Holy Trinity Church
Publish Date: 2024-12-01
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Holy Trinity Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (978) 458-8092
  • Fax:
  • (978) 970-0935
  • Street Address:

  • 62 Lewis Street

  • Lowell, MA 01854


Contact Information






Services Schedule

Orthros: 9:00am 
Divine Liturgy: 10:00am
Sunday Fellowship: following Divine Liturgy


Past Bulletins


Today's Calendar

  † Bishop Themi of Nicopolis † joins us today for Divine Liturgy and Fellowship
 
 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). Known as the Great Commission, this is the final commandment given to us by Christ. Few in the history of the world have heeded this call as Bishop Themistocles of Nicopolis has.
In his youth, as a proud atheist and Marxist, he started Australia's first long-haired Rock-and-Roll band known as “The Flies”, and it grew to such popularity that they toured with “The Rolling Stones”. Having experienced a mystical vision, Themi turned to Christ. He gave all he had to the poor and was tonsured a monk. He would spend the next thirty years in theological academia studying at Harvard, Princeton, Brown, Holy Cross G.O. School of Theology, and St. Andrew's Universities. He acquired multiple doctorates and graduate degrees, becoming a world-class biblical scholar and professor. Although an accomplished theologian, he felt he was not fulfilling the Great Commission.
Desiring to help the poorest of the poor, he was ordained a priest and joined the mission in Kenya. Still not satisfied he sought permission to go to the most impoverished country in the world, Sierra Leone.
In 2007 permission was granted by Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa. What Themi has done since, is nothing short of miraculous. With the support of Paradise 4 Kids, a global charity that was established to help his Mission, thousands of the poorest people in West Africa have been assisted. Several churches, schools, a teacher’s college, orphanages, medical clinics, housing communities, and so much more. Bishop Themi baptized hundreds into the Orthodox Church, and untold thousands have been helped through the Mission.
In 2022, by unanimous vote of the Holy Synod of Africa, Themi was elevated to the Episcopacy and given the title Bishop of Nicopolis. He now oversees the Archdiocesan District of Sierra Leone, comprised of seven nations in West Africa.  
Saint John Chrysostom wrote that it is a greater deed to feed the hungry than it is to raise the dead. As Orthodox Christians, we understand that the Great Commission was not just given to the Apostles, but it is Christ’s direct call to action for each of us. Not all of us are able to leave our lives and go to the ends of the earth for the sake of poor in the name of Christ. Yet we can fulfill the commandment in other ways and help the needy.  
Please pray for His Grace Bishop Themi and for his Holy Mission, that the Lord may grant him many more years to serve His Church!  For more information on Bishop Themi and his Mission thourgh Paradise 4 Kids, please visit:  www.paradise4kids.org
 
Message from Archbishop Elpidophoros
November 30, 2024  Archepiscopal Encyclical for Archon Sunday 
The Feast of Saint Andrew the First-Called Disciple 
Their sound has gone forth unto all the earth, and the words unto the ends of the oikoumene.  (Psalm 18:4, LXX)
Beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord, 
By unanimous decision of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Sacred Archdiocese of America, the honorable and most esteemed Order of Saint Andrew, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, is to be recognized yearly for the Feast of their Celestial Patron, Saint Andrew the Apostle and First-Called Disciple of the Lord. This year, the commendation of our beloved Order of Archons will occur on Sunday, December 1, with the reading of this first-ever Encyclical. 
The Order of Saint Andrew is a venerable organization dedicated to the defense and protection of our Venerable Ecumenical Patriarchate; but it is also so much more. The Archons represent the interests of the Mother Church and our Archdiocese in all manner of public and private forums. A visit to their website (https://archons.org) would reveal an incredible number of initiatives that impact the Church in America in positive, Christ-affirming ways. The Archons exercise a worldwide reach that extends to Greece and the Eparchies of the Ecumenical Throne to promote religious freedom around the globe, and recognize virtuous, humanitarian leadership through the annual Athenagoras Human Rights Award. Indeed, their voices are heard throughout the oikoumene! 
Many of our parishes have members who are Archons, an office (offikion) that is personally approved and bestowed by His All-Holiness himself. On this Sunday, when we take time to show our respect and esteem for the Archons of our Church who are the Members of the Order of Saint Andrew, let us resolve to stand with them in their spiritual phalanx in defense of the Holy Great Church of Christ. We are all sons and daughters of the Mother Church of Constantinople, and we express our gratitude and appreciation to Her brave and devoted Archons for all that they accomplish on Her behalf. May they enjoy many years of health and spiritual prosperity! 
With paternal love in Christ, 

    

Message from Metropolitan Methodios:   "Beloved in the Lord, As we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas, I am reminded of the profound generosity and commitment that you have shown over the years.  With each contribution, you have made it possible for our ministries to flourish and for our community to grow in faither and service. .... During this season of giving, I kindly ask you to renew your commitment to the Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards before the end of this year...."    Metropolis of Boston Attn: FOS Membership, 162 Goddard Avenue Brookline, MA 02445

 

Parish Council Members on Duty: Betty Themeles. Tom Themeles, Joan Metropolis and George Tgibides
Fellowship Coffee Hour hosted by Philoptochos  
Host or Sponsor a fellowship coffee hour:  Our Philoptochos would appreciate your help with our weekly Fellowship Coffee hour following Divine Liturgy.  If you would like to host or sponsor a fellowship coffee hour, please call the church office at 978 458-8092 (ask for Theodora Stathopoulos) or, email: [email protected]  (direct your email to Theodora Stathopoulos).  Note: The current cost to sponsor a coffee hour is $100.
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Weekly Calendar

This week:
  • December 4, Wednesday: Philoptochos Meeting in the Church Hall at 6:15pm
  • December 6, Friday: Divine Liturgy, Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker - Αγίου Νικολάου του Θαυματουργού
  https://www.goarch.org/news
The Orthodox Observer places the Church in the context of the current world we live in through a diverse and informative experience — offering participants meaningful exchange with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, her ministries, and affiliates. The experience provides the faithful significant content to listen to, watch, and read; in order to lead, grow, and inspire.
 

 

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Announcements

 Holy Trinity News
Upcoming Church Services (Orthros 9am & Divine Liturgy 10am unless otherwise noted):  
  • December 12, Thursday: Divine Liturgy, Saint Spyridon the Wonderworker - Αγίου Σπυρίδωνος τού Θαυματουργού. 
  • December 13, Friday: D'Youville Manor Divine Liturgy
  • December 24, Tuesday 6:00pm: Divine Liturgy, Christmas Eve - Εσπερινη Θεία Λειτουργία Παραμονής τών Χριστουγέννων. 
  • December 25, Wednesday: Divine Liturgy, Holy Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - Ή Γέννησις Τού Κυρίου ημών Ιησού Χριστού. 
  • January 12, Sunday:  Vasilopita
 Philoptochos News: www.facebook.com/Holy-Trinity-Ladies-Philoptochos-Lowell 

 Hellenic American Academy and HAA PTA News (hellenicaa.org)  
  • December 14: HAA PTA Holiday Parrty
  • December 18: HAA Christmas Program
  • January 30:  Three Hierarchs and Greek Letters Day
  • March: Read Across America - Dr. Suess
  • May:  HAA PTA Golf Tournament
Church Office Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8:00am - 1:00pm and Friday 8:00am-11am.  Please use the side entrance and ring the doorbell. If you prefer to use the elevator entrance, call the office upon arrival to be let in.
 Pastoral Visits
Please call the Church Office at 978 458-8092 to arrange a hospital, nursing home or shut-in visit by Fr. Nick.  Health care facilities are unable to contact us because of HIPAA regulations.
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News & On-Line Ministries www.goarch.org:
Communications Department:  https://www.goarch.org/departments/communications
Family Care:  https://www.goarch.org/departments/family
New Charter for the Second Centennial: https://charter.goarch.org/ 
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (GOA) announces the launch of a dedicated website (charter.goarch.org) aimed at providing comprehensive, up-to-date, and accurate information concerning the proposed revision of the Archdiocese’s Charter.
 
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Upcoming Events - Save the Date

Saint Nicholas...Tele-Santa Program  
https://www.stnicholas-tele-santa.com/
Welcome to the home of the St. Nicholas Tele-Santa Program!  The St. Nicholas Tele-Santa Program is a free service provided in collaboration with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America to bring children closer to the church via a video call from Santa Claus, originally Saint Nicholas of Myra, a priest and bishop of the Greek Orthodox Church.  Use this site to book a call with Santa for the child in your life, or if you'd like to join the team, learn about volunteer opportunities as well!   Our mission is to bring children closer to their Orthodox Christian Church throughout the entire year by utilizing the technology of the Internet and telephone to communicate with them in their homes.  This could take place at various times, namely: Christmastime, Name Days, and even birthdays. This would be accomplished by using the beloved and friendly character of Santa Claus, who was originally Saint Nicholas of Myra, a Priest and Bishop of the Greek Orthodox Church.

December 8: Transfiguration Church Christmas Concert


100TH ANNIVERSARY CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Our "Oh, Come All Ye Faithful Christmas Concert will be held on Sunday afternoon, December 8th at 4:00 pm. The Concert will feature the Transfiguration Choir, the Counterpoint Vocal Ensemble, the Triton Brass Quartet and a Jazz Quartet featuring Emilee Floor and more. All are welcome and no tickets are required. A free will offering is appreciated.

January 11: GOYA Dance at St. Nicholas Church
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

23rd Sunday after Pentecost
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.

23rd Sunday after Pentecost
Πρὸς Ἐφεσίους 2:4-10

Ἀδελφοί, ὁ θεός, πλούσιος ὢν ἐν ἐλέει, διὰ τὴν πολλὴν ἀγάπην αὐτοῦ ἣν ἠγάπησεν ἡμᾶς, καὶ ὄντας ἡμᾶς νεκροὺς τοῖς παραπτώμασιν συνεζωοποίησεν τῷ Χριστῷ - χάριτί ἐστε σεσωσμένοι - καὶ συνήγειρεν, καὶ συνεκάθισεν ἐν τοῖς ἐπουρανίοις ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ· ἵνα ἐνδείξηται ἐν τοῖς αἰῶσιν τοῖς ἐπερχομένοις τὸν ὑπερβάλλοντα πλοῦτον τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ ἐν χρηστότητι ἐφʼ ἡμᾶς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ· τῇ γὰρ χάριτί ἐστε σεσῳσμένοι διὰ τῆς πίστεως, καὶ τοῦτο οὐκ ἐξ ὑμῶν· θεοῦ τὸ δῶρον· οὐκ ἐξ ἔργων, ἵνα μή τις καυχήσηται. Αὐτοῦ γάρ ἐσμεν ποίημα, κτισθέντες ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ ἐπὶ ἔργοις ἀγαθοῖς, οἷς προητοίμασεν ὁ θεός, ἵνα ἐν αὐτοῖς περιπατήσωμεν.


Gospel Reading

14th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 18:35-43

At that time, as Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." And he cried, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me receive my sight." And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

14th Sunday of Luke
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 18:35-43

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ᾿Εγένετο δὲ ἐν τῷ ἐγγίζειν αὐτὸν εἰς ῾Ιεριχὼ τυφλός τις ἐκάθητο παρὰ τὴν ὁδὸν προσαιτῶν· ἀκούσας δὲ ὄχλου διαπορευομένου ἐπυνθάνετο τί εἴη ταῦτα. ἀπήγγειλαν δὲ αὐτῷ ὅτι ᾿Ιησοῦς ὁ Ναζωραῖος παρέρχεται. καὶ ἐβόησε λέγων· ᾿Ιησοῦ υἱὲ Δαυΐδ, ἐλέησόν με· καὶ οἱ προάγοντες ἐπετίμων αὐτῷ ἵνα σιωπήσῃ· αὐτὸς δὲ πολλῷ μᾶλλον ἔκραζεν· υἱὲ Δαυΐδ, ἐλέησόν με. σταθεὶς δὲ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ἐκέλευσεν αὐτὸν ἀχθῆναι πρὸς αὐτόν. ἐγγίσαντος δὲ αὐτοῦ ἐπηρώτησεν αὐτὸν λέγων· τί σοι θέλεις ποιήσω; ὁ δὲ εἶπε· Κύριε, ἵνα ἀναβλέψω. καὶ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτῷ· ἀνάβλεψον· ἡ πίστις σου σέσωκέ σε. καὶ παραχρῆμα ἀνέβλεψε, καὶ ἠκολούθει αὐτῷ δοξάζων τὸν Θεόν· καὶ πᾶς ὁ λαὸς ἰδὼν ἔδωκεν αἶνον τῷ Θεῷ.


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Saints and Feasts

December 04

Barbara the Great Martyr

Saint Barbara was from Heliopolis of Phoenicia and lived during the reign of Maximian.

She was the daughter of a certain idolater named Dioscorus. When Barbara came of age, she was enlightened in her pure heart and secretly believed in the Holy Trinity. About this time Dioscorus began building a bath-house; before it was finished he was required to go away to attend to certain matters, and in his absence Barbara directed the workmen to build a third window in addition to the two her Father had commanded. She also inscribed the sign of the Cross with her finger upon the marble of the bath-house, leaving the saving sign cut as deeply into the marble as if it had been done with an iron tool. (When the Synaxarion of Saint Barbara was written, the marble of the bath-house and the cross inscribed by Saint Barbara were still preserved, and many healings were worked there.) When Dioscorus returned, he asked why the third window had been added; Barbara began to declare to him the mystery of the Trinity. Because she refused to renounce her faith, Dioscorus tortured Barbara inhumanely, and after subjecting her to many sufferings he beheaded her with his own hands, in the year 290.


December 06

Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra

This Saint lived during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great, and reposed in 330, As a young man, he desired to espouse the solitary life. He made a pilgrimage to the holy city Jerusalem, where he found a place to withdraw to devote himself to prayer. It was made known to him, however, that this was not the will of God for him, but that he should return to his homeland to be a cause of salvation for many. He returned to Myra, and was ordained bishop. He became known for his abundant mercy, providing for the poor and needy, and delivering those who had been unjustly accused. No less was he known for his zeal for the truth. He was present at the First Ecumenical Council of the 318 Fathers at Nicaea in 325; upon hearing the blasphemies that Arius brazenly uttered against the Son of God, Saint Nicholas struck him on the face. Since the canons of the Church forbid the clergy to strike any man at all, his fellow bishops were in perplexity what disciplinary action was to be taken against this hierarch whom all revered. In the night our Lord Jesus Christ and our Lady Theotokos appeared to certain of the bishops, informing them that no action was to be taken against him, since he had acted not out of passion, but extreme love and piety. The Dismissal Hymn for holy hierarchs, The truth of things hath revealed thee to thy flock ... was written originally for Saint Nicholas. He is the patron of all travellers, and of sea-farers in particular; he is one of the best known and best loved Saints of all time.


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Archdiocese News

Department of Religious Education (DRE)'s Sunday Sermon Series: Fourteenth Sunday of Luke, December 1, 2024

11/27/2024

This week, find insights about the upcoming Gospel reading, where we learn about a blind man who asked Jesus for mercy.


December 1, 2024 Named Inaugural Archon Sunday by Holy Eparchial Synod

11/25/2024

By unanimous decision of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Sacred Archdiocese of America, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America has announced that the honorable and most esteemed Order of Saint Andrew, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, is to be recognized yearly for the Feast of their Celestial Patron, Saint Andrew the Apostle and First-Called Disciple of the Lord.


OCPM's Storybook Connections™ Keeps Families Together Throughout Incarceration

11/25/2024

Sam and Jonathan Springer were surprised to receive a storybook in the mail for their two-year-old daughter. Inside the package was a letter explaining that this book was sent on behalf of Sam’s mother, Christy, who had been arrested and was in a jail in Colorado. Even more surprising, the book came with a link to an audio recording of Christy reading the book. 


Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia Visits Archbishop Elpidophoros

11/22/2024

On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America welcomed His Eminence Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia to the Archdiocese Headquarters.


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