Epiphany - Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Tarpon Springs, Florida + Sunday, December 18, 2016

Epiphany - Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral Tarpon Springs, Florida + Sunday, December 18, 2016 Eugenia The Righteous Nun-Martyr of Rome, December 24

WEEKLY MESSAGE Every year on the Sunday before Christmas, the Church tells us of the ancestry of Jesus Christ. Anyone who has been Orthodox Christian for a while can remember the Gospel. The Book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham. Abraham begot Isaac.etc (Matthew 1.1-17) In the Gospel of Luke, the ancestry of Jesus is told even from Joseph, the betrothed of Mary, and declares Jesus, the son of Adam, the son of God. (Luke 3.38) It is important to know where we come from, and what our ancestors believed. In Jesus case, He is from God and His human ancestors were righteous people of God. Have you ever researched your ancestors to discover your roots? We all come from someone; who are your ancestors? If you consider the ancestors of Jesus Christ listed in the Holy Scriptures, some are listed as blood relatives, while the others we could say are spiritual relatives since Joseph was not the biological father of Jesus. In the same way, YOU have blood ancestors and also spiritual relatives. You probably know your blood ancestors; your parents, their parents, their grandparents, etc, but do you know who your spiritual relatives are? They are the righteous men and women of faith whom we call Saints. If you read your ancestry in the same fashion we do for Jesus Christ, it might sound like, Saint Andrew ordained Saint Stachys, and Saint Stachys was succeeded by Saint Onesimos, and Saint Onesimos was succeeded by Saint Polycarp. These Saints of the Church are YOUR spiritual ancestors and they are just as much a part of your family as your parents. And if you go back far enough, tracing either your blood relatives or your spiritual relatives, you will find WE ALL have a common ancestor. We are all children of God. But ancestry isn t only about knowing the people of your past; it is also about considering those in your future. When our ancestors founded Saint Nicholas Cathedral more than a century ago, they understood their children and grandchildren would be worshipping here. Our ancestors, ancient and recent, were faithful to God so that we could receive the Faith and have this beautiful Cathedral today for our children. They prepared for us, but how are we preparing for our children? Our spiritual ancestors lived dedicated Orthodox Christian lives, willing even at times to sacrifice everything they had for the truth of God. Our physical ancestors made sacrifices too, many coming from far-off lands with just a few dollars in their pocket, so that we could have a better life. The better life our ancestors sought was not only about houses and cars. The better life they sought included building a Church at the center of our life. Christmas is only a few days away. There is no better time to honor our ancestors than to keep the Church at the center of Christmas. Our ancient and recent ancestors would be proud to see our Cathedral filled to capacity with young and old, worshipping God together for Christmas. As Children of God, we will gather this week to celebrate the birth of our Savior. Just as our ancestors came to this country to provide a better life for us, Jesus Christ came to earth so that we could have a better life with Him in Heaven. It s good to know where you come from, and we all come from some One. That One is God and we are His children.

MEMORIALS 9-day: 6-month: 9-month: 2-year: 4-year: 6-year: 16-year: 20-year: 22-year: 25-year: 27-year: TODAY S SPECIAL SERVICES FIRST DIVINE LITURGY Michael Krouskos Gerasimos Martatos Mary (Maroudia) Anthis, Dimitrios Rigopoulos, Stephanie Vostitsanos Georgios Franzeskos Michael (Rick) Renetos Fotini Tsaousis Angelos Bitros Michael Tsikouris Ioannis Halkitis Nomiki Tsikouris Nomiki Halkitis TRISAGION + Panagiotis Alithinos + Officer Charles Kondek MEMORIALS 40-day: 1-year: SECOND DIVINE LITURGY Alexander Karagas, Pauline Phillips, Mary Quillin Ioannis Panapolis 40-DAY PRAYER LIST Costas, Christina, Kalliopi, Eleni, Anastasia, Ioanna, Andriani, Styliani, Joanne, Patty, Andreas, Eleni 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 e-mail (soultana@stnicholastarpon.org) or telephone (727-937- 3540) by Monday at 5:00 pm.

ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΣ Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 11:9-10, 32-40 Π ίστει παρῴκησεν εἰς γῆν τῆς ἐπαγγελίας ὡς ἀλλοτρίαν, ἐν σκηναῖς κατοικήσας μετὰ ' Ισαὰκ καὶ ' Ιακὼβ τῶν συγκληρονόμων τῆς ἐπαγγελίας τῆς αὐτῆς ἐξεδέχετο γὰρ τὴν τοὺς θεμελίους ἔχουσαν πόλιν, ἧς τεχνίτης καὶ δημιουργὸς ὁ θεός. Καὶ τί ἔτι λέγω; ἐπιλείψει με γὰρ διηγούμενον ὁ χρόνος περὶ Γεδεών, Βαράκ, Σαμψών, ' Ιεφθάε, Δαυίδ τε καὶ Σαμουὴλ καὶ τῶν προφητῶν, οἳ διὰ πίστεως κατηγωνίσαντο βασιλείας, εἰργάσαντο δικαιοσύνην, ἐπέτυχον ἐπαγγελιῶν, ἔφραξαν στόματα λεόντων, ἔσβεσαν δύναμιν πυρός, ἔφυγον στόματα μαχαίρης, ἐδυναμώθησαν ἀπὸ ἀσθενείας, ἐγενήθησαν ἰσχυροὶ ἐν πολέμῳ, παρεμβολὰς ἔκλιναν ἀλλοτρίων ἔλαβον γυναῖκες ἐξ ἀναστάσεως τοὺς νεκροὺς αὐτῶν ἄλλοι δὲ ἐτυμπανίσθησαν, οὐ προσδεξάμενοι τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν, ἵνα κρείττονος ἀναστάσεως τύχωσιν ἕτεροι δὲ ἐμπαιγμῶν καὶ μαστίγων πεῖραν ἔλαβον, ἔτι δὲ δεσμῶν καὶ φυλακῆς ἐλιθάσθησαν, ἐπρίσθησαν, ἐν φόνῳ μαχαίρης ἀπέθανον, περιῆλθον ἐν μηλωταῖς, ἐν αἰγείοις δέρμασιν, ὑστερούμενοι, θλιβόμενοι, κακουχούμενοι, ὧν οὐκ ἦν ἄξιος ὁ κόσμος, ἐπὶ ἐρημίαις πλανώμενοι καὶ ὄρεσιν καὶ σπηλαίοις καὶ ταῖς ὀπαῖς τῆς γῆς. Καὶ οὗτοι πάντες μαρτυρηθέντες διὰ τῆς πίστεως οὐκ ἐκομίσαντο τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν, τοῦ θεοῦ περὶ ἡμῶν κρεῖττόν τι προβλεψαμένου, ἵνα μὴ χωρὶς ἡμῶν τελειωθῶσιν. ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟΝ Κατὰ Ματθαῖον αʹ 1-25 Β ίβλος γενέσεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ υἱοῦ Δαυὶδ υἱοῦ Ἀβραάμ. Ἀβραὰμ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰσαάκ, Ἰσαὰκ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰακώβ, Ἰακὼβ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰούδαν καὶ τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς αὐτοῦ, Ἰούδας δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Φάρες καὶ τὸν Ζάρα ἐκ τῆς Θαμάρ, Φάρες δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἑσρώμ, Ἑσρὼμ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἀράμ, Ἀρὰμ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἀμιναδάβ, Ἀμιναδὰβ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ναασσών, Ναασσὼν δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Σαλμών, Σαλμὼν δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Βοὸζ ἐκ τῆς Ῥαχάβ, Βοὸζ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰωβὴδ ἐκ τῆς Ῥούθ, Ἰωβὴδ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰεσσαί, Ἰεσσαὶ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Δαυὶδ τὸν βασιλέα. Δαυὶδ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Σολομῶνα ἐκ τῆς τοῦ Οὐρίου, Σολομὼν δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ῥοβοάμ, Ῥοβοὰμ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἀβιά, Ἀβιὰ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἀσάφ, Ἀσὰφ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰωσαφάτ, Ἰωσαφὰτ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰωράμ, Ἰωρὰμ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ὁζίαν, Ὁζίας δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰωαθάμ, Ἰωαθὰμ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἀχάζ, Ἀχὰζ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἑζεκίαν, Ἑζεκίας δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Μανασσῆ, Μανασσῆς δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἀμώς, Ἀμὼς δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰωσίαν, Ἰωσίας δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰεχονίαν καὶ τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τῆς μετοικεσίας Βαβυλῶνος. Μετὰ δὲ τὴν μετοικεσίαν Βαβυλῶνος Ἰεχονίας ἐγέννησεν τὸν Σαλαθιήλ, Σαλαθιὴλ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ζοροβαβέλ, Ζοροβαβὲλ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἀβιούδ, Ἀβιοὺδ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἐλιακίμ, Ἐλιακὶμ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἀζώρ, Ἀζὼρ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Σαδώκ, Σαδὼκ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἀχίμ, Ἀχὶμ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἐλιούδ, Ἐλιοὺδ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἐλεάζαρ, Ἐλεάζαρ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ματθάν, Ματθὰν δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰακώβ, Ἰακὼβ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰωσὴφ τὸν ἄνδρα Μαρίας, ἐξ ἣς ἐγεννήθη Ἰησοῦς ὁ λεγόμενος Χριστός. Πᾶσαι οὖν αἱ γενεαὶ ἀπὸ Ἀβραὰμ ἕως Δαυὶδ γενεαὶ δεκατέσσαρες, καὶ ἀπὸ Δαυὶδ ἕως τῆς μετοικεσίας Βαβυλῶνος γενεαὶ δεκατέσσαρες, καὶ ἀπὸ τῆς μετοικεσίας Βαβυλῶνος ἕως τοῦ Χριστοῦ γενεαὶ δεκατέσσαρες. Τοῦ δὲ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ ἡ γένεσις οὕτως ἦν. Μνηστευθείσης τῆς μητρὸς αὐτοῦ Μαρίας τῷ Ἰωσήφ, πρὶν ἢ συνελθεῖν αὐτοὺς εὑρέθη ἐν γαστρὶ ἔχουσα ἐκ πνεύματος ἁγίου. Ἰωσὴφ δὲ ὁ ἀνὴρ αὐτῆς, δίκαιος ὢν καὶ μὴ θέλων αὐτὴν δειγματίσαι, ἐβουλήθη λάθρᾳ ἀπολῦσαι αὐτήν. Ταῦτα δὲ αὐτοῦ ἐνθυμηθέντος ἰδοὺ ἄγγελος κυρίου κατ' ὄναρ ἐφάνη αὐτῷ λέγων Ἰωσὴφ υἱὸς Δαυίδ, μὴ φοβηθῇς παραλαβεῖν Μαριὰμ τὴν γυναῖκά σου, τὸ γὰρ ἐν αὐτῇ γεννηθὲν ἐκ πνεύματός ἐστιν ἁγίου τέξεται δὲ υἱὸν καὶ καλέσεις τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ἰησοῦν, αὐτὸς γὰρ σώσει τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν αὐτῶν. Τοῦτο δὲ ὅλον γέγονεν ἵνα πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν ὑπὸ κυρίου διὰ τοῦ προφήτου λέγοντος, Ἰδοὺ ἡ παρθένος ἐν γαστρὶ ἕξει καὶ τέξεται υἱόν, καὶ καλέσουσιν τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ἐμμανουήλ, ὅ ἐστιν μεθερμηνευόμενον Μεθ' ἡμῶν ὁ Θεός. Διεγερθεὶς δὲ ὁ Ἰωσὴφ ἀπὸ τοῦ ὕπνου ἐποίησεν ὡς προσέταξεν αὐτῷ ὁ ἄγγελος κυρίου καὶ παρέλαβε τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ καὶ οὐκ ἐγίνωσκεν αὐτὴν ἕως οὗ ἔτεκεν υἱόν καὶ ἐκάλεσεν τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ἰησοῦν.

EPISTLE Hebrews 11:9-10, 32-40 B rethren, by faith Abraham sojourned in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city which has foundation, whose builder and maker is God. And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated of whom the world was not worthy wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us,that apart from us they should not be made perfect. GOSPEL Matthew 1:1-25 T he book of the Genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa, and Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ. So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations. Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel" (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus.

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. Τῶν Πατέρων Μεγάλα τὰ τῆς Πίστεως κατορθώματα! ἐν τῇ πηγῇ τῆς φλογός, ὡς ἐπὶ ὕδατος ἀναπαύσεως, οἱ Ἅγιοι τρεῖς Παῖδες ἠγάλλοντο καὶ ὁ Προφήτης Δανιήλ, λεόντων ποιμήν, ὡς προβάτων ἐδείκνυτο. Ταῖς αὐτῶν ἱκεσίαις Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, σῶσον τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν. 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 Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον, τὸν προαιώνιον Λόγον, ἐν Σπηλαίῳ ἔρχεται, ἀποτεκεῖν ἀπορρήτως. Χόρευε ἡ οἰκουμένη ἀκουτισθεῖσα, δόξασον μετὰ Ἀγγέλων καὶ τῶν Ποιμένων, βουληθέντα ἐποφθῆναι, Παιδίον νέον, τὸν πρὸ αἰώνων Θεόν. 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 Fathers Magnificent are Faith's accomplishments! The three holy Youths exultingly stood in the fountain of fire as if beside the still waters of rest. And Daniel the Prophet was shown to be a shepherd of lions. At their entreaty, O Christ God, 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 On this day the Virgin Maid goes to the grotto to give birth to the pre-eternal Word in an ineffable manner. Dance for joy, all the inhabited earth, on hearing. Glorify along with Angels and with the shepherds Him who willed that He appear as a newborn Child, the pre-eternal God. with Angels and with the shepherds Him who willed that He appear as a newborn Child, the pre-eternal God.

Saints and Feasts of the Week ANASTASIA THE GREAT MARTYR This Saint, who was from Rome, was a most comely, wealthy, and virtuous maiden. Her mother instructed her in the Faith of Christ. The Saint was joined to a man who was prodigal in life and impious in disposition, but she was widowed after a short time. Henceforth, she went about secretly to the dwellings of the poor and the prisons where the Martyrs of Christ were, and brought them whatever was needed for their daily subsistence. She washed their wounds and consoled them in their anguish. Also, because the Saint, through her intercessions, healed many from the ill effects of spells, potions, and other harmful substances, she received the name "Deliverer from Potions." Since the fame of her deeds spread about, she was arrested by Diocletian's minions, and after enduring many torments she was put to death by fire in the year 290. Η ΑΓΙΑ ΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΙΑ Η ΜΕΓΑΛΟΜΑΡΤΥΣ Η Αναστασία διακρινόταν για την ομορφιά του σώματος, τη μόρφωση, το άμεμπτο ήθος και τη σωφροσύνη της. Σε μικρή ηλικία, παντρεύτηκε ένα Ρωμαίο άρχοντα που ήταν φανατικός ειδωλολάτρης και μισούσε τους χριστιανούς. Η Αναστασία, όμως, δεν άργησε να δεχθεί το άγιο Βάπτισμα και να γίνει χριστιανή. Έβαζε φτωχά ρούχα και πήγαινε στις φυλακές, όπου έδινε τροφές και χρήματα στους φυλακισμένους χριστιανούς μάρτυρες. Όταν έμαθε αυτό ο σύζυγός της, εξοργισμένος της είπε ότι, αν δεν αλλάξει το χριστιανικό της φρόνημα, θα γίνει ο χειρότερος εχθρός της. Η Αναστασία απάντησε στο σύζυγό της ότι αυτά που λέει δεν την εκπλήσσουν, ούτε τη φοβίζουν. Διότι ο ίδιος ο Κύριος Ιησούς Χριστός, ενημέρωσε τους αγωνιζόμενους πιστούς Του ότι εχθροί του πιστού ανθρώπου θα είναι οι άνθρωποι του σπιτιού του, που δε θα δεχθούν το Ευαγγέλιο, το οποίο φέρνει την αληθινή και ουράνια ειρήνη. Ευαγγέλιο Ματθαίου, ι' 36. Τότε ο Ποπλίων χωρίς δισταγμό την κατήγγειλε στο Διοκλητιανό. Αυτός τη φυλάκισε και κατόπιν την εξόρισε σε ένα νησί, όπου υπέστη μαρτυρικό θάνατο μέσα στη φωτιά. EUGENIA THE RIGHTEOUS NUN-MARTYR OF ROME This Martyr was the daughter of Philip and Claudia. A Prefect of Rome, Philip lived in Alexandria with his family, where Eugenia learned the Christian Faith. Secretly taking two of her servants, she departed from Alexandria by night. Disguised as a man, she called herself Eugene while pretending to be a eunuch, and departed with her servants and took up the monastic life in a monastery of men. Her parents mourned for her, but could not find her. After she had labored for some time in the monastic life, a woman named Melanthia, thinking Eugenia to be a monk, conceived lust and constrained Eugenia to comply with her desire; when Eugenia refused, Melanthia slandered Eugenia to the Prefect as having done insult to her honor. Eugenia was brought before the Prefect, her own father Philip, and revealed to him both that she was innocent of the accusations, and that she was his own daughter. Through this, Philip became a Christian; he was afterwards beheaded at Alexandria. Eugenia was taken to Rome with her servants. All three ended their life in martyrdom in the years of Commodus. Η ΑΓΙΑ ΕΥΓΕΝΙΑ Η ΠΑΡΘΕΝΟΜΑΡΤΥΣ Έζησε στο δεύτερο μισό του 3ου αιώνα. Καταγόταν από τη Ρώμη και ο πατέρας της Φίλιππος και διορίστηκε έπαρχος στην Αλεξάνδρεια. Εκεί η Ευγενία σπούδασε κατά τον καλύτερο δυνατό τρόπο και έμαθε άριστα την ελληνική και ρωμαϊκή φιλολογία. Όταν τελείωσε τις σπουδές της, πήρε στα χέρια της από μια χριστιανή κόρη τις επιστολές του Απ. Παύλου. Οι γραμμές τους ενέπνεαν ζωή και ελπίδα. Εκείνη την περίοδο, οι γονείς της ήθελαν να τη δώσουν σύζυγο σε κάποιο αξιωματούχο. Τότε αρνούμενη να δεχθεί αυτή την πρόταση, κάποια νύχτα ντύθηκε ανδρικά και έφυγε σε άλλη πόλη. Εκεί κατηχήθηκε, βαπτίσθηκε χριστιανή και έλαβε συγχρόνως το μοναχικό σχήμα. Μετά από χρόνια, επέστρεψε και η αναγνώριση από τους γονείς της έγινε μέσα σε δάκρυα και ανέκφραστη χαρά. Δεν πέρασε πολύς καιρός και όλοι στο σπίτι της Ευγενίας δέχθηκαν το χριστιανισμό. Από μίσος τότε οι ειδωλολάτρες τραυμάτισαν θανάσιμα τον πατέρα της. Και όταν η Ευγενία επέστρεψε στη Ρώμη, την αποκεφάλισαν, τερματίζοντας έτσι ένδοξα την επίγεια ζωή της.

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

Friday, December 23, 2016 Royal Hours of Christmas 2016-17 HOLIDAY SCHEDULE 8:00 am Saturday, December 24, 2016, St Eugenia & Christmas Eve Orthros 8:00 am Divine Liturgy 9:00 am Orthros of the Nativity 5:00 pm Divine Liturgy of the Nativity 6:00 pm Sunday, December 25, 2016, Christmas Day Orthros Divine Liturgy 8:00 am 9:00 am Tuesday, December 27, 2016 St Stefanos the First Martyr All are invited to St Stefanos parish in St Petersburg Sunday, January 1, 2017, St Basil & Circumcision of Christ Orthros 8:00 am Divine Liturgy of St Basil 9:00 am Thursday, January 5, 2017, Eve of Epiphany Vesperal Liturgy of St Basil, followed by Blessing of the Waters Friday, January 6, 2017, Holy Epiphany Orthros Archierarchical Liturgy Blessing of Waters (Cathedral) Procession to Spring Bayou Blessing of Tarpon Springs & Spring Bayou 8:00 am 8:00 am 9:30 am 11:30 am 12:15 pm 1:00 p.m.

DEBT ELIMINATION PLEDGES RECEIVED 2016 (As of December 15, 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 IUPAT District Council 78 Johnson, William & Sherry Kales, Trifon & Alexa Kalymnian Society Katsaras, Kaliope Kipreos, Olga Klimis, Harry & Effemia Klimis, Michael Koukoulakis, Maria Kouremetis, Michael & Terri 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 Patsalides, Harry & Anna Psilakis, Erasmia Royal Bridge 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, December 15, 2016 Debt Elimination Pledges Received $ 171,859.00 Debt Elimination Monies Received $ 180,798.00 Credit Line Balance $ 59,546.00 Please contact treasurer Anna Billiris with questions regarding this report. She may be reached at 727-674-5787 or abilliris@usameribank.com.

Tarpon Springs Halki Society Halkitika Macaronia Luncheon Sunday, December 18 11 am to 1 pm Fr Tryfon Hall $10.00 Halkitika Macaronia, Salad, Bread, and Dessert ARTOKLASIES / MEMORIAL SERVICES Contemplating having an artoklasia or a memorial service? Kindly call Soultana in our parish office at 727-937-3540 to make arrangements. Kollyva for memorials (μνημόσυνα) may be ordered through: Antonia Korfias (727-937-8785) Irene Koutelas (727-934-5245) Evangelia Stavropoulos (727-937-5649) 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

OUR PRIESTS ARE HERE TO SERVE YOU F r. A t h a n a s i o s H a r o s ( 7 2 7-7 4 1-0 1 3 9, f r a t h a n a - s i o s @ 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 ( 9 4 1-266-3229, 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) 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 727-808-3895 for further information. AN OIL OF OFFERING Following the ancient tradition of the Temple as commanded by God, Orthodox Christians bring an offering of olive oil to be burned in the Church lamps continually, serving as a reminder of the presence of the Light of God. And you shall command the children of Israel that they bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to cause the lamp to burn continually (Exodus 27.20) We invite anyone to make an offering of oil to the Church, along with the names of loved ones and friends who are alive in the Lord or alive with us on Earth, so that we may pray for you, and your friends and family.

HOLY CONFESSION AVAILABLE Holy Confession is an important part of our preparation for Christmas. Don't let the commotion of shopping and decorating keep you from the spiritual preparation. Contact Fr Athanasios to schedule a confession before Christmas. 2017 CALENDARS The 2017 Ecclesiastical Calendars will be available for pick-up at the Cathedral during Christmas services and at the parish office thereafter. Stay up-to-date with the Greek Orthodox holidays year-round! TOP EPIPHANY ESSAYS Each year, as part of the Epiphany Celebration process for our young men, they are to write an essay about what the celebration of Epiphany means to them. The top four essays are chosen and are then presented in church. We wish Congratulations to the four divers who wrote beautiful essays: -Angelos Petalas St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral -Michael Vlahos Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church -Panagiotis Christoforos St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral -George Emanuel Mastrovasilis St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral On January 1, 2017, the four young men will be presenting their essays at the Cathedral after Divine Liturgy. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR EPIPHANY Your help is needed! Please contact Soultana at 727-937-3540 to volunteer for the annual St. Nicholas Epiphany Glendi that will be held at the St Nicholas Community Center on Friday, January 6. Thank you, in advance, for the anticipated sharing of your valuable time to help our parish.

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) 937-3540

St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Tarpon Springs will be serving the annual Christmas dinner for the elderly & those in need of a warm meal and Christian fellowship in Fr. Tryfon Hall Thursday, December 22 11:30 am - 3:00 pm If anyone would like to donate a turkey or ham (cooked or uncooked), money or TIME, please don t hesitate to volunteer. For more information, please call Chris Palaidis at (727) 808-3895.

Sunday School News December 2016 18 th Class, Christmas Play 25 th Children Celebrate Divine Liturgy with Their Families January 2017 1 st Children Celebrate Divine Liturgy with Their Families 8 th Class, Theophania Lesson 15 th - Class 22 nd - Class 29 th Class, Godparent Sunday The Catechism Christmas play will take place tonight inside the Cathedral. Please join us for refreshments in Fr Tryfon Hall afterwards! LITTLE LAMBS CALENDAR

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. We need everyone s help The Shepard Center will once again provide a Christmas basket to families for the Holidays. As a parish, let s come together and help collect 600 bags of rice. If everyone could bring one 1-lb bag of white rice, this goal can be reached. A box will be placed in Fr Tryfon Hall for drop off. Don t have time to bake? Let Philoptochos help. We have koulourakia at $6.00 a dozen and kourabiedes for $1.00 each. Please stop by the Philoptochos office on Tuesday or Wednesday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. 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

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 email: 727-937-3271; 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, 2017. For more information, please contact Soultana at the parish office (soultana@stnicholastarpon.org, 727-937-3540). LET US HOST YOUR NEXT PARTY Reserve Father Tryfon Hall or the Community Center for your next event in 2016. Visit the hall rental w e b s i t e a t h t t p : / / www.stnicholasvenues.com or call the church office at 727-937-3540.

ST NICHOLAS BOOKSTORE Holiday Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Tel. 727-944-3419 The perfect place to purchase meaningful Christmas gifts while supporting our Cathedral. For your shopping convenience, open Wednesday until 6:00 pm and Saturday, Christmas Eve, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Children's Books $3.00 - $25.00 Books in English & Greek on the Nativity, St Nicholas the Wonderworker, and more are available for children of all ages. Avoid the crowds at the mall and come see what is new in our children's section. A great place to shop for children's Christmas gifts. Stocking Stuffers $1.00 - $20.00 Prayer cubes, books, prayer bracelets and ropes, necklaces, icon cards, Orthodox key chains and bookmarks, CDs and much more all make great last minute stocking stuffers. Nativity Icons $18.00 - $38.00 Adorn your home and that of a friend or loved one with a beautiful Nativity Icon. A large selection are in stock and make great Christmas gifts. Birth of Jesus Story Cube $7.00 Bring the story of Christmas alive in the hands and hearts of children as they unfold the cube and encounter the beautiful story of Christ's Incarnation. A fun and interactive way for little ones to learn about Christmas. 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!

DECEMBER 19-25 SCHEDULE On-call for emergencies this week: Fr Athanasios Haros, 727-741-0139 LITURGICAL SERVICES OFFICE AND MINISTRIES Monday Δευτέρα DECEMBER 19 Sarantalitourgo Liturgy / Λειτουργία 8:00 am OFFICE, M-F, 9am-5pm Bookstore, 10:00 am-2:00 pm Dance Ministry, 4:00 pm, Community Center Tuesday Τρίτη DECEMBER 20 Wednesday Τετάρτη DECEMBER 21 Sarantalitourgo Liturgy / Λειτουργία 8:00 am Sarantalitourgo Liturgy / Λειτουργία 8:00 am Paraklesis to Theotokos 6:00 pm Bookstore, 10:00 am-2:00 pm Basketball Ministry, 6:00 pm, Gym Boy Scouts, 7:00 pm, Fr Tryfon Hall Bookstore, 10:00 am-6:00 pm Little Lambs, 10:00 am, Sunday School Room on Hibiscus Thursday Πέμπτη DECEMBER 22 Sarantalitourgo Liturgy / Λειτουργία 8:00 am Bookstore, 10:00 am-2:00 pm Choir, 6:30 pm Friday Παρασκευή DECEMBER 23 Saturday Σάββατο DECEMBER 24 Royal Hours of Christmas Ακολουθία των Μεγάλων Ωρών 8:00 am St Eugenia Orthros / Όρθρος 8:00 am Liturgy / Λειτουργία 9:00 am Orthros & Divine Liturgy of the Nativity Ορθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία της Γεννήσεως του Κυρίου 5:00 pm Bookstore, 10:00 am-2:00 pm Bookstore, 10:00 am-2:00 pm & 4:00 pm-6:00 pm Sunday Κυριακή DECEMBER 25 Orthros & Divine Liturgy of the Nativity Ορθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία της Γεννήσεως του Κυρίου 8:00 am Bookstore Closed

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 Athanasios Haros, Dean 727-741-0139 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 Keffalas 727-510-3934 DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE Margo Filley 727-488-0892 ATHENIAN SOCIETY Helen Kariofilis 727-808-9746 CHIOS SOCIETY Chrysanthi Psoras 727-836-0452 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