November 15
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2026-11-15
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
Diakonia Newsletter
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
General Information
- Phone:
- 412-366-8700
- Fax:
- (412)366-8710
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Street Address:
- 985 Providence Blvd.
- Pittsburgh, PA 15237-5951
Contact Information
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
- Publish Date:
- 2026-11-08
- Publish Date:
- 2026-11-01
- Publish Date:
- 2026-10-25
- Publish Date:
- 2026-10-18
- Publish Date:
- 2026-10-11
- Publish Date:
- 2026-10-04
Hymns of the Day
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Seventh Tone
By Your Cross You destroyed death and to the thief You opened paradise. You transformed the sorrow of the Myrrh-bearers, and commanded the Apostles to proclaim that You have risen from the dead, Christ our God, granting the world great mercy. (Page 53)
Apolytikion for Martyrs Gouria, Shamuna, and Habib in the Fifth Tone
You have given us the miracles of Your holy Martyrs as an impregnable fortress, O Christ our God. At their entreaties, frustrate the plots of foreign enemies, and strengthen our nation, for You alone are good and benevolent.
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 Fourth Tone
The most pure Temple of the Savior*, His most precious bridal chamber*, the Virgin, sacred treasury of God’s glory*, enters today into the house of the Lord*, bringing with her the grace of the divine Spirit.* Wherefore the angels of God are singing*: “Behold the heavenly tabernacle!”
Saints and Feasts
November 15
Nativity Fast Begins
The Nativity Fast is one of four main fast periods throughout the ecclesiastical year. Beginning on November 15 and concluding on December 24, the Nativity Fast gives individuals the opportunity to prepare for the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior in the Flesh on December 25. By abstaining from certain food and drink, particularly from meat, fish, dairy products, olive oil, and wine, as well as focusing more deeply on prayer and almsgiving, we can find that the primary aim of fasting is to make us conscious of our dependence upon God.
November 15
Guria, Shamuna, and Habib, Martyrs and Confessors of Edessa
Of these most illustrious Martyrs of the city of Edessa in Syria, Guria and Shamuna contested during the reign of Diocletian, in 288; after many tortures, they were cast into prison, then beheaded. Saint Habib, a deacon, contested in the days of Licinius, in the year 316, and was burned alive; he was buried with Saints Guria and Shamuna. The three have one common feast, and it is always together that they are portrayed in icons and invoked by the faithful. On account of a renowned miracle they worked, they are invoked for help in marital difficulties. A certain Goth had come with the Roman army to Edessa and was quartered in the house of a pious widow named Sophia. The Goth asked Sophia for the hand of her daughter, Euphemia; after resisting for a long time, Sophia at last agreed. When it was time for the army to return home, Sophia made the Goth vow by the power in the holy Martyrs Shamuna, Guria, and Habib, to keep Euphemia as the apple of his eye. As he was nearing his home, however, the treacherous man revealed to Euphemia that he already had a wife. Euphemia was compelled to serve the Goths wife, who dealt with her mercilessly. After extreme sufferings, which included being sealed alive in a tomb and left there to die, Euphemia was miraculously conveyed to Edessa, to the very shrine of the holy Martyrs whose surety they had taken, and was reunited with her mother through their holy prayers.
November 15
Thomas II the New, Archbishop of Constantinople
Saint Thomas II was Patriarch of Constantinople from 667 until his death in 669. In a time troubled by the Christological disputes, he remained Orthodox in faith and teaching. Prior to being ordained as Patriarch, he had served in the patriarchate as deacon, chartophylax, scribe, referendarius and chancellor of the Patriarchate. He was elected patriarch from the diaconate, more than six and a half months after the repose of his predecessor, Patriarch Peter.
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Epistle Reading
Prokeimenon. Seventh Tone. Psalm 28.11,1.
The Lord will give strength to his people.
Verse: Bring to the Lord, O sons of God, bring to the Lord honor and glory.
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 2:14-22.
Brethren, Christ is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Gospel Reading
8th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 10:25-37
At that time, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read?" And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." And he said to him, "You have answered right; do this, and you will live."
But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
Bulletin Inserts
Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, November 15, 2026
Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, November 15, 2026
Philoptochos - Holy Trinity Apparel Sale
Holy Trinity Philoptochos is currently holding an “Holy Trinity Apparel Sale” with a selection of uniquely Holy Trinity items that will run through December 4th. This is the perfect way to show your love for your Holy Trinity community while also supporting the philanthropic work of Philoptochos.
Wisdom of the Fathers
Godly love cannot be perfect unless a man love his neighbor also. Under which name must be included not only those who are connected with us by friendship or neighborhood, but absolutely all men, with whom we have a common nature, whether they be foes or allies, slaves or free.
Sermon 12, On the Fast, 6th century
'The Lord your God is one Lord' (cf. Deut. 6:4), revealed in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit: in the unbegotten Father; in the Son, who is begotten eternally, timelessly and impassibly as the Logos, and who through Himself anointed that which He assumed from us and so is called Christ; and in the Holy Spirit, who also comes forth from the Father, not begotten, but proceeding. This alone is God and alone is true God, the one Lord in a Trinity of Hypostases, undivided in nature, will, glory, power, energy, and all the characteristics of divinity. Him alone shall you love and Him alone shall you worship with all your mind and with all your heart and with all your strength.
A New Testament Decalogue no. 1, Philokalia Vol. 4 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg. 323, 14th century
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, Katherine “Kay” Balouris (3 months). May her memory be eternal! Today’s Hospitality Hour is sponsored by the Balouris Family.
Stewardship Catch-Up Sunday – Today
As we approach the end of the year, we invite everyone to take a moment to reflect on their Stewardship commitment to Holy Trinity during this “Catch Up Sunday.” You should have received your giving statement this week, which will help you track your current progress toward your 2026 commitment. If you need to check your status, ask questions or submit a pledge, please stop by the Stewardship Committee table during Hospitality Hour after Divine Liturgy. If you haven't yet submitted your 2026 pledge, this is your opportunity to complete a Stewardship card or submit one through your Realm account. If you're behind on your commitment, this is also a wonderful time to “catch up.” Every pledge and every contribution is an expression of faith and love for our Church. Together, we make the continued growth and ministries of Holy Trinity possible!
Christmas Gift Outreach – “ANGEL TAGS” Available TODAY – Due back December 11
We are again partnering with the local Orthodox ministry of the Neighborhood Resilience Project (NRP) to bring joy to hundreds of people in the community this Christmas season. “Angel Tags” will be available in the Gallery, beginning today after Liturgy. Gifts are due back to the church on or before Friday, December 11th. This year, we again accepted a relatively high number of gift tags, trusting that, through your generosity, Holy Trinity Angels will make the Christmas gift wishes of 120 children and 20 senior citizens come true. Let’s make sure all of them go today as our offerings of love for our neighbors. Thank you!
Nativity Fast Begins Today
The Nativity Fast, one of four main fast periods throughout the ecclesiastical year, begins TODAY, Sunday, November 15, and concludes on December 24. Though the first part of the Nativity 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, almsgiving, 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 or your family might have about this important tradition or to schedule a time for Confession.
Hospitality Hour – Sign Up Today
Thank you to all our hosts and helpers of 2026! It is time to fill in our 2027 calendar. Join with your ministry, family or friends and come to our table after Liturgy today to secure your preferred Sunday!
GOYA Meeting - Today
The Holy Trinity GOYA will hold its monthly meeting today in the Conference Room following the conclusion of Church School classes. All teens are invited to attend!
UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Upcoming Services: (Location SG: Saint George Chapel, 8941 Ringeisen Rd, Allison Park, PA 15101)
- Saturday, November 21, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: The Entrance of the Theotokos (SG)
Faith & Family Weekdays
Faith and Family offers many ways for each one of us to grow in the knowledge and practice of our faith. There’s a lot more to church than Sundays, and here is where to find it. Here’s what happening this week:
Monday, Nov 16, 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. Held Mondays at 7:00pm in the Holy Trinity Church Conference Room. Remaining dates are Nov 16 and 23. All are welcome to attend!
Wednesday, Nov 18, 6:30pm Vespers/7:00pm: “Explore the Word” – Father Radu continues his exploration of the Holy Bible with the greatest “adventure book” of the New Testament, The Book of Acts. Learn about the history of the early Church and how the Good News was spread. All are welcome! Remaining Fall dates are Nov 18, Dec 2, 9.
Thursday, Nov 19, 7:00am: “Prayer & Panera” – St. Nikodemos Men's Prayer and Breakfast Fellowship. 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.
Fall Food Drive
Through November 30, the Holy Trinity Church School Ministry is once again holding its Fall Food Drive and it’s Church School vs. the Community! For Church School students, each Sunday bring your bags (with your nametag attached) to the Conference Room. For the Community, there will be a collection bin located in the Gallery. Items will be donated to the Orthodox Christian ministry at the Neighborhood Resilience Project in the Hill District of Pittsburgh. A shopping list of requested items will be attached to the collection bags that will be provided to students, at the church office window, and on our website www.HolyTrinityPgh.org. Choose Documents, then All Documents, then Ministries. Thank you!
[Nov 19] 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. Our next session will be held this Thursday, November 19 at 10:00am in the Fireside Room and will continue every other Thursday. Questions? Contact [email protected].
[Nov 22] Hospitality Hour – Open Table – Please Bring a Fasting Item to Share!
When there is no ministry or memorial hosting Hospitality Hour following Sunday Divine Liturgy, we offer “Open Table Sundays,” on which we ask parishioners to please bring something small to share on platter and place it on the table in the Gallery NEXT Sunday, November 22. Please remember that this date falls during the Nativity Fast, so please refrain from meat (fish is allowed). Also, we need folks to help set up & clean up on that day. Questions? Please see Stacy Dickos or Diakonissa Mary Ellen Stewart or email [email protected]
[Nov 29] Regular Fall General Assembly
The Fall General Assembly and nominations for Parish Council and other offices will be held following Divine Liturgy on Sunday, November 29. An Agenda was included in the Fall 2026 edition of the Herald. Anyone can attend, but you must be an active stewardship member in good standing of Holy Trinity Church with a current 2026 Stewardship Pledge to vote.
[Nov 29] GOYA Turkey Bowl
GOYA will hold its annual Turkey Bowl Football Game on Thanksgiving Sunday following Divine Liturgy. This is a fun and friendly GOYA tradition, and everyone is invited, players, non-players, cheerleaders, parents and fans! JOY children are invited to cheer on the teens. See you there!
[Dec 3] Annual Philoptochos Seniors Christmas Luncheon
The Holy Trinity Philoptochos will host its annual Seniors Christmas Luncheon on Thursday, December 3. Holy Trinity members, ages 60 & over, are invited to attend. The day will begin with church services at 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Divine Liturgy for the Feast Day of St. John the Hesychast followed by the Luncheon at 11:00am in the Grand Room. For reservations, contact Yvonne Balouris at 724-316-2847, by November 28.
Holy Trinity Philoptochos - “Holy Trinity Apparel Sale”
Holy Trinity Philoptochos is currently holding an “Holy Trinity Apparel Sale” with a selection of uniquely Holy Trinity items that will run through December 4th. This is the perfect way to show your love for your Holy Trinity community while also supporting the philanthropic work of Philoptochos. All items will be distributed at Holy Trinity Church on December 20th… just in time to have them for Christmas. Orders can be placed on-line at: https://waterfrontembroidery.com/product-category/holy-trinity-philoptochos. For any questions, please email [email protected] or call Sandy Schall at 412-585-0035. We greatly appreciate your support!
[Dec 4] Christmas Drop & Shop
Inviting all HOPE & JOY families to attend the Christmas Drop & Shop, sponsored by Holy Trinity GOYA. On Friday, Dec 4, check in and drop off your HOPE and JOY children in the Holy Trinity Grand Room between 5:00pm and 5:30pm. Parents, go enjoy your evening and pick up your child by 8:00pm. Featuring a spaghetti dinner, Christmas movie, games, and a craft. Feel free to dress your child in their Christmas pajamas! RSVP by November 30th at HolyTrinityPgh.org/events
[Dec 6] Holy Trinity Active Older Adults – Nationality Rooms Holiday Open House
On Sunday, Dec 6th the Active Older Adults Ministry will visit the Nationality Rooms Holiday Open House at the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning. We will see the Nationality Rooms decorated for the holidays, enjoy ethnic food and music, participate in cultural crafts and demonstrations and shop for handcrafted wares. The event is free. Food and gift items will be available for purchase. The bus will leave from Holy Trinity at 12:00pm. There will be a $12.00 charge for the bus. Everyone of all ages is welcome. For more info or to reserve your spot, see, text, or call Tasy McCann at 724-612-9145.
[Dec 6] Parish Council Elections
Parish Council Elections for the 2027-2028 term will be held in the Grand Room on Sunday, December 6, following the Divine Liturgy. Nomination forms are available for download on our website at HolyTrinityPgh.org/documents/parishcouncil Please note that signed forms must be received at the church office prior to the November 29, 2026, General Assembly.
[Dec 10] Herald Winter Issue – Submission Deadline – Look Ahead Through March!
Submissions for the Herald Winter Issue are due by Thursday, December 10. This issue will cover January thru March of 2027, so please look ahead at your ministry calendars for upcoming events. Email info to [email protected].
The 2027 Bag Lunch Schedule is Here!
It’s time to get your group or family and friends together for a meaningful day of giving to the poor and hungry in our region. Sponsored through the Orthodox outreach of the “Neighborhood Resilience Project”, the 2027 weekly schedule of delivering 140 lunch bags to our less fortunate neighbors every Saturday of the year, is open and has many open dates available. Holy Trinity Church’s participation has been critical in fulfilling this goal in the past, and we are grateful for our parishioners’ renewed generosity again this year. Please contact Mike Kritiotis at 412-518-0588, or at [email protected] to select a date and sign up your family/group/ministry for this worthy cause. Thank you good and faithful servants of Christ!
Youth Safety Certification Reminder for Adults
Youth Protection Policy Note: All adults, including parents, 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 Christopher Welch or email [email protected].
2026 Stewardship – It’s What Makes Life at Holy Trinity Possible - Have You Pledged?
Do you enjoy the life, ministries and activities Holy Trinity Church offers? It is all made possible through the generous donations and support of our stewards, who offer their time, talents, and treasures throughout the year. Traditional printed 2026 Stewardship Pledge Cards were distributed or mailed out months ago. If you have not completed yours, you also have the option of making your 2026 Stewardship Pledge ONLINE through our Realm system. Just visit our website at HolyTrinityPgh.org/pledge or click the “2026 Stewardship Pledge” icon on the front page. Remember, every Holy Trinity member who pledges or donates already has a Realm account, and that makes pledging, giving, and reporting so much easier! You can even access your giving statement any time from your account. Visit HolyTrinityPgh.org/give and click “Sign In.”
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. Please note that 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!
Diakonia Newsletter
Read the latest Diakonia Newsletter for this Sunday
https://bulletinbuilder.org/diakonia-newsletter/2026-11-15?source=bulletin_web
November 15, 2026