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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2023-01-08
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
Baptismc1cp
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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 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 Afterfeast of the Theophany in the First Tone

In the Jordan, when you were baptized, O Lord, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest; and the voice of the Father bore witness to You, calling You His beloved Son; and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the truth of that word. O Christ our God, Who appeared and illumined the world, glory to You! (Page 63)

Apolytikion of Holy Trinity Church (Page 75) in the First Tone

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.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Tone

You appeared today to us* on earth, O Master, * and Your light was signed on us * who cry aloud to You and say * with understanding, O Christ our God: You came and shone forth, O Light unapproachable.
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Saints and Feasts

Baptismc1cp
January 08

Afterfeast of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ

Baptism
January 08

Sunday after Epiphany

January 08

Atticus and Cyrus, Holy Patriarchs of Constantinople

January 08

Domnica the Righteous of Constantinople

Saint Domnica was from Carthage. During the reign of the Emperor Theodosius the Great, she came with four other virgins to Constantinople, where she was baptized by Nectarius, the Patriarch of Constantinople. She remained in Constantinople and became known for her extreme asceticism, the miracles that she worked, and the grace of prophecy that adorned her. She lived until the days of the Emperors Leo and Zeno, reposing in peace about the year 474.

January 08

Emilianos the Confessor, Bishop of Cyzikos

January 08

George of Hozeva

Saint George lived about the beginning of the ninth century in Palestine, in a certain monastery called Hozeva, which lies in a great ravine between Jerusalem and Jericho.

January 08

Gregory of the Kiev Caves

January 08

Pega the Virgin, Hermitess of Peakirk

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. First Tone. Psalm 32.22,1.
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 4:7-13.

BRETHREN, grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it is said, "When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men." (in saying, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is he who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

Gospel Reading

Sunday after Epiphany
The Reading is from Matthew 4:12-17

At that time, when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned." From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

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Bulletin Inserts

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Wisdom of the Fathers

For as persons not even knowing where to put a step forward, so they sat, overtaken by the darkness.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 14 on Matthew 4, 4th Century

Take heed, then, often to come together to give thanks to God, and show forth His praise. For when ye assemble frequently in the same place, the powers of Satan are destroyed, and the destruction at which he aims is prevented by the unity of your faith.
St. Ignatius of Antioch
Epistle to the Ephesians Ch. 13, 2nd century

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Parish News and Events

 

TODAY'S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

 

Parish Council Installation

As per the Parish Regulations, the 2023 Holy Trinity Parish Council will be installed following Divine Liturgy today. Please continue to support and pray for them as they serve you and this community, and always be ready to step up and respond when the Parish Council sends out the call for laborers in the vineyard to serve the Church! Elected or re-elected for the 2023-2024 term are: Ashley Bournias, Anthony Balouris, George Dickos, Andrew Fournarides, George Mellis and Dean Passodelis. Continuing for the second year of their 2022-2023 term are: Evan Danis, George Danis, Tom Germanos, Michael Passodelis, Chris Sarandou, Jeanne Willow. Thank you all for your dedicated and sacrificial love for Christ and His Holy Church and your willingness to serve in its leadership! Please remember our Parish Council in your prayers.

 

Vasilopita Celebration

Today our Holy Trinity Philoptochos will offer the annual Vasilopita celebration in the Grand Room following the Divine Liturgy. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Saint Basil Academy, an educational and philanthropic institution of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

 

Holy Water Bottles Available

Following Divine Liturgy, Holy Water bottles from the Feast of Theophany will be available for those who were not able to attend the feast day services.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Faith & Family Weekdays

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:

  • Fri. Jan. 13, 7:00pm: Parish Family Game Night - Games, fun and fellowship for all ages! Lots of great board games, skill exercises and more. Bring your own favorites with you to share! Popcorn, snacks, and drinks provided. It’s for the entire family, so bring Papou & Yiayia, Mom & Dad, too!

 

Greek Dance Troupe Practice Schedule

The dance troupe will be performing at Holy Trinity’s Valentine’s Day event on Sunday February 12th. We will have the following practices to prepare. Please have your children attend as many of the dance troupe practice sessions as possible. The groups are HOPE (5 years old thru 2nd grade), JOY (3rd thru 6th grade) and GOYA (7th thru 12th grade). Please feel free to reach out with any questions to Eleni Dedousis (412-953-3699) or Victoria Andromalos-Dale (412-496-9128) or to let them know if you are unable to attend any of the scheduled practices.

  • TODAY, Sunday, January 8: ALL Groups, during Hospitality Hour
  • Sunday, January 22: ALL Groups, during Hospitality Hour
  • Sunday, February 5: ALL Groups, during Hospitality Hour
  • Saturday, February 11: HOPE & GOYA 10:00am / JOY 10:45am

 

Poinsettia Plants Available

The beautiful Poinsettia plants that were used to decorate the church for the Nativity have been moved into the Gallery. Any parishioners who are interested in taking one or more Poinsettia plants home with them today are welcome to do so.

 

[Jan 17] Saint Anthony (Clairton) Feast Day Liturgy

The parish of St. Anthony in Clairton is once again opening for its Feast Day Liturgy this year. On Tuesday, January 17, there will be 9:00am Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy. Saint Anthony’s is one of the oldest parishes in the Metropolis and exists now not as an active parish but a historic site with a special relationship to Holy Trinity Church. It opens only for its annual winter Feast Day and a summer picnic. It is located at 424 Miller Ave, Clairton, PA 15025.

 

[Jan 22] GOYA Meeting

The GOYA teen ministry will be holding its monthly meeting on Sunday, January 22 in the Conference Room following Church School. All teens are invited to attend.

 

[Jan 22] JOY Games & Pizza Party

Attention all Holy Trinity JOY children (3rd-6th grades): Join us in the Fireside Room after Divine Liturgy on Sunday, January 22 for an afternoon of playing board games. The event runs until 2:00pm. Pizza, snacks and drinks will be provided. Please RSVP to JOY@HolyTrinityPgh.org so we know how much food to prepare. See you there!

 

Your Help is Needed to “Feed the Homeless” at Pleasant Valley Shelter - Sign up Today!

Would you like to donate a small bit of your time and treasures, and make 30+ homeless people smile? The dates below are still 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 curbside or - better yet – you could stay and personally serve on site. Detailed instructions will be sent to you once you sign up. You will not forget this rewarding experience, and those you help will not forget you! * Four dates are still available: Mar 12; July 9; Sept 10; and Nov 12.

See Mike Kritiotis today, call 412-518-0588, or email outreach@HolyTrinityPgh.org to volunteer your family or group. 

 

Visitation Ministry January Collection – Yarn Needed for Homebound Parishioner Handmade Gifts

During the month of January, our Visitation Ministry is collecting yarn (any kind, color, solid or design) to make personal gifts for our homebound parishioners. Any contribution is greatly appreciated. Please give your yarn in a plastic or paper bag to Amy Armanious during Hospitality Hour. For questions, feel free to email us at visitation@holytrinitypgh.org. Thank you and New Year Blessings to all.

 

2023 Stewardship Pledge Cards Now Due

The 2023 Holy Trinity Stewardship Pledge Cards have been distributed and all Holy Trinity Stewards should complete one immediately. 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. Or you may make your pledge online by visiting HolyTrinityPgh.org/stewardship. Our member-funded church needs each and every one of us, no matter the amount. And remember, a pledge commitment 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. Questions? Contact Stewardship Chairman Mike Kritiotis or email stewardship@HolyTrinityPgh.org.

 

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.

 

Reminder: House Blessings Moved to September

Beginning in 2021, Holy Trinity Church has moved the offering of annual house blessings to September. This was done for two reasons: 1) it offers the blessing at the start of the new Ecclesiastical Year (Sep. 1) instead of the civil New Year (Jan. 1); and 2) it avoids concerns and rescheduling due to snow and ice in January. So, please watch for announcements in the Fall to have your house blessed. Note: If you have moved into a new house during the course of the year, you may request an individual house blessing from Father John at any time.

 

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.

 

Bereavement Support Ministry – January and February

There are no scheduled monthly group sessions for the months of January and February due to unpredictable weather patterns. We will resume in March. Private bereavement support and care are always available upon request. We offer 1:1 in-person care at the church, in the home setting, and through phone consultation. We also have bereavement care booklets to help those in the grief journey. Our reading materials have been helpful to many people in some small way for comfort, support, and encouragement.  If interested in learning more about our ministry offerings, please see Amy Armanious or Anita Sinicrope Maier during Hospitality Hour and/or email us at visitation@holytrinitypgh.org. May God's peace, hope and love fill us in the New Year 2023.

 

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.
  • I activated my account and I see my previous pledges and offerings, but offerings I made in November and December using the Vanco online giving or the giving kiosk in the Narthex are not appearing on my app. We are currently in a transition period from the old Vanco donations platform to the new Realm platform. Instructions will be sent out shortly to all members who are currently subscribed to the old Vanco recurring giving system instructing them how to discontinue it and subscribe to the new Realm recurring giving system. During this transition, there may be delay in posting your November/December remaining contributions from the old system, but they will be posted in time for the year-end statements. Watch for instructions and thank you for your patience.
  • I would like to pay ahead in 2022 for my 2023 pledge as I have done in the past. The new Realm system applies all donations to the calendar year in which they were given. You are free to “pay forward” to the next year for tax or other purposes, but all stewardship donations during a calendar year will now be credited toward that same calendar year’s stewardship pledge.
  • 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 Trinity 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. Then install the Realm app and you’re up and running with all the features and info at your fingertips!

 

Upcoming Memorials: Jan 15: Anthony Balouris (1 year), Jeff (Gerasimos) Mason (1 year), Marie Backeris (5 years) and Dean Backeris (48 years); Jan 22: Steve Morris (40 days), Areta (Areti) Kalogeras (8 years), James (Dimitris) Kalogeras (38 years) and Julie (Kathiani) Kalogeras (23 years).

 

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