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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2020-04-05
Bulletin Contents
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Bulletin Inserts
Wisdom of the Fathers
Parish News and Events
Calendar of Events
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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

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

  • 985 Providence Blvd.

  • Pittsburgh, PA 15237-5951

Contact Information

Rev. Fr. John Touloumes, Protopresbyter
Proistamenos

fjt@HolyTrinityPgh.org | 412-366-8700
Rev. Fr. Radu Bordeianu
Assistant Priest

FrRadu@HolyTrinityPgh.org
Mary Portellos
Office Administrator

office@HolyTrinityPgh.org | 412-366-8700

Services Schedule

Worship Schedule

8:15 a.m. Orthros

9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy

Worship Locations:

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

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

Past Bulletins


Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the First Tone

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

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Mary of Egypt in the Eighth Tone

In you, O Mother, was preserved unimpaired that which is according to God’s image, for you took up the Cross and followed Christ. By your actions you taught us to despise the flesh, for it passes away, but to care for the soul, which is a thing immortal; and so your spirit, holy Mary, rejoices with the angels. (Page 73)

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 Second Tone

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

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April 05

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

On the Fifth Sunday of Lent the Orthodox Church commemorates our Righteous Mother Mary of Egypt. The feast day of Saint Mary of Egypt is April 1 however, she is also commemorated on this Sunday due to her recognition by the Church as a model of repentance. Since the end of the holy Forty Days is drawing near, it has been appointed for this day also, so that if we think it hard to practice a little abstinence forty days, we might be roused by the heroism of she who fasted in the wilderness forty-seven years; and also that the great loving-kindness of God, and His readiness to receive the repentant, might be demonstrated in very deed.

April 05

Agathopodes and Theodulos the Martyrs

April 05

Monk-Martyrs Claudius, Diodore, Victor, Victorinus, and those with them

Of these Martyrs, Saint Claudius died when his arms and legs were severed; Saint Diodore was burned alive; Saints Victor, Victorinus, and Nicephorus were crushed to death by a large boulder; Saint Serapion was burned alive; Saint Pappias was cast into the sea. According to some accounts, they contested in Corinth under Decius in 251; according to others, in Diospolis in Egypt under Numerian in 284.

April 05

George the new Martyr

April 05

Theodora the Righteous of Thessaloniki

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. First Tone. Psalm 32.22,1.
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 9:11-14.

BRETHREN, when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
The Reading is from Mark 10:32-45

At that time, Jesus took his twelve disciples, and he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant of James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

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Bulletin Inserts

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Wisdom of the Fathers

But let no man be troubled at the apostles being in such an imperfect state. For not yet was the cross accomplished, not yet the grace of the Spirit given. But if thou wouldest learn their virtue, notice them after these things, and thou wilt see them superior to every passion.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

For with this object He reveals their deficiencies, that after these things thou mightest know what manner of men they became by grace. ... No one shall sit on His right hand nor on His left.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

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Parish News and Events

NOTE: CORONAVIRUS PROTECTION MEASURES IN PLACE.
SERVICES BEING CONDUCTED ONLINE ONLY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

 

TODAY’S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

 

CONCERNING THE CURRENT COVID-19 VIRUS PANDEMIC AND PREVENTATIVE MEASURES ENACTED AT HOLY TRINITY CHURCH: Until further notice, parishioner attendance at services is not permitted. please continue to participate in worship by attending online only at www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/live. We will continue our full schedule of Sunday and Lenten services as published in the Herald and listed on our website calendar. for the latest information on coronavirus measures at Holy Trinity Church, visit https://www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/coronavirus.

 

Trisagion Prayers Today

Trisagion prayers will be offered at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy today for the repose of the souls of the servants of God, John Peter Croussouloudis (40 days), Pauline Croussouloudis (9 months) and Maria Kritiotis (1 year). May their memory be eternal!

 

Welcome to Holy Trinity Church's Live Video and Audio Broadcast Ministry

Whether you are unable to attend Liturgy today due to church closures, you are home-bound or are watching from an area where there is no church nearby, it is our joy to be able to welcome you into the worship life of Holy Trinity Church. Today we are blessed to worship from our Saint George Chapel. For a complete list of Sunday and Lenten services, please see our online calendar at HolyTrinityPgh.org/calendar.

 

JOIN US FOR COFFEE HOUR ONLINE TODAY FOLLOWING LITURGY!

Nothing can stop Holy Trinity hospitality!! Join your Holy Trinity family and friends today after Liturgy for another Holy Trinity Virtual Coffee Hour! It was a great joy to be together last week, so we’ve had requests to do it again.

While we are doing our best to observe the recommended and required coronavirus restrictions, it's a blessing to be able to join online for worship services, especially during this holy season of Lent. Now, besides services, we also have the ability to connect online for Coffee Hour!

This morning join us online for worship (8:15am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy) on our website at HolyTrinityPgh.org/live. Then, at 11:15am, use the Zoom video conference instructions below to log on to our "Virtual Coffee Hour!" Grab your own coffee or tea at home and stay in your church clothes or come casual. We're looking forward to seeing everyone!

 

HOLY TRINITY VIRTUAL COFFEE HOUR INSTRUCTIONS:

 

1. COFFEE HOUR GOES FROM 11:15am-12:15pm

2. BRING YOUR OWN COFFEE!

3. HOW TO JOIN:

 

Join by Video:

To join by video on your computer/laptop (best option to see everyone), tablet or cell phone (it must by video capable):

- Join the Zoom Meeting by using your browser to visit:

    https://goarch.zoom.us/j/502540023

  You may be asked to install the Zoom video app. Do it - it's safe and really handy these days! No account needed to join someone else's conference call.

- Or, if you already have Zoom installed, launch it and join Meeting ID: 502 540 023

 

Join by Phone (Audio only):

To join by phone only (no video): Dial 646-876-9923. When prompted, enter Meeting ID: 502 540 023

Regardless how you join, you will be on hold until the session begins. Instructions on how to participate will be offered at the opening of the session.

 

Send Photos of Photos of Your “Church of the Home!”

Want to make Sunday Liturgy and Lenten services special? Set aside a space and a family practice of your own “Church of the Home.” Rise on time and get dressed as you normally would for church. Refrain from eating as you normally do (seniors and medical needs excepted). If you have a home censer, light it and go around and cense the home. Then create a special “Church of the Home” in front of your television, computer, tablet or even phone by placing some icons, a Bible, a lit candle or other religious items nearby. Stand and sit as if you were actually present in the church. And to show we’re not alone, please think about sending a photo of your gathering to broadcast@HolyTrinityPgh.org. It might appear in the next Herald! Thank you, and remember, “God is with us!”

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Services This Week - ONLINE ONLY

- Mon. Apr. 6, 6:30pm: LAST Great Compline

- Wed. Apr. 8, 6:30pm LAST Liturgy of the Pre-sanctified Gifts

- Sat. Apr. 11, 8:30am Orthros/9:30 am Liturgy: Saturday of Lazarus

 

“Faith and Family WEEKDAYS” This Week

Until further notice, our “Faith and Family Weekdays” in-person activities are suspended in recognition of the current pandemic situation. We are continuing to develop opportunities, however, to offer this ministry online. Please watch for details forthcoming.

  • Daily: Prayer Partners. Have you remembered your prayer partner every day? Please keep the promise.
  • “Journey to Fullness” ONLINE: This excellent video teaching series is for everyone who wants to learn more about the “fullness of the faith” found in Orthodox Christianity, whether as inquirers, catechumens or life-long members. Each segment offers an interactive live question and answer period with Father John.
    Watch the Holy Trinity News emails for information on the schedule this week.

 

Lenten and Holy Week Schedules of Services – ALL STILL ON AS SCHEDULED – ATTEND ONLINE

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 ONLINE and place them on your schedule and on your phone’s calendar! The Holy Week schedule will be posted as soon as we receive guidance from our Metropolitan regarding acceptable liturgical practices under the current coronavirus restrictions. Remember, 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, whether in church as usual or in our homes these days.

 

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.

 

Visitation Ministry Reaching Out to our Holy Trinity Family!

Our Visitation Ministry has helping hands and time to reach out to those who may need some support during this challenging time. Currently we are concentrating on our parishioners who are elderly, homebound, chronically ill, feeling lonely, grieving loss of a loved one, and/or need some extra home support. We are asking you to contact our Visitation Ministry coordinator, Amy Armanious (412.628.0973) or email visitation@holytrinitypgh.org for assistance. Please leave a voicemail with your full name and phone number so Amy can return your call as soon as possible. We are offering to pick-up pharmacy medication refills, grocery store items, and take-out meals. We can cook simple homemade meals, meet transportation needs in our local community, and run short errands. We have team members in our Phone Call Ministry who are dedicated to calling individuals at regular times throughout the week, or once a week for those who need an encouraging word and a prayer.  Our Bereavement Support Team is offering phone calls to those who are grieving loss of a loved one and need a listening ear for support. Also, our Visitation Ministry coordinator is willing to assist families with community resources for extra help in the home. We are here to provide spiritual care and our helping hands. Don't hesitate to contact us for your own needs or needs of a loved one. We have Visitation Ministry team members ready to serve in many different ways. May we all stay safe and healthy these next weeks ahead asking God for His protection and guidance. No one is alone... we are all just a phone call or email away. If anyone is interesting in volunteering their helping hands and time, please contact Amy. Our Visitation Ministry Team is always in need of volunteers. Thank you!

 

Holy Trinity Church and Holy Trinity Center - Closed to Outside Visitors

Please note that until further notice, Holy Trinity Church and Holy Trinity Center will be closed to outside visitors due to the COVID-19 Virus. Postal mail and deliveries will continue to be accepted.  

 

Non-Perishable Grocery Donations Being Accepted at Holy Trinity for Distribution to the Needy

Want to help those in need during this crisis? How about picking up a few extra groceries? While we are all being asked to stay home/restrict our outside activities, most of us still need to make occasional trips for groceries. The needy of the Hill District do not always have that opportunity and could use some help. Thanks to Dr. Chris and Kathy Balouris, we are able to provide it. Here’s how it works. Next time you go to the grocery store, pick up a few extra non-perishable food items. Canned soups, pork and beans, vegetables are in-demand, but use your discretion. Then, even though our Holy Trinity offices and campus are closed to outside visitors, please drive by the main entrance of the church and drop off your items in the labeled bin by the office entrance. They will be collected on a daily basis and be delivered by Chris and Kathy to the FOCUS center in the Hill. Thank you for reaching out with love to our neighbors in need!

 

OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES – Please volunteer your family or group to help

Please contact Mike Kritiotis 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. One Date 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 date of Sunday, September 13 is still available. Our volunteers will prepare and bring the cooked food to the shelter, where they serve it at 8:00pm.
  • 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.

 

Upcoming Lenten and Paschal Dates – STILL ON AS SCHEDULED PENDING FURTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

-          Saturday of Lazarus: April 11

-          Palm Sunday: Apr 12

-          Holy Week: Apr 13-18

-          Holy Friday Apr 17

-          The Great and Holy Pascha: Apr 19

 

Welcome to the Sundays of Lent and the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil

During the Sundays of Lent, the Orthodox Church changes from using the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom to the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil. Why do we do that and what are the differences? To most outward appearances, the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil differs very little from the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, and those wishing to follow the service in the Divine Liturgy book may use the regular book to do so. The primary difference is in the prayers said by the priest in the later part of the service and the hymn “All of Creation” (“Epi Si Heri”) which replaces the usual “It Is Worthy” (“Axion Estin”) after the Consecration of the Holy Gifts. Why the change? In general, the prayers of St. Basil are more penitential, and therefore lend themselves to the Church's liturgical preparation for important holy days; hence, their use during Great Lent and on the eves of Nativity and Theophany. During this service, as the priest offers the prayers, there may be times when the choir completes its hymn and the priest is still offering the prayer. During this season of increased prayer and spiritual attention, please use those times to follow along with the prayers with your own heart and immerse yourself in this beautiful worship experience. Rather than “wait for” the priest to finish the prayers, join him in the prayer of your own heart! A blessed Lent to all!

 

Online Giving Reminder

Holy Trinity Church’s online giving program makes it possible to make contributions of various kinds to Holy Trinity Church online. Our secure system allows you to conveniently make donations online. You can choose to make a one-time contribution or establish a recurring weekly or monthly contribution. Best of all, you don’t need to remember to write a check or bring your offering to church - it’s already taken care of! Payments can be made via checking account, savings account, credit card or debit card. Visit www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/give to get started!

 

[May 5-June 23] Festival Cooking – IT’S BACK! (PENDING FURTHER CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS)

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!

  • 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
  • Tuesday, June 2, 9:00am-9:00pm – Finikia
  • Tuesday, June 9, 9:00am-9:00pm – Finikia/Karithopita
  • Tuesday, June 23, 9:30am-8:30pm – Diples

 

PRAYER OF PROTECTION FROM THE CORONAVIRUS

 Lord our God, You who are rich in mercy, and with careful wisdom direct our lives, listen to our prayer, receive our repentance for our sins, bring an end to this new infectious disease, this new pandemic, just as you averted the punishment of your people in the time of David the King. You who are the Physician of our souls and bodies, grant restored health to those who have been seized by this illness, raising them from their bed of suffering, so that they might glorify You, O merciful Savior, and preserve in health those who have not been infected. By your grace, Lord, bless, strengthen, and preserve, all those who out of love and sacrifice care for the sick, either in their homes or in the hospitals. Remove all sickness and suffering from your people and teach us to value life and health as gifts from You. Give us Your peace, O God, and fill our hearts with unflinching faith in Your protection, hope in Your help, and love for You and our neighbor. For Yours it is to have mercy on us and save us, O our God, and to You we ascribe glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, to the ages of ages. Amen.

 

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