September 07
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2025-09-07
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:
- 2025-08-31
- 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
Hymns of the Day
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone
The joyful news of Your Resurrection was told to the women disciples of the Lord by the angel. Having thrown off the ancestral curse, and boasting, they told the Apostles: death has been vanquished. Christ our God is risen, granting to the world great mercy. (Page 53)
Apolytikion for Theotokos' Nativity Forefeast in the Fourth Tone
Unto us is born today Mary the child of God, * as the branch from Jesse’s root, and as the fruit of David’s loins, * and all creation is re-created and deified. * O heaven and the earth, rejoice in unison. * Sing praises unto her, O all you Gentile clans. * Joachim is exultant, and Anna is keeping festival, crying out: * “The barren woman bears the Theotokos, * the nourisher of our Life.”
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 Third Tone
On this day the Virgin and Theotokos Mary, the bridal chamber of the Heavenly Bridegroom, by the will of God is born of a barren woman. Being prepared as the chariot of God the Word, she was pre-ordained for this, since she is the divine gate and the true Mother of Life.
Saints and Feasts
September 07
The Forefeast of the Nativity of the Theotokos
September 07
Kassiani the Hymnographer
Saint Kassiani was a Byzantine abbess, poet, composer, and hymnographer, born at the beginning of the 9th century in Constantinople. She was tonsured about the year 820, and founded a convent on Xerolophos, one of Constantinople's seven hills. Approximately fifty of her hymns are extant and twenty-three are included in the Orthodox Church liturgical books. During the Bridegroom Orthros (Matins) on Great and Holy Tuesday evening, the Church chants the following beautiful and inspiring hymn written by Saint Kassiani: "O Lord, the woman who had fallen into many sins, perceiving Thy Divinity, fulfilled the part of a myrrh-bearer; and with lamentations she brought sweet-smelling oil of myrrh to Thee before Thy burial…”.
September 07
Sozon the Martyr
This holy Martyr was a shepherd in Lycaonia. Born a pagan, named Tarasius, he received holy Baptism and was renamed Sozon. Filled with zeal for the truth, he taught his countrymen to desist from the worship of idols. Once he entered the temple of Artemis in Pompeiopolis of Cilicia, cut off the golden hand of the idol, and breaking it in pieces, distributed it among the poor. When he saw that many were being unjustly punished for the theft, of his own accord he gave himself up to Maximian the Governor. He was beaten with rods until his bones were broken. According to some, he suffered martyrdom in 288; according to others, in 304.
September 07
Daniel Katounakiotis of Smyrna
September 07
Euodos and Onesiphoros, Apostles of the 70
September 07
John and Sergios, Bishops of Lerna
September 07
John the Wonderworker of Novgorod
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Epistle Reading
Prokeimenon. Sixth Tone. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 6:11-18.
Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
Gospel Reading
Sunday before Holy Cross
The Reading is from John 3:13-17
The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him."
Bulletin Inserts
Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, September 7, 2025
Weekly Bulletin - Sunday, September 7, 2025
Wisdom of the Fathers
Our Redeemer and Maker, Who was Son of God before the ages, became Son of Man at the end of ages. Thus the One Who, through the power of His divinity, had created us to enjoy the happiness of everlasting life, might Himself restore us, through the weakness of our humanity, to recover the life we had lost.
Homilies on the Gospels, 2.18. 7th Century. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol: John 1-10. Intervarsity Press, 2006, p. 126.
For since Nicodemus had said, "We know that Thou art a teacher come from God," on this very point He sets him right, all but saying, "Think Me not a teacher in such manner as were the many of the prophets who were of earth, for I have come from heaven (but) now. None of the prophets hath ascended up thither, but I dwell there."
Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century
Parish News and Events
TODAY'S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Church School Resumes Today!
Church School is back in session starting TODAY! Our teaching staff and volunteers are ready to receive your children and serve to guide them into the Faith in truth and love. Welcome back to class, everyone! If you have not yet registered your children, please see Presvytera Becky during Hospitality Hour following class dismissal.
Backpacks for Needy Children – Pick Yours Up Today – Return by Sunday, Sept. 21
Along with FOCUS North America, Holy Trinity GOYA is sponsoring a "Backpack Drive" for needy children in our public schools. The goal is to provide basic school supplies for those who cannot afford them. In response to the tremendous support last year, more have been ordered and we have received 120 backpacks, which will be available following the Divine Liturgy today. There is a list of requested school supply items you can purchase anywhere you see fit. Simply sign up for as many backpacks as you would like to fill. In addition to purchasing the items to fill the packs, we ask that you donate $10.00 for each pack when you pick them up to help cover the cost of providing them. Please return the filled backpacks to Holy Trinity by Sunday, Sept. 21. (Note: this philanthropic outreach benefits our local area, as they will be donated to the students of Manchester Academic Charter School in our old North Side neighborhood, where our own parishioner, Vas Scoumis, is the CEO and Principal.)
“Open Table Sunday” Hospitality Hour Today…and Next Sunday
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. Also, NEXT SUNDAY is also “Open Table” – but please note that it is a strict fast day because of the feast of the Holy Cross (no meat, dairy, fish). Thank you!
UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Upcoming Services
- Saturday, September 13, 5:00pm: Great Vespers – Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Holy Cross Church, 123 Gilkeson Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15228)
Father John on Pilgrimage Through September 19
Father John is out of the office through September 19 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!
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!
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!