The Archdiocese of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania Spring 2021 Newsletter. This Archdiocesan Newsletter is dedicated to the ongoing life of the Church in a time of Pandemic, and features several articles highlighting the ongoing ministries of the Church through this difficult time.
Light-of-Orthodoxy-2021-April-Color-PDFEncyclical Released by the OCA Holy Synod of Bishops
The Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America has released an encyclical for the conclusion of the year of Our Lord 2020.
Encyclical-OCA-Holy-Synod-We-Rejoice-Even-in-Tribulation-12.2020Resources for Praying at Home
The following resources are available so Holy Trinity Orthodox Church can continue its mission to Build Up the Church Beyond the Parish, even when its people cannot physically assemble together.
Jump to: Additional Prayer Services • Live-Streams • Virtual Parish Gatherings • Parish Commemorations • Pastoral and Financial Emergencies
Prayer Services
With the exception of Typika for Lent, Holy Week, and Great Feasts, the following services are oriented for Orthodox Christians on the Gregorian Calendar. For those using the Julian Calendar (“Old Style”), click here.
NOTE: New reader’s services are not being posted after Pentecost 2021.
- Reader (Typika) Service for PENTECOST, June 20
- Reader (Typika) Service for the Sunday of the Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council, June 13
- Reader (Typika) Service for ASCENSION, June 10
- Reader Vespers for ASCENSION, June 9
- Reader (Typika) Service for the Sunday of the Blind Man, June 6
- Reader (Typika) Service for the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman, May 30
- Reader (Typika) Service for the Midfeast of Pentecost, May 26
- Reader (Typika) Service for the Sunday of the Paralytic, May 23
- Reader (Typika) Service for Myrrh-bearing Women Sunday, May 16
- Reader (Typika) Service for Thomas Sunday, May 9
- Reader Services of Great and Holy PASCHA, May 2 Paschal Typika
- Reader Service for Paschal Matins
- Reader Service for Nocturns (with music | text only version)
- Reader Service of Great and Holy Saturday, Typika of the Divine Liturgy, May 1
- Reader Service of Great and Holy Friday, April 30 Twelve Passion Gospels
- Service for Royal Hours of Great and Holy Friday
- Readers Services for Vespers of Great and Holy Friday, April 30 (“Unnailing” Vespers)
- Reader Services for Veseperal Liturgy of Great and Holy Thursday, Typika of the Vesperal Liturgy, April 29 (sung on Thursday morning)
- Reader Service for Matins of Great and Holy Thursday, April 29 (sung on Wednesday night)
- Reader Service for Bridegroom Matins of Great and Holy Wednesday, April 28 (sung on Tuesday night)
- Reader Service for Bridegroom Matins of Great and Holy Tuesday, April 27 (sung on Monday night)
- Reader Service for Bridegroom Matins of Great and Holy Monday, April 26 (sung on Sunday night)
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday of the Palms, April 25
- Vespers Reader Service for Saturday, April 24
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, April 18
- Vespers Reader Service for Saturday, April 17
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, April 11
- Vespers Reader Service for Saturday, April 10
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, April 4
- Vespers Reader Service for Saturday, April 3
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, March 28
- Vespers Reader Service for Saturday, March 27
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, March 21
- Vespers Reader Service for Saturday, March 20
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, March 14
- Vespers Reader Service for Saturday, March 13
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, March 7
- Vespers Reader Service for Saturday, March 6
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, February 28
- Vespers Reader Service for Saturday, February 27
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, February 21
- Vespers Reader Service for Saturday, February 20
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, February 14
- Vespers Reader Service for Saturday, February 13
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, February 7
- Vespers Reader Service for Saturday, February 6
- Reader (Typika) Service for Meeting of the Lord in the Temple, Tuesday, Feb 2
- Vespers Readers Service for Meeting of the Lord in the Temple, Monday, Feb 1
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, January 31
- Vespers Reader Service for Saturday, January 30
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, January 24
- Vespers Reader Service for Saturday, January 23
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, January 17
- Vespers Reader Service for Saturday, January 16
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, January 10
- Reader (Typika) Service for Theophany of our Lord, Wednesday, January 6
- Reader Royal Hours for Theophany of our Lord, Tuesday, January 5
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, January 3
- Reader (Typika) Service for Feast of the Circumcision and St. Basil, January 1
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, December 27
- Reader (Typika) Service for Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, December 25
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, December 20
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, December 13
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, December 6
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, November 29
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, November 22
- Reader (Typika) Service for the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple, November 21
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, November 15
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, November 8
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, November 1
- Reader (Typika) Service for the Feast of St. Demetrius, October 26
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, October 25
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, October 18
- Reader (Typika) Service for the Sunday of the Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council, October 11
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, October 4
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, September 27
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, September 20
- Reader (Typika) Service for the Elevation of the Cross, September 14
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, September 13
- Reader (Typika) Service for the Nativity of the Theotokos, September 8
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, September 6
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, August 30
- Reader (Typika) Service for the Beheading of St. John the Forerunner, August 29
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, August 23
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, August 16
- Reader (Typika) Service for the Feast of the Dormition, August 15
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, August 9
- Reader (Typika) Service for the Feast of the Transfiguration, August 6
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, August 2
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, July 26
- Reader (Typika) Service for the Prophet Elijah, July 20
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, July 19
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, July 12
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, July 5
- Reader (Typika) Service for Ss. Peter and Paul, June 29
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, June 28
- Reader (Typika) Service for the Nativity of St. John the Forerunner, June 24
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, June 21
- Reader (Typika) Service for All Saints Sunday, June 14
- Propers for the Third Day of the Trinity, June 9
- Reader (Typika) Service for the Day of the Holy Spirit, June 8
- Reader (Typika) Service for PENTECOST, June 7
- Reader (Typika) Service for the Sunday of the Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council, May 31
- Reader (Typika) Service for the Sunday of the Blind Man, May 24
- Reader (Typika) Service for the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman, May 17
- Reader (Typika) Service for the Midfeast of Pentecost, May 13
- Reader (Typika) Service for the Sunday of the Paralytic, May 10
- Reader (Typika) Service for Myrrh-bearing Women Sunday, May 3
- Reader (Typika) Service for Thomas Sunday, April 26
- Agape Vespers for Bright Monday, April 20 (live-streamed Sunday, 6pm)
- Reader Services of Great and Holy PASCHA, April 19
- Paschal Matins
- Nocturns (with music | text only version)
- Reader (Typika) Service of Great and Holy Saturday, April 18
- Reader Services of Great and Holy Friday, April 17
- Twelve Passion Gospels (live-streamed Thursday, 6pm)
- Reader Services of Great and Holy Thursday, April 16
- Typika of the Vesperal Liturgy (sung on Thursday morning)
- Matins of Holy Thursday (sung on Wednesday night)
- Reader Bridegroom Matins
- Great and Holy Wednesday, April 15 (sung on Tuesday night)
- Great and Holy Tuesday, April 14 (sung on Monday night)
- Great and Holy Monday, April 13 (sung on Sunday night)
- Reader Services for Palm Sunday, April 12 (courtesy of Michael Stickles)
- Typika Service (sung on Sunday morning)
- Vespers (sung on Saturday night)
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, April 5 (courtesy of Michael Stickles)
- Akathist to the Most-Holy Theotokos for Friday, April 3 (courtesy of Michael Stickles)
- Reader Services for Sunday, March 29
- Typika Service (courtesy of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey)
- Typika Service (courtesy of Michael Stickles)
- Reader Services for Annunciation, Wednesday, March 25
- Typika Service (sung on Sunday morning)
- Vespers (sung on Saturday night)
- Reader (Typika) Service for Sunday, March 22 (from Michael Stickles)
Additional Prayer Services
- Daily Scripture readings from the OCA Website
- Morning and Evening Prayers (From “Orthodox Christian Prayers” which can be purchased from STS Press and Amazon.)
- Molieben Sung in Time of Devastating Epidemic and Deathbearing Pestilence
- Music for the Molieben (.zip file)
- Abridged Molieben Sung in Time of Pestilence (courtesy of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania)
- Reader Service of Prayer for Protection from the Coronavirus (courtesy of the Archiocese of New York & New Jersey)
Live-Streams
- Upcoming and past Holy Trinity live-streamed services.
- Listing of parishes with live-streamed services.
Virtual Parish Gatherings
A list of virtual gatherings can now be found at holytrinity-oca.org/zoom.
- Additional Opportunities to Connect with Orthodox Christians
Parish Commemorations
To stay connected by prayer with your parish family, an updated list of all current and prospective members of Holy Trinity and the Chapel of the Holy Spirit—including their spouses and children—is now available. The list also contains names of departed parishioners (newly-departed and historical), current members of the armed forces, and those who have asked the parish to pray for them.
Parish-Commemorations- Print/Download a PDF (2 sides)
- Provide Additions, Corrections, or Changes to the Parish Prayer List
Pastoral and Financial Emergencies
If you are in need of immediate pastoral assistance (sickness or death of a loved one), or financial assistance through Matthew 25, the Parish Office is remotely open 24 hours a day by calling (814) 231-2855. For non-emergencies, you may email/text office@holytrinity-oca.org.
In-Person Services to Resume May 30, 2020
UPDATE (May 26, 2020): With Centre County moving to the Green Phase of Reopening on Friday, May 29, the parish’s full liturgical schedule resumes Saturday, May 30, with heightened cleaning, a reduction in the amount of seating to allow for social distancing, and other temporary measures.
ORIGINAL MESSAGE (March 17, 2020): In-person worship services are suspended until further notice, but parish clergy and volunteers are available to assist you should a pastoral issue or emergency arise. Please continue to utilize the Reader’s Services and other resources posted at holytrinity-oca.org, and check the website often to view the latest schedule. (Also please pray for the Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America, who are meeting this Monday to determine if/when liturgical services can resume.)
Additional reflections and information will be included in the April Trisagion being mailed this week. Not yet a member of our mailing list? Send us your address today.
Get Palms for Your Home Churches

Palms will be blessed at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church on Lazarus Saturday morning (April 11) and will be available for pickup at the weekly “Open House” (for personal prayer and meditation) that afternoon from
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Parishioners in a high-risk category—those over 65, those with serious medical conditions, those with any symptoms of illness of any kind, and those with family/household members who in the past 15 days have been with COVID-19 patients or high-risk individuals—should and may arrange contactless delivery of blessed palms through the Parish Office.
How-to-make-Palm-CrossesRelated: How to make Palm Crosses (courtesy of Anna Stickles).
Fr. Ignatius to Lead Virtual Church School Sessions
Father Ignatius is meeting virtually with the Sunday School this week at three age-specific times:
- Elementary School Sunday School Class (grades 3-5) with Fr. Ignatius: Wednesday, April 8 at 4 p.m.
- Middle School Sunday School Class (grades 6-8) with Fr. Ignatius: Wednesday, April 7 at 7 p.m.
- High School Sunday School Class (grades 9-12) with Fr. Ignatius: Wednesday, April 8 at 7 p.m.
Students will have an opportunity to ask Father questions and learn how to they can make their own “sacrifice of praise” before their home altars. Both children and adults can continue to refer to the Reader’s Services and many other resources posted at holytrinity-oca.org.
All Services Suspended through March 31
His Eminence Archbishop Melchisedek has issued a directive that effective immediately all parishes of the Archdiocese of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania are to immediately cease all services, activities, social gatherings, etc. with the exception of the following:
Each parish priest may open his church on the coming two Saturday afternoons (March 21 and March 28) for two to three hours of his choosing for the faithful to come and offer a private prayer and light candles. While we are not encouraging people to do this in light of the governmental guidelines, it is realized some people will gain much strength from this visit. It is imperative that people in high-risk categories (i.e., senior citizens/individuals with on-going health problems/people not feeling well currently) not consider this act. Individuals are reminded to maintain “social distancing” during this visit and avoid interacting with large numbers of people.
Holy Trinity’s “open houses” as described above are 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday and next.
His Eminence’s directives go on to say:
Except for so-called “death-bed confessions,” confessions are suspended until this period of time has concluded. (This, of course, does not preclude informal spiritual discussions between our priests and our parish penitents via the phone and emails…)
You can reach the parish’s clergy through the Parish Office—814-231-2855 (phone); office@holytriniy-oca.org (text/email)—which remains open with as regular hours as possible should a need arise in our parish family or the broader community. While routine pastoral visits are to cease per His Eminence’s directives, our clergy, following proper personal safety protocols, are still available to you to respond to any emergency situation requiring immediate pastoral attention.
Attached is a service that can be prayed by the faithful of the Archdiocese regularly in front of their prayer corners concerning this virus. The Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Ellwood City, while closed to visitors during this period as per Holy Synod directives concerning all OCA monasteries, will probably continue to live-stream the monastery’s services; their web address for more info is: orthodoxmonasteryellwoodcity.org.
The work of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church continues even though we cannot gather as Christ’s people. With Fr. Ignatius’ blessing Matthew 25 met virtually earlier today with the deacons to postpone the Lion’s Pantry Drive and Soup-er Sunday to the Sundays of October, but will continue to offer immediate assistance to the State College Food Bank and other charities. We will have more on this in letters to the parish and in the April Trisagion, but in the meantime, please remember the parish through your stewardship if you are able.
Related: Official Announcement on the Archdiocese of Pittsburgh website
Parish Message on COVID-19

UPDATE (July 17, 2020): The parish is no longer asking that attendees voluntarily limit attendance in the Nave to 50% of capacity—the alternative locations in the Parish Hall and Trinity House proved to be not conducive to worship. Although service attendance will not be capped in any way at this time, the choir has been moved to the front of the Nave to provide even more space for spreading out.
In addition, Fr. Ignatius Hunter now asks that every medically-able adult and child over the age of 8 wear a face covering upon entering the State College church as a voluntary act of self-sacrifice for the unity and good of the community. There is a supply of masks available in the Narthex for your use.
UPDATE (May 26, 2020): With Centre County moving to the Green Phase of Reopening on May 29, 2020, the parish’s regular worship schedule will resume with Great Vespers on Saturday, May 30, 2020, at 6 p.m.
In addition to the measures put in place in March 2020 (see the ORIGINAL POST below), the following additional measures are temporarily being enacted to allow all to participate in the liturgical life of the parish (parishioners and visitors alike) according to their personal consciences and preparedness:
- Even though religious organizations in Pennsylvania are technically exempt from the Governor’s mandates, Holy Trinity will continue to not only practice the heightened sanitation protocols set forth immediately before the closure (see below), but also ask parishioners and visitors to voluntarily follow the Commonwealth’s guidances according to their consciences and abilities.
- So all are able to make “a sacrifice of praise” (Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom) Sunday Typika services will continue to be available. To ensure Communion is available to all parishioners who have prepared themselves through prayer, fasting, and recent confession, Fr. Ignatius will distribute the Eucharist by appointment to those unable to physically attend on Sundays (for whatever reason). This will be done primarily at the church throughout the week, using PPE upon request.
- The weekly bulletin will be posted online and available to download to your mobile device via a scannable QR code. (Yes, Father is allowing you to use your phones and tablets in church for holy purposes only! 😇). Printed bulletins will be placed in the tract rack, located on the south wall of the Narthex.
- Finally, because we will be worshipping in several locations (at home, the Parish Hall, Trinity House, on church grounds, etc.), Coffee (Fellowship) Hour will be discontinued until further notice. The parish will also schedule Virtual Coffee Hours from time to time.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Church Office at (814) 231-2855. Our clergy and ministry leaders are here to serve you. Thank you to all who kept vigil at home during the pandemic, allowing the parish’s mission to continue unabated. Read more here.
ORIGINAL POST (March 13, 2020): In accordance with guidelines released Friday, March 13 by the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America, Fr. Ignatius updated parishioners, guests, and visitors on measures now in place to ensure that the parish continues praying for the health and salvation of the world, while at the same time adopts common-sense, temporary precautions to limit the spread of infectious disease.
The worship schedule remains unchanged and all faithful not in a high-risk category are encouraged to offer thanksgiving to our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ, and receive His Holy Mysteries. However, it is imperative that anyone who exhibits symptoms of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (a.k.a. COVID-19)—fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.—self-quarantine for fourteen days. Father also fervently asks you to seek medical assistance and let a member of the clergy know if this is the case so that they may provide you pastoral support and visitation to the furthest extent possible.
There will be no changes to the way Holy Communion is administered, however, the parish is adopting the following changes through at least the end of March 2020 (in addition to the aforementioned guidelines mentioned above):
- Antidoron—the blessed, but not consecrated, holy bread taken to cleanse one’s palate after receiving Holy Communion—will be cut and distributed by one healthy adult only, who has prepared himself according to the parish’s standard practice (washing of hands and application of hand sanitizer); as opposed to the open bowls on the sides of the church.
- To minimize the amount of surfaces touched, our Greeters will assist by opening the main doors of the church for you, and the doors leading into the Nave will remain open for the entire service. (To create a prayerful atmosphere for all, parents with young children are asked to give them their necessary breaks in the Nursery, which is located at the east end of the Parish Hall; audio from the service is piped in.).
- Fr. Ignatius can bless you over the head with the Cross at the conclusion of each service, as opposed to the traditional hand blessing. The veneration icons will remain in place—and they will continue to be cleaned as usual—but you may reverence them by simply bowing before them, if you so choose.
- Sunday School will resume March 15 and remain in session during this time, but teachers will sanitize all classroom surfaces before the start of class.
- Bagel service has been discontinued until at least Sunday, April 5, and the rest of Coffee Hour will be scaled back to include only coffee and items that are served by hosts wearing gloves; there will not be an open table in the Parish Hall for the time being. (Because Soup-er Sunday has always been served in this manner, the Sunday, March 29 fundraiser luncheon is still on! Parents and teachers will take extra care to ensure our youth food preparers and hosts take all the appropriate precautions.)
- Likewise, at each of the remaining Wednesday Lenten Potlucks, please place your covered food in the kitchen before the Presanctified Liturgy to be served by volunteers cafeteria-style. If you are interested in assisting with this task, please let Deacon Alex know.
Please join your fellow clergy and all members of the parish in praying for all those afflicted with and adversely impacted by COVID-19. Thank you for your continued stewardship of the parish—including the Matthew 25 Ministry (student food insecurity will remain a problem after the current crisis abates)—so we can continue ministering to the least among us and Building Up the Church Beyond Our Parish.
Schedule Your Portrait for the 2020 Directory
Now that the parish has a rector, Holy Trinity and the Chapel of the Holy Spirit is updating the online and print directories for 2020. Our goal is for all individuals and families in the parish to be included.
Like three years ago, photography will be professionally done through Lifetouch. All participants will get a free copy of the directory along with an 8” x 10” portrait. Photography will take place in the Parish Hall the Thursday and Friday of Cheesefare Week, February 27-28, 2020. Afternoon and evening sessions are available on a first come, first served basis. Appointments are required.
For your convenience, all photography will take place in the Parish Hall. A variety of shots will be taken: One pose will be selected for the 2020 Parish Directory and you will receive a complimentary 8″ x 10″ for you to keep in appreciation for your time. Participants will have the opportunity to buy portraits on the day of your session. No purchase is necessary—you are no obligation to order additional prints. Lifetouch’s portrait price lists are available in the church office for those who wish to review them prior to their portrait reservation.
Please take advantage of this opportunity to be professionally photographed. To schedule a time for you and/or your family, click here. You may also sign up in the Narthex following each Sunday Divine Liturgy in February or call the church office at (814) 231-2855 for assistance.
Fr. Ignatius Hunter Appointed as Rector

After the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence Archbishop Melchisedek revealed his choice for the next rector of the parish—the Rev. Priest Ignatius Hunter.
Father Ignatius joins us via of St. Innocent Mission in Napakiak, Alaska and St. Michael’s Church in Mount Carmel, PA, where he lived with his wife, Matushka Seraphima, and two children, Daniel and Elizabeth. He holds bachelor degrees in Religion, History, and General Economics from Lycoming College and master degrees from Asbury Theological Seminary, St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, and the University of Alaska. Father Ignatius officially begins February 1, at which point Fr. David and Dn. Alexander’s terms as Interim Priest and Acting Administrator, respectively, will end. Father David will resume his role at Holy Trinity as Associate Rector—keeping his regular office hours in State College through the month of February to assist Fr. Ignatius in the transition—and remain Priest-in-Charge at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. Deacon Alexander will remain on staff full-time with a title and roles to be determined.
May God grant Fr. Ignatius, Mka. Seraphima, and his entire family many years!