November 13
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2022-11-13
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:
- 2022-11-06
- Publish Date:
- 2022-10-30
- Publish Date:
- 2022-10-23
- Publish Date:
- 2022-10-16
- Publish Date:
- 2022-10-09
- Publish Date:
- 2022-10-02
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 John Chrysostom, Abp. Of Constantinople in the Eighth Tone
Grace shining forth from your lips like a beacon has enlightened the universe. It has shown to the world the riches of poverty. It has revealed to us the heights of humility. Teaching us by your words, O Father John Chrysostom, intercede before the Logos, Christ our God, to save our souls. (Page 58)
Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Tone
The most pure Temple of the Savior*, His most precious bridal chamber*, the Virgin, sacred treasury of God’s glory*, enters today into the house of the Lord*, bringing with her the grace of the divine Spirit.* Wherefore the angels of God are singing*: “Behold the heavenly tabernacle!” (Page 59)
Saints and Feasts
November 13
John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople
This greatest and most beloved of all Christian orators was born in Antioch the Great in the year 344 or 347; his pious parents were called Secundus and Anthusa. After his mother was widowed at the age of twenty, she devoted herself to bringing up John and his elder sister in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. John received his literary training under Anthragathius the philosopher, and Libanius the sophist, who was the greatest Greek scholar and rhetorician of his day. Libanius was a pagan, and when asked before his death whom he wished to have for his successor, he said, "John, had not the Christians stolen him from us." With such a training, and with such gifts as he had by nature, John had before him a brilliant career as a rhetorician. But through the good example of his godly mother Anthusa and of the holy Bishop Meletius of Antioch (see Feb. 12), by whom he was ordained reader about the year 370, he chose instead to dedicate himself to God. From the years 374 to 381 he lived the monastic life in the hermitages that were near Antioch. His extreme asceticism undermined his health, compelling him to return to Antioch, where Saint Meletius ordained him deacon about the year 381. Saint Meletius was called to Constantinople later that year to preside over the Second Ecumenical Council, during which he fell asleep in the Lord. In 386 Bishop Flavian ordained John presbyter of the Church of Antioch. Upon his elevation to the priesthood his career as a public preacher began, and his exceptional oratorical gifts were made manifest through his many sermons and commentaries. They are distinguished by their eloquence and the remarkable ease with which rich imagery and scriptural allusions are multiplied; by their depth of insight into the meaning of Scripture and the workings of God's providence; and, not least of all, by their earnestness and moral force, which issue from the heart of a blameless and guileless man who lived first what he preached to others. Because of his fame, he was chosen to succeed Saint Nectarius as Patriarch of Constantinople. He was taken away by stealth, to avoid the opposition of the people, and consecrated Patriarch of Constantinople on February 28, 398, by Theophilus, Patriarch of Alexandria, who was to prove his mortal enemy.
At that time the Emperor of the East was Arcadius, who had had Saint Arsenius the Great as his tutor (see May 8); Arcadius was a man of weak character, and much under the influence of his wife Eudoxia. The zealous and upright Chrysostom's unsparing censures of the lax morals in the imperial city stung the vain Eudoxia; through Theophilus' plottings and her collaboration, Saint John was banished to Pontus in 403. The people were in an uproar, and the following night an earthquake shook the city; this so frightened the Empress Eudoxia that she begged Arcadius to call Chrysostom back. While his return was triumphant, his reconciliation with the Empress did not last long. When she had a silver statue of herself erected in the forum before the Church of the Holy Wisdom (Saint Sophia) in September of 403, and had it dedicated with much unseemly revelry, Saint John thundered against her, and she could not forgive him. In June of 404 he was exiled to Cucusus, on the borders of Cilicia and Armenia. From here he exchanged letters with Pope Innocent of Rome, who sent bishops and priests to Constantinople requesting that a council be held. Saint John's enemies, dreading his return, prevailed upon the Emperor to see an insult in this, and had John taken to a more remote place of banishment called Pityus near the Caucasus. The journey was filled with bitter sufferings for the aged bishop, both because of the harshness of the elements and the cruelty of one of his 310 guards. He did not reach Pityus, but gave up his soul to the Lord near Comana in Pontus, at the chapel of the Martyr Basiliscus (see May 22), who had appeared to him shortly before, foretelling the day of his death, which came to pass on September 14, 407. His last words were "Glory be to God for all things." His holy relics were brought from Comana to Constantinople thirty-one years later by the Emperor Theodosius the Younger and Saint Pulcheria his sister, the children of Arcadius and Eudoxia, with fervent supplications that the sin of their parents against him be forgiven; this return of his holy relics is celebrated on January 27.
Saint John was surnamed Chrysostom ("Golden-mouth") because of his eloquence. He made exhaustive commentaries on the divine Scriptures and was the author of more works than any other Church Father, leaving us complete commentaries on the Book of Genesis, the Gospels of Saints Matthew and John, the Acts, and all the Epistles of Saint Paul. His extant works are 1,447 sermons and 240 epistles. Twenty-two teachers of the Church have written homilies of praise in his honour. Besides his feasts today and on January 27, he is celebrated as one of the Three Hierarchs on January 30, together with Saint Basil the Great and Saint Gregory the Theologian.
It should be noted that, because September 14 is the Exaltation of the Cross, the Saint's memory has been transferred to this day.
November 13
Anthousa, the Mother of John Chrysostom
November 13
Damaskinos the New Martyr of Mount Athos
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Epistle Reading
Prokeimenon. First Tone. Psalm 48.3,1.
My mouth shall speak wisdom and the meditation of my heart shall bring forth understanding.
Verse: Hear this all you nations.
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 7:26-28; 8:1-2.
Brethren, it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, unstained, separated from sinners, exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; he did this once for all when he offered up himself. Indeed, the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect for ever. Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the sanctuary and the true tent which is set up not by man but by the Lord.
Gospel Reading
8th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 10:25-37
At that time, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read?" And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." And he said to him, "You have answered right; do this, and you will live."
But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
Bulletin Inserts
Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, November 13, 2022
Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, November 13, 2022
Fall Food Drive - Thru November 27
During the month of November, Holy Trinity Church School is once again holding its Fall Food Drive. Please see the shopping list of requested Food Drive items which will be donated to the Orthodox Christian ministry at the Neighborhood Resilience Project in the Hill District of Pittsburgh. Thank you!
Holy Trinity Hospitality Hour
The all new "Holy Trinity Hospitality Hour" will continue to embrace the opportunity to foster Christ-centered relationships, to "love your neighbor", to meet and greet newcomers and to build and strengthen existing friendships...but in a whole new format!
Wisdom of the Fathers
When a man reveres God with all his heart and with faith, he receives through God's providence the power to control anger and desire; for it is desire and anger which are the cause of all evils.
On the Character of Men no. 12, Philokalia Vol. 1 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg. 331, 4th century
'The Lord your God is one Lord' (cf. Deut. 6:4), revealed in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit: in the unbegotten Father; in the Son, who is begotten eternally, timelessly and impassibly as the Logos, and who through Himself anointed that which He assumed from us and so is called Christ; and in the Holy Spirit, who also comes forth from the Father, not begotten, but proceeding. This alone is God and alone is true God, the one Lord in a Trinity of Hypostases, undivided in nature, will, glory, power, energy, and all the characteristics of divinity. Him alone shall you love and Him alone shall you worship with all your mind and with all your heart and with all your strength.
A New Testament Decalogue no. 1, Philokalia Vol. 4 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg. 323, 14th century
For the One Maker fashioned us, the One Creator breathed life into us; we all enjoy the same sky and air, the same days and nights, and, though some be good, others bad, some righteous, others unrighteous, yet GOD is bountiful to all, kind to all.
Sermon 12, On the Fast, 6th century
Parish News and Events
TODAY'S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Chrismation Today
Today we welcome the servant of God, Eric White, husband of Kit White, into the Orthodox Christian Faith through Holy Chrismation, with the name Luke. His sponsor is James Stamatelos. May God grant them all many years. AXIOS!
Military Appreciation Day
In observance of Veteran’s Day, the Visitation Ministry Team requests your prayers and support once again to honor parishioners, family, and community members who have served and are still serving our country in the military. Our tribute today will include a Memorial service for all veterans and fallen heroes, and a special recognition of living veterans and active military service members. We will proudly display our military honoree names on the monitors in the Grand Room and Gallery as an offering of love and gratitude for their service. As another offering to honor our military, parishioners have been asked to bring a food item to share during today’s Hospitality Hour. Please plate and place on the table in the Gallery on your way into Liturgy. May God bless all those who have served and continue to serve our country!
JOY Ministry Pizza Party, Movie and Holiday Craft Today
The JOY Children (grades 3-6) will host a Potluck Pizza Party and Holiday Craft today from 12pm-2pm in the Fireside Room. Pizza and Drinks provided. Each child is encouraged to bring a food item to share with the group (Chips, Fruits, Dessert, etc.). We will watch "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" and have a light discussion with Father John about lessons learned from the movie. We wil also work on a holiday craft to give to the senior citizens in our community.
GOYA Meeting Today
The GOYA teen ministry will be holding a meeting in the Conference Room today following Church School classes. The meeting will be followed by the GOYAns heading out for lunch and then playing Frisbee Golf. All Holy Trinity teens (grades 7-12) are invited to attend and participate in the many exciting GOYA activities.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
[Nov 15] Nativity Fast Begins Tuesday
The Nativity Fast is one of four main fast periods throughout the ecclesiastical year. Beginning this Tuesday, November 15, and concluding on December 24, the Nativity Though the first part of the fast (through December 12) is lighter, the Fast rises to the level of strict fast for the last two weeks (starting on December 13). Fasting, attendance at services, almsgiving, increased attention to our prayer life and participation in Holy Confession are all important parts of our preparing a place in our heart to receive the Lord at Christmas. Please see Father John with any questions you or your family might have about this important tradition or to schedule a time for Confession.
Faith & Family Weekdays – Fall 2022
Faith and Family Weekdays is back, and there is something for everyone! Ready to learn more about the Bible, about your Faith, about navigating life’s challenges as a Christian, a woman, or a man? It’s all there. There is something for everyone! Watch the bulletin and check the online calendar at HolyTrinityPgh.org/calendar for details and locations.
THIS WEEK:
- Mon. Nov. 14: No Journey to Fullness. There is no session this Monday due to the Metropolis Clergy Retreat.
- Wed. Nov. 16: No Bible Study. There is no Bible Study this week due to the Metropolis Clergy Retreat.
- Thur. Nov. 17, 7:00am: “Prayer & Panera” – Prayer and Christian fellowship for men. Meet at church promptly at 7:00am for a 15–20-minute morning prayer and scripture, then move up the hill to Panera for 45 minutes of coffee & conversation.
[Nov 20] Philoptochos Holiday Bake Sale
The Ladies Philoptochos will be offering pastries in limited quantities for the holiday season. All items will be sold following Divine Liturgy next Sunday, November 20. Pans of Baklava, Spanakopita, and cookies by the dozen will be available. Sorry, no preorders accepted at this time. All proceeds will benefit our sponsored charities. Thank you for your support and happy holidays!
[Nov 20] Fall General Assembly
Please plan to attend the regular Fall General Assembly next Sunday, November 20. An agenda was mailed in the November edition of the Herald. This Assembly is to review parish life, nominate candidates for the Parish Council and other important committees and hear reports on important parish matters. It is vital to the life of a healthy community that all members attend, as these meetings are quite important in the day-to-day life of the parish. Please remember that, to vote at an assembly or in elections, you must be a member in good standing as defined in the Uniform Parish Regulations. Also, the requirements to run for Parish Council according to the UPR and the Holy Trinity By-Laws are indicated in the nomination form mailed in the Herald. Whether it is attending assemblies, being voted on to Council, taking in a leadership role in a ministry or just getting involved more, the Lord has a calling and a role for every one of us at Holy Trinity Church because you are a part of the Body of Christ and have an important contribution to offer. God has already equipped you with it and is waiting for you to step up and use it. Consider it. Pray about it. What's yours?
[Nov 21] “Journey to Fullness” Fall Introduction to Orthodoxy Series
Interested in learning more about the Orthodox Christian Faith? Maybe you are thinking about joining, or maybe you are a life-long member and wish you knew more about this critical and central foundation of your life? Could you explain the Nicene Creed of our Faith to someone who doesn’t understand it? Well, this series is for you. It is an overview of the Orthodox Christian Faith for newcomers or life-long members yearning to deepen their understanding. The six-week series meets on Mondays at 7:00pm. The format is a combination of videos from Father Barnabas Powell and Q&A/discussion. Remaining Fall dates are Nov. 21, 28, Dec. 5, 12, 19. The series repeats in the Spring. All are welcome!
OUTREACH - Bag Lunch Ministry - Volunteer with your family/group to help in 2023. Dates are filling fast!
Sponsored through the Orthodox outreach of the “Neighborhood Resilience Project”, the 2023 weekly schedule of delivering 140 lunch bags to our less fortunate neighbors every Saturday of the year, is now available. The ministry is hoping to fill all of the 2023 dates quickly, and thankfully, more churches have already come forward. We’re hoping that with Holy Trinity Church parishioners’ participation, this goal will be achieved soon. 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.
Stewardship Update
Although we are more than three-quarters through 2022, we are still seeking 2022 Stewardship pledge cards from all our parishioners. If you have not yet received a 2022 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 Holy Trinity Stewardship Charman George Mellis or email him at stewardship@HolyTrinityPgh.org.
[Nov 27] GOYA Turkey Bowl
The GOYA will hold its annual Turkey Bowl Football Game on Thanksgiving Sunday, November 27, following Divine Liturgy. This is a fun and friendly GOYA tradition, and everyone is invited, players, non-players, cheerleaders, parents and fans! Players should bring a change of clothes and shoes for play. The flag football game will be followed by hot chocolate, meatless “walking tacos” and other goodies. Yum!
“Church School vs. Holy Trinity Community” Fall Food Drive: Through November 27
During the month of November, Holy Trinity Church School is once again holding its Fall Food Drive…but this year there is a special twist: it’s Church School vs. the Community! All month there will be two food collection bins in the Gallery during Coffee Hour: one for Church School collections and the other for the rest of the community. At the end, the winner will be announced, and a special award given. Items will be donated to the Orthodox Christian ministry at the Neighborhood Resilience Project in the Hill District of Pittsburgh. A shopping list of requested Food Drive items can be found at the church office window. Thank you for your support!
[Dec 1] Annual Senior Citizens Christmas Luncheon
The Holy Trinity Philoptochos is honored to host its annual Senior Citizens Christmas Luncheon on Thursday, December 1. Holy Trinity members, ages 60 and over, are invited to attend. The day will begin with church services at 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Divine Liturgy for the Feast Day of the Holy Prophet Nahum and St Ananian the Persian, followed by the Luncheon at 11:00am in the Grand Room. Please RSVP to Yvonne Balouris at 724-934-4850 or ybalouris@zoominternet.net no later than November 22, 2022.
[Dec 4] Sisters of the Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery – Christmas Boutique
The Sisters of the Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery in Saxonburg, PA will be visiting Holy Trinity Church on Sunday, December 4. Please be sure to stop by and visit their Christmas Boutique in the Gallery following Liturgy. You can help to support the Monastery while taking care of your Christmas gift shopping this year!
[Dec 4] Christmas Gift Collection for the Residents of Kane Community Living Center in Ross Township
Spread the joy of the Nativity by offering gifts of love to the residents of Kane Community Living Center! Requested new personal items include: Fleece Blankets, Easy Adult Coloring Books, Large Print Word Search Books, Colored Pencils, Hand Lotion, Lip Balm, Brushes/Combs, Hair Ties, Headbands, Bite Size Candy, Snack Size bags of Chips, Pretzels, Cookies, etc. (Hint; many of these items can be purchased in bulk at the Dollar Tree Store, Costco, or Sam’s Club). Please deliver items to Holy Trinity no later than Sunday, December 4. No need to wrap! A collection bin will be located in the Gallery. Thanks!
Holding a Ministry Activity or Committee Meeting at Church? Reservations Required!
Our community and its ministries are growing! If your ministry or committee is planning a meeting or activity and you are planning to hold it at the church, please note that reservations for rooms and event spaces are required. Please call the Church Office at 412-366-8700 and speak to our Office Administrator, Mary Portellos. We have a beautiful facility – let’s work together so everyone who needs it can use it. Thank you!
In the Hospital? Home-Bound? Please let the Church Office know!
In today’s age of information privacy, churches are not notified when parishioners are admitted to hospitals, nursing homes or other care facilities. Both those facilities and your church depend on having the church notified by a friend or family member so that pastoral care and outreach can be offered. The same goes for those homebound. If you or any of your loved ones are in any of these situations, please contact the Church Office at 412-366-8700 to request a visit.
Welcome, Holy Trinity Guests!
We welcome all our guests to Holy Trinity Church today, whether as visitors from out of town, family members joining others here for worship today or even soon-to-be members here for the first time. No matter what the reason the Holy Spirit brought you here today, we welcome you with open arms and hearts filled with the love of Christ. Please help us welcome you by signing in at the hospitality table in the Narthex, where you will be presented with a yellow lapel Cross to help us know that you're here. Please fill out an information card so we can contact you with any information you may need concerning life here at Holy Trinity Church. Following Liturgy, we invite you to join us for our Hospitality hour.
About Receiving Holy Communion in the Orthodox Church
As an extension of our hospitality and outreach ministries, we welcome all who have come to worship with us today. Whether you are an Orthodox Christian, an inquirer to the faith or a first-time guest in an Orthodox Church, we are pleased to have you with us and thankful for the opportunity to share and bear witness to this ancient and timeless Faith. In accordance with the holy canons and traditions of the Church, please note that Holy Communion and the other Holy Mysteries (Sacraments) are received only by those who are baptized and chrismated (confirmed) Orthodox Christians who have properly prepared through prayer, fasting and confession. All others are invited receive the antidoron (blessed bread) and a blessing from the priest at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy. The antidoron is not a sacramental offering but is blessing and a reflection of the agape (love) feast that followed worship in the ancient Christian Church. Please join our parish family for Hospitality Hour after the holy services and allow us to meet and welcome you. Interested in joining or learning more about the Orthodox Christian Faith? Please see one of our priests or complete a visitor’s card today!
How to receive: Please remember the following helpful hints aimed at helping to preserve the solemnity and safety of the Holy Mystery. Anyone wearing lipstick should remove it before receiving. Be sure to offer your baptismal name to priest before receiving. Please take great care that the red cloth held by the acolytes (you should not hold it) is fully under your chin and please fully open your mouth so that none of the precious Body and Blood of Christ is accidentally spilled. Thank you for your cooperation, and may God have mercy on us all!