July 25
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2021-07-25
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:
- 2021-08-01
- Publish Date:
- 2021-07-18
- Publish Date:
- 2021-07-11
- Publish Date:
- 2021-07-04
- Publish Date:
- 2021-06-27
- Publish Date:
- 2021-06-20
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 for Dormition of St. Anna in the Fourth Tone
You carried within your womb her who was pregnant with Life, * the Mother of God, O godly-minded Anna: and thus * to heaven were you today * transported with great rejoicing, where those who feast dwell in glory. * You pray for the forgiveness of offenses for the faithful * who honor you with longing, O ever-blessed one.
Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Tone
Today we observe the memory of Christ's forebears, * and also we pray that we might receive their aid, * so that all of us may be freed from tribulations, as we cry aloud, * "Be with us, O Lord our God, * who glorified them as You were pleased to do."
Saints and Feasts
July 25
Dormition of St. Anna, mother of the Theotokos
According to tradition, Anna, the ancestor of God, lived for sixty-nine years, and her spouse Joachim, for eighty; according to one account, Saint Joachim died two years before Saint Anna. The Theotokos had been orphaned of both her parents already when she was eleven years of age, when she was living in the Temple (see Sept. 8 and Nov. 21). Saint Anna is invoked for conceiving children, and for help in difficult childbirth.
July 25
Eupraxia & Julia the Righteous of Tabenna
July 25
Memory of the Fifth Ecumenical Council in Constantinople (553)
July 25
Gregory Kallidis, Metropolitan of Heraclea
July 25
Olympias the Deaconess
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 Letter to the Galatians 4:22-27.
Brethren, Abraham had two sons, one by a slave and one by a free woman. But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, the son of the free woman through promise. Now this is an allegory: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. For it is written, "Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and shout, you who are not in travail; for the children of the desolate one are many more than the children of her that is married."
Gospel Reading
5th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 8:28-34; 9:1
At that time, when Jesus came to the country of the Gergesenes, two demoniacs met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one would pass that way. And behold, they cried out, "What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?" Now a herd of many swine was feeding at some distance from them. And the demons begged him, "If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of swine." And he said to them, "Go." So they came out and went into the swine; and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and perished in the waters. The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, and what had happened to the demoniacs. And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighborhood. And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city.
Bulletin Inserts
Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, July 25, 2021
Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, July 25, 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
Now, should any one say, "And wherefore did Christ fulfill the devils' request, suffering them to depart into the herd of swine?" this would be our reply, that He did so, not as yielding to them, but as providing for many objects thereby.
Homily 28 on Matthew 8, 4th Century
One, to teach them that are delivered from those wicked tyrants, how great the malice of their insidious enemies: another, that all might learn, how not even against swine are they bold, except He allow them; a third, that they would have treated those men more grievously than the swine, unless even in their calamity they had enjoyed much of God's providential care. For that they hate us more than the brutes is surely evident to every man.
Homily 28 on Matthew 8, 4th Century
Parish News and Events
TODAY’S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Welcome Father Sarantos Serviou!
We welcome Father Sarantos Serviou, who will be offering the Liturgy today, while Father Radu is teaching a course at the CrossRoad Institute on the campus of Hellenic College Holy Cross in Brookline, MA.
Parish-Wide Card Signing
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! If you haven’t already, please stop by the Gallery today to sign these beautiful cards. Thank you!
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.
[Aug 1-14] Fasting and Schedule of Paraclesis Services
The Church observes the holy season of the Theotokos, August 1-14, with both prayer and fasting. During that time, we are in a strict fast period in honor of the Theotokos and Mother of God in preparation for her feast of Koimissis (Dormition or Falling Asleep in the Lord) on August 15. According to the canons of the Church, this is a time when we abstain from all meat, dairy, fish, wine, and olive oil. Adding the complete purpose to this spiritual preparation, of course, is our participation in an increased prayer life, including the Paraclesis services, Holy Confession, and personal prayer. "Paraclesis Services" are beautiful sung services asking for the prayers and intercessions of the Theotokos to her Son and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Please complete a Paraclesis Names Form to submit prayers for your loved ones and bring it to the services. A copy of the Paraclesis Names Form was included in the June-September edition of the Herald. Additional copies can be found at the church office window or at www.holytrinitypgh.org/documents/worship. All parishioners are encouraged to attend all services, which will be held beginning at 6:30pm at Holy Trinity Church. The schedule of services is as follows:
- Monday, August 2
- Wednesday, August 4
- Monday, August 9
- Wednesday, August 11
- Friday, August 13
IOCC School Kit Program – Your Help is Needed
Give a child the tools needed to succeed at school! Many children do not have access to basic school supplies. Monetary donations will support the IOCC’s International School Kit Program as well as the City of Pittsburgh Public Schools. If you would like to help, please make checks payable to the “Holy Trinity Agape Fund” with “IOCC School Supplies” on the memo line or give online at HolyTrinityPgh.org/give by July 25th. Only $5.00 per school kit will make a difference in a child’s life! Kits will be assembled on Sunday, August 1. Questions? Contact elenivalliant@gmail.com for more information.
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, July 25: HOPE/JOY/GOYA after Liturgy
- Tuesday, July 27: HOPE 6:30pm / JOY 7:00pm
- Sunday, August 1: HOPE/JOY after Liturgy
- Sunday, August 15: Performance for Parish
[Aug 3] Bereavement Ministry Meeting
Join us for our next monthly group gathering on Tuesday, August 3. 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. Due to the Paraclesis service on Monday evening, our monthly bereavement support group gathering will be held on the first Tuesday evening of August. 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, please contact Amy Armanious at visitation@HolyTrinityPgh.org
[Aug 6] Divine Liturgy of the Transfiguration at Holy Transfiguration Monastery
The Sisters of the Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration in Ellwood City, PA invite you to attend their Annual Pilgrimage and Patronal Feast on Friday, August 6. His Eminence Archbishop Melchisedek will serve as the presiding Hierarch. The celebration will begin with the Akathist, “Glory to God for All Things” at 9:30am followed by the 10:00am Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Blessing of Fruit followed by a 12:00pm Picnic Lunch. The Sacrament of Holy Unction will be offered at 2:00pm, with the singing of the Paraklesis Hymns to the Mother of God. All services will be held outdoors. Reservations are not required. The monastery is located at 321 Monastery Ln, Ellwood City, PA 16117. For additional information please visit www.OrthodoxMonasteryEllwoodCity.org.
[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 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!
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!
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!
Upcoming Memorials: August 1: Theodore Kukunas (6 months); August 8: Penny (Kathryn) Cherpes (6 months)