REMINDER: HOLY TRINITY CHURCH IS NOW IN “GREEN PHASE!”
Greater Capacity. No Reservations Required. No Age Limits (Welcome Back Seniors!). Masks And Physical Distance Still Required. Visit HolyTrinityPgh.Org/coronavirus for details.

TODAY’S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! Candles, Plants and Trisagion Today

In Proverbs 23:22-26, we hear the following: "Hearken to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who begets a wise son will be glad in him. Let your father and mother be glad, let her who bore you rejoice. My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways." Indeed, today we also rejoice in the many blessings the Lord has brought to us through our fathers, both physical, spiritual and in other paternal ways. May God bless all the fathers and grant them wisdom, health, and many years, and may He grant blessed life in His heavenly Kingdom to all our fathers who have gone before us to be with the Lord. In honor of our fathers today, Holy Trinity GOYA is offering a gift of a tomato plant to all the fathers present in church today. They are also facilitating the lighting of candles for both the living and departed fathers during the service, and a Trisagion will offered at the conclusion of the Liturgy for those names for whom candles have been offered and all the departed fathers of our community.

Holy Trinity Church Now in “Green Phase”

With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Savas, we are so thankful to be able to continue welcoming our Holy Trinity family back to worship in-person and together as a community in the Church. As previously announced, we are now in the “Green Phase.” This means some important things for our worship and community life:

• Greater Attendance Levels: We can accommodate up to 50% (approximately 200 people) of our capacity. Reservations are no longer required, but sign-in at entry will be to comply with contract tracing requirements.
• Age Restrictions Lifted: Our beloved senior members 65 and over are no longer restricted from attending, provided they are free from any illness, symptoms or conditions that would put them in a high-risk category.
• Masks and Physical Distance: Masks are still required, and safe levels of physical distancing will still be practiced in both seating and moving around.
• Veneration: The faithful may return to their customary practice of venerating icons and sacred objects if they choose, or they may continue to reverence them by bowing, depending on their comfort level.
• Holy Communion: As stated by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, “The Mother Church of Constantinople knows empirically from its two-thousand-year existence that Holy Communion is ‘the antidote to mortality’ and remains firm in its Orthodox teaching regarding the Holy Eucharist.” As such, parishes are free to return to their customary parish practice of customary method of distributing and receiving the Holy Gifts. Instructions will be provided during the Liturgy.
• Coffee Hour and Meetings May Resume: We are free to resume holding Coffee Hour and meetings, provided that we respect the 50% capacity and physical distance guidelines.

These are the highlights. See the attached “Green Phase” document for more detailed information. Most important: As the members and families of our beloved parish community make the choices that best suit their needs, we need to understand that these choices will vary with time. And there are some who will still not be able to return for a while who need our support and understanding. As a community of believers walking in the love of Christ and the peace of the Holy Spirit, we are all asked to keep in mind the words of Saint Paul when it comes to meeting the needs of others: “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6.2).

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.

“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.

AXIOS! Father Deacon George Athanasiou Ordained to the Holy Priesthood

By the Grace of God and through the laying on of hands by His Eminence Metropolitan Savas, Holy Trinity’s own Father Deacon George Athanasiou was ordained to the Holy Priesthood yesterday at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Canonsburg. Our warmest wishes go out to the entire Athanasiou family! We look forward to having the newly ordained Father George visit his Holy Trinity family in the near future to serve a Divine Liturgy.

Summer Camp Goes Online – Register Now – Free for Holy Trinity Campers!

Announcement from the Metropolis of Pittsburgh Summer Camp 2020 program: CAMP IS NOT CANCELED.  We always say that Camp feels like heaven, but its not a baseball field, a pool, a gaga ball pit, a cabin, a bunk, a pavilion, it's in the Body of Christ, in His Church, gathering as His youth to work on and discover our faith.  Each day Virtual Campers will still be gathered by grade & age for some of the best parts of camp: worship fit for Virtual Camp, activities, reimagined Orthodox Life, discussion groups, Evening Activities, & Cabin talk. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to deepen your faith and your friendships from camp.  Check out our website including a sample schedule and our social media accounts: GOMOP_Y2AM on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to see more about the fun that's coming. GOYA Registration is extended to Friday, June 26th. Sign up today! https://y2am.pittsburgh.goarch.org/en/summercamp. 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.

[July 6] 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, July 6^th, 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

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 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 is 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 drive by the main entrance of the church and drop off your items in the labeled bins. Donations will be collected daily 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!

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!

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.

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 schedule as originally published is not possible, but the committee is working hard on an alternative plan. Please stay tuned and be ready!

Philoptochos Mother’s Day Tea – Thank You!

Holy Trinity Philoptochos would like to extend a special thank you to our parishioners for their very generous donations to our May Philoptochos Mother’s Day Tea Fundraiser. We want everyone to know that because of your outstanding contributions we collected an amazing total of $5,735.00!  This money will be used to help many people during the coronavirus epidemic as well as vital support to many local and special charities. 

“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.

To the Faithful Stewards of Holy Trinity Church

In times such as these, we have a unique opportunity to put our best foot forward and demonstrate to the world that our trust is in God and He is still in control.  There are so many needs out there and we as a Church still have a responsibility to give of our time, talents and treasures.  God continues to bless us at all times and as the Church we need to find ways to maintain our responsibility of supporting the Church, especially now. In the past few months when we had not been able to physically meet on Sundays, many thanks go to those who have continued to offer their offerings, pledges, and capital campaign contributions. We have expanded out opportunities to do so and now have a number of ways. The first way is that you can continue to bring or mail your donations to the church using the offering/capital campaign envelopes. The second way is Give By Web - the online method on the church’s website. Go to HolyTrinityPgh.org/give, or from the home page click on the Online Giving Tab, then click Give and simply enter your information.  The third way is Give By Text, which is as easy as sending a text with the amount you would like to donate to 833-955-2176. You will receive a confirmation link immediately via text. The fourth way is Give By App using the Vanco GivePlus app, found in the App Store and on Google Play. Find information on it and more at HolyTrinityPgh.org/give-info. Lastly, we continue to encourage everyone to reach out to members of our church family and let them know they are being thought of, prayed for and most importantly loved. And, of course, for those still not able or ready to return to in-person services, they may continue to worship together in spirit online with our services as they are broadcast online (made possible through your offerings of love) at www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/live. Thank you and God bless you, faithful stewards!