Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2025-04-13
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

Organization Icon
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 13

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 13

Martin the Confessor, Pope of Rome

Saint Martin was born in Tuscany. He had been the papal delegate at Constantinople; upon the death of Pope Theodore, Saint Martin was elected his successor. At this time the Emperor Constans II, also known as Constantine Pogonatus (reigned 641-668), was seeking support of his confession of faith called the Typos, which espoused the Monothelite heresy, that is, that there is only one will and energy in the Incarnate Son of God. But the newly-consecrated Pope not only did not accept the Typos, but convened the Lateran Council of 649 (attended by 105 of his bishops, and Saint Maximus the Confessor, who was then in Rome), which anathematized the Typos and the Monothelite heresy. Because of this Saint Martin was seized by an imperial force in 653 and brought to Constantinople, where he was charged with sending money to the Saracens and conspiring with them, and blaspheming against the most holy Mother of God. Though innocent of these accusations, he was exiled to Cherson on the Black Sea, where, after many sufferings and privations, he received the crown of his courageous confession in the year 655.

April 13

Theodosios the Martyr

April 13

Zoilos the Martyr

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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 (April 27).

 

About Receiving Holy Communion Today

Please see the note at the end 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!

 

Resurrection Lawn Signs Available for Purchase Today

Please stop by our Three Hierarchs Bookstore today to purchase a Resurrection lawn sign and share the joy of Pascha with your family, friends and neighbors. They are high-quality weather-resistant signs with metal stands included. Quantities are limited. The price is $12 per sign.

 

Visitation Ministry PASCHA GIFTS: PICK UP TODAY!

The Visitation Ministry Pascha gifts for our homebound parishioners & extended family members 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, Palm Sunday, through Bright Monday, April 21. A big THANKS to all who have given their time and helping hands this Pascha 2025.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

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

Holy Week Schedule and Live Services Online

The complete schedule of Holy Week services at Holy Trinity Church can be found in today’s bulletin, in the April edition of the Herald and online on the front page of our website. 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.

 

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!"

 

[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 18] 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 April edition of the 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 – April 27 this year.)

 

[Apr 18 & Apr 21] 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.

 

[Apr 19] Come to the Resurrection Service and Stay for the Anastasi Dinner After! – 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. 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! 

[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!

 

[Apr 22 & 23] 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. 

Tues, Apr 22: Feast Day of the Holy 179 Martyrs of Ntaou Penteli Monastery (Relics in Chapel Altar)

Wed, Apr 23: St. George, the Great Martyr - Chapel Feast Day  

 

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. 

  •          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

 

[Apr 27] Bright Bites – Food and Fellowship to Benefit the IOCC

Join your family and friends on Sunday, April 27 from 4:00-6:00pm at Stamoolis Brothers Co. in Pittsburgh’s Strip District (2020 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222). In celebration of Pascha, they will serve Greek, Italian, and Middle Eastern hors d’oeuvres along with red and white wine. Register online at iocc.org/pittsburgh by April 22 or RSVP to Alexis Cross at [email protected] or 412-780-2790. Walk-in guests are also welcome. Tickets are $35 per person. All proceeds benefit the IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities).          

           

[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 – Deadline to Register – This Tuesday

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 this 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 4] Visit of His Eminence Metropolitan Savas and Diaconate Ordination of Theodore Stewart

Your presence and prayers are humbly requested as His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh ordains Theodore Stewart to the Holy Diaconate, on Sunday May 4, 2025. 8:15am Orthros, 9:30am Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Ordination, here at Holy Trinity Church with a luncheon hosted by the community to follow. All are invited. RSVP is requested for the Luncheon at HolyTrinityPgh.org/events no later than April 30. Axios!

 

 [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 – Free for All Active Holy Trinity Youth

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 (including Church School attendance) of Holy Trinity Church member families may register at no cost for camp using code “SC25HTP”. For years Holy Trinity Church, with the assistance of Philoptochos, has offered a reduced fee for our Holy Trinity campers to make sure as many young people as possible attend this valuable ministry. This year, as a result our YOUR SUPPORT, Holy Trinity Church is able to offer NO COST participation as a result of the STEWARDSHIP INDEPENDENCE we were, by the grace of God, able to attain in 2024. In the words of our Stewardship Chairman, Andrew Fournarids, "This is just one of the many amazing ways Stewardship Independence can support the growing needs of our community." Register at y2am.pittsburgh.goarch.org/summercamp.

 

[May 18] Holy Trinity Dance Troupe Meeting

On Sunday, May 18, the Dance Troupe will be having a very important informational parent’s meeting during Hospitality Hour. Please get your snacks and go to the conference room. This meeting will be an introduction for all new dancers. We will review our summer schedule as well as share information related to the Folk Dance Festival that we are hosting.

 

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!

 

Holy Trinity Greek School Registration is Now Open Through May 31

Thank you for everyone who expressed interest and support in the 2025-2026 Greek School year!  We are excited to watch this program grow for many years to come! Here are the details of this renewed Holy Trinity educational ministry:

  • WHEN: September 2025-May 2026 on Mondays from 5:15Ppm-6:30pm

  • WHERE: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

  • CLASSES: Ages 4 through 2nd grade as of 9/1/25. The children will be divided up into two classes: 1) Preschoolers and Kindergarteners; 2) 1st and 2nd graders.

  • TEACHERS: Christina Retzou and Katerina Mavriki. both are currently Greek school teachers at other churches within the metropolis and are certified to teach Greek as a second language.

  • PARISHIONER BENEFITS: Parishioners will receive a $50/child discount ($200 total/child) and will receive early registration rights (4/12-5/1)

  • WHERE TO REGISTER: Log into your realm account, search for "Greek School," and complete the form per child. $100 deposit will be due at time of registration to secure your child's spot. The balance will be due by 8/31.

  • CONTACT: If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]. Organizers: Yianni and Marika Gagianas, Dean and Helena Kraniou.

 

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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