June 22
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2025-06-22
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
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
General Information
- Phone:
- (412)366-8700
- Fax:
- (412)366-8710
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Street Address:
- 985 Providence Blvd.
- Pittsburgh, PA 15237-5951
Contact Information
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
- Publish Date:
- 2025-06-29
- Publish Date:
- 2025-06-15
- Publish Date:
- 2025-06-08
- Publish Date:
- 2025-06-01
- Publish Date:
- 2025-05-25
- Publish Date:
- 2025-05-18
Hymns of the Day
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the First Tone
Though the tomb was sealed with a stone by the Jews and the soldiers guarded Your pure body, You arose, O Savior, on the third day, giving life to the world. Therefore, O Giver of Life, the heavenly powers praise You. Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ; glory to Your kingdom; glory to Your plan of redemption, O only loving God. (Page 52)
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)
Saints and Feasts
June 22
Eusebius, Bishop of Samosata
After the expulsion of Eudoxius from the see of Antioch, the Arians of Antioch, believing that Meletius of Armenia would uphold their doctrines, petitioned the Emperor Constantius to appoint Meletius Bishop of Antioch, while signing a document jointly with the Orthodox of Antioch, unanimously agreeing to Meletius' appointment (see Feb. 12); this document was entrusted to Eusebius, Bishop of Samosata. Meletius, however, after his Orthodoxy became apparent, was banished, and the Arians persuaded Constantius to demand the document back from Eusebius, as it convicted their perfidy. Imperial officers were sent; Eusebius refused to surrender the document without the consent of all who had signed it; the officers returned to the Emperor, who furiously sent them back to Eusebius with threats. But so great a zealot for the true Faith, so staunch an enemy of the Arians, so fearless a man of valor was Saint Eusebius, that when Constantius' officers arrived, threatening to cut off his right hand unless he surrendered the document, Eusebius held out both hands. When Constantius learned of it, he was struck with astonishment and admiration.
This took place in 361, the last year of the reign of Constantius; he was succeeded by Julian the Apostate, who was slain in Persia in 363; Jovian succeeded Julian, and Valentinian succeeded Jovian in 364, making his brother Valens Emperor of the East. Valens, who supported the Arians, exiled Eusebius to Thrace in 374. The bearer of the edict of Eusebius' banishment arrived in the evening; Eusebius bade him keep silence, or else the people, learning why he had come, would drown him: and Eusebius, though an old man, left his house alone on foot by night. After Valens was slain at Adrianopole in 378 (see Saint Isaacius, Aug. 3), the holy Eusebius returned from exile under the Emperor Gratian, and he ordained for the churches of Syria men known for their virtue and Orthodoxy. About the year 380, as he was entering a certain village to enthrone its bishop, whom he had consecrated, an Arian woman threw a clay tile from the roof, and it crushed his head; as he was dying, he bound the bystanders with oaths that they not take the least vengeance. Saint Gregory the Theologian addressed several letters to him (PG 37:87, 91, 126-130); he had such reverence for him, that in one letter to him, commending himself to Saint Eusebius' prayers, he said, "That such a man should deign to be my patron also in his prayers will gain for me, I am persuaded, as much strength as I should have gained through one of the holy martyrs.
June 22
Alban the Protomartyr of Britain
June 22
Anastasia the Serbian
June 22
Zenon the Martyr & his servant Zenas of Philadelphia
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Epistle Reading
Prokeimenon. First Tone. Psalm 32.22,1.
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 2:10-16.
Brethren, glory and honor and peace for every one who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality. All who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. When Gentiles who have not the law do by nature what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or perhaps excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.
Gospel Reading
2nd Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 4:18-23
At that time, as Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left their boat and their father, and followed him. And he went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.
Bulletin Inserts
Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, June 22, 2025
Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, June 22, 2025
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
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!
Wisdom of the Fathers
Prayer, fasting, vigil and all other Christian practices, however good they may be in themselves, do not constitute the aim of our Christian life, although they serve as the indispensable means of reaching this end. The true aim of our Christian life consists in the acquisition of the Holy Spirit of God.
The Acquisition of the Holy Spirit: Chapter 3, The Little Russian Philokalia Vol. 1; Saint Herman of Alaska Brotherhood pg. 79, 19th century
Within the visible world, man is as it were a second world; and the same is true of thought within the intelligible world. For man is the herald of heaven and earth, and of all that is in them; while thought interprets the intellect and sense perception, and all that pertains to them. Without man and thought both the sensible and the intelligible worlds would be inarticulate.
Gnomic Anthology IV no. 112, Philokalia Vol. 3 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg. 61
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
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:
· Monday, June 23, 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. This will be the final date of the Spring series. The series will repeat again in the Fall. All are welcome!
Hospitality Hour – Your Help is Needed
Today is an “Open Table Sunday” and there are 2 more coming up on June 29 and July 6! We especially need volunteers to set up and clean up on these dates. Without your help, we will not be able to enjoy our wonderful Hospitality Hour. Please email [email protected], Sign up on the Board today or Contact Stacy at 412.298.9409 to volunteer. A reminder that we are encouraging “Simple Summer Sundays”. They are intended to be, well…simple! Fruit, vegetables, cheese, bagels and the like will do the trick. Remember “Open Table” Hospitality Hour is where everyone is invited to bring one item to share with the community. We can all play a part. It’s how we do “Faith. Family. Community.” at Holy Trinity!
[June 23] Active Older Adults Ministry – Shrines of Pittsburgh Tour – Tomorrow!
If you have already reserved your spot for the trip, please note that the bus is scheduled to depart from Holy Trinity’s parking lot at 9:00am tomorrow morning, Monday, June 23. There may be a limited number of seats still available, so please see Tasy today or call her at 724-612-9145, if you are interested in joining this group trip. 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.
· THIS Tues, June 24, 9am-9pm – TIROPITA
· Wed, July 16, 9am-9pm – SOUZOUKAKIA
[June 26] “Playtime & Parea” – This Thursday!
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. SAVE THE DATE for the final session before summer break THIS Thursday, June 26. Attendees, along with their families or caregivers, are invited to stay for a celebratory picnic following the story-time session. RSVPs are required and can be done by emailing [email protected] or texting Helena at 412-477-7416 by TODAY, June 22. Older siblings of the Playtime and Parea attendees are also invited to attend. Crafts will be available for them to complete and will be shared with the Visitation Committee for distribution.
Upcoming Greek Dance Troupe Practice Schedule
Our Dance Troupe has begun practicing in preparation for their festival performances. 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.
· Sun, June 29: HOPE, during Hospitality Hour
· Wed, July 2: HOPE, 6pm
· Sun, July 6: HOPE, Hospitality Hour
· Thurs, July 10: HOPE, 6pm
· Sun, July 13: ALL Groups, Hospitality Hour
· Wed, July 16: HOPE 5pm/JOY & GOYA 6pm
· Sun, July 20: ALL Groups, Hospitality Hour
· Wed, July 23: JOY & GOYA, 6pm
· Sun, July 27: JOY & GOYA, Hospitality Hour
Note for Summer Travel – Easy Way to Find the Nearest Orthodox Church!
Where we travel, whenever we go, we take our faith with us, for as it says in the Psalms, "God is with us!" Keeping that in mind, please remember to plan ahead and check for the location of the nearest Orthodox Christian Church if you will be staying over a Sunday. There are two great web sites to check: our own Archdiocese (www.goarch.org) and Orthodoxy in America (www.OrthodoxyInAmerica.org), a multi-jurisdictional listing of all Orthodox parishes. Also, for major trips such as overseas travels, please feel free to stay following antidoron and ask Father John or Father Radu to offer a special blessing to your family for your travels. Remember, "God is with us" always. Let’s not forget to invite Him!
Father John Away through July 15
Father John will be away through July 15 to serve at two weddings in Greece and take some personal time in between. One of the important lessons learned by both Father John and the community during his sabbatical was the importance of clergy taking real time away for renewal and recharging. That lesson has carried forward with life-long impact and many long-term benefits, so while Father John is away, he will not be available via phone or email, and all our parishioners are asked to refrain from contacting him to allow this time to be a true renewal (between weddings, anyway!) rather than just another working time away from the office and always on call. In Father John’s absence, Father Radu Bordeianu ([email protected]) will be offering liturgical services and fulfilling urgent pastoral care needs. Please see him following services regarding personal matters or contact our Office Administrator, Mary Portellos (412-366-8700 or [email protected]) with any clergy requests, including memorials and sacraments. For clergy emergencies only, call 412-366-8700 and select option “2”. 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 cooperation and understanding!
[July 19] Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery – Prophet Elias Feast Day
Gerontissa Theophano and the Sisters of the Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery invite you to attend the Feast Day services of the Prophet Elias on Saturday, July 19, beginning at 9:00am; Hours, Divine Liturgy and Lunch to follow. Home-made pastries, frappes and items made by the sisters will also be available for purchase. Please RSVP, so that the Monastery can provide adequate hospitality, via email at: [email protected] or by phone at 724-352-3999. Visitors should be dressed modestly for all visits to the Monastery (121 St Elias Ln, Saxonburg, PA 16056).
[Aug 28-31] Holy Trinity’s Taste of Greece
Please mark Labor Day Weekend, Thursday, August 28, through Sunday, August 31 on your calendar for our next “Taste of Greece” festival. The Festival Committee is asking everyone, new members and old hands, young and young at heart, to pledge a donation of their time and talents so that we can continue to grow both the success of the festival and the fellowship with all our Holy Trinity church family members!
Festival Aprons – Place Your Order Now!
Show your Holy Trinity spirit by wearing a festival apron while you work! Royal blue aprons, embroidered with our festival logo, are available in two lengths. The regular length apron (31”) is $18 and the extra-long length (34”) is $21. Aprons can be monogrammed with your name for an additional $4. To receive your apron in time for the festival, your order must be placed by Sunday, Aug. 17th. Please contact Paula Valliant at [email protected] to place your order.
Festival Ads Available: Space is Waiting for You!
The Festival Ad Book is back and it’s looking for your support. Please consider placing a business ad or a personal/family listing. Ads start at $175 for a quarter-page and go to $550 for a full-page, with premium color pages also available at higher prices. A patron line is available for only $50. Application Forms were included in the June-August edition of the Herald and can also be found at the church office window. Please be sure to share them with your favorite business establishments and ask them to support our church! For more information, please email [email protected]
Stewardship 2025 – We Reached the Summit – Let’s Be Sure Not to Slide Back Down!
This year, let’s maintain and grow as our theme for 2025 calls us to be “Stewards of God’s Blessings.” Have you submitted your 2025 pledge yet? 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!
Weekly Offering Envelopes
If you are not currently receiving packets of weekly offering envelopes mailed directly to your home address each month, and would like to receive them, please contact the church office to submit a request. Also, if you are already receiving monthly offering envelopes and would prefer not to receive them, please let us know. Kindly reach out to Mary at [email protected] or call 412-366-8700.
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!