Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2025-05-25
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 Fifth Tone

To the Word, co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation, let us, the faithful, give praise and worship. Of His own will He mounted the Cross in the flesh, He suffered death and raised the dead by His glorious resurrection. (Page 53)

Apolytikion for 3rd Discovery of the Head of the Forerunner in the Fourth Tone

Now Christ has revealed to us your sacred head once again, * a most holy treasure hidden underground for so long, * O Prophet and Forerunner. * Therefore we have assembled for the feast of its Finding, * singing our God-inspired hymns in praise of the Savior, * who saves us from destruction, by your earnest prayers to Him.

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 25

Sunday of the Blind Man

The Lord Jesus was coming from the Temple on the Sabbath, when, while walking in the way, He saw the blind man mentioned in today's Gospel. This man had been born thus from his mother's womb, that is, he had been born without eyes (see Saint John Chrysostom, Homily LVI on Matthew; Saint Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book V:15; and the second Exorcism of Saint Basil the Great). When the disciples saw this, they asked their Teacher, "Who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?" They asked this because when the Lord had healed the paralytic at the Sheep's Pool, He had told him, "Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee" (John 5:14); so they wondered, if sickness was caused by sin, what sin could have been the cause of his being born without eyes. But the Lord answered that this was for the glory of God. Then the God-man spat on the ground and made clay with the spittle. He anointed the eyes of the blind man and said to him, "Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam." Siloam (which means "sent") was a well-known spring in Jerusalem used by the inhabitants for its waters, which flowed to the eastern side of the city and collected in a large pool called "the Pool of Siloam."

Therefore, the Saviour sent the blind man to this pool that he might wash his eyes, which had been anointed with the clay-not that the pool's water had such power, but that the faith and obedience of the one sent might be made manifest, and that the miracle might become more remarkable and known to all, and leave no room for doubt. Thus, the blind man believed in Jesus' words, obeyed His command, went and washed himself, and returned, no longer blind, but having eyes and seeing. This was the greatest miracle that our Lord had yet worked; as the man healed of his blindness himself testified, "Since time began, never was it heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind," although the Lord had already healed the blind eyes of many. Because he now had eyes, some even doubted that he was the same person (John 9:8-9); and it was still lively in their remembrance when Christ came to the tomb of Lazarus, for they said, "Could not this man, who opened the eyes of the blind man, have caused that even this man should not have died?" Saint John Chrysostom gives a thorough and brilliant exposition of our Lord's meeting with the woman of Samaria, the healing of the paralytic, and the miracle of the blind man in his commentaries on the Gospel of Saint John.

May 25

Third Finding of the Precious Head of St. John the Baptist

Because of the vicissitudes of time, the venerable head of the holy Forerunner was lost for a third time and rediscovered in Comana of Cappadocia through a revelation to 'a certain priest, but it was found not, as before, in a clay jar, but in a silver vessel, and "in a sacred place." It was taken from Comana to Constantinople and was met with great solemnity by the Emperor, the Patriarch, and the clergy and people. See also February 24.

May 25

Therapon the Hieromartyr, Bishop of Cyprus

May 25

Finding of the Icon of St. Demetrios the Great-Martyr and Myrrh-Streamer on Syros

May 25

Aldhelm, Bishop of Sherborne

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Seventh Tone. Psalm 63.11,1.
The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord.
Verse: Oh God, hear my cry.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 4:6-15.

Brethren, it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For while we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.

Since we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, "I believed, and so I spoke," we too believe, and so we speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Blind Man
The Reading is from John 9:1-38

At that time, as Jesus passed by, he saw a man blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him. We must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day; night comes, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." As he said this, he spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man's eyes with the clay, saying to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar, said, "Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?" Some said, "It is he"; others said, "No, but he is like him." He said, "I am the man." They said to him, "Then how were your eyes opened?" He answered, "The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, 'Go to Siloam and wash'; so I went and washed and received my sight." They said to him, "Where is he?" He said, "I do not know."

They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. The Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, "He put clay on my eyes and I washed, and I see." Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the sabbath." But others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?" There was a division among them. So they again said to the blind man, "What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?" He said, "He is a prophet."

The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight, and asked them, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?" His parents answered, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age, he will speak for himself." His parents said this because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess him to be Christ he was to be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, "He is of age, ask him."

So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, "Give God the praise; we know that this man is a sinner." He answered, "Whether he is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I know, that though I was blind, now I see." They said to him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" He answered them, "I have told you already and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you too want to become his disciples?" And they reviled him, saying, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from." The man answered, "Why, this is a marvel! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." They answered him, "You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?" And they cast him out.

Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, "Do you believe in the Son of man?" He answered, "And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?" Jesus said to him, "You have seen him, and it is he who speaks to you." He said, "Lord, I believe"; and he worshiped him.

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Bulletin Inserts

    Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, May 25, 2025

    Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, May 25, 2025

    Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, May 25, 2025

    Holy Trinity Golf Outing - Monday, June 9, 2025

    Holy Trinity Golf Outing - Monday, June 9, 2025

    The annual Holy Trinity Golf Outing will be held on Monday, June 9 at Wildwood Golf Club in Allison Park. The deadline for reservations and sponsorships is May 31. Proceeds benefit Holy Trinity Church. All are welcome!

    2025 Festival Cooking Schedule

    2025 Festival Cooking Schedule

    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.

    Pittsburgh Greek Festivals Guide - Summer 2025

    Pittsburgh Greek Festivals Guide - Summer 2025

    It's a great tradition, and it's here again: 36 days of Greek Festivals in the Pittsburgh region, so plan well and you can eat Greek all summer!

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Wisdom of the Fathers

He who truly wishes to believe in God must be lifted above himself, his mind, and even the whole world. For this reason, the value of faith is considered higher than the value of man. It is even higher than the value of the whole world. Therefore, the reward of faith should be higher than all of man's possessions along with the glories of this world. The reward of faith is God.
Fr. Matthew the Poor
Orthodox Prayer Life: The Interior Way, p. 74, 20th century

The work of God is, after all, the forming of man. He did this by an outward action, as Scripture says, 'And the Lord took clay from earth, and formed man.' Notice here too how the Lord spit on the earth, and made clay and smeared it on his eyes, showing how the ancient creation was made. He was making clear to those who can understand, that this was the [same] hand of God through which man was formed from clay.
St. Irenaeus
Against Heresies. 5.15.2. Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol: John 1-10. Intervarsity Press, 2006, p. 324.

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Parish News and Events

 

TODAY'S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

 

“Open Table” Sunday Hospitality Hour Today: Thank You!

Thank you to all of those who have contributed to the “Open Table” Sunday Hospitality Hour today! Please place your ready-to-share plated items on the table located in the Gallery on your way into Liturgy. Please stay for a few moments afterwards and offer to help with clean-up. Thank you!

 

Church School Registration for 2025-2026 Continues Today – Please register your children!

Registration for the 2025-2026 Church School year will be available again in the Gallery today during Hospitality Hour. In addition to registering for class, parents are asked to volunteer to host the Church School snacks once per year and to assist with various Church School activities throughout the year. Visit the tables in the Gallery after Liturgy.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Upcoming Services - Location: (SG) St. George Chapel, 8941 Ringeisen Rd, Allison Park, PA

- Thursday, May 29, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: The Ascension of the Lord (SG)

 

[May 26] Memorial Day Service for Veterans – Tomorrow!

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 7th this year) with a Divine Liturgy and Memorial at the Saint George Chapel. Memory Eternal!

 

[May 26] Offices Closed

The offices of the Archdiocese, Metropolis and Holy Trinity Church will be closed on Monday, May 26 in honor of the Memorial Day federal holiday.

 

Faith & Family Weekdays

Faith and Family Weekdays is back, and there are many 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:

·         TOMORROW – Monday, May 26, 7:00pm: “Journey to Fullness” – An overview of the Orthodox Christian Faith for newcomers interested in joining or life-long members yearning to deepen their understanding. Videos and Q&A discussion. The remaining Spring series dates are May 26; June 2, 9, 16, 23. All are welcome!

 

[May 29] “Playtime & Parea” – Please Note Change of Time

Playtime & Parea” 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. On Thursday, May 29, everyone is welcome to attend the Liturgy for the Ascension of the Lord beginning at 9:30am at the St. George Chapel and then head over to the church to meet for “Playtime & Parea” beginning at 11:00am in the Fireside Room. Due to the later start time, a snack will NOT be provided for this session. Instead, attendees are asked to bring their own packed lunch and enjoy a picnic with friends. For information, contact [email protected].

 

[June 1] Spring General Assembly – Next Sunday
Our regular Spring General Assembly will be held next Sunday, June 1 following Divine Liturgy. Please plan to be present to participate as part of fulfilling your membership at Holy Trinity Church! An agenda was included in the May edition of the Herald. This Assembly is to review parish life and hear reports on important parish matters. It is vital to the life of a healthy community that all members attend, as these meetings are quite important in the day-to-day life of the parish. Please remember, to vote at an assembly, you must be a member in good standing as defined in the Uniform Parish Regulations which includes, but is not limited to, having submitted a signed 2025 Holy Trinity Stewardship Pledge card.

 

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 7-9] Holy Trinity Pentecost Feast Day Weekend

Join the Holy Trinity community from June 7-9 to celebrate its Feast Day Weekend. Please note that the Saturday of Souls is at the Saint George Chapel (SG), and all other services are at Holy Trinity Church (HT).

- Sat. June 7, 8:30am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: Saturday of the Souls (SG)

- Sun. June 8, 8:15am Orthros/9:30am Liturgy: The Great and Holy Pentecost followed by the “Kneeling Vespers” (HT)

- Mon. June 9, 7:30am Orthros/8:30am Liturgy: Monday of the Holy Spirit/Feast Day of Holy Trinity Church (HT) *NOTE EARLIER START TIME

 

[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 is May 31. Proceeds benefit Holy Trinity Church. All are welcome!

 

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

·         Tues, June 10, 9am-9pm –DIPLES

·         Tues, June 17, 9am-9pm – PORTOKALOPITA

·         Tues, June 24, 9am-9pm – TIROPITA

·         Wed, July 16, 9am-9pm – SOUZOUKAKIA

[June 23] Active Older Adults Ministry - Pittsburgh Pilgrimage: Shrines of Pittsburgh Tour

Pilgrimages to our historic overseas countries feature many ancient Orthodox Christian sites, but Pittsburgh also has a rich religious history dating back to the early years of immigration, including many sites belonging to the Roman Catholic Church. Please make plans to join our Active Older Adults Ministry for a Pittsburgh Pilgrimage to the “Shrines of Pittsburgh” on Monday, June 23rd from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Bus will pick up and drop off at Holy Trinity. Visit St. Anthony’s Chapel of Troy Hill which houses 5,000 relics (known to the Roman Catholic public as the largest collection of relics outside of the Vatican) and a rare set of life-sized carvings depicting the Stations of the Cross. Then lunch at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish (included in cost). Followed by visiting St. Stanislaus Polish Cathedral founded in1875 and designed by Frederic Sauer in Baroque style with magnificent stained-glass windows from the Royal Bavarian Art Institute. A presentation by the church historian about the church and the “Strip District” will be provided. Then shopping in the Strip District (including Stamoolis Brothers). The cost is $40.00 per person. Everyone, old or young, is welcome to take the trip. For more information, please see or call Tasy McCann at 724-612-9145.

 

[June 23-27] Orthodox Christian Vacation Church School at Holy Cross Church (South Hills)

Holy Cross Church is offering its Vacation Church School program, from Monday, June 23 thru Friday, June 27, to all children ages 3 years thru entering 6th grade. Holy Cross Church is located at 123 Gilkeson Rd, Pgh, PA 15228. Registration forms can be found at the church office window or register online at: https://onrealm.org/HolyCrossGreekO/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=ZmZhZGFhOWUtNTNmMi00MjA0LWEzYzAtYjJiYzAxMWFmYzVh

 

Holy Trinity Greek School Registration is Still Open but Filling Quickly

There are 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 are filled. For more info, email [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.

 

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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