Epiphany - Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Tarpon Springs, Florida + Sunday, December 13, 2015 ST DIONYSIOS OF ZAKYNTHOS, DECEMBER 17

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1 Epiphany - Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral Tarpon Springs, Florida + Sunday, December 13, 2015 ST DIONYSIOS OF ZAKYNTHOS, DECEMBER 17

2 DECEMBER SCHEDULE LITURGICAL SERVICES OFFICE AND MINISTRIES Monday Δευτέρα DEC. 14 OFFICE, M-W, 9:00 am- 5:00 pm BOOKSTORE, M-F, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Dance Ministry, 4:00 pm, Community Center Tuesday Τρίτη DEC. 15 St Eleftherios Orthros / Όρθρος, 8:00 am Liturgy / Λειτουργία, 9:15 am Dance Ministry, 6:00 pm, Community Center Basketball Ministry, 6:30 p.m., Gym Wednesday Τετάρτη DEC. 16 Thursday Πέμπτη DEC. 17 Friday Παρασκευή DEC. 18 Saturday Σάββατο DEC. 19 Sunday Κυριακή DEC. 20 Paraklesis to Theotokos, 6:00 pm St 491 Riverside Dr ALL WELCOME Orthros / Όρθρος, 8:00 am Liturgy / Λειτουργία, 9:15 am Orthros / Όρθρος, 7:30 am Liturgy / Λειτουργία (Ελληνικά), 8:45 am Liturgy / Λειτουργία (English), 10:45 am Bookstore, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Greek School, 4:30 pm Philoptochos Meeting, 6:00 pm, Fr Tryfon Hall Greek School, 4:30 pm Choir, 6:30 pm Dance Ministry, 11:00 am, Community Center Dinner for the Elderly, 11:30 am, Fr Tryfon Hall Hope & JOY Kickoff, 5:00 pm, Fr Tryfon Hall Bookstore, 10:00 am-12:00 pm Dance Ministry, 4:00 pm, Community Center Sunday School Nativity Pageant, 6:00 pm, Cathedral

3 TODAY S SPECIAL SERVICES MEMORIALS 40-day: FIRST DIVINE LITURGY Constantinos Bizios, John George, George Vrachnos 1-year: John Corcodilos 5-year: Costas Epsilanty 7-year: Dionysios (Dennis) Stavropoulos 8-year: Panteleimon Palmer 15-year: Eftychia (Edith ) Epsilanty MEMORIALS 40-day: SECOND DIVINE LITURGY Dr Themistocles Diamantis DEBT ELIMINATION CAMPAIGN Campaign Status as of Tuesday, December 8, 2015 Debt Elimination Pledges Received $ 121, Debt Elimination Monies Received $ 106, Credit Line Balance $ 131, Please contact treasurer Michael Kouremetis with questions regarding this report. He may be reached at or mkouremetis@tampabay.rr.com.

4 ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΣ Πρὸς Κολασσαεῖς 3:4-11 Ἀ δελφοί, ὅταν ὁ Χριστὸς φανερωθῇ, ἡ ζωὴ ὑμῶν, τότε καὶ ὑμεῖς σὺν αὐτῷ φανερωθήσεσθε ἐν δόξῃ. Νεκρώσατε οὖν τὰ μέλη τὰ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, πορνείαν, ἀκαθαρσίαν, πάθος, ἐπιθυμίαν κακήν, καὶ τὴν πλεονεξίαν ἥτις ἐστὶν εἰδωλολατρία, δι' ἃ ἔρχεται ἡ ὀργὴ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐπὶ τοὺς υἱοὺς τῆς ἀπειθείας ἐν οἷς καὶ ὑμεῖς περιεπατήσατέ ποτε ὅτε ἐζῆτε ἐν αὐτοῖς. Νυνὶ δὲ ἀπόθεσθε καὶ ὑμεῖς τὰ πάντα, ὀργήν, θυμόν, κακίαν, βλασφημίαν, αἰσχρολογίαν ἐκ τοῦ στόματος ὑμῶν μὴ ψεύδεσθε εἰς ἀλλήλους, ἀπεκδυσάμενοι τὸν παλαιὸν ἄνθρωπον σὺν ταῖς πράξεσιν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐνδυσάμενοι τὸν νέον τὸν ἀνακαινούμενον εἰς ἐπίγνωσιν κατ' εἰκόνα τοῦ κτίσαντος αὐτόν, ὅπου οὐκ ἔνι Ἕλλην καὶ Ἰουδαῖος, περιτομὴ καὶ ἀκροβυστία, βάρβαρος, Σκύθης, δοῦλος, ἐλεύθερος, ἀλλὰ τὰ πάντα καὶ ἐν πᾶσι Χριστός. ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟΝ Kατὰ Λουκᾶν ιδʹ Ε ἶπεν ὁ Κύριος τὴν παραβολὴν ταύτην Ἄνθρωπός τις ἐποίησε δεῖπνον μέγα, καὶ ἐκάλεσε πολλούς καὶ ἀπέστειλε τὸν δοῦλον αὐτοῦ τῇ ὥρᾳ τοῦ δείπνου εἰπεῖν τοῖς κεκλημένοις ἔρχεσθε, ὅτι ἤδη ἕτοιμά ἐστι πάντα. καὶ ἤρξαντο ἀπὸ μιᾶς παραιτεῖσθαι πάντες, ὁ πρῶτος εἶπεν αὐτῷ ἀγρὸν ἠγόρασα, καὶ ἔχω ἀνάγκην ἐξελθεῖν καὶ ἰδεῖν αὐτόν ἐρωτῶ σε, ἔχε με παρῃτημένον. καὶ ἕτερος εἶπε ζεύγη βοῶν ἠγόρασα πέντε, καὶ πορεύομαι δοκιμάσαι αὐτά ἐρωτῶ σε, ἔχε με παρῃτημένον. καὶ ἕτερος εἶπε γυναῖκα ἔγημα, καὶ διὰ τοῦτο οὐ δύναμαι ἐλθεῖν. καὶ παραγενόμενος ὁ δοῦλος ἐκεῖνος ἀπήγγειλε τῷ κυρίῳ αὐτοῦ ταῦτα. τότε ὀργισθεὶς ὁ οἰκοδεσπότης εἶπε τῷ δούλῳ αὐτοῦ ἔξελθε ταχέως εἰς τὰς πλατείας καὶ ῥύμας τῆς πόλεως, καὶ τοὺς πτωχοὺς καὶ ἀναπήρους καὶ χωλοὺς καὶ τυφλοὺς εἰσάγαγε ὧδε. καὶ εἶπεν ὁ δοῦλος κύριε, γέγονεν ὡς ἐπέταξας, καὶ ἔτι τόπος ἐστί. καὶ εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος πρὸς τὸν δοῦλον Ἔξελθε εἰς τὰς ὁδοὺς καὶ φραγμοὺς καὶ ἀνάγκασον εἰσελθεῖν, ἵνα γεμισθῇ ὁ οἶκός μου. λέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν ὅτι οὐδεὶς τῶν ἀνδρῶν ἐκείνων τῶν κεκλημένων γεύσεταί μου τοῦ δείπνου. Πολλοὶ γάρ εἰσι κλητοί, ὀλίγοι δὲ εκλεκτοί. COUNCIL MEMBERS ON DUTY TODAY Mike Kouremetis Nikitas Manias John Stamas Chris Palaidis Irene Karavokiros Maria Klonaris Themis Fountotos- Tezza

5 EPISTLE Colossians 3:4-11 B rethren, when Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. In these you once walked, when you lived in them. But now put them all away; anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices and have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all. GOSPEL Luke 14:16-24 T he Lord said this parable: "A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time of the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, 'Come; for all is now ready.' But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I must go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.' And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and there is still room.' And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet. For many are called, but few are chosen.'" WEDNESDAY SERVICES IN EFFECT Please join us every Wednesday for our weekly evening service at 6:00 pm. EVERY 1st WEDNESDAY: Agiasmos EVERY 2nd WEDNESDAY: Paraklesis to St. Nicholas EVERY 3rd WEDNESDAY: Paraklesis to Theotokos EVERY 4th WEDNESDAY: Holy Unction

6 Variable Sunday Liturgy Hymns Ἀπολυτίκιον Ἀναστάσιμον Εὐφραινέσθω τὰ οὐράνια, ἀγαλλιάσθω τὰ ἐπίγεια, ὅτι ἐποίησε κράτος, ἐν βραχίονι αὐτοῦ, ὁ Κύριος, ἐπάτησε τῷ θανάτῳ τὸν θάνατον, πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν ἐγένετο, ἐκ κοιλίας ᾅδου ἐρρύσατο ἡμᾶς, καὶ παρέσχε τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος. Resurrectional Apolytikion Let the heavens sing for joy, and let everything on earth be glad. For with His Arm the Lord has worked power. He trampled death under foot by means of death; and He became the firstborn from the dead. From the maw of Hades He delivered us; and He granted the world His great mercy. Τῶν Προπατόρων Ἐν πίστει τοὺς Προπάτορας ἐδικαίωσας, τὴν ἐξ Ἐθνῶν δι' αὐτῶν προμνηστευσάμενος Ἐκκλησίαν. Καυχῶνται ἐν δόξῃ οἱ Ἅγιοι, ὄι ἐκ σπέρματος αὐτῶν, ὑπάρχει καρπός εὐκλεής, ἡ ἀσπόρως τεκοῦσά σε. Ταῖς αὐτῶν ἱκεσίαις, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, σῶσον τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν. Τοῦ Ναοῦ Κανόνα πίστεως και εικόνα πραότητος, εγκρατείας διδάσκαλον, ανέδειξέ σε τη ποίμνη σου, η των πραγμάτων αλήθεια δια τούτο εκτήσω τη ταπεινώσει τα υψηλά, τη πτωχεία τα πλούσια, Πάτερ Ιεράρχα Νικόλαε, πρέσβευε Χριστώ τω Θεώ, σωθήναι τας ψυχάς ημών. Κοντάκιον Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον, τὸν προαιώνιον Λόγον, ἐν Σπηλαίῳ ἔρχεται, ἀποτεκεῖν ἀπορρήτως. Χόρευε ἡ οἰκουμένη ἀκουτισθεῖσα, δόξασον μετὰ Ἀγγέλων καὶ τῶν Ποιμένων, βουληθέντα ἐποφθῆναι, Παιδίον νέον, τὸν πρὸ αἰώνων Θεόν. For the Forefathers By faith You justified the Forefathers, having through them betrothed to yourself the Church that came out of the nations. The saints are boasting in glory; for the glorious fruit, the Virgin who without seed gave birth to You, is from their progeny. At their entreaties, O Christ our God, save our souls. For the Parish Church As rule of the faith and picture of gentleness, and teacher of temperance you were exhibited to your flock, by the truth of the evidence, Thus you acquired the lofty through humility, abundance through poverty. Father and Hierarch Nicholas, intercede with Christ our God, that our souls may be saved. Kontakion On this day the Virgin Maid goes to the grotto to give birth to the pre-eternal Word in an ineffable manner. Dance for joy, all the inhabited earth, on hearing. Glorify along with Angels and with the shepherds Him who willed that He appear as a newborn Child, the pre-eternal God.

7 ST DIONYSIOS OF ZAKYNTHOS St Dionysios of Zakynthos was born and reared on Zakynthos, the son of pious and wealthy parents. In his youth he entered the monastery of the Strophada Islands. Later, he was appointed Archbishop of Aegina, and adorned its throne for a considerable time. Thereafter he returned to his homeland. One incident in his life especially reveals to what virtue he attained. A man came to him in desperation, witnessing that he had committed a murder, and was being pursued by the slain man's family. He asked St. Dionysius to give him refuge. The Saint agreed to this. Upon learning that it was his own brother whom the man had slain, he said nothing, but concealing the agony of his grief, hid him. When the Saint's kinsmen arrived he told them that the murderer had gone by such and such a way. When they had departed, he admonished the man, instructed him in repentance, and sent him off having forgiven him. According to local tradition, this man later returned and became a monk at this same monastery. St. Dionysius reposed in peace in Ο ΑΓΙΟΣ ΔΙΟΝΥΣΙΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΖΑΚΥΝΘΟΥ O Άγιος Διονύσιος ήταν γόνος ευσεβέστατης και αρχοντικής οικογενείας της Ζακύνθου. 'Εγινε μοναχός στη βασιλική Μονή Στροφάδων όπου μελετούσε τις Γραφές. Πήγε στην Αθήνα για να ταξιδέψει στα Ιεροσόλυμα, όμως ο τότε Αρχιερέας Αθηνών άκουσε το κήρυγμα του και τον έκανε επίσκοπο Αιγίνης. Δούλεψε άγρυπνα, ακούραστα και ταπεινά. Ασθένησε όμως και γύρισε στη Ζάκυνθο όπου μέχρι το 1579 ήταν προσωρινός επίσκοπος. Πέθανε σε βαθιά γεράματα στις 17 Δεκεμβρίου του Τάφηκε στη Μονή Στροφάδων. ST ELEFTHERIOS THE HOLY MARTYR This Saint had Rome as his homeland. Having been orphaned of his father from childhood, he was taken by his mother Anthia to Anicetus, the Bishop of Rome, by whom he was instructed in the divine Scriptures. Though still very young in years, he was made Bishop of Illyricum by reason of his Saints and Feasts surpassing virtue, and by his teachings he converted many unbelievers to Christ. However, during a most harsh persecution that was raised against the Christians under Hadrian, the Saint was arrested. Enduring many torments for Christ, he was finally put to death by two soldiers about the year 126. As for his Christ-loving mother Anthia, while embracing the remains of her son and kissing them with maternal affection, she was also beheaded. ΑΓΙΟΣ ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΟΣ Ο ΙΕΡΟΜΑΡΤΥΡΑΣ Ό Άγιος Ελευθέριος γεννήθηκε το 2ο αιώνα μ.χ. Τότε αυτοκράτορας ήταν ο Κόμμοδος και ο Σεπτίμιος Σεβήρος. Ορφανός από πατέρα, ανατράφηκε σύμφωνα με τις επιταγές του Ευαγγελίου από την ευσεβέστατη μητέρα του, Άνθια. Διακαής πόθος της ήταν να επισκεφθεί τη Ρώμη, που τα χώματά της είχαν βαφεί με το αίμα των Αποστόλων Πέτρου και Παύλου. Κάποτε λοιπόν, αποφάσισε και πήγε. Μαζί πήρε και το νεαρό γιο της. Ο επίσκοπος Ρώμης, όταν είδε τον Ελευθέριο, εκτιμώντας την πολλή νοημοσύνη του, τη θερμή πίστη και το αγνό ήθος του, τον έλαβε υπό την προστασία του. Μετά από λίγα χρόνια τον χειροτόνησε διάκονο και έπειτα Ιερέα. Το έτος 182 μ.χ., με κοινή ψήφο κλήρου και λαού, ανήλθε στον επισκοπικό θρόνο της Ρώμης. Η φήμη της αρετής του έφθασε μέχρι τη Βρετανία. Έτσι, ο βασιλιάς αυτής Λούκιος, έγραψε επιστολή στον Ελευθέριο και του δήλωνε ότι αυτός και ο λαός του επιθυμούσαν να γίνουν χριστιανοί. Ο Ελευθέριος αμέσως ανταποκρίθηκε, στέλνοντας δύο εκπαιδευμένους στην πίστη άνδρες, που κατήχησαν και βάπτισαν χριστιανούς το Λούκιο με το λαό του. Όταν ο Σεπτίμιος Σεβήρος εξήγειρε διωγμό κατά των χριστιανών, ο Ελευθέριος τον ήλεγξε θαρραλέα. Τότε διατάχθηκε ο μαρτυρικός θάνατός του, μαζί με τη μητέρα του Άνθια.

8 DEBT ELIMINATION PLEDGES RECEIVED (As of December 8, 2015) The St Nicholas Community would like to thank all those who have already made their pledge to help eliminate our debt. If you haven t yet, please let our Lord guide you to your donation. Though $1,000 is the target amount, no amount is too small or too large. If you are unable to help, we welcome your prayers and moral support. Metropolitan Nikitas & Lulias, John Rev Fr James & Presvytera Vasiliki Rousakis Rev Fr Sampson & Prevytera Mallory Kasapakis Abare, Irene Alahouzos, Chris Alesafis, Michael & Kathy Andriotis, George Andropoulos, DeRose (In memory of Alexander Kaloudis) Andropoulos, James & Angeline Angeliadis, Gregory & Maria Apostolides, Ipatia Arfaras, Duchess Archangel Michael Shrine Assimack, Kathleen Bakas, Elizabeth Bangos, William & Manias, Niko Bilirakis, Emmanuel & Maria Bilirakis, Michael & Evelyn Billiris, Anna & George Billiris, Mary Bouchlas, Constantine The Boyiazis Family, in blessed memory of Yvonne Boyiazis Burruss, Mary Chakos, Michael Chrysostomou, Chrysoulla Chrysakis, Chris & Naomi Chrysakis, Emmanuel Chrysakis, Phil & Tiffany Coburn, Kyle & Mary Cosmos, Nancy Cretekos, Mr & Mrs Cuccuro, Ralph & Helen George (In memory of Nick & Frances Cretekos) Curlew Hills Memory Gardens (In memory of Irene Skinitis) Dakakos, Toni Dance Ministry Daskaroulis, Bill & Francine Demos, Kathryn Dobies Funeral Home Ergas, Michael Fatolitis, Evelyn Fernandes, Mr & Mrs Robert Georgion, Stephanie (in memory of Georgiou Georgion) Giallourakis, Bill C. Giannas, Mr & Mrs Pericles Ginnis, Nick & Thelma Gombos, Emmanuel Guido, Haroula Harding, Spanos & Tina Harvard, Kally Haskopoulos, John & Denise Haskopoulos, Evangelia Hellenic Benevolent Society Hourdas, Peter Intl Union of Painters Joanow, Sylvia Johnson, William & Sherry Kappas, Dennis Karavokiros, Irene Karavokiros, Pam & Steve Katsaras, Kalliope Katsaras, Renee Katsulos, Theophanis Kavouklis, Dr & Mrs Laz Kavouklis, Ruth Keeter, Kelly Kikis, Eleftheria Kissanis, Anthony & Athanasia Klonaris, Michael & Maria Kokolis, Stella Koukoulakis, Maria Kouremetis, Michael & Terri Kouskoutis, George & Maria Kouskoutis, Michael & Tina Kovach, Stathia Lelekis, John & Calliope Loe, Virginia Mammas, Carmen Manglis, Theofilos & Tula Manias, Evangelia Manias, Kallie (in memory of) Manias, Nicholas & Michelle Manias, Nikitas & Aspasia March 25th Parade Committee Margaritis, Diane Markopulos, Karen Markos, Anastasios & Angeline Mazarakis, Donna Miaoulis, Emmanuel Miaoulis, Nick Mikaleff, Irene Miliotis, John & Bessie Miller, Christopher & Evelyn Monokandilos, Drosso Mouratidis, Pano & Niki Mr Souvlaki / Kikilis Corp. Nelsen, William & Leoni Nicholas III, Paul G. Palaidis, Chris & Geneva Panageotou, Bill Pantelis, Mike & Irene Pantelis, Nick & Sylvia Papadakis, Sandy Patsalides, Harry & Ana Person, Jean Petalas, John Phillips, Pauline Philipson, Susan Pilitsis, Dr. John V. Post, Zenon Pseftelis, Vasilis & Kaliope Psiropoulos, George & Frieda Rigas, Evangeline Rigas, James & Christina Royal Bridge Painting Co. Samarkos, Charles & Anne Saravanos, Anthony & Mary Ann Shoemaker, James & Cathrine Skandaliaris, Anargiros & Lora Smith, E. Victoria Solon, George Spanolios, Peter & Anna St. Nicholas Greek School St. Nicholas Philoptochos Stamas, George Stamas, Anna Stamas, John & Donna Stephanos, Evelyn & John Stratakis, Peter & Doris Johnsen Sullivan, Stephanie Tharin Jr, Robert & Irene Theofilos, Kathy Theofilos, John Theophilopoulos, Dean & Ellyn Tsambis, Kon/nos & Anna Tsangaris, Charles & Mary Tsataros, Nick & Kathie Tsoukalas, Eleni Tsoutsanis, Samuell Vazopolos, Steve Vlahakis, Lydia Vouvalis, George Vouvalis, Nicholas Wohl, Bruce Zisimopoulos, Harry & Helen

9 2015 Parish Council Election Candidates ATTENTION STEWARDS Themis Fountotos-Tezza Current Board member 24-yr career in banking Currently on St Nicholas Preschool, Hall Rental & Education & Youth committees Emmanuel Ioannides Current Board member 16-year Parish Council experience Irene Karavokiros Current Board member Works as Greek court & medical interpreter Active in Levendia, Greek School & GOYA Parish Council Elections are scheduled for December 13th, following first and second liturgy in Fr Tryfon Hall. All parish members who are current with their stewardship are eligible to vote. Karen Markopulos Current Board member Has served as board president, vice pres. & treasurer 42-year career as Pinellas County speech pathologist Chris Palaidis Current Board member 35-years with Youth Ministries, Stewardship & Epiphany committees Current principal of Greek School Charles Samarkos Current Board member Director of Stewardship Committee 25-year career in law ST NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL George Stamas Recent Board member 17 E. Tarpon Ave Tarpon Springs, FL Lifelong TS resident & successful business owner Has served on finance, stewardship & Faith in Action committees Phone: Fax:

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11 The ECYD Committee requests your help to send our dancers to HDF 2016! The Hellenic Dance Festival (HDF) of the Atlanta Metropolis is scheduled for January 2016, in Orlando, FL. The St. Nicholas Dance Ministry leaders and thirty youth dancers will be participating for the first time in a number of years. Various fundraisers to cover the hotel expenses for HDF have been scheduled by the Dance Ministry leaders, parents and dancers. However, the registration fee is $180 per participant -- that is, $5,400 for all the participants. In addition, the ministry will pay for the musician s cost of over $3,100. With Christmas coming soon, the Education, Culture & Youth Diakonia (ECYD) Committee is asking the St. Nicholas parish family to donate toward the registration fees for the dancers. The dancers are working very hard, practicing their dances and songs at least 3 times a week in preparation for HDF. Your donation will help and especially encourage them in knowing that the Cathedral parish family is supporting this effort. If you are able to, please make out your check to: St. Nicholas Cathedral (memo: Dance Ministry HDF Registration). Please take or send your donation to the church office by the end of December, so our dancers can register and represent St. Nicholas Cathedral. If any questions, please contact Karen Markopulos, ECYD Chair at kkouslp@gmail.com or Wishing everyone a joyful, blessed, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

12 OUR PRIESTS ARE HERE TO SERVE YOU Fr. James Rousakis ( , and F r. S a m p s o n K a s a p a k i s ( , frsampson@stnicholastarpon.org) are here to serve you. Please call, text or them for any spiritual needs. Kindly do not use the priests social media sites (e.g. Facebook), as your message might be inadvertently overlooked. To schedule sacraments, or call Fr. James. Ο Πατήρ Δημήτριος και ο Πατήρ Σαμψών είναι καθημερινά στην διάθεσή σας. Παρακαλούμε να τους καλείτε στα κινητά τους τηλέφωνα για πνευματικές ανάγκες. ST NICHOLAS KITCHEN St Nicholas Kitchen is an outreach ministry which provides a hot meal and fellowship to those in need. Volunteers for cooking, serving meals and cleanup between 8:00 am and 1:00 pm - along with monetary donations for the purchase of food - are welcome and needed. Remember the book of Matthew 25:35-36:...For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. Your assistance helps feed approximately 100 people every Monday. Thank you for your support. Please call Chris Palaidis at for further information. LET US HOST YOUR NEXT PARTY Reserve Father Tryfon Hall or the Community Center for 2015 corporate holiday parties or your next event through Visit the hall rental website at or call the church office at ARTOKLASIES / MEMORIAL SERVICES Contemplating having an artoklasia or a memorial service? Kindly call Soultana in our parish office at to make arrangements. Kollyva for memorials (μνημόσυνα) may be ordered through: Antonia Korfias ( ) Irene Koutelas ( ) Evangelia Stavropoulos ( ) Contact info for these preparers is provided as a service to parishioners and does not imply endorsement.

13 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR EPIPHANY Your help is needed! Please contact parish administrative assistant Soultana Kalligas ( , or Costas Sisois ( ) to volunteer for the annual St. Nicholas Epiphany Glendi that will be held at the St Nicholas Community Center on Wednesday, January 6. Thank you, in advance, for the anticipated sharing of your valuable time to help our parish. HOLY EUCHARIST (HOLY COMMUNION) We remind everyone that the Blessed Bread (Antidoron) offered at the end of the Divine Liturgy may be received by all. Holy Communion is a Sacrament within the Orthodox Church and is only offered to Baptized and/or Chrismated Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves to receive the Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As you come to receive, please follow the direction of the Parish Council Members, Ushers, and Acolytes. BOOKSTORE VOLUNTEERS Do you love that new-book smell? Do you enjoy reading and sharing your knowledge? Then grab a friend and sign up to volunteer at the St Nicholas Bookstore! We are currently looking to keep the bookstore staffed by two people per shift. If you can spare two to four hours per week, or if you would like to become an on-call substitute, please contact Bill Panageotou by calling All proceeds benefit St Nicholas Cathedral and the Bookstore Renovation Fund. EPIPHANY SUBMISSION DEADLINE Announcements for Sunday s print version of Epiphany must be ed in (Word) format to Soultana at Soultana@stnicholastarpon.org by the close of business on the preceding Monday.

14 Sunday Church School News TOY DRIVE Donate a new, unwrapped toy and make a difference in a child s life this Christmas! Accepting donations: Through today!! Drop-off boxes located in all classrooms Sunday Church School Presents: The Christmas Box Sunday, December 20, :00 pm St. Nicholas Cathedral * Special pageant appearance by Greek School * Refreshments will follow in Fr. Tryfon Hall

15 St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Tarpon Springs will be serving the annual Christmas lunch for the elderly & those in need of a warm meal and Christian fellowship in Fr. Tryfon Hall Saturday, December 19th 11:30 am - 3:00 pm If anyone would like to donate (cooked or uncooked) a turkey, ham, money or TIME, please don t hesitate to volunteer. For more information, please call Chris Palaidis at (727)

16 Add one to your gift list! ST. NICHOLAS CATHEDRAL ORNAMENT SERIES St. Nicholas Cathedral Epiphany Epiphany Diver These beautiful ornaments are 24k-gold-plate etched on brass $20 each Available at the Cathedral Office, 17 E. Tarpon Ave, Tarpon Springs FL Tel (727) STRATEGIC PLAN The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta (which has jurisdiction over all Parishes and faithful in the eight Southeastern States) is pursuing a methodical and comprehensive strategic planning process. Under the visionary leadership of His Eminence, Metropolitan Alexios, a dedicated group of over 60 faithful from throughout the Southeast have been working diligently since Spring 2014 to develop and determine a Statement of Why, Strengths / Weaknesses / Opportunities / Threats, Core Values, Mission, Vision, Strategic Areas of Focus (Task Forces) and Strategic SMART Goals. For more information, please visit the Strategic Plan website at atlstrategicplan.org or contact Irene Karavokiros (Parish Champion, Strategic Plan Representative) at fsouena@gmail.com.

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18 Calling all St. Nicholas College Students!!! Apply for a Sophia G. Colovos Scholarship through St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral Spring Session 2016 Deadline 1/19/16 All forms are on print out or pick up packet from Parish office and return by deadline above. Remember to fill out 2015 and 2016 St. Nicholas Stewardship Card! It s easy to do! Please review checklist below for required documents: Current scholarship application Application must be completed in full. You may attach any additional comments that explain your special circumstances to the Trustee of the Colovos Scholarship Fund. Academic transcript of the previous semester Minimum GPA is 3.0 Recent high school graduates should provide their high school transcript. For college students, an online print-out of final grades is usually acceptable. Proof of class registration for the upcoming semester Must be full time student: 12 credit minimum (with the exception of Summer session.) If your program is full time but less than 12 credits, provide explanation and proof. Parent s current Personal Tax Return Your current Personal Tax Return (if applicable) You must be a Steward/Active member of the Church for a continuous two (2) year period immediately prior to the application for a scholarship from the Fund. Applicants 18 years old or older need to be stewards in their own name even if a dependent living at home. For any questions, please contact Education, Culture & Youth Diakonia Committee Chair Karen kkouslp@gmail.com, or you may contact the St. Nicholas Cathedral

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20 St. Nicholas Dance Ministry Monday Practice Schedule Grades 1 & 2: 4:30 5:15 pm Ms Anna & Ms Eva Grades 3, 4, 5: 5:30 6:15 pm Ms Anna & Ms Eva Middle School grades: 6:30 7:30 pm Ms Kiki & Ms Maria HS/College/Adult: 7:30 9:00 pm Ms Anna & Ms Rania *PLEASE BRING CANNED/BOXED FOOD FOR OUR PHILOPTOCHOS Fee is $75 per dancer

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22 ST NICHOLAS PHILOPTOCHOS Monday: 9:00-10:00 am; Wed-Thu: 10:00 am - noon Mission Statement To aid the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, the handicapped, the victims of disasters, to undertake the burial of impoverished persons and to offer assistance to anyone who may need to help of the Church through fund-raising efforts. Social Services Report January 2015 to October 2015 A total of $11,165 was distributed to those in need. If in need of assistance with utility bills, rent, mortgage or food, contact our office. All information is held confidential. Volunteers Needed Have time on your hands and don t know what to do? We have the answer! Help us keep our office open every day of the week. Call us, leave your name & number and we will get back to you. If you know of someone who is in the hospital or nursing home and would like our ladies to visit them please call us their name and where they are located. Food Needed for Our Food Pantry Our shelves our running very low... These are the items that we need: Jelly Tuna fish Pasta (rice, spaghetti) Canned beef stew Canned fruits Macaroni and cheese Canned soup (pop-top cans) Spam Jar spaghetti sauce/meat Canned corn (Please try and purchase all canned items with pop tops) Upcoming Events January 6 th January 20 th January 24th February 21st Epiphany (Pastry Booth) General 7 p.m. Membership Tea Fashion Show St Nicholas Philoptochos, 18 Hibiscus St (directly behind St. Nicholas Cathedral) Mailing address: P.O. Box 2043, Tarpon Springs, FL Tel:

23 SAINT NICHOLAS BOOKSTORE Monday - Friday: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm; Wednesdays : 10:00 am - 5:00 pm; Sunday: 10:00 am - noon The perfect place to purchase meaningful Christmas gifts while supporting our Cathedral. Beautiful ornaments and Christmas cards are available during the holiday season. We also have a large selection of books on Orthodoxy, Bibles, icons, CDs, DVDs, and much more. If you have not been to the bookstore lately, come and see what is new! Christina Goes to Church $14.00 A preschooler s Introduction to Spiritual Growth. Just one of the many beautifully illustrated books in the Christina series that helps children in their religious identification with the Eastern Orthodox Church. Ages: Preschool and up. Prayer Cubes $7.00 A creative way to get your children interested in prayer. These 2 ½ in wooden cubes can help get things rolling! Toss the cubes and whatever it lands on is the prayer you ll say. Mealtime, bedtime, fasting, and friendship prayer cubes make great stocking stuffers for all ages. Around A Greek Table Recipes & Stories $22.00 This cookbook, arranged according to the Liturgical seasons, explores the intricacies of Greek cooking and makes these once -mysterious recipes both understandable and possible. Over 100 recipes plus stories that are told around Greek tables in the honored traditions passed down through the generations. Η Τέχνη της Σωτηρίας $35.00 Αυτή η συλλογή ομιλιών του νέου αγίου της Εκκλησίας μας, Γέροντα Εφραίμ Φιλοθεΐτου της Αριζόνα, προς μοναχούς και ομογενείς της Αμερικής, αποτελεί ένα πολύ ωραίο δώρο για όσους αναζητούν καθοδήγηση στην πνευματική τους ζωή. Gift Certificates Can t decide between our hundreds of gift items? Gift certificates are available in any amount and never expire! FOLLOW ST NICHOLAS CATHEDRAL BOOKSTORE ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM!

24 SAINT NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL 17 E Tarpon Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL Tel: Fax: CATHEDRAL OPEN FOR PRAYER: Monday-Friday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Fr. James Rousakis, Acting Dean & Vicar Fr. Sampson Kasapakis, Assistant Priest Nikitas Manias, Council President Maria Angeliadis, Office Manager Soultana Kalligas, Administrative Assistant PARISH MINISTRIES & DEPARTMENTS ALTAR SERVERS Jerry Theophilopoulos BOOKSTORE Vasilis Panageotou BOY SCOUTS Theodora Genduso & Antonio Genduso CHANTERS Fr. Emmanuel Hatzidakis & Anthony Hatzidakis CHOIR, 1 st LITURGY Katie Faklis CHOIR, 2 nd LITURGY DeRose Andropoulos DANCE MINISTRY Maria Kouskoutis & Eva Athanasatos EDUCATION, CULTURE & YOUTH Karen Markopulos EPIPHANY COMMITTEE Emmanuel Gombos & Johanna Kossifidis G.O.Y.A. (9-12 grade) Theodora Kampouraki & Emmanuel Gombos & Penny Lambrianos GREEK AFTERNOON SCHOOL Chris Palaidis HOPE (K-2 gr.) & JOY (3-6 gr.) JR G.O.Y.A. (6-8 grade) Maria Angeliadis PHILOPTOCHOS Tina Chagaris PRESCHOOL Jessica Gorman STEWARDSHIP Charles Samarkos SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL Galatiani Leadbetter YOUNG ADULT LEAGUE (Y.A.L.) -- Fr Sampson Kasapakis WEBSITE Mick Geary ORGANIZATIONS & SOCIETIES AHEPA James Miller SONS OF PERICLES Jimmy Makris DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE Margo Filley ATHENIAN SOCIETY Helen Kariofilis CHIOS SOCIETY Chrysanthi Psoras CRETAN SOCIETY Angelo Sakis HALKI SOCIETY Michele Manousos HELLENIC BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION Emmanuel Ioannidis KALYMNIAN SOCIETY Nikolas Sazalis LACONIAN SOCIETY Theodore Tsafatinos PANCYPRIAN SOCIETY Angela Georgiadis PROMETHEAS SOCIETY Effie Vassiliou SYMIAN SOCIETY Michael Faklis