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

 - Tuesday, December 3, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: The Prophet Zepheniah (HT)

            Note location of service – Offered at Holy Trinity Church prior to the Philoptochos Seniors Christmas Lunch

- Wednesday, December 4, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: St. Barbara & St. John of Damascus (HT)

            Note location of service – Offered at Holy Trinity as the relics of this great saint are in the Holy Altar table

- Thursday, December 5, 9:00am Orthros/10:00am Divine Liturgy: St. Savas the Sanctified (at the Metropolis Chapel)

- Thursday, December 5, 6:30pm Great Vespers of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (at St. Nicholas)

- Friday, December 6, 9:00am Orthros/10:00am Divine Liturgy: St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (at St. Nicholas)

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:

• Mon. Dec 2, 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. This is the last session. The series will repeat in the Spring.
• Tues. Dec 3, 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.

• Wed. Dec 4, 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. The remaining dates are Dec 4 & 11.

[Dec 2] Bereavement Ministry Dinner - Tomorrow

As we soon end another year, the Bereavement Support Ministry Team has decided to do something different. Please join us for dinner and casual conversation on Monday, Dec 2, 6:00 p.m. at Olive Garden, McIntyre Square. It will be a relaxing evening together as we share stories and celebrate the lives of our loved ones who have fallen asleep in the Lord. Feel free to contact Amy Armanious with questions at [email protected].

[Dec 3] Annual Philoptochos Seniors Christmas Luncheon

The Holy Trinity Philoptochos will host its annual Seniors Christmas Luncheon this Tuesday, December 3. Reservations are now closed. The day will begin with church services at 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Divine Liturgy for the Feast Day of the Prophet Zepheniah, followed by the Luncheon at 11:00am in the Grand Room.

[Dec 5, 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 6] Holy Trinity Christmas Card and Poinsettias Forms- Submission Deadline This Friday
Please remember that the forms and donations for the Christmas Card and Poinsettias are due by this Friday, Dec 6.

Annual GOYA Christmas Bread Sale – Place Your Order by Saturday, December 7

Our GOYA teens will once again offer their delicious and popular Greek Christmas Bread this year. Orders must be placed by Saturday, December 7 for pickup following Divine Liturgy on Sunday, December 15. Orders may be placed at the GOYA bread table during Hospitality Hour today, directly with any GOYA teen OR ONLINE at HolyTrinityPgh.org/goyabread. Thank you for supporting our teens!

“Church School vs. Holy Trinity Community” Fall Food Drive: Through Next Sunday, December 8

The Holy Trinity Church School is holding its annual Fall Food Drive and once again, 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 is 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 was included as an insert in the November edition of the Herald and extra copies can also be found at the church office window. Thank you!

[Dec 8] GOYA Fireside Chat

The GOYA teen ministry will hold its annual Christmas Fireside Chat on Sunday, December 8 from 3:00-6:00pm. Information and location is being sent directly to GOYA families on the GOYA email and GroupMe systems.

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].  

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

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.

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!

OUTREACH – Angel Tree Gifts deadline next Sunday…And More Opportunities to Give This Season

A huge “Thank You” to everyone who picked up Christmas Angels. All 120 of them were distributed, and shoppers are now busy making children’s and seniors’ wishes come true! Please remember to return the gifts (wrapped and with the angel tag attached) on or before next Sunday, December 8.

 -- What Else Can We Do? -- Many who missed this outreach, or wish to do more, have asked for other opportunities to give.  Locally and nationally supported charities - a sample below - have wish lists of items needed or can use monetary help.  Please visit their websites:

• Neighborhood Resilience Project: https://neighborhoodresilience.org/donate/
• North Hills Community Outreach:  https://www.nhco.org/sharing-project-donations
• MHY Family Services: https://mhyfamilyservices.org/mhy-giving-program/
• IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities): https://iocc.org/
• FOCUS North America: https://focusnorthamerica.org/
• Lending Hearts: https://www.lendinghearts.org/donate

 And, just in time for the season of giving, Tuesday, December 3rd is #GivingTuesday! Giving Tuesday is an annual day of giving held on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Following traditional days of spending, including Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday stands in contrast and is focused on the act and spirit of giving back and helping others.

This is an important event for charities as many are offered matching funds from generous donors, so please consider being a part of it.  And always remember: Your donations change lives!

[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 on 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 on 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!

Snow Cancellations – Where to Check

Please keep in mind over the winter months that there are a number of options to hear or read about event or service cancellations in the case of snow or inclement weather on the Holy Trinity "Snow Line." First stop: Check our website at HolyTrinityPgh.org. To hear by phone, call the church office (412-366-8700) then press option #7 and listen for a recorded weather cancellation announcement. To get updates by computer or smartphone, there are three options: 1) Watch the parish email list for email announcements; 2) Check the front page of our website, www.HolyTrinityPgh.org. Finally, to get information by radio or television, watch the KDKA Storm Center, as our is registered there.

[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!

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!