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
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.
This Saint was one of the illustrious Orthodox Bishops called to Constantinople by the holy Patriarch Nicephorus to defend the veneration of the holy icons against Leo the Armenian (see Mar. 8). Saint Emilian was sent into exile by Leo about the year 815, and gave up his soul to the Lord amidst many afflictions and sufferings for the sake of his confession.
One of the great ascetics, hesychasts and spiritual teachers of the Church, St. Gregory of Sinai and Mount Athos did much to restore the knowledge and practice of Orthodox hesychasm. He became a monk at Mt Sinai. He traveled to Mt Athos to learn more of Orthodox spiritual prayer and contemplation, but found that these were almost lost even on the Holy Mountain. The only true, holy hesychast he found there was St Maximos of Kapsokalyvia (Maximos the hut-burner, January 13). Maximos lived a life of reclusion in crude shelters; from time to time he would burn his hut and move to a new one, so as not to become attached even to that poor earthly dwelling. For this, he was scorned as a madman by the other monks. St Gregory upbraided the monks and told them that Maximos was the only true hesychast among them, thus beginning a reform of spiritual life on the Holy Mountain. He spent time teaching mental prayer in all the monasteries of Mt Athos, then traveled around Macedonia, establishing new monasteries. Some of his writings on prayer and asceticism can be found in the Philokalia. He reposed in peace in 1346.
Prokeimenon. Sixth Tone. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 15:1-7.
Brethren, we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him. For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached thee fell on me." For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
7th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 9:27-35
At that time, as Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, "See that no one knows it." But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.
As they were going away, behold, a dumb demoniac was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, "Never was anything like this seen in Israel." But the Pharisees said, "He casts out demons by the prince of demons."
And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.
Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, August 8, 2021
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.
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.
TODAY’S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Welcome, Your Eminence Metropolitan Savas!
Today we welcome His Eminence Metropolitan Savas as he makes a pastoral visit and presides over the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Following Liturgy, everyone is invited to the Grand Room for a light reception.
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, Penny (Kathryn) Cherpes (6 months). May her 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:
[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 remaining schedule of Paraclesis services is as follows:
[Aug 14-15] Services for the Falling Asleep (Koimissis) of the Theotokos
Please note the following schedule of services in celebration of the Feast of the Falling Asleep (Koimissis/Dormition) of the Theotokos:
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!
[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.
[Aug 24-25] The Miraculous Myrrh-Streaming Iveron Icon of the Mother of God
The Miraculous Myrrh-Streaming Iveron Icon of the Mother of God from Hawaii is coming to the Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery in Saxonburg. The faithful are invited to come and venerate Her during the following times: Tuesday, August 24 (5:00pm until 8:30pm) and Wednesday, August 25 (8:00am until 12:00pm Noon). Visitors should be modestly dressed. The monastery is located at 121 St. Elias Lane Saxonburg, PA 16056.
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.
[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!
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 143 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 22: Charles Henigin (40 days)