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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2020-10-25
Bulletin Contents
Gadarene
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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

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Third Tone

Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, for the Lord has shown the power of His reign; He has conquered death by death, and become the first born of the dead. He has delivered us from the depths of Hades; and has granted to the world great mercy. (Page 52)

Apolytikion for Martyrs Marcian and Martyrius in the Fourth Tone

Your Martyrs, O Lord, were worthily awarded by You * the crowns of incorruption, in that they contested for You our immortal God. * Since they possessed Your power, they defeated the tyrants, * dashing the demons' powerless displays of defiance. * O Christ God, at their fervent entreaties, save our souls.

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

Gadarene
October 25

6th Sunday of Luke


St_chrysanthe
October 25

Martyr Chrysanthe


October 25

Chrysaphios (or Chrysaphos) the Martyr


Holy_martyrs_markianos_and_martyrios
October 25

The Holy Martyrs Markianos and Martyrios the Notaries

These Martyrs were disciples of Saint Paul the Confessor (see Nov. 6). Martyrios was a subdeacon, Markianos a chanter and reader. They were beheaded by the Arians in the year 346. Miracles were wrought at their tomb, and demons were cast out; Saint John Chrysostom began the building of the church in their honour in Constantinople, and it was completed by patriarch Sisinius.


St._tabitha
October 25

Tabitha, who was raised from the dead by Peter the Apostle

Saint Tabitha, the widow raised from the dead by the Apostle Peter, was a virtuous and kindly woman who belonged to the Christian community in Joppa. Being grievously ill, she suddenly died. At the time, the Apostle Peter was preaching at Lydda, not far from Joppa. Messengers were sent to him with an urgent request for help. When the Apostle arrived at Joppa, Tabitha was already dead. On bended knee, Saint Peter made a fervent prayer to the Lord. Then he went to the bed and called out, “Tabitha, get up!” She arose, completely healed (Acts 9:36).

Saint Tabitha is considered the patron saint of tailors and seamstresses, since she was known for sewing coats and other garments (Acts 9:39).


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Third Tone. Psalm 46.6,1.
Sing praises to our God, sing praises.
Verse: Clap your hands, all you nations.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 1:11-19.

Brethren, I would have you know that the gospel which was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother.


Gospel Reading

6th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 8:26-39

At that time, as Jesus arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, there met him a man from the city who had demons; for a long time he had worn no clothes and he lived not in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him, and said with a loud voice, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beseech you, do not torment me." For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him; he was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters, but he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the desert.) Jesus then asked him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Legion"; for many demons had entered him. And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside; and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them leave. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. When the herdsmen saw what happened, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country. Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. And those who had seen it told them how he who had been possessed with demons was healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gadarenes asked him to depart from them; for they were seized with great fear; so he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but he sent him away, saying, "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.


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Bulletin Inserts

    Weekly Bulletin - October 25, 2020

    Weekly Bulletin - October 25, 2020

    Weekly Bulletin - October 25, 2020


    Racism Forum: A View from the Heart

    Racism Forum: A View from the Heart

    A special event at Holy Trinity Church and online on November 1, 2020, 6:30-8:30pm. Advance registration required.


    Greek4Home and Greek2Give

    Greek4Home and Greek2Give

    You can still enjoy some of that great Greek food at home this year with our "Greek4Home" Food Sale! Ready-to-Bake pans of Spanakopita & Tiropita are available for purchase. You can also choose to give back with "Greek2Give". With your donation to help cover the costs, pans of our existing inventory of Spanakopita and Tiropita will be delivered to local organizations as gifts of appreciation and love.


    Holy Trinity E-Giving Guide

    Holy Trinity E-Giving Guide

    We have expanded our 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.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

For if we, going about on the earth which is familiar and well known to us, being encompassed with a body, when we are journeying in a strange road, know not which way to go unless we have some one to lead us; how should the soul, being rent away from the body, and having gone out from all her accustomed region, know where to walk without one to show her the way?
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 28 on Matthew 8, 4th Century

Some say, 'Why do they [demons] possess people?' I answer those who wish to have this explained that the reason of these things is very deep. Somewhere one of His saints addressed God by saying, 'Your judgments are a vast abyss.' As long as we bear this in mind, we will perhaps not miss the mark.
St. Cyril of Alexandria
Commentary on Luke, Homily 44. (Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture; vol 3: Luke, Intervarsity Press)

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Parish News and Events

REMINDER: HOLY TRINITY CHURCH IS STILL IN “GREEN PHASE!
50% 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

 

Philoptochos Meeting – Today

Welcome back to all Philoptochos members!  We hope you and your families remain safe and healthy during this pandemic.  There will be a very brief Philoptochos meeting following the Divine Liturgy today in the Grand Room.  There will be physical distancing and hand sanitizer provided to ensure safety for all attending.  We look forward to seeing everyone at this meeting!

 

Three Hierarchs Bookstore – Open Today

Our Three Hierarchs Bookstore will be open today following Divine Liturgy. Be sure to stop by and browse our great selection of books for all ages, icons, greeting cards and so much more, including a number of new books and items.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Services This Week:

Monday, October 26: 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy – St. Demetrios the Great Martyr (HT)

 

“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.

 

Church School Continues with Safety Measures in Place

With thanks to our dedicated Church School staff, the love and support of all our parents, and the enthusiastic response of our children, our 2020-2021 Church School ministry is off to a great start. Please be assured the physical safety and spiritual well-being of all students and staff are top priorities as our children continue to know and grow in the love of Christ. Here are some highlights of the measures being taken:

  • At Holy Communion, children will be receiving first and then proceed to class, after which the rest of the congregation will be invited forward.
  • All students and staff are required to wear masks at all times while in class.
  • Class structure and room locations have been reconfigured in certain cases.
  • Class sizes are limited to observe capacity restrictions.
  • Classroom doors are being left open to promote air circulation.
  • Hand sanitizer is available in each room.
  • Traffic flow to and from class is being directed to minimize congestion and crowding. Access to upper level is limited to students and staff, with the exception of the parents of the Pre-School and Kindergarten classes, who may enter the upper level to retrieve their children if necessary; Parents of all others are requested to refrain from entering the upper level.
  • Children are being dismissed and brought by staff to a designated pickup area in the Grand Room at the end of class at 11:30am.
  • Instructional signs have been posted throughout the learning spaces.
  • As always, food and drink are not permitted in the classrooms.

All this is subject to change as developments require. As Proverbs 22.6 says, “Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life.” That is a powerful reminder of the responsibility we have as parents, teachers, and an entire church community to fulfill our calling to teach our children to love the Lord and follow in His ways. Thank you for patience and understanding with these adjustments and for your ever-present support and love for all God’s children!

 

Festival 2020 Update: Order/Donate Before Supplies Run Out!

As announced on July 12th, out of an abundance of caution for our parish volunteers, our tens of thousands of guests and the community around us, the decision has been thoughtfully and prayerfully made by parish and festival leadership that Holy Trinity Church will not be hosting a public, in-person Festival this year, but will postpone the event until Labor Day weekend 2021. We believe this is in fulfillment of our “Faith. Family. Community.” vision statement by Preserving our Faith, Protecting our Family and Respecting our local Community. However, thanks to the dedicated labors of our Holy Trinity parishioners, a limited amount of full-pan foods are available for purchase. They are available through the "Greek4Home" ordering website, “HolyTrinityPgh.org/Greek4Home”.

While supplies last – and they’re starting to run low! - full ready-to-bake pans of Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pita) and Tiropita (Greek Cheese Pita) are available for only $99. That means you can enjoy our wonderful festival food at home! Buy them now to take and bake at home for family gatherings, graduation parties, or to bake and share with others. Each pan has 28 pre-scored servings. The pans are 20” X 13” and are expertly wrapped in premium protective freezer paper. Just unwrap, follow the basic cooking instructions and enjoy! But that's not all!

Through our "Greek2Give" ordering website, “HolyTrinityPgh.org/Greek2Give” you can also donate a pan of food to a worthy cause! During the COVID-19 crisis, some of our neighbors are having a tough time making ends meet. The first-responders and “heroes” at our hospitals, safety services and social agencies have sacrificed of themselves to protect us. And some local churches are struggling just to survive. With your help, pans of our existing inventory of spanakopita and tiropita will be delivered to local organizations, churches, hospitals, agencies and the Neighborhood Resilience Project, an Orthodox Christian ministry in the Hill District, at no charge as gifts of love from you and the Holy Trinity family. To date, generous parishioners and friends of Holy Trinity Church have donated over 70 pans already, and 60 of them have already been delivered to the charities and agencies above. Thank you for your offerings of love and gratitude to those in need and those who serve us!

 

[Nov 1] Philoptochos Sunday – Next Sunday

Philoptochos Sunday will take place next Sunday, November 1st.  Because of physical distancing, members will remain seated with their families this year instead of sitting together as a group. In addition, in lieu of Philoptochos members passing the trays, as we have done in past years, there will be a tray placed in the Narthex for donations.  We look forward to seeing all our members on November 1st as we celebrate Philoptochos Sunday!

 

[Nov 1] SPECIAL FORUM HOSTED BY HOLY TRINITY CHURCH – “Racism: A View from The Heart”

You won’t want to miss this very important forum on the experiences of and responses to racism. It’s not like anything else you’ve seen on the issue. Rather than discussing it from the point of view of politics or policies, this forum will look at it as seen from the hearts of Orthodox Christians. A distinguished panel of varied professional and personal backgrounds will speak and answer questions. The event will be held at Holy Trinity Church next Sunday, November 1st from 6:30pm until 8:30pm. Hear the presentations and ask your questions in one of two ways: 1) In-Person in the Holy Trinity Grand Room; 2) Online via Zoom Video Conference. Advance registration is required at www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/events. Please note that in-person attendance is capacity-limited and requires safe practices. Register today!

 

[Nov 2] Bereavement Support Ministry: Monthly Group Get-Together - “Preparing for the Holidays”

Holidays bring mixed feelings for those experiencing a loss especially loss of a loved one. It doesn’t matter whether the loss was recent or for many years. As Orthodox Christians we are reminded that God is ever-present with His love and care. Memories of our missing loved ones can be comforting as we hold onto our hope in Christ. Our Bereavement Support Ministry provides spiritual care to our parishioners and their extended family and friends in time of grief and loss. Our next group get-together will be Monday evening, November 2nd in the conference room. Our discussion topic will be centered around “preparing for the holidays” as we give ourselves permission to grieve. Please bring a photo of your loved one as we share their lives with each other. Light refreshments and relaxed fellowship begin at 6:30pm for those who choose. Then 7:00-8:00 pm is group learning and sharing with our Bereavement facilitators. Physical distancing, wearing a mask, using hand sanitizer upon entering room, and signing-in are expected of each participant so that all may feel safe and respected. Contact Amy Armanious, Visitation Ministry Coordinator with any questions by email at visitation@holytriniitypgh.org

 

[Nov 13-14] GOYA Fall Virtual Retreat

The Metropolis of Pittsburgh’s GOYA Fall Retreat will be held virtually this year from Friday, November 13th through Saturday, November 14th. Father Nicholas Manuel of Annunciation GOC in Akron, will explore the journey from the head to the heart, diving into authenticity, and how to find our genuine self in Christ through stillness. This retreat will be free to attend and will take place via Zoom. For more information or to register, please visit www.y2am.pittsburgh.goarch.org.

 

[Nov 14] Young Adult Fall Retreat – “In Your Presence, there is Fullness of Joy”

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh Y2AM, the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese and the Ukrainian Orthodox League invite all Young Adults to attend an online Fall Retreat. Speakers for the retreat will include His Eminence Metropolitan Gregory of Nyssa, Fr. Stephen Loposky, Fr. Gregory Jensen and Fr. Anastasios Athanasiou, along with other Young Adults. The Fall Retreat will be held on Saturday, November 14 from 9:30am-12:00 noon and from 6:30am until 8:30pm online via Zoom. Attend as your day permits. Sign up at tinyurl.com/2020YAFALLRETREAT. Register now! It’s free! 

 

[Nov 17, 18 & 19] Neighborhood Resilience Project – Hosts a Journey of Hope & Resilience

This year has been quite remarkable for the Neighborhood Resilience Project. They have moved into a new building, created new programming to support medically underserved communities during COVID-19 and continued providing food, clothing, free health care, acute support after gun violence, micro-community interventions and leadership development to the region. Join them in celebrating the accomplishments of 2020 with their “Journey of Hope and Resilience” on Tuesday, November 17, Wednesday, November 18 and Thursday, November 19 from 6:00pm-9:00pm each night. You can take a tour through their facility, learn about their programs, and meet the people who make the work possible. The event is free to attend and donations will be requested at the event. Group Tours are scheduled 10 minutes apart to allow for physical distancing. Each tour will run for approximately one hour. To attend, please sign up at www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4fafa82ca0f8c34-journey to choose your preferred date and time. You can schedule up to 7 people in your group. NRP is located at 2038 Bedford Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15219. 

 

[Nov 24-30] Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery – Online Auction

The Sisters of the Nativity of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Monastery invite everyone to participate in an Online Auction. This new and exciting fundraiser is in lieu of their Annual Dinner Banquet, which was cancelled this year due to the pandemic. You can browse their hand-made items, register and bid online at: www.biddingowl.com/NativityTheotokos beginning at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, November 24 until the auction closes at 12:00 noon on Monday, November 30. You can also make a donation to their Capital Campaign by visiting www.NativityoftheTheotokosMonastery.org. Thank you!

 

Calling All Spero’s Books: Please Come Home!

Attention Church School parents and students: Spero needs your help! If you have borrowed any books or DVD’s from the St. Spyridon Children’s Library, please return them by the end of October. Since the library is currently closed to visitors, please drop your returned items into Spero’s drop box located right outside of the Library. Thank you!

 

We Need Your Help to Help Those in Need!

Our Outreach Ministry has numerous opportunities throughout the year to share your blessings with those in need. Please consider volunteering as a family or ministry group to help our neighbors and those less fortunate. Contact Mike Kritiotis at 412-518-0588 or at outreach@HolyTrinityPgh.org to sign your family/group/ministry up for this worthy cause! Available now: sign Up to provide bag lunches for needy families. Sponsored through the Orthodox outreach of the “Neighborhood Resilience Project” in the Hill District, the 2020 weekly schedule of delivering up to 140 lunch bags to our less fortunate neighbors every Saturday of the year, still has open dates available. Holy Trinity Church’s participation has been critical in fulfilling this mission in the past, and we are grateful for our parishioners’ continued generosity.

 

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? The needy of the Hill District could use some help. Thanks to Dr. Chris and Kathy Balouris, we are able to provide it. 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/Neighborhood Resilience Project (NRP) center in the Hill District. Thank you for reaching out with love to our neighbors in need!

 

To the Faithful Stewards of Holy Trinity Church

In the past few months when some have been limited in their ability 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. 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 HolyTrinityPgh.org/live. Thank you and God bless you, faithful stewards!

 

Holy Trinity Church 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. PLEASE RESPECT THESE PRECAUTIONS AND BE SURE YOUR SEATING IS PROPERLY DISTANCED. ALSO PLEASE DO NOT CONGREGATE IN THE NARTHEX.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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).

 

 

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