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.
On the Sunday that occurs on or immediately after the eighteenth of this month, we celebrate all those who from ages past have been well-pleasing to God, beginning from Adam even unto Joseph the Betrothed of the Most Holy Theotokos, according to genealogy, as the Evangelist Luke hath recorded historically (Luke 3:23-38); we also commemorate the Prophets and Prophetesses, and especially the Prophet Daniel and the Holy Three Children.
This Saint, who was from the city of Milan, was a member of the Senate as well as a zealot for the Faith of Christ, and had converted many to the knowledge of God. When Diocletian and Maximian began a Persecution against the Christians, Saint Sebastian was arrested and pierced with sharp arrows, and the bones of his body were shattered with clubs; and being cut into pieces, he gave up his spirit to God in the year 288. Together with him there were others also who died while enduring various tortures. Their names are Marcellinus and Mark the brethren, Tranquillinus their father, Nicostratus and his spouse Zoe, Tiburtius, Claudius, Castulus, and Castor.
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 Hebrews 11:9-10; 32-40.
BRETHREN, by faith Abraham sojourned in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city which has foundation, whose builder and maker is God.
And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets - who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated - of whom the world was not worthy - wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
Sunday before Nativity
The Reading is from Matthew 1:1-25
The book of the Genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Aram, and Aram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king.
And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa, and Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amon, and Amon the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.
And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Salathiel, and Salathiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.
So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel" (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus.
New Ways to Pledge and Give Available Now!
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!
TODAY'S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Christmas Pageant Today!
The Holy Trinity Church School ministry will be offering its annual Christmas Pageant today with another all-new script: “The Star of Bethlehem.” The pageant will be presented in our Grand Room, with the entire student body and staff of our Church School participating. Following Holy Communion, the students and staff will depart for their classes and final preparations for the pageant. Then, following the end of the Liturgy, all our parishioners are asked to stay for the pageant to enjoy this beautiful and fun presentation. Hospitality Hour will be served first, by the Holy Trinity Church School Alumni families, to give the crew time to set for the pageant.
GOYA Christmas Bread Pickup Today
Holy Trinity GOYA has their annual Christmas Bread available for pickup for those who pre-ordered. Look for their table set up in the Gallery during Coffee Hour today. Thank you for your support
Stewardship Sunday: Please Make Your Commitment and Submit Your 2023 Stewardship Cards Today
Our Stewardship aims to promote spiritual growth and strengthen faith. At Holy Trinity, we’re blessed with the incredible support from you, our Stewards, who unselfishly and joyfully offer their time, talents, and treasures, which in turn enhances the spirituality and ministry of the parish. Let’s continue to be active and practicing Stewards and generously offer our gifts to God through His Church. Please set a reminder to submit your 2023 pledge card before year-end. If you have not yet received a 2023 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. Also, this is the time to catch up and fulfil/exceed your 2022 pledge! Our member-funded church needs each and every one of us, no matter the amount. And remember, a signed pledge card is required as part of maintaining your membership in good standing at Holy Trinity Church each year. We’re grateful to all of you for your commitment. If you have any questions, please see a member of the Stewardship Committee, email stewardship@HolyTrinityPgh.org or visit www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/stewardship.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Services This Week:
[Dec 23, 24, 25] Services for the Nativity of Christ – Please note!
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. Also, due to Christmas being on a Sunday, the Christmas Eve service will be a Great Vespers rather than a Vesperal Liturgy.
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:
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 21] Community Christmas Caroling at Sisters of Divine Providence – This Wednesday!
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 this 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 25] No Church School Class
Attention, parents: there will be no Church School class next Sunday, December 25 due to the holiday celebrations, so please join together and worship as a family on that day.
[Dec 29] Greek Dance Troupe Practice
Our Greek Dance Troupe will be performing at the Valentine’s event on Sunday, February 12th. If you would like to participate, you must come to the practices we will be having in the next few months. Our first practice will be Thurs Dec 29: GOYA 4:00-4:45pm, JOY 4:45-5:30pm, HOPE 5:30-6:00pm. Please reach out to Victoria or Eleni with any questions.
[Jan 8] Vasilopita Celebration
On Sunday, January 8, the Holy Trinity Philoptochos will offer the annual Vasilopita celebration in the Grand Room following the Divine Liturgy. Proceeds will benefit the Saint Basil Academy, an educational and philanthropic institution of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
Christmas Angel Gifts – Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who graciously provided gifts to help make a child’s or a senior citizen’s Christmas a special one!
Back for 2023: “Feed the Homeless” Dinners at Pleasant Valley Shelter
Would you like to donate a small bit of your time and treasures, and make 30+ homeless people happy? The dates below are available to feed the residents of this local men’s shelter, located on the North Side, near our old church. If you’d like to provide a warm meal to our less fortunate neighbors, please sign up for this Holy Trinity Outreach Ministry opportunity. All dates are Sunday evenings, and meals can be dropped off or - better yet – you could stay and personally serve on site. Instructions will be sent to you once you sign up. You will not forget this experience, and those you help will not forget you! Available 2023 dates are: Jan 8; Mar 12; May 14; July 9; Sept 10; and Nov 12. Please see Mike Kritiotis today, or call 412-518-0588, or email outreach@HolyTrinityPgh.org to volunteer your family or group.
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.
Keeping Holy Trinity “Like New” Is Up to You
When, by God’s grace, we moved into our beautiful new church and center in 2013, we committed as a Holy Trinity family to do our best to always keep the entire facility in “Like New” condition. Keeping that commitment is up to all of us. It means leaving things as clean and organized, or better, than when we found them. It also means notifying the church office of any maintenance needs as they are discovered. As we come closer to our 10th anniversary here, let’s all double down on that effort so that when we celebrate our upcoming 100th anniversary in 2023, these beautiful facilities are looking as good or better than the day we moved in. Thank you for your support and love!
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.
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!