Publish-header
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2022-12-11
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_forefathers
Organization Icon
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (412)366-8700
  • Fax:
  • (412)366-8710
  • Street Address:

  • 985 Providence Blvd.

  • Pittsburgh, PA 15237-5951

Contact Information

Rev. Fr. John Touloumes, Protopresbyter
Proistamenos

fjt@HolyTrinityPgh.org | 412-366-8700

Rev. Fr. Radu Bordeianu
Assistant Priest

FrRadu@HolyTrinityPgh.org

Mary Portellos
Office Administrator

office@HolyTrinityPgh.org | 412-366-8700

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


Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the First Tone

Though the tomb was sealed with a stone by the Jews and the soldiers guarded Your pure body, You arose, O Savior, on the third day, giving life to the world. Therefore, O Giver of Life, the heavenly powers praise You. Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ; glory to Your kingdom; glory to Your plan of redemption, O only loving God. (Page 52)

Apolytikion for 11th Sun. of Luke in the Second Tone

By faith You justified the Forefathers, having through them betrothed to yourself the Church that came out of the nations. The saints are boasting in glory; for the glorious fruit, the Virgin who without seed gave birth to You, is from their progeny. At their entreaties, O Christ our God, save our souls.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Third Tone

English: The Virgin on this day* is on her way to the cave where she* will give birth ineffably* to the Word Who is before all time. * Therefore, rejoice, O universe* when you hear it*; glorify with the angels and the shepherds* Him Who chose to be seen as* a new-born child*, the pre-eternal God. Greek: Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον, τον προαιώνιον Λόγον, εν Σπηλαίω έρχεται, αποτεκείν απορρήτως. Χόρευε η οἰκουμένη ακουτισθείσα, δόξασον μετά Αγγέλων και των Ποιμένων, βουληθέντα εποφθήναι, παιδίον νέον, τον προ αιώνων Θεόν. Phoenetics: I Parthénos símeron* ton pro-aiónion Lógon* en spiléo érhete* apótekín aporítos.* Hórevé, i ikouméni, akοutisthísa.* Dóxason, metá angélon ke tón piménon,* vouλithénda épofthíne,* pedíon neon* ton pro-eónon Theón. (Page 61)
BACK TO TOP

Saints and Feasts

Holy_forefathers
December 11

11th Sunday of Luke

On the Sunday that occurs on or immediately after the eleventh of this month, we commemorate Christ's forefathers according to the flesh, both those that came before the Law, and those that lived after the giving of the Law.

Special commemoration is made of the Patriarch Abraham, to whom the promise was first given, when God said to him, "In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed" (Gen. 22:18). This promise was given some two thousand years before Christ, when Abraham was seventy-five years of age. God called him and commanded him to forsake his country, parents, and kinsmen, and to depart to the land of the Canaanites. When he arrived there, God told him, "I will give this land to thy seed" (Gen. 12:7); for this cause, that land was called the "Promised Land," which later became the country of the Hebrew people, and which is also called Palestine by the historians. There, after the passage of twenty-four years, Abraham received God's law concerning circumcision. In the one hundredth year of his life, when Sarah was in her ninetieth year, they became the parents of Isaac. Having lived 175 years altogether, he reposed in peace, a venerable elder full of days.

St_daniel_the_stylite_of_constantinople
December 11

Daniel the Stylite of Constantinople

This Saint was from the village of Marutha in the region of Samosata in Mesopotamia. He became a monk at the age of twelve. After visiting Saint Symeon the Stylite (see Sept. 1) and receiving his blessing, he was moved with zeal to follow his marvellous way of life. At the age of forty-two, guided by providence, he came to Anaplus in the environs of Constantinople, in the days of the holy Patriarch Anatolius (see July 3), who was also healed by Saint Daniel of very grave malady and sought to have him live near him. Upon coming to Anaplus, Saint Daniel first lived in the church of the Archangel Michael, but after some nine years, Saint Symeon the Stylite appeared to him in a vision, commanding him to imitate his own ascetical struggle upon a pillar. The remaining thirty-three years of his life he stood for varying periods on three pillars, one after another. He stood immovable in all weather, and once his disciples found him covered with ice after a winter storm. He was a counsellor of emperors; the pious emperor Leo the Great fervently loved him and brought his royal guests to meet him. It was at Saint Daniel's word that the holy relics of Saint Symeon the Stylite were brought to Constantinople from Antioch, and it was in his days that the Emperor Leo had the relics of the Three Holy Children brought from Babylon. Saint Daniel also defended the Church against the error of the Eutychians. Having lived through the reigns of the Emperors Leo, Zeno, and Basiliscus, he reposed in 490, at the age of eighty-four.

December 11

Martyrs Acepsius and Aeithalas

December 11

Leontios the Righteous of Monemvasia

December 11

Luke the New Stylite of Chalcedon

December 11

Holy Martyrs Miracus and Barsabas

December 11

The Glorious King Nikephoros Phokas

BACK TO TOP

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Tone. Daniel 3.26,27.
Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers.
Verse: For you are just in all you have done.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Colossians 3:4-11.

Brethren, when Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. In these you once walked, when you lived in them. But now put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices and have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all.

Gospel Reading

11th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 14:16-24

The Lord said this parable: "A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time of the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, 'Come; for all is now ready.' But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I must go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.' And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and there is still room.' And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet. For many are called, but few are chosen.'"

BACK TO TOP

Bulletin Inserts

BACK TO TOP

Wisdom of the Fathers

What was the nature of the invitation? God the Father has prepared in Christ for the inhabitants of earth those gifts which are bestowed upon the world through Him, even the forgiveness of sins, the cleansing away of all defilement, the communion of the Holy Spirit, the glorious adoption of sons, and the kingdom of the heavens.
St. Cyril of Alexandria
Translation courtesy of "The Orthodox New Testament" Volume 1, 4th Century

Come, O faithful, Let us enjoy the Master's hospitality, The banquet of immortality. In the upper chamber with uplifted minds Let us receive the exalted words of the Word Whom we magnify.
Last Ode of the Compline Canon

BACK TO TOP

Parish News and Events

 

TODAY'S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

 

Memorials Today

Memorial prayers will be offered at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy today for the repose of the souls of the servants of God, Julia Gladis (40 days), Agapios Kritiotis (1 year), Rhea Pantelakis (1 year) and Father David Sedor (14 years).  May their memory be eternal! The Kritiotis and Pantelakis Families will be sponsoring the Hospitality Hour today.

 

Parish Council Elections Today

Elections for the 2023-2024 Parish Council term will be held today immediately following Divine Liturgy. Voting requires membership in good standing including submitting a signed 2022 Holy Trinity Stewardship Pledge Card. Although there are the same number of open positions and candidates, the voting process still needs to occur. Please stop by and take part in this important process as part of fulfilling your membership responsibilities at Holy Trinity Church. Thank you!

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Services This Week:

 - Mon. Dec. 12, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Divine Liturgy: St Spyridon (St. Spyridon Church, Monessen, PA)

- Tues. Dec. 13, 6:30pm Paraclesis to St. Paisios (St. George Chapel, 8941 Ringeisen Rd, Allison Park, PA 15101)

- Thurs. Dec. 15, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Divine Liturgy: St. Eleftherios, 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. Dec. 12, 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. Dec. 14, 6:30pm Vespers/7:00pm: “Explore the Word” Bible Study - Father Radu continues his exploration of the Holy Bible with a survey of the Old Testament. Bring your Bible & your questions!

 

[Dec 11, 17] Christmas Pageant Rehearsals

This year’s Christmas pageant will once again be an “all new” Holy Trinity production, so everyone will need to be there for rehearsals. It’s going to be exciting, so please don’t miss out!

TODAY, Sun. Dec. 11: Rehearsal for pageant cast, grades 5-12 and the Christmas Jr. Choir, grades 3-12 will take place following Divine Liturgy and Church School. Please plan on staying until 12:00pm. We will also be taking photos of all the student participants to be displayed the Sunday of the pageant.

Sat. Dec. 17: The complete cast rehearsal for the Holy Trinity Church School Christmas Pageant will be held on Saturday morning, December 17.

• 9:00am to 10:00am, Pre-School through Fourth grades will rehearse their parts.

• 9:00 am to 9:30am, the Christmas Jr. Choir will rehearse their songs.

• 9:30am to 10:00am, the Christmas Orchestra will rehearse their performance.

• 9:30am to 11:00am, all 5th – 12th grades will rehearse the pageant.

• Also note: “Bonus” attendance credit will be given for all students who participate that day.

Any parents willing to help with the pageant operations should please see Presvytera Becky today following Liturgy.

 

GOYA Christmas Bread Sales: Order Now!

The teens of our Holy Trinity GOYA are now accepting orders for their annual GOYA Christmas Bread sale. These delicious traditional Greek Christmas loaves are only $12 each and can be ordered during Hospitality Hour, from any GOYA teen or online at HolyTrinityPgh.org/goyabread. Thank you for supporting our teens!

 

Work on interior dome repair

Scaffolding has been erected so that repairs can begin 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 weeks and months as sections of seating in the church may be blocked off for work and safety reasons. It’s a great opportunity to change up your regular seat and experience worship from another spot in this beautiful church. The good news: there are no bad seats! Thank you for your patience and understanding. And as announced at the recent Parish Assembly, please stay current with your Consecration and Completion Pledge donations (or make one if you haven’t) so we will have the needed funds to pay for the repairs and completion.

 

“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. There’s still time. Remaining dates are Dec. 12 & 19. The series repeats in the Spring. All are welcome!

 

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.

 

[Dec 18] Holy Trinity 2023 Stewardship/Consecration & Completion Pledges Due – By Card OR Online!

Please complete and return your Holy Trinity 2023 Stewardship Pledge and your Consecration & Completion Pledge by December 18. You may use the printed card or – new this year! – submit yours online at HolyTrinityPgh.org/stewardship.

 

[Dec 18] Church School Christmas Pageant           

The Holy Trinity Church School ministry will be offering its annual Christmas Pageant next Sunday. As always, ALL the students of the Church School will be involved in this event. On that day, following Holy Communion, the students and staff will depart for their classes and final preparations for the pageant. All our parishioners are asked to stay for Hospitality Hour hosted by the Church School Alumni parents. Then, enjoy another original Holy Trinity Christmas Pageant production. Christ is born! Glorify Him! Any parents or graduates that would like to help with Hospitality Hour, please contact Zelfa Khalil at 412-417-4706.

 

[Dec 21] Community Christmas Caroling at Sisters of Divine Providence

Want to get into the Christmas spirit and do a good deed for our neighbors at the same time? How about joining in on a new annual tradition at Holy Trinity Church: Christmas caroling across the street at the Sisters of Divine Providence! These elderly nuns truly enjoy when we come with parishioners of all ages: adults, college students, GOYA, JOY, HOPE…everyone! Meet at 6:30pm on Wednesday, December 21 for a brief practice and then we will head across the way for this wonderful event. Everyone is invited to participate!

 

[Dec 23, 24, 25] Services for the Nativity of Christ

Please remember these festal celebrations for the Nativity of Christ and participate in them with your family. Please note that all Christmas services will be held at Holy Trinity Church.

  • Fri. Dec. 23, 8:30am: Royal Hours of the Nativity
  • Sat. Dec. 24, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: Forefeast of the Nativity
  • Sat. Dec. 24, 6:30pm: Great Vespers of the Nativity
  • This service “opens the liturgical day” and begins the celebration of the Nativity.  Also, the Holy Trinity Choir will be offering a selection of beautiful Christmas carols following the service. (Note: This is Vespers, not a Divine Liturgy. Those wishing to receive Holy Communion need to attend the Liturgy on Saturday morning or Sunday morning.)
  • Sun. Dec. 25. 8:15am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: The Nativity
  • This is the main service of the Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Open the best gift first by attending Liturgy with your family and receiving the Holy Mysteries together! Make it a family tradition to keep the most important thing about Christmas the most important thing in your home!

 

Christmas Outreach Opportunity – North Hills Community Outreach Toy Drive

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_leand 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.

 

Snow Cancellations – Where to Check

Please keep in mind over the winter months that there are a number of options to hear or read about event or service cancellations in the case of snow or inclement weather on the Holy Trinity "Snow Line." First stop: Check our website at www.HolyTrinityPgh.org. To hear by phone, call the church office (412-366-8700) then press option #7 and listen for a recorded weather cancellation announcement. To get updates by computer or smartphone, there are three options: 1) watch the parish email list for email announcements; 2) check the front page of our website, www.HolyTrinityPgh.org. Finally, to get information by radio or television, watch the KDKA Storm Center, as Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church is registered there.

 

Sunday Hospitality Hour Sponsors Needed – January and February Dates are Available

Did you know that sponsoring the Hospitality Hour is not just for Memorials or Holy Trinity Ministry Groups? Individual parishioners are encouraged to sponsor the Hospitality Hour in honor of a loved one’s Birthday, Anniversary, Graduation, Baptism, Chrismation or simply out of love for their parish family. Parishioners can also reach out and combine their efforts with other individuals or families! For additional information please contact Coordinator: Stacy Dickos (412-298-9409), Scheduler: Theanne Gagianas (724-986-4546) or by email at hospitality@HolyTrinityPgh.org. Additional information is available on our website: www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/hospitality-hour or on the sign-up board located in the Gallery following Divine Liturgy today.

 

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. 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!

 

Holy Trinity Church Launches “Realm” – Have You Activated Your Account Yet?

We are pleased to introduce Realm, 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.
  • 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.
  • How do I activate my Holy Trinty Realm account? All current Holy Trinity Stewardship members have received or will receive an activation invitation. If not, please email realm@HolyTrinityPgh.org to get one.

 

Please Support Our Local Orthodox Monasteries

During the Nativity season, please remember to show your support to our local Orthodox Monasteries. We depend on their prayers, and they depend on our essential support. You can make an online charitable contribution or simply mail your donation to the monastery. Their contact information is listed below. Thank you for your offerings of love!

Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery: 121 St. Elias Lane, Saxonburg, PA 16056-9615

Online Donation: http://www.nativityofthetheotokosmonastery.org/donate

Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration: 321 Monastery Lane, Ellwood City, PA 16117-6531

Online Donation: http://www.orthodoxmonasteryellwoodcity.org/giving

St. Gregory Palamas Monastery: 934 County Road 2256, Perrysville, OH 44838-9529

Online Donation: http://www.sgpm.goarch.org/Monastery

BACK TO TOP

BACK TO TOP