Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2026-11-15
Bulletin Contents
Parish News
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Diakonia Newsletter

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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (904)-829-0504
  • Fax:
  • (904)829-0504
  • Street Address:

  • 2940 CR-214

  • St. Augustine, FL 32084-2718

Contact Information

Thomas Lekas


[email protected] | 678-993-3629

Services Schedule

Sunday  Divine Liturgy 10:00am    V. Rev. Father Maximos Politis, Priest

Past Bulletins


Parish News

PRAYER REQUEST:

"I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people….  This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

We pray for mercy, life, peace, and healing of all parishioners.

Prayers for the family and friends of: Ellen Sarris Allen, Geraldine Sarris, Philip Sarris, Maryann Bolt, Leonardos Daniels, Athena Duddy, Ingrid Fotianos, Mikae Gaetanos, Susana G. Kugeares, Kostas Lantzounis, Chresanthe Lemieux, George Lemieux, Jr., James Mahourtis, Mary Mastoridis, Nicolaos Pramagioulis, Adeline Susan Rahaneotis, Mary Santas, Tommy Stewart,  Tracey Billeter Stott, Gary Spanos, Gwen H, Trey Wilkinson, Michael Fotianos ,Mike Theodosion  Rita Latgis, Thomas Gross.

May their memory be eternal!

Prayers for:

 Taki Andriotis, Angelique Dalarides Kelley, Michael Colburn, Chris Bersu, Michael , Ruza Basimamovic, Zoe Kauttu , James Day, James Kyriake, Alex Aclim, Jane Anderson, Athena Mechikoff, Lewis Hayberg,Jayden Billeter, Vanessa Oliver,  Kugeares Family (Zoe and Marika ), Bobby James, Michaela, and Patricia Tortorella,  Martha Tzemopoulos,  Kaliroi Parris, Gary Peterson,Thomas Lekas, Cliff Demeritt .

A WORD FROM:

V. Rev Fr. Maximos Politis, HTGOC Parish Priest

(347) 500-8176 [email protected]

Ο Μύθος του Ανταίου 

                                                                                                                                                         Ένας από τους άθλους του Ηρακλή, στην αρχαία Ελληνική μυθολογία αναφέρεται στην πάλη του με τον Ανταίο. Ο Ανταίος, γιος του Ποσειδώνα, προκαλούσε όλους τους διαβάτες να παλέψουν μαζί του και πάντα τους νικούσε. Κατά την εκτέλεση του ενδεκάτου από τους δώδεκα Άθλους του, ο Ηρακλής έπρεπε να πάει στον Κήπο των Εσπερίδων αφού πρώτα νικούσε τον Ανταίο. Ο Ηρακλής κατά τη διάρκεια της πάλης πρόσεξε ότι ο αντίπαλος ήταν ανίκητος όσο είχε επαφή με την γη. Μόλις ο Ηρακλής κατάφερε να τον σηκώσει και να τον κρατήσει στα χέρια του μπόρεσε να τον νικήσει. Ο μύθος αναφέρεται στην επαφή του ανθρώπου με την πατρίδα και τις ρίζες του. Χωρίς αυτήν γίνεται ευάλωτος σε κάθε είδους εχθρό. Για τον Χριστιανό, Πατρίδα, Γη και στέρεο έδαφος είναι η επαφή με τον Χριστό και την Εκκλησία. Όπως μια ηλεκτρική συσκευή, για παράδειγμα μια λάμπα, είναι αδύνατο να λειτουργήσει χωρίς την επαφή με την πηγή της ενέργειας έτσι και ο Χριστιανός.

Η φυσική παρουσία στην εκκλησία είναι απαραίτητη για μια υγιή λειτουργική ζωή. Κατά τη διάρκεια των πολεμικών συγκρούσεων οι άνθρωποι πηγαίνουν και μένουν στα καταφύγια. Αλλά γνωρίζουν ότι η κανονική ζωή βιώνεται στο σπίτι. Το ίδιο συμβαίνει και με έναν άρρωστο. Θα μείνει στο νοσοκομείο όσο χρειάζεται. Αλίμονο αν νομίσει ότι αυτή είναι η αληθινή ζωή. Πρέπει να γυρίσει στο σπίτι. Την περίοδο της πανδημίας η λατρευτική ζωή έπρεπε να διεξαχθεί μακριά από την εκκλησία, με τη βοήθεια της τεχνολογίας. Η αληθινή λατρεία του Θεού τελείται κυρίως στην εκκλησία και, όταν είναι ανάγκη, εκτός. Δεν υπάρχει κανένας λόγος ο Χριστιανός να νομίσει ότι η φυσιολογική προσευχή γίνεται με τη βοήθεια της τηλεόρασης και της τεχνολογίας. Ο Θεός επιτρέπει και ευλογεί τη χρήση όλων των μέσων όταν είναι ανάγκη. Όταν παρέλθει η ανάγκη ο Πιστός καλείται να ανακτήσει την φυσιολογική επαφή με την Εκκλησία. Ο μύθος του Ανταίου ας μας βοηθήσει να κρατηθούμε στο φυσικό μας έδαφος, το σπίτι μας, την εκκλησία.

 Antaeus’ myth

One of the Labors of Hercules, in ancient Greek mythology, refers to his fight with Antaeus. Antaeus, son of Poseidon, challenged all passers-by to fight with him and always defeated them. During the execution of the eleventh of his twelve Labours, Hercules had to go to the Garden of Hesperides after first defeating Antaeus. Hercules during the fight noticed that the opponent was invincible as long as he had contact with the ground. As soon as Hercules managed to hold him aloft he was able to defeat him. The myth refers to man's contact with his homeland and his roots. Without it he becomes vulnerable to any kind of enemy.

For the Christian, Homeland, Earth and solid ground is the contact with Christ and the Church. Like an electrical appliance, for example a light bulb, it is impossible for a Christian to function without contact with the energy source.

Physical presence in the church is essential for a healthy liturgical life. During wars, people go and live in shelters. But they know that normal life is experienced at home. The same thing happens with a sick person. He will stay in the hospital as needed. Alas if he thinks this is real life. He has to go home. During the pandemic, worship was to be performed away from the church, with the help of technology. True worship of God is performed mainly in the church and, when necessary, outside. There is no reason for a Christian to think that normal prayer is done with the help of television and technology. God allows and blesses the use of all means when needed. When the need passes, Faithful is called to regain physical contact with the Church. Let the myth of Antaeus help us to stay in our spiritual homeland, our home, the church.

 

   Events:

  •  Thanksgiving Food Drive  Holy Trinity Philoptochos Ladies

    Help us bless families in need this Thanksgiving!

    We are collecting turkeys, stuffing, mashed potatoes, canned vegetables, cranberry jelly, macaroni and cheese, gravy, chicken broth, baking mixes, and other non-perishable Thanksgiving favorites.

    Donation Deadline: Friday, November 20, 2026

    Would you rather make a monetary donation?

    Your generosity will help us purchase food for those in need.

    CLICK HERE TO DONATE⁠

    Thank you for your kindness and generosity this Thanksgiving!

  • Annual Memorial Bonfire

    On Saturday, November 28, ~6:11pm (‘til the fire is out) we will gather for the 5th Annual Memorial Bonfire at the parish yard.  This fellowship event is intended remember all our loved ones,  “…bring a memory to share.  Let us keep the fire of our loved ones alive and continue our journey to keeping their memory eternal.”

  •  40-Day Memorial for Thomas Gross Sunday November 15, 2026

  Notices:

  • Each Sunday’s social hour is chaired by Philoptochos

    A volunteer coordinates a given week’s plan. That means that regardless of experience, anyone can volunteer to provide a snack and be a host.  This is not limited to Philoptchos members or   even just to women!

    Sign up is  available on our website, under the Calendar tab.

    We understand that many parishioners are unable to host, however they want to connect, get involved and enjoy time together after worship. If you’re able, you can always bring something to share with our parish family and Sunday school children. Items picked up during grocery store sales (buy one, get one free) are always appreciated. Also, this is a great way to get non-perishable items to donate to the local food pantry!

    We welcome:

    Ø Baked goods or simple snacks (ready to serve)

    Ø Fruits (cleaned and ready to serve)

    Ø Homemade items (list ingredients to prevent allergy concerns)

         If you have any questions on what to bring or when, reach out to Kaliroi Parris at [email protected] or contact any of the Philoptochos ladies and they will be glad to help you!

     

   **If you have an article for The Sunday Messenger or Holy Trinity Herald  please email by Wednesday each week to Carey at the Church office to [email protected].

                            



Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Grave Tone

You destroyed death by Your Cross, You opened Paradise to the Robber. You turned the Myrrh-bearing Women’s lament into joy, and You commanded Your Apostles to preach that You rose, O Christ God, granting the world the great mercy. ατέλυσας τῷ Σταυρῷ σου τὸν θάνατον· ἠνέῳξας τῷ λῃστῇ τὸν Παράδεισον· τῶν Μυροφόρων τὸν θρῆνον μετέβαλες, καὶ τοῖς σοῖς Ἀποστόλοις κηρύττειν ἐπέταξας, ὅτι ἀνέστης Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, παρέχων τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεο

Apolytikion for Martyrs Gouria, Shamuna, and Habib in the Plagal 1st Tone

You have given us the miracles of Your holy Martyrs as an impregnable fortress, O Christ our God. At their entreaties, frustrate the plots of foreign enemies, and strengthen our nation, for You alone are good and benevolent. Τὰ θαύματα τῶν ἁγίων σου Μαρτύρων, τεῖχος ἀκαταμάχητον, ἡμῖν δωρησάμενος Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, ταῖς αὐτῶν ἱκεσίαις, βουλὰς ἐθνῶν διασκέδασον, τῆς βασιλείας τὰ σκῆπτρα κραταίωσον, ὡς μόνος ἀγαθὸς καὶ φιλάνθρωπος.

Apolytikion for the Church in the 4th Tone

Blessed are You, O Christ our God; You made wise men of poor fishermen by sending down upon them Your Holy Spirit, and through them You caught the whole world, O Lover of mankind, glory to You.

Εύλογητός εἶ Χριστὲ ὁ Θεος ἡμῶν ὁ πανσόφους τοὺς ἁλιεῖς ἁναδείξας καταπέμψας αὐτοῖς τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον καὶ δι᾽ αὐτῶν τῆν οἰκουμένην σαγηνεύσας φιλάνθρωπε δόξα Σοι

Seasonal Kontakion in the 4th Tone

The Savior’s most pure and immaculate temple, the very precious bridal chamber and Virgin, who is the sacred treasure of the glory of God, on this day is introduced into the House of the Lord, and with herself she brings the grace in the divine Spirit. She is extolled by the Angels of God. A heavenly tabernacle is she. Ὁκαθαρώτατος ναὸς τοῦ Σωτῆρος, ἡ πολυτίμητος παστὰς καὶ Παρθένος, τὸ ἱερὸν θησαύρισμα τῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ, σήμερον εἰσάγεται, ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ Κυρίου, τὴν χάριν συνεισάγουσα, τὴν ἐν Πνεύματι Θείῳ· ἣν ἀνυμνοῦσιν Ἄγγελοι Θεοῦ· Αὕτη ὑπάρχει σκηνὴ ἐπουράνιος.


Saints and Feasts

November 15

8th Sunday of Luke

November 15

Nativity Fast Begins

The Nativity Fast is one of four main fast periods throughout the ecclesiastical year. Beginning on November 15 and concluding on December 24, the Nativity Fast gives individuals the opportunity to prepare for the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior in the Flesh on December 25. By abstaining from certain food and drink, particularly from meat, fish, dairy products, olive oil, and wine, as well as focusing more deeply on prayer and almsgiving, we can find that the primary aim of fasting is to make us conscious of our dependence upon God.

November 15

Guria, Shamuna, and Habib, Martyrs and Confessors of Edessa

Of these most illustrious Martyrs of the city of Edessa in Syria, Guria and Shamuna contested during the reign of Diocletian, in 288; after many tortures, they were cast into prison, then beheaded. Saint Habib, a deacon, contested in the days of Licinius, in the year 316, and was burned alive; he was buried with Saints Guria and Shamuna. The three have one common feast, and it is always together that they are portrayed in icons and invoked by the faithful. On account of a renowned miracle they worked, they are invoked for help in marital difficulties. A certain Goth had come with the Roman army to Edessa and was quartered in the house of a pious widow named Sophia. The Goth asked Sophia for the hand of her daughter, Euphemia; after resisting for a long time, Sophia at last agreed. When it was time for the army to return home, Sophia made the Goth vow by the power in the holy Martyrs Shamuna, Guria, and Habib, to keep Euphemia as the apple of his eye. As he was nearing his home, however, the treacherous man revealed to Euphemia that he already had a wife. Euphemia was compelled to serve the Goths wife, who dealt with her mercilessly. After extreme sufferings, which included being sealed alive in a tomb and left there to die, Euphemia was miraculously conveyed to Edessa, to the very shrine of the holy Martyrs whose surety they had taken, and was reunited with her mother through their holy prayers.



Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Grave Tone. Psalm 28.11,1.
The Lord will give strength to his people.
Verse: Bring to the Lord, O sons of God, bring to the Lord honor and glory.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 2:14-22.

Brethren, Christ is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Gospel Reading

8th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 10:25-37

At that time, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read?" And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." And he said to him, "You have answered right; do this, and you will live."

But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."



Diakonia Newsletter

Diakonia Newsletter

Read the latest Diakonia Newsletter for this Sunday

https://bulletinbuilder.org/diakonia-newsletter/2026-11-15?source=bulletin_web

November 15, 2026

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