Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2025-04-06
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 Sun. of St. Mary of Egypt in the Eighth Tone

In you, O Mother, was preserved unimpaired that which is according to God’s image, for you took up the Cross and followed Christ. By your actions you taught us to despise the flesh, for it passes away, but to care for the soul, which is a thing immortal; and so your spirit, holy Mary, rejoices with the angels. (Page 73)

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).

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Tone

A protection of Christians unshameable, Intercessor to our Holy Maker, unwavering; reject not the prayerful cries of those who are in sin. Instead, come to us for you are good; your loving help bring unto us who are crying in faith to you: Hasten to intercede and speed now to supplicate, as a protection for all time, Theotokos, for those who honor you. (Page 54)
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Saints and Feasts

April 06

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

The memory of this Saint is celebrated on April 1, where her life is recorded. Since the end of the holy Forty Days is drawing nigh, it has been appointed for this day also, so that if we think it hard to practice a little abstinence forty days, we might be roused by the heroism of her who fasted in the wilderness forty-seven years; and also that the great loving-kindness of God, and His readiness to receive the repentant, might be demonstrated in very deed.

April 06

Eutychius, Patriarch of Constantinople

Born in Theia Kome of Phrygia, Eutychius was the son of illustrious parents, from whom he received a pious upbringing. He studied in Constantinople, and became a monk in a certain monastery of Amasia. In 552 he was chosen Patriarch of New Rome, but was exiled in 565 as a result of the machinations of the Origenists. In 577 he was restored to his throne and reposed on April 6, 582.

April 06

Gregory of Sinai

April 06

120 Martyrs of Persia

April 06

Platonis the Nun of Nisibis

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Eighth Tone. Psalm 75.11,1.
Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 9:11-14.

BRETHREN, when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
The Reading is from Mark 10:32-45

At that time, Jesus took his twelve disciples, and he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant of James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

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Bulletin Inserts

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Wisdom of the Fathers

Before He humbled Himself, only the angels knew him. After He humbled Himself, all human nature knew Him. You see how His humbling of Himself did not make Him have less but produced countless benefits, countless deeds of virtue, and made His glory shine forth with greater brightness? God wants for nothing and has need of nothing. Yet, when He humbled Himself, He produced such great good, increased His household, and extended His kingdom. Why, then, are you afraid that you will become less if you humble yourself?
St. John Chrysostom
On the Incomprehensible Nature of God. 8.46-47. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol: Mark. Intervarsity Press, 2005, p. 143.

But let no man be troubled at the apostles being in such an imperfect state. For not yet was the cross accomplished, not yet the grace of the Spirit given. But if thou wouldest learn their virtue, notice them after these things, and thou wilt see them superior to every passion.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

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Parish News and Events

 

TODAY'S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

 

Memorials Today
Memorial prayers will be offered at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy today for the repose of the souls of the servants of God, Christine Dickos (40 days); Voula Hareras (40 days) and Constantine Hareras (42 years). The Dickos and Hareras Families will be sponsoring Hospitality Hour today. 

 

Sound Technician Here Today
Please note that our sound technician, Dave Potts, will be present at Divine Liturgy today to analyze and optimize our sound system. He may be changing settings and moving around during the service, so please give him the opportunity and courtesy to do so as he uses his expert talents to help us have the best audio experience possible during our in-person worship and the best possible audio-visual offering to those watching online. Thank you for your help, Dave!

 

GOYA Lenten Soup Sales
Our Holy Trinity GOYA is once again offering its very popular Lenten soup sales during the Sundays of Lent, through April 13. Among the many good reasons to buy some to take home are that they are strict Lenten recipes, they provide fund-raising support for our GOYA ministry ... plus they taste great, and they are good for you! Please visit the Lenten Soup Sales table in the Gallery during Hospitality Hour each week! Thank you for supporting our youth as you strive to maintain and grow your spiritual discipline of fasting during Lent!

 

Visitation Ministry PASCHA GIFTS Delivery: Helpers are Needed – Sign-up Today! 
The Visitation Ministry is coordinating Pascha visits and gift deliveries for our homebound parishioners and extended family members. We need visitors who are willing to deliver gifts between Palm Sunday, April 13 and Bright Monday, April 21. If you are interested, please stop by the Visitation Ministry table in the Gallery after Liturgy today to sign up! Gifts will be available for pick-up on Palm Sunday, April 13th. Allow God to bless others through you!

 

Palm Sunday Luncheon Tickets Available Today – Advance Purchase Required!
Please visit the GOYA table in the Gallery purchase your advance tickets for the Palm Sunday GOYA Community Fish Luncheon on April 13 (only one week from today!). Our teens are putting together a delicious meal as always, and they would really appreciate everyone not only attending, but purchasing tickets this week so they can get a good idea of how much food to prepare. Our teens work very hard throughout the year to serve the community, and they truly appreciate your support. All proceeds raised go to fund the activities and philanthropic activities of our youth. Get your tickets today in the Gallery during Hospitality Hour using cash or check or online using a credit card at HolyTrinityPgh.org/events.

 

Holy Trinity Greek School – Informational Session - Today
Please join us today in the Fireside Room following Church School for an Informational Session about this Fall’s Holy Trinity Greek School! Greek School will be initially offered to children of ages 3 to second grade as of September 2025.  Questions? Please contact Yianni Gagianas and Dean Kraniou at [email protected]

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

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

- Mon. Apr 7, 6:30pm: LAST Great Compline (SG) 
- Wed. Apr 9, 6:30pm: LAST Pre-Sanctified Liturgy followed by Lenten Dinner and Lenten Presentation (HT) 
- Sat. Apr. 12, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: Saturday of Lazarus (HT) followed by Lenten breakfast and Holy Week preparations and confessions.

 

Faith & Family Weekdays – This Week

•    Wed. Apr. 9: Pre-Sanctified Liturgy, Lenten Dinner, and Lenten Presentations Series 
- Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts (6:30-7:45pm): This is a mid-week Lenten blessing provides by the Church as a way of offering the Holy Gifts between Sundays during Lent. The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is an evening service which comprises the solemn Lenten Vespers with the distribution of Holy Communion at the end. There is no consecration of the Holy Gifts during the service. Holy Communion is offered from the reserve gifts consecrated on the previous Sunday at the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Those Orthodox Christians wishing to receive Holy Communion should prepare as usual but should also refrain from eating or drinking after their midday meal. Readings will be done by our older Church School students.
- Lenten Dinner (7:45pm): We will continue the tradition of Lenten dinners following Pre-sanctified Liturgies by asking for volunteers to bring food if you are able. Plan on a Lenten vegetable, soup, salad, or dessert for approximately 20. Everyone is invited to stay for this light meal. After the meal is served, everyone will remain in the Grand Room for a Lenten presentation.

 

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. 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!

 

It's Lent - Time for Confession – This Week – Last Call Before Pascha!
Holy Confession is one of the foundations of Orthodox Christian spiritual life and should be practiced on a regular basis. Often times fast periods such as Lent offer us an added motivation to examine our soul and realize it’s time to “clean things up” as we accept the gracious offer of Jesus Christ, who commissioned His Holy Apostles when He appeared to them after the Resurrection, “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them” (John 20.22). To schedule a confession, please see Father John, Father Radu or call the Church office. If you would like to have it before Pascha, it must be done this week, as confessions will not be offered during Holy Week due to the liturgical and pastoral schedule.

 

Lenten and Holy Week Schedules of Services
The Lenten and Holy Week schedules of services have been in The Herald and are posted on our website. Make a family plan and circle the services you can attend and place them on your schedule and on your phone and computer calendars! 

 

[Apr 12] Saturday of Lazarus Palm Crosses/Candles/Confessions
Calling all Holy Trinity Church School students and staff, their families, friends, relatives, and everyone at Holy Trinity Church: Your help is needed to prepare some important items for our Holy Week services! Divine Liturgy is at 9:30am followed by a Lenten breakfast and the project. Plan to stay and help make the many Palm Crosses (everyone can help with this!) as the younger students prepare the cupped candles for Holy Friday and Holy Saturday evenings. There will also be a special craft project for our younger ones. The GOYA teens will be setting up for the Palm Sunday luncheon. Parents, please be sure to attend with your children and family. Also, on that day Holy Confession will be available. First priority will be the young people, and adults will be received after that on a time-available basis.

 

[Apr 18] 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.)

 

[Apr 19] 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 at the Holy Trinity family table! Reservations are not required, but there will be a sign-up sheet in the Narthex during Holy Week to sign if you plan to attend so that we can plan for food preparation.  


  
[Apr 20] 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. Are you able to donate candy or treat items for this event? Visit HolyTrinityPgh.org/events to volunteer. Thank you!

 

FESTIVAL COOKING!  
Please join us as we continue preparing our delicious food and pastries for our 2025 TASTE OF GREECE Festival!  The key to finishing our cooking day goals is to have 30-35 volunteers each time - why not be one of them!  Mark your calendars - there is a time and day to fit everyone's schedules.

•    THIS Thursday, April 10, 9:00am-6:00pm – PASTITSIO 
•    Friday, April 11, 9:00am-3:00pm (if needed) – PASTITSIO 
•    Saturday, April 26, 9:00am-6:00pm - KOURAMBIETHES and FINIKIA
•    Tuesday, May 6, 9:00am-9:00pm – APRICOT ROLLS
•    Tuesday, May 20, 9:00am-9:00pm – GALAKTOBOUREKO
•    Tuesday, June 10, 9:00am-9:00pm – PORTOKALOPITA
•    Tuesday, June 17, 9:00am-9:00pm – DIPLES
•    Tuesday, June 24, 9:00am-9:00pm – TIROPITA
•    Wednesday, July 16, 9:00am-9:00pm – SOUZOUKAKIA

 

[May 1] “Playtime & Parea” 
Holy Trinity Church is pleased to announce the addition of its newest ministry: “Playtime & Parea”! It is a fun, faith-based playgroup for little ones (ages 0 to 4) and parents (or caregivers) to connect, make new friends, and grow together in the love of Christ. Meets twice a month on Thursdays from 10:00am until 11:30am in the Fireside Room. The next gathering is scheduled for Thursday, May 1. For information, contact [email protected].

 

[May 3] Annual St. Photios Awards Banquet
The 11th Annual St. Photios Awards Banquet will be held on Saturday, May 3 beginning at 4:00pm at the Doubletree by Hilton Pittsburgh-Cranberry in Mars, PA. Come and celebrate our Holy Trinity Awardees: George Danis and Gerri Valliant! The deadline to register is Tuesday, April 15. For information on reservations, please visit pittsburgh.goarch.org/st-photios-awards-banquet. Questions? Please see Banquet Co-Chair, Marianne Stearns or call her at 412-600-2159.

 

[May 6] Bereavement Support Ministry - SAVE the DATE 
Before we enter into summer, the Bereavement Support Ministry is reaching out in a new and different way. Please join us for dinner and casual conversation on Tuesday, May 6, around 5:30 p.m. It will be a relaxed evening together. If interested in learning more details, please contact Amy Armanious at [email protected]

 

Summer Camp Registration
The Metropolis of Pittsburgh has announced the dates for its 2025 Summer Camp season. They are as follows:

•    Week 1 (Grades 2-4): June 15 - June 21
•    Week 2 (Grades 5-7): June 22 – June 28
•    Week 3 (Grades 7-9): June 29 – July 5
•    Week 4 (Grades 10-12): July 6 – July 12

Important: The standard fee for 2025 is $695, but all active youth participants of Holy Trinity Church member families may register for camp using code “SC25HTP” to receive $395 off the registration fee, reducing the fee to only $300. Registration opens this Tuesday April 8 at 7:00pm. The code must be used at the time of registration. Early registration deadline is May 8. Find information and to register for camp, visit y2am.pittsburgh.goarch.org/summercamp. 

 

Upcoming Lenten and Paschal Dates
Wondering about Lenten and Paschal dates? Here’s a helpful guide to some of the important events coming up. Mark them on your calendar!
•    Saturday of Lazarus/Palm Cross/Candle prep: Apr. 12
•    Palm Sunday: Apr. 13
•    Holy Week: Apr. 13-19
•    Holy Friday (schedule off work & school): Apr. 18
•    The Great and Holy Pascha: Apr. 20

 

Hospitality Hour Hosts Needed
Thank you to everyone who has stepped up to host our reformatted “Hospitality Hour” following our Sunday Divine Liturgies. There are several available Sundays in the Spring and plenty during the summer. Remember a loved one. Celebrate a special event. Share your hospitality with the community. Contact Stacy Dickos at 412-298-9409 or email her at [email protected] to reserve a date.

 

Youth Safety Certification Reminder for Adults
Youth Protection Policy Note: All adults 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 Victoria Ambrose or email [email protected]. 

 

Stewardship 2025 – We Reached the Summit – Let’s Be Sure Not to Slide Back Down!
Thanks to the dedication and offerings of so many faithful stewards, 2024 was a record year for Holy Trinity Stewardship. As we strove together for “Stewardship Independence” we reached levels never seen before. Glory to God and many thanks to the faithful stewards who stepped up to the challenge! Now it’s time to keep it going!
    This year, let’s maintain and grow as our theme for 2025 calls us to be “Stewards of God’s Blessings.” If you pledged last year, please grow that pledge to keep up with our increasing expenses in 2025. If you have not pledged before, ask our Stewardship Chairperson, Andrew Fournaridis, any questions you have. And whether new or renewing your pledge, there are two ways: 1) Use a 2025 Stewardship pledge card or 2) Go online to your Holy Trinity Realm account (see below) at HolyTrinityPgh.org/pledge. And there are many ways to give: in person via cash; in person or by mail via check; online at HolyTrinityPgh.org/give; via text by texting HOLYTRINITYPGH to 73256; via the Realm app on your phone; and the giving kiosk in the Narthex. Remember, “Stewardship Independence” is not a one-time goal; it is a lifetime commitment to keep Holy Trinity Church vibrant, growing and bearing witness to Holy Orthodoxy for 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!

 

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