Epiphany - Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Tarpon Springs, Florida + Sunday, January 8, St Theodosios the Cenobiarch, January 11

Transcript

1 Epiphany - Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral Tarpon Springs, Florida + Sunday, January 8, 2017 St Theodosios the Cenobiarch, January 11

2 WEEKLY MESSAGE Every year, thousands of faithful men and women and many visitors gather in our Cathedral and along the shores of Spring Bayou for the annual Cross Dive and Blessing of the Waters in honor of the Feast of Epiphany. During the special blessing service, the Holy Spirit is called down to bless the waters and those who partake of them or are sprinkled by them. This ancient custom is celebrated throughout the world as part of Orthodox Christian celebration of Epiphany, the celebration of the Baptism of Jesus Christ Who blessed all of creation when He entered the Jordan River. So why do Orthodox Christians bless water, and other material things? How can water be holy? How can the grace of God be contained in some material object? The word holy has a double meaning in the ancient Christian Church, which means not earthly or set aside for a special purpose. God commanded His people to Be holy as I am holy, (Leviticus ) and Saint Peter affirmed the call to holiness in the New Testament. If God commanded people to be holy, it would mean that material things can become holy. There are dozens of references in the Old Testament to this. If we understand the word as set aside for a special purpose, then it becomes clear. When Orthodox Christians bless material things, we are asking God to use those material things for a special purpose. Especially in the case of water, which is the single most important physical requirement for life, blessing it means blessing life itself. For Orthodox Christians, the created world has been given to us by God for a special purpose to find Him. Throughout history, the physical world has assisted humanity to understand God. Both the Old and New Testaments are filled with references of the Earth being a sign of His love and power. Earthquakes, stars, floods, clouds, refreshing rain, harsh droughts, and even solar eclipses have been used by God to reveal Himself to humanity. To prove His point, Jesus said, I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out. (Luke 19.40) If the material world should not be used for God to bless humanity, then He would have remained a distant God and called down from His Throne, Ok, I forgive you. You may now go about your business as usual. But God did in fact use creation as a way for us to find Him. It is humanity that abuses creation and uses it for selfish purposes. It is humanity that assigns monetary value to life, not God. If by asking God to bless material things, we (thing by thing) set aside the material world to the original purpose God had intended, we are partners with God, not enemies. Just try to reach out to God without using any material thing no building, no mountain top, no peaceful valley, not even the voice that flows from our lips: It just cannot be done. That s why Orthodox Christians bless material things. So this year, we invite each family of our blessed Cathedral to contact the Cathedral Office and schedule a house or business blessing. Father Athanasios and Father Sampson have set aside the month of January as House Blessing Season. Just as the Church has been set aside for a special purpose, our homes and businesses should be set aside for a special purpose. That purpose is for our family to live united to God, dedicated to His message of hope for a new life in Christ free from the burden of sin and temptation. When we invite the Priest into our homes and businesses for this annual blessing, we are indeed inviting Christ Himself and His Holy Spirit into our daily lives so that we can live committed Orthodox Christian lives for His glory. This is not merely an old Greek custom, but a holy act of faith in the power to God in our lives.

3 TODAY S SPECIAL SERVICES MEMORIALS 40-DAY: 6-MONTH: 1-YEAR: 3-YEAR: FIRST DIVINE LITURGY Triantafyllia Maria Scordas Argyro Skopelitis Verona Karaphillis, Anixis Kazouris, Constantinos Tsavaris Themistocles Assimack, Ipapanti Kidonia Saroukos TRISAGION + Nikolaos Mandelos NO SPECIAL SERVICES SCHEDULED SECOND DIVINE LITURGY 40-DAY PRAYER LIST Costas, Kalliopi, Eleni, Anastasia, Ioanna, Andriani, Styliani, Joanne, Patty, Andreas, Eleni, Anna, Dimitrios, Ioanna, Lefkothea, Christoforos, Irene, George, Ioannis, Kyriaki, Georgia, Simela, Katerina, Maria, Kosta, Maria, Maria, Christos, Kalotina, Matthew, Simeon, Irene, Giannis Prayer for a Sick Person Heavenly Father, physician of our souls and bodies, who have sent Your only-begotten Son and our Lord Jesus Christ to heal every sickness and infirmity, visit and heal me Your servant from all physical and spiritual ailments through the grace of Your Christ. Grant me patience in this sickness, strength of body and spirit, and recovery of health. Lord, You have taught us through Your word to pray for each other that we may be healed. I pray that You heal me as Your servant and grant me the gift of complete health. For You are the source of healing and to You I give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. Names will be taken off the list after 40 days. To keep or add your loved ones names on the list, please contact Soultana via (soultana@stnicholastarpon.org) or telephone ( ) by Monday at 5:00 pm.

4 ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΣ Πρὸς Ἐφεσίους 4:7-13 Ἀ δελφοί, ἑνὶ ἑκάστῳ ἡμῶν ἐδόθη ἡ χάρις κατὰ τὸ μέτρον τῆς δωρεᾶς τοῦ Χριστοῦ. Διὸ λέγει, Ἀναβὰς εἰς ὕψος ᾐχμαλώτευσεν αἰχμαλωσίαν, καὶ ἔδωκεν δόματα τοῖς ἀνθρώποις. Τὸ δέ, Ἀνέβη, τί ἐστιν εἰ μὴ ὅτι καὶ κατέβη πρῶτον εἰς τὰ κατώτερα μέρη τῆς γῆς; Ὁ καταβάς, αὐτός ἐστιν καὶ ὁ ἀναβὰς ὑπεράνω πάντων τῶν οὐρανῶν, ἵνα πληρώσῃ τὰ πάντα. Καὶ αὐτὸς ἔδωκεν τοὺς μὲν ἀποστόλους, τοὺς δὲ προφήτας, τοὺς δὲ εὐαγγελιστάς, τοὺς δὲ ποιμένας καὶ διδασκάλους, πρὸς τὸν καταρτισμὸν τῶν ἁγίων, εἰς ἔργον διακονίας, εἰς οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ σώματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ μέχρι καταντήσωμεν οἱ πάντες εἰς τὴν ἑνότητα τῆς πίστεως καὶ τῆς ἐπιγνώσεως τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ, εἰς ἄνδρα τέλειον, εἰς μέτρον ἡλικίας τοῦ πληρώματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ. ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟΝ Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 4:12-17 Τ ῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἀκούσας δὲ ὁ Ἰησοῦς ὅτι Ἰωάννης παρεδόθη, ἀνεχώρησεν εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν,καὶ καταλιπὼν τὴν Ναζαρὲτ ἐλθὼν κατῴκησεν εἰς Καπερναοὺμ τὴν παραθαλασσίαν ἐν ὁρίοις Ζαβουλὼν καὶ Νεφθαλείμ,ἵνα πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ Ἠσαΐου τοῦ προφήτου λέγοντος γῆ Ζαβουλὼν καὶ γῆ Νεφθαλείμ,ὁδὸν θαλάσσης, πέραν τοῦ Ἰορδάνου, Γαλιλαία τῶν ἐθνῶν, ὁ λαὸς ὁ καθήμενος ἐν σκότειεἶδε φῶς μέγα,καὶ τοῖς καθημένοις ἐν χώρᾳ καὶ σκιᾷ θανάτουφῶς ἀνέτειλεν αὐτοῖς. Ἀπὸ τότε ἤρξατο ὁ Ἰησοῦς κηρύσσειν καὶ λέγειν μετανοεῖτε ἤγγικε γὰρ ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν. Η ΘΕΙΑ ΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΑ Η Θεία Κοινωνία είναι ένα από τα Μυστήρια της Ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας και προσφέρεται αποκλειστικά σε βαπτισμένους ή/και χρισμένους Ορθόδοξους Χριστιανούς, οι οποίοι έχουν προετοιμαστεί να λάβουν το Σώμα και το Αίμα του Κυρίου ημών Ιησού Χριστού. Καθώς προσέρχεστε να κοινωνήσετε, σας παρακαλούμε να ακολουθείτε τις οδηγίες των Συμβούλων της Ενορίας και λοιπών ταξιθετών. Σας θυμίζουμε επίσης πως το Αντίδωρο προσφέρεται στο τέλος της Θείας Λειτουργίας και μπορούν να το λάβουν όλοι.

5 EPISTLE Ephesians 4:7-13 B rethren, grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it is said, "When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men." (in saying, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is he who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. GOSPEL Matthew 4:12-17 A t that time, Jesus heard that John had been arrested, He withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth He went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned." From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." HOLY EUCHARIST (HOLY COMMUNION) 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. We remind everyone that the Blessed Bread (Antidoron) offered at the end of the Divine Liturgy may be received by all.

6 Variable Sunday Liturgy Hymns Ἀπολυτίκιον Ἀναστάσιμον Τὸ φαιδρὸν τῆς Ἀναστάσεως κήρυγμα, ἐκ τοῦ Ἀγγέλου μαθοῦσαι αἱ τοῦ Κυρίου Μαθήτριαι, καὶ τὴν προγονικὴν ἀπόφασιν ἀπορρίψασαι, τοῖς Ἀποστόλοις καυχώμεναι ἔλεγον Ἐσκύλευται ὁ θάνατος, ἠγέρθη Χριστὸς ὁ Θεός, δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος. Resurrectional Apolytikion When the women Disciples of the Lord had learned from the Angel the joyful message of the Resurrection and had rejected the ancestral decision, they cried aloud to the Apostles triumphantly: Death has been despoiled, Christ God has risen, granting His great mercy to the world. Ἀπολυτίκιον Τῆς Ἑορτῆς Ἐν Ἰορδάνῃ βαπτιζομένου σου Κύριε, ἡ τῆς Τριάδος ἐφανερώθη προσκύνησις τοῦ γὰρ Γεννήτορος ἡ φωνὴ προσεμαρτύρει σοι, ἀγαπητόν σε Υἱὸν ὀνομάζουσα καὶ τὸ Πνεῦμα ἐν εἴδει περιστερᾶς, ἐβεβαίου τοῦ λόγου τὸ ἀσφαλές. Ὁ ἐπιφανεὶς Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, καὶ τὸν κόσμον φωτίσας δόξα σοι. 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 Ἐπεφάνης σήμερον τῇ οἰκουμένῃ, καὶ τὸ φῶς σου Κύριε, ἐσημειώθη ἐφ' ἡμᾶς, ἐν ἐπιγνώσει ὑμνοῦντάς σε. Ἦλθες ἐφάνης τὸ Φῶς τὸ ἀπρόσιτον. Apolytikion For the Feast As You were baptized in the Jordan, O Lord, then the worship of the Trinity became manifest, for the voice of the Father bore witness to You, naming You the Beloved Son; and the Spirit, in the form of a dove, confirmed the certainty of the word. O Christ God, who appeared and illumined the world, glory to You. Of the 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 You appeared today to us on earth, O Master, and Your light was signed on us who cry aloud to You and say with understanding, O Christ our God: You came and shone forth, O Light unapproachable.

7 Saints and Feasts of the Week SAINT THEODOSIOS THE CENOBIARCH This Saint had Cappadocia as his homeland. He lived during the years of Leo of Thrace, who reigned from 457 to 474. The Saint established in the Holy Land a great communal monastery, wherein he was the shepherd of many monks. While Saint Sabbas was the head of the hermits of Palestine, Saint Theodosios was governor of those living the cenobitic life, for which reason he is called the Cenobiarch. Together with Saint Sabbas, towards whom he cherished a deep brotherly love in Christ, he defended the whole land of Palestine from the heresy of the Monophysites, which was championed by the Emperor Anastasius and might very well have triumphed in the Holy Land without the opposition of these two great monastic fathers and their zealous defense of the Holy Council of Chalcedon. Having lived for 103 years, he reposed in peace. ΌΣΙΟΣ ΘΕΟΔΟΣΙΟΣ Ο ΚΟΙΝΟΒΙΑΡΧΗΣ Ο Όσιος Θεοδόσιος γεννήθηκε στο χωριό Μωγαρισσού της Καππαδοκίας από πολύ πιστούς και ενάρετους γονείς, τον Προαιρέσιο και την Ευλογία. Έζησε στα χρόνια του αυτοκράτορα Λέοντα του Μεγάλου ( ) και έφτασε έως και τους χρόνους του αυτοκράτορα Αναστασίου του Δικόρου ( ). Αρνήθηκε την έγγαμη ζωή και σε νεαρή ηλικία έγινε μοναχός. Από πολύ νωρίς διακρίθηκε για την εγκράτεια και την ηθική του τελειότητα. Αφού ασκήτεψε κοντά σε μεγάλους ασκητές όπως ο Συμεών ο Στυλίτης και ο ησυχαστής Λογγίνος αποσύρθηκε σε απομακρυσμένο ησυχαστήριο όπου δίδασκε το λόγο του Θεού στους περαστικούς διαβάτες. Η φήμη του για την αγία ζωή του έγινε γρήγορα γνωστή στα πέρατα της αυτοκρατορίας και έφερε στο ησυχαστήριό του δεκάδες αδελφούς αναγκάζοντας τον Θεοδόσιο να ιδρύσει ένα ευρύχωρο μοναστήρι όπου εφάρμοσε πιστά τα πρότυπα του ασκητικού βίου. Έκανε πολλά θαύματα και, αφού δίδαξε τις αρετές της ασκητικής ζωής στους εκατοντάδες μαθητές του, εκοιμήθη σε βαθύ γήρας το 529. Η είδηση της κοιμήσεώς του διαδόθηκε σαν αστραπή. Και έτρεξαν πολλοί, λαϊκοί, κληρικοί και μοναχοί, ακόμη και Επίσκοποι, για να ασπαστούν το ιερό λείψανο του Αγίου ανδρός, που στάθηκε για όλους φιλόστοργος πατέρας και προστατευτικός αδελφός. Και αυτός ακόμη ο Πατριάρχης Ιεροσολύμων προσήλθε να ασπασθεί και να παραστεί στην εξόδιο Ακολουθία, μεγάλη δε υπήρξε η συγκίνησή του, όταν βρέθηκε ενώπιον του ιερού σκηνώματος του Οσίου. Η σύναξή του ετελείτο στο σεπτό Αποστολείο του Αγίου Αποστόλου Πέτρου, που ήταν κοντά στην Αγία Σοφία. Μερικά από τα θαύματα του Αγίου είναι τα εξής: Ο Άγιος είχε κατασκευάσει έναν τάφο για τον εαυτό του, ώστε βλέποντάς τον να θυμάται το θάνατο. Τον τάφο αυτόν εγκαινίασε με τον θάνατό του ένας Άγιος ασκητής, ονόματι Βασίλειος. Τον ασκητή λοιπόν αυτόν, ενώ είχε πεθάνει, μόνο ο Θεοδόσιος και ένας άλλος μοναχός τον έβλεπαν να στέκεται ανάμεσα στους άλλους μοναχούς και να συμψάλλει. Στους υπόλοιπους μοναχούς ο Βασίλειος ήταν αθέατος. Ένα άλλο θαύμα του Αγίου, είναι το ότι σε έναν τόπο στον οποίο πρόκειται να ιδρύσει μοναστήρι, άναψε σβησμένα κάρβουνα, χωρίς να έχει φωτιά. Επίσης, ο Άγιος προείπε και την καταστροφή που θα γινόταν στην Αντιόχεια από μεγάλο σεισμό. ST TATIANA THE MARTYR OF ROME Saint Tatiana was the daughter of a most distinguished consul of Rome. She became a deaconess of the Church, and for her confession of the Faith of Christ, she endured many torments. As she was suffering, angels punished her tormentors with the same torments they inflicted on her, until they cried out that they could no longer endure the scourges invisibly brought upon them. She was beheaded during the reign of Alexander Severus ( ).

8 DEBT ELIMINATION PLEDGES RECEIVED 2016 (As of January 5, 2017) Rev Fr Sampson & Presvytera Mallory Kasapakis 1910 Inn Angeliadis, Gregory & Maria Anonymous donations Anonymous donation (In memory of Jack Gombos) Arfaras, Dukessa Bakas, Elizabeth (In memory of Athanasios Triantafilles) Chagaris, Nicholas & Tina Christoforos, Nick Coburn, Kyle Ergas, Michael Fatolitis, Evelyn (In memory of George Karaphillis; in memory of Nicholas & Kalliope Manias) Giannas, Pericles & Evy Golden Brush - Drosso Kapaniris Haskopoulos, Evangelia Ioannidis, Emmanuel & Anna IUPAT District Council 78 Johnson, William & Sherry Kales, Trifon & Alexa Kalymnian Society Katsaras, Kaliope Kavouklis, Laz & Maria Kipreos, Olga Klimis, Harry & Effemia Klimis, Michael Koukoulakis, Maria Kouremetis, Michael & Terri Kouremetis, Sevasti Koukoutis, N. Michael & Tina Koutelas, Irene Lelekis, John & Calliope MAJ Investments Manias, Nikitas & Aspasia Markos Jewelry Ring Donation Nelsen, William & Leoni Ognenovski, Vlado & Violeta Pappas, Bessie Parish Council Patsalides, Harry & Anna Psilakis, Erasmia Royal Bridge Samarkos, Charles Shoemaker, James & Catherine Shontz, Alexandra St Nicholas Bookstore St Nicholas Dance Ministry Mrs Tagarelli, Albert Tsantakis, Christina Vouvalis, Nicholas Ypsilantis, Hercules (In memory of Kivotos & Rousa Ypsilantis) Zantopoulos, Bessie DEBT ELIMINATION CAMPAIGN The St Nicholas Community thanks all who have pledged to help eliminate our debt. 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. Campaign Status as of Thursday, January 5, 2017 Debt Elimination Pledges Received $ 171, Debt Elimination Monies Received $ 187, Credit Line Balance $ 53, Please contact treasurer Anna Billiris with questions regarding this report. She may be reached at or abilliris@usameribank.com.

9 CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP IS learning how to be a responsible and concerned caretaker of Christ s Church; it is learning how to enjoy Church life and be happy in Church work., for in Her dwells the fullness of the Spirit of God. our active commitment to use all our time, talent and treasure for the benefit of humankind in grateful acknowledgment of Christ s redeeming love. caring for the needs of others. offering one s self to God as He offered Himself to us. what a person does after saying I believe, as proof of that belief. devotion and service to God and His Church as persons, as families, as diocese/metropolis, as national Church and as Church universal. Williams & McKibben in Oriented Leadership COUNCIL MEMBERS ON DUTY TODAY George Stamas Mike Kouremetis Themis Fountotos Tezza Irene Karavokiros Maria Klonaris Chris Palaidis John Stamas

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11 CATHEDRAL ORNAMENT SERIES St. Nicholas Cathedral Epiphany Epiphany Diver These beautiful ornaments are 24k-gold-plate etched on brass $20 each Get yours today at the Cathedral narthex... and every day at the Cathedral Office (17 E. Tarpon Ave) Tel (727) 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. WEDNESDAY SERVICES 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

12 OUR PRIESTS ARE HERE TO SERVE YOU F r. A t h a n a s i o s H a r o s ( , f r a t h a n a - s i o s t n i c h o l a s t a r p o n. o r g ) a n d 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) for emergencies, as your message might be inadvertently overlooked. Ο Πατήρ Αθανάσιος 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. LETTERS OF GOOD STANDING Are you participating in a sacrament and need to prove you are an active member of St Nicholas Cathedral? Letters of good sacramental & financial standing are provided following a meeting with the Dean of the Cathedral; please plan your appointment with Fr Athanasios well in advance in order to meet all deadlines prior to the scheduled sacrament. You may contact Fr Athanasios by calling or ing frathanasios@stnicholastarpon.org.

13 HOUSE BLESSINGS House Blessings will begin on January 10. Please contact Soultana at the parish office ( , to schedule your home or business blessing. Morning, afternoon and evening times will be available. DISCOVER ORTHODOXY We welcome everyone who is interested in learning more about the Greek Orthodox Church to join us for a series of free seminars. These informative sessions about the history and traditions of our Church will be especially useful to anyone who is looking to convert to the Orthodox Faith -- but everyone is welcome! Contact Fr Sampson ( , frsampson@stnicholastarpon.org) or Fr Athanasios ( , frathanasios@stnicholastarpon.org) for more information. THE BENEFITS OF FASTING Learn how to take care of your body in a spiritually minded manner by attending a one-day workshop titled Food, Faith & Fasting. The event is set for Saturday, January 21 at St George Church (9426 Little Rd, New Port Richey, FL) from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm. To reserve a spot or for more information, contact Antonia at the St George Church office at or secretary1.stgeorge@gmail.com. SAVE THE DATE The Tarpon Springs Consortium of Churches and Provider Organizations along with the Tarpon Springs Ministerial Association invite you to join us on Tuesday, January 17, from 10:00 am to noon in Fr. Tryfon Hall to hear the good news about our Cold Night Shelter, get updates from our community and church partners... and much, much more. the keynote speaker will be Cliff Smith, manager of Veterans, Social and Homeless Services in St. Petersburg. Feel free to bring any promotional materials to share. There will be ample time for networking before and after the meeting. Refreshments will be served.

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20 ST NICHOLAS PHILOPTOCHOS Monday: 9:00-10:00 am; Tue-Wed: 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. Be our guest at the Annual Silver Membership Tea January 15, p.m. St. Nicholas Community Center Guest Speaker: Melissa Tsongranis Fruit, crackers, pastries, finger sandwiches or veggie trays are greatly appreciated. Please bring platters ready to be served. Why join Philoptochos? Help someone in need Get involved in your community Make an impact Change someone s life Meet new people Share your skills and expertise Gain knowledge Network Be part of a philanthropic movement Join today and make a difference. Learn, grow and create bonds that will last a lifetime. Name: Address: Phone Number: Mail to: St. Nicholas Philoptochos, P.O. Box 2043, Tarpon Springs, FL Annual Membership Fee is $30.00 St Nicholas Philoptochos, 18 Hibiscus St (directly behind St. Nicholas Cathedral) Mailing address: P.O. Box 2043, Tarpon Springs, FL Tel:

21 VOLUNTEER AT THE COLD NIGHT SHELTER The First United Methodist Church (FUMC) in Tarpon Springs has graciously opened its doors to families without heat, and to the homeless, during the cold winter months when the temperatures fall below 40 degrees. They will provide a warm overnight facility for those in need, along with some food and hot beverages. This occurs approximately 4 to 5 nights each winter, and some 30 to 40 people come to the shelter. Teams of volunteers from various churches and local organizations set up the facility for the night, serve food and otherwise ensure a safe and warm overnight experience. All participants are asked to leave the facility no later than 7 am the flowing morning. The volunteers then clean-up the facility and prepare it for the day s regular activities. The church is recruiting teams of volunteers to help with this effort and will be seeking donations of food and beverages on the nights when the shelter is open. The contact person for the FUMC Cold Night Shelter is Fran Antonellis and can be reached at the church by phone or ; fran@fumctarponsprings.org. INTERNATIONAL POETRY COMPETITION Does the Byzantine era inspire you? Do you love writing poetry? Are you fluent in Greek? Submit your entry today to the Byzantine Inspirations International Poetry Competition, organized by the European Art Center in collaboration with the American Society of Byzantine Music & Hymnology. All entries due March 1, For more information, please contact Soultana at the parish office (soultana@stnicholastarpon.org, ). LET US HOST YOUR NEXT PARTY Reserve Father Tryfon Hall or the Community Center for your next event in Visit the hall rental w e b s i t e a t h t t p : / / or call the church office at

22 ST NICHOLAS BOOKSTORE Monday - Friday: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm; Sunday: 10:00 am - noon Tel The perfect place to purchase meaningful gifts and support our Cathedral. We have a large selection of books on Orthodoxy, Bibles, icons, CDs, DVDs and more. Looking for things to do with the kids? Come and see our items geared toward helping children in their religious identification with the Orthodox Church! Short Trip to the Edge - A Pilgrimage to Prayer $17.00 This true story of a Baptist poet and literature professor s midlife crisis recounts his pilgrimage to the Holy Mountain of Athos. Told with wit and exquisite prose, his narrative takes you through his spiritual journey to discover the wisdom of the ages, prayer life, and ultimately Orthodoxy. Josiah and Julia go to Church (board book) $15.00 Josiah and Julia love to go to Church; sometimes they behave very well and sometimes they make mistakes. Little ones can follow the siblings through the Liturgy and learn how even the youngest child can honor God by behaving properly in church. The Heavenly Banquet: Understanding the Divine Liturgy $40.00 This newest edition, personally signed by the author, will be of great benefit to Orthodox Christians seeking a better understanding of the Divine Liturgy. More than just a commentary, the Divine Liturgy is explained word by word, and is sure to enhance your participation in the Holy Eucharist. The Bible for Young People $20.00 Beautifully illustrated, the sacred stories of the Bible are told in a fascinating manner. A large selection of other children s books and activities is available for all ages. 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!

23 JANUARY 9-15 SCHEDULE On-call for emergencies this week: Fr Sampson Kasapakis, LITURGICAL SERVICES OFFICE AND MINISTRIES OFFICE, M-F, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday Δευτέρα JANUARY 9 Orthros 8:00 am Bookstore, M-F 10:00 am-2:00 pm Dance Ministry, 4:00 pm, Community Center Tuesday Τρίτη JANUARY 10 Orthros 8:00 am Basketball Ministry, 6:00 pm, Gym Boy Scouts, 7:00 pm, Fr Tryfon Hall Wednesday Τετάρτη JANUARY 11 Orthros 8:00 am Parakleis to St Nicholas 6:00 pm Little Lambs, 10:00 am, Sunday School Room on Hibiscus Greek School, 4:30 pm Thursday Πέμπτη JANUARY 12 Orthros 8:00 am Greek School, 4:30 pm Choir, 6:30 pm Friday Παρασκευή JANUARY 13 Orthros 8:00 am Saturday Σάββατο JANUARY 14 Sunday Κυριακή JANUARY 15 Orthros / Όρθρος 7:20 am Liturgy / Λειτουργία (Greek) 8:45 am Liturgy / Λειτουργία (English) 10:45 am Philoptochos Members Tea, 1:00 pm, Community Center

24 SAINT NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL 17 E Tarpon Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL Tel: Fax: CATHEDRAL OPEN FOR PRAYER: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Fr Athanasios Haros, Dean Fr. Sampson Kasapakis, Assistant Priest Michael Kouremetis, Council President Soultana Kalligas, Administrative Assistant Jocelyn Chapman, Bookkeeper / Hall Rentals PARISH MINISTRIES & DEPARTMENTS ALTAR SERVERS J. Theophilopoulos BOOKSTORE Vasilis Panageotou BOY SCOUTS Theodora Genduso & Antonino Genduso BYZANTINE ARTS ACADEMY -- Fr Sampson Kasapakis CHANTER Theofanis Katsiklis CHOIR, 1 st DL Katie Faklis CHOIR, 2 nd DL DeRose Andropoulos DANCE MINISTRY Maria Kouskoutis & Eva Athanasatos EDUCATION, CULTURE & YOUTH Karen Markopulos EPIPHANY COMMITTEE Emmanuel Gombos & Johanna Kossifidis GOYA (6th-12th grade) Theodora Stathakis & Emmanuel Gombos & Penny Lambrianos GREEK SCHOOL Chris Palaidis HOPE (Pre-K-7th grade) -- Melissa Tsongranis LITTLE LAMBS (40 days-3 years old)-- Presvytera Mallory Kasapakis ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM ORATORICAL -- Maria Angeliadis PHILADELFIA MEN S MINISTRY -- George Tsongranis PHILOPTOCHOS Tina Chagaris PRESCHOOL Jane Malone STEWARDSHIP Charles Samarkos SUNDAY SCHOOL Galatiani Leadbetter YOUNG ADULT LEADERS (YAL) -- Fr Sampson Kasapakis YOUTH CHOIR -- Diane Anastasiades ORGANIZATIONS & SOCIETIES AHEPA Tim Keffalas DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE Margo Filley ATHENIAN SOCIETY Helen Kariofilis CHIOS SOCIETY Chrysanthi Psoras CRETAN SOCIETY Angelo Sakis HALKI SOCIETY Michele Manousos HELLENIC BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION Maria Keramas KALYMNIAN SOCIETY Nikolas Sazalis LACONIAN SOCIETY Theodore Tsafatinos PANCYPRIAN SOCIETY Angela Georgiadis PROMETHEAS SOCIETY Effie Vassiliou SYMIAN SOCIETY Michael Faklis SUPPORT ST NICHOLAS WITH A BEAUTIFUL ORNAMENT OR ICON AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT ST NICHOLAS PARISH OFFICE Images of Cathedral, Epiphany or Cross Diver 24-karat gold etched on brass St Nicholas Made from Cathedral dome copper 17 E. TARPON AVE TARPON SPRINGS, FL