Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church to Break Ground Sunday on New Church

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church will break ground for its new North Hills church at 1 p.m. Sunday, at the church's new location at the intersection of Babcock Boulevard and Cumberland Road in McCandless Township. 

Construction will begin in the days following the event, . The project will include the church, community center, administrative offices and educational facilities.

The groundbreaking is a historic event for local Greek Orthodox for two reasons: One, Holy Trinity Church will be the first Greek Orthodox church building to be constructed in the Pittsburgh region in more than 16 years, the last being All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Canonsburg in 1995; and two, it will be the first pastoral visit of the newly enthroned Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh, who recently was appointed successor to the longtime hierarch, Metropolitan Maximos. Metropolitan Maximos announced his retirement earlier this fall.

After an 8:15 a.m. Orthros service and 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy at the church's temporary home in the former Northway Elementary School, 495 Browns Lane, in Ross Township, a reception will be held in honor of Metropolitan Savas' visit. 

Following the reception, attendees will be transported via shuttle buses to the new church location for the groundbreaking service, which includes the Prayer of the Laying of a Foundation of a Church. 

"This is a momentous event, not only for Holy Trinity but also for McCandless Township," said Father John Touloumes, pastor of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. 

"We are both excited and humbled to complete what we see as the North Hills 'Corner of Faith and Care,' with the Sisters of Divine Providence, UPMC Passavant, La Roche College, and now Holy Trinity Church. 

"Our new location also strengthens the relationship and opportunity to work with our sister Orthodox parish of Saint Alexander Nevsky on Thompson Run Road.

"We look forward to adding value to the community and to providing a spiritual home for not only our own members but all those seeking the rich traditions and historic faith of Orthodox Christianity."

- Submitted by John Fries, on behalf of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Have news you'd like to share with Patch readers? Email information and photos to at amyjo.brown@patch.com.

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