"Let us not give up the habit of meeting together... Instead, let us encourage each other all the more,"
the earliest Christians said (Hebrews 10:25). So join us for worship and fellowship. To find us, click here: Find HTOC.
For a printer-friendly PDF version of our monthly newsletter, click here: HTOC Newsletter.
For a printer-friendly PDF version of our weekly update, click here: HTOC Weekly Update.
Holy Trinity Orthodox Church is the little church with a big heart and room for all, where Jesus nourishes modern lives through ancient roots! With our priest Father Alexis Woytek on board and common-sense pandemic precautions in place, we continue to gather safely for Sunday Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m. and share groceries with hungry neighbors through our friends at People Helping People in Hernando County.
Amid our ongoing celebration of Pascha, this month heralds the memorial of fourth-century Saint Pachomius of Tabenissi (May 15) — hardly a household name, but one attached to an important lesson for us.
A pagan Egyptian strong-armed into the Roman Empire's army, he was shocked by strangers showing up to share food and friendliness with his hostage military cohort amid the cold, cruel culture of their time.
Their motive, he asked? They were followers of Christ Jesus, they explained, who bade them to show love to and meet the needs of others — friend or foe.
The result? Pachomius became Christian due to the example they set — and went on to kick-start communal monasticism.
Words are easy — and just as easily dismissed. Deeds are what count and leave an impression. How well, as individuals and a church family, do we practice the faith we profess? How might that draw others to Christ?
Sunday, May 7 · 9:30 a.m.
Fourth Sunday of Pascha: The Paralytic
Divine Liturgy
Sunday, May 14 · 9:30 a.m.
Fifth Sunday of Pascha: The Samaritan Woman
Mother's Day
Divine Liturgy
Sunday, May 21 · 9:30 a.m.
Sixth Sunday of Pascha: The Blind Man
Divine Liturgy
Sunday, May 28 · 9:30 a.m.
Seventh Sunday of Pascha:
Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council
Divine Liturgy
Monday, May 29
Memorial Day
"Rejoice with those who rejoice" (Romans 12:15). Best wishes to our kinfolk in Christ celebrating special milestones this month! Anniversaries: Joann and Stephen Kuzmiak (May 6), Father Michael and Paňi Karen Miklos (May 9), Stephen and Kim Tymoczko (May 25), Michael and Julie Narancich (May 26). Birthdays: Olga Spontak (May 3), Chanrath Pizza (May 4), Lucy Fonseca (May 13), Julie Narancich (May 15), Lydia Pinkowski (May 26), and Emil Andrejkanic (May 31). God grant you many years!
Mother's Day: Sunday, May 14 is Mother's Day. Take time to thank God in prayer for all those who mothered us in our faith, spirituality, and Christian character: mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, clergy wives, and nuns. To those among the living, God grant you many years! To those who have gone before us, Eternal memory and blessed rest!
Memorial Day: Monday, May 29 is Memorial Day. Remember in prayer the cost of war and all who paid its price, asking God to keep nations and neighbors, our homes and our hearts, in peace. "Blessed are the peacemakers," Christ Jesus tells us, "for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9). And so we Christians are told: "Do the best you can to live in peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18).
"Remember how generous the Lord Jesus was: he was rich, but he became poor for your sake, to make you rich out of his poverty." (2 Corinthians 8:9).
In Jesus, God gave us his all, so it's only right that we give something back to him to show our thanks. Christian stewardship is about more than just funding our church — it's about remembering God's generosity and reciprocating (behaving likewise in return and in kind). Please drop your expressions of Christlike generosity in the collection plate at church or mail them — as checks payable to “Holy Trinity Church” (no cash, please!) — to our treasurer: Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, c/o Lydia Pinkowski, 7431 Glasgow Rd, Weeki Wachee FL 34613. Thank you!
"Don't forget to do good and share with others in need, for such sacrifices please God." (Hebrews 13:16)
Whenever we give alms, our single endeavor yields two results: it helps fellow human beings, and it pleases God our Father in heaven. Why? Because when we do charity for his children who are down on their luck, he sees us honoring his behest voiced by Christ Jesus: "Love others as much as you love yourself" (Mark 12:31). Please help to keep that two-for-one deal going by putting nonperishable groceries in our parish charity bin, for sharing with hungry children and grown-ups locally through our friends at People Helping People in Hernando County. Thank you!
Imagine huddling for days in a lightless cellar with family, friends, and strangers (but no food or water) while a hostile nation next door drops bomb after bomb from above in an unprovoked war bent on wiping out your country, your culture, your language, your life.
How would you feel if nobody helped you?
That's what the people of war-torn Ukraine are dealing with right now — but you can help them. Give online to these Orthodox Christian charities that are working to relieve suffering both in Ukraine and among Ukrainian refugees in neighboring countries. Thank you!
Ukraine Response: International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC)
Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine: Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA
Keeping our church open amid the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic means we must adjust familiar churchgoing habits for the safety of one and all. Please join us in following these wise and common-sense precautions:
If you are feeling ill, please stay home, follow doctor's orders, and take good care of yourself.
Wearing face masks and using hand sanitizer is recommended and encouraged.
Please practice physical distancing, respect personal space, and ensure safe leeway between each other.
Please do not kiss icons, crosses, or the hands of clergy — until less contagious days return, a simple bow is ample sign of reverence and respect.
Please drop any offerings in the collection plate set in the entryway of the church, so we do not have to pass it hand to hand.
Thank you for doing your part to keep our church experience as safe as possible amid these challenging times. It's simply part of doing what Christ Jesus told us to do: "Love others as much as you love yourself" (Mark 12:31).
