August 31
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2025-08-31
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:
- 2025-08-24
- Publish Date:
- 2025-08-17
- Publish Date:
- 2025-08-10
- Publish Date:
- 2025-08-03
- Publish Date:
- 2025-07-27
- Publish Date:
- 2025-07-20
Hymns of the Day
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)
Apolytikion for Venerable Sash of the Theotokos in the Eighth Tone
Ever-virgin Theotokos, the shelter of mankind, you have given to your City as a protective wall the clothing and garment that you wore on your immaculate body. By your seedless childbirth, they have remained incorrupt. For in you both nature and time are made novel. Therefore we implore you, grant peace to your commonwealth, and great mercy to our souls.
Apolytikion of Holy Trinity Church (Page 75) in the First Tone
English: Blessed are You, O Christ our God, Who has shown forth the fishermen to be most wise by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit. And through them, You drew the world into Your net. O merciful One, glory to You!
Greek: Ευλογητός ει Χριστέ, ο Θεός ήμων, ο πανσόφους τους αλιείς αναδείξας, καταπέμψας αυτοίς το Πνεύμα το άγιον, και δι΄αυτών την οικουμένην σαγηνεύσας, φιλάνθρωπε, δόξα σοι.
Phoenetics: Ev-lo-yi-tos i Hri-ste o The-os i-mon. O Pan-so-fous tous a-li-is a-na-di-xas ka-ta-pemp-sas af-tis to Pnev-ma to A-yi-on, ke di af-ton tin i-kou-men-in sa-i-nef-sas, fi-lan-thro-pe, do-xa si.
Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Tone
The precious garment that you wore about your body * that hosted God, O all-blessed Theotokos, * truly is power unassailable * for your City and a treasure whose blessings are perpetual, * O only Ever-virgin who bore a child.
Saints and Feasts
August 31
The Placing of the Honorable Sash of the Most Holy Theotokos
Although the historical accounts differ somewhat, the Deposition that is celebrated today took place most likely during the reign of Emperor Arcadius (395-408), when the precious Cincture of the Mother of God was brought from Zela of Cappadocia to Constantinople, and placed in the Church of the Theotokos in the section of Chalcopratia.
August 31
Cyprian the Hieromartyr & Bishop of Carthage
Saint Cyprian was born of pagan parents in Carthage of Roman Africa about the year 190. An eloquent teacher of rhetoric, he was converted and baptized late in life, and his conversion from a proud man of learning to a humble servant of Christ was complete; he sold his great possessions and gave them to the poor, and because of his zeal and virtue, was ordained presbyter in 247, then Bishop of Carthage in 248. He was especially steadfast in defending the sanctity and uniqueness of the Baptism of the Church of Christ against the confusion of those who would allow some validity to the ministrations of heretics; his writings continue to guide the Church even in our own day. Having survived the persecution of Decius about the year 250, he was beheaded in confession of the Faith during the persecution of Valerian in 258, on September 14; that day being the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, his feast is kept today.
August 31
Aidan, Bishop of Lindisfarne
August 31
Cuthburga the Queen, Abbess of Wimborne
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Eanswythe, Abbess of Folkestone
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Gennadius Scholarus, Patriarch of Constantinople
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Epistle Reading
Prokeimenon. Third Tone. Luke 1: 46-48.
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
Verse: For he has regarded the humility of his servant.
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 9:1-7.
BRETHREN, the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary. For a tent was prepared, the outer one, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence; it is called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain stood a tent called the Holy of Holies, having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, which contained a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. These preparations having thus been made, the priests go continually into the outer tent, performing their ritual duties; but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood which he offers for himself and for the errors of the people.
Gospel Reading
12th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 19:16-26
At that time, a young man came up to Jesus, kneeling and saying, "Good Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?" And he said to him, "Why do you call me good? One there is who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments." He said to him, "Which?" And Jesus said, "You shall not kill, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and You shall love your neighbor as yourself." The young man said to him, "All these I have observed; what do I still lack?" Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.
And Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." When the disciples heard this they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?" But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Bulletin Inserts
Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, August 31, 2025
Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, August 31, 2025
Holy Trinity Taste of Greece 2025
Holy Trinity Taste of Greece 2025
Wisdom of the Fathers
'But I say to you,' the Lord says, 'love your enemies; do good to those who hate you, pray for those who persecute you.' Why did he command these things? So that he might free you from hatred, sadness, anger and grudges, and might grant you the greatest possession of all, perfect love, which is impossible to possess except by the one you loves all equally in imitation of God.
Unknown, 7th century
Rise from love of the world and love of pleasure. Put care aside, strip your mind, refuse your body. Prayer, after all, is a turning away from the world, visible and invisible. What have I in heaven? Nothing except simply to cling always to You in undistracted prayer. Wealth pleases some, glory others, possessions others, but what I want is to cling to God and to put the hopes of my dispassion in Him (cf. Ps. 72:25, 28).
Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 28: On Prayer; Paulist Press pg. 277, 6th century
Spiritual delight is not enjoyment found in things that exists outside the soul.
Unknown, 7th century
Parish News and Events
TODAY'S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Taste of Greece 2025: Glory to God!
We have been once again blessed with a wonderful and successful festival and we thank God and His faithful servants, the many members and friends of Holy Trinity Church who worked so hard to make it happen. In addition to sharing our food and music, we had the gift of sharing Holy Trinity life and heritage with the tens of thousands of visitors who attended, many of which found themselves standing in inspired awe as they entered or toured our beautiful church. May God continue to bless this community and every sacrifice of love the members of the flock make as we glorify our Lord in all we do and in who we are: “Faith. Family. Community.” "Well done, good and faithful servants!"
WE’RE NOT DONE YET…DON'T FORGET THE FESTIVAL CLEAN-UP TONIGHT! THIS IS IMPORTANT!!!
Isn’t it nice to visit someone else’s house for dinner and then leave the cleanup for them after you’ve left? Well, it doesn’t work that way for the festival because this is…” GOD’S HOUSE, OUR RESPONSBILITY!” And that responsibility includes cleaning up. After all the crowds leave and the music stops, there is a lot of cleaning up and putting away to do tonight. Please plan on being around at the close of the day tonight to help in every area you can. Even if you have not been able to donate the amount of time or effort you have wanted to because of work, sports or other commitments, tonight is a great time to still pitch in. Bring some work clothes - and bring your volunteer friends and family, too, because we have serious work to do! Thank you, good stewards!
UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Thursday, September 4, 6:30pm: Paraclesis to St. Paisios (St. George Chapel, 8941 Ringeisen Rd, Allison Park, PA)
Festival CLEANUP This Week!!
Attention ALL volunteers: The job’s not done until the cleanup is finished! Our next task is Festival Cleanup Week. Time to get this beautiful facility back in shape after all the excitement of the festival. Please lend a hand. We can’t do it without you! Cleanup times are:
- WEDNESDAY SEPT 3, 10am-9pm
- THURSDAY SEPT 4, 10am-9pm
- FRIDAY SEPT 5, 10am-9pm
Please go to www.HolyTrinityPgh.org/volunteer or scan this QR Code and make the commitment from now. Thank you!
Festival Lawn Signs – Collect, Store and Save!
The Festival Committee thanks everyone who placed lawn signs around the North Hills area. Please help collect them beginning tomorrow so we can be good citizens and not leave them out beyond the event. Also, please feel free to store your signs at home and save them for next year. If you do not want to store them, you may return them to the church, and you can pick them up again next year. Thank you!
[Sep 1] Sign Up for House Blessings
Time for annual House Blessings season! The 2025 schedule has been included in the September issue of The Herald. For online reservations visit our website at HolyTrinityPgh.org/events.
[Sept 6] Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery – Feast Day Services
Gerontissa Theophano and the Sisters invite you to attend the Feast Day services of the Nativity of the Theotokos on Saturday, September 6, 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). If you are unable to attend, please consider helping the Sisters to complete their new Monastery Church. You can make an online charitable contribution at www.nativityofthetheotokosmonastery.org/donate or simply mail your check to the address listed above.
[Sept 6] Blessing of the Animals Service
Attention all pet owners: Bring your pet to Holy Trinity Church on Saturday, September 6th at 2:00pm (promptly please – pets don’t usually wait patiently!) for the Blessing of the Animals service. It will be held outside the front of the church in honor of the Feast of St. Mamas, one of the Orthodox patron saints of animals. All kinds are welcome! The service is brief and always full of animal energy, so please be sure to leash dogs and hold all others to help keep the peace!
[Sep 6] Youth Ministries Kick-Off Picnic
Holy Trinity Church will be hosting a combined Youth Ministries Kick-Off Picnic on Saturday, September 6 from 3:00-7:00pm at the Sesqui Pavilion at North Park. Volunteers are needed to bring food and help with activities. RSVP by this Thursday, Sept 4 to Vicki Ambrose at 412-720-5094 or [email protected].
[Sep 7] Hospitality Hour – Open Table – Please Bring an Item to Share!
When there is no ministry or memorial hosting Hospitality Hour following Sunday Divine Liturgy, we offer “Open Table Sundays,” on which we ask parishioners to please bring something small to share on platter and place it on the table in the Gallery. The next “Open Table Sunday” is scheduled for Sunday September 7. Also, we need folks to help set up & clean up on that day. Questions? Contact Stacy Dickos at 412-298-9409 or email [email protected]
Introducing The Herald Quarterly – Starting Fall 2025 – Plan Ahead for Fall Information Needs
After 32 years of continuous publication, the September edition of The Holy Trinity Herald marks the last monthly issue of our community news magazine. Starting in October, The Herald begins its new life as a quarterly news magazine, with 4 issues per year: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. In between issues, news, events and updates will continue to be communicated through the Weekly Bulletin, as well as other new information update systems. To submit information for the Fall 2025 Herald Quarterly, please email [email protected] by the September 10 deadline. Remember, this covers all the way through the end of December, so look ahead to any information of flyers you would like published. As in the past, all submissions are subject to approval and editing due to content or available space. Thank you!
[Sept 20] Holy Cross Glendi
You are invited to join our sister parish of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church on Saturday, September 20 beginning at 6:00pm for an evening filled with fun, food, and festivities! This Greek Village-Style Glendi will celebrate Greek culture with traditional music, dancing, and of course, delicious Greek cuisine. The evening will feature New York City’s Apollo Orchestra. Don't miss out on this exciting event! Visit https://holycrosspgh.org/glendi for more information or to purchase your tickets!
[Sept 29] Active Older Adults Ministry - Pittsburgh Sights Tour
Holy Trinity Active Older Adults (AOA) is sponsoring a trip to two iconic Pittsburgh sights on Monday, September 29th. Our first stop will be the St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church in Millvale, featuring the murals of Maxo Vanka; hauntingly beautiful with a message about both the divine and humanity. Combines traditional religious themes with social themes, showing the horrors of war, social injustice, and scenes of the Old and New Testament. Then we will visit the Hartwood Acres Mansion, located in Hampton Twp, completed in 1929 for John and Mary Flinn Lawrence. Lunch is included. Bus will depart from Holy Trinity at 10:15am and return at 4:30pm. Cost is $65.00 per person. Everyone is welcome to take the trip. For more info, or to make your reservation by Sept 22, please call or text Tasy McCann at 724-612-9145.
On Sunday, October 12 our Holy Trinity GOYA will host its annual Fall Fest in the Gallery following Liturgy, with hot sandwiches, comfy fall appetizers, salads, pumpkin and apple treats and more for sale. A homemade taste of Fall from our GOYA families! Thank you for supporting our teens!
Holding a Ministry Activity or Committee Meeting at Church? Reservations Required!
Our community and its ministries are growing! If your ministry or committee is planning a meeting or activity and you are planning to hold it at the church, please note that reservations for rooms and event spaces are required. Please call the Church Office at 412-366-8700 and speak to our Office Administrator, Mary Portellos. There have been times when all the spaces have been filled, so your cooperation helps ensure every group that needs a place has one and helps minimize space conflicts. We have a beautiful facility – let’s work together so everyone who needs it can use it. Thank you!
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!