Eighth Tone

From on high You descended, O merciful One, and accepted the three-day burial to free us from our passions. Glory to You, O Lord, our life and resurrection. (Page 54)

Apolytikion for Presentation of Our Lord in the First Tone

Rejoice, you who are full of grace, O Virgin Theotokos, for from you has risen the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, enlightening those in darkness. Rejoice, also, O you righteous Elder, for you received in your arms the Redeemer of our souls, Who also grants to us the Resurrection. (Page 65)

Seasonal Kontakion in the First Tone

Your birth sanctified a Virgin's womb and properly blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and saved us O Christ our God, give peace to Your commonwealth in troubled times and strengthen those in authority, whom You love, as only the loving One.
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Saints and Feasts

Preslord
February 02

The Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple

When the most pure Mother and Ever-Virgin Mary's forty days of purification had been fulfilled, she took her first-born Son to Jerusalem on this, the fortieth day after His birth, that she might present Him in the temple according to the Law of Moses, which teaches that every first-born male child be dedicated to God, and also that she might offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons, as required by the Law (Luke 2:22-24; Exod. 13:2; Lev. 12:6-8). On this same day, a just and devout man, the greatly aged Symeon, was also present in the temple, being guided by the Holy Spirit. For a long time, this man had been awaiting the salvation of God, and he had been informed by divine revelation that he would not die until he beheld the Lord's Christ. Thus, when he beheld Him at that time and took Him up into his aged arms, he gave glory to God, singing: "Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, O Master. . ." And he confessed that he would close his eyes joyfully, since he had seen the Light of revelation for the nations and the Glory of Israel (Luke 2:25-32). From ancient times, the Holy Church has retained this tradition of the churching of the mother and new-born child on the fortieth day and of the reading of prayers of purification.

The Apodosis of the Feast of the Meeting in the Temple is usually on the 9th of February. This, however, may vary if the Feast falls within the period of the Triodion. Should this occur, the Typicon should be consulted for specific information concerning the Apodosis of the Feast.

February 02

Agathadoros the Martyr of Cappadocia

February 02

Gabriel the New Martyr of Constantinople

February 02

Jordan the New Martyr

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Third Tone. Luke 1: 46-48.
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
Verse: For he has regarded the humility of his servant.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 7:7-17.

BRETHREN, it is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. Here tithes are received by mortal men; there, by one whom it is testified that he lives. One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him. Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not according to a legal requirement concerning bodily descent but by the power of an indestructible life. For it is witnessed of him, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek."

Gospel Reading

The Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple
The Reading is from Luke 2:22-40

At that time, the parents brought the child Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord") and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons." Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Symeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

"Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel."

And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him; and Symeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

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Wisdom of the Fathers

The Ancient of Days, who in times past gave Moses the Law on Sinai, appears this day as a babe. As Maker of the Law He fulfills the Law, and according to the Law He is brought into the temple and given over to the Elder.
Anatolios
Festal Menaion. Great Vespers.

Simeon the righteous receives Him, and beholding the fulfillment of the divine ordinance now brought to pass, rejoicing he cries aloud, "My eyes have seen the mystery hidden from the ages, made manifest in these latter days, the Light that disperses the dark folly of the Gentiles without faith and the Glory of the newly chosen Israel."
Anatolios
Festal Menaion. Great Vespers.

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Parish News and Events

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Services This Week:

Thursday, February 6: 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy – St. Photios the Great (St. George Chapel)

 

[Feb 5] “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 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.
  • Wed. Feb 5, 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).

 

[Feb 8] International Soup Sampling and Health Kit Drive to Benefit the IOCC

Please join our sister parish of Holy Cross this coming Saturday, February 8 from 11am to 2pm for an International Soup Sampling to benefit the IOCC. Experience tastes from around the world! Sample five homemade soups for $10 and then take your favorite quart home for an additional $10 donation. Holy Cross is located at 123 Gilkeson Rd (Mt. Lebanon) Pittsburgh, PA 15228. Questions? Contact Marianne at 412-668-0420 or marianne.carmack@gmail.com. On the same day, youth groups from all jurisdictions will assemble health kits for the IOCC. Donations are needed to purchase bulk health kit supplies. To be a sponsor, please call Nick Terezis at 740-282-5198.

 

[Feb 9 – Mar 8] GOYA Eyeglasses Collection for Needy

As part of the 2020 Holy Trinity Basketball Tournament, Holy Trinity GOYA will be sponsoring an eyeglasses collection to benefit the “Lions Recycle for Sight”program from February 9 thru March 8. This program helps conserve sight by providing usable eyeglasses to children and adults throughout the world. Please deposit your unneeded glasses, including sunglasses and reading glasses, in the Lions' collection box located outside the church office, or see any GOYAn.

 

[Feb 14-16] Volunteers and Donations Needed for GOYA Basketball Tournament

Holy Trinity GOYA is putting out a call for all who are interested in helping with the Metropolis GOYA Basketball Tournament being hosted at Holy Trinity Church the weekend of February 14-16, 2020. Volunteers are needed as hospitality greeters and guides, gymnasium supervisors, concession stand personnel, cooks for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday meals being served at the Church, and general setup and cleanup for the beginning and end of the event. Donations are also needed to help extend our Holy Trinity hospitality to our hundreds of visitors. The deadline for donations has been extended to Sunday, February 9. See enclosed form. An additional opportunity for gym sponsorships is also available. For all donations and sign-ups, please stop by the GOYA table in the Gallery today. Although this is a GOYA event, basketball tournaments at Holy Trinity have always been a community offering of “Holy Trinity Hospitality”, and our teens will be depending on our help, since they are wrapped up in the games during the weekend. Please use the form included in the January edition of the Herald or contact Presvytera Becky (GOYA@HolyTrinityPgh.org or 412-874-5195) to volunteer or donate. Thank you!!!

 

Men Who Cook – Thank You!

The Holy Trinity Social Committee would like to thank everyone who cooked, helped, attended or donated to our very successful, exciting and first-ever “Men Who Cook” held last Sunday. Also, a big thank you to our own Holy Trinity Jazz Band who provided great music for the evening. Save the date for next year’s event scheduled for January 31, 2021!

 

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! The next Philoptochos meeting will be held following Divine Liturgy on Sunday, February 23 in the Fireside Room. This will be a short meeting so that those who plan help with festival cooking can do so after the meeting.  

 

Stewardship Update

The 2019 Stewardship Year-end statements were mailed out last week. 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.

 

[Feb 23-Mar 28] Festival Cooking – IT’S BACK!

Mark your calendars NOW with these important dates! Our goal is to get at least 30 people each day so that we may finish on time!  The festival is bigger than ever and can only work if EVERYONE gives at least a few hours of THEIR time for OUR festival! Look over the dates and times below…you’ll see both evening and daytime hours, during the week and on the weekend. Everyone’s help is needed!

  • Sunday, February 23, after Liturgy, 12:00pm-6:00pm - Tiropita
  • Monday, February 24, 9:00am-9:00pm - Tiropita
  • Thursday, March 12, 5:00pm-10:00pm - Spanakopita
  • Friday, March 13, 9:00am-6:00pm - Spanakopita
  • Saturday, March 14, 9:00am-6:00pm – Spanakopita
  • Thursday, March 26, 5:00pm-10:00pm - Pastitsio
  • Friday, March 27, 9:00am-6:00pm - Pastitsio
  • Saturday, March 28, 9:00am-6:00pm - Pastitsio  

 

Hunger Doesn’t Stop After the Holidays - Volunteers Needed to Help Feed the Homeless at Pleasant Valley 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.

 

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: February 9: Anne Chapas (3 yrs.) and Frank Chapas (10 yrs.)

February 23: Mary Alexiades (3 yrs.), Michael Alexiades (42 yrs.) and Theologia Alexiades (27 yrs.)

March 1: Helen Balouris (6 months) and William H. Andromalos (10 yrs.)

 

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