November 18, 2012
www.patriarchate.org www.goarch.org (AD 1979) www.pittsburgh.goarch.org HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL 1000 Yverdon Drive, Camp Hill, PA 17011 Tel. 717.763.7441 www.holytrinityhbg.org (AD 1937)
Celebrating 75 Years of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1937-2012 Grand Banquet Sunday, November 18, 2012 Hilton Downtown Harrisburg Page Σελίς 1
75TH ANNIVERSARY WELCOMING MESSAGE The community of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, extends a warm and wholehearted welcome to all of its honored guests and members at its 75th Anniversary celebration. This is a joyous occasion that commemorates the founding of our Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church and its progress and service to our Greek Orthodox Christian faith through three quarters of a century. The achievements of our Cathedral and its community are a testament to the spiritual guidance of our clergy and the tireless volunteer work and contributions in many forms by numerous parishioners throughout the decades. Our Cathedral and its community have overcome many challenges. We look forward to seeing future generations continue to prosper in the spirit of Greek Orthodox Christian unity. We preserve and build upon the solid foundation of this Cathedral and its community that had its beginning 75 years ago. The Presiding 75th Anniversary Committee Co-Chairmen George Keriazes, Nick Theofanis, and Dimitri Zozos ΜΗΝΥΜΑ ΚΑΛΩΣΟΡΙΣΜΑΤΟΣ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ 75 Η ΕΠΕΤΕΙΟ Η κοινότητα του Ελληνορθόδοξου Καθεδρικού Ναού της Αγίας Τριάδος, Camp Hill, Πεννσυλβανία, Η.Π.Α., θερμά κι ολόκαρδα καλωσορίζει όλους τους/τις επίτιμους καλεσμένους και τα μέλη της που παρευρίσκονται στον πανηγυρικό εορτασμό της 75ης επετείου του. Αυτή είναι μία χαρούμενη περίσταση η οποία τιμά την εγκαθίδρυση του Ελληνορθοδόξου Ναού της Αγίας Τριάδος στην ευρύτερη περιοχή του Χάρρισμπουργκ, Πεννσυλβανίας, καθώς και την πρόοδο και υπηρεσία προς το συλλογικό μας Ελληνορθόδοξο Χριστιανικό πιστεύω για τρία τέταρτα ενός αιώνα. Αυτό δεν είναι μία απλή διαχρονική πορεία. Οι επιτεύξεις οι οποίες έχουν επιτελεσθεί από τον Καθεδρικό μας Ναό και την κοινότητά του είναι μία μαρτυρία για την πνευματική καθοδήγηση του κλήρου και την ποικιλόμορφη εθελοντική δουλειά και συμβολή εκ μέρους πολλών ενοριτών σε αριθμό δεκαετιών. Ο Καθεδρικός μας Ναός και η κοινότητά μας έχουν υπερβεί πολλές προκλήσεις. Προσδοκούμε να δούμε μελλοντικές γενεές να συνεχίσουν να ευημερεύουν εν μέσω του Ελληνορθόδοξου Χριστιανικού πνεύματος ενότητας. Διατηρούμε και χτίζουμε επάνω στα στερεά θεμέλια αυτού του Καθεδρικού Ναού και της κοινότητάς του τα οποία είχαν την αφετηρία τους πριν εβδομήντα πέντε (75) χρόνια. Οι Συμπροεδρεύοντες της Επιτροπής Εορτασμού 75ης Επετείου Γεώργιος Κυριαζής, Νικόλαος Θεοφάνης, και Δημήτριος Ζωζός Page Σελίς 2
75 th Anniversary Welcoming Remarks On behalf of the Parish Council of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Camp Hill, and its parish I extend a warm welcome to His Eminence Metropolitan Savas and our clergy including those who have served in our Cathedral in the past, our distinguished guests, the members of our fellow Greek Orthodox Church communities who have traveled to be with us, and our own parishioners who are attending this event. I also want to extend our collective thanks and appreciation to our many parishioners, committees, organizations and associations that planned and brought this celebratory event to fruition. This collective effort reflects the spirit of unity and the common purpose that laid the foundations of our Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in the Harrisburg area seventy five (75) years ago and have sustained them ever since. As His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios pointed out in his keynote address during the 39 th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress in July 2008, our Church is by no means any longer a Church of immigrants, or an ecclesiastical entity of the diaspora, but a Church which is naturally, firmly and proudly rooted in the American soil. Our Cathedral is firmly rooted in the soil of Central Pennsylvania not only by its mere structural foundations, but also because of the Greek Orthodox Christian faith of its members and their untiring volunteer work. This faith and collective effort that follow the steps of those Greek immigrants who first established our Church will sustain this Cathedral and its vibrant community for decades to come. I also extend my warm thanks to all of those who contributed their efforts and their financial support that made this celebration possible. John Harbilas, President, Parish Council ΚΑΛΩΣΟΡΙΣΜΑ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ 75 Η ΕΠΕΤΕΙΟ Εκ μέρους του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου του Ελληνορθοδόξου Καθεδρικού Ναού της Αγίας Τριάδος, Camp Hill, Πεννσυλβανία, Η.Π.Α., και της ενορίας του προσφέρω ένα θερμό καλωσόρισμα στον Σεβασμιώτατο Μητροπολίτη Σάβα και στα άλλα μέλη του κλήρου συμπεριλαμβανομένων και αυτών οι οποίοι υπηρέτησαν στον Καθεδρικό μας Ναό, τους/τις διακεκριμένους καλεσμένους μας, τα μέλη των κοινοτήτων από παραπλήσιες κοινότητες Ελληνορθοδόξων εκκλησιών, και τους/τις δικούς μας ενορίτες που παρευρίσκονται απόψε μαζί μας. Επίσης θέλω να εκφράσω τις συλλογικές ευχαριστίες κι εκτίμηση προς τους/τις πολλούς ενορίτες, επιτροπές, οργανισμούς, και συλλόγους που σχεδίασαν και πραγματοποίησαν αυτόν τον εορτασμό. Αυτή η συλλογική προσπάθεια αντικατοπτρίζει το πνεύμα ενότητας και κοινού σκοπού τα οποία έθεσαν τα θεμέλια της Ελληνορθοδόξου Εκκλησίας της Αγίας Τριάδος στην περιοχή του Χάρρισμπουργκ εβδομήντα πέντε (75) χρόνια πριν και τα έχουν διατηρήσει από τότε. Όπως ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος είπε στον πανηγυρικό του λόγο κατά την διάρκεια της 39 ης Διετούς Κληρικο- Λαϊκής Συνέλευσης τον Ιούλιο 2008, «η Εκκλησία μας δεν αποτελεί κατ ουδένα τρόπο Εκκλησία μεταναστών, ή εκκλησιαστική οντότητα της διασποράς, αλλά Εκκλησία η οποία έχει φυσικές, σταθερές και υπερήφανες ρίζες στο Αμερικανικό χώμα». Ο Καθεδρικός μας Ναός είναι σταθερά εδραιωμένος στο έδαφος της Κεντρικής Πεννσυλβανίας όχι μόνον από τα απλά οικοδομικά του θεμέλια, αλλά επίσης από το Ελληνορθόδοξο Χρστιανικό πιστεύω των μελών του και την ακούραστη εθελοντική τους εργασία. Αυτό το πιστεύω και η συλλογική προσπάθεια που ακολουθούν τα βήματα εκείνων των Ελλήνων μεταναστών οι οποίοι/οποίες πρώτοι εγκαθίδρυσαν την Εκκλησία μας θα διατηρήσουν τον Καθεδρικό μας Ναό και την δυναμική κοινότητά της στις μελλοντικές δεκαετίες. Επίσης προσφέρω ένα θερμό ευχαριστώ σ εκείνους κι εκείνες που με την συμβολή και την οικονομική υποστήριξή τους διοργάνωσαν τον παρόντα εορτασμό. Ιωάννης Χαρμπίλας, Πρόεδρος Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου Page Σελίς 3
Welcome John Harbilas - Parish Council President The Honorable George W Gekas - Master of Ceremonies (Former Member, U.S. House of Representatives and Pennsylvania General Assembly) Movie - History of Parish National Anthems of the United States and Greece Pauline Zozos (Greek) Diane Foutres (United States) Invocation by Rev. Fr. Mark Lichenstein, Assistant Priest Rev. Fr. Kosta Petrogeorge, Cathedral Dean His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh Dinner Holy Trinity History 1937-1961 The Honorable George W Gekas - Holy Trinity History 1937-1961 William Kollas, Esq. - Holy Trinity History 1962-1986 Peter Aftosmes - Holy Trinity History 1987-2012 Remarks Rev. Fr. Kosta Petrogeorge, Cathedral Dean His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh Benediction by Rev. Economos George Daskalakis His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh Performance Olympic Flame Dancers Dancing Aegean Duo Page Σελίς 4
First Course Greek Salad with Feta Cheese, Chopped Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Red Onion, Kalamata Olives, Vinaigrette An Assortment of Warm Breads and Rolls, Butter Entrée Grilled Swordfish, Lemon Citrus Vinaigrette, Tomato Basil Chutney, Roasted Potatoes, Julienne of Fall Vegetables Dessert Cranberry Apple Pie, Whipped Cream Regular and Decaffeinated Coffees, a Selection of Teas and Ice Tea Baklava by Holy Trinity St. Catherine Philoptochos Page Σελίς 5
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Rev. Fr. Kosta Petrogeorge Cathedral Dean Rev. Fr. Mark Lichtenstein Assistant Presbyter Dearly Beloved, While recently touring the historic sites in Washington D.C., I noticed the following challenge written on the walls of the Lincoln Memorial. I believe it applies profoundly to us who now rightly celebrate the 75 th Anniversary of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. We cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here. But it can never forget what they did here. It is, rather, for us the living, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us. May we pause to honor and thank those who sacrificed before us, both clergy and laity. And under the new leadership of Metropolitan Savas, may we each be empowered, by the Holy Spirit of God, to offer a humble contribution in this final quarter of our first 100 years. As an opportunity that has been passed on to us from the labors of others, may we receive, preserve, and share the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Faith. In Christ Jesus our Lord, +Fr. Kosta Petrogeorge Proistamenos Page Σελίς 7
Fr. Kosta Petrogeorge John Harbilas, Par. Council Pres. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1000 Yverdon Drive Camp Hill, PA 17011 November 2, 2012 Dear Fr. Kosta and John, Christ is in our midst. I am in receipt of your kind invitation of October 10 th to join our beloved Community of the Greater Harrisburg area for its 75th th Anniversary Celebration. Regretfully, neither I nor Presvytera Penny will be able to attend. At the present time I am without a second priest, and my liturgical and pastoral obligations on November 18 th are precluding me from attending. The Holy Trinity Community of Harrisburg, which is my home Parish, is very close to my heart. Next to the grace of God and the spiritual nurture that I received from my beloved parents of blessed memory, Constantine and Katherine Costopoulos, Holy Trinity played a major role in the cultivation of my love of God and Orthodoxy, and in my spiritual formation as a Greek Orthodox Priest. For this I am grateful! And I am especially grateful for my Sunday School teachers of years gone by, for Mrs. Tsilimingras my Greek School teacher, for the Community s many dedicated lay leaders who touched my life, and for former priests such as Frs. George Economou, George Giannaris, Peter Atsales, Gerasimos Rassias, Elias Mentis and George Daskalakis, to mention a few. Please accept my warmest congratulations to you on the occasion of the Community s 75 th Anniversary. May the next 75 years of your Church s life be as productive, meaningful and spiritually blessed as the first 75 years. And, may the clergy and laity of your Community together find the strength to stand fast and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle (II Thessalonians 2:15). With Love in Christ, +Father Paul Costopoulos Page Σελίς 8
PARISH STEWARDSHIP DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS PARISH STEWARDSHIP DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS November, 18, 2012 Beloved faithful and friends, November 18, 2012 Beloved Seventy-five faithful, years ago Greek Orthodox immigrants shared a vision for the new world to plant roots for their faith and heritage in Central Pennsylvania. Many of you, our parents Seventy-five and families stepped years ago out Greek in faith Orthodox and continued immigrants this vision shared for a vision Holy Trinity for the here new in world Camp to plant Hill. The roots Seventy-Five for their faith Year and Anniversary heritage in Central of our Cathedral Pennsylvania. is a precious Many of occasion you, our to parents pause and families give thanks stepped to God out for in the faith many and blessings continued that this He vision has for continually Holy Trinity bestowed here in upon Camp us. Hill. To reach The Seventy-Five such a milestone Year reminds Anniversary us all of our the Cathedral Lord s faithfulness is a precious that occasion abounds to for pause His and people. give thanks to God for the many blessings that He has continually bestowed upon us. To reach such a milestone reminds us all of the Lord s faithfulness that abounds for His people. As we reflect on the past, we are humbled and challenged by the efforts and sacrifices of those who have given so much from the heart and created so much with loving hands to As make we what reflect our on Cathedral past, is we today. are humbled It is with and great challenged honor and by privilege the efforts that and I join sacrifices you and of those share in who your have celebration. given so much from the heart and created so much with loving hands to make what our Cathedral is today. It is with great honor and privilege that I join you and share It is also in your with celebration. great fondness that I recall my early years growing up in our loving community. They were filled with wonderful memories of wonderful people who helped It shape is also my life with and great whom fondness I will that never I forget. recall my My early very steps years toward growing the up Holy in our Priesthood loving community. were the influence They of were my filled mother with Eleftheria wonderful of memories blessed memory, of wonderful the spiritual people leadership who helped of shape Father my Peter life Atsales and whom I bestowed will never upon forget. me the My first very Altar steps By toward Award the for Holy the Priesthood parish, the were guidance the influence of our afternoon of my mother Greek Eleftheria School of teacher blessed Mrs. memory, Asimina the spiritual Tsilimigras leadership and the of Father support Peter of so Atsales many who of you, bestowed my peers upon which me the make first up Altar the By parish Award today. for We the parish, have been the guidance blessed; and of our we now afternoon have become Greek School the shoulders teacher upon Mrs. which Asimina the Tsilimigras next generation and will the support stand. May of so we many be worthy of you, of such my peers a legacy. which make up the parish today. We have been blessed; and we now have become the shoulders upon which the next generation will stand. To celebrate May we the be past, worthy also of means such a that legacy. you celebrate the many opportunities of what can be accomplished in the future for the Glory of God and our Holy Orthodox Heritage. I To pray celebrate that the Lord the past, will also continue means to that uphold you you celebrate as you the seek many to honor opportunities and glorify of Him. what can be accomplished in the future for the Glory of God and our Holy Orthodox Heritage. I pray In the that joy the of Christ Lord will our continue Lord, to uphold you as you seek to honor and glorify Him. In the joy of Christ our Lord, Rev. Fr. Constantine A. Zozos Rev. Fr. Constantine A. Zozos P.O. Box 6203, Santa Barbara, California 93160 805.565.4145 Office/FAX 805.570.6525 Cell E-mail: frczozos@verizon.net P.O. Box 6203, Santa Barbara, California 93160 805.565.4145 Office/FAX 805.570.6525 Cell E-mail: frczozos@verizon.net Page Σελίς 9
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As a born-and-raised son of Holy Trinity community in Harrisburg and later Camp Hill now serving as the spiritual father of another Holy Trinity Church in Pittsburgh, I offer my congratulations on the celebration of 75 years of ministry of Holy Trinity Cathedral. My many memories of life at Holy Trinity remind me of the formative power of the Church in our life. I was eight years old when Father Peter Atsales gave me the blessing to serve in the Holy Altar as an Acolyte at the 415 Walnut Street location, which eventually culminated in my return to my home parish in 1989 for my ordination to the Holy Diaconate under the guidance of Father George Daskalakis in Camp Hill. The many dances, picnics and other parish events I enjoyed growing up at Holy Trinity imbued in me a deep appreciation for the rich culture and community we have inherited as Greeks, and it gives me great joy to stand by Presvytera Becky and watch our own three children continue to rejoice in those experiences today. But perhaps more than anything else, the depth of the meaning of our calling as a Church and its impact on people s lives is spoken through the eternal and saving words, Christ is Risen or Christos Anesti. Even to this day when I stand at the Royal Gates and lift the bright light of hope and promise before my own congregation, the joyous words of that hymn resonate deeply in my soul and my own personal history, taking me back to those early years of standing with my Papou, Yiayias, parents, Godparents and the entire Holy Trinity family. When we realize how much power those words have to change the life of one person, we have started to embrace the power, responsibility and true calling of the Christ Whom we serve. More than anything else, that is at the heart of our celebration today and every day as the Holy Orthodox Church of Jesus Christ. May the ministries of Holy Trinity Cathedral be always clothed with power from on high (Luke 24.49) so that the saving message of Jesus Christ may continue to be offered to everyone in the Greater Harrisburg area for many generations to come. Yours in the service of Christ, Father John Touloumes Proistamenos Holy Trinity Church, Pittsburgh Page Σελίς 10
Fr. George Daskalakis 8000 Christopher Wren Wexford, PA 15090 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1000 Yverdon Drive Camp Hill, PA 17011 November 6, 2012 Dear Parishioners of the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Christ is in our midst. We are honored and pleased to celebrate the occasion of Holy Trinity s 75th Anniversary. Presbytera Evangelia, our children, and myself feel blessed for the opportunity to reminisce of the twenty-two years of ministry that we had the privilege to offer to this Cathedral. This is also a time to remember and honor the founders of Holy Trinity for the sacrifices they made to establish this community. These sacrifices have paved the path for Orthodoxy to flourish and provide a place for the Greater Harrisburg Community to gather and celebrate our Orthodox faith. I would like to congratulate the faithful who continue to support Holy Trinity and its ministries and who proclaim and live the Orthodox Christian faith to its fullest as faithful members of the Body of Christ. With love in Christ, Fr. George Daskalakis Page Σελίς 11
October 23, 2012 Fr. Kosta Petrogeorge Mr. John Harbilas Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1000 Yverdon Dr. Camp Hill, PA 17011 Dear Fr. Kosta and John, Greetings to both of you! Presbytera Nicole and I received your kind letter, and the invitation to the 75 th Anniversary Celebration of Holy Trinity Cathedral. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you both, and your committee, for thinking of us. Unfortunately, due to previous commitments, for the entire weekend at my present parish, we are not able to join His Eminence and all of you at this celebration. We feel blessed that we were given the opportunity to play a small part in the long history of this parish. I will always treasure the memories of the many dedicated parishioners we had the blessing to work with and I will certainly valuable the lessons that I acquired during my years of service to the cathedral. Be assured of our prayers; that Almighty God may continue to grant you harmony and love as you seek together, clergy and laity, to minister to His holy flock entrusted to your care. Wishing you a beautiful celebration, Fr. Costas and Presbytera Nicole Keares Page Σελίς 12
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COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR GREETINGS: COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR It is an honor to join in celebration of the 75 th anniversary of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. GREETINGS: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral has served its members and community well over the It past is an 75 honor years, to leaving join in an celebration indelible impact of the on 75the anniversary hearts and minds of Holy of everyone Trinity Greek its work Orthodox has touched. Cathedral. The church has provided for the needs of its membership, cultivated fellowship among its congregation, comforted the dispirited and served those in need. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral has served its members and community well The over members the past of 75 Holy years, Trinity leaving Greek an indelible Orthodox impact Cathedral on hearts have set and an minds example of everyone of principled its work faith, has charity touched. and The good church citizenship. has provided I am hopeful for the needs that the of its church membership, will continue cultivated its service fellowship to the among community its congregation, for years to come. comforted the dispirited and served those in need. As Governor, The members and on of behalf Holy Trinity of all Pennsylvanians, Greek Orthodox I extend Cathedral my have best wishes set an to example the of leadership principled and members faith, charity of Holy and Trinity good citizenship. Greek Orthodox I am hopeful Cathedral that for the a memorable church will 75 continue th anniversary its service celebration. to the community for years to come. As Governor, and on behalf of all Pennsylvanians, I extend my best wishes to the leadership and members of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral for a memorable 75 th anniversary celebration. TOM CORBETT Governor November 18, 2012 TOM CORBETT Governor November 18, 2012 225 Main Capitol Building Harrisburg, PA 17120 717.787.2500 Fax 717.772.8284 www.pa.gov Page Σελίς 14
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Parish History The earliest traces of the Greek community in the Harrisburg area are rooted in late 1890 s, growing into the early 1900 s, steadily expanding into the years before WWI, bursting with growth along with the rest of the country during the roaring 20 s and then exploding into the 1950 s, 60 s and 70 s and maturing into the cathedral as we knew it in 1981 through to today. The parish was officially sanctioned by the Archdiocese, but the community had no physical house of worship for many years. A permanent priest was assigned by the Archdiocese in June of 1937 in the person of Rev. Tsekouras, the first of many priests to serve our community. Church services were conducted in paint shops, dance halls and a chapel at 17th and State Streets, and Saint Stevens Episcopal Cathedral on Front Street. The properties at 415 Walnut Street and 416 Strawberry Street were purchased in the early 1940 s. Eventually after enduring wartime rationing, shortages and internal community differences, the first liturgy of Agia Trias was celebrated in the spring of 1946. The purchase price of $11,000 for the property and the construction costs of $16,500 was raised and the community began their new house of worship with no attached mortgage. Page Σελίς 18
The community was settled in and grew quickly through the next thirty years. Fundraising projects were initiated and in 1954, the first of the famous Philoptochos luncheons was started. Unfortunately, renovations and improvements could only do so much for the burgeoning parish until 1961, when under Father Peter Atsales, a new building fund effort was started and supported by parish presidents, board members and parish community members. A new bigger and improved church was being contemplated. The 150 families living in the Carlisle, Harrisburg and surrounding areas of Hagerstown, Waynesboro, Shippensburg, Chambersburg, Lebanon and Hershey dedicated themselves to seeing the project through. The enthusiasm and desire for this new edifice, produced an immediate $85,000 in pledges, but the problem of where to build lingered and thwarted the effort. Finally, after much investigation and debate, a General Assembly meeting held on March 5, 1967 overwhelmingly approved to relocate Agia Trias from downtown Harrisburg to Camp Hill. The building fund drive goal set at $400,000 was exceeded because of the commitment and communal passion for the new church. Construction phase consumed 1 ½ years and on December 6, 1970, with His Eminence Archbishop Iakavos officiating, the Thyranexia (official door opening service) was held at 1000 Yverdon Drive, Camp Hill, PA. Groundbreaking occurred in the summer of 1968, but expenses began climbing rapidly and by 1973 disaster was looming in the form of probable bankruptcy. Again the Holy Trinity community banded together to save the church through donations, the Chance of a Lifetime Ball, Philoptochos bake sales and luncheons and the establishment of the still successful annual Bazaar/Festival. Community philanthropic organizations and social groups held their own events to raise money donated to the Building Fund. Dinners, dances, celebrations, musical and educational presentations, tournaments and many other forms of fundraisers all had the same goal: support and save our church. Parishioner cooperative involvement reached a new high level. Finally the community reached a climax of its history when the consecration ceremony for the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Greater Harrisburg took place on May 23 and 24, 1981. Our community now numbers approximately 600 families. What was the future in 1913, 1937, 1946, 1970 and 1981 is now the past history and we continue our efforts to make our forbearers proud. Each priest, president, church council and committee has made a donation of love, honor and time to improve and make a positive impact upon Holy Trinity. Each branch of the Holy Trinity Family Tree be it Philoptochos, Alter Boys, Sunday School, Choir, Greek School or Bible Study Groups want only to enjoy and make better their House. Each hour of worship, each act of devotion, each individual sacrament combine to add to the glory of our Cathedral. We give thanks for all of God s Blessings and His illuminating direction that will continue to lead us through the coming years, onward towards many more anniversaries. Holy Trinity has a long tradition of Stewardship in our community, and through Stewardship, we will build on what the previous generations left for us to ensure a stronger, sustainable parish for future generations. We have many active organizations and missions in our community, and seek every day to strengthen and broaden their reach. We are also blessed with so many dedicated and faithful parishioners who tirelessly offer their time and talents and we continue to pray for the day when 100% of our Festival proceeds can be used for endowments and missions. Page Σελίς 19
These are the many branches of the Holy Trinity Family Tree: Parish Council - The parish council is the administrative and long-range planning body of the parish. It is comprised of 15 parishioners/stewards, each elected for the three year term, led by the executive committee and guided by the clergy St Catherine Philoptohos Society Organization of mostly women who meet monthly at the church to plan for and carryout philanthropic projects, making donations of food, clothing, toiletries, money, time and any other materials to those who are in need, throughout the parish and the community at large. Assist the priest and the church by providing services such as artoklasia, making and serving of meals, baking and donating pastries for the annual Greek Festival, visiting shut-ins, providing lap robes and baby blankets, supporting National and Regional Philoptohos projects and events, et. al. Sunday School - Our Sunday School program provides cathechetical instruction for all the young people of our parish, ages 2 years through 12 th grade. Classes are held from September to June and are taught by knowledgeable volunteer teachers. Greek School - Children are provided the opportunity to learn the language, history and traditions of our Hellenic culture through this program. Lessons are offered in modern Greek. Classes are held on weekday evenings at the church. Adult Greek School - Adult parishioners and nonparishioners are provided the opportunity to learn the language and traditions of our Hellenic culture through this program. Hope (K-2 nd Grade) and Joy (third sixth grade) - These groups gather for religious instruction and social events throughout the year. GOYA - This group is comprised of 13 thru 18 year olds, grades 7-12. The mission and goal of the GOYA ministry is to lead our young people into experiencing the Holy Orthodox Faith thru personal experiences in religious, social and athletic events such as Diocesan and retreat camps, tournaments, inter-parish events, etc. YAL (Young Adult League) Fellowship, Service, Witness, Worship are the four pillars of this organization. All parishioners aged 18-35, married or single are invited to participate. Bible Study Discussion open to any parishioner, held weekly, using the tools of Orthodox Tradition and Scholarship in order to gain a better understanding of the Holy Scriptures. Meetings are conducted in English and use original text as well as generally understandable translations. Acolytes Young men aged 9-18 that assist the priests at the altar and during divine services. Service assigned on a weekly rotating order. Sunday Epistle Readers Members of this group take turns reading the Sunday Epistle lessons in church. Catechism - Weekly lessons centered on the beliefs, practices and traditions of the Orthodox faith. Open to all who searching for a deeper understanding of the one true faith and those who are considering conversion. Psaltes - Individuals who sing the hymns, psalms and prayers of the Orthodox Faith through the use of Byzantine music which is unique and has its own notation, completely different from that of western music. Choir The cathedral choir leads the congregation in musical response to the Divine Liturgy. Choir sings on Sundays and some holidays from September through Pentecost. Choir members are volunteers from the community. Practices are usually held on Sundays with occasional workshops at other times throughout the year. Junior Ensemble Allows the children of the parish who study the performing arts to display their talents on an occasional basis. An annual luncheon and program occurs and any parish member is welcome to participate. Bookstore The Holy Trinity Bookstore is open nearly every Sunday following church services and offers the community the opportunity to purchase materials relating to the Orthodox Faith. Resources such as incense, icons, charcoal, religious pamphlets and books, music, etc. are offered. Sts. Joachim and Anna Society The senior citizen group sponsored by Holy Trinity offering social and educational as well as religious event participation as a group. Parishioners aged 55 or alder are invited to attend monthly luncheon gatherings which include guest speakers. St Elizabeth Mom s Study Group Geared to the young mothers of our community looking for a family-oriented approach to the scriptures. Bimonthly gatherings at rotating locations. Young Married Couples An opportunity for young married couples to meet and socialize with like couples for fellowship. Greek Festival Annual fund raising event welcoming any parishioner and friends to celebrate the Hellenic culture with foods, music, church tours, and socialization. The festival takes place every May, the weekend following Mother s Day, Page Σελίς 20