Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2025-05-11
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 of Great and Holy Pascha in the Fifth Tone

English: Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life. Greek: Χριστός ανέστη εκ νεκρών, θανάτω θάνατον πατήσας και τοις εν τοις μνήμασιν, ζωήν χαρισάμενος. Phoenetics: Christós anésti ek nékron, thanáto thánaton patísas, ke tis en tis mnímasi zoín harisámenos. (Page 74)

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Third Tone

Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, for the Lord has shown the power of His reign; He has conquered death by death, and become the first born of the dead. He has delivered us from the depths of Hades; and has granted to the world great mercy. (Page 52)

Seasonal Kontakion in the Eighth Tone

Though You descended into the grave, O Immortal One, yet You destroyed the power of Hades, and arose as victor, O Christ God, calling to the myrrh-bearing women "Rejoice," and giving peace to Your Apostles, O You Who grants resurrection to the fallen. (Page 74)
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Saints and Feasts

May 11

Sunday of the Paralytic

Close to the Sheep's Gate in Jerusalem, there was a pool, which was called the Sheep's Pool. It had round about it five porches, that is, five sets of pillars supporting a domed roof. Under this roof there lay very many sick people with various maladies, awaiting the moving of the water. The first to step in after the troubling of the water was healed immediately of whatever malady he had.

It was there that the paralytic of today's Gospel way lying, tormented by his infirmity of thirty-eight years. When Christ beheld him, He asked him, "Wilt thou be made whole?" And he answered with a quiet and meek voice, "Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool." The Lord said unto him, "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." And straightaway the man was made whole and took up his bed. Walking in the presence of all, he departed rejoicing to his own house. According to the expounders of the Gospels, the Lord Jesus healed this paralytic during the days of the Passover, when He had gone to Jerusalem for the Feast, and dwelt there teaching and working miracles. According to Saint John the Evangelist, this miracle took place on the Sabbath.

May 11

Methodius & Cyril, Equal-to-the Apostles Illuminators of the Slavs

Born in Thessalonica, Saint Methodius was a military man before becoming a monk on Mount Olympus. His brother Constantine, known as the Philosopher because of his erudition, was Librarian at the Church of the Holy Wisdom in Constantinople; he later became a monk with the name of Cyril. The Emperor Michael sent him with his brother Methodius to the Khazars in response to their petition for teachers to expound to them the Christian Faith. On their way, they stayed in Cherson, where they recovered from the Black Sea the relics of Saint Clement of Rome. Later, they were called by Prince Rostislav of Moravia to instruct his people in the Orthodox Faith (Saint Rostislav died a martyr's death and is celebrated Oct. 15). The Saints devised an alphabet for the Slavs, and used it to translate the Greek books into the language of the people. In their apostolic labours throughout the Balkans, the holy brothers were slandered by certain Germanic bishops who opposed the use of the vernacular in the church services. Summoned to court at Rome in 867, they presented their Slavonic translations to Pope Adrian II, who received them with love and full approval. Two years later, Saint Cyril reposed in Rome on February 14 and was buried in the Church of Saint Clement. Saint Methodius was made Bishop of Moravia, but at the intrigues of certain Latin clergy, was cast into prison by the "Holy Roman Emperor" (the Germanic Emperor of the West), where he was cruelly tormented for some three years. In 874, through the defence of Pope John VIII, he was freed and made Archbishop of Moravia. Because he reproved the lax morals of the German priests in Moravia, he was soon accused of heresy by them, and was forbidden to celebrate the Liturgy in Slavonic. Summoned to Rome again in 879, he was completely exonerated and allowed once again to use the Slavonic tongue for the divine services. He reposed on April 6, 885.

May 11

Renewal of Constantinople

May 11

Argyrios the New-Martyr of Epanomi

May 11

Dioscoros the New Martyr

May 11

Hieromartyr Mocius

The holy Hieromartyr Mocius, who was of Roman parents, lived during the reign of Diocletian, and was a priest in Amphipolis of Thrace. One day as the idolaters were assembled, and the Proconsul Laodicius was offering sacrifice to Dionysus, Mocius entered the temple and overturned the altar. After many torments, through which he was preserved whole by grace divine, he was sent to Byzantium, where he was beheaded about the year 288. Saint Constantine the Great built a magnificent church in honour of Saint Mocius in Constantinople, where his holy relics were enshrined. He is one of the Holy Unmercenaries.

May 11

Theopemptos the Martyr & his Companions

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Third Tone. Psalm 46.6,1.
Sing praises to our God, sing praises.
Verse: Clap your hands, all you nations.

The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 9:32-42.

In those days, as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints that lived at Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years and was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed." And immediately he rose. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. Now there was at Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him entreating him, "Please come to us without delay." So Peter rose and went with them. And when he had come, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping, and showing tunics and other garments which Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside and knelt down and prayed; then turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, rise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and lifted her up. Then calling the saints and widows he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Paralytic
The Reading is from John 5:1-15

At that time, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda which has five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water; for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and troubled the water; whoever stepped in first after the troubling of the water was healed of whatever disease he had. One man was there, who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew that he had been lying there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled, and while I am going another steps down before me." Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your pallet, and walk." And at once the man was healed, and he took up his pallet and walked.

Now that day was the sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, "It is the sabbath, it is not lawful for you to carry your pallet." But he answered them, "The man who healed me said to me, 'Take up your pallet, and walk.' "They asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, 'Take up your pallet, and walk'?" Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you." The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.

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Bulletin Inserts

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Wisdom of the Fathers

In that case [Matt 9:2] there was remission of sins, (for He said, "Thy sins be forgiven thee,") but in this, warning and threats to strengthen the man for the future; "Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto you."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 37 on John 1, 4th Century

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Parish News and Events

 

TODAY'S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

 

Welcome Father John Chakos

Today, we are blessed to have Father John Chakos lead us in the Divine Liturgy and offer the homily. Father John is “retired” after serving the parish of Holy Cross in the South Hills for over 30 years but continues to be very active and committed to ministering to the needs of the Mayan communities of the Orthodox Church in Guatemala. Welcome!

 

AXIOS Deacon Ted!

Today Deacon Ted will be serving his first full Liturgy following his ordination last Sunday. May God bless and guide your ministry, Deacon Ted, as you “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3.18). AXIOS!

 

Memorial Today

Memorial prayers will be offered at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy today for the repose of the soul of the servant of God, Theodore Torlidas (40 days). May his memory be eternal!

 

Hospitality Hour

Today’s Hospitality Hour is being sponsored by the young adult men of our “Orthodox Dudes on Tap” ministry in honor of Mother’s Day and the women of Holy Trinity Church. Thank you, men, for your hospitality and great example!

 

Father John on Pilgrimage Through May 15

Father John is out of the office through May 15 leading a pilgrimage to Mount Athos. In Father John’s absence, please contact our Office Administrator, Mary Portellos (412-366-8700 or [email protected]) with any clergy requests, including memorials and sacraments. For all other office matters, including facilities scheduling, Bulletin and email announcements for ministry events, please contact Mary Portellos (see above) as usual. For Parish Council and other administrative matters, please contact our Parish Council President, Anthony Balouris ([email protected]). For all other needs, please contact the ministry or organizational leader directly or pass your request through the Church Office. Thank you for your understanding!

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

[May 15] “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 15. For information, contact [email protected].

 

[May 18] Church School Graduation & Picnic – Next Sunday

Please note that the last day of Church School for this semester will be next Sunday, May 18. All students are asked to attend and sit with their class during Liturgy. Following the service, the Church School will have a graduation celebration and picnic lunch. Registration will also be available for the 2025/2026 Church School year. Attention parents: Help is needed with the picnic. Please contact Presvytera Becky to volunteer. Thank you!

 

[May 18] Holy Trinity Dance Troupe Meeting

Next 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.

 

A Journey to Fullness – An Introduction to the Fullness of the Original Christian Faith - Begins May 19

Are you new to the Orthodox Faith? Want to just explore or ready to dive in and learn how to live it fully? Born and raised Orthodox? Ready to deepen your understanding of the Church you love? Either way, please join us for a 6-week series of video lessons, live Q&A and engaging discussions about the Orthodox Christian Faith. Held Mondays at 7:00pm in the Holy Trinity Church Conference Room. Scheduled dates are May 19, 26; June 2, 9, 16, 23.

 

FESTIVAL COOKING! 

Please join us as we continue preparing 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.

Tuesday, May 20, 9:00am-9:00pm – GALAKTOBOUREKO

Tuesday, June 10, 9:00am-9:00pm –DIPLES

Tuesday, June 17, 9:00am-9:00pm – PORTOKALOPITA

Tuesday, June 24, 9:00am-9:00pm – TIROPITA

Wednesday, July 16, 9:00am-9:00pm – SOUZOUKAKIA

 

[May 24] Holy Trinity Cemetery – Community Clean-Up Day

Please make plans to join us on Saturday, May 24th from 9:00am until 2:00pm for Community Clean-Up Day at Holy Trinity Cemetery (8941 Ringeisen Rd, Allison Park, PA 15101). Volunteers are asked to help with the general Spring cleaning of the Cemetery grounds. Bring your lawn & garden tools and a pair of work gloves! Topsoil will be provided for those parishioners who would like to work on their family’s individual graves. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Rain date, if needed, will be Sunday, May 25 (12:00-4:00pm). All help is appreciated! Questions? Please call Bill Fiedler at 412-364-1545.

 

[May 26] Memorial Day Service for Veterans

Please gather in front of the Holy Trinity Cemetery War Memorial at 10:00am on Monday, May 26 as we hold a special ceremony to honor and remember our veterans. Please note that this service is to commemorate veterans; it is not a general memorial service for all the departed. That will be held according to Orthodox tradition on the Pentecost weekend Saturday of Souls (June 7 this year) with a Divine Liturgy and Memorial at the Saint George Chapel. Memory Eternal!

 

Summer Camp Registration – Holy Trinity Campers Attend Free!

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 (waitlist)

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 attend at no cost. The code must be used at the time of registration. Find information and to register for camp, visit y2am.pittsburgh.goarch.org/summercamp.

 

Holy Trinity Greek School Registration is Now Open

Only a few spots left for the 2025-2026 Greek School year! Registration is open for children ages 4 - second grade (as of 9/1/25). Log into Realm to register today! Don’t have a Realm account? Email [email protected] for more assistance. Registration closes on 6/1 or once all spots have been filled. For more information, email us at [email protected].

 

Bereavement Support Ministry - Helpful Resources

The Bereavement Support Ministry provides spiritual listening and spiritual care to our parishioners and their extended family and close friends in times of grief and loss of a loved one. It is a part of the Visitation Ministry which has the mission of reaching out to our sick, homebound and bereaved parishioners. Grief is a universal part of the human experience... however, it is often overlooked and misunderstood. Sometimes we have questions of what normal grief looks like and may need to share our concerns with an expert who understands that each grief experience is unique. Your need for respect, confidentiality and privacy are the core values of our Bereavement Ministry. To learn more about the grief journey and/or to receive a mailing of simple, easy reading materials, please contact our Visitation Ministry Coordinator Amy Armanious at [email protected]   Amy is available to meet in-person, virtually or via a phone conversation.  Or you can see her at Hospitality Hour following Divine Liturgy.
 

[June 1] Spring General Assembly 
Our regular Spring General Assembly will be held on Sunday, June 1 following Divine Liturgy. Please plan to be present to participate as part of fulfilling your membership at Holy Trinity Church!

 

Upcoming Greek Dance Troupe Practice Schedule

Our Dance Troupe will begin its practices to prepare for the Festival starting in June. If you have any questions, please reach out to Victoria (412.496.9128) or Eleni (412.953.3699). The groups are as follows: HOPE- 5 years old-2nd grade, JOY-3rd grade to 6th grade, GOYA 7th grade-12th grade. The practice schedule is below.

Sunday, June 1: HOPE, during Hospitality Hour

Thursday, June 5: ALL Groups; 6:00pm

Tuesday, June 10: ALL Groups; 6:00pm

Sunday, June 15: HOPE, during Hospitality Hour

Tuesday, June 17: ALL Groups; 6:00pm

Sunday, June 29: HOPE, during Hospitality Hour

 

[June 9] Holy Trinity Golf Outing

The annual Holy Trinity Golf Outing will be held on Monday, June 9 at Wildwood Golf Club. A registration flyer was included in the May edition of the Herald. Additional copies can be found at the church office window. The deadline for reservations and sponsorships is May 31. Proceeds benefit Holy Trinity Church. All are welcome!

 

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!

 

Upcoming Memorials: May 18: Demetrios Danis (20 years) & George V. Gatsiopoulos (10 years).

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