Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2025-09-14
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

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

[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]

Deacon Ted Stewart
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

Apolytikion for Elevation of the Holy Cross in the First Tone

Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance; grant victory to Your rulers against their adversaries; and protect Your commonwealth through Your Cross. (Page 72)

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 who were lifted on the cross voluntarily,* O Christ our God, bestow Your tender compassions* upon Your new community to which You gave Your name.* Cause our faithful emperors to be glad in Your power,* granting them the victories against their adversaries.* And for an ally, Lord, may they have You,* peace as their armor, the trophy invincible.
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Saints and Feasts

September 14

The Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross

Saint Helen, the mother of Saint Constantine the Great, when she was already advanced in years, undertook, in her great piety, the hardships of a journey to Jerusalem in search of the cross, about the year 325. A temple to Aphrodite had been raised up by the Emperor Hadrian upon Golgotha, to defile and cover with oblivion the place where the saving Passion had been suffered. The venerable Helen had the statue of Aphrodite destroyed, and the earth removed, revealing the Tomb of our Lord, and three crosses. Of these, it was believed that one must be that of our Lord, the other two of the thieves crucified with Him; but Saint Helen was at a loss which one might be the Wood of our salvation. At the inspiration of Saint Macarius, Archbishop of Jerusalem, a lady of Jerusalem, who was already at the point of death from a certain disease, was brought to touch the crosses, and as soon as she came near to the Cross of our Lord, she was made perfectly whole. Consequently, the precious Cross was lifted on high by Archbishop Macarius of Jerusalem; as he stood on the ambo, and when the people beheld it, they cried out, "Lord have mercy." It should be noted that after its discovery, a portion of the venerable Cross was taken to Constantinople as a blessing. The rest was left in Jerusalem in the magnificent church built by Saint Helen, until the year 614. At that time, the Persians plundered Palestine and took the Cross to their own country (see Jan. 22, Saint Anastasius the Persian). Late, in the year 628, Emperor Heraclius set out on a military campaign, retrieved the Cross, and after bringing it to Constantinople, himself escorted it back to Jerusalem, where he restored it to its place.

Rest from labour. A Fast is observed today, whatever day of the week it may be.

September 14

Commemoration of the 6th Ecumenical Council

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Seventh Tone. Psalm 98.9,1.
Exalt the Lord our God.
Verse: The Lord reigns; let the people tremble.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 1:18-24.

Brethren, the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the cleverness of the clever I will thwart." Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Gospel Reading

The Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross
The Reading is from John 19:6-11, 13-20, 25-28, 30

At that time, when the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, "Crucify him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no crime in him." The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and by that law he ought to die, because he has made himself the Son of God."

When Pilate heard these words, he was the more afraid; he entered the praetorium again and said to Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus gave no answer. Pilate therefore said to him, "You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?" Jesus answered him, "You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore he who delivered me to you has the greater sin." When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called the Pavement, and in Hebrew, Gabbatha. Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, "Behold your King!" They cried out, "Away with him, away with him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar." Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called the place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. Pilate also wrote a title and put it on the cross; it read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." Many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek.

But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold your son!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. Then when Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished"; and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

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Bulletin Inserts

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Wisdom of the Fathers

But they cried out, "We have no king but Caesar." Of their own will they subjected themselves to punishment; therefore also God gave them up, because they were the first to cast themselves out from His providence and superintendence ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 84 on John 18 and Homily 85 on John 19, 4th Century

... the crown of thorns, the robe, the reed, the blows, the smiting on the cheek, the spittings, the irony. These things, if continually meditated on, are sufficient to take down all anger; and if we be mocked at, if we suffer injustice, let us still say, "The servant is not greater than his Lord" (c. xiii. 16).
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 84 on John 18 and Homily 85 on John 19, 4th Century

For on this account He bare all these things, in order that we might walk in His footsteps, and endure those mockings which disturb more than any other kind of reproach ... This let us also imitate; for nothing so much maketh God propitious as the loving enemies, and doing good to those who despitefully use us.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 84 on John 18 and Homily 85 on John 19, 4th Century

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Parish News and Events

 

TODAY'S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

 

“Open Table Sunday” Hospitality Hour Today

Thank you to all of those who have contributed to the “Open Table Sunday” Hospitality Hour today! Kindly place your ready-to-share plated items on the table located in the Gallery on your way into Liturgy. Please note that it is a strict fast day because of the feast of the Holy Cross (no meat, dairy, fish). Please stay for a few moments afterwards and offer to help with clean-up. Thank you!

 

Backpacks for Needy Children – Return by next Sunday, Sept. 21

Along with FOCUS North America, Holy Trinity GOYA is sponsoring a "Backpack Drive" for needy children in our public schools. The goal is to provide basic school supplies for those who cannot afford them. In response to the tremendous support last year, more have been ordered and we have received 120 backpacks all of which were claimed last Sunday! What a wonderful testimony to the generosity and Christ-centered love this community has for helping those in need – God bless you all! There is a list of requested school supply items you can purchase anywhere you see fit. Please return the filled backpacks to Holy Trinity by Sunday, Sept. 21. (Note: this philanthropic outreach benefits our local area, as most will be donated to the students of Manchester Academic Charter School in our old North Side neighborhood, where our own parishioner, Vas Scoumis, is the CEO and Principal.) But new this year… we will also be sending a portion of the backpacks to Romania, where they will be distributed by a Christian mission. Your blessings will reach the other side of the world!

 

Holy Trinity Dance Troupe Practice

In preparation for the Folk Dance Festival that we are hosting November 14-16, dance troupe practice will be starting TODAY for the JOY Dance troupe. The JOY group will practice during Hospitality Hour. HOPE will begin dance practices in October and GOYA will be starting practices soon. Please be on the lookout for those announcements.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Father John on Pilgrimage Through September 19

Father John is out of the office through September 19 leading a pilgrimage to Mount Athos. In Father John’s absence, please contact our Office Administrator, Mary Portellos (412-366-8700 or [email protected]) with any clergy requests, including memorials and sacraments. For all other office matters, including facilities scheduling, Bulletin and email announcements for ministry events, please contact Mary Portellos (see above) as usual. For Parish Council and other administrative matters, please contact our Parish Council President, Anthony Balouris ([email protected]). For all other needs, please contact the ministry or organizational leader directly or pass your request through the Church Office. Thank you for your understanding!

 

[Sept 19] Playtime & Parea

We’re excited to kick off another season of Playtime & Parea! Join us for a fun, faith-filled playgroup for parents, caregivers, and little ones to connect, make new friends, and grow together in the love of Christ. Ages 0 to 4. The first session will be Friday, September 19 at 10:00am in the Fireside Room, and every other Friday following (second session Friday, October 3). Questions? Contact Helena Kraniou and Marika Gagianas at [email protected]

 

[Sept 20] Holy Cross Glendi

You are invited to join our sister parish of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church on Saturday, September 20 beginning at 6:00pm for an evening filled with fun, food, and festivities! This Greek Village-Style Glendi will celebrate Greek culture with traditional music, dancing, and of course, delicious Greek cuisine. The evening will feature New York City’s Apollo Orchestra. Don't miss out on this exciting event! Visit https://holycrosspgh.org/glendi for more information or to purchase your tickets!

 

[Sept 21] Orthodox Volunteer Corps Visit – Next Sunday

Orthodox Volunteer Corps (OVC) is a Pittsburgh based pan-Orthodox ministry whose mission is to develop and equip Orthodox young adults to lead lives of faithful service for the Church and the world. Michael Sider-Rose, the CEO of OVC will be with us next Sunday to speak about the important work of OVC and to introduce us to the 2025 team.

 

[Sept 29] Active Older Adults Ministry - Pittsburgh Sights Tour - RESERVATIONS ARE DUE TODAY!

Holy Trinity Active Older Adults (AOA) is sponsoring a trip to two iconic Pittsburgh sights on Monday, September 29th. Our first stop will be the St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church in Millvale, featuring the murals of Maxo Vanka; hauntingly beautiful with a message about both the divine and humanity. Combines traditional religious themes with social themes, showing the horrors of war, social injustice, and scenes of the Old and New Testament. Then we will visit the Hartwood Acres Mansion, located in Hampton Twp, completed in 1929 for John and Mary Flinn Lawrence. Lunch is included. Our bus will depart from Holy Trinity at 10:15am and return at 4:30pm. Cost is $65.00 per person. Everyone is welcome to take the trip. RESERVATIONS ARE DUE TODAY, Sunday, September 14! Please SEE TASY TODAY or call or text her at 724-612-9145.

 

Youth Safety Certification Reminder for Adults

Youth Protection Policy Note: All adults involved with youth ministry contact will need to complete the youth safety and protection requirements of the “Policies for the Safety of Youth and Children” of the Archdiocese, Metropolis and Holy Trinity Church. Are you not yet certified? Do you have any questions? Please see our parish Youth Safety Coordinator Victoria Ambrose or email [email protected].

 

Church School Class Times

Remember that Church School begins with Divine Liturgy. So please be sure to have all our students here at 9:30am each Sunday. The youth sermon – a special time for your priests to teach and connect with our youth – takes place early in the service after the Gospel reading. Pre-School through Eighth Grade classrooms are located on the upper level of the Education Center. Ninth through Twelfth Grade classrooms are located on the main floor of the Education Center. Please note that all classes, Pre-School through Twelfth Grade, conclude at 11:30am. Parents, please give the teachers time to finish class every Sunday. Pre-School parents should meet their children outside of the Pre-School classroom. All other students will be dismissed to the Church School snack area, which is located on the main floor Education Center hallway, outside of the Fireside Room. Be sure to volunteer to help by signing up to provide the snacks!  

 

[Oct 12] GOYA Fall Fest

On Sunday, October 12 our Holy Trinity GOYA will host its annual Fall Fest in the Gallery following Liturgy, with hot sandwiches, comfy fall appetizers, salads, pumpkin and apple treats and more for sale. A homemade taste of Fall from our GOYA families! Thank you for supporting our teens!

 

North Hills Community Outreach Coat Shop – Now through October 16

NHCO is currently collecting and distributing new coats to children ages infant to 18 years old. New hats, scarves and gloves are also being accepted. Gift cards to purchase coats are also greatly appreciated. Donations can be dropped off at any of the three offices (1975 Ferguson Rd in Allison Park, Millvale Community Center and 939 California Ave in Bellevue), or you can order from their Amazon Wish list (link found at www.nhco.org/sharing-project-donations) and have the coats shipped directly to NHCO. Adult sizes are most needed as many teens wear adult size coats. Thank you!

 

[Nov 14-16] Metropolis of Pittsburgh Greek Folk Dance Festival

The weekend of November 14-16, Holy Trinity is hosting the Metropolis of Pittsburgh Greek Folk Dance Festival. It will be a weekend full of events for youth and adult dance troupes from across the Metropolis. Just like the GOYA tournament, we are looking for donations to help host a fabulous event. Starting this Sunday during Hospitality Hour, a table will be set up in the Gallery with sponsorship forms for anyone who would like to sponsor the event. In October, we will also have sign-up sheets for those people who would like to volunteer their time, helping with the event (more information will be shared 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. 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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