Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2026-08-23
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, Mike Theodosion and Rita Latgis.

May their memory be eternal!

Prayers for:

 Taki Andriotis, Angelique Dalarides Kelley, Michael Colburn, Niki Christofidi, 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 and Cliff Demeritt.

A WORD FROM:

V. Rev Fr. Maximos Politis, HTGOC Parish Priest

(347) 500-8176 [email protected]

Άγιος Κοσμάς ο Αιτωλός και Προφητείες.

 Η μνήμη του Αγίου Ιερομάρτυρος Κοσμά του Αιτωλού εορτάζεται στις 24 Αυγούστου. Ο Άγιος γεννήθηκε, έζησε και μαρτύρησε κατά τον 18ο αιώνα και συνέβαλε σημαντικά σε μία δύσκολη περίοδο για τον ελληνισμό, στη διατήρηση της κοινής Ρωμαίικης Ελληνικής συνειδήσεως, η οποία μετά από τριακόσια έτη σκλαβιάς, κινδύνευε από τον προσηλυτισμό που ασκούσε η  Δυτική Εκκλησία, τον εξισλαμισμό του έθνους και την έλλειψη μόρφωσης. Ο Κοσμάς, διεξήγαγε αγώνα για περισσότερα από 20 έτη, και έθεσε στόχο την επιμόρφωση του Ελλήνων. Ίδρυσε περισσότερα από 200 σχολεία. Mε τις περίφημες ομιλίες του, στάθηκε ως το αντίβαρο στην παράδοση που ήθελε τους μορφωμένους Έλληνες της εποχής του να εμφορούνται από το Δυτικό πνεύμα. Αυτό θα είχε συνέπεια τη ραγδαία αλλοτρίωση της ελληνικότητας του υπόδουλου έθνους. Βρήκε μαρτυρικό θάνατο, το 1779, όταν απαγχονίστηκε μετά από εντολή του Τούρκου Πασά Κούρτ. Ο Άγιος έλαβε το χάρισμα της προφητείας από τον Θεό και μίλησε κατά πολύ συγκεκριμένο τρόπο για το τηλέφωνο, τα αεροπλάνα, τους αεροπορικούς βομβαρδισμούς και άλλα γεγονότα.

 Με αφορμή το χάρισμα της προφητείας του Αγ. Κοσμά, θα πούμε δυο λόγια για αυτά που ακούγονται στις μέρες μας και χαρακτηρίζονται ως προφητείες από ορισμένους. Δυστυχώς στην εποχή μας υπάρχουν πολλοί που είτε μιλούν ως προφήτες είτε ως χαρισματούχοι ικανοί να ερμηνεύουν τις προφητείες. Μιλούν για αιματοχυσίες, απειλές πολέμων, αρρώστιες και άλλα συνταρακτικά γεγονότα. Αυτά  κάνουν μόνο κακό στους Πιστούς ενώ δίνουν αφορμή για δυσμενή σχόλια, κατά της Εκκλησίας. Ο Θεός με το στόμα του Ευαγγελιστή Ιωάννη προειδοποιεί ότι «πολλοί ψευδοπροφήτες έχουν βγει στον κόσμο». Ο Ιωάννης στο Ευαγγέλιο τονίζει ότι όσα έχουν γραφτεί στο Ευαγγέλιο και γενικά στην Αγ. Γραφή, είναι για να στερεώσουν τους Πιστούς και να μας οδηγήσουν στη σωτηρία. Οι θεόπνευστες προφητείες δεν γράφτηκαν ούτε για να εντυπωσιάσουν, ούτε να ταράξουν ή ακόμα να εκβιάσουν την ψυχή των πιστών και να την εξαναγκάσουν να μετανοήσει. Ο άνθρωπος του Θεού αντί να σπαταλάει δυνάμεις και να αναζητά πληροφορίες για το άμεσο μέλλον, νομίζοντας ότι έτσι θα είναι προετοιμασμένος, καλείται να προετοιμαστεί για την μέλλουσα ζωή. 

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 St. Kosmas of Etolos and Prophecies

 The memory of Saint Hieromartyr Kosmas of Etolos is celebrated on August 24. The Saint was born, lived, and martyred in the 18th century, making a profound contribution during a difficult period for Hellenism. At a time when the common Greek conscience—after three centuries of slavery—was threatened by proselytism from the Western Church, the Islamization of the nation, and widespread illiteracy, Kosmas fought tirelessly for more than twenty years with the mission of educating the Greeks. He established over 200 schools and, through his renowned sermons, stood as a counterweight to the prevailing trend that encouraged educated Greeks to adopt Western ideals. This movement, if left unchecked, would have led to the rapid alienation of Greek identity among the enslaved nation.

Saint Kosmas was martyred in 1779, hanged by order of the Turkish Pasha Kurt. He had received the gift of prophecy from God and spoke with remarkable specificity about technological advancements, including the telephone, airplanes, airstrikes, and various historical events.

On the subject of prophecy, let us reflect on what is commonly described as prophecy today. Sadly, in our time, many claim either to be prophets themselves or to possess the ability to interpret prophecies. They speak of bloodshed, war, disease, and other catastrophic events—statements that only serve to distress the Faithful and invite criticism against the Church.

Through the words of the Evangelist John, God warns us: "Many false prophets have gone out into the world." John, in his Gospel, emphasizes that the sacred writings—the Gospel and Holy Scripture in general—exist to strengthen the Faithful and lead them to salvation. True prophecies, divinely inspired, were never intended to astonish, disturb, or manipulate believers into repentance through fear.

Instead of expending energy in a restless search for knowledge about the immediate future—believing that such knowledge will ensure preparedness—the man of God is called to focus on preparing for the life to come.

 . Events:

  • Join us for Paraklesis and six-month Memorial Service for Metropolitan Dimitrios of Xanthos of Blessed Memory at St. Photios Shrine on Wednesday August 19th at 11:00a.m. with Father Maximos. This will be immediately followed by graveside prayers at OCMC.  L

  • Phanouropita Blessing:

    All are invited to offer a Phanouropita in honor of St. Phanourios on Sunday, August 23.  The holy, glorious and right-victorious Great-martyr Phanourios is commemorated on August 27.  St. Phanourios is known for assisting the faithful in revealing lost objects, directing or revealing actions that should be taken, restoring health and similar situations.  He is honored by the faithful through a symbolic cake, called the "Phanouropita," which can be brought to the church to be blessed.  

  •  Cooking dates for Greek Festival are below, many hands are needed to prepare for the festival

           Fri, Aug 28, 1pm - 7pm – Dolmathes 

    ·      Sat, Aug 29, 10am - finish – Dolmathes

    ·      Fri, Sep 11, 1pm - 7pm – Mousaka

    ·      Sat, Sep 12, 10am - finish – Mousaka

    ·      Fri, Sep 25, 1pm - 7pm – Pastitsio

    ·      Sat, Sep 26, 10am - finish – Pastitsio

    ·      Sat, Oct 3, 10am - finish – Chicken skewering

    ·      Thu, Oct 8, 10am - 5pm – Tzatziki; Onion, tomato chopping

    ·      Fri, Oct 9, 10am - finish – Set-up; Beans, Dressing

 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 3rd Tone

Let the heavens be glad. Let the earth rejoice exceedingly. For the Lord has shown strength with his arm. He trampled death by death. He became the first-born of the dead. Out of the belly of Hades, He has rescued us, and to the world He has granted the great mercy. Εὐφραινέσθω τὰ οὐράνια, ἀγαλλιάσθω τὰ ἐπίγεια, ὅτι ἐποίησε κράτος ἐν βραχίονι αὐτοῦ, ὁ Κύριος· ἐπάτησε τῷ θανάτῳ τὸν θάνατον· πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν ἐγένετο· ἐκ κοιλίας ᾅδου ἐῤῥύσατο ἡμᾶς, καὶ παρέσχε τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Apolytikion for Apodosis of the Dormition in the 1st Tone

You gave birth yet preserved your virginity. You fell asleep in death yet did not desert the world, O Theotokos. You were transported to life, as you are Mother of Life and, by virtue of your intercessions, deliver our souls from death Ἐν τῇ Γεννήσει, τὴν παρθενίαν ἐφύλαξας. Ἐν τῇ Κοιμήσει, τὸν κόσμον οὐ κατέλιπες Θεοτόκε. Μετέστης πρὸς τὴν ζωήν, Μήτηρ ὑπάρχουσα τῆς ζωῆς, καὶ ταῖς πρεσβείαις ταῖς σαῖς λυτρουμένη, ἐκ θανάτου τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν. Κοντάκιον. Ἦχος πλ. βʹ. Αὐτόμελον.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 2nd Tone

Neither the grave nor death could contain the Theotokos, the unshakable hope, ever vigilant in intercession and protection. As Mother of life, He who dwelt in the ever-virginal womb transposed her to life.


Saints and Feasts

August 23

12th Sunday of Matthew

August 23

Apodosis of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary

Concerning the Dormition of the Theotokos, this is what the Church has received from ancient times from the tradition of the Fathers. When the time drew nigh that our Savior was well-pleased to take His Mother to Himself, He declared unto her through an Angel that three days hence, He would translate her from this temporal life to eternity and bliss. On hearing this, she went up with haste to the Mount of Olives, where she prayed continuously. Giving thanks to God, she returned to her house and prepared whatever was necessary for her burial. While these things were taking place, clouds caught up the Apostles from the ends of the earth, where each one happened to be preaching, and brought them at once to the house of the Mother of God, who informed them of the cause of their sudden gathering. As a mother, she consoled them in their affliction as was meet, and then raised her hands to Heaven and prayed for the peace of the world. She blessed the Apostles, and, reclining upon her bed with seemliness, gave up her all-holy spirit into the hands of her Son and God.

With reverence and many lights, and chanting burial hymns, the Apostles took up that God-receiving body and brought it to the sepulchre, while the Angels from Heaven chanted with them, and sent forth her who is higher than the Cherubim. But one Jew, moved by malice, audaciously stretched forth his hand upon the bed and immediately received from divine judgment the wages of his audacity. Those daring hands were severed by an invisible blow. But when he repented and asked forgiveness, his hands were restored. When they had reached the place called Gethsemane, they buried there with honor the all-immaculate body of the Theotokos, which was the source of Life. But on the third day after the burial, when they were eating together, and raised up the artos (bread) in Jesus' Name, as was their custom, the Theotokos appeared in the air, saying "Rejoice" to them. From this they learned concerning the bodily translation of the Theotokos into the Heavens.

These things has the Church received from the traditions of the Fathers, who have composed many hymns out of reverence, to the glory of the Mother of our God (see Oct. 3 and 4).

August 23

Our Holy Father Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons

The Holy Hieromartyr Irenaeus was born in Asia Minor about the year 120, and in his youth was a disciple of Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna. Saint Irenaeus was sent to Lyons in Gaul, to be a fellow labourer of Pothinus, Bishop of Lyons (celebrated June 2), who had also been a disciple of Saint Polycarp. After the martyrdom of Saint Pothinus, Saint Irenaeus succeeded him as Bishop of Lyons. Besides the assaults of paganism, Irenaeus found himself compelled to do battle with many Gnostic heresies, against which he wrote his greatest work, A Refutation and Overthrow of Knowledge Falsely So Called . He was also a peace-maker within the Church. When Victor, Bishop of Rome, was prepared to excommunicate the Christians of Asia Minor for following a different tradition celebrating Pascha, Irenaeus persuaded him to moderate his zeal, and mediated peace. He made Lyons an illustrious bastion of Orthodoxy and a school of piety, and sealed his confession with martyrdom about the year 202, during the reign of Septimius Severus. He is not to be confused with Saint Irenaeus, Bishop of Sirmium, also celebrated today, who was beheaded and cast into a river in 304 under Diocletian.



Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. 3rd Tone. Psalm 46.6,1.
Sing praises to our God, sing praises.
Verse: Clap your hands, all you nations.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 15:1-11.

Brethren, I would remind you in what terms I preached to you the gospel, which you received, in which you stand, by which you are saved, if you hold it fast -- unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God which is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

Gospel Reading

12th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 19:16-26

At that time, a young man came up to Jesus, kneeling and saying, "Good Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?" And he said to him, "Why do you call me good? One there is who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments." He said to him, "Which?" And Jesus said, "You shall not kill, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and You shall love your neighbor as yourself." The young man said to him, "All these I have observed; what do I still lack?" Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.

And Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." When the disciples heard this they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?" But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."



Diakonia Newsletter

Diakonia Newsletter

Read the latest Diakonia Newsletter for this Sunday

https://bulletinbuilder.org/diakonia-newsletter/2026-08-23?source=bulletin_web

August 23, 2026

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