Parish News and Events

 

Upcoming Services - Locations: (HT) Holy Trinity Church (SG) St. George Chapel

• TODAY, Sun. Mar. 5,4:30pm: Pan-Orthodox Vespers at St. George Orthodox Cathedral (3400 Dawson St, Pgh)
• Mon. Mar. 6, 6:30pm: Great Compline (SG)
• NO Presanctified Liturgy this Wednesday (Metropolis Clergy Retreat)
• Fri. Mar. 10, 6:30 pm: The Salutations to the Theotokos (SG)

 

Faith & Family Weekdays

Faith and Family Weekdays is back, and there is something for everyone! Ready to learn more about the Bible, about your Faith, about navigating life’s challenges as a Christian, a woman, or a man? It’s all there. There is something for everyone! Watch the bulletin and check the online calendar at HolyTrinityPgh.org/calendar for details and locations.

 THIS WEEK:

 Tues. Mar. 7, 7:00pm: “Journey of Marriage” – Marriage seminar aimed at preparing couples for their wedding. Based on the “Journey of Marriage” course by Dr. Philip Mamalakis. Conducted as group sessions with other couples to share and grow together. Meets the first Tuesday of the month through May.

 

[Mar 11] Metropolis Family Ministry Committee Presents a Lenten Retreat

The Metropolis of Pittsburgh Family Ministry Committee presents “The Body of Christ: Every Member Sacred” Lenten Retreat on Saturday, March 11 from 10:00am until 3:30pm at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church (123 Gilkeson Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15228). Speaker, Presvytera Melanie DiStefano, serves as Resource Developer for the GOA Center for Family Care. She directs the Fully Human Ministry and hosts a monthly podcast called “Family Matters: Fully Human Edition” on Ancient Faith Radio. In worship we hold every particle of the Eucharist as precious and sacred. We will reflect on how God invites us to do the same with every member of His Body. Adults & teens welcome! Registration is required, but free. To reserve your spot, please visit: https://www.tinyurl.com/mddj858d            

 

[Mar 14] Bereavement Ministry Meeting

Please make plans to join us for our next monthly group gathering on Tuesday, March 14. The Holy Trinity Bereavement Support Ministry Team provides spiritual care to parishioners and their extended family & friends in time of grief and loss of a loved one. Fellowship and light refreshments begin at 6:30 pm. followed by group support, learning, and conversation from 7:00-8:00 pm. All are welcome to participate in group sharing or observe through quiet time with others who care. To learn more about our Bereavement Support Ministry and our private support sessions, please contact Amy Armanious at [email protected]

 

[Mar 17-19] Young Adult Spring Retreat at Camp Nazareth

The 2023 Young Adult Spring Retreat at Camp Nazareth will be held March 17-19. The retreat is open to those age 18-35 from all jurisdictions. Keynote speaker will be Rev. Fr. Radu Bordeianu. Register at: tinyurl.com/23YASpringRetreat 

 

[Mar 19] Godparent/Godchild Sunday & Philoptochos Annual Lenten Luncheon - Save the Date!

Holy Trinity Church will celebrate its annual “Godparent/Godchild” Sunday on March 19 this year. In previous years we had asked our Church School students to invite their Godparents to attend, but this year we are asking everyone to do so. To assist with that, there are invitations with envelopes available in the Narthex and at the church office window. Please take one, sign and address it and send it to the one who sponsored you for your Baptism or Chrismation and ask them to join you for this special celebration. If they already entered the joy of eternal life, they will be with us spiritually, so celebrate for them here!

 

[Mar 25 and Mar 31 & Apr 1] Festival Cooking – Save the Dates!

Please keep these dates in mind for the next Festival Cooking sessions; Saturday March 25 directly after Liturgy for the Annunciation (Koulourakia) and Friday March 31 & Saturday April 1 (Pastitsio). Don't miss the fun!  See you there!

 

[Mar 31-Apr 2] GOYA Spring Retreat – Register Today!

The GOYA Spring Retreat will be held Friday, March 31st - Sunday, April 2 at Camp Nazareth. Registration is now open at https://y2am.pittsburgh.goarch.org/en/retreats. Be sure to register early, as the retreat will sell out quickly. To receive the Holy Trinity parish discount, be sure to use the code “HTPFS23” at the time of registration.

 

[Apr 1] Metropolis of Pittsburgh Ladies Philoptochos 2023 Daffodil Luncheon

The Metropolis of Pittsburgh Ladies Philoptochos will hold their 2023 Daffodil Luncheon on Saturday, April 1^st at the Sheraton Suites Akron (1989 Front St, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221) beginning at 11:00am. This fundraising luncheon will benefit the Philoptochos “Social Services Fund” and the “Seminarians of our Future Scholarship Fund”. To register for the luncheon or to become a sponsoring donor of any amount, please visit https://www.pittsburgh.goarch.org/philoptochos.

 

Project Mexico 2023 Deadline: Register TODAY!

In celebration of the Holy Trinity Centennial, the Missions Ministry is pleased to announce Holy Trinity Church’s return to Project Mexico this year for a Centennial Mission Trip. Since 2002, our parish has sent seven teams to Project Mexico, resulting in our community building seven homes for homeless families in Mexico with your support. The program is run by Project Mexico, an officially endorsed Orthodox Christian ministry. First priority for sign-ups is our teens age 14 and above to give them this life-changing opportunity. But we also need parents and young adult/adult chaperons who are willing to lend a hand, hammer a nail and use a shovel. See the brochure and application on our website at HolyTrinityPgh.org/missions.

 

2023 Stewardship Pledge Cards Now Due

The 2023 Holy Trinity Stewardship Pledge Cards have been distributed and all Holy Trinity Stewards should complete one immediately. If you have not yet received a 2023 pledge card or are new to Holy Trinity, additional pledge cards can be found at the Welcome Table located in the Narthex of the church. Or you may make your pledge online by visiting HolyTrinityPgh.org/stewardship. Our member-funded church needs each and every one of us, no matter the amount. And remember, a pledge commitment is required as part of maintaining your membership in good standing at Holy Trinity Church each year. Questions? Contact Stewardship Chairman George Mellis or email [email protected].

 

Sunday Hospitality Hour Sponsors Needed

Did you know that sponsoring the Hospitality Hour is not just for Memorials or Holy Trinity Ministry Groups? Individual parishioners are encouraged to sponsor the Hospitality Hour in honor of a loved one’s Birthday, Anniversary, Graduation, Baptism, Chrismation or simply out of love for their parish family. Parishioners can also reach out and combine their efforts with other individuals or families! For additional information please contact Coordinator: Stacy Dickos (412-298-9409), Scheduler: Theanne Gagianas (724-986-4546) or by email at [email protected]. Additional information is available on our website: www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/hospitality-hour or on the sign-up board located in the Gallery following Divine Liturgy today. At this time, hosts are needed for Sunday March 26 & Sunday April 2. Thank you!

 

Local Outreach – Help NHCO With Personal Items Collection Drive

Personal hygiene items are a necessity and can be an expense that many low-income families cannot afford. Since Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits cannot be used to purchase personal care items, NHCO collects these items and gives them to families and individuals who use their food pantries. The current drive runs to April 17, so it is a perfect way to offer a meaningful Easter gift to a neighbor in need. You can order items from this Amazon Wishlist (www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3L30SER2JSP2T?ref_=wl_fv_le) and have them sent directly to the NHCO office at 1975 Ferguson Road, Allison Park, PA 15101. Donations can also be dropped off at any of NHCO’s three offices Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm. The Allison Park location also accepts donations the first Saturday of every month between 9am-noon.  Suggested donated items include shampoo, conditioner, disposable razors, toothpaste, and soap. Thank You!

 

Visitation Ministry Collection – Yarn Needed for Homebound Parishioner Handmade Gifts

Our Visitation Ministry is collecting yarn (any kind, color, solid or design) to make personal gifts for our homebound parishioners. Please consider purchasing yarn and donating it to the Visitation Ministry. Kindly deliver the yarn in a plastic or paper bag to Amy Armanious during Hospitality Hour. Questions? Please email us at [email protected].

 

Welcome to the Sundays of Lent and the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil

During the Sundays of Lent, the Orthodox Church changes from using the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom to the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil. Why do we do that and what are the differences? To most outward appearances, the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil differs very little from the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, and those wishing to follow the service in the Divine Liturgy book may use the regular book to do so. The primary difference is in the prayers said by the priest in the later part of the service and the hymn “All of Creation” (“Epi Si Heri”) which replaces the usual “It Is Worthy” (“Axion Estin”) after the Consecration of the Holy Gifts. Why the change? In general, the prayers of St. Basil are more penitential, and therefore lend themselves to the Church's liturgical preparation for important holy days; hence, their use during Great Lent and on the eves of Nativity and Theophany. During this service, as the priest offers the prayers, there may be times when the choir completes its hymn, and the priest is still offering the prayer. During this season of increased prayer and spiritual attention, please use those times to follow along with the prayers with your own heart and immerse yourself in this beautiful worship experience. Rather than “wait for” the priest to finish the prayers, join him in the prayer of your own heart! The large green Holy Trinity Divine Liturgy books indicate where the changes in those prayers are, and you may follow them to develop a greater understanding and appreciation of their beauty and meaning. A blessed Lent to all!

 

Lenten and Holy Week Schedules of Services

The February edition of The Herald contained a complete schedule of services for Lent. A Holy Week schedule was included in the March issue. Please post them in a conspicuous place in your home. Make a family plan and circle the services you are able to attend and place them on your schedule and on your phone and computer calendars! As the hymn from the Book of Psalms tells us during the Great Compline service, “God is with us.” 

 

Lenten Hospitality Hour Reminder

Please keep in mind that throughout Lent our Hospitality Hours following the Divine Liturgy observe the Orthodox Lenten fasting schedule. Anyone sponsoring a Memorial Hospitality Hour or providing Church School snacks is asked to take care that non-meat and non-dairy items are provided. The Hospitality Hour Committee can provide a list of suggestions for good alternatives. Thank you for helping our community grow in this proper and helpful Orthodox spiritual practice.

 

Lenten Resources Available on the Internet

Looking for educational or inspirational information and resources for Lent? Try one of the best religious sites on the Internet: The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. To visit the general site, go to https://www.goarch.org/lent

 

In the Hospital? Home-Bound? Please let the Church Office know! 
In today’s age of information privacy, churches are not notified when parishioners are admitted to hospitals, nursing homes or other care facilities. Both those facilities and your church depend on having the church notified by a friend or family member so that pastoral care and outreach can be offered. The same goes for those homebound. If you or any of your loved ones are in any of these situations, please contact the Church Office at 412-366-8700 to request a visit from our priests or our wonderful Visitation Ministry. Also, interested in helping reach out to fellow parishioners in those situations? Please contact Amy Armanious at [email protected].

 

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America - Earthquake Relief Fund

The Earthquake Relief Fund will assist with both the immediate needs and the longer-term implications of the devastation from the deadly earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. Donations can be made online: www.goarch.org/donate/earthquake-relief-fund. Checks may also be sent to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, 8 E. 79th St., New York, NY 10075, and made payable to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese with a memo notation of "Earthquake Relief Fund." Thank you!

 

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. Please fill out an information card so we can contact you with any information you may need concerning life here at Holy Trinity Church. Following Liturgy, we invite you to join us for our Hospitality hour.

 

About Receiving Holy Communion in the Orthodox Church

As an extension of our hospitality and outreach ministries, 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 join our parish family for Hospitality Hour after the holy services 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 and please fully open your mouth so that none of the precious Body and Blood of Christ is accidentally spilled. Thank you!

 

Upcoming Memorials: Mar. 12: Jonathan Kohan (40 days); Apr. 2: Stella Johnson (3 years) & Homer Johnson (7 years)