Publish-header
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2020-03-01
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
Eden
Organization Icon
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 Fourth Tone

The joyful news of Your Resurrection was told to the women disciples of the Lord by the angel. Having thrown off the ancestral curse, and boasting, they told the Apostles: death has been vanquished. Christ our God is risen, granting to the world great mercy. (Page 53)The joyful news of Your Resurrection was told to the women disciples of the Lord by the angel. Having thrown off the ancestral curse, and boasting, they told the Apostles: death has been vanquished. Christ our God is risen, granting to the world great mercy. (Page 53)

Apolytikion of Holy Trinity Church (Page 75) in the First Tone

English: Blessed are You, O Christ our God, Who has shown forth the fishermen to be most wise by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit. And through them, You drew the world into Your net. O merciful One, glory to You!
Greek: Ευλογητός ει Χριστέ, ο Θεός ήμων, ο πανσόφους τους αλιείς αναδείξας, καταπέμψας αυτοίς το Πνεύμα το άγιον, και δι΄αυτών την οικουμένην σαγηνεύσας, φιλάνθρωπε, δόξα σοι.
Phoenetics: Ev-lo-yi-tos i Hri-ste o The-os i-mon. O Pan-so-fous tous a-li-is a-na-di-xas ka-ta-pemp-sas af-tis to Pnev-ma to A-yi-on, ke di af-ton tin i-kou-men-in sa-i-nef-sas, fi-lan-thro-pe, do-xa si.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Sixth Tone

O Master, Guide to wisdom, Giver of prudent counsel, Instructor of the foolish and Champion of the poor, make firm my heart and grant it understanding. O Word of the Father, give me words, for see, I shall not stop my lips from crying out to You: I am fallen: in your compassion have mercy on me. (Page 71)
BACK TO TOP

Saints and Feasts

Eden
March 01

Forgiveness Sunday

The Holy Fathers have appointed the commemoration of Adam's exile from the Paradise of delight here, on the eve of the holy Forty-day Fast, demonstrating to us not by simple words, but by actual deeds, how beneficial fasting is for man, and how harmful and destructive are insatiety and the transgressing of the divine commandments. For the first commandment that God gave to man was that of fasting, which the first-fashioned received but did not keep; and not only did they not become gods, as they had imagined, but they lost even that blessed life which they had, and they fell into corruption and death, and transmitted these and innumerable other evils to all of mankind. The God-bearing Fathers set these things before us today, that by bringing to mind what we have fallen from, and what we have suffered because of the insatiety and disobedience of the first-fashioned, we might be diligent to return again to that ancient bliss and glory by means of fasting and obedience to all the divine commands. Taking occasion from today's Gospel (Matt. 6:14-21) to begin the Fast unencumbered by enmity, we also ask forgiveness this day, first from God, then from one another and all creation.

March 01

Andonina the New Martyr

March 01

David the Archbishop

Saint David, Patron of Wales, said to have been the son of a Welsh chieftain, lived in the latter half of the sixth century. Ordained to the priesthood, he studied under the tutorship of a disciple of Saint Germanus, who later became Bishop of the Isle of Man, and engaged in missionary work and the building of churches in many places. Eventually, he settled in the southwest corner of Wales, at Menevia. There he founded a monastery known for its extreme austerity, in imitation of the desert fathers. Eventually he was consecrated Bishop of the primatial See of Wales, Menevia, afterwards known as Saint David’s in his honor. He reposed in the Lord about the year 601 AD and, through the years, has been venerated as one of the greatest and most beloved saints of the British Isles.

Evdokia
March 01

The Holy Righteous Martyr Eudocia the Samaritan

This Saint, who was from Heliopolis of Phoenicia (Baalbek in present-day Lebanon), was an idolater and led a licentious life. Being beautiful beyond telling, she had many lovers, and had acquired great riches. Yet brought to repentance by a monk named Germanus, and baptized by Bishop Theodotus, she distributed to the poor all her ill-gotten gains, and entered a convent, giving herself up completely to the life of asceticism. Her former lovers, enraged at her conversion, her refusal to return to her old ways, and the withering away of her beauty through the severe mortifications she practiced, betrayed her as a Christian to Vincent the Governor, and she was beheaded, according to some, under Trajan, who reigned from 98 to 117, according to others, under Hadrian, who reigned from 117 to 138.

BACK TO TOP

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Eighth Tone. Psalm 75.11,1.
Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4.

Brethren, salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for God is able to make him stand.

Gospel Reading

Forgiveness Sunday
The Reading is from Matthew 6:14-21

The Lord said, "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

"And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

BACK TO TOP

BACK TO TOP

Wisdom of the Fathers

0ne must in every way flee from judging, and pray in secret for those who have sinned. "This form of love is pleasing to God." Judging is bound up with impudence and is incompatible with true repentance: "To judge is to impudently appropriate to oneself the rank of God."
St. John Climacus

Do we forgive our neighbors their trespasses? God also forgives us in His mercy. Do we refuse to forgive? God, too, will refuse to forgive us. As we treat our neighbors, so also does God treat us. The forgiveness, then, of your sins or unforgiveness, and hence also your salvation or destruction, depend on you yourself, man. For without forgiveness of sins there is no salvation.
St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
Unknown, 18th century

If we have true love with sympathy and patient labor, we shall not go about scrutinizing our neighbor's shortcomings. As it is said, "Charity shall cover the multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8). . . True love screens anything of this kind, as did the saints when they saw the shortcomings of men. Were they blind? Not at all! But they simply would not let their eyes dwell on sins.
St. Dorotheos of Gaza

Before we enter the Lenten fast, we are reminded that there can be no true fast, no genuine repentance, no reconciliation with God, unless we are at the same time reconciled with one another. A fast without mutual love is the fast of demons. . . We do not travel the road of Lent as isolated individuals but as members of a family.
His Grace Bishop Kallistos of Diokleia
20th Century

The value of fasting consists not in abstinence only from food, but in a relinquishment of sinful practices, since he who limits his fasting only to an abstinence from meat is he who especially disparages it. The change in our way of life during these blessed days will help us to gain holiness. Therefore we should let our soul rejoice during the fast.
St. John Chrysostom
Fourth Century

BACK TO TOP

Parish News and Events

 TODAY’S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES 
  

 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, Helen Balouris (6 months) and William H. Andromalos (10 yrs.). May their memory be eternal! The Balouris and Andromalos families will sponsor the coffee hour today in their memory.

 

You Are Invited to Participate in Choir “No Robe” Sunday Today

It’s back for a second week after last Sunday’s enthusiastic response! Have you ever been intrigued at the thought of joining the Choir, but are unsure of whether it is for you? Are you typically committed to another ministry, but enjoy singing? Do you simply want to learn any of the hymns better? Join the Holy Trinity Choir today! All ages and skill levels are welcome, and you do not have to be able to read in Greek. No robe required – just join in. Let’s help Holy Trinity to be a parish of dynamic congregational singers!  See Choir Director Eleni Valliant with any questions.

 

GOYA Lenten Soup Sales – Beginning Next Sunday

The GOYA is once again offering its very popular Lenten soup and sauces sales throughout Lent, starting next Sunday and ending April 12. Among the many good reasons to buy some to take home are that they are strict Lenten recipes, they provide fund-raising support for our GOYA ministry ... plus they taste great and they are good for you! Please visit the Lenten Soup Sales table in Gallery during Coffee Hour each week! Thank you for supporting our youth as you strive to maintain and grow your spiritual discipline of fasting during Lent!

 

Lent Starts Tonight!

Lent officially begins on the Orthodox liturgical calendar this evening with the Solemn Vespers service to be held at the St George Chapel (8941 Ringeisen Rd, Allison Park). It is one of the most beautiful and solemn services of the year and is a deeply meaningful way to step into this season of repentance. Please plan on attending at 6:30pm this evening at the Chapel. If you have never been to one, you have never experienced Lent like this.

 

 UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Services This Week

- TODAY, Sun. Mar. 1, 6:30pm: Solemn Vespers of Forgiveness (SG)

- Mon. Mar. 2, 6:30pm: Great Compline (SG)

- Wed. Mar. 4, 6:30pm: Pre-Sanctified Liturgy followed by Lenten Covered Dish Dinner and “Faith and Family Weekdays” Wednesday Lenten Series presentation (HT)

- Sat. Mar. 7, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: Saturday of the Souls (SG)

 

[Mar 2] Offices Closed on Pure Monday

Please note that the offices of the Archdiocese, Metropolis and Holy Trinity Church will be closed on the first day of Lent, Pure Monday, March 2.

 

[Mar 4] “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. Mar. 4: Pre-Sanctified Liturgy, Lenten Dinner and Lenten Speakers Series

- Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts (6:30-7:45pm): This is a mid-week Lenten blessing provides by the Church as a way of offering the Holy Gifts between Sundays during Lent. The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is an evening service which comprises the solemn Lenten Vespers with the distribution of Holy Communion at the end. There is no consecration of the Holy Gifts during the service. Holy Communion is offered from the reserve gifts consecrated on the previous Sunday at the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Those Orthodox Christians wishing to receive Holy Communion should prepare as usual but should also refrain from eating or drinking after their midday meal. Readings will be done by our older Church School students.
- Lenten Dinner (7:45pm): We will continue the tradition of Lenten dinners following Pre-Sanctified Liturgies by asking for volunteers to bring food. Everyone is invited to stay for this light meal. After the meal is served, everyone will remain in the Grand Room for the Lenten Speakers Series presentation.
- Lenten Speakers Series (8:00pm): Each week a special presentation will be offered by one of our clergy or guest presenters. This week we will start the season with “Lenten Q&A” with Father John and Father Radu.

 

[Mar 3] 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 this Tuesday, March 3rd 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

 

[Mar 6] HOPE/JOY Lenten Sleepover

The HOPE and JOY Sleepover will be held this Friday, March 6. We will attend services at the St. George Chapel at 6:30pm, then proceed to the Church for a Lenten dinner and a movie.  The cost for dinner and breakfast is $5 per child. Bring your sleeping bags and air mattresses! The sleepover will end at 8:30am on Saturday, March 7. We need parent chaperones! Please RSVP to Jennifer Stepanow or Jeanne Willow after church or via email at jeannetorlidas@verizon.net

 

[Mar 7] Saturdays of Souls

Preceding the start of Lent and during the first week of Lent, the Church offers the “Saturdays of the Souls” to commemorate those who have fallen sleep in the Lord. Services are held at the Saint George Chapel located at Holy Trinity Cemetery. Orthros is at 8:30am followed by Divine Liturgy at 9:30am and the Memorial Service. This year, the FINAL Saturday of the Souls service will be offered this Saturday, March 7th. Please see the flyer in the February edition of the Herald or download the names form from our website (holytrinitypgh.org/documents/worship) to submit names for commemoration and be sure to attend and commemorate your departed loved ones.

 

[Mar 8] GOYA Eyeglasses Collection for Needy

As part of their recent basketball tournament hosting, the Holy Trinity GOYA is sponsoring an eyeglasses collection to benefit the “Lions Recycle for Sight”program thru next Sunday, 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. Thank you!

 

[Mar 8] Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers Service

The Orthodox Clergy Brotherhood of Greater Pittsburgh is hosting its annual Sunday of Orthodoxy Service and celebration next Sunday, March 8 beginning at 4:30pm here at Holy Trinity Church. The homilist will be His Grace Bishop John of the Antiochian Orthodox Diocese of Worcester and New England. The service will feature clergy from many Orthodox jurisdictions, the annual Procession of the Holy Icons and a Pan-Orthodox Choir singing the hymns of the service under the direction of Fr. Tom Soroka. Come and celebrate Orthodoxy in Pittsburgh! "This is the Faith of the Apostles. This is the Faith of the Fathers. This is the Faith of the Orthodox. This is the Faith which has established the Universe."

 

OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES – Please volunteer your family or group to help

Please see Mike Kritiotis today, or contact him at 412-518-0588, or at mkritiotis@gmail.com to sign up your family/group/ministry for either of these two worthy causes! Thank you, good and faithful servants of Christ!

  • 1. Two Dates Still Available to 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).
  • 2. Sign Up to Provide Bag Lunches for Needy Families.  It’s time once again to get your group or family together for a meaningful day of giving to the poor and hungry in our region. Sponsored through the Orthodox outreach of the “Neighborhood Resilience Project”, the 2020 weekly schedule of delivering 140 lunch bags to our less fortunate neighbors every Saturday of the year, has many open dates available. Holy Trinity Church’s participation has been critical in fulfilling this goal in the past, and we are grateful for our parishioners’ renewed generosity this time around.

 

[Mar 12-May 26] 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!

  • 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
  • Tuesday, May 5, 9:00am-6:30pm – Kourambiethes
  • Tuesday, May 12, 9:00am-9:00pm – Apricot Rolls
  • Tuesday, May 19, 9:00am-9:00pm - Koulourakia
  • Tuesday, May 26, 9:00am-9:00pm - Galaktoboureko

 

[Mar 15] Philoptochos Monthly Meeting

The next Ladies Philoptochos monthly meeting will be held on Sunday, March 15 in the Fireside Room following Divine Liturgy.  New members are always welcome!

 

[Mar 15] New “Safety and Security Ministry” Announces Security Presence Outside Sunday Services

A new “Safety and Security Ministry” was recently formed by the Parish Council to assess the safety and security needs of our church and to develop a comprehensive church security plan, including the need for security presence on Sunday mornings. This is a practice being adopted by many churches today. After reviewing several proposals from security experts in the area, the ministry team has decided to employ the Town of McCandless Police and Fire Departments to provide an extra layer of security each Sunday morning and during other special church services. Beginning on Sunday, March 15th, you will see a uniformed police officer and his patrol car outside our church building. He is there strictly as an added level of precaution and a visible sign that Holy Trinity Church takes security seriously. Please note that we have not received any reports of a threat or concern whatsoever. We are simply being proactive and responsible for the safety of the entire Holy Trinity family. Additional measures currently under discussion are upgrading our security and alert systems and developing safety evacuation procedures involving all parishioners.  More information about the work of this new ministry team will be available as progress continues. It is our goal to keep the parish informed, and to remind us all that no matter how we prepare, ultimately we have only One True Shepherd and Guardian of the flock: “The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you” (2 Thess 3.3)

 

[Mar 22] Annual Lenten Luncheon

Our Ladies Philoptochos Society “Omonia” will present its annual Lenten Luncheon on Sunday, March 22 following Divine Liturgy. Enjoy a delicious selection of Lenten foods while supporting the Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and the charitable activities of the Philoptochos. Donations of Lenten (non-meat /non-dairy) salads, soups, side dishes, & desserts will be greatly appreciated! Please contact Sherry Clayton 412-216-4793 by Sunday, March 15 if you can donate a luncheon item. Thank you!

 

[Mar 29] Philoptochos Pascha Bread Sale

The Ladies Philoptochos is again offering their delicious traditional Greek Pascha Bread for sale!  All proceeds benefit the charitable endeavors of the Philoptochos. A Pascha Bread Order Form will be enclosed with the March edition of the Herald, and copies will also be available at the church office window. All orders must be prepaid and turned in to the office or mailed to the church by Sunday, March 29, 2020.  Please make checks payable to “Holy Trinity Ladies Philoptochos” with “Pascha Bread” in the memo line.  Pickup your PREPAID order FOLLOWING Divine Liturgy on Palm Sunday, April 12th.  Please call Nicole Steiner (412-781-6109) with any questions.

 

[Mar 31] Philoptochos Cookbook – Deadline Extended

Our Holy Trinity Philoptochos announces the final call for submissions of recipes for their new cookbook by the March 31st deadline. Recipe submission forms can be found in the March edition of the Herald and at the church office window. Please call/text Maria Georgiadis Athanas at 724-991-5129 or mariapgeorgiadis@gmail.com with any questions.

 

Philoptochos Stewardship Renewal

It is time for current Philoptochos members to renew their memberships for 2020, as the March 1 deadline is TODAY!  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 Herald and at the church office window.  If you aren't a member, we would love for you to join us!

 

Lenten and Holy Week Schedules of Services

The March issue of The Herald contains a complete schedule of services for Lent.  Please post it in a conspicuous place in your home. Make a family plan and circle the services you are able to attend and place them on your schedule and on your phone’s calendar! As the hymn from the Book of Psalms tells us during the Great Compline service, “God is with us.” Lent provides us a special time to be with Him. See you there!

 

Lenten Coffee Hour Reminder

Please keep in mind that throughout Lent our Coffee Hours following the Divine Liturgy observe the Orthodox Lenten fasting schedule. Anyone sponsoring a memorial coffee hour or providing Church School snacks is asked to take care that non-meat and non-dairy items are provided. The Philoptochos and the Church School can provide a list of suggestions for good alternatives. Thank you for helping our community grow in this proper and helpful Orthodox spiritual practice.

 

Lenten Resources Available on the Internet

Looking for educational or inspirational information and resources for Lent? Try one of the best religious sites on the Internet: the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. To visit the general site, go to www.goarch.org/lent. There you will find Lenten messages, scriptures, prayers, articles, hymns, videos and more.

 

Upcoming Lenten and Paschal Dates

Wondering about Lenten and Paschal dates? Here’s a helpful guide to some of the important events coming up. Mark them on your calendar!

-          Cheesefare Sunday (Last day of eating dairy): TODAY

-          Pure Monday (Lent begins): Mar 2

-          Sunday of Orthodoxy: Mar 8

-          Godparent Sunday/Lenten Luncheon: Mar 22

-          Saturday of Lazarus/Palm Cross/Candle prep: Apr 11

-          Palm Sunday: Apr 12

-          Holy Week: Apr 13-18

-          Holy Friday (schedule off work & school): Apr 17

-          The Great and Holy Pascha: Apr 19

 

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: March 15: Antonia Vlahakis Karras (15 yrs.); March 22: Constantine Backeris (45 yrs.), Marie Backeris (2 yrs.) and MaryAyne Bistolas (1 yr.)

 

BACK TO TOP

BACK TO TOP