Epiphany - Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral Tarpon Springs, Florida + Sunday, December 20, 2015 THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, DECEMBER 25
DECEMBER 21-27 SCHEDULE LITURGICAL SERVICES OFFICE AND MINISTRIES Monday Δευτέρα DEC. 21 OFFICE, M-W, 9:00 am- 5:00 pm BOOKSTORE, M-F, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Dance Ministry, 4:00 pm, Community Center Tuesday Τρίτη DEC. 22 Dance Ministry, 4:00 pm, Community Center Basketball Ministry, 6:30 p.m., Gym Wednesday Τετάρτη DEC. 23 Holy Unction, 6:00 pm Bookstore, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Thursday Πέμπτη DEC. 24 Friday Παρασκευή DEC. 25 CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES Vesperal Liturgy of Saint Basil, 8:00 am Orthros of the Nativity, 6:00 pm Liturgy of the Nativity, 7:15 pm CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICES Orthros of the Nativity, 8:00 am Liturgy of the Nativity, 9:15 am OFFICE 9 am - noon OFFICE CLOSED Saturday Σάββατο DEC. 26 Sunday Κυριακή DEC. 27 St Stephanos the First Martyr / Sunday after Nativity Orthros / Όρθρος, 8:00 am Liturgy / Λειτουργία, 10:45 am (One Liturgy only) Bookstore, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
MERRY CHRISTMAS! «Δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις Θεῷ καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς εἰρήνη, ἐν ἀνθρώποις εὐδοκία.» (Λκ. 2:14) "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill among men!" (Lk. 2:14) The St Nicholas Cathedral clergy, Parish Council, Philoptochos, Office Staff and all ministries wish everyone a blessed Christmas. May the peace and hope of Christ s birth be with you now and in the days ahead. TODAY S SPECIAL SERVICES MEMORIALS FIRST DIVINE LITURGY 1-year: Officer Charls Kondek, Giorgos Franjekos 3-year: Rick Michael Reneto 5-year: Fotini Tsaousis 20-year: Michael Tsikouris 22-year: Ioannis Halkitis 25-year: Nomiki Halkitis, Nomiki Tsikouris TRISAGION + Panagiotis Alithinos + Aggelos Bitros COUNCIL MEMBERS ON DUTY TODAY Anna Billiris Costas Sisois Karen Markopulos Charles Samarkos Manolis Ioannidis Gus Tsambis George Dovellos
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 Kατὰ 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 Τὸ φαιδρὸν τῆς Ἀναστάσεως κήρυγμα, ἐκ τοῦ Ἀγγέλου μαθοῦσαι αἱ τοῦ Κυρίου Μαθήτριαι, καὶ τὴν προγονικὴν ἀπόφασιν ἀπορρίψασαι, τοῖς Ἀποστόλοις καυχώμεναι ἔλεγον Ἐσκύλευται ὁ θάνατος, ἠγέρθη Χριστὸς ὁ Θεός, δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος. Προεόρτιον Ἑτοιμάζου Βηθλεέμ, ἤνοικται πᾶσιν ἡ Ἐδέμ. Εὐτρεπίζου Ἐφραθᾶ, ὅτι τὸ ξύλον τῆς ζωῆς, ἐν τῷ Σπηλαίῳ ἐξήνθησεν ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου. Παράδεισος καὶ γάρ, ἡ ἐκείνης γαστήρ, ἐδείχθη νοητός, ἐν ᾧ τὸ θεῖον φυτόν, ἐξ οὗ φαγόντες ζήσομεν, οὐχὶ δὲ ὡς ὁ Ἀδὰμ τεθνηξόμεθα. Χριστὸς γεννᾶται, τὴν πρὶν πεσοῦσαν, ἀναστήσων εἰκόνα. Resurrectional Apolytikion When the women Disciples of the Lord had learned from the Angel the joyful message of the Resurrection and had rejected the ancestral decision, they cried aloud to the Apostles triumphantly: Death has been despoiled, Christ God has risen, granting His great mercy to the world. For the Forefeast O Bethlehem, prepare, Eden is opened unto all. And be ready, Ephrata, for the Tree of life has in the grotto blossomed forth from the Virgin. Indeed her womb is shown to be spiritually a Paradise, in which is found the God-planted Tree. And if we eat from it we shall live, and shall not die, as did Adam of old. Christ is born, so that He might raise up the formerly fallen image. 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. Τοῦ Ναοῦ Κανόνα πίστεως και εικόνα πραότητος, εγκρατείας διδάσκαλον, ανέδειξέ σε τη ποίμνη σου, η των πραγμάτων αλήθεια δια τούτο εκτήσω τη ταπεινώσει τα υψηλά, τη πτωχεία τα πλούσια, Πάτερ Ιεράρχα Νικόλαε, πρέσβευε Χριστώ τω Θεώ, σωθήναι τας ψυχάς ημών. Κοντάκιον Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον, τὸν προαιώνιον Λόγον, ἐν Σπηλαίῳ ἔρχεται, ἀποτεκεῖν ἀπορρήτως. Χόρευε ἡ οἰκουμένη ἀκουτισθεῖσα, δόξασον μετὰ Ἀγγέλων καὶ τῶν Ποιμένων, βουληθέντα ἐποφθῆναι, Παιδίον νέον, τὸν πρὸ αἰώνων Θεόν. For the 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. For the Parish Church As rule of the faith and picture of gentleness, and teacher of temperance you were exhibited to your flock, by the truth of the evidence, Thus you acquired the lofty through humility, abundance through poverty. Father and Hierarch Nicholas, intercede with Christ our God, that our souls may be saved. Kontakion On this day the Virgin Maid goes to the grotto to give birth to the pre-eternal Word in an ineffable manner. Dance for joy, all the inhabited earth, on hearing. Glorify along with Angels and with the shepherds Him who willed that He appear as a newborn Child, the pre-eternal God.
ANASTASIA THE GREAT MARTYR This Saint, who was from Rome, was a most comely, wealthy, and virtuous maiden, the daughter of Praepextatus and Fausta. It was her mother who instructed her in the Faith of Christ. The Saint was joined to a man named Publius Patricius, 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 loosed them from their fetters, and consoled them in their anguish. Also, because the Saint, through her intercessions, has healed many from the ill effects of spells, potions, poisons, and other harmful substances, she has received the name "Deliverer from Potions." Since the fame of her deeds had 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 ΦΑΡΜΑΚΟΛΥΤΡΙΑ) Ο πατέρας της ήταν Ρωμαίος πατρίκιος, Saints and Feasts Πραιτεξτάτος ονομαζόμενος και η μητέρα της Φούστα. Η Αναστασία διακρινόταν για την ομορφιά του σώματος, τη μόρφωση, το άμεμπτο ήθος και τη σωφροσύνη της. Σε μικρή ηλικία, παντρεύτηκε ένα Ρωμαίο άρχοντα, τον Ποπλίονα. Αυτός ήταν φανατικός ειδωλολάτρης και μισούσε θανάσιμα τους χριστιανούς. Η Αναστασία, όμως, όχι. Γι' αυτό και δεν άργησε να δεχθεί το άγιο Βάπτισμα και να γίνει χριστιανή. Αλλά και η στάση της δεν ήταν παθητική. 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, χωρίς να ταραχθεί, 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 ανθρώπου οι οικιακοί αυτού". Ευαγγέλιο Ματθαίου, ι' 36. Δηλαδή, 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. 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. DEBT ELIMINATION CAMPAIGN Campaign Status as of Tuesday, December 15, 2015 Debt Elimination Pledges Received $ 121,922.00 Debt Elimination Monies Received $ 109,697.00 Credit Line Balance $ 129,835.00 Please contact treasurer Michael Kouremetis with questions regarding this report. He may be reached at 727-267-3298 or mkouremetis@tampabay.rr.com.
DEBT ELIMINATION PLEDGES RECEIVED (As of December 15, 2015) The St Nicholas Community would like to thank all those who have already made their pledge to help eliminate our debt. If you haven t yet, please let our Lord guide you to your donation. Though $1,000 is the target amount, no amount is too small or too large. If you are unable to help, we welcome your prayers and moral support. Metropolitan Nikitas & Lulias, John Rev Fr James & Presvytera Vasiliki Rousakis Rev Fr Sampson & Prevytera Mallory Kasapakis Abare, Irene Alahouzos, Chris Alesafis, Michael & Kathy Andriotis, George Andropoulos, DeRose (In memory of Alexander Kaloudis) Andropoulos, James & Angeline Angeliadis, Gregory & Maria Apostolides, Ipatia Arfaras, Duchess Archangel Michael Shrine Assimack, Kathleen Bakas, Elizabeth Bangos, William & Manias, Niko Bilirakis, Emmanuel & Maria Bilirakis, Michael & Evelyn Billiris, Anna & George Billiris, Mary Bouchlas, Constantine The Boyiazis Family, in blessed memory of Yvonne Boyiazis Burruss, Mary Chakos, Michael Chrysostomou, Chrysoulla Chrysakis, Chris & Naomi Chrysakis, Emmanuel Chrysakis, Phil & Tiffany Coburn, Kyle & Mary Cosmos, Nancy Cretekos, Mr & Mrs Cuccuro, Ralph & Helen George (In memory of Nick & Frances Cretekos) Curlew Hills Memory Gardens (In memory of Irene Skinitis) Dakakos, Toni Dance Ministry Daskaroulis, Bill & Francine Demos, Kathryn Dobies Funeral Home Ergas, Michael Fatolitis, Evelyn Fernandes, Mr & Mrs Robert Georgion, Stephanie (in memory of Georgiou Georgion) Giallourakis, Bill C. Giannas, Mr & Mrs Pericles Ginnis, Nick & Thelma Gombos, Emmanuel Guido, Haroula Harding, Spanos & Tina Harvard, Kally Haskopoulos, John & Denise Haskopoulos, Evangelia Hellenic Benevolent Society Hourdas, Peter Intl Union of Painters Joanow, Sylvia Johnson, William & Sherry Kappas, Dennis Karavokiros, Irene Karavokiros, Pam & Steve Katsaras, Kalliope Katsaras, Renee Katsulos, Theophanis Kavouklis, Dr & Mrs Laz Kavouklis, Ruth Keeter, Kelly Kikis, Eleftheria Kissanis, Anthony & Athanasia Klonaris, Michael & Maria Kokolis, Stella Koukoulakis, Maria Kouremetis, Michael & Terri Kouskoutis, George & Maria Kouskoutis, Michael & Tina Kovach, Stathia Lelekis, John & Calliope Loe, Virginia Mammas, Carmen Manglis, Theofilos & Tula Manias, Evangelia Manias, Kallie (in memory of) Manias, Nicholas & Michelle Manias, Nikitas & Aspasia March 25th Parade Committee Margaritis, Diane Markopulos, Karen Markos, Anastasios & Angeline Mazarakis, Donna Miaoulis, Emmanuel Miaoulis, Nick Mikaleff, Irene Miliotis, John & Bessie Miller, Christopher & Evelyn Monokandilos, Drosso Mouratidis, Pano & Niki Mr Souvlaki / Kikilis Corp. Nelsen, William & Leoni Nicholas III, Paul G. Palaidis, Chris & Geneva Panageotou, Bill Pantelis, Mike & Irene Pantelis, Nick & Sylvia Papadakis, Sandy Patsalides, Harry & Ana Person, Jean Petalas, John Phillips, Pauline Philipson, Susan Pilitsis, Dr. John V. Post, Zenon Pseftelis, Vasilis & Kaliope Psiropoulos, George & Frieda Rigas, Evangeline Rigas, James & Christina Rigas, Stratos & Maria Royal Bridge Painting Co. Samarkos, Charles & Anne Saravanos, Anthony & Mary Ann Shoemaker, James & Cathrine Skandaliaris, Anargiros & Lora Smith, E. Victoria Solon, George Spanolios, Peter & Anna St. Nicholas Greek School St. Nicholas Philoptochos Stamas, George Stamas, Anna Stamas, John & Donna Stavropoulos, Mary Stephanos, Evelyn & John Stratakis, Peter & Doris Johnsen Sullivan, Stephanie Tharin Jr, Robert & Irene Theofilos, Kathy Theofilos, John Theophilopoulos, Dean & Ellyn Tsambis, Kon/nos & Anna Tsangaris, Charles & Mary Tsataros, Nick & Kathie Tsoukalas, Eleni Tsoutsanis, Samuell Vazopolos, Steve Vlahakis, Lydia Vouvalis, George Vouvalis, Nicholas Wohl, Bruce Zisimopoulos, Harry & Helen
If we have the faith to dive in head-first. Our Epiphany celebration draws attention from around the world. But at the root of this holy day is a baptism. In baptism, submergence in water represents death to the old ways of sin, and what follows is a resurrection a rebirth to a new life in Christ. While Orthodox Christians are baptized only once, as a community we commemorate Christ s baptism every year. What better time to renew your life in Christ? What better way than through stewardship? We are stewards of the first catch.
The ECYD Committee requests your help to send our dancers to HDF 2016! The Hellenic Dance Festival (HDF) of the Atlanta Metropolis is scheduled for January 2016, in Orlando, FL. The St. Nicholas Dance Ministry leaders and thirty youth dancers will be participating for the first time in a number of years. Various fundraisers to cover the hotel expenses for HDF have been scheduled by the Dance Ministry leaders, parents and dancers. However, the registration fee is $180 per participant -- that is, $5,400 for all the participants. In addition, the ministry will pay for the musician s cost of over $3,100. With Christmas coming soon, the Education, Culture & Youth Diakonia (ECYD) Committee is asking the St. Nicholas parish family to donate toward the registration fees for the dancers. The dancers are working very hard, practicing their dances and songs at least 3 times a week in preparation for HDF. Your donation will help and especially encourage them in knowing that the Cathedral parish family is supporting this effort. If you are able to, please make out your check to: St. Nicholas Cathedral (memo: Dance Ministry HDF Registration). Please take or send your donation to the church office by the end of December, so our dancers can register and represent St. Nicholas Cathedral. If any questions, please contact Karen Markopulos, ECYD Chair at kkouslp@gmail.com or 727-485-4397. Wishing everyone a joyful, blessed, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
2015-2016 HOLIDAY SCHEDULE Thursday, December 24, 2015, Christmas Eve Vesperal Liturgy of Saint Basil Orthros of the Nativity Liturgy of the Nativity 8:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:15 p.m. Friday, December 25, 2015, Christmas Day Orthros of the Nativity Liturgy of the Nativity 8:00 a.m. 9:15 a.m. Sunday, December 27, 2015, St Stephanos the First Martyr / Sunday after Nativity Orthros 8:00 a.m. Liturgy (οne Liturgy only) 9:30 a.m. Friday, January 1, 2016, St Basil & Circumcision of Christ Orthros 9:00 a.m. Liturgy of St Basil 10:00 a.m. Sunday, January 3, 2016, Sunday before Epiphany Orthros 8:00 a.m. Liturgy (οne Liturgy only) 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, January 5, 2016, Eve of Epiphany Vesperal Liturgy of St Basil, followed by Lesser Blessing of the Waters 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 6, 2016, Holy Epiphany Orthros Archierarchical Liturgy Greater Blessing of Waters (Cathedral) Procession to Spring Bayou Blessing of the Bayou and Casting of the Cross 8:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 12:15 p.m. 1:00 p.m.
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. LET US HOST YOUR NEXT PARTY Reserve Father Tryfon Hall or the Community Center for 2015 corporate holiday parties or your next event through 2016. Visit the hall rental website at http://www.stnicholasvenues.com or call the church office at 727-937-3540. 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.
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT On behalf of the Parish Council, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and a Blessed Epiphany. As we look back on 2015, as hectic as it was at times, Father James and Father Sampson kept the parish focused. Many good things were accomplished, but by far the St Nicholas Parish uniting to meet our challenges was by far the best! We must continue on this path. As I close out two interesting years as Parish Council President, I would like to thank everyone for their support. If I have scorned anyone (as has surely happened), I ask that you try and forgive. At times, I am overpassionate to put it nicely and therefore, do apologize. Again, thank you and remember St Nicholas is always first! Sincerely, Nikitas Manias Parish Council President 2016 CALENDARS ARE IN! The 2016 Calendars have arrived! Stay up-to-date with the Greek Orthodox holidays by picking up your copy at the St Nicholas office during normal business hours. BOOKSTORE VOLUNTEERS Do you love that new-book smell? Do you enjoy reading and sharing your knowledge? Then grab a friend and sign up to volunteer at the St Nicholas Bookstore! We are currently looking to keep the bookstore staffed by two people per shift. If you can spare two to four hours per week, or if you would like to become an on-call substitute, please contact Bill Panageotou b y c a l l i n g 727-385-4321. All proceeds benefit St Nicholas Cathedral and the Bookstore Renovation Fund. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR EPIPHANY Your help is needed! Please contact parish administrative assistant Soultana Kalligas (727-937-3540, Soultana@stnicholastarpon.org) or Costas Sisois (727-858-2630) to volunteer for the annual St. Nicholas Epiphany Glendi that will be held at the St Nicholas Community Center on Wednesday, January 6. Thank you, in advance, for the anticipated sharing of your valuable time to help our parish.
Hors d oeuvres for the Dueling Pianos concert were provided by the Sponge Docks restaurants Dimitri s on the Water & Mykonos Many, many thanks to Andreas and Dimitri Salivaras. Σας ευχαριστούμε πολύ! Sunday Church School Presents: The Christmas Box Sunday, December 20, 2015 6:00 pm St. Nicholas Cathedral * Special pageant appearance by Greek School * Refreshments will follow in Fr. Tryfon Hall
ST. NICHOLAS CATHEDRAL ORNAMENT SERIES 24k-gold-plate etched on brass - Available at the parish office St. Nicholas Cathedral Epiphany $20 each Epiphany Diver
ST NICHOLAS PHILOPTOCHOS Monday: 9:00-10:00 am; Wed-Thu: 10:00 am - noon Mission Statement To aid the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, the handicapped, the victims of disasters, to undertake the burial of impoverished persons and to offer assistance to anyone who may need to help of the Church through fund-raising efforts. St. Nicholas Philoptochos and St. Nicholas Choirs Christmas Party Every year The Haven of RCS, a Domestic Violence Center in Clearwater, is the guest of honor at the Christmas Party. Philoptochos donated $500 to The Haven. This is truly the gift of Christmas! Thank you for supporting The Haven of RCS and I always look forward to attending St. Nicholas' Christmas Party. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Your church donated $795.00 in gift cards and $110.00 in cash and checks. Thank you so much for helping make the holidays brighter for survivors of DV and their children. Erica Wiedemann; Program Director Upcoming Events Jan. 6 th Epiphany (Pastry Booth) January 24 th Membership Tea January 20 th : General Meeting 7p.m. February 21 st : Fashion Show 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
SAINT NICHOLAS BOOKSTORE Monday - Friday: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm; Wednesdays : 10:00 am - 5:00 pm; Sunday: 10:00 am - noon The perfect place to purchase meaningful Christmas gifts while supporting our Cathedral. Beautiful ornaments and Christmas cards are available during the holiday season. We also have a large selection of books on Orthodoxy, Bibles, icons, CDs, DVDs, and much more. If you have not been to the bookstore lately, come and see what is new! 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. Birth of Jesus Story Cube $8.00 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. The Heavenly Banquet: Understanding the Divine Liturgy $40.00 This book, personally signed by Fr. Emmanuel Hatzidakis, will be of great benefit to Orthodox Christians seeking a better understanding of the Divine Liturgy. It explains complex liturgical, social, moral, and doctrinal issues in a clear, practical uplifting way. and designs. St Nicholas Icons $16.00 - $45.00 Beautiful Icons of St. Nicholas are in stock and make great Christmas gifts. A large selection of other icons of saints and events are available in various sizes 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!
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, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Fr. James Rousakis, Acting Dean & Vicar 727-698-3974 Fr. Sampson Kasapakis, Assistant Priest 941-266-3229 Nikitas Manias, Council President 863-559-0580 Maria Angeliadis, Office Manager Soultana Kalligas, Administrative Assistant www.stnicholastarpon.org PARISH MINISTRIES & DEPARTMENTS ALTAR SERVERS Jerry Theophilopoulos 727-946-2225 BOOKSTORE Vasilis Panageotou 727-385-4321 BOY SCOUTS Theodora Genduso 727-243-1706 & Antonio Genduso 727-243-1786 CHANTERS Fr. Emmanuel Hatzidakis 727-698-3400 & Anthony Hatzidakis 727-698-3401 CHOIR, 1 st LITURGY Katie Faklis 727-937-1214 CHOIR, 2 nd LITURGY 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 G.O.Y.A. (9-12 grade) Theodora Kampouraki 954-478-4157 & Emmanuel Gombos 727-937-8658 & Penny Lambrianos 727-938-7417 GREEK AFTERNOON SCHOOL Chris Palaidis 727-808-3895 HOPE (K-2 gr.) & JOY (3-6 gr.) JR G.O.Y.A. (6-8 grade) Maria Angeliadis 727-505-9856 PHILOPTOCHOS Tina Chagaris 727-944-3366 PRESCHOOL Jessica Gorman 727-937-7122 STEWARDSHIP Charles Samarkos -727-480-3289 SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL Galatiani Leadbetter 727-455-6712 YOUNG ADULT LEAGUE (Y.A.L.) -- Fr Sampson Kasapakis 941-266-3229 WEBSITE Mick Geary ORGANIZATIONS & SOCIETIES AHEPA James Miller 727-243-4546 SONS OF PERICLES Jimmy Makris 727-446-3100 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 Emmanuel Ioannidis 727-934-3885 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