Visitation Ministry

... I was sick and you visited me (Gospel according to Matthew 25:36)

In the knowledge that the Tri-Cities are the primary medical and health care centers for Upper East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Eastern Kentucky, this ministry undertakes pastoral visitations to those members of the parish who are being cared for at our many hospitals or are confined to their homes. Moreover, it also provides pastoral care for those Orthodox Christians outside of the parish who are receiving care at the many private health care facilities in our area.

(Our current Visitation Ministry team members are Mary Addington, Lynn (Stephen) Domby, and Mary Hatzikazakis)

Please contact Fr. Kevin Millsaps at (423) 538-0701 or (423) 220-9240 if you or someone you know has been hospitalized, is not able to attend worship services, or desires the Holy Eucharist.

Religious Education

... And you shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. (Deuteronomy 11:19)

This ministry supports the continual religious education of children, young adults, and adult parish members in the Holy Scriptures, Traditions, theology, history, and values of the Orthodox Christian Church. Ultimately, it seeks to meet individual's education needs where they are in their Christian walk. It will be the long-term goal of this ministry to transition from a Sunday-only religious education program to another day of the week (Tuesday, Wednesday, etc) in accordance with the guidance from the Archdiocesan Department of Religious Education. This ministry is divided into youth education, divided into sections by grade level, and adult education.

Beginning in September 2008, Holy Trinity will continue presenting its Adult Orthodox Education Class. A schedule of times and dates for this class is posted on the Parish Master Calendar located on this website. This class covers the Holy Scriptures and the history, traditions, and theology of the Eastern Orthodox Church. It is tailored for those who have been Orthodox Christians their entire lives, catachumens who seek to enter the Eastern Orthodox Church, or those in the surrounding community who desire to learn more about the faith in general.

This ministry also conducts a Vacation Bible School each summer. Holy Trinity recently conducted its 2008 Vacation Bible School in July The children learned about the miracles of our Lord and about the value of prayer for others and about the role that Our Savior Jesus Christ continually plays in their young lives. We are continually seeking children to be a part of this wonderful experience.

Please contact Fr. Kevin Millsaps if you would like to enroll your child in our adult and youth religious education programs, our 2009 Vacation Bible School, or would like to become an educator for the coming year.

Fishes and Loaves Food Ministry

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink...(Gospel according to Matthew 25:35)

Periodically, Holy Trinity receives telephone calls from individuals in the Tri-Cities area asking for donations of food, baby formula, diapers, etc. Most of the people we have talked with are very financial distressed- having lost jobs, having had spouses leave them, or are currently living in sub-standard conditions. This trend has shed light on a problem to which many of us turn a blind eye- Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church is located in a very poverty stricken area of Appalachia and the standard of living in our region is far below the rest of the country.

As Orthodox Christians, we have a responsibility to witness the love of Jesus Christ in very meaningful and tangible ways. Therefore, Holy Trinity undertakes a monthly food distribution to those individuals who request our assistance. If you would like to make a donation to this ministry, please make checks of payable to Fishes and Loaves Food Ministry. Furthermore, if you would life to assist in a food distribution event, normally held monthly or on an as needed basis, please contact Fr. Kevin.

Orthodox Witness and Outreach

During the nineteenth century, St. Innocent of Alaska sought to incarnate Orthodox Christianity into the Aleut culture of his surroundings. Therefore, how can Holy Trinity incarnate Orthodox Christianity into the surrounding Appalachian culture? In accordance with the Great Commission of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the historic missionary examples of the Church, this ministry is tasked with bringing the Orthodox Christian Faith to those individuals or groups who are un-churched, who are of traditional Orthodox backgrounds, and the various native and immigrant populations of Northeast Tennessee who are currently unacquainted with the Orthodox Church. Furthermore, it undertakes philanthropic and community service activities as well as coordinates joint activities with surrounding Orthodox Churches.

Please contact Fr. Kevin to see how you can help in this critical ministry.

Orthodox Music Ministry

The Eastern Orthodox Christian Church is blessed to partake of a very rich and diverse musical tradition encompassing Byzantine, Slavic, Middle-Eastern, and other styles. This ministry seeks to glorify God with song and praise. For 2008, The Orthodox Music Ministry at Holy Trinity will be meeting twice a month on Thurday evenings at 6:00 PM. Please contact Fr. Kevin if you desire to particiapate in this ministry and he will provide you with all the practice books and CDs. Prior musical experience is not necessary, only a strong desire to serve Our Lord and the community.