Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2024-12-15
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

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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

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Eighth Tone

From on high You descended, O merciful One, and accepted the three-day burial to free us from our passions. Glory to You, O Lord, our life and resurrection. (Page 54)

Apolytikion for 11th Sun. of Luke in the Second Tone

By faith You justified the Forefathers, having through them betrothed to yourself the Church that came out of the nations. The saints are boasting in glory; for the glorious fruit, the Virgin who without seed gave birth to You, is from their progeny. At their entreaties, O Christ our God, save our souls.

Apolytikion for Hieromartyr Eleutherios and Anthia in the Fourth Tone

You were fully adorned with the sacred priestly robes. * You were dripping with streams of your own martyric blood. * In this state, you ran to Christ your Master, O blessed Saint * Eleftherios, destroyer of Satan; you are wise. * Therefore cease not interceding * for us who loyally honor * your blessed contest of martyrdom.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Third Tone

English: The Virgin on this day* is on her way to the cave where she* will give birth ineffably* to the Word Who is before all time. * Therefore, rejoice, O universe* when you hear it*; glorify with the angels and the shepherds* Him Who chose to be seen as* a new-born child*, the pre-eternal God. Greek: Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον, τον προαιώνιον Λόγον, εν Σπηλαίω έρχεται, αποτεκείν απορρήτως. Χόρευε η οἰκουμένη ακουτισθείσα, δόξασον μετά Αγγέλων και των Ποιμένων, βουληθέντα εποφθήναι, παιδίον νέον, τον προ αιώνων Θεόν. Phoenetics: I Parthénos símeron* ton pro-aiónion Lógon* en spiléo érhete* apótekín aporítos.* Hórevé, i ikouméni, akοutisthísa.* Dóxason, metá angélon ke tón piménon,* vouλithénda épofthíne,* pedíon neon* ton pro-eónon Theón. (Page 61)
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Saints and Feasts

December 15

11th Sunday of Luke

On the Sunday that occurs on or immediately after the eleventh of this month, we commemorate Christ's forefathers according to the flesh, both those that came before the Law, and those that lived after the giving of the Law.

Special commemoration is made of the Patriarch Abraham, to whom the promise was first given, when God said to him, "In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed" (Gen. 22:18). This promise was given some two thousand years before Christ, when Abraham was seventy-five years of age. God called him and commanded him to forsake his country, parents, and kinsmen, and to depart to the land of the Canaanites. When he arrived there, God told him, "I will give this land to thy seed" (Gen. 12:7); for this cause, that land was called the "Promised Land," which later became the country of the Hebrew people, and which is also called Palestine by the historians. There, after the passage of twenty-four years, Abraham received God's law concerning circumcision. In the one hundredth year of his life, when Sarah was in her ninetieth year, they became the parents of Isaac. Having lived 175 years altogether, he reposed in peace, a venerable elder full of days.

December 15

Eleutherios the Hieromartyr, Bishop of Illyricum, and his mother Anthia

This Saint had Rome as his homeland. Having been orphaned of his father from childhood, he was taken by his mother Anthia to Anicetus, the Bishop of Rome (some call him Anencletus, or Anacletus), by whom he was instructed in the sacred letters (that is, the divine Scriptures). Though still very young in years, he was made Bishop of Illyricum by reason of his surpassing virtue, and by his teachings he converted many unbelievers to Christ. However, during a most harsh persecution that was raised against the Christians under Hadrian (reigned 117-138), the Saint was arrested by the tyrants. Enduring many torments for Christ, he was finally put to death by two soldiers about the year 126. As for his Christ-loving mother Anthia, while embracing the remains of her son and kissing them with maternal affection, she was also beheaded.

December 15

The Martyr Susannah the Deaconess

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Seventh Tone. Psalm 115.5,3 (116.15,12).
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
Verse: What shall I render to the Lord for all that he has given me?

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy 1:8-18.

TIMOTHY, my son, do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel in the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not in virtue of our works but in virtue of his own purpose and the grace which he gave us in Christ Jesus ages ago, and now has manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. For this gospel I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, and therefore I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus; guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.

You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, and among them Phygelos and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphoros, for he often refreshed me; he was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me eagerly and found me - may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesos.

Gospel Reading

11th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 14:16-24

The Lord said this parable: "A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time of the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, 'Come; for all is now ready.' But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I must go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.' And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and there is still room.' And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet. For many are called, but few are chosen.'"

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Bulletin Inserts

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Wisdom of the Fathers

What was the nature of the invitation? God the Father has prepared in Christ for the inhabitants of earth those gifts which are bestowed upon the world through Him, even the forgiveness of sins, the cleansing away of all defilement, the communion of the Holy Spirit, the glorious adoption of sons, and the kingdom of the heavens.
St. Cyril of Alexandria
Translation courtesy of "The Orthodox New Testament" Volume 1, 4th Century

Come, O faithful, Let us enjoy the Master's hospitality, The banquet of immortality. In the upper chamber with uplifted minds Let us receive the exalted words of the Word Whom we magnify.
Last Ode of the Compline Canon

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Parish News and Events

 

TODAY'S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

 

Church School Christmas Pageant – Today!

The Holy Trinity Church School Ministry will be offering its annual Christmas Pageant today. As always, ALL students of the Church School will be involved in this event. 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!

 

2025 Stewardship Cards Distributed Today

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. Traditional printed 2025 Stewardship Pledge Cards will be distributed TODAY. You also have the option of making your 2025 Stewardship Pledge ONLINE through our Realm system. It’s so easy! Just visit our website at HolyTrinityPgh.org/pledge or click the “2025 Stewardship Pledge” icon on the front page. The return date for all pledges is December 29.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.

 

Sisters of the Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery – Christmas Boutique Today!

The Sisters of the Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery in Saxonburg, PA will be visiting Holy Trinity Church today. Please be sure to stop by and visit their Christmas Boutique in the Gallery following Liturgy.

 

GOYA Christmas Bread Pickup Today
Holy Trinity GOYA has their annual Christmas Bread available for pickup today for those who pre-ordered. Look for their table set up in the Gallery during Hospitality Hour. Thank you for your support of our GOYA teens!

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

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

- Tues. Dec 17, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: St. Dionysios of Zakynthos (SG)

 

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. It rises to the level of strict fast for the last two weeks, meaning refraining from meat, dairy and fish. 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:

  • Thur. Dec 19, 7:00am: “Prayer & Panera” – Prayer and Christian fellowship for men. 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.

 

[Dec 18] Community Christmas Caroling at Sisters of Divine Providence – This Wednesday!

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 this Wednesday, December 18. Meet at Holy Trinity at 6:30pm for a brief practice and then then head over to bring Christmas blessings and cheer to these faithful sisters!

 

[Dec 22] Hospitality Hour – Open Table Next Sunday – 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. The next “Open Table Sunday” is scheduled for next Sunday, December 22. Please remember this is a fasting period, so please refrain from meat, dairy, fish, cheese, etc. Also, we need folks to help set up & clean up on that day. Questions? Contact Stacy Dickos at 412-298-9409 or email [email protected]

 

[Dec 22, 29] No Church School Class

Attention, parents: there will be no Church School class the next two Sundays, December 22 and 29, due to the holiday celebrations, so please join together and worship as a family on those days.

 

[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: This special service offers readings, prophecies and hymns which point to and interpret the Divine Incarnation.
  • 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!

 

Christmas Angel Gifts – Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who graciously provided gifts to help make a child’s or a senior citizen’s Christmas a special one! Many dozens of generous offerings of love were provided to the needy families of the Neighborhood Resilience Project. This community is truly a shining beacon of the “Agape” love our Lord taught us to practice. God bless all!

 

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!

 

Please Support Our Local Orthodox Monasteries

During the Nativity season, please remember to include our local Orthodox Monasteries in your charitable giving. We depend on their prayers, and they depend on our essential support. You can make an online contribution or simply mail your donation to the monastery. Their contact information is listed below. Thank you for your offerings of love!

Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery: 121 St. Elias Lane, Saxonburg, PA 16056-9615

Online Donation: http://www.nativityofthetheotokosmonastery.org/donate

Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration: 321 Monastery Lane, Ellwood City, PA 16117-6531

Online Donation: http://www.orthodoxmonasteryellwoodcity.org/giving

St. Gregory Palamas Monastery: 934 County Road 2256, Perrysville, OH 44838-9529

Online Donation: http://www.sgpm.goarch.org/Monastery

 

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