November 20
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2022-11-20
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:
- 2022-11-27
- Publish Date:
- 2022-11-13
- Publish Date:
- 2022-11-06
- Publish Date:
- 2022-10-30
- Publish Date:
- 2022-10-23
- Publish Date:
- 2022-10-16
Hymns of the Day
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Sixth Tone
The heavenly powers appeared at Your tomb, and those guarding it became like dead men. Mary stood at Your grave, seeking Your pure body. You stripped the power of hades, not touched by its corruption. You met the virgin woman as one Who grants life. O Lord, Who rose from the dead, glory to You. (Page 53)
Apolytikion for Forefeast of the Entry of the Theotokos in the Fourth Tone
Today righteous Anna solicits joy for us all, * the opposite of pain and sorrow, having brought forth her fruit, * the only ever-virgin Maid; * and today in fulfillment of her prayer and her promise, * to the Temple of the Lord she joyfully leads her * who is truly the temple and pure * Mother of God the Word.
Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Tone
Today the whole world is filled with gladness on the brilliant Feast of the Theotokos, raising its voice and saying, This is she who is the heavenly tabernacle.
Saints and Feasts
November 20
The Forefeast of the Presentation of the Theotokos into the Temple
November 20
Gregory the Righteous of Decapolis
Saint Gregory who was from Irenopolis of the Decapolis of Asia Minor, was the son of Sergius and Mary. He became a monk as a young man, and after struggling for many years in virtue and prayer under obedience to a wise spiritual father, he was informed by revelation that it was the will of God for him to live, like the Patriarch Abraham, with no certain dwelling, moving from place to place. His journeyings took him to Ephesus, Constantinople, Corinth, Rome, Sicily, Thessalonica, and again to Constantinople, where, after many labours in defence of Orthodoxy against Iconoclasm, he reposed in peace in the first half of the ninth century. He had two disciples, one of whom was Saint Joseph the Hymnographer (see Apr. 3), who wrote the Menaion service for Saint Gregory, his father in Christ.
November 20
Proclus, Archbishop of Constantinople
Saint Proclus lived during the reign of Saint Theodosius the Younger. A disciple and scribe of Saint John Chrysostom, he was ordained Bishop of Cyzicus about the year 426, but because the people there unlawfully elected another bishop before his arrival, he remained in Constantinople. In 429, Nestorius, who had been Archbishop of Constantinople for about a year, and had already begun his blasphemous teaching that it is wrong to call the holy Virgin "Theotokos," invited Bishop Proclus to give a sermon on one of the feasts of our Lady, which he did, openly defending in Nestorius' presence the name "Theotokos," that is, "Mother of God." Saint Proclus was elevated to the throne of Archbishop of Constantinople in 434. It was he who persuaded Emperor Theodosius the Younger and his holy sister Pulcheria to have the most sacred relics of his godly teacher Saint John Chrysostom brought back from Comana, and triumphantly received them upon their return to the imperial city (see Jan. 27 and Nov. 13). He reposed in peace in 447.
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Epistle Reading
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 Ephesians 2:4-10.
Brethren, God who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God: not because of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Gospel Reading
9th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 12:16-21
The Lord said this parable: "The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought to himself, 'What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' And he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, 'Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.' But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." As he said these things, he cried out: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
Bulletin Inserts
Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, November 20, 2022
Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, November 20, 2022
New Ways to Pledge and Give Available Now!
New Ways to Pledge and Give Available Now!
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
Just as the Fathers lay down that perfect love knows no sin, so I for my part declare that a perfect sense of death is free from fear ... The remembrance of death, like all other blessings, is a gift of God- He who has died to all things remembers death ...
Ladder of Divine Ascent. Step 6: On Remembrance of Death, 6th Century
The thought of death is the most necessary of all works ... He who hourly yields himself to it is a saint- insensibility of heart dulls the mind, and abundance of food dries the fountains of tears ...
Ladder of Divine Ascent. Step 6: On Remembrance of Death, 6th Century
Parish News and Events
TODAY'S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Trisagion Today
Trisagion prayers will be offered at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy today for the repose of the souls of the servants of God, Payonitsa (1 year) and Alexander (8 years) Hages. May their memory be eternal!
Philoptochos Holiday Bake Sale Today
The Ladies Philoptochos will be offering pastries in limited quantities for the holiday season. All items will be sold following Divine Liturgy. Pans of Baklava, Spanakopita, and cookies by the dozen will be available. All proceeds will benefit our sponsored charities. Thank you for your support and happy holidays!
Stewardship Sunday Today
Even though, through your continuous giving of your time, talents, and treasures for our church, every Sunday is really Stewardship Sunday, today we officially kick off the 2023 Stewardship drive. We will be providing you with exciting news in how we’re adding more convenient ways to pledge and give. Please stop by the desk after Liturgy to pick up your Pledge Card and related information. Return date for our pledges is December 18 when our pledges will be collected and blessed. Additional information will be given during the General Assembly. The Stewardship Committee is pleased to co-sponsor today’s Hospitality Hour with the Parish Council.
Fall General Assembly Today
Please plan to attend the regular Fall General Assembly today. 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?
Christmas Outreach Opportunities - Angel Tags Available TODAY and NHCO Toy Drive
We have two opportunities to make someone’s Christmas joyful:
1. We are again partnering with the local Orthodox ministry of Neighborhood Resilience Project to help make a child’s or senior citizen’s Christmas a special one. “Angel Tags” will be available in the Gallery, beginning today after Liturgy. Gifts are due back to the church no later than Sunday, December 4th.
2. The North Hills Community Outreach is sponsoring a Children’s Toy Drive. To contribute, go directly to the Amazon wish list here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1RYUGHFC81O9I?ref_=wl_fv_le and send the gift of your choice directly to the NHCO main office, at: 1975 Ferguson Rd, Allison Park, PA 15101. Your participation is deeply appreciated! Thank you in advance for extending a measure of Christ’s compassion to our neighbors in need.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Services This Week:
- Mon. Nov. 21, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Divine Liturgy: The Entrance of the Theotokos (St. George Chapel)
- Tues. Nov. 22, 6:30pm Paraclesis to St. Nektarios (St. George Chapel)
- Fri. Nov. 25, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Divine Liturgy: St. Katherine the Great Martyr (St. George Chapel)
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. 21, 7:00pm: “Journey to Fullness” – An overview of the Orthodox Christian Faith for newcomers interested in joining or life-long members yearning to deepen their understanding. Videos and Q&A discussion.
- Wed. Nov. 23: No Bible Study. No Bible Study this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
[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!
[Nov 23-28] Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery – Online Auction This Week!
Gerontissa Theophano and the Sisters of the Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery invite everyone to participate in an Online Auction. All proceeds support the building of their new Monastery, Chapel, and Byzantine Iconography Studio. You can browse their handiwork, register, and bid online at: www.biddingowl.com/nativitytheotokos beginning at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, November 23 until the auction closes at 12:00 noon on Monday, November 28. You can also make an online donation to their Capital Campaign by visiting www.NativityoftheTheotokosMonastery.org. Thank you!
Fast in preparation for the Nativity of Christ - Through December 24
Please remember that the Fast of the Nativity is underway, lasting until Christmas morning following Liturgy. 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, 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 might have about this important tradition or to schedule a time for Confession.
“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!
Offices Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
The offices of the Archdiocese, Metropolis and Holy Trinity Church will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday this Thursday and Friday. May God bless us all with safe travels, a peaceful, safe and blessed celebration of thanks for all His gifts and continued strength and inspiration in the work of reaching out to the poor, needy and down-trodden of the area and the world so that they, too, might come to know God’s “agape” through our own witness, words and works of love.
Philoptochos Turkey Fundraiser - Thank You!
The Ladies Philoptochos would like to thank everyone who has donated to their Annual Turkey Fundraiser so far, this year. Your donations will be used to assist local needy families and food banks during the holiday season. If you have not yet sent in your donation, there is still time to support this worthy cause. Checks can be made payable to "Holy Trinity Philoptochos" with “Turkey Fundraiser” written on the memo line and mailed to the church office. Thank you!
[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!
[Nov 28] Work to begin on interior dome repair
Starting on November 28, we will be seeing scaffolding erected and repairs started on the interior of the dome in preparation for the arrival of the iconographers in January. Please be prepared to be flexible over the next few months as sections of seating in the church may be blocked off for work and safety reasons. Thank you for your patience!
[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! Deposit gifts in the Gallery bin.
[Dec 5] Bereavement Ministry Meeting
Please make plans to join us for our next Bereavement Support Ministry gathering on Monday, December 5. 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. 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.
[Dec 6] Holy Trinity Christmas Card and Poinsettias Forms Due December 6
Please remember that the forms and donations for the Holy Trinity Community Christmas Card and Poinsettias are due by Tuesday, December 6. Forms can be found in the November edition of the Herald and also at the church office window.
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!
Upcoming Memorials: Nov 27: Dana Fiffas (40 Days) and Constantine Fiffas (13 Years), Michael & Kalliope Kondoleon (2 years) and Stelios Bournias (2 years), James (49 Years) and Mary (10 Years), Pagonis & Anastasia Vrahas (12 years)
Holy Trinity Church Launches “Realm” Parish Management and Giving System
Over the next few weeks, you will be introduced to an exciting new feature at Holy Trinity Church that will help grow our ministry effectiveness, our stewardship growth and our parish administration. Here are some fast facts about it.
- What is Realm? Realm is an online ministry tool designed for real time connection. It helps the church connect with you and helps you connect with your church. Realm allows you to manage your personal information and who is allowed to see it, control your giving, and keep in touch with the groups that matter to you.
- How will Realm help with pledges and offerings? Pledging and giving should be easy.Realm places giving right in the palm of your hands. You may set up recurring gifts, view your giving history, and make changes at any time. Realm automatically records all electronic gifts and adds them to your giving record making it easy for you to give, and easy for our office to manage.
- How will this help our ministries and group communications? Realm engages everyone in the life of our church by supporting the healthy relationships essential to our church’s mission. We’ll stay organized, and you’ll stay informed about all of the opportunities for fellowship. When we share life together, we will grow together.
- Is Realm secure? Your privacy is one of our greatest concerns. Our Holy Trinity Realm account is only made up of the people in our church. It’s not like a social network that’s open to everyone. Realm keeps your data safe and gives you control over what information you share and who can see it.