August 01
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2021-08-01
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:
- 2021-07-25
- 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 Fifth Tone
To the Word, co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation, let us, the faithful, give praise and worship. Of His own will He mounted the Cross in the flesh, He suffered death and raised the dead by His glorious resurrection. (Page 53)
Apolytikion for Proodos of the Holy Cross in the First Tone
Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance; grant victory to Your rulers against their adversaries; and protect Your commonwealth through Your Cross. (Page 72)
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 Seventh Tone
You were transfigured on the mountain, O Christ our God, and Your disciples beheld Your glory as far as they could bear. Thus, when they see You crucified, they may understand Your voluntary passion, and proclaim to the world that You are truly the brightness of the Father.
Saints and Feasts
August 01
Procession of the Precious Cross
Because of the many diseases that occur in the month of August, the custom prevailed of old in Constantinople to carry the precious Wood of the Cross in procession throughout the city for its sanctification and its deliverance from illnesses. It was brought forth from the imperial treasury on the last day of July and placed upon the Holy Table of the Great Church of the Holy Wisdom; and beginning today, until the Dormition of the Theotokos, it was carried in procession throughout the city and was set forth for veneration before the people.
August 01
Elesa the Righteous-Martyr of Kythira
August 01
The Holy Seven Maccabee Children, Solomone Their Mother, and Eleazar Their Teacher
The names of the Holy Maccabees are Abim, Anthony, Guria, Eleazar, Eusebona, Achim, and Marcellus. They were Jews by race and exact keepers of the Laws of the Fathers. They lived during the reign of Antiochus, who was surnamed Epiphanes ("Illustrious"), the King of Syria and an implacable enemy of the Jews. Having subjugated their whole nation and done many evil things to them, not sparing to assail the most sacred matters of their Faith, he constrained them, among other things, to partake of swine's flesh, which was forbidden by the Law. Then these pious youths, on being apprehended together with their mother and their teacher, were constrained to set at nought the Law, and were subjected to unspeakable tortures: wrackings, the breaking of their bones, the flaying of their flesh, fire, dismemberment, and such things as only a tyrant's mind and a bestial soul is able to contrive. But when they had endured all things courageously and showed in deed that the mind is sovereign over the passions and is able to conquer them if it so desires, they gloriously ended their lives in torments, surrendering their life for the sake of the observance of the divine Law. The first to die was their teacher Eleazar, then all the brethren in the order of their age. As for their wondrous mother Solomone, "filled with a courageous spirit, and stirring up her womanish thoughts with a manly wrath" (II Macc. 7:21), she was present at her children's triumph over the tyrant, strengthening them in their struggle for the sake of their Faith, and enduring stout-heartedly their sufferings for the sake of their hope in the Lord. After her last and youngest son had been perfected in martyrdom, when she was about to be seized to be put to death, she cast herself into the fire that they might not touch her, and was thus deemed worthy of a blessed end together with her sons, in the year 168 before Christ.
August 01
Timothy the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Priconissus
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Epistle Reading
Prokeimenon. Fifth Tone. Psalm 11.7,1.
You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 12:6-14.
Brethren, having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
Gospel Reading
6th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 9:1-8
At that time, getting into a boat Jesus crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, they brought to him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say 'Rise and walk?' But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" he then said to the paralytic -- "Rise, take up your bed and go home." And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
Bulletin Inserts
Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, August 1, 2021
Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, August 1, 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
God listens, not to our voice, but to our heart. He does not need to be prodded with shouts, since He sees our thoughts, as the Lord proved when He asked, "Why do you think evil in your hearts?" And elsewhere He stated: "All the assemblies shall know that I am He who searches minds and hearts."
The Lord's Prayer, Third Century
In this case in fact He also discloses another sign - and that no small one - of His own Godhead, and of His equality in honor with the Father. For when they said, "To unbind sins pertains to God alone," He not only unbinds sins, but prior to this He makes another kind of display of a thing which pertained only to God: publishing the secrets of the heart. For they had not vocalized what they were thinking.
Homily XXIX on Matthew IX, 1, 2, Fourth Century
Parish News and Events
TODAY’S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Memorial Today
Memorial prayers will be offered at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy today for the repose of the soul of the servant of God, Theodore Kukunas (6 months). May his memory be eternal!
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
Help Spread the Word About our Taste of Greece Festival with Lawn Signs!
You are an important part of the advertising for our 2021 Taste of Greece Festival! Please stop by the Gallery following Liturgy to pick up your lawn sign. These new signs are dated and will only be used for this year’s Festival. Thank you!
Dance Troupe Practice Schedule
Please plan on having your children attend as many of the Greek Dance 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. If your child plans on dancing on Sunday, August 15, please email Eleni with their clothing size. They will be trying on costumes for a proper fit. It is also important that dancers attend the final week of practice. Please let your instructor know if you are unable to attend practice so that they can plan accordingly. Thank you!
- TODAY, August 1: HOPE/JOY after Liturgy
- Monday, August 2: GOYA 7:30pm after Paraclesis
- Tuesday, August 3: HOPE 6:30pm / JOY 7:00pm
- Thursday, August 5: GOYA 6pm/HOPE 6:30/ JOY 7pm
- Sunday, August 8: HOPE/JOY/GOYA after Liturgy
- Monday, August 9: GOYA 7:30pm after Paraclesis
- Tuesday, August 10: HOPE 6:30pm / JOY 7pm
- Thursday, August 12: HOPE 6:30pm / JOY 7pm
- Friday, August 13: GOYA 7:30pm after Paraclesis
- Sunday, August 15: Performance for Parish
[Aug 3] Bereavement Ministry Meeting
Join us for our next monthly group gathering this 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 this 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.
[Aug 7] Memorial Commemoration of Gerontissa Taxiarchia
Gerontissa Theophano and the Sisters of the Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery welcome you to come and honor the memory of Gerontissa Taxiarchia this Saturday, August 7, with 9:00am Hours, Divine Liturgy & Memorial Services. Following services, a lunch will be provided. Afterwards you can browse the monastery’s offerings of icons, handiworks, pastries, and frappes, all available for purchase. During the day, tours of the construction site of their new Monastery will be available. You can also visit their web site and follow the progress at: www.NativityoftheTheotokosMonastery.org. The monastery is located at 121 St Elias Ln, Saxonburg, PA 16056. Visitors should be modestly dressed.
[Aug 12] Metropolis of Pittsburgh Regional Youth & Young Adult Paraklesis – Just Like Camp!
Need that Summer Camp feeling just one more time before you go back to school? Miss your camp friends and want an opportunity to see them? Then, join us for our annual Youth Night Paraklesis Service at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Canonsburg, PA on Thursday, August 12th beginning at 6:00pm. Fellowship and light refreshments to follow. Invite your friends and cabin mates to come! Questions? Please contact Father George Athanasiou at 412-745-5205.
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 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 140 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 Memorial: August 8: Penny (Kathryn) Cherpes (6 months)