Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone

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

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 Fourth Tone

Let us flee from the proud speaking of the Pharisee and learn the humility of the Publican, and with groaning let us cry unto the Savior: Be merciful to us, for You alone are ready to forgive. (Page 70)

Saints and Feasts

February 21

Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today

The Pharisees were an ancient and outstanding sect among the Jews known for their diligent observance of the outward matters of the Law. Although, according to the word of our Lord, they "did all their works to be seen of men" (Matt. 23:5), and were hypocrites (ibid. 23: 13, 14, 15, etc.), because of the apparent holiness of their lives they were thought by all to be righteous, and separate from others, which is what the name Pharisee means. On the other hand, Publicans, collectors of the royal taxes, committed many injustices and extortions for filthy lucre's sake, and all held them to be sinners and unjust. It was therefore according to common opinion that the Lord Jesus in His parable signified a virtuous person by a Pharisee, and a sinner by a Publican, to teach His disciples the harm of pride and the profit of humble-mindedness.

Since the chief weapon for virtue is humility, and the greatest hindrance to it is pride, the divine Fathers have set these three weeks before the Forty-day Fast as a preparation for the spiritual struggles of virtue. This present week they have called Harbinger, since it declares that the Fast is approaching; and they set humility as the foundation for all our spiritual labors by appointing that the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee be read today, even before the Fast begins, to teach, through the vaunting of the Pharisee, that the foul smoke of self-esteem and the stench of boasting drives away the grace of the Spirit, strips man of all his virtue, and casts him into the pits of Hades; and, through the repentance and contrite prayer of the Publican, that humility confers upon the sinner forgiveness of all his wicked deeds and raises him up to the greatest heights.

All foods are allowed the week that follows this Sunday.

February 21

Eustathius, Bishop of Antioch

Saint Eustathius, the great defender of piety and illustrious opponent of Arianism, was from Side in Pamphylia. He became Bishop of Beroea (the present-day Aleppo), and in 325 was present at the First Ecumenical Council. From thence he was transferred to the throne of Antioch. But Saint Constantine the Great, led astray by the slanders directed against the Saint by the Arians, banished him to Trajanopolis in Thrace, where he reposed in 337, according to some. Others say he lived until 360.

February 21

John III, Patriarch of Constantinople

Saint John was the Patriarch of Constantinople during the years 562-577. He was from Antioch, where he was a lawyer. He was later ordained into the priesthood and then sent to Constantinople as representative of the Patriarch of Antioch. He was appointed Patriarch of Constantinople by the Emperor Justinian in the year 565. He is credited with adding The Cherubic Hymn and the Communion Hymn Of Thy Mystical Supper to the Divine Liturgy in the year 573. Many churches and monasteries in Constaninople were built and consecrated during his time. He reposed in peace in the year 577.

February 21

Timothy the Righteous

Saint Timothy the Righteous of Symbola was of Italian descent. He became a monk at a young age and pursued asceticism at a monastery called “Symbola”, in Asia Minor near Mount Olympus. At that time Theoctistus was the archimandrite of the monastery. Saint Timothy was the disciple of Theoctistus and also of Saint Platon of the Studion Monastery (April 5). Attaining a high degree of spiritual perfection, he received from God the gift of healing the sick and casting out unclean spirits. He spent many years as a hermit, roaming the wilderness, the mountains and forests, both day and night offering up prayer to the Lord God. He died at a great old age, in the year 795.

February 21

Zachariah, Patriarch of Jerusalem

Saint Zacharias, Patriarch of Jerusalem, lived from the end of the sixth to the early seventh centuries. He became Patriarch of Jerusalem in 609. In the year 614 the Persian emperor Chosroes fell upon Jerusalem, looted it, and led many Christians into captivity, including Saint Zacharias. Chosroes also captured the Life-Creating Cross of Christ. During the invasion, as many as 90,000 Christians perished. In 627, after rebuilding his army, the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius moved into Persia. Winning a decisive victory at Ninveh, Heraclius defeated Chosroes and compelled the Persian king to return the Life-Creating Cross and the surviving captives, including Patriarch Zacharias. Emperor Heraclius himself carried the Cross on his shoulders into the Holy City of Jerusalem. Patriarch Zacharias, died peacefully in the year 633.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Tone. Psalm 103.24,1.
O Lord, how manifold are your works. You have made all things in wisdom.
Verse: Bless the Lord, O my soul.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy 3:10-15.

TIMOTHY, my son, you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions, my sufferings, what befell me at Antioch, at lconion, and at Lystra, what persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today
The Reading is from Luke 18:10-14

The Lord said this parable, "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Bulletin Inserts

Weekly Bulletin - February 21, 2021

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.

Wisdom of the Fathers

It is possible for those who have come back again after repentance to shine with much lustre, and oftentimes more than those who have never fallen at all, I have demonstrated from the divine writings. Thus at least both the publicans and the harlots inherit the kingdom of Heaven, thus many of the last are placed before the first.

St. John Chrysostom

AN EXHORTATION TO THEODORE AFTER HIS FALL, 4th Century

When lately we made mention of the Pharisee and the publican, and hypothetically yoked two chariots out of virtue and vice; we pointed out each truth, how great is the gain of humbleness of mind, and how great the damage of pride.

St. John Chrysostom

CONCERNING LOWLINESS OF MIND., 4th Century

If there is a moral quality almost completely disregarded and even denied today, it is indeed humility. The culture in which we live constantly instills in us the sense of pride, of self-glorification, and of self-righteousness ... Even our churches - are they not imbued with that same spirit of the Pharisee? Do we not want our every contribution, every 'good deed,' all the we do 'for the Church' to be acknowledged, praised, publicized? ... How does one become humble? The answer, for a Christian, is simple: by contemplating Christ..."

Fr. Alexander Schmemann

Great Lent, pp. 19-20., 20th Century

Parish News and Events

CURRENT PARISH OPERATIONS STATUS

WORSHIP - All Services Continuing as Previously Announced

50% Capacity. No Reservations Required. No Age Restrictions.
Masks and Physical Distance Required. Must be observed by all in attendance.

COFFEE HOUR AND MEETINGS - Continuing Today

Coffee Hour and In-person Meetings have resumed – with safety precautions in place.

CHURCH SCHOOL CLASSES – Continuing Today

Church School classes have resumed – with previously announced safety precautions in place.

TODAY’S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

Philoptochos Meeting – Today

The Ladies Philoptochos Meeting will be held later today beginning at 6:30pm via Zoom. The Philoptochos hopes that you will attend this meeting. Topics include the budget and other important items related to the essential work of this philanthropic ministry. Thank you!

Please Follow Parish Council Seating/Spacing Instructions…and THANK YOU for Your Cooperation!

Your Parish Council members are volunteers you have selected to take an important role in the leadership of Holy Trinity parish life. One of the unexpected responsibilities that has entered their list of duties this year is to provide guidance and directions during the COVID pandemic. Therefore, since they are responsible for monitoring capacity, spacing, entrance, dismissals and more in order to have us all maintain best practices in all these areas, thank you for continuing to respect their guidance with your respectful cooperation when it comes to entering the church, where to sit and how to enter, exit for process in lines. Want to go a step farther? Take a moment to thank them for stepping up in these challenging times!

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

“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 last. When we are all together again, we will distribute new cards.
“Explore the Word” - Bible Study Ministry - Wed. Feb 24, 6:30pm Worship/7:00pm Bible Study Prayerfully read the Bible! In Deut. 11, it says, “Lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul.” Come and gladden your heart in worship in the Church at 6:30pm and then meet at 7:00pm in the Conference Room for the study of the Gospel of St. Matthew led by Father Radu Bordeianu. This series will complete the Gospel of Matthew with Chapters 26-28. NEW MEETING FORMAT: The study will be available IN PERSON AS USUAL IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM with current safety measures in place, including the wearing of face masks and physical distancing. In-person attendance does not require registration. But for those unable to attend, it will also be available LIVE ONLINE via Zoom with PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED at HolyTrinityPgh.org/events. Upcoming dates include Feb 24, Mar 3, Mar 10, & Mar 17.

[Feb 23] Saint Lydia Women’s Study Ministry Resuming – 5-Week Series: “Renewing You”

Ladies, are you ready to share in some good fellowship and spiritual growth with your sisters in Christ? Do you need some time with other women of faith? Do you just want to shake off COVID stagnation and move your spiritual and personal life forward? The Saint Lydia Women’s Study Ministry is one of the longest-running fellowship and study ministries of Holy Trinity Church and is there for you. It is open to women of all ages. It will be offering a 5-week series using a new Orthodox book, “Renewing You” by Father Nicholas and Dr. Roxanne Louh. Topics include “Make Faith Your Foundation”; “Find Victory Over Your Vices”; “Turn Your Trials Into Triumphs”; “Equip Your Children” and more. To address everyone’s needs and preferences, the meetings will be conducted in hybrid mode, with those able and willing to safely gather in the Fireside Room invited to meet in person, and those preferring to remain online participating via Zoom, since our Fireside Room is set up for video conferencing. Advance registration is required for Zoom only participation by visiting HolyTrinityPgh.org/events. In-person attendance does not require registration. The book will be available for purchase by contacting Stacy Dickos at SaintLydia@HolyTrinityPgh.org. Meeting dates are Tuesday from 7:00-8:00pm on Feb. 23, Mar. 9, Mar. 23, April 6 and April 20. Hope to see you there in person or online! Brought to you by the “Faith and Family Weekdays Ministries” of Holy Trinity Church.

[Mar 4] Saint Nikodemos Men’s Prayer Fellowship Continues – 5-Week Series

Men, are you tired of just working on work and are you ready to recharge working on your spiritual life as husbands and fathers? It starts with prayer. The Saint Nikodemos Men’s “Prayer and Panera” Fellowship has resumed its morning prayer and fellowship meetings for the Spring. All men in the parish are invited to participate. The group meets at church promptly at 7:00am for a 15-20-minute morning prayer and scripture. Prior to our current situation, it would then relocate up the hill to Panera for 30-45 minutes of coffee, breakfast and Christian men’s conversation on living as a Christian man in today’s world but depending on developments we may remain in the Gallery for discussion to start – to be determined at the meeting. Either way – or even if you can’t stay for discussion after - it’s time to return to prayer and fellowship with your brothers in Christ. Change up your morning. Give it a try! Meetings will continue to be held at 7:00am on Mar. 4, Mar. 18, Apr. 1 and Apr. 15. Brought to you by the “Faith and Family Weekdays Ministries” of Holy Trinity Church.

[Mar 6, 13, 20] Saturdays of Souls

Preceding the start of Lent and during the first week of Lent, the Church offers the “Saturdays of the Souls” to commemorate those who have fallen sleep in the Lord. These memorial services are traditionally held at our Saint George Chapel located at Holy Trinity Cemetery. However, due to current safety/space requirements, services will be temporarily relocated this year to Holy Trinity Church. Orthros is at 8:30am followed by Divine Liturgy at 9:30am and the Memorial Service. This year, Saturday of the Souls services will be offered on Saturday March 6, 13 and 20. Please see the flyer in the February edition of the Herald or download the form from our website (HolyTrinityPgh.org/documents/worship) to submit names for commemoration and be sure to attend and commemorate your departed loved ones.

Host Ministries/Families Still Needed for Bag Lunches - Please volunteer your family or group to help!

Please see Mike Kritiotis today, or contact him at 412-518-0588, or at outreach@holytrinitypgh.org to sign up your family/group/ministry for this worthy cause to help the poor and hungry in our region. Sponsored through the Orthodox outreach of the “Neighborhood Resilience Project”, the 2021 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.

Reminder: Holy Trinity Church Completion and 2023 Consecration Campaign Underway

As was reported previously, at its November 10, 2020 meeting the General Assembly unanimously approved the Church Completion and Consecration proposal. Plans are now moving forward to complete the necessary items so Holy Trinity Church can be consecrated by the end of 2023. This is historically significant because 2023 also celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the founding of Holy Trinity Church. The plan provides for completing all of the items required for consecration including: completing the remaining iconography in the Church and Narthex; installation of numerous items of handcrafted ecclesiastical wood furnishings, most notably a permanent iconostasis and required new Holy Altar table; Altar furnishings and other liturgically required items for the Consecration; and more appropriate seating to replace the temporary chairs in the Church. A very realistic plan to raise the needed monies for the project over the next 3 years has been developed. It comprises a combination of funds from the Greek Festival and catering income, as well as parishioner donations, and all without incurring loans or bank financing, so we will remain debt-free having now paid off the mortgage.

We are praying that all of our members will pledge what they are able to over the 2021–2023 timeframe to fund the completion of our Church for its Consecration in 2023. We need to get started on this project now so that it is completed on time. So we ask that you please fill out the center section of the “ONE HOLY TRINITY” Pledge Card with your Church Completion and Consecration Campaign pledge amounts for 2021-2023. Please do your part as a member of the Holy Trinity family on this important project – you’ll be glad you did! We will be publishing a list with the names of those who have pledged for this Campaign in the coming months.

If there are any questions in the meantime, please feel free to speak with Jim Balouris, Charlie Petredis or George Dickos. May God continue to richly bless His Holy Church!

Stewardship Update

The 2021 Holy Trinity Stewardship Pledge Cards have been distributed and all Holy Trinity Stewards should complete one immediately. If you have not yet received a 2021 pledge card or are new to Holy Trinity, additional pledge cards can be found at the Welcome Table located in the Narthex of the church. And remember, a signed pledge card is required as part of maintaining your membership in good standing at Holy Trinity Church each year. We are grateful for your commitment. Questions? Contact Stewardship Co-chairmen Mike Kritiotis or Ted Stewart or email stewardship@HolyTrinityPgh.org.

Upcoming Lenten and Paschal Dates

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

- Meatfare Sunday (Last day of eating meat): March 7

- Cheesefare/Forgiveness Sunday (Last day of eating dairy): March 14

- Pure Monday (Lent begins): March 15

- Sunday of Orthodoxy: March 21

- Godparent Sunday: April 4

- Saturday of Lazarus: April 24

- Palm Sunday: April 25

- Holy Week: April 25 - May 1

- Holy Friday (schedule off work & school): April 30

- The Great and Holy Pascha: May 2

Upcoming Memorials

March 7: Theodore Kukunas (40 days), Stella Athanasiou (3 years); March 14: Paul Balouris (40 days).

Calendar of Events

Holy Trinity Parish Calendar

February 21 to March 7, 2021

Sunday, February 21

8:15AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, February 23

7:00PM Saint Lydia Women's Study Fellowship

Wednesday, February 24

6:30PM "Explore the Word" Bible Study

Sunday, February 28

8:15AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

Wednesday, March 3

6:30PM "Explore the Word" Bible Study

Saturday, March 6

8:30AM Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: Saturday of Souls I (HT)

Sunday, March 7

8:15AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:45AM + Theodore Kukunas Memorial (40 days)

10:45AM + Stella Athanasiou Memorial (3 years)

11:00AM GOYA Meeting

General Information

Contact Information

Services Schedule

Past Bulletins

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone

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

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Tone

Saints and Feasts

Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today

Eustathius, Bishop of Antioch

John III, Patriarch of Constantinople

Timothy the Righteous

Zachariah, Patriarch of Jerusalem

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Gospel Reading

Bulletin Inserts

Weekly Bulletin - February 21, 2021

Holy Trinity E-Giving Guide

Wisdom of the Fathers

Parish News and Events

Calendar of Events

Holy Trinity Parish Calendar

February 21 to March 7, 2021