Upcoming Services - Locations: (HT) Holy Trinity Church; (SG) St. George Chapel, 8941 Ringeisen Rd, Allison Park, PA

- Monday, December 9, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: The Conception of the Theotokos by Saint Anna (SG)

- Tuesday, December 10, 6:30pm: Paraclesis to St. Paisios (SG)

- Thursday, December 12, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Divine Liturgy: St. Spyridon (at St. Spyridon, Monessen, PA)

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.

Faith & Family Weekdays – Fall 2024

Faith and Family Weekdays is Holy Trinity’s offering of 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:

• Wed. Dec 11, 6:30pm Vespers/7:00pm: “Explore the Word” - Father Radu leads us through his new book, “Icon of the Kingdom of God.” Drawing on a rich knowledge of scripture, the Church fathers, and theologians, learn what the Church is and what it means to us. This is the last session. The series will repeat in the Spring. 

[Dec 12] “AOA” Holy Trinity Active Older Adults - Christmas Movie – This Thursday

The AOA will be showing the movie "Christmas with the Karountzoses'", a funny, cute movie about a Greek family during Christmas on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 1:30pm in the Fireside Room. Following the movie we will have a meatless potluck lunch. Pizza and drinks will be provided. Whoever wishes can also bring a meatless dish to share.  We'll also have a gift exchange for those who wish to participate (Bring a wrapped gift if you do). Questions or comments call Tasy at 724-612-9245.

[Dec 12, 19] GOYA Basketball Practice

GOYA has begun practicing for the 2025 season. Practices will be held on Thursday evenings from 6:00-8:00pm at the North Allegheny Intermediate School (NAI), 350 Cumberland Rd, Upper Gym. All teens are invited.

[Dec 14] Sisters of the Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery – Open House Honoring Gerontissa Theophano

The Sisters of the Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery invite you to a special celebration honoring Gerontissa on her Name Day on the Feast Day of Saint Theophano, Saturday, December 14 from 9:00am until 5:00pm. Please RSVP by calling 724-352-3999 or email: [email protected].

[Dec 15] Sisters of the Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery – Christmas Boutique

The Sisters of the Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery in Saxonburg, PA will be visiting Holy Trinity Church next Sunday, December 15. Please be sure to stop by and visit their Christmas Boutique in the Gallery following Liturgy on that day.

[Dec 15] Church School Christmas Pageant           

The Holy Trinity Church School ministry will be offering its annual Christmas Pageant next Sunday, December 15. As always, ALL students of the Church School will be involved in this event. On that day, following Holy Communion, all Church School students and staff will depart for their classes and final preparations for the pageant. All our parishioners are asked to stay for Hospitality Hour, hosted by the Church School Alumni parents and then the Christmas Pageant!

[Dec 18] Community Christmas Caroling at Sisters of Divine Providence

The entire community—adults and youth alike—are invited to this special, joyful evening of traditional Christmas carols sung by members and youth of our Holy Trinity community to our neighbors across the street at the Sisters of Divine Providence on Wed. Dec. 18. Meet at Holy Trinity at 6:30pm on Wednesday, December 18 for a brief practice and then then head over to bring Christmas blessings and cheer to these faithful sisters!

[Dec 24 & 25] Services for the Nativity of Christ

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.

• Tues. Dec. 24, 8:30am: Royal Hours of the Nativity
• Tues. Dec. 24, 6:30pm: Vesperal Liturgy of the Nativity

This service “opens the liturgical day” and begins the celebration of the Nativity.  Also, the Holy Trinity Choir will be offering a selection of beautiful Christmas carols following the service. (Note: This is a Divine Liturgy. Those wishing to receive Holy Communion need to observe proper fasting and spiritual preparation during the day.)

• Wed. Dec. 25. 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: The Nativity of the Lord

This is the main service of the Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Open the best gift first by attending Liturgy with your family and receiving the Holy Mysteries together! Make it a family tradition to keep the most important thing about Christmas the most important thing in your home!

Visitation Ministry Needs Your Help

Currently, we have a few elderly parishioners who are in need of help in their homes. They need regular visits for companionship, light housekeeping, laundry care, and grocery shopping. It would require about 1-2 hours depending on the person's schedule and needs. If you can offer some help and time, please contact Amy Armanious, Visitation Ministry coordinator at [email protected] or you can contact the church office and ask Amy to call you. Thank you!

Hospitality Hour – Is It Your Turn? 

We will be having Hospitality Hour today, but please note that there is no host, so the Hospitality Ministry is taking on the responsibility on their own. This wonderful time of fellowship and community-building has become a central part of the Sunday morning experience here at Holy Trinity Church and everyone enjoys it…but it doesn’t happen on its own and it is not fair to leave that responsibility to one committee. Hospitality Hours are often hosted by the family when there is a memorial, or by a particular Holy Trinity ministry on a rotating basis, but that doesn’t cover all the Sundays, so opportunities are available for groups, families or others to host a Hospitality Hour to honor a birthday, celebrate an anniversary or a special event. The following dates are still open over the next month: Dec. 22, 29 and Jan. 5. Please consider hosting to do your part to make sure this essential community experience continues. Information is available on what to bring and how to set up.

Not interested in hosting but would still like to help? We have the perfect opportunity! The Hospitality Ministry needs help each Sunday with setup and cleanup. If you and some friends or family would like to host or if you are able to help with set up/clean up please contact Stacy Dickos at [email protected].

Visitation Ministry Christmas Gifts

This year, the Visitation Ministry will be mailing small Christmas gifts to our parishioners and extended family members. These gifts were designed and crafted by our Creative Team. They are gifts of love as we prepare for the Nativity of Our Lord. If you and/or your loved one would enjoy receiving a gift, please contract Amy Armanious at [email protected].  

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!