Tarpon Springs, Florida + Sunday, September 11, 2016 Epiphany - Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral Exaltation of the Holy Cross, September 14
FATHER JAMES MESSAGE As I sat in my doctor s waiting room to be called for my annual check-up, I couldn t believe what I was seeing! It was just after 8:30 a.m. and the TV was showing a plane crash into a skyscraper in New York. I remarked that the pilot must have misjudged his landing. When I was called to the examining room and mentioned to the nurse what had happened, I was told that another building was also hit and that it was not misjudgment, but an attack on the US. Even though 15 years have passed, do you still remember where you were on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, when we experienced this devastating tragedy and America was assaulted? Of course you do, how could you forget! Every September since then, we all remember the catastrophic event that robbed our country of its security. It changed us drastically. We will never forget the images of the courageous firefighters and police, the hundreds of people attending to others or standing patiently in line to donate blood. It affected our way of life. We were victimized and we were terrorized by the diabolical schemes of hatred. Did you not feel violated? I did! We watched for hours the television with horror, remaining glued, as though it were an old alien invasion film, seeing the majestic Twin Towers of the World Trade Center come down. What a cowardly act to attack innocent civilians! It was done to frighten us and to cause retreat from our belief in the free world. Well, we did not retreat and we must never retreat from what is right, even as we continue to experience attacks. When I was three months old, our country was unexpectedly attacked at Pearl Harbor. The target was visible and we responded accordingly. Sixty-five years later, we were attacked again and we responded. It was a 911 day, the day of an emergency call to all of us. It was a black Tuesday, September 11 th, the day of assault by, perhaps, the same ideology that assaulted Constantinople on another black Tuesday in 1453. We turned, however, our emergency call into a call of hope, by dialing our spiritual 911 and prayed that God would grant wisdom, courage and strength to our leaders to respond accordingly. Even though the Towers came tumbling down, their foundations are firm and on them is raised a memorial and a new tower, while the St. Nicholas Church is once again being erected where it rightfully belongs. The spirit of this nation will never come tumbling down because it, too, is based on a firm foundation. The victims of the tragedy included many Greek Orthodox. Did you know anyone who lost their life or was injured? I did! The tragic site is called Ground Zero because it was the center of the attack. A zero refers to an absence, an absence of many lost loved ones. This Sunday marks the 15 th anniversary to remember in prayer those who lost their lives; to remember with our deepest heartfelt feelings of compassion those who were hurt and suffer; those who still grieve and mourn. By remembering, we rejoin and reconnect with them emotionally so that they are no longer absent. They are present; they are with us, still. We continue to build and hold memorials so that we will never forget, but, also, that others, the future generations will not either. We say, Memory eternal Αιωνία η μνήμη! showing that these persons were important to all of us -- past, present and future. The lesson of 9/11 was obviously about the mystery of evil, but it is also one about our need for each other; the initial effect was actually to unite us. Many found themselves in a position of ministering to friends, relatives, co-workers and even strangers. God places you in situations in which He uses you and works through you. Often our ministry is simply one of presence, as a silent symbol of God s love. We pray to Him knowing He is the solution; He is freedom. He is not in the hurt, but in the comfort. He is not in the despair, but in the hope. He is not in the loneliness, but in the help. If we focus on the instrument of our Savior s death, the Cross, which we commemorate a few days later, we will feel the loving arms of God around us, and it will lead us to peace and victory. With prayer for the innocent victims on September 11 th, we know they are triumphant, free and unafraid.
MEMORIALS 9-day: 40-day: 6-month: 1-year: 3-year: 15-year: 17-year: 20-year: TODAY S SPECIAL SERVICES George M. Billiris Michael Theodosis John Christopoul Pauline Melissas, Nikolitsa Vestas, Michele Yanna Thomas Lynch Nikitas Tsimouris Georgios Lipidarakis Nicholas Lipidarakis 15-year: Victims of the terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001 TRISAGION + Doxa (Gloria) Argeras + Dimosthenis Megaloudis PRESENTATION OF THE Α-Ω SCOUTING AWARD TO STEPHEN TSAGARATOS 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. Τῆς Ἑορτῆς Ἡ γέννησίς σου Θεοτόκε, χαρὰν ἐμήνυσε πάσῃ τῇ οἰκουμένῃ ἐκ σοῦ γὰρ ἀνέτειλεν ὁ ἥλιος τῆς δικαιοσύνης, Χριστὸς ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, καὶ λύσας τὴν κατάραν, ἔδωκε τὴν εὐλογίαν καὶ καταργήσας τὸν θάνατον, ἐδωρήσατο ἡμῖν ζωὴν τὴν αἰώνιον. Του Ναού 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 Ἰωακεὶμ καὶ Ἄννα ὀνειδισμοῦ ἀτεκνίας, καὶ Ἀδὰμ καὶ Εὔα, ἐκ τῆς φθορᾶς τοῦ θανάτου, ἠλευθερώθησαν, Ἄχραντε, ἐν τῇ ἁγίᾳ γεννήσει σου αὐτὴν ἑορτάζει καὶ ὁ λαός σου, ἐνοχῆς τῶν πταισμάτων, λυτρωθεὶς ἐν τῷ κράζειν σοι Ἡ στεῖρα τίκτει τὴν Θεοτόκον, καὶ τροφὸν τῆς ζωῆς ἡμῶν. For the Feast Your Nativity, O Theotokos, imparted joy to the entire earth, for out of you has risen the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God. He nullified the curse and instead gave His blessing; and causing death to be neutralized, He granted us eternal life. Apolytikion of St. Nicholas 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 Both Joachim and Anna from their sterility's stigma, and Adam and Eve from their mortality's ruin have been set free, O immaculate Maid, by your holy nativity. For this do your people hold celebration, redeemed from the guilt of transgression as they cry to you, "The barren one bears the Theotokos, the nourisher of our Life."
ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΣ Πρὸς Γαλάτας 6:11-18 Ἀ δελφοί ἴδετε πηλίκοις ὑμῖν γράμμασιν ἔγραψα τῇ ἐμῇ χειρί. Ὅσοι θέλουσιν εὐπροσωπῆσαι ἐν σαρκί, οὗτοι ἀναγκάζουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι, μόνον ἵνα μὴ τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ Χριστοῦ διώκωνται οὐδὲ γὰρ οἱ περιτεμνόμενοι αὐτοὶ νόμον φυλάσσουσιν, ἀλλὰ θέλουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι ἵνα ἐν τῇ ὑμετέρᾳ σαρκὶ καυχήσωνται. Ἐμοὶ δὲ μὴ γένοιτο καυχᾶσθαι εἰ μὴ ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, δι' οὗ ἐμοὶ κόσμος ἐσταύρωται κἀγὼ τῷ κόσμῳ. Ἐν γὰρ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ οὔτε περιτομή τι ἰσχύει οὔτε ἀκροβυστία, ἀλλὰ καινὴ κτίσις. Καὶ ὅσοι τῷ κανόνι τούτῳ στοιχήσουσιν, εἰρήνη ἐπ' αὐτοὺς καὶ ἔλεος, καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν Ἰσραὴλ τοῦ Θεοῦ. Τοῦ λοιποῦ κόπους μοι μηδεὶς παρεχέτω ἐγὼ γὰρ τὰ στίγματα τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματί μου βαστάζω. Η χάρις τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος ὑμῶν, ἀδελφοί ἀμήν. ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟΝ Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 3:13-17 Ε ἶπεν ὁ Κύριος: καὶ οὐδεὶς ἀναβέβηκεν εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν εἰ μὴ ὁ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καταβάς, ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ὁ ὤν ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ. καὶ καθὼς Μωϋσῆς ὕψωσε τὸν ὄφιν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, οὕτως ὑψωθῆναι δεῖ τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ' ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. Οὕτω γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν κόσμον, ὥστε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ τὸν μονογενῆ ἔδωκεν, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ' ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. οὐ γὰρ ἀπέστειλεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸν κόσμον ἵνα κρίνῃ τὸν κόσμον, ἀλλ' ἵνα σωθῇ ὁ κόσμος δι' αὐτοῦ. WINTER SCHEDULE AS OF NEXT WEEK St. Nicholas Winter Sunday service schedule begins Sunday, September 18. Our Cathedral will be celebrating two Divine Liturgies through May; Orthros will begin at 7:30 am with Greek Liturgy at 8:45 am and English Liturgy at 10:45 am during this period. Please make note of this change in order to stay in touch with Christ and His Church throughout the year. 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.
EPISTLE Galatians 6:11-18 B rethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen. GOSPEL John 3:13-17 T he Lord said: "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him." WEDNESDAY SERVICES Please join us every Wednesday, starting September 14, 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 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.
Saints and Feasts of the Week NIKITAS THE GREAT MARTYR This Saint was of high birth among the Goths beyond the Danube River. He was taken by Athanaric, pagan ruler of the Goths, and after being tortured, was burned to death for his confession of Christ. According to some, this took place during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great; according to others, under the Emperor Gratian. ΆΓΙΟΣ ΝΙΚΗΤΑΣ Ο ΓΟΤΘΟΣ Ο ΜΕΓΑΛΟΜΑΡΤΥΡΑΣ Ο Άγιος Νικήτας κατάγοταν από το έθνος των Γότθων, που είχαν εγκατασταθεί πέραν του Ίστρου ποταμού (Ίστρος, κατά τον Γεωγράφο Mελέτιο, καλείται ο ποταμός Δούναβις από το σημείο που ενώνεται με τον ποταμό Σαύο μέχρι την Μαύρη Θάλασσα ή κατ' άλλους από την Aξιούπολη και κάτω, μέχρι τις εκβολές του.), στα χρόνια του Μεγάλου Κωνσταντίνου. Από παιδί ο Νικήτας διδάχθηκε την αγία πίστη από το Γότθο επίσκοπο Θεόφιλο, ο όποιος συχνά υπενθύμιζε στο Νικήτα τα λόγια του Απ. Παύλου: «ένε ἐν οἲς ἔμαθες... ἀπὸ βρέφους τὰ ἱερὰ γράμματα οἶδᾳς, τὰ δυνάμενα σὲ σοφίσαι εἰς σωτηρίαν διὰ πίστεως τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ» (Β'πρόςΤιμόθεον, γ' 14-15). Δηλαδή, μένε ακλόνητος σ' εκείνα που έμαθες. Από μικρό παιδί γνωρίζεις τις Άγιες Γραφές, που μπορούν να σου μεταδώσουν την αληθινή σοφία, που οδηγεί στη σωτηρία δια μέσου της πίστεως στον Ιησού Χριστό. Και έτσι έγινε. Όταν ο ηγεμόνας Αθανάριχος συνέλαβε το Νικήτα και τον απείλησε για να αρνηθεί το Χριστό, αυτός έμεινε αμετακίνητος σ' αυτά που έμαθε από παιδί. Ομολόγησε με θάρρος το Χριστό μπροστά στον ηγεμόνα, ο όποιος όταν τον άκουσε εξαγριώθηκε πολύ. Διέταξε αμέσως και του έσπασαν τα κόκαλα με τον πιο φρικτό τρόπο. Άλλα το μίσος των Βαρβάρων ήταν τόσο, ώστε μετά τον έριξαν στη φωτιά, όπου βρήκε το θάνατο. Η φωτιά, όμως, με τη θεία θέληση σεβάστηκε το λείψανο του. Το πήρε κάποιος ευσεβής χριστιανός και το διαφύλαξε σε θήκη. SOPHIA & HER THREE DAUGHTERS: FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE These Saints were from Italy and contested for the Faith around 126, during the reign of the Emperor Hadrian. Faith was 12 years old, Hope, 10, and Love, nine; each was tormented and then beheaded, from the eldest to the youngest. Their mother Sophia mourned at their grave for three days, where she also fell asleep in peace; because of her courageous endurance in the face of her daughters' sufferings, she is also counted a martyr. ΑΓΙΑ ΣΟΦΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΟΙ ΤΡΕΙΣ ΘΥΓΑΤΕΡΕΣ ΤΗΣ ΠΙΣΤΗ, ΕΛΠΙΔΑ ΚΑΙ ΑΓΑΠΗ Η Αγία Σοφία και οι τρεις θυγατέρες της Πίστη, Ελπίδα και Αγάπη μαρτύρησαν στα χρόνια του αυτοκράτορα Αδριανού. Όταν καταγγέλθηκαν ως φημισμένες χριστιανές, ο αυτοκράτορας διέταξε να τις συλλάβουν. Με δελεαστικούς λόγους ο Ανδριανός προσπάθησε να πείσει την Πίστη να αρνηθεί το Χριστό και θα της χορηγούσε τα πάντα, για να ζήσει ευτυχισμένη ζωή, αλλά αντιμετώπισε το άκαμπτο φρόνημα της νεαρής. Τότε, μετά από βασανιστήρια, την αποκεφάλισαν. Επίσης με τα λόγια της Αγίας Γραφής απάντησε και η δεκάχρονη Ελπίδα, όταν τη ρώτησαν αν αξίζει να υποβληθεί σε τέτοια βασανιστήρια: «ἠλπίκαμεν ἐπὶ Θεῷ ζῶντι, ὅς ἐστι σωτὴρ πάντων ἀνθρώπων, μάλιστα πιστῶν» (Α Τιμοθ. 4:10). Δηλαδή, «ναι, διότι έχουμε στηρίξει τις ελπίδες μας στον ζωντανό Θεό, που είναι σωτήρ όλων των ανθρώπων, και ιδιαίτερα των πιστών». Τότε και αυτή αποκεφαλίστηκε. Αλλά δεν υστέρησε σε απάντηση και η εννιάχρονη Αγάπη. Είπε ότι η ύπαρξή της είναι στραμμένη «εἰς τὴν ἀγάπην τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ εἰς τὴν ὑπομονὴν τοῦ Χριστοῦ» (Β Θεσσαλ. 3: 5). Βέβαια δεν άργησαν να αποκεφαλίσουν και αυτή. Περήφανη για τα παιδιά της η Σοφία, ενταφίασε με τιμές τις κόρες της και παρέμεινε για τρεις μέρες στους τάφους τους, παρακαλώντας το Θεό να την πάρει κοντά του. Ο Θεός άκουσε την προσευχή της και η Σοφία παρέδωσε το πνεύμα της δίπλα στους τάφους των παιδιών της.
THANKING GOD As Orthodox Christians, we are called to a new way of seeing things a new way of life. Stewardship is obedience to the greatest commandment to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. We are called to bring ourselves and others to commit our lives to Jesus Christ in such a way that leads us to the joy of knowing him personally and profoundly. Thus, the question is not, How much do I give to stay in the club? or What are the dues? The real question we need to ask ourselves is How do I thank God for my many blessings? LEAVE THE REST TO GOD You cannot do everything, but you can do something. God wants you to do your best and leave the rest to him. Saint Theofan said, Exert all your strength, but rest your concern for success on God. The Lord doesn t expect any more from us than what we have to offer. But He does expect us to be faithful and that we do our very best for Him. We do our best and leave the rest to Him. COUNCIL MEMBERS ON DUTY TODAY Anna Billiris Costas Sisois George Dovellos Manolis Ioannidis Karen Markopulos Charles Samarkos Gus Tsambis
DEBT ELIMINATION PLEDGES RECEIVED 2016 (As of September 7, 2016) 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 Johnson, William & Sherry Kales, Trifon & Alexa Kalymnian Society Kipreos, Olga Klimis, Harry & Effemia Klimis, Michael Koukoulakis, Maria Kouremetis, Michael & Terri Koukoutis, N. Michael & Tina Koutelas, Irene Lelekis, John & Calliope Manias, Nikitas & Aspasia Markos Jewelry Ring Donation Pappas, Bessie Patsalides, Harry & Anna Psilakis, Erasmia Shoemaker, James & Catherine 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 would like to thank all those who have made a pledge 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 Wednesday, September 7, 2016 Debt Elimination Pledges Received $ 169,859.00 Debt Elimination Monies Received $ 171,738.00 Credit Line Balance $ 69,856.00 Please contact treasurer Anna Billiris with questions regarding this report. She may be reached at 727-674-5787 or abilliris@usameribank.com.
VOLUNTEERS & VENDORS WANTED Volunteers are needed for the St. Nicholas 5 th Annual Greek Food & Wine Festival, set to take place October 21-23 at the St. Nicholas Community Center. Let s come together again! All you need to do is complete the Volunteer Sign-Up Sheet, available at Sunday Coffee Hour, www.stnicholastarpon.org and at the Church Office, and return it completed to the office by October 10. You will receive a confirmation e-mail or telephone call from the Volunteer Committee prior to the festival. For questions, contact Karen Markopulos at k k o u s lp@gmail.c o m or M a r ia Angeliadis a t m a - ria@stnicholastarpon.org or 727-937-3540. Thank you for your valuable time and talents! IF YOU ARE A VENDOR: Booths, rented at $300 for three (3) days, are still available. Please call festival chairman Costas Sisois at 727-858-2630 or the parish office at 727-937-3540 to reserve your space now!
God Bless America by Irving Berlin God bless America, Land that I love, Stand beside her and guide her Thru the night with a light from above; From the mountains, to the prairies, To the oceans white with foam, God bless America, My home, sweet home. God bless America, My home, sweet home.
OUR PRIESTS ARE HERE TO SERVE YOU Fr. James Rousakis (727-698-3974, frrous@aol.com) and F r. S a m p s o n K a s a p a k i s ( 9 4 1-266- 3 2 2 9, frsampson@stnicholastarpon.org) are here to serve you. Please call, text or e-mail 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, e-mail 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 727-808-3895 for further information. THINKING ABOUT RUNNING FOR PC? This year s elections for Parish Council will be held after Divine Liturgy on December 11 at Fr. Tryfon Hall. Applications must be submitted by the conclusion of the Fall General Assembly on Sunday, November 13. If you would like to run for Parish Council, please contact Soultana at the parish office by calling 727-937-3540 or by e-mailing soultana@stnicholastarpon.org. LET US HOST YOUR NEXT PARTY Reserve Father Tryfon Hall or the Community Center for your next event in 2016. Visit the hall rental website at http://www.stnicholasvenues.com or call the church office at 727-937-3540.
DISCOVER ORTHODOXY This Fall, we will be welcoming St Nicholas parishioners as well as all our neighbors who are interested in learning more about the Greek Orthodox Church and its beauty 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! Keep an eye out for seminar dates and contact information soon! YOUTH MINISTRY REGISTRATION Please join us after Divine Liturgy today for our St Nicholas Cathedral Youth Ministry Fair at Fr Tryfon Hall. Come and learn about all of the Youth Ministries offered here at our Cathedral and register your youth! Our ministries offer programs for families with children from 40 days to 18 years old. All registration will be done online at our website, www.stnicholastarpon.org. See you at the fair! DIVER APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE Epiphany, a holy Feast Day for our Church and a major event for our parish, is just four months away. Time for divers to start preparing! Download the 2017 Epiphany Diver application packet b y v i s i t i n g o u r w e b s i t e a t www.stnicholastarpon.org. Applications are due on Thursday, December 1, 2016, with no exception. ATTENTION MINISTRIES! To request a facility for meetings, practice, etc., please fill out a Facility Request Form, located on the St Nicholas website (www.stnicholastarpon.org). Dances, receptions, dinners, etc., require a Hall Rental Contract and Floor Plan. All forms can be obtained by calling the parish office at 727-937 -3540 or by e-mailing soultana@stnicholastarpon.org. We appreciate your cooperation!
Hellenic Genealogy Conference October 14 & 15, 2016 Join us for a unique and educational event, where scholars from throughout Florida and the nation will gather to discuss various aspects of Greek genealogy research and the history of Greek immigration to the U.S. All members of the public are welcome to attend and to offer their experiences and perspectives during the discussion. This free event will take place on Friday, October 14, at the Tarpon Springs Cultural Center (101 S. Pinellas Ave) and Saturday, October 15 at the Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum (100 Beekman Ln, Craig Park). Preliminary Program Friday, October 14 6:00-8:00 pm Sign-in, introduction, and photographic exhibitions To Horio and Themelia/ Foundations by Eleni Christopoulos-Lekkas, Center for Gulf Coast Folklife Gal lery/tarpon Springs Cultural Center, 101 S. Pinellas Ave. Saturday, October 15 8:30am - Breakfast at Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum, Craig Park 9:30 - Denise Manning/City of Tarpon Springs Introduction to Genealogy Resources at the Tarpon Springs Library 10:00 - Tina Bucuvalas/City of Tarpon Springs The Greek Community of Tarpon Springs 10:30 - Break 10:45 Georgia Stryker-Keilman/HellenicGenealogyGeek.com Preparation for Genealogy Research in Greece: How U.S. Records Can Help 11:15 - Gonda Van Steen/University of Florida Adoptees Anonymous: Adoption, Memory, and Cold War 12:00 pm - Lunch Break 1:00 - Carol Kostakos-Petranek/writer - Using Genealogical Records from Greece 2:00 - Denise Mathews/Eastern Connecticut State University Genealogy and Documentary Films 2:45 - Break 3:00 - George Topalidis/University of Florida - An Introduction to the Ottoman Greeks of the US Project at the University of Florida 4:00 - Discussion 6:00 Dinner at area restaurants Program Organizers include the City of Tarpon Springs/Cultural Services & Public Library, Center for Greek Studies/University of Florida, Center for European Studies/ University of Florida, and Samuel Proctor Oral History Program, University of Florida. Tarpon Springs Arts, 324 Pine Street, Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689 Tel. 727-942-5605, www.tarponarts.org
ST NICHOLAS GREEK SCHOOL The St Nicholas Cathedral Greek School welcomes all students and their parents to another productive year. Give your children the opportunity to learn the richest language in the world, our Orthodox faith, heritage & tradition. Class times: Wednesdays & Thursdays, 4:30-6:30 pm Tuition: $350/year (one child) or $600/year (two children) First lesson, open house & blessing: September 15, 4:00 pm. Classes will begin at 5:00 pm. For more information, please contact our church office at 727-937-3540. SAVE THE DATE: Monday, 9/19/16 The St. Nicholas Dance Ministry will start the 2016-17 season with Agiasmo at 6:00 pm and Registration Kickoff / Orientation immediately following at the St Nicholas Community Center. Practices will be Mondays at the Community Center, as follows: *Grades 1-3 - 4:30-5:15, Eva Athanasatos *Grades 4-5 5:15-6:00, Eva Athanasatos *Grades 6-8 (MS) 6:15-7:15, Maria Kouskoutis & Kiki Kontodiakos *High School / College - 7:15-8:30, Anna Athanasatos, Rania Samartzis *Adults 7:15-8:30, Maria Kouskoutis We hope you see you there!
CAREER CORNER Caring, responsible individual needed for total care of elderly woman at her Tarpon Springs home. Responsibilities include help with eating and cleaning. Hours: Monday-Friday, 2:00 pm - 8:00 am, sleep-over (or split -shift in case of two workers). Interested individuals should call 727-331-7187. Do you need help cleaning the house? Highly experienced housekeeper available for hire. Please call Dafina at 727-326-3514. WORKING TOGETHER TO BETTER SERVE The Tarpon Springs Consortium of Churches and Provider Organizations along with the Tarpon Springs Ministerial Association invite you to join us on Tuesday, September 13, at 10:00 am in Fr Tryfon Hall. Discussions will include an update on the homeless day-center and cold-night shelter, facilitated by Rev. Curt Snare; the keynote speaker will be Micki Tompson, Executive Director of 2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares. 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. Tarpon Ministerial Association Florida Hospital North Pinellas Citizen s Alliance for Progress Wellness Ministries Cops and Kids Salvation Army Shepherd Center Tarpon Springs Police Department Metropolitan Ministries Peace4Tarpon Tarpon Springs Housing Authority St. Timothy s Lutheran Church St. Nicholas Greek Orth. Cathedral Juvenile Welfare Board Mt. Moriah AME Church Mt. Hermon Missionary Baptist Church Pregnancy Center Family of Faith Church Habitat for Humanity TS Youth Charities Intercultural Advocacy Institute Pinellas County Human Resources Hospice/Empath Health St Petersburg College Crystal Beach Community Church All Saints Episcopal Church City/County Officials Friends For Help Foundation First United Methodist Church Tarpon Pinellas Opportunity Council Cold Night Shelter Program WellCare Neighborly Care Network Belle of the Ball St. Vincent de Paul Society Presbyterian Frontier Ministry Advocates Against Human Trafficking B nai Emmanuel Church on the Bayou Boys and Girls Club Unitarian Universalist Church Leepa Ratner Museum Feeding Tampa Bay Trench Level Ministries Interested Community Residents
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. Philoptochos is the voice of Christ! Come help us change this world Monday, September 19, 7:00 pm Fr Tryfon Hall Saturday, October 22, 2016 is Make a Difference Day. All Philoptochos Chapters will make a difference in their community. Our Chapter will be putting together gift bags for the women, children and men of domestic violence. You can help by donating small bottles of nail polish, makeup samples, perfumes, lotions, colognes, small drawing pads, crayons, colored pencils & small books for children. These bags will be put together by everyone in our parish. This is how we are going to Make a Difference by helping those in need. Items can be dropped off at our office. St Nicholas Philoptochos, 18 Hibiscus St (directly behind St. Nicholas Cathedral) Mailing address: P.O. Box 2043, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 + Tel: 727-944-3366
ST NICHOLAS BOOKSTORE Monday - Friday: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm; Sunday: 10:00 am - noon Tel. 727-944-3419 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. Open a book to a world of light! Power of the Cross $15.00 Explore the power of the Cross in this comprehensive book. The evolution of the Holy Cross from antiquity and early Christianity as well as its meaning to Orthodox Christians is explained with the help of illustrations, timeline, glossary, and a bibliography for further studies. The Orthodox Bible Companion Series $16.00 - $25.00 This series of individual Gospel and Epistle chapters was written for the average layperson. Working from a literal translation of the original Greek, this commentary examines the text section by section, explaining its meaning in everyday language. The Woman and the Wheat $18.00 This beautifully illustrated children s book is about the joy of a farmer as she works to grow the wheat and bake the bread that she will offer back to her Creator in Eucharistic celebration. A wonderful introduction for children to the mystery of the Divine Liturgy. A Year of the Lord: Liturgical Bible Studies $6.00 This five volume educational and spiritual renewal series combines the witness of the Bible and Orthodox Worship. The biblical readings prescribed for the Orthodox liturgical year are meaningfully related to the major holy days and various seasons in the Church calendar. 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!
SEPTEMBER 12-18 SCHEDULE LITURGICAL SERVICES OFFICE AND MINISTRIES Monday Δευτέρα SEPTEMBER 12 OFFICE, M-F, 9am-5pm BOOKSTORE, M-F 10:00 am-2:00 pm Tuesday Τρίτη SEPTEMBER 13 Exaltation of the Holy Cross Great Vespers / Μέγας Εσπερινός 6:00 pm Boy Scouts, 7:00 pm, Fr Tryfon Hall Wednesday Τετάρτη SEPTEMBER 14 Exaltation of the Holy Cross Orthros / Όρθρος 8:00 am Liturgy / Λειτουργία 9:15 am Paraklesis to Theotokos 6:00 pm Men s Ministry, 7:30 pm, Fr Tryfon Hall Thursday Πέμπτη SEPTEMBER 15 Nikitas the Great Martyr Orthros / Όρθρος 8:00 am Liturgy / Λειτουργία 9:15 am Greek School, Agiasmos, 4:00 pm Fingerprinting for Youth Ministry Workers, 5:00 pm, Office Conference Room Choir, 6:30 pm, Cathedral Friday Παρασκευή SEPTEMBER 16 Saturday Σάββατο SEPTEMBER 17 Breast Cancer Awareness Event, 9:00 am-2:00 pm, Fr Tryfon Hall Sunday Κυριακή SEPTEMBER 18 WINTER SERVICE SCHEDULE BEGINS Orthros / Όρθρος, 7:30 am Liturgy / Λειτουργία (Ελληνικά) 8:45 am Liturgy / Λειτουργία (English) 10:45 am Bookstore, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
SAINT NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL 17 E Tarpon Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 + Tel: 727-937-3540 + Fax: 727-937-1739 CATHEDRAL OPEN FOR PRAYER: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Fr. James Rousakis, Acting Dean & Vicar 727-698-3974 Fr. Sampson Kasapakis, Assistant Priest 941-266-3229 Michael Kouremetis, Council President 727-267-3298 Maria Angeliadis, Office Manager Soultana Kalligas, Administrative Assistant www.stnicholastarpon.org PARISH MINISTRIES & DEPARTMENTS ALTAR SERVERS J. Theophilopoulos 727-946-2225 BOOKSTORE Vasilis Panageotou 727-385-4321 BOY SCOUTS Theodora Genduso 727-243-1706 & Antonio Genduso 727-243-1786 BYZANTINE ARTS ACADEMY -- Fr Sampson Kasapakis 941-266-3229 CHANTERS Fr. Hatzidakis 727-698-3400 & Anthony Hatzidakis 727-698-3401 CHOIR, 1 st DL Katie Faklis 727-937-1214 CHOIR, 2 nd DL DeRose Andropoulos 727-234-3946 DANCE MINISTRY Maria Kouskoutis 727-942-7440 & Eva Athanasatos 727-251-4768 EDUCATION, CULTURE & YOUTH Karen Markopulos 727-485-4397 EPIPHANY COMMITTEE Emmanuel Gombos 727-937-8658 & Johanna Kossifidis 727-741-3182 GOYA (9-12 grade) Theodora Stathakis 954-478-4157 & Emmanuel Gombos 727-937-8658 & Penny Lambrianos 727-938-7417 GREEK SCHOOL Chris Palaidis 727-808-3895 HOPE (K-2 gr.) & JOY (3-6 gr.) -- Melissa Tsongranis 727-741-0865 LITTLE LAMBS -- Presvytera Mallory Kasapakis 727-222-7091 ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM ORATORICAL -- Maria Angeliadis 727-505-9856 PHILADELFIA MEN S MINISTRY -- George Tsongranis 727-947-0059 PHILOPTOCHOS Tina Chagaris 727-944-3366 PRESCHOOL Jane Malone 727-937-7122 STEWARDSHIP Charles Samarkos -727-480-3289 SUNDAY SCHOOL Galatiani Leadbetter 727-455-6712 YOUNG ADULT LEADERS (YAL) -- Fr Sampson Kasapakis 941-266-3229 YOUTH CHOIR -- Diane Anastasiades 727-667-8408 ORGANIZATIONS & SOCIETIES AHEPA Tim Kefallas 727-510-3934 DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE Margo Filley 727-488-0892 ATHENIAN SOCIETY Helen Kariofilis 727-808-9746 CHIOS SOCIETY Chrysanthi Psoras 727-597-8421 CRETAN SOCIETY Angelo Sakis 402-541-6124 HALKI SOCIETY Michele Manousos 727-858-4456 HELLENIC BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION Maria Keramas 518-788-7315 KALYMNIAN SOCIETY Nikolas Sazalis 727-945-0348 LACONIAN SOCIETY Theodore Tsafatinos 727-692-4028 PANCYPRIAN SOCIETY Angela Georgiadis 727-319-6804 PROMETHEAS SOCIETY Effie Vassiliou 727-692-6565 SYMIAN SOCIETY Michael Faklis 727-937-3602 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