About Holy Trinity Orthodox Church

Take the time to read a bit about our parish and find out who we are, what we believe God is calling us to do and how you can share in our life together.

Our History

Holy Trinity Church began in 1980 as an Orthodox campus ministry of the Archdiocese of Western Pennsylvania, (Orthodox Church in America). In time, it attracted more and more individuals from off-campus who desired to worship regularly in town rather than travel the 25-40 miles to the existing parishes in other counties.

In 1993, a small group of 16 souls ventured out in faith to purchase our building at 119 S. Sparks St. Shortly over two years later, Fr John Reeves re-located to State College from Texas, with his family, to serve as our first pastor. This was made possible by the stewardship of the mission community and a Planting Grant from the Department of Missions of the OCA.

From the very beginning, we have sought to minister in the English language to all the Orthodox in the area regardless of ethnicity. Our families come from virtually every traditionally Orthodox national background as well as many, many converts.

Our Mission

Because of our history, we feel a unique connection to the Penn State community. We pray that our parish may build up the Church outside our boundaries by effective ministry to the next generation of Church leaders who have chosen Penn State and Holy Trinity to be their home for four, or six, or more years.

Today, our community numbers over 125 adult members, plus students and children, roughly 185 souls who call Holy Trinity "home." Our worship is participatory and inviting. And we welcome you to be part of our parish life.

Our Life Together

Besides worshiping together on Saturday evenings, Sundays, and Holy Days, there are a number of parish ministries to and for various age and interest groups.

Additionally, we support members of our parish in the seminaries with annual book scholarships and help to send our students on mission trips during Spring Break, each year.

If you are already Orthodox, you may become a member of Holy Trinity by stating your intention to the priest, making your confession and receiving Holy Communion. Our parish is supported by the tithes and offerings of its members.

If you are not Orthodox but would like to learn more about the Orthodox faith, Orthodoxy 101 classes are conducted regularly to offer instruction. You will have the opportunity to consider conversion as you study. Converts are expected to have worshipped and studied regularly for a minimum of one year in preparation. Normally, converts are received on Holy Saturday each spring.

Blessings for New Mothers and Children are given on the first, eighth, and 40th days following childbirth. The pastor needs to be notified promptly when a child is born.

Baptisms of small children may be arranged during any season of the year, provided the child is at least 40 days old, except for medical emergencies. Godparents must be Orthodox and promise to raise the children in the Orthodox faith.

Marriages are normally celebrated on Sundays after noon, and must be outside of the fasting seasons of the year (Nativity Fast, Lent, Apostles' Fast, and the Dormition Fast). Banns must be published three weeks prior and pre-marital instruction is required. Weddings must be scheduled in the parish before making other plans.

Funerals are held from the church with the body lying in repose from the night before. Members of the parish keep vigil and chant the Psalms all night during the wake. A Mercy Meal is typically held following the service.

Confessions are heard each week following Vespers, both on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and by appointment. Regular communion presumes regular confession, every four to six weeks as a rule for adults. Children, age 8 and up, are given first confession instruction in Sunday School and are expected to confess during the four major fasting periods, at least.

Appointments with Father can be made by first contacting the parish office, weekdays, from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM to schedule one, or email the parish office.