July 11
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2021-07-11
Bulletin Contents
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Bulletin Inserts
Wisdom of the Fathers
Parish News and Events
Calendar of Events
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
General Information
- Phone:
- (412)366-8700
- Fax:
- (412)366-8710
- Email:
- office@holytrinitypgh.org
- 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
- Publish Date:
- 2021-07-04
- Publish Date:
- 2021-06-27
- Publish Date:
- 2021-06-20
- Publish Date:
- 2021-06-13
- Publish Date:
- 2021-06-06
- Publish Date:
- 2021-05-30
Hymns of the Day
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Tone
When You descended into death, O Life immortal, You destroyed Hades with the splendor of Your divinity. And when You raised the dead from the depths of darkness, all the heavenly powers shouted: O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory to You! (Page 52)
Apolytikion for Great Martyr Euphemia in the Third Tone
To the Orthodox you brought elation, * to the heretics, humiliation, * lovely virgin of Christ, St. Euphemia. * For you confirmed what the Fathers decreed as true * during the Fourth holy Council in Chalcedon. * We entreat you now, O glorious Martyr, pray for us * to Christ our God to grant us the great mercy.
Apolytikion of Holy Trinity Church (Page 75) in the First Tone
English: Blessed are You, O Christ our God, Who has shown forth the fishermen to be most wise by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit. And through them, You drew the world into Your net. O merciful One, glory to You!
Greek: Ευλογητός ει Χριστέ, ο Θεός ήμων, ο πανσόφους τους αλιείς αναδείξας, καταπέμψας αυτοίς το Πνεύμα το άγιον, και δι΄αυτών την οικουμένην σαγηνεύσας, φιλάνθρωπε, δόξα σοι.
Phoenetics: Ev-lo-yi-tos i Hri-ste o The-os i-mon. O Pan-so-fous tous a-li-is a-na-di-xas ka-ta-pemp-sas af-tis to Pnev-ma to A-yi-on, ke di af-ton tin i-kou-men-in sa-i-nef-sas, fi-lan-thro-pe, do-xa si.
Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Tone
A protection of Christians unshameable, Intercessor to our Holy Maker, unwavering; reject not the prayerful cries of those who are in sin. Instead, come to us for you are good; your loving help bring unto us who are crying in faith to you: Hasten to intercede and speed now to supplicate, as a protection for all time, Theotokos, for those who honor you. (Page 54)
Saints and Feasts
July 11
Euphemia the Great Martyr
In 451, during the reign of the Sovereigns Marcian and Pulcheria, the Fourth Ecumenical Council was convoked in Chalcedon against Eutyches and those of like mind with him. After much debate, the Fathers who were the defenders of Orthodoxy, being 630 in number, agreed among themselves and with those who were of contrary mind, to write their respective definitions of faith in separate books, and to ask God to confirm the truth in this matter. When they had prepared these texts, they placed the two tomes in the case that held Saint Euphemia's relics, sealed it, and departed. After three days of night-long supplications, they opened the reliquary in the presence of the Emperor, and found the tome of the heretics under the feet of the Martyr, and that of the Orthodox in her right hand. (For her life, see Sept. 16.)
July 11
Nektarios the New Martyr
Nektarios the New Martyr was born in Vryoulla in Asia Minor. As a seventeen-year-old, he and six other Christians were deceived and converted to Islam. When he appeared before his mother in Turkish clothing, she threw him out, saying: “I gave birth to a Christian, not a Turk”. He left, greatly saddened, and soon came to understand the harm he had done himself. In Smyrna, he confessed to an Athonite spiritual father, who advised him to go to the Holy Mountain. He came under the guidance of Elder Stefanos at the skete of Saint Ann, at the house dedicated to Saint John the Theologian. After his tonsure, at which his name was changed from Nikolaos to Nektarios, he gave himself over completely to the ascetic life. “His eyes became two springs flowing continuously” and “everyone was amazed at the truly divine alteration in this young man”. Every day he begged the Mother of God to allow him to end his life as a martyr. With the blessings of the holy fathers, and accompanied by his Elder, he went off to his martyrdom. He arrived in his hometown where, with great joy and patience, he suffered horrible tortures for Christ’s sake. In prison he gave advice to others and foretold future events, through continuous prayer and fasting. Finally, he was beheaded at the age of 21.
July 11
Nikodemos the New Martyr of Mt. Athos
St. Nikodemos was born in the city of Elbasan in Albania to pious parents. When he came of age, he went to Berat where he practiced the trade of tailoring. He then married three times, for each time his wife had died at a young age, and he was left with many children. When he tried to marry a fourth time, he was not permitted in accordance with Orthodox canons. He went to a Muslim official to ask permission to marry one of the official's servants. The man would agree only if Nikodemos converted to Islam. In his desperation to marry a fourth time, Nikodemos accepted the offer and agreed to convert. He not only embraced Islam but forced his family to do the same. One of his sons fled to the Holy Mountain and became a monk. The father pursued him there but was moved to repentance by the holiness of the place and became a monk himself. After three years of penance, he resolved to return home to Albania and embrace his martyrdom. He presented himself to the Turks, proclaiming his Christian faith, and after many tortures, was beheaded according to Islamic law (July 11, 1722).
July 11
The All-Praised Olga, Equal-to-the-Apostles, Princess of Kiev
Saint Olga, renowned for her wisdom and sobriety, in her youth became the wife of Igor, Great Prince of Kiev, who ruled during the tenth century. After her husband's death, she herself ruled capably, and was finally moved to accept the Faith of Christ. She traveled to Constantinople to receive Holy Baptism. The Emperor, seeing her outward beauty and inward greatness, asked her to marry him. She said she could not do this before she was baptized; she furthermore asked him to be her Godfather at the font, which he agreed to do. After she was baptized (receiving the name of Helen), the Emperor repeated his proposal of marriage. She answered that now he was her father, through holy Baptism, and that not even among the heathen was it heard of a man marrying his daughter. Gracefully accepting to be outwitted by her, he sent her back to her land with priests and sacred texts and holy icons. Although her son Svyatoslav remained a pagan, she planted the seed of faith in her grandson Vladimir (see July 15). She reposed in peace in 969.
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Epistle Reading
Prokeimenon. Fourth Tone. Psalm 67.35,26.
God is wonderful among his saints.
Verse: Bless God in the congregations.
The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 6:1-10.
Brethren, working together with him, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, "At the acceptable time I have listened to you, and helped you on the day of salvation." Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in any one's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, tumults, labors, watching, hunger; by purity, knowledge, forbearance, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
Gospel Reading
3rd Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 6:22-33
The Lord said, "The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is not sound, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear? For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well."
Bulletin Inserts
Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, July 11, 2021
Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, July 11, 2021
COVID Restrictions Lifted For Those Who Have Been Vaccinated
As of May 15, 2021, in accordance with the updated guidelines of the CDC and the Metropolis of Pittsburgh please note the changes in our practices at Holy Trinity Church.
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
For God, He said, gave us understanding, that we might chase away all ignorance, and have the right judgment of things, and that using this as a kind of weapon and light against all that is grievous or hurtful, we might remain in safety. But we betray the gift for the sake of things superfluous and useless.
Homily 20 and 21 on Matthew 6, 4th Century
The truth is that people are frightened of being poor because they have no faith in Him who promised to provide all things needful to those who seek the kingdom of God (cf. Matt. 6:33). It is this fear that spurs them, even when they are endowed with all things, and it prevents them from ever freeing themselves from this sickly and baneful desire. They go on amassing wealth, loading themselves with a worthless burden or, rather, enclosing themselves while still living in a most absurd kind of tomb.
To the Most Reverend Nun Xenia no. 32, Philokalia Vol. 4 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg. 305, 14th century
Parish News and Events
TODAY’S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Memorials Today
Memorial prayers will be offered at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy today for the repose of the souls of the servants of God, Nicholas Georgallis (40 Days) and Sava Macut (3 Years). May their memory be eternal!
Dance Troupe Practice - Today
All GOYA Greek dancers are asked to remain following Liturgy today for practice.
Festival Cooking – Pastitsio is Finished!
Due to the remarkable turn out last week, today’s Pastitsio session has been cancelled. THANK YOU!
[Jul 11, 18 & 25] Parish-Wide Card Signing – Begins Today
Please join the Visitation Ministry Cards and Phone Call Committee in signing cards to celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration. Send blessings and well wishes to all our homebound fellow parishioners. This tradition of community-wide card signing was postponed last year due to social distancing, but we are back and excited to send our love to our fellow homebound parishioners! Please stop by the Gallery to sign these beautiful cards. Thank you and see you there!
UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Coronavirus Restrictions Lifted for Those Who Have Been Vaccinated
As of May 15, 2021, in accordance with the updated guidelines of the CDC and the Metropolis of Pittsburgh, note the following changes in our practices at Holy Trinity Church:
- Masks and social distancing are no longer required for those who have been vaccinated, as per the CDC guidelines and affirmed by the Metropolis. This applies to all services, sacraments and events at Holy Trinity Church and Saint George Chapel, as well as the Grand Room, offices, classrooms, and all other Holy Trinity facilities.
- Full capacity seating has been restored to the church Nave.
- The Choir section is once again reserved for the Choir, which has returned to offering Divine Liturgy hymns.
- Also, per the Metropolis guidelines, a section at the left entry of the Nave has been reserved for those who are still more comfortable with masking and physical distancing. They are not required to sit there, and we are to respect and honor the choices of anyone who chooses to do so. It is being offered as a courtesy so everyone may attend within their comfort level. Everyone is welcome at Holy Trinity Church.
- Services will continue to be broadcast online to minister to those who are not yet able to return in person.
[Jul 12] Bereavement Ministry Meeting - Tomorrow
Join us for our next monthly group gathering tomorrow, Monday, July 12. The Holy Trinity 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. Our monthly bereavement support group gatherings will be held on the first Monday evening of the month. Fellowship & Light Refreshments begin at 6:30pm followed by Group Support, Learning and Conversation from 7:00-8:00pm. 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 and/or our private support sessions, contact Amy Armanious at visitation@HolyTrinityPgh.org
Dance Troupe Practice Schedule
Please plan on having your children attend as many of the Greek Dance teaching sessions as possible. The groups are HOPE: kindergarten - second grade; JOY: third grade - sixth grade; GOYA: seventh grade - twelfth grade. Please email Eleni Dedousis: eadedousis@gmail.com (HOPE and JOY) or Victoria Andromalos-Dale: v.andromalosdale@gmail.com (GOYA) with questions. Arrive 5 minutes early and wear comfortable athletic attire (No flip flops). Thank You!
- TODAY, Sunday, July 11: GOYA after Liturgy
- Sunday, July 18: HOPE/JOY after Liturgy
- Tuesday, July 20: HOPE 6:30pm / JOY 7:00pm
- Friday, July 23: GOYA 6:00pm
- Sunday, July 25: HOPE/JOY/GOYA after Liturgy
- Tuesday, July 27: HOPE 6:30pm / JOY 7:00pm
- Sunday, August 1: HOPE/JOY after Liturgy
[Aug 15] Greek Dance Troupe Performance
Our Holy Trinity Dance Troupe plans to perform for parishioners following Liturgy on Sunday, August 15. Save the date!
Sabbatical Schedule
Father John will return from his sabbatical on Monday August 30. In Father John’s absence, Father Radu Bordeianu (FrRadu@HolyTrinityPgh.org) will be offering liturgical services and fulfilling all pastoral care needs. Please contact him or our Office Administrator, Mary Portellos (412-366-8700 or office@HolyTrinityPgh.org) with any clergy requests, including memorials and sacraments, and they will be arranged. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!
[Sept 2, 3 & 4] Holy Trinity’s 2021 Greek Festival is ON as a Drive-Through!
The Holy Trinity community has indeed wanted to offer a great Greek Festival once again for our neighbors and friends. But given the ongoing challenges and uncertainties of the coronavirus pandemic and the tremendous lead time and investment need for preparing to host 30,000 people for our traditional event, the decision has been made to move forward with our 2021 Taste of Greece Festival as a "Drive Through" event, where our guests will be able to order from a limited menu in an efficient drive through setting. This will allow us to serve the community while balancing the safety of our guests and volunteers. The event will be held on Thursday September 2nd, Friday September 3rd, and Saturday September 4th, from 11 am to 7 pm each day. Please plan on stopping by and driving through. We will be ready to serve you some great Greek food with a warm Greek smile and a big helping of Holy Trinity hospitality!
Festival Volunteers Needed: Please Sign Up Today!
Even though this year’s Festival is a drive-through, it will still require a LOT of volunteers, and we will need to train for a whole new way of working so our guests have the best experience and hospitality we can offer. A paper Festival volunteer form was distributed last month in church, and now it is also available online via SignUp Genius. We need everyone to get excited and pitch in, so for anyone who has not signed up already, please visit the online sign-up at HolyTrinityPgh.org/volunteer and schedule your time today! Thank you, good stewards!
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.
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 each year. We are grateful for your commitment. Questions? Contact Stewardship Co-chairmen Mike Kritiotis or Ted Stewart or email stewardship@HolyTrinityPgh.org.
Update: Holy Trinity Church Completion and 2023 Consecration Campaign Underway
Plans are now being developed to complete the necessary items so Holy Trinity Church can be consecrated by the end of 2023, as was approved by the General Assembly last November. The plans provide for completing all 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. The approved plan to raise the needed monies for the project over the next 3 years 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 have asked that all our members pledge what they are able to over the 2021–2023 timeframe to fund the completion of our Church for its Consecration in 2023. We are very pleased to report that we have received pledges from 139 families thus far! If you haven’t done it already, 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. If you need a new Stewardship card to fill in the center section, please see Jim Balouris, Charlie Petredis or George Dickos or stop in the Church Office. As we’ve stressed, the most important aspect of this Campaign is participation by everyone! Please do your part as a member of the Holy Trinity family on this important project – you will be glad you did! If there are any questions in the meantime, please see Jim, Charlie, or George above. May God continue to richly bless His Holy Church!
Note for Summer Travel – Easy Way to Find the Nearest Orthodox Church!
Where we travel, whenever we go, we take our faith with us, for as it says in the Psalms, "God is with us!" Keeping that in mind, please remember to plan ahead and check for the location of the nearest Orthodox Christian Church if you will be staying over a Sunday. There are two great web sites to check: our own Archdiocese (www.goarch.org) and Orthodoxy in America (www.OrthodoxyInAmerica.org), a multi-jurisdictional listing of all Orthodox parishes. Also, for major trips such as overseas travels, please feel free to stay following antidoron and ask Father Radu to offer a special blessing to your family for your travels. Remember, "God is with us" always. Let’s not forget to invite Him!