Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2025-06-01
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

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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

[email protected] | 412-366-8700

Rev. Fr. Radu Bordeianu
Assistant Priest

[email protected]

Mary Portellos
Office Administrator

[email protected] | 412-366-8700

Deacon Matthew Palamara
Deacon

[email protected]

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 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 Holy Ascension in the Fourth Tone

You have ascended in glory, Christ our God. You have made glad the disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit and have confirmed them through the blessing that You are the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world. (Page 74)

Apolytikion for Fathers of the 1st Council in the Eighth Tone

Most glorified are You, O Christ our God, Who has established our Fathers as luminous stars upon the earth, and through them did guide us all to the true Faith. O Most Merciful One, glory to You.

Kontakion for a Memorial Service in the Eighth Tone

English: Remember, O Lord, as You are good, your servant(s), and forgive every sin he (she,they) have committed in this life. For no one is sinless except You, who have power to grant rest to those who have fallen asleep. Greek: Μνήσθητι, Κύριε, ὡς ἀγαθός, τοῦ (τῆς, τῶν) δούλου (δούλης, δούλων) σου, καί ὄσα ἐν βίῳ ἥμαρτεν (ἥμαρτεν, ἥμαρτον) συγχώρησον· οὐδείς γάρ ἀναμάρτητος, εἰμὴ σὺ ὁ δυνάμενος, καί τῷ (τῇ, τοῖς) μεταστάντι (μεταστάσῃ, μεταστάσι) δοῦναι τὴν ἀνάπαυσιν.

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 Sixth Tone

O Christ our God, upon fulfilling Your dispensation for our sake, You ascended in Glory, uniting the earthly with the heavenly. You were never separate but remained inseparable, and cried out to those who love You, "I am with you and no one is against you."
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Saints and Feasts

June 01

Fathers of the 1st Council

The heresiarch Arius was a Libyan by race and a protopresbyter of the Church of Alexandria. In 315, he began to blaspheme against the Son and Word of God, saying that He is not true God, consubstantial with the Father, but is rather a work and creation, alien to the essence and glory of the Father, and that there was a time when He was not. This frightful blasphemy shook the faithful of Alexandria. Alexander, his Archbishop, after trying in vain to correct him through admonitions, cut him off from communion and finally in a local council deposed him in the year 321. Yet neither did the blasphemer wish to be corrected, nor did he cease sowing the deadly tares of his heretical teachings; but writing to the bishops of other cities, Arius and his followers requested that his doctrine be examined, and if it were unsound, that the correct teaching be declared to him. By this means, his heresy became universally known and won many supporters, so that the whole Church was soon in an uproar.

Therefore, moved by divine zeal, the first Christian Sovereign, Saint Constantine the Great, the equal to the Apostles, summoned the renowned First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea, a city of Bithynia. It was there that the shepherds and teachers of the Church of Christ gathered from all regions in the year 325. All of them, with one mouth and one voice, declared that the Son and Word of God is one in essence with the Father, true God of true God, and they composed the holy Symbol of Faith up to the seventh article (since the remainder, beginning with "And in the Holy Spirit," was completed by the Second Ecumenical Council). Thus they anathematized the impious Arius of evil belief and those of like mind with him, and cut them off as rotten members from the whole body of the faithful.

Therefore, recognizing the divine Fathers as heralds of the Faith after the divine Apostles, the Church of Christ has appointed this present Sunday for their annual commemoration, in thanksgiving and unto the glory of God, unto their praise and honour, and unto the strengthening of the true Faith.

June 01

Justin the Philosopher and Martyr and his Companions

This Saint, who was from Neapolis of Palestine, was a follower of Plato the philosopher. Born in 103, he came to the Faith of Christ when he was already a mature man, seeking to find God through philosophy and human reasoning. A venerable elder appeared to him and spoke to him about the Prophets who had taught of God not through their own wisdom, but by revelation; and he led him to knowledge of Christ, Who is the fulfillment of what the Prophets taught. Saint Justin soon became a fervent follower of Christ, and an illustrious apologist of the Evangelical teachings. To the end of his life, while preaching Christ in all parts, he never put off his philosopher's garb. In Rome, he gave the Emperor Antoninus Pius (reigned 138-161) an apology wherein he proved the innocence and holiness of the Christian Faith, persuading him to relieve the persecution of Christians. Through the machinations of Crescens, a Cynic philosopher who envied him, Saint Justin was beheaded in Rome in 167 under Antoninus' successor, Marcus Aurelius (reigned 161-180). Besides his defense of Christianity (First and Second Apologies), Saint Justin wrote against paganism (Discourse to the Greeks, Hortatory Address to the Greeks), and refuted Jewish objections against Christ (Dialogue with Trypho).

June 01

Pyrros the Hieromartyr

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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 Acts of the Apostles 20:16-18, 28-36.

IN THOSE DAYS, Paul had decided to sail past Ephesos, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost. And from Miletos he sent to Ephesos and called to him the elders of the church. And when they came to him, he said to them: "Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God which he obtained with the blood of his own Son. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by so toiling one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, 'it is more blessed to give than to receive.' " And when he had spoken thus, he knelt down and prayed with them all.

Gospel Reading

Fathers of the 1st Council
The Reading is from John 17:1-13

At that time, Jesus lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him power over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work which you gave me to do; and now, Father, you glorify me in your own presence with the glory which I had with you before the world was made.

"I have manifested your name to the men whom you gave me out of the world; yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you; for I have given them the words which you gave me, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you did send me. I am praying for them; I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are mine; all mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me; I have guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves."

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Bulletin Inserts

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Wisdom of the Fathers

For there is One God, and One Mediator between God and Man, the Man Christ Jesus. For He still pleads even now as Man for my salvation; ...
St. Gregory the Theologian
4th Theological Oration, 4th Century

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Parish News and Events

 

TODAY'S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

 

Memorial Today

Memorial prayers will be offered at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy today for the repose of the soul of the servant of God, Milita Mellis (40 days).  May her memory be eternal!

 

Hospitality Hour Sponsor

Today’s “Simple Summer Sundays” Hospitality Hour is sponsored by the Holy Trinity Parish Council. Thank you!

 

Spring General Assembly – Today
Our regular Spring General Assembly will be held today following Divine Liturgy. Please plan to be present to participate as part of fulfilling your membership at Holy Trinity Church! An agenda was included in the May edition of the Herald. This Assembly is to review parish life 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, to vote at an assembly, you must be a member in good standing as defined in the Uniform Parish Regulations which includes, but is not limited to, having submitted a signed 2025 Holy Trinity Stewardship Pledge card.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Upcoming Services - Location: (SG) St. George Chapel, 8941 Ringeisen Rd, Allison Park, PA 

- Saturday, June 7, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: Saturday of the Souls (SG)

 

Faith & Family Weekdays

Faith and Family Weekdays is back, and there are many ways for each of us to grow in the knowledge and practice of our faith. Ready to learn more about the Bible, about the Orthodox Church, about navigating life’s challenges as a Christian, a woman, or a man? It’s all there. There’s a lot more to church than Sundays, and here is where to find it..

THIS WEEK:

·         Monday, June 2, 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. The remaining Spring series dates are June 2, 9, 16, 23. All are welcome!

·         Thursday, June 5, 7:00am: “Prayer & Panera” – Prayer and Christian fellowship for men. Meet at church promptly at 7:00am for a 15–20-minute morning prayer and scripture, then move up the hill to Panera for 45 minutes of coffee & conversation.

 

Upcoming Greek Dance Troupe Practice Schedule - Begins TODAY!

Our Dance Troupe will begin its practices TODAY to prepare for the Festival. If you have any questions, please reach out to Victoria (412.496.9128) or Eleni (412.953.3699). The groups are as follows: HOPE- 5 years old-2nd grade, JOY-3rd grade to 6th grade, GOYA 7th grade-12th grade. The practice schedule is below.

·         TODAY, June 1: HOPE, during Hospitality Hour

·         Thursday, June 5: ALL Groups; 6:00pm

·         Tuesday, June 10: ALL Groups; 6:00pm

·         Sunday, June 15: HOPE, during Hospitality Hour

·         Tuesday, June 17: ALL Groups; 6:00pm

·         Sunday, June 29: HOPE, during Hospitality Hour

 

[June 7-9] Holy Trinity Pentecost Feast Day Weekend

Join the Holy Trinity community from June 7-9 to celebrate its Feast Day Weekend. Please note that the Saturday of Souls is at the Saint George Chapel (SG), and all other services are at Holy Trinity Church (HT).

 - Sat. June 7, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: Saturday of the Souls (SG)

- Sun. June 8, 8:15am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: The Great and Holy Pentecost followed by the “Kneeling Vespers” (HT)

- Mon. June 9, 7:30am Orthros/8:30am* Liturgy: Monday of the Holy Spirit/Feast Day of Holy Trinity Church (HT) *NOTE EARLIER START TIME

 

[June 9] Holy Trinity Golf Outing

The annual Holy Trinity Golf Outing will be held on Monday, June 9 at Wildwood Golf Club. A registration flyer was included in the May edition of the Herald. Additional copies can be found at the church office window. All are welcome!

 

FESTIVAL COOKING! 

Please join us as we continue preparing delicious food and pastries for our 2025 TASTE OF GREECE Festival!  The key to finishing our cooking day goals is to have 30-35 volunteers each time - why not be one of them!  Mark your calendars - there is a time and day to fit everyone's schedules.

·         Tues, June 10, 9am-9pm –DIPLES

·         Tues, June 17, 9am-9pm – PORTOKALOPITA

·         Tues, June 24, 9am-9pm – TIROPITA

·         Wed, July 16, 9am-9pm – SOUZOUKAKIA 

  

[June 12, 26] “Playtime & Parea”

Holy Trinity Church is pleased to announce the addition of its newest ministry: “Playtime & Parea”! It is a fun, faith-based playgroup for little ones (ages 0 to 4) and parents (or caregivers) to connect, make new friends, and grow together in the love of Christ. Meets twice a month on Thursdays from 10:00am until 11:30am in the Fireside Room. The next gathering is scheduled for Thursday, June 12. But SAVE THE DATE for the final session before summer break on Thursday, June 26. Attendees, along with their families or caregivers, are invited to stay for a celebratory picnic following the story-time session. RSVPs are required and can be done by emailing [email protected] or texting Helena at 412-477-7416 by June 22. Older siblings of the Playtime and Parea attendees are invited to attend both June sessions. Crafts will be available for them to complete and will be shared with the Visitation Committee for distribution.

 

[June 23] Active Older Adults Ministry - Pittsburgh Pilgrimage: Shrines of Pittsburgh Tour

Pilgrimages to our historic overseas countries feature many ancient Orthodox Christian sites, but Pittsburgh also has a rich religious history dating back to the early years of immigration, including many sites belonging to the Roman Catholic Church. Please make plans to join our Active Older Adults Ministry for a Pittsburgh Pilgrimage to the “Shrines of Pittsburgh” on Monday, June 23rd from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Bus will pick up and drop off at Holy Trinity. Visit St. Anthony’s Chapel of Troy Hill which houses 5,000 relics (known to the Roman Catholic public as the largest collection of relics outside of the Vatican) and a rare set of life-sized carvings depicting the Stations of the Cross. Then lunch at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish (included in cost). Followed by visiting St. Stanislaus Polish Cathedral founded in1875 and designed by Frederic Sauer in Baroque style with magnificent stained-glass windows from the Royal Bavarian Art Institute. A presentation by the church historian about the church and the “Strip District” will be provided. Then shopping in the Strip District (including Stamoolis Brothers). The cost is $40.00 per person. Everyone, old or young, is welcome to take the trip. For more information, please see or call Tasy McCann at 724-612-9145.

 

Holy Trinity Cemetery Community Clean Up Day – Thank You!

Thank you to all the volunteers that assisted with Clean Up Day at the Cemetery.  A lot of weeding and mulching was done to make the Chapel area and the Cemetery in general look great.  Thank you!

 

Note for Summer Travel – Easy Way to Find the Nearest Orthodox Church!

Where we travel, whenever we go, we take our faith with us, for as it says in the Psalms, "God is with us!" Keeping that in mind, please remember to plan ahead and check for the location of the nearest Orthodox Christian Church if you will be staying over a Sunday. There are two great web sites to check: our own Archdiocese (www.goarch.org) and Orthodoxy in America (www.OrthodoxyInAmerica.org), a multi-jurisdictional listing of all Orthodox parishes. Also, for major trips such as overseas travels, please feel free to stay following antidoron and ask Father John or Father Radu to offer a special blessing to your family for your travels. Remember, "God is with us" always. Let’s not forget to invite Him!

 

Hospitality Hour Introduces “Simple Summer Sundays”

Hospitality Hour at Holy Trinity is a keystone of our community experience, and many thanks to those who sponsor or host them, especially in memory of their loves ones. Sometimes, however, parishioners have said they are not sure if they can host because they think there is an expectation of a large variety of food and refreshments. While all hosts are welcome to share their memories and celebrations to whatever level they want, please know that such large offerings are not required or expected every Sunday. To address this and ensure that hosting is open to everyone throughout the summer months when there are often open Sundays, the Hospitality Ministry is introducing “Simple Summer Sundays.”

    What are “Simple Summer Sundays?” They are intended to be, well…simple! Fruit, vegetables, cheese, bagels and the like will do the trick. While the offerings may be lighter, please keep in mind that we host around 200 people or so. There are some upcoming Sundays still open and now it could not be easier. So please consider hosting one Sunday with a friend or relative together. How to do it? You bring the food as described above and are responsible for set-up and clean-up. All paper products and coffee items are provided, along with directions. Please sign up today for June 22, 29, or July 6 or email [email protected]. Thank you to the Parish Council for kicking off this new concept by hosting today!

    Please remember that when there is no host, we will also still offer “Open Table” Hospitality Hours, where everyone is invited to bring one item to share with the community. Watch for those dates and consider bringing  something and offer to help set up or clean up. We can all play a part. It’s how we do “Faith. Family. Community.” at Holy Trinity!

 

Stewardship 2025 – We Reached the Summit – Let’s Be Sure Not to Slide Back Down!

This year, let’s maintain and grow as our theme for 2025 calls us to be “Stewards of God’s Blessings.” Have you submitted your 2025 pledge yet? Whether new or renewing your pledge, there are two ways: 1) Use a 2025 Stewardship pledge card or 2) Go online to your Holy Trinity Realm account (see below) at HolyTrinityPgh.org/pledge. And there are many ways to give: in person via cash; in person or by mail via check; online at HolyTrinityPgh.org/give; via text by texting HOLYTRINITYPGH to 73256; via the Realm app on your phone; and the giving kiosk in the Narthex. Remember, “Stewardship Independence” is not a one-time goal; it is a lifetime commitment to keep Holy Trinity Church vibrant, growing and bearing witness to Holy Orthodoxy for all!

 

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. And please be sure to stay and enjoy our after-Liturgy Hospitality Hour!

 

About Receiving Holy Communion in the Orthodox Church

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 also join our parish family for Hospitality Hour 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, then use the centuries-old practice of receiving: please fully open your mouth, then gently close your lips to make sure the Holy Gifts are securely in your mouth and so that none of the holy and precious Body and Blood of Christ is accidentally spilled. Thank you for your cooperation, and may God have mercy on us all!

 

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