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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2020-05-24
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Jcblind1
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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

Apolytikion of Great and Holy Pascha in the Fifth Tone

English: Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life. Greek: Χριστός ανέστη εκ νεκρών, θανάτω θάνατον πατήσας και τοις εν τοις μνήμασιν, ζωήν χαρισάμενος. Phoenetics: Christós anésti ek nékron, thanáto thánaton patísas, ke tis en tis mnímasi zoín harisámenos. (Page 74)

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 Eighth Tone

Though You descended into the grave, O Immortal One, yet You destroyed the power of Hades, and arose as victor, O Christ God, calling to the myrrh-bearing women "Rejoice," and giving peace to Your Apostles, O You Who grants resurrection to the fallen. (Page 74)
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Saints and Feasts

Jcblind1
May 24

Sunday of the Blind Man

The Lord Jesus was coming from the Temple on the Sabbath, when, while walking in the way, He saw the blind man mentioned in today's Gospel. This man had been born thus from his mother's womb, that is, he had been born without eyes (see Saint John Chrysostom, Homily LVI on Matthew; Saint Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book V:15; and the second Exorcism of Saint Basil the Great). When the disciples saw this, they asked their Teacher, "Who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?" They asked this because when the Lord had healed the paralytic at the Sheep's Pool, He had told him, "Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee" (John 5:14); so they wondered, if sickness was caused by sin, what sin could have been the cause of his being born without eyes. But the Lord answered that this was for the glory of God. Then the God-man spat on the ground and made clay with the spittle. He anointed the eyes of the blind man and said to him, "Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam." Siloam (which means "sent") was a well-known spring in Jerusalem used by the inhabitants for its waters, which flowed to the eastern side of the city and collected in a large pool called "the Pool of Siloam."

Therefore, the Saviour sent the blind man to this pool that he might wash his eyes, which had been anointed with the clay-not that the pool's water had such power, but that the faith and obedience of the one sent might be made manifest, and that the miracle might become more remarkable and known to all, and leave no room for doubt. Thus, the blind man believed in Jesus' words, obeyed His command, went and washed himself, and returned, no longer blind, but having eyes and seeing. This was the greatest miracle that our Lord had yet worked; as the man healed of his blindness himself testified, "Since time began, never was it heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind," although the Lord had already healed the blind eyes of many. Because he now had eyes, some even doubted that he was the same person (John 9:8-9); and it was still lively in their remembrance when Christ came to the tomb of Lazarus, for they said, "Could not this man, who opened the eyes of the blind man, have caused that even this man should not have died?" Saint John Chrysostom gives a thorough and brilliant exposition of our Lord's meeting with the woman of Samaria, the healing of the paralytic, and the miracle of the blind man in his commentaries on the Gospel of Saint John.


May 24

Gregory, Archbishop of Novgorod


May 24

Meletios the Commander & his Companion Martyrs


May 24

Symeon the Stylite of the Mountain

Saint Symeon, the "New Stylite," was born in Antioch; John his father was from Edessa, and Martha his mother was from Antioch. From his childhood he was under the special guidance of Saint John the Baptist and adopted an extremely ascetical way of life. He became a monk as a young man, and after living in the monastery for a while he ascended upon a pillar, and abode upon it for eighteen years. Then he came to Wondrous Mountain, and lived in a dry and rocky place, where after ten years he mounted another pillar, upon which he lived in great hardship for forty-five years, working many miracles and being counted worthy of divine revelations. He reposed in 595, at the age of eighty-five years, seventy-nine of which he had passed in asceticism.


May 24

Saint Vincent of Lerins

Saint Vincent was born in Toul in Gaul; he was the brother of Saint Lupus, Bishop of Troyes, who was a companion of Saint Germanus of Auxerre. Saint Vincent was first a soldier, then left the world to become a monk of the renowned monastery of Lerins, where he was also ordained priest. He is known for his Commonitorium, which he wrote as an aid to distinguish the true teachings of the Church from the confusions of heretics; his most memorable saying is that Christians must follow that Faith which has been believed "everywhere, always, and by all." He wrote the Commonitorium about the year 434, three years after the Third Ecumenical Council in Ephesus, which he mentions in the Commonitorium, and defends calling the holy Virgin Theotokos, "She who gave birth to God," in opposition to the teachings of Nestorius which were condemned at the Third Council.

Without identifying by name Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, Saint Vincent condemns his doctrine of Grace and predestination, calling it heresy to teach of "a certain great and special and altogether personal grace of God [which is given to the predestined elect] without any labour, without any effort, without any industry, even though they neither ask, nor seek, nor knock" (Commonitorium, ch. XXVI). See also Saint John Cassian, February 29; Saint John Cassian wrote his refutations before, and Saint Vincent after, the condemnation of Nestorius at the Third Council in 431, and the death of Augustine in 430. Saint Vincent reposed in peace about the year 445.


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fifth Tone. Psalm 11.7,1.
You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.

The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 16:16-34.

IN THOSE DAYS, as we apostles were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by soothsaying. She followed Paul and us, crying, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation." And this she did for many days. But Paul was annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, "I charge you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out that very hour. But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the market place before the rulers; and when they had brought them to the magistrates they said, "These men are Jews and they are disturbing our city. They advocate customs which it is not lawful for us Romans to accept or practice." The crowd joined in attacking them; and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely. Having received this charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and every one's fetters were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here." And he called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out and said, "Men, what must I do to be saved?" And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their wounds, and he was baptized at once, with all his family. Then he brought them up into his house, and set food before them; and he rejoiced with all his household that he had believed in God.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Blind Man
The Reading is from John 9:1-38

At that time, as Jesus passed by, he saw a man blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him. We must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day; night comes, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." As he said this, he spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man's eyes with the clay, saying to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar, said, "Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?" Some said, "It is he"; others said, "No, but he is like him." He said, "I am the man." They said to him, "Then how were your eyes opened?" He answered, "The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, 'Go to Siloam and wash'; so I went and washed and received my sight." They said to him, "Where is he?" He said, "I do not know."

They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. The Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, "He put clay on my eyes and I washed, and I see." Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the sabbath." But others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?" There was a division among them. So they again said to the blind man, "What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?" He said, "He is a prophet."

The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight, and asked them, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?" His parents answered, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age, he will speak for himself." His parents said this because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess him to be Christ he was to be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, "He is of age, ask him."

So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, "Give God the praise; we know that this man is a sinner." He answered, "Whether he is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I know, that though I was blind, now I see." They said to him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" He answered them, "I have told you already and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you too want to become his disciples?" And they reviled him, saying, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from." The man answered, "Why, this is a marvel! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." They answered him, "You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?" And they cast him out.

Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, "Do you believe in the Son of man?" He answered, "And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?" Jesus said to him, "You have seen him, and it is he who speaks to you." He said, "Lord, I believe"; and he worshiped him.


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Bulletin Inserts

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Wisdom of the Fathers

But I assert that he even received benefit from his blindness: since he recovered the sight of the eyes within.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 56 on John 9, 4th Century

When, then, have they taken place, save when the Word of God Himself came in the body? Or when did He come, if not when lame men walked, and stammerers were made to speak plain, and deaf men heard, and men blind from birth regained their sight? For this was the very thing the Jews said who then witnessed it, because they had not heard of these things having taken place at any other time.
St. Athanasius
Incarnation of the Word 38, 4th Century

The work of God is, after all, the forming of man. He did this by an outward action, as Scripture says, 'And the Lord took clay from earth, and formed man.' Notice here too how the Lord spit on the earth, and made clay and smeared it on his eyes, showing how the ancient creation was made. He was making clear to those who can understand, that this was the [same] hand of God through which man was formed from clay.
St. Irenaeus
Against Heresies. 5.15.2. Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol: John 1-10. Intervarsity Press, 2006, p. 324.

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Parish News and Events

VISIT HOLYTRINITYPGH.ORG/CORONAVIRUS FOR UPDATES

 

TODAY’S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

 

Welcome Back!

With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Savas, we are so thankful to be able to welcome our Holy Trinity family back to worship in-person at the Church today. The last time we were together here was—believe it or not—10 weeks ago on March 15th! As we are still in the “yellow phase” of easing COVID-19 restrictions, we ask you to kindly abide by the instructions you received when pre-registering for today’s service, all directions of the Parish Council and Hospitality Ministry greeters and all posted signs. Though families in the same household may sit together in clusters close to one another, everyone is asked to maintain 6-foot social distancing while attending today. Please listen for instructions from Father John regarding Holy Communion and antidoron. Also, until restrictions are further lifted, we will not be able to have coffee hour or group socializing, so you are asked to depart at the end of the service from the same entrance you use to enter today. Watch online and via email for additional service registrations to be made available.

 

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

If you are unable or not yet ready to attend Liturgy in person today due to COVID-19 restrictions, or 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.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Services This Week:

Note: Although weekday services are traditionally offer at our Saint George Chapel, until the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted fully, we will continue to hold services at Holy Trinity Church to allow for more people at social distance spaces.

- Wednesday, May 27, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy – Leave-taking of Pascha (HT). Pre-registration required.

- Thursday, May 28: 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy – Holy Ascension (HT). Pre-registration required.

 

“Faith and Family WEEKDAYS” This Week

  • Daily: Prayer Partners. Have you remembered your prayer partner every day? Especially in these times! Please maintain the prayer partner you received in January. When we are all together again, we will distribute new cards.

 

[May 25] Memorial Day Service for Veterans – Tomorrow

Please gather in front of the Holy Trinity Cemetery War Memorial tomorrow at 10:00am as we hold a special ceremony to honor and remember our veterans. Please note that this service is to commemorate veterans; it is not a general memorial service for all the departed. That will be held according to Orthodox tradition on the Pentecost weekend Saturday of Souls (June 6 this year) with a Divine Liturgy and Memorial at the Saint George Chapel. Tomorrow’s service will be held in open air at the War Memorial and social distancing will still be required. Memory Eternal!

 

[May 25] Office Closed Tomorrow

The Holy Trinity Church office will be closed tomorrow, May 25 for the observation of the federal Memorial Day holiday.

 

[June 1] Bereavement Support Ministry: Join us for our monthly group gathering via Zoom! 

Our Bereavement Support Ministry Team provides spiritual care to our parishioners and their extended family & friends in times of grief and loss of a loved one. However, during this challenging time, we are opening up our ministry to helping those in dealing with other losses too. Loss comes in many forms such as loss of a job or family business, loss of identity and purpose when family caregiving changes, loss of a pet, loss of independence and mobility when one ages, loss of one’s mental alertness with dementia and chronic illness, and loss of a role when children leave home and go to college. These are only some losses. Everyone’s grief and loss journey is unique. It may be a recent loss or one from many years ago. Grief is a reality and takes time to better understanding when the journey is accompanied by someone who cares. Our next monthly bereavement support group gathering will meet via Zoom on Monday, June 1st, 7:00-8:00 pm. If possible, we ask everyone to bring a candle with a holder, matches, and a photo of your loved one. If you are not grieving a loved one, then bring a photo of yourself with family or friends at an event that brings a special memory. All are welcome to participate in group sharing or observe through quiet time with others who care. To learn more about our Bereavement Support Ministry or to register and receive your Zoom link or dial-in phone number, please contact Amy Armanious at 412.628.0973 or visitationministry@holytrinitypgh.org

 

[June 9] Spring General Assembly – Note Rescheduled Date

Please note that the Spring General Assembly, originally scheduled for May 5 has been rescheduled for Tuesday, June 9 beginning at 6:30pm. This is an EVENING General Assembly as voted on and approved at last Fall’s General Assembly. Please watch for details and an agenda shortly.

 

Need Yard Work Done? Hire a GOYAn!

Are you in need of someone to do yard work? Holy Trinity GOYA is here to help! Our teens are ready for hire, and why not offer the work to youth from within our parish rather than others? Please send your contact information to GOYA@HolyTrinityPgh.org or call Presvytera Becky at 412-875-5195 with a description of the work you need done. You will be provided with the list of GOYAns willing to come and do the work for you! Thanks for providing the opportunity for our teens to put themselves to work.

 

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!

 

Philoptochos Mother's Day Tea Fundraiser

Once again, the Ladies Philoptochos Omonia is honoring our mothers with a special May Mother's Day Tea fundraiser.  Letters with a complimentary tea bag have been mailed out to the entire parish mailing list, so they can make a donation and enjoy a cup of tea while meditating about their mothers.  This is one of the biggest fundraisers that our Holy Trinity Philoptochos holds each year, and due to the limited amount of fundraising we will be able to do this year, any monetary donations would be most welcome!  The money collected from this fundraiser is used to help many people during the coronavirus epidemic as well as giving vital support to many local and special charities.  Thank you in advance for your generosity and sending in a donation in honor of our mothers!

 

Summer Camp Goes Online – Registration Open Now

The Metropolis of Pittsburgh Summer Camp 2020 program will now be offered virtually, with the theme “Bringing the Church Home.” Each session of camp will offer a few hours of programming each day, 1.5-2 hours in the morning, and around the same in the evening. Each week will begin Sunday evening for a brief intro and conclude Friday. The cost of attending is being completely covered for all Holy Trinity youth. When registering, use the code “SC20HTP” to sign up at no cost. The dates are as follows:  Elementary/Middle School Session (Grades 2-7*): June 28-July 3; Junior High Session (Grades 7*-9): July 5-July 10; High School Session (Grades 10-12): July 13-17. (*7th graders are given the option to choose their session). Register today at https://y2am.pittsburgh.goarch.org/en/summercamp.

 

Non-Perishable Grocery Donations Still 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!

 

Festival Cooking – WATCH FOR UPDATES AND BE READY!

The Parish Council and Festival Committee are evaluating how the current coronavirus restrictions how they will possibly affect the Festival situation. They will engage the community in that discussion when recommendations are ready. In the meantime, the early May schedule originally published is not possible, but the committee is working hard on an alternative plan. Please stay tuned and be ready!

 

“LIGHT A CANDLE” PROGRAM STILL AVAILABLE

St. Symeon of Thessaloniki said, “It is impossible to imagine an Orthodox church in which candles are not lit.” Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  (John 8:12). One of the first things most people do upon entering an Orthodox Church is to light their candle and offer prayers for one’s personal needs or that of a family member or friend. We also light candles to pray for divine protection and safety as an affirmation of our trust in the "Christ, the Son of the Living God" (Matthew 16:16). If you are not able to light a candle in-person during this time, it is still possible to have a candle lit for you! To light a candle, simply visit HolyTrinityPgh.org/candles. Before pressing the "Place Order" button, please use the space below the donation amount to submit the names of your loved ones, those who are alive and/or those who have departed this life or special prayer requests. During these times when you may not be able to visit the church in person, we would be glad to light the candle for you and offer the prayer(s) you have submitted during the next service.

 

Stewardship as Love and Compassion: We Are Here for Each Other!

This has been an unsettling time, to say the least, but one also filled with blessings known and unknown.  After so many weeks of coping with this world crisis, some may be understandably struggling uneasiness or even sadness. But, in the midst of all this uncertainty, one beacon of light and hope remains lit and constant in our lives: our Church.  Even as we have not been able to physically attend services, some of us discovered ourselves actually spending more time “in church” during this Lent and Holy Week than ever before. How ironic is it that what was intended to keep us apart ended up drawing us even closer together through our Holy Trinity Church!

Now more than ever, our faithful Stewardship is at work here to make this all possible. Our Time, Talents and Treasures are keeping the light on for our most needed ministry - our Church itself!  So, a huge “Thank You” to everyone whose pledges and contributions sustain this community - our mother and her big family - and can’t wait to be reunited in person. Your love and continuing support have made it possible for Holy Trinity Church to be there not only for her own members, but for thousands more who have joined our family online during this time of physical isolation as we have set our light “upon the hill.” To keep this all going, now is the time to make sure our support stays strong.

How You Can Help/We Can Help: Knowing that this crisis has affected our parish families in varied ways financially, please prayerfully consider your situation and ability to support your church at this critical moment and see which of these scenarios fits you best:

  1. I’m in financial distress: If reduced income, job loss or other related issues have caused you to be in a financially distressed condition, please do not worry about your stewardship right now; your church understands. Contact stewardship@HolyTrinityPgh.org confidentially to let us know. In fact, we may even be able to help your own situation. Please contact Father John confidentially and our Agape Fund can provide you with assistance. The Archdiocese has also just released an announcement of COVID-19 financial assistance. See our email list for information.
  2. I am thankfully OK: If you are weathering the crisis securely and are able to continue to meet your financial needs, please remember your church and continue your contributions as always.
  3. I am able to do more: If your situation allows you to accelerate your giving by either contributing earlier (such as paying your full 2020 stewardship balance today) or by increasing your pledge from your original commitment as your expression of thanks, that would be a great blessing of tremendous help, and thank you for considering doing so. Contact stewardship@HolyTrinityPgh.org confidentially to let us know.

How to Give: We have recently opened new donation avenues to allow you to contribute in the way that fits you best. In addition to mailing your checks as always, you may now donate By Web using our online donation system, By App using the new Apple or Android phone/tablet app or By Text by simply sending a text with the amount you wish to donate to 833-955-2176. More information about all these giving opportunities can be found at HolyTrinityPgh.org/give-info.

During this difficult time, Holy Trinity is our spiritual haven, our home, our light on the hill. Thank you for continuing to help keep her strong and bright!

 

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