Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2024-04-28
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

Apolytikion for Palm Sunday in the First Tone

Giving us before Your passion an assurance of the general resurrection, You raised Lazarus from the dead, O Christ our God. Therefore, like the children, we also carry tokens of victory, and cry out to You the Conqueror of death: Hosannah in the highest; blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord. (Page 73)

Apolytikion for Palm Sunday in the Fourth Tone

Buried with You through Baptism, O Christ our God, we have been granted immortal life by Your Resurrection, and we sing Your praises, saying, Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord. (Page 74)

Seasonal Kontakion in the Sixth Tone

In Heaven upon the throne, on earth upon the colt, * You were carried, O Christ our God; * and the praise of the Angels, and the hymns of the children, You received as they cried to You, * “Blessed are You, the One, who is coming to call Adam back again.”
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Saints and Feasts

April 28

Palm Sunday

On Sunday, five days before the Passover of the Law, the Lord came from Bethany to Jerusalem. Sending two of His disciples to bring Him a foal of an ass, He sat thereon and entered into the city. When the multitude there heard that Jesus was coming, they straightway took up the branches of palm trees in their hands, and went forth to meet Him. Others spread their garments on the ground, and yet others cut branches from the trees and strewed them in the way that Jesus was to pass; and all of them together, especially the children, went before and after Him, crying out: "Hosanna: Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel" (John 12:13). This is the radiant and glorious festival of our Lord's entry into Jerusalem that we celebrate today.

The branches of the palm trees symbolize Christ's victory over the devil and death. The word Hosanna means "Save, I pray," or "Save, now." The foal of an ass, and Jesus' sitting thereon, and the fact that this animal was untamed and considered unclean according to the Law, signified the former uncleanness and wildness of the nations, and their subjection thereafter to the holy Law of the Gospel.

April 28

The Holy Nine Martyrs of Cyzicus

These holy Martyrs, who were from various regions, suffered martyrdom together when they were beheaded in Cyzicus, a city in Asia Minor on the southern coast of the Sea of Marmara.

April 28

John the Martyr of Romania

April 28

Memnon the Wonderworker

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Tone. Psalm 117.26,1.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Verse: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His mercy endures forever.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Philippians 4:4-9.

BRETHREN, rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.

Gospel Reading

Palm Sunday
The Reading is from John 12:1-18

Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazaros was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazaros was one of those at table with him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, "Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me."

When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazaros, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazaros also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" And Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it; as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!" His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazaros out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.

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Bulletin Inserts

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Wisdom of the Fathers

But observe the wisdom of the Evangelist, how he is not ashamed to parade their former ignorance. That it was written they knew, that it was written of Him they knew not. For it would have offended them if He being a King were about to suffer such things, and be so betrayed.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 66 on John 12, 2. B#58, p.245., 4th Century

Besides, they could not at once have taken in the knowledge of the Kingdom of which He spake; for another Evangelist saith, that they thought the words were spoken of a kingdom of this world. (Matt. xx. 21.)
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 66 on John 12, 2. B#58, p.245., 4th Century

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Parish News and Events

 

TODAY'S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

 

No Church School Class Today

It has been a Holy Trinity tradition for many years that we do not have class on Palm Sunday to allow families to be in Liturgy from the beginning to the end and then proceed to the Palm Sunday luncheon as a family. It is also a nice break for our Church School staff as we all prepare for the great spiritual adventure of Holy Week. Classes will resume on the Sunday of St. Thomas (May 12).

 

About Receiving Holy Communion Today

Please see the note at the end of bottom of these announcements for information on receiving Holy Communion. This is a sacred act not to be taken lightly or out of habit, but received with “Fear of God, Faith and Love” by those Orthodox Christians who have properly prepared, especially during this Lenten season. If you have not prepared or are uncertain about receiving, it is better to not receive today and to see one of our priests after the service for spiritual assistance and guidance. For those who do receive, please remember the following helpful hints aimed at helping to preserve the solemnity and safety of the Holy Mystery: 1) Please remain at your place until you are dismissed by the Parish Council; 2) We respectfully ask women to remove their lipstick before approaching the Holy Chalice; 3) Please wait in the Holy Communion line reverently, prayerfully and quietly without talking; 4) It is traditional as we approach with awe that we make the sign of the Cross (and bow down with a “metanoia”) as an act of humility before the Lord; 5) Be sure to offer your baptismal name to priest before receiving; 6) Please take great care that the red cloth held by the acolytes (you should not hold it) is under your chin and please fully open your mouth so that none of the precious Body and Blood of Christ is accidentally spilled. According to the centuries-old practice of the church, it is customary to lightly close your lips to be sure the Holy Body and Blood of Christ remain in your mouth and are not accidentally spilled. Anyone wishing to use the alternate method of leaving the mouth fully open to receive must open very wide and tilt the head far back so the Holy Gifts may be safely deposited by tilting or turning the spoon. Thank you for your cooperation, and may God have mercy on us all!

 

GOYA Community Palm Sunday Fish Luncheon Today  

The Holy Trinity GOYA is sponsoring its annual Community Palm Sunday Luncheon today following the Divine Liturgy. Traditional fish meals will be served, as today's great celebration of the Lord's entry into Jerusalem is celebrated by the Church with a lightening of the fast for a day prior to Holy Week. Those who pre-purchased their tickets in the past few weeks have guaranteed seating and may pick up their tickets at the table in the Gallery. All others will be admitted on a space-available basis. Thanks for supporting this community event and our teens!

 

Philoptochos Pascha Bread Sale Today

The Philoptochos will have approximately 100 loaves of Pascha Bread available for purchase today following Divine Liturgy, at $10.00 per loaf, on a first come first served basis. Thank you for supporting the ministries of our Philoptochos!

 

Visitation Ministry PASCHA GIFTS PICK-UP TODAY!

The Visitation Ministry Pascha gifts for our homebound parishioners are available for pick-up TODAY! If you signed up to make a visit/delivery, please pick up your gift in the Gallery after liturgy today. We kindly request that all deliveries be made during Holy Week — today through Bright Monday, May 6th.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Services This Week

A complete schedule of services for Holy Week is included as an insert in today’s bulletin. It can also be found in the April edition of The Herald and online at www.HolyTrinityPgh.org.

 

Holy Week Starts Tonight!

Holy Week is set aside as its own special period for us to learn about and participate in the events of the Lord’s Holy Passion, Crucifixion, Death, and Resurrection. Some people have the blessing to travel to the Holy Lands and see the very places where Jesus walked. For us as Orthodox Christians, that very same reality and participation is to be found in the services of Holy Week: The Bridegroom Services on the evenings of Palm Sunday, Holy Monday, and Holy Tuesday; The Service of the Twelve Gospels and Passion and Crucifixion of Christ on Holy Thursday; the Entombment and Praises on Holy Friday and the glorious victory of the Resurrection at Pascha. Don’t miss out - join millions of Orthodox Christians throughout the world in this Holy Week of Orthodox tradition and faith in Christ! "Kali Anastasi!"

 

Holy Week Schedule and Live Services Online

The complete schedule of Holy Week services at Holy Trinity Church is in today’s bulletin and on our website at holytrinitypgh.org/documents/worship. As always, check the online calendar at www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/calendar for all parish events. Remember, if you are not able - for good reason - to fulfil your calling to attend the Holy Week services in person, they will be broadcast live on www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/live.

 

Lenten Fasting: A Tool for Spiritual Growth

During Lent, known as the "Season of Repentance," and now in Holy Week, the Church offers encouragement for us to dedicate ourselves to additional prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Please take note that, according to the holy canons of the Church, Holy Week is a time of strict fast (no meat, dairy, fish, etc.) all the way through the Resurrection Liturgy on Saturday evening. It is, however, important to remember that fasting is not the ends, but a means, given to us all as part of our spiritual toolkit in preparation for the celebration of the Resurrection here and for eternal life in the Resurrected Christ! (A special note to our seniors: any kind of fasting must take into consideration medications and doctor’s instructions, so your fasting does not create medical issues – it is intended to bless, not make us weak or sick. Please see our priests with any questions.)

 

[May 3] Help Decorate the Epitaphion on Holy Friday
As we prepare to celebrate Pascha, please consider taking the day off from school or work on Holy Friday. School excuses will be available for those who attend and help. All ages are invited to come to the church and help with decorating the Kouvouklion (which contains the Epitaphion - Tomb of Christ) with flowers immediately following the 8:30am Service of the Royal Hours (the service lasts approximately one hour).  Please come to make this one of your offerings of dedicated love and service to the Lord as we honor His Holy Passion in His Holy Church. (NOTE: This is a FAMILY opportunity, not a “drop-off” event. Young children must be supervised by a responsible adult.)

 

[May 3] Holy Friday - Please Submit Names of the Departed for Commemoration

If you have names of your beloved departed ones that you would like commemorated, please be sure to submit their names before the Holy Friday evening service. Prayers will be offered for them in front of the Epitaphion on Holy Friday. A form was included in the recent Herald, and they are also available in the Narthex. The Holy Friday Trisagion Names form is also available on our website as a fillable PDF form. (Please note: there are no Memorial services permitted from Palm Sunday through the Sunday of St. Thomas – May 12 this year.)

 

[May 3 & May 6] Offices Closed Holy Friday and Bright Monday

The offices of the Archdiocese, Metropolis and Holy Trinity Church will be closed on Holy Friday and Bright Monday in observation of these sacred days.

 

[May 4] Come to the Anastasi Services and Dinner! – Saturday Evening
Don’t forget to make plans to attend the Resurrection Orthros, Liturgy and Dinner at Holy Trinity Church on Saturday evening/early morning of Pascha. Following the liturgical celebration of the Resurrection, join your family, friends, and other members of Holy Trinity to break the fast and celebrate the Feast of Feasts! Free-will offerings will be accepted for this community celebration. NOTE: There is a sign-up list in the Narthex to add your name if you are planning on staying for the Anastasi dinner. There is no charge (free-will offering only) but it will be helpful to know how many people to prepare for. Please sign-up during services this week. Thank you!
 

[May 5] Agape Vespers Candy Hunt
The Church School ministry is again sponsoring the annual Paschal Candy Hunt on the lawn of the church (weather permitting) on Pascha following the Agape Vespers Service at 12:00pm. All the children are invited to come for this beautiful and bright service. It is an especially good way for those with small children who are not able to attend the midnight service to share in a special celebration of Pascha. NOTE: Parent volunteers are needed to help coordinate this event and candy donations are needed. Please contact Presvytera Becky to volunteer. Candy donations are also needed. Please drop off at the church by Holy Friday if you can help. Thank you!

 

[May 6 & May 7] Bright Week Services at the Saint George Chapel

Please plan to join us for the following services to be held at our St. George Chapel (8941 Ringeisen Road, Allison Park, PA) during Bright Week. Orthros begins at 8:30am followed by Divine Liturgy at 9:30am.

  • Mon, May 6: Feast Day of the St. George Chapel NOTE: His Eminence Metropolitan Savas will be joining us to celebrate this great feast and the Nameday of our Saint George Chapel
  • Tues, May 7: Feast Day of the Holy 179 Martyrs of Ntaou Penteli Monastery (Relics in Consecrated Chapel Altar)

[May 12] Mother’s Day Hospitality Hour – Hosted by Dads!

Mother's Day Hospitality Hour on May 12 will be hosted by the Dads of Holy Trinity. Join in to honor the Mothers and women of our parish. Hey Dads…share some love and pitch in! You've got this! Please text or call Nektarios at 412-450-0811 to help. Let’s bless the mothers of this parish and the mothers of our children with love and thanks!

 

“Journey to Fullness” Introduction to Orthodoxy Series – Begins May 13

Interested in learning more about the Orthodox Christian Faith? Maybe you are thinking about joining, or maybe you are a life-long member and wish you knew more about this critical and central foundation of your life? Could you explain the Nicene Creed of our Faith to someone who doesn’t understand it? Well, this series is for you. It is an overview of the Orthodox Christian Faith for newcomers or life-long members yearning to deepen their understanding. The six-week series meets on Mondays at 7:00pm. The format is a combination of videos from Father Barnabas Powell and Q&A/discussion. Spring dates are May 13, 20 and June 3, 10, 17 & 24. All are welcome!

 

Festival Cooking – IT’S BACK!

IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY to get started on our FESTIVAL COOKING 2024!  Please mark your calendars and plan to come and help on the following days. Bring the kids, bring your husbands, bring your wives, bring your friends!  All are welcome...no experience necessary. Tons of light and heavy tasks for all. THANK YOU!

  • Tuesday, May 14, 9:00am-9:00pm – Apricot Rolls
  • Tuesday, May 21, following Liturgy to 9:00pm – Apricot Rolls, Portokalopita & Finikia Dipping

 

[May 21] The Resilience Bowl

Make plans now to attend the Resilience Bowl hosted by Troy & Theodora Polamalu on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Acrisure Stadium from 5:00pm until 8:00pm. The Celebrity Flag Football Game will kick off at 6:30pm. It’s the heated head-to-head match-up of coaches Mike Tomlin vs. Bill Cowher and it’s all for a great cause; the Neighborhood Resilience Project.  Ticket prices are as follows: General Admission Adult: $20, General Admission Youth (22/under): $10, General Admission Senior (65+): $10, Black & Gold: $300 - includes access to the Black & Gold Reception, Premium Seating & more. Visit https://events.handbid.com/lp/the-resilience-bowl to purchase your tickets today!

 

[May 23] AOA Holy Trinity Active Older Adults - Paint Party

For the entire community 60 years old and older.  Enjoy an afternoon of companionship, while painting your masterpiece under the direction of a local artist while sipping wine and enjoying appetizers & desserts on Thursday, May 23 at 1:00pm in the Gallery. To reserve your spot, please email your reservation to [email protected] or see or call Tasy at 724-612-9145. The cost is $36.00 per person. Deadline for reservations is May 7th. Make new friends and get reacquainted with old ones. We can also plan more events and trips for our group together.

          

Saint Spyridon Library - Missing Books Needed!!

Our church's St. Spyridon Lending Library is missing many of our beloved children’s books. Many of our books are irreplaceable so we need you to please look around your homes for any lost books to be returned. Letters are being sent out to families with outstanding book returns. If you are unable to find the missing books please see Connee Bistolas or Nicole Steiner to make a payment towards the purchase of a new book. Our library is unable to have any guests until all returns are made.  Any questions, please contact Connee or Nicole during Hospitality Hour.

 

“Greece By Faith” 2024 Pilgrimage –Spots are still available!

The Holy Trinity Pilgrimage Ministry is pleased to offer its 2024 Pilgrimage: “Greece by Faith”, September 23 through October 4, 2024. Limited spots are still available for Holy Trinity parishioners. To request a reservation form, see Father John today or send an email to [email protected] payment is due June 21, 2024. For more details visit: holytrinitypgh.org/2024-greece.

 

Upcoming Greek Dance Troupe Practice Schedule

The dance troupe will be starting practices to prepare for our festival performances. All dancers who will be dancing need to be fitted for their costumes beginning on Sunday June 2nd. Please find Eleni Dedousis during Hospitality Hour to complete the fitting. The dance practice schedule is below. Currently the schedule only includes HOPE practices. JOY and GOYA schedules will be added soon. Please plan on having your children attend as many of the dance troupe practice sessions as possible. As a reminder, the groups are HOPE (5 years old through 2nd grade), JOY (3rd through 6th grade) and GOYA (7th through 12th grade). All practices will be held at Holy Trinity Church. Please feel free to reach out with any questions to Eleni Dedousis (412-953-3699) or Victoria Andromalos-Dale (412-496-9128).

  • Sunday, May 26: HOPE, during Hospitality Hour
  • Sunday, June 2: HOPE, during Hospitality Hour
  • Sunday, June 23: HOPE, during Hospitality Hour
  • Sunday, June 30: HOPE, during Hospitality Hour

 

2024 “Stewardship Independence Mountain” – Have You Joined the Climb? We Need You!

Holy Trinity Church and all its ministries are made possible through the generous donations and support of our stewards, who offer their time, talents, and treasures throughout the year. If you have not yet received a printed pledge card, you may pick one up in the Narthex or call the office at (412-366-8700) to request one to be sent by mail. You also have the option of making your 2024 Stewardship Pledge ONLINE through our new Realm system. It’s so easy! Just visit our website at HolyTrinityPgh.org/pledge or click the “2024 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 without waiting for it to be mailed or emailed. Not sure how to access your account? Just visit HolyTrinityPgh.org/give and click “Sign In.” Use your email address and password to login. Don’t know your password? Simply click “Forgot password” and a link will be emailed to you to create or re-create one. And remember, 2024 is the year we ask everyone to make a “Stewardship Independence Pledge” as we together climb Holy Trinity’s “Stewardship Independence Mountain” to fully support our church with internal funding and your love.

 

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

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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