Epiphany - Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral Tarpon Springs, Florida + Sunday, October 23, 2016 Holy Protection of the Theotokos & OXI Day, October 28
WEEKLY MESSAGE This week s article is a timely rerun, no because I won t be writing any more articles, but because last week my computer crashed. Thankfully, all my documents were restored and you will be reading a new article next week. For now, enjoy the rerun! Many years ago, I received a call from His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios inquiring if I would be interested in accepting the appointment as a delegate to the SAE conference (World Council of Hellenes Abroad), which would be held in Thessalonica, Greece. Of course, my arm didn t need to be twisted, so I accepted the appointment. It was an enjoyable conference, but the most significant personal experience was the opportunity to visit the famed St. Demetrios Church, bearing the name and remains of my patron saint. On Sunday morning, a few of the delegates and I walked from the hotel to the church. Entering and lighting our candles, we proceeded to be seated together, until someone from the Church motioned to us that the men were to sit on one side of the church and the women on the other. Although we don t follow that practice in America any longer, it did remind me of the seating arrangement when I was a youth in my church in Detroit. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, I sought out the crypt of the saint so I could venerate the sacred site. Each year at this time, I think about what St. Demetrios endured for his faith, but this year my thoughts are even more pronounced, given the current events here and abroad. St. Demetrios was born in Thessalonica in 270 A.D. His family was wealthy and because of his athletic appearance and spirit, he rose quickly to the high-ranks of the Roman army at a young age. This is why he is typically depicted in military dress. He spent much of his time preaching the Gospel, often at secret meetings, and converted many pagans to Christianity. During one of those meetings, St. Demetrios was arrested and brought before Emperor Maximian to explain his actions. The Emperor presented St. Demetrios with the opportunity to publicly renounce his belief in Christ. Instead, St. Demetrios proclaimed his faith by saying: only in Christ do I believe. The outraged Emperor ordered him exiled to prison, subjecting him to fierce torture. St. Demetrios was a martyr -- no, he was a great martyr. Martyrs are a shining example for all to witness; for the pauper and the gentry, for the wise and the foolish. The martyr s examples set us on the straight path, showing us the errors of our ways, destroying evil and demonic power through their work and example. Our holy Orthodox Tradition presents the martyrs and saints not as showcases to revere and respect, but as a model to emulate in theory and practice. The real respect and reverence we have for the saints should be demonstrated by the imitation of their examples in our lives. Martyrs lived in persecution when even the utterance of the name Christ warranted capital punishment. Many lived in times when Christians were thrown into the arenas and stadiums to tangle with unfed lions and other vicious animals. They gave the ultimate sacrifice, themselves, as a testament of their commitment to Christ. They relinquished all that they had, their very lives, to live in eternity. For St. Demetrios, and for the other past, present and even future martyrs of Christ, there is death in life and life in death. Individuals and whole societies, suffocating in the quicksand of sin and corruption, are indeed dead to the spirit. St. Demetrios practiced the Lord s Will as St. John says in his Gospel: He that hears my word, and believes on Him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death to life. Many Christians believed the era of persecution was over and certainly, in western nations, the days of torture and the guillotine for exercising one s faith is over. Or is it? At the terrible school shooting recently, the shooter asked the students if they were Christian and if they responded positively, he told them it was time to meet their Christ, and shot them. Is that not present-day martyrdom? In other nations, as we well know from watching the media, religious persecutions continue with innocent people being killed. For some time in the Divine Liturgy, a petition was added about Archbishop Yohanna and Metropolitan Boulos of the Middle East, to be returned safely from their abduction, but they, too, have now met Christ. Modern-day martyrs. May their memory be eternal! However, there is a much more sinister and subtle persecution (cont d on p. 14)
TODAY S SPECIAL SERVICES MEMORIALS 40-day: 10-year: Georgia Papadakos, John Pappas Maria Jakiotis Chronia polla to His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Geron of America. Εις πολλά έτη, Δέσποτα! Variable Sunday Liturgy Hymns Ἀπολυτίκιον Ἀναστάσιμον Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος ὑπὸ τῶν Ἰουδαίων, καὶ στρατιωτῶν φυλασσόντων τὸ ἄχραντόν σου Σῶμα, ἀνέστης τριήμερος Σωτήρ, δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τὴν ζωήν διὰ τοῦτο αἱ Δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν ἐβόων σοι ζωοδότα. Δόξα τῇ Ἀναστάσει σου Χριστέ, δόξα τῇ βασιλείᾳ σου, δόξα τῇ οἰκονομίᾳ σου, μόνε φιλάνθρωπε. Τοῦ Ἀποστόλου Ὡς τοῦ Κυρίου μαθητής, ἀνεδέξω Δίκαιε τὸ Εὐαγγέλιον ὡς Μάρτυς ἔχεις τὸ ἀπαράτρεπτον τὴν παρρησίαν ὡς Ἀδελφόθεος, τὸ πρεσβεύειν ὡς Ἱεράρχης. Ἱκέτευε Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ, σωθῆναι τάς ψυχὰς ἠμών. 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 Προστασία τῶν Χριστιανῶν ἀκαταίσχυντε, μεσιτεία, πρὸς τὸν Ποιητὴν ἀμετάθετε, μὴ παρίδῃς, ἁμαρτωλῶν δεήσεων φωνάς, ἀλλὰ πρόφθασον, ὡς ἀγαθή, εἰς τὴν βοήθειαν ἡμῶν, τῶν πιστῶς κραυγαζόντων σοι Τάχυνον εἰς πρεσβείαν, καὶ σπεῦσον εἰς ἱκεσίαν, ἡ προστατεύουσα ἀεί, Θεοτόκε, τῶν τιμώντων σε. Resurrectional Apolytikion The stone had been secured with a seal by the Judeans, and a guard of soldiers was watching Your immaculate body. You rose on the third day, O Lord and Savior, granting life unto the world. And therefore the powers of heaven cried to You, O Life -giver: Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ; glory to Your kingdom; glory to Your dispensation, only One who loves mankind. For the Apostle As a disciple of the Lord, you accepted the Gospel, O James the Just. As a Martyr you have unchangeability; as the Brother of the Lord you have confidence; and you can intercede as a hierarch. Intercede with Christ our God, entreating Him to save our souls. 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 O Protection of Christians unshamable, mediation with the Creator immovable, we sinners beg you, do not despise the voices of our prayers, but anticipate, since you are good, and swiftly come unto our aid as we cry out to you with faith: Hurry to intercession, and hasten to supplication, O Theotokos who defend now and ever those who honor you.
ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΣ Πρὸς Γαλάτας 1:11-19 Ἀ δελφοί, γνωρίζω ὑμῖν τὸ Εὐαγγέλιον τὸ εὐαγγελισθὲν ὑπ' ἐμοῦ ὅτι οὐκ ἔστιν κατὰ ἄνθρωπον οὐδὲ γὰρ ἐγὼ παρὰ ἀνθρώπου παρέλαβον αὐτό, οὔτε ἐδιδάχθην, ἀλλὰ δι' ἀποκαλύψεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. 'Ηκούσατε γὰρ τὴν ἐμὴν ἀναστροφήν ποτε ἐν τῷ Ἰουδαϊσμῷ, ὅτι καθ' ὑπερβολὴν ἐδίωκον τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ ἐπόρθουν αὐτήν, καὶ προέκοπτον ἐν τῷ Ἰουδαϊσμῷ ὑπὲρ πολλοὺς συνηλικιώτας ἐν τῷ γένει μου, περισσοτέρως ζηλωτὴς ὑπάρχων τῶν πατρικῶν μου παραδόσεων. Ὅτε δὲ εὐδόκησεν ὁ Θεὸς, ὁ ἀφορίσας με ἐκ κοιλίας μητρός μου καὶ καλέσας διὰ τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ ἀποκαλύψαι τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ ἐν ἐμοὶ, ἵνα εὐαγγελίζωμαι αὐτὸν ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν, εὐθέως οὐ προσανεθέμην σαρκὶ καὶ αἵματι, οὐδὲ ἀνῆλθον εἰς Ιεροσόλυμα πρὸς τοὺς πρὸ ἐμοῦ ἀποστόλους, ἀλλὰ ἀπῆλθον εἰς Ἀραβίαν, καὶ πάλιν ὑπέστρεψα εἰς Δαμασκόν. Επειτα μετὰ τρία ἔτη ἀνῆλθον εἰς Ιεροσόλυμα ἱστορῆσαι Πέτρον, καὶ ἐπέμεινα πρὸς αὐτὸν ἡμέρας δεκαπέντε ἕτερον δὲ τῶν ἀποστόλων οὐκ εἶδον, εἰ μὴ Ἰάκωβον τὸν ἀδελφὸν τοῦ Κυρίου. ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟΝ Κατὰ Λουκᾶν ηʹ 27-39 Τ ῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἐλθόντι τῷ Ἰησοῦ εἰς τὴν χὠραν τῶν Γαδαρηνῶν ὑπήντησεν αὐτῷ ἀνήρ τις ἐκ τῆς πόλεως, ὃς εἶχε δαιμόνια ἐκ χρόνων ἱκανῶν, καὶ ἱμάτιον οὐκ ἐνεδιδύσκετο, καὶ ἐν οἰκίᾳ οὐκ ἔμενεν, ἀλλ' ἐν τοῖς μνήμασιν. ἰδὼν δὲ τὸν Ἰησοῦν καὶ ἀνακράξας προσέπεσεν αὐτῷ καὶ φωνῇ μεγάλῃ εἶπε Τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί, Ἰησοῦ υἱὲ τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ὑψίστου; δέομαί σου, μή με βασανίσῃς. παρήγγειλε γὰρ τῷ πνεύματι τῷ ἀκαθάρτῳ ἐξελθεῖν ἀπὸ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου. πολλοῖς γὰρ χρόνοις συνηρπάκει αὐτόν, καὶ ἐδεσμεῖτο ἁλύσεσι καὶ πέδαις φυλασσόμενος, καὶ διαρρήσσων τὰ δεσμὰ ἠλαύνετο ὑπὸ τοῦ δαίμονος εἰς τὰς ἐρήμους. ἐπηρώτησε δὲ αὐτὸν ὁ Ἰησοῦς λέγων Τί σοί ἐστιν ὄνομα; ὁ δὲ εἶπε Λεγεών ὅτι δαιμόνια πολλὰ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς αὐτόν καὶ παρεκάλει αὐτὸν ἵνα μὴ ἐπιτάξῃ αὐτοῖς εἰς τὴν ἄβυσσον ἀπελθεῖν. Ἦν δὲ ἐκεῖ ἀγέλη χοίρων ἱκανῶν βοσκομένη ἐν τῷ ὄρει καὶ παρεκάλουν αὐτὸν ἵνα ἐπιτρέψῃ αὐτοῖς εἰς ἐκείνους εἰσελθεῖν καὶ ἐπέτρεψεν αὐτοῖς. ἐξελθόντα δὲ τὰ δαιμόνια ἀπὸ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου εἰσῆλθον εἰς τοὺς χοίρους, καὶ ὥρμησεν ἡ ἀγέλη κατὰ τοῦ κρημνοῦ εἰς τὴν λίμνην καὶ ἀπεπνίγη. ἰδόντες δὲ οἱ βόσκοντες τὸ γεγενημένον ἔφυγον, καὶ ἀπήγγειλαν εἰς τὴν πόλιν καὶ εἰς τοὺς ἀγρούς. ἐξῆλθον δὲ ἰδεῖν τὸ γεγονὸς, καὶ ἦλθον πρὸς τὸν Ἰησοῦν, καὶ εὗρον καθήμενον τὸν ἄνθρωπον, ἀφ' οὗ τὰ δαιμόνια ἐξεληλύθει, ἱματισμένον καὶ σωφρονοῦντα παρὰ τοὺς πόδας τοῦ Ἰησοῦ, καὶ ἐφοβήθησαν. ἀπήγγειλαν δὲ αὐτοῖς οἱ ἰδόντες πῶς ἐσώθη ὁ δαιμονισθείς. καὶ ἠρώτησαν αὐτὸν ἅπαν τὸ πλῆθος τῆς περιχώρου τῶν Γαδαρηνῶν ἀπελθεῖν ἀπ' αὐτῶν, ὅτι φόβῳ μεγάλῳ συνείχοντο αὐτὸς δὲ ἐμβὰς εἰς τὸ πλοῖον ὑπέστρεψεν. ἐδέετο δὲ αὐτοῦ ὁ ἀνὴρ, ἀφ' οὗ ἐξεληλύθει τὰ δαιμόνια, εἶναι σὺν αὐτῷ ἀπέλυσε δὲ αὐτὸν ὁ Ἰησοῦς λέγων Ὑπόστρεφε εἰς τὸν οἶκόν σου καὶ διηγοῦ ὅσα ἐποίησέ σοι ὁ Θεός. καὶ ἀπῆλθε καθ' ὅλην τὴν πόλιν κηρύσσων ὅσα ἐποίησεν αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς. 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 1:11-19 B rethren, I would have you know that the gospel which was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother. GOSPEL Luke 8:26-39 A t that time, as Jesus arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, there met him a man from the city who had demons; for a long time he had worn no clothes and he lived not in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him, and said with a loud voice, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beseech you, do not torment me." For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him; he was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters, but he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the desert.) Jesus then asked him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Legion"; for many demons had entered him. And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside; and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them leave. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. When the herdsmen saw what happened, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country. Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. And those who had seen it told them how he who had been possessed with demons was healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gadarenes asked him to depart from them; for they were seized with great fear; so he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but he sent him away, saying, "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him. 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 THE HOLY PROTECTION OF THE THEOTOKOS The Feast of the Protection commemorates the appearance of the most holy Theotokos in the Church of Blachernae in Constantinople in the early sixth century, as recorded in the life of Saint Andrew the Fool for Christ's sake. While the multitudes of the faithful were gathered in church, Epiphanius, the friend of Saint Andrew, through the Saint's prayers, beheld the Virgin Mary above the faithful and spreading out her veil over them, signifying her unceasing protection of all Christians. Because of this we keep a yearly feast of gratitude, imploring our Lady never to cease sheltering us in her mighty prayers. THE HOLY GREAT MARTYR DEMETRIOS THE MYRRH-STREAMER Saint Demetrius was a Thessalonian, son of pious and noble par-ents, and a teacher of the Faith of Christ. When Maximian first came to Thessalonica in 290, he raised the Saint to the rank of Duke of Thessaly. But when it was discovered that the Saint was a Christian, he was arrested and kept bound in a bath-house. While the games were under way in the city, Maximian was a spectator there. A certain friend of his, a barbarian who was a notable wrestler, Lyaeus by name, waxing haughty because of the height and strength of his body, boasted in the stadium and chal-lenged the citizens to a contest with him. All that fought with him were defeated. Seeing this, a certain youth named Nestor, aquaintance of Demetrius', came to the Saint in the bathhouse and asked his blessing to fight Lyaeus singlehanded. Receiving this blessing and sealing himself with the sign of the pre-cious Cross, he presented himself in the stadi-um, and said, "O God of Demetrius, help me!" and straightway he engaged Lyaeus in combat and smote him with a mortal blow to the heart, leaving the former boaster lifeless upon the earth. Maximian was sorely grieved over this, and when he learned who was the cause of this defeat, he commanded straightway and Deme-trius was pierced with lances while he was yet in the bathhouse. As for Nestor, Maximian commanded that he be slain with his own sword. ΑΓΙΟΣ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΣ Ο ΜΥΡΟΒΛΥΤΗΣ Ο Άγιος Δημήτριος γεννήθηκε περί το 280 μ.χ. και μαρτύρησε επί των αυτοκρατόρων Διοκλητιανού και Μαξιμιανού το 303 μ.χ. - 306 μ.χ. Ήταν γόνος αριστοκρατικής οικογένειας στη Θεσσαλονίκη. Σύντομα ανελίχθηκε στις βαθμίδες του Ρωμαϊκού στρατού με αποτέλεσμα σε ηλικία 22 ετών να φέρει το βαθμό του χιλιάρχου. Έγινε χριστιανός ως αξιωματικός του ρωμαϊκού στρατού κάτω από τη διοίκηση του Τετράρχη (και έπειτα αυτοκράτορα) Γαλερίου Μαξιμιανού, όταν αυτοκράτορας ήταν ο Διοκλητιανός, και φυλακίστηκε στην Θεσσαλονίκη, διότι αγνόησε διάταγμα του αυτοκράτορα Διοκλητιανού «περί αρνήσεως του χριστιανισμού». Στη φυλακή ήταν και ένας νεαρός χριστιανός ο Νέστορας, ο οποίος θα αντιμετώπιζε σε μονομαχία τον φοβερό μονομάχο της εποχής Λυαίο. Ο Νέστορας πριν τη μονομαχία επισκέφθηκε τον Δημήτριο και ζήτησε τη βοήθειά του. Ο Άγ. Δημήτριος του έδωσε την ευχή του και ο Νέστορας νίκησε το Λυαίο και προκάλεσε την οργή του αυτοκράτορα. Διατάχθηκε τότε να θανατωθούν και οι δύο, Νέστορας και Δημήτριος. Οι συγγραφείς εγκωμίων του Αγίου Δημητρίου, αναφέρουν ότι το σώμα του Αγίου ετάφη στον τόπο του μαρτυρίου, ο δε τάφος μετεβλήθη σε βαθύ φρέαρ που ανέβλυζε μύρο, εξ ου και η προσωνυμία του Μυροβλήτου. Στις βυζαντινές εικόνες αλλά και στη σύγχρονη αγιογραφία ο Άγιος Δημήτριος παρουσιάζεται αρκετές φορές ως καβαλάρης με κόκκινο άλογο (σε αντιδιαστολή του λευκού αλόγου του Αγ. Γεωργίου) να πατά τον άπιστο Λυαίο. Σήμερα ο Άγιος Δημήτριος τιμάται ως πολιούχος Άγιος της Θεσσαλονίκης.
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 Anna Billiris Costas Sisois George Dovellos Manolis Ioannidis Karen Markopulos Charles Samarkos Gus Tsambis
DEBT ELIMINATION PLEDGES RECEIVED 2016 (As of October 18, 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 Nelsen, William & Leoni 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 Tuesday, October 18, 2016 Debt Elimination Pledges Received $ 171,859.00 Debt Elimination Monies Received $ 173,998.00 Credit Line Balance $ 66,346.00 Please contact treasurer Anna Billiris with questions regarding this report. She may be reached at 727-674-5787 or abilliris@usameribank.com.
PARISH HOUSEHOLDS PLEDGED AS OF OCT. 18, 2016 The following are the over 600 pledged steward households of the Cathedral for the current year. We welcome and value new or returning stewards. Please make your pledge of support today and begin making your monthly contributions to support your parish and Faith. Thank you for your consideration. Abare, Irene Abbas, Omar Abbas, Theodore & Nellie Agelis, Caliope Aggeletos, Pangiota Alahouzos, George Alahouzos, Theophilos Alesafis, Michael & Kathy Alexiou, Lula Alexiou, Stephanie Alissandratos, Asimoula Julia Alissandratos, Bernice Ambeliotis, Mathew & Ruth Amorginos, Dimitrios & Maria Anastasiades, Anastasis & Diane Anastasiadis, Sotirios & Martha Andropoulos, James & Angeline Andropoulos, Harry & DeRose Angelakopoulos, John Angeliadis, Christina Angeliadis, George & Georgene Angeliadis, Gregory & Maria Angeliadis, Mercury & Diana Angelis, Thomaitsa & Cimo Annexy, Jorge Anthis, John & Mary Antonio, Theodore Apostolides, Ipatia Arfaras, Duchess Argeras, Christos & Stephanie Argeras, Vasilia Argeras, Zanetos & Mary Ann Argeros, William & Carla Arvanitakis, Theo & Georgia Ashcraft, James Assimack, Anna Eleni Assimack, Basil & Niki Assimack, Basil Themis Assimack, Kathleen Assimack, Peter Themis Athanasatos, Anna Athanasatos, Anthony & Eva Athanasatos, Nicholas Augoustatos, Kyriaki Bacas, Solon Bageris, Maria Bakas, Elizabeth Baker, Mary Bangos, Jason & Kelly Baris, Tasso & Janet Barlas, George & Angeliki Bilirakis, Emmanuel & Maria Bilirakis, Gus & Eva Bilirakis, Manuel Bilirakis, Michael & Evelyn Billiris, Beverly Billiris, George & Anna Billiris, Mark & Julie Billiris, Nick & Mary Ella Bouchlas, Bessie Boudreau, Steve & Vacelia Bowlin, Walter & Maria Bradford, James & Alice Brooks, Allyssa Burruss, Mary Cambouris, Sam & Gloria Carachi, Kathyrn Chagaris, George Chagaris, Nicholas & Kalotina Chamberlain, David & Angeline Chambers, George & Sandy Chaplinsky, Anthony Jr Chappel, Nicole Cheliotis, George & Harriet Christoforos, Nich. & Hrisov. Christopoul, Loretta Christopoulos, Georgia Christu, Nikki Chrysakis, Emmanuel & Tara Chrysostomou, Chrysoulla Ciotti, John & Melanie Cladakis, Minnie Cocoris, Mary Cohen, B. Mark & Rona Conkel, Donald Conkel, Robert & Paula Contos, Anthony Corcodilos, Arete Cosmos, Nancy Coussoule, Theodore Coutroulis, Caliope Cretekos, George & Carolyn Dactlylidis, Angelo & Katina Dalacos, Peter Dalakos, Theodore & Toni Damalos, John & Stella Damigos, Steve Danapas, Michael & Maria Daskarolis, Bill & Frances De Koter, Gert-Jan & Maria De Koter, Michael Delaportas, Louisa Demetrakis, John Demorris, Heather Demos, Kathryn Denas, Emerald Diamandis, Bill & Helen Dimas, Elpis Dongas, Sophia Dormeyer, Piers & Diana Dovellos, George & Maria Dovellos, Nomiki Dragoutsis, Theodore Drakatos, Jerry Dris, Michael & Stamie Dritsas, Stamatia El-Khoury, Ziad Eliadis, Billie & William Ergas, Michael & Patricia Faison, Robert & Penelope Faklis, Anna Faklis, George & Katie Faklis, Michael Faklis, Vasile & Rena Fatolitis, Evelyn Fatolitis, Peter & Leza Fengar, Maria Filaretou, Jesusa Filaretou, John & Ypapanti Fillis, George & Irene Flytzanis, Ioannis & Irene Flytzanis, Kalli Flytzanis, Nicholas Fountotos, Maria Fragkos, Georgios & Tasia Frangos, George Frangos, Mike & Maria Frangos, Theodoros & Maria Frangos, Valandou Frantzis, Theodosios & Carol Franzeskos, Marietta Gallo, Sofia Galoozis, George & Sevasti Galouzis, Konstantinos & Maria Garner, Lester & Irene Gemmellaro, Krystyna Georgakakis, Nick & Evelyn George, Bessie Georgeades, James & Pia Georgiadis, Georgia Georgion, Stephanie Gerakios, George Gerakios Arfaras, Ann Giallourakis, Mike & Artemise Giallourakis, Bill Giallourakis, Tony & Anastasia Gialousis, Tony Gianacakes, Demetra Giannas, Pericles & Evy Ginnis, Nick & Thelma Giuliani II, Paul & Sylvia Gkaravelis, Nikolaos Glenn, Kassiani Goff, Richard & Anna Gombos, Emmanuel Gonatos, Emmanuel & Voula Gonatos, Maria Gounaris, Maria Gray, Katherine Gullett, Phyllis Haldoupis, Petros & Victoria Hankenhof, Eugene & Mary Hansen, Ray& Mahi Hart, Maria Hatton, Helen Hatzidakis, Anthony Hatzidakis, Fr. Em. & Barbara Hatzileris, Antonios & Sheila Hayden, Coula Henderson, Kenneth & Nickollet Himonetos, Stella Hotalen, Martin & Eleftheria Houllis, Bertha Houllis, Max & Christina Houllis, Michael & Cynthia Houmis, Nicholas Hourdas, Jerry & Linda Hourdas, Maritsa Hourdas, Peter Huddleston, Evangeline Hurs, George & Anna Ioannidis, Emanuel & Anna Iordanopoulou, Sonia Janakas, Ted Jandernal, Daniel & Irene Joanow, Sylvia Johnson, William & Sherry Kafantaris, George & Angela Kakaris, Stacy Kalafatis, Michael Kalavanos, Dino & Harriet Kallis, Christos & Zina Kalodoukas, Vasilios & Debra Kalouris, Angela Kalouris, Gerassimos & Viola Kalouris, Gregory Kanellis, Niki Kanos, Nicholas & Rose Marie Kapaniris, Drossos & Nicole Kapaniris, Stamatios & Evpraxia Kapodistrias, Lambros & Ang. Kappas, Dennis & Nancy Karagas, Kerry & Virginia Karagianis, John & Irene Karaphillis, Michael Karatzas, Kosta & Maria Karavokiros, George Karavokiros, Michael & Irene Karavokiros, Steve & Pam Karavokiros, Stavroula Kardoulias, Alexander Kariofilis, Helen Karvounis, Yiannis Kasapakis, Fr. Sampson & Presvytera Mallory Kastrandas, Elias & Catherine Katsaras, Kaliope Katsaras, Renee Katsulos, Theophanis & Mary Kavouklis, Lazarus & Maria Keeter, Kelly Kelly, Mary Katherine Kiesel, Vincent & Christine Kilpatrick, Mary Kiousis, Mary Kipreos, Olga Kirkpatrick, Elsie Kissianis, Anthony & Athanasia Klimis, Constantinos & Kalotina Klimis, Efthimios & Niki Klimis, George & Christina Klonaris, John & Eleni Klonaris, Michael & Maria Kokovidis, Alex. & Evaggelia Kontodiakos, Angeliki Kontodiakos, John & Argie Kontodiakos, Michael Kontos, Emanuel & Chantel Kopacz, Joseph & Andrea Korakakis, Nick Kossifidis, Johanna Kostakis, Peter & Bessie Kostelis, Maria Kostopoulos, Nick Kotis, George & Artemis Kotronis, Demosthene Kouki, Maan & Real Koukos, George & Danielle Koukoulakis, Cletis & Krystal Koukoulakis, Maria Koulianos, Fotis & Lee Koulianos, Ioannis & Maria Koulianos, John & Maria Koulianos, Manuel & Carol Koulianos, Mike & Stephanie Koulianos, Nomiki Koulianos, Pamela Koumendouros, Irene Koumoundouros, Anna Kouremetis, Michael & Terri Kouremetis, Sevasti Kourmoulakis, Despina Kourmoulakis, Michael & Agnes Kouros, Pantelis & Ioanna Kouros, Valantis Koursiotis, Michael & Elaine Kouskoutis, George & Maria Kouskoutis, N Michael Koutelas, Irene Koutsouradis, Alex & Vickie Koutsourais, Emm. & Anastasia Koutsourais, Irene Koutsourais, Manuel & Susan Kovach, Stathia Kritsepis, John & Hariklia Kritsepis, Terry & Tina Krouskos, Pantelis & Irini Kuvalakis, Alexandra Laden, James & Maria Lamanis, Angela Lambidis, Nikolas & Bessie Lambrianos, Chris & Penny LaRose, Angela LaStarza, Jacob LaStarza, Roland & Renoula Lazarek, John & Diana Leadbetter, David & Galatiani Lelekis, Emmanuel & Eleni Lelekis, Irene Lelekis, John Lelis, Alexandra Leventelis, James & Louise Lialios, Peter & Maria Liarikos, Stavroula Linardos, Stella Linton, Flora Liounakos, Peter & Priscilla Lipsanopoulos, Andreas & Stav. Livanos, Mina Loban, William & Stella Loe, Virginia Loparnos, Peter Louis, Chris & Bonnie Loukataras, Dimitrios & Anna Louris, Dimitrios Lulias, John Lulias, Kally Lynch, J.L. & F.E. Macinnes, Deborah Magganas, Kostas Magganas, Theodore Maggio, James Magklis, Sakellarios & Maria Maglis, John Maglis, Stavros Maglis, Theofilos Mahinis, Catherine Mailles, Mike Jr. & Jamie Maillis, Maria Makris, Jimmy & Carol Makris, Eugenia Makryllos, George & Sevasti Makryllos, Katerina Malecki, Gregory & Dionisia Mammas, Carmen Mandalou, George & Beverly Manglis, Saki & Danielle Manglis, Theofilos & Tula Manias, Nicholas & Michelle Manias, Nikitias & Aspasia Manolakos, Polizois & Eleni Manos, Chris Manuel, Mary Margaritis, Diane Margolis, Andrew & Kelly Marinakos, Vassiliki Markis, Jimmy Marko, Albert & Khara Markonios, Katina Markonios, Sotirios & Denise
Markonios, Stavros & Eleni Markopulos, Karen Markos, Anastasios & Angeline Markou, Kalliopi Martinez, Stephanie Martini, James Mastrovasilis, Foula Mathews, Hrisa & Michael Mavromatis, Athena Mavromatis, Drossoulla Mazarakis, Donna Megaloudis, Gary Megaloudis, Stella Mehas, Emmanuel Mehas, Katina Meintanas, Tassia Melandinos, Dim. & Georgia Meris, Eftihia Metaxas, Tom & Angela Miaoulis, Dena Miaoulis, Kathy Miaoulis, Maria Miaoulis, Nick & Shirley Michael, Chris & Justine Michaelides, Katherine Michailos, Pan. & Penelope Michalakis, Fotini Michalopoulos, Nicole Miliotis, John & Bessi Miliotis, Pantelis & Dorothy Miller, Christopher & Evelyn Milo, Magdaline Missos, Gregory Mitrou, Stamatina Moniodes, George Monokandilos, Drosso Monokandilos, Maritsa Monokandilos, Stanley & Keri Moraitis, Isidoros & Alicia Moraitis, Costas & Irene Moros, Margentina Moshonas, Anthony Moshonas, Eugenia Mougros, Michael & Eleftheria Mouratidis, Pano & Niki Moustakas, LCM & Valerie Moutsatsos, Basil & Rosemarie Moutsatsos, Costas & Mary Moutsatsos, Demetrios & Goldie Moutsatsos, Spero Mucaj, Petrit & Anila Neil, David & Leah Nelsen, William & Leoni Nicholas, Nick & Kathy Nichols, Fr. Nicholas & Presv. Helen Ognenovski, Vlado & Violeta Owens, Angeline Paitakis, Stephen Palaidis, Christopher & Geneva Pamboukis, John Panageas, Elias Panageotou, Bill Panagos, George Panaou, Frantjeskos & Maria Panson, Evangelia Pantages, Jason Pantelakis, Andonia Panteliodis, Nick Pantelis, Emmanuel & Marianne Pantelis, Maria Savvina Pantelis, Michael Pantelis, Nikita & Sylvia Pantelis, Pelagia & Stavros Papacalodoucas, Agapitos & L. Papadakos, Georgia Papageorgiou, John & Sophie Papageorgiou, Socrates Papanos, Nicholas & Ilioula Papastavrou, Kostas & Sophia Papatheodorou, Euterpe Pappas, Agathi Pappas, Argie Pappas, Bessie Pappas, Demetrios Pappas, Jack Pappas, Joyce Pappas, Leah Pappas, Louis & Rosanne Pappas, Lula Paraskevas, Theoktistos Paravalos, Evangelos & Angie Paravalos, Peter Parkos, Kathryn Parr, Goldie Pasisis, Edith Pateras, Theophillis Paterson, Benjamin & Hellen Patides, George Patsalides, Harry & Ana Pavalis, Andrew & Ioanna Pavlides, Stella Paxson, Theodora Perkins, Kenneth & Barbara Peros, Ioannis & Litsa Petalas, John & Bessie Petalas, Haralambos Petit, Eric & Kathryn Petropoulos, Kostas & Teryyl Philipson, Susan Phillips, Pauline Pianese, Joseph & Yasmin Pieri, Alexandra Pikos, Anthony Pikos, Michael & Diane Pilatos, Georgios & Maria Pilitsis, John & Lois Polychronis, Kaliopi Pondakos, Manuel & Sylvia Prodromitis, Demosthenes Prodromitis, Vassilia Protopapas, Tony & Sophie Psaras, Paul Pseftelis, Katerina Pseftelis, Kosta Pseftelis, Maria Pseftelis, Vasilis & Kelly Psilakis, Erasmia Psilakis, Michael & Ekaterini Psiropoulos, George & Frieda Quillin, Mary Raimo, Mary Raptis, Ester Riefner, Barbara Rigas, Evangeline Rigas, James & Nitsa Rigas, Stratos & Maria Rigopoulos, Dimitrios & Elef. Rinios, John & Irene Roberts, William & Ann Robinson, Kyle & Alexis Rondeau, Jay & Chris Rondeau, Michele Rousakis, Rev. Fr. James & Presvytera Vassiliki Ruskin, Les & Anna Sakellarides, John & Gloria Sakellarides, Matthew Sakellarides, Michael Sakelson, James Sakelson, William Salemi, Jon & Ioanna Samarkos, Charles & Ann Samarkos, Evangeline Samarkos, Mary Samarkos, Michael & Marian. Samartzis, Nikoleta Rania Santoyo, Frank & Angela Sapounakis, Erasmia Sarantis, Maria Saravanos, Anth. & Mary Ann Saravanos, George Saravanos, Maria Saros-Kovalcik, Donald & N. Saroukos, Kaliope Savakis, Ilias N Savas, Emmanuel Savidakis, Fredericos & Ourania Savopoulos, Stavros & Tina Savva, Eugene & Thekla Schlemmer, Anna Schooler, Daniel & Sophia Scopelitis, Eve & Argyro Shadrick, Ryan & Jennifer Sheeks, Michael & Sophie Shoemaker, James & Catherine Shontz, Edward Shontz, Eva Shontz, Michael & Alexandra Shyti, Genti & Kela Sisois, Costas & Niki Skandaliaris, Anargiros & Lora Skandaliaris, Bill & Karen Skandaliaris, George & Katina Skandaliaris, Zaharias & Kat. Skartsaris, Aristidis Skiadas, George & Vickie Skoutelis, Irene Smalios, George & Athina Smalios, Konstandinos & Mary Smalis, Kosmas Smith, E Victoria Smith, Robert & Anna Smolios, Charles Smolios, Nick & Joyce Solon, George Sourvanos, Dionysios & Argiro Spanolios, James Spanolios, Jim & Bernet Spanolios, Kay Spanos, George & Fay Spirides, Kalegis & Billie Spirtos, Nicki Spirtos, Russ & Eva Stamas, Anna Stamas, Cecelia Stamas, John & Donna Stamas, George & Karen Stamas, Peter & Patricia Stamos, Rosemary Stamas, William & Patricia Stamus, Diana Stathakaros, Anthony & Alex. Stathakis, Yanni & Theodora Stathis, James Stavrakis, Andie Stavropoulos, H. P. Stavropoulos, Jim & Lisa Stavropoulos, John Stavropoulos, Paul & Evangelia Steffen, George & Katherine Steffen, Maria & Eve Stephanos, John & Evelyn Stephanos, Michael Stocks, Stephen & Karra Stratakis, Peter & Doris Syron, Jr, John & Tasula Tabus, Edward & Anna Tagarelli, Donna Tagarelli, Elaine Tagarelli, Ioanna-Maria Tagarelli, Noel Tagaropoulos, Dimitri Tagaropoulos, John Tagaropoulos, Kon/nos & Th. Tahinos, Antonios & Aldona Takes, Marie Tassopoulos, Andriana Tassopoulos, Chrisovalatou Tassopoulos, Peter & Freda Terrell, Dale Tezza, Aldo & Themis Theodosis, Kostas Theofanus, Yiota Theofilos, Katie Theophilopoulos, Dean & Ellyn Theophilopoulos, Jerry & Chr. Theos, Ethel Tides, Elpida Tiliakos, Drossos & Athena Tiliakos, Sevasti Tomaras, Athanasios & Stavria Tombros, Sophia Touloumis, Alexander Tout, Jack & Meni Trikoilis, Ilias & Virginia Tsagaratos, Mema Tsagaris, Louie & Susan Tsagaris, Spiro Tsakizis, Katina Tsakos, Stavros & Toulla Tsalikis, George & Valadou Tsambis, Charles Tsambis, George Tsambis, Gus & Anna Tsangaris, Charles & Mary Tsangaris, Georgia Tsangaris, John & Irene Tsantakis, Christina Tsardoulias, Chris Tsardoulias, Jason & Athena Tsavaris, John & Stamatia Tsavaris, Sofia Tsesmelis, Demetri & Mary Tsiabasis, Ioannis & Marina Tsigaridis, Theodoros & Ageliki Tsikouris, Marilyn Tsiouklas, Andrew & Maria Tsongranis, Andrew & Laurel Tsongranis, George & Melissa Tsoukalas, Helen Tsoutsanis, Catherine Tsoutsanis, Samuell Vaporis, Michael Sr. & Helen Varvaresos, John Sr. & Carla Varvaresos, John Jr. Vasilakos, Nicholaos & Dimitra Vassios, Ath. & Spiridoula Vastardis, William Vatikiotis, Costa & Darlene Vazopolos, Steve Velardocchia, Salv. Jr. & Maria Vergos, Aristotelis Vestas, Emmanuel & Georgette Vlahakis, Lidia Vlahopoulos, Spiros & Konst. Vostitsanos, Lazaros Vougioklakis, Peter Vouros, John & Mary Vouros, Pete Vouvalis, Emmanuel & Beverly Vouvalis, George Vouvalis, Nicholas & Grace Vretas, Jean & John Ward, Raymond & Irene Whitacre, Emerson & Katherine White, Michael & Andrea Winship, Susan Wright, Phillip & Irene Xanthopoulos, Lefki Xipolitas, Michael Xyftis, Leontios Yanna, Mark & Mary Ypsilantis, Hercules Zagorianos, Christos & Maria Zantopoulos, Bessie Zaronias, Anthony & Sofia Zaronias, Kalliopi & Michael Zaronias, Katherine Zaronias, Stavros Zervos, Basil Zervos, Pantella Zisimopoulos, Harry & Helen Zoidis, Maria Zutes, Camille Zutes, George & Lucinda
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. BOOKSTORE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Looking for a meaningful volunteer project? Do you enjoy reading and sharing your knowledge on Orthodoxy? These are just some of the benefits the volunteers enjoy at our bookstore. We are currently looking to keep the bookstore staffed by two people per shift and would like to open on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm. If you can spare two to four hours per week, or if you would like to become an on-call sub, please call Bill Panageotou at 727-385- 4321. All proceeds benefit St Nicholas Cathedral and the Bookstore Renovation Fund.
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 by visi 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. FREE FLU SHOTS Tarpon Discount Drugs (742 S. Pinellas Ave, Tarpon Springs) is offering free flu shots on Thursday, October 27 from 10:00am to 2:00 pm. OHI DAY CELEBRATION You are invited to to celebrate the bravery and integrity of the Greeks at our annual Ohi Day dance. Join us at Fr Tryfon Hall on Saturday, October 29, at 7:00 pm for dinner and live entertainment by Peter Lambropoulos. Price: $30 per person. For more information, please contact Costas Sisois at 727-858-2630. THINKING ABOUT RUNNING FOR PC? This year s elections for Parish Council will be held on December 11. Applications, now available at the parish office, must be submitted by Sunday, November 13. If you would like to run for Parish Council, please call 727-937-3540 or e-mail soultana@stnicholastarpon.org. 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
WORKSHOPS IN GREEK BOUZOUKI The City of Tarpon Springs/TarponArts is pleased to present a series of workshops in Greek bouzouki for youth and adults by Leonidas Zafiris and Elias Poulos. Originally from Greece, Leonidas Zafiris is an outstanding professional bouzouki musician and teacher. Born in Greece, Elias Poulos repertoire includes the latest hits from Greece as well as well-known dimotika, rembetika, nisiotika, and songs from throughout Greece. Both Zafiris and Poulos currently perform in the band Ellada. Workshops will take place on Sundays, October 30; November 6, 13, 20; December 4, 11 at the Safford House (23 Parkin Ct). Classes will be divided into beginning (2-3 pm) and advanced (3-4 pm) sections. Students should bring an instrument, and there will be a few bouzoukia available on-site for beginning students. Students who need an instrument might also contact the Tarpon Springs Public Library (38 E. Lemon St, tel 943-4922) for information on borrowing a bouzouki through its Bouzouki Lending Program. For more information, call 727-937- 1130. www.tarponarts.org (Weekly Message, cont d from p. 2) that the Church is undergoing today, which is even worse than what the early Christians faced. The persecution of the faith is done by those who promote that the measure of all things is man. Man is a god! Therefore, whoever accepts Christ s words and commandments should stand prepared for spiritual warfare, as persecution is everywhere. Persecution abounds: of family values, of human dignity, persecution of the eye, ear, mind, heart and soul. St. John Chrysostom says that the martyr s death is a consolation for the believers, for those who speak out on behalf of the Church, who live their faith. Their lives stand as proof of the resurrection. Their testament trumps and ridicules the evil that attempts to bring us down. Martyrs are the paradigm for our salvation and for repentance. For me, and especially after visiting the site of his martyrdom, St. Demetrios is a roadmap leading me toward good deeds and fulfillment in Christ and like him, to bring others to an understanding of Christ. To all who bear the name Demetrios or Demetra, a blessed feast day with health and spiritual prosperity. 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.
Sunday School News We are glad to welcome our students and families to the 2016-17 school year. October 2016 23 Class 10:30am-11:15am 30 Class 10:30am-11:15am; Trick or Treat Debate November 2016 6 Class 13 Class; Food Drive Ends, Toy Drive Begins 20 Class 27 Class; St. Nicholas Lesson We appreciate your commitment and dedication to Sunday School! JOIN OUR AWARD-WINNING DANCERS The St. Nicholas Dance Ministry is accepting registrations for the 2016-17 season until 11/1/16. Practices are on 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 (just for fun; non performing) 7:15-8:30, Maria Kouskoutis
LITTLE LAMBS CALENDAR
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! The Ladder of Divine Ascent $35.00 One of the most highly influential works used by the Orthodox Church to guide the faithful to a God-centered life. Saint John Climacus compared the spiritual life to a ladder of 30 steps, and explained in detail the challenges presented by each of those steps. This spiritual classic has brought inspiration and edification to every generation since the 6th century. Thirty Steps To Heaven $19.00 The Ladder of Divine Ascent is one of the most highly influential works used by the Church as far as guiding the faithful to a God-centered life. Archimandrite Vassilios Papavassiliou interprets it for ordinary Christians frustrated in applying the lessons of this monastic text to their everyday lives. 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. The Sign of the Cross - the Gesture, the Mystery, and the History $18.00 Millions of Christians around the world use the sign of the Cross -- and have done so for centuries -- as a gesture of blessing. This book explores the mystery of the ancient gesture that invites the Cross of Christ into our lives. 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!
OCTOBER 24-30 SCHEDULE LITURGICAL SERVICES OFFICE AND MINISTRIES OFFICE, M-F, 9am-5pm Monday Δευτέρα OCTOBER 24 BOOKSTORE, M-F 10:00 am-2:00 pm Dance Ministry, 4:00 pm, Community Center Tuesday Τρίτη OCTOBER 25 St Demetrios the Myrrh-Streamer Great Vespers 6:00 pm Boy Scouts, 7:00 pm, Fr Tryfon Hall Wednesday Τετάρτη OCTOBER 26 St Demetrios the Myrrh-Streamer Orthros / Όρθρος, 8:00 am Liturgy / Λειτουργία 9:15 am Holy Unction 6:00 pm Little Lambs, 10:00 am, Sunday School Room on Hibiscus Greek School, 4:30 pm Men s Ministry, Fr Tryfon Hall, 7:30 pm Thursday Πέμπτη OCTOBER 27 Greek School, 4:30 pm Choir, 6:30 pm, Cathedral Friday Παρασκευή OCTOBER 28 Holy Protection of the Theotokos / OXI Day Orthros / Όρθρος, 8:00 am Liturgy / Λειτουργία 9:15 am Saturday Σάββατο OCTOBER 29 OXI Day Reception, Fr Tryfon Hall, 7:00 pm Sunday Κυριακή OCTOBER 30 Orthros / Όρθρος, 7:20 am Liturgy / Λειτουργία (Greek) 8:45 am Liturgy / Λειτουργία (English) 10:45 am Bookstore, 10:00 am-12:00 pm GOYA Truth or Treat Party, Fr Tryfon Hall, 6:00 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 & Antonino Genduso 727-243-1786 BYZANTINE ARTS ACADEMY -- Fr Sampson Kasapakis 941-266-3229 CHANTER Theofanis Katsiklis 727-244-6842 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 (6th-12th grade) Theodora Stathakis 954-478-4157 & Emmanuel Gombos 727-937-8658 & Penny Lambrianos 727-938-7417 GREEK SCHOOL Chris Palaidis 727-808-3895 HOPE (Pre-K-7th grade) -- Melissa Tsongranis 727-741-0865 LITTLE LAMBS (40 days-3 years old)-- Presvytera Mallory Kasapakis 561-222-7091 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