Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2026-10-11
Bulletin Contents
Parish News
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Diakonia Newsletter

Organization Icon
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 and Rita Latgis.

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 and Tom Gross.

A WORD FROM:

V. Rev Fr. Maximos Politis, HTGOC Parish Priest

(347) 500-8176 [email protected]

Οι Οικουμενικές Σύνοδοι // The Ecumenical Councils

 Οι Οικουμενικές Σύνοδοι είναι το ανώτατο συλλογικό όργανο της Ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας που συνέρχεται, όταν συντρέχει κάποιο σοβαρό δογματικό ή γενικότερα θρησκευτικό ζήτημα, και στην οποία συμμετέχουν εκπρόσωποι από κάθε Πατριαρχείο και κάθε αυτοκέφαλη Εκκλησία της Ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας.

Σε μια Οικουμενική Σύνοδο συγκεντρώνονται οι Πατέρες όχι για να δημιουργήσουν ένα νέο σύστημα διδασκαλίας, ή, όπως θα λέγαμε νέους Κανονισμούς. Οι Πατέρες, με την φώτιση του Αγίου Πνεύματος συγκεντρώνονται για διατυπώσουν την Αλήθεια. Η Αλήθεια υπάρχει. «Εγώ ειμί η οδός και η αλήθεια και η ζωή», λέει ο Χριστός. Επομένως οι Πατέρες ερμηνεύουν και διατυπώνουν με σαφήνεια αυτά που έχει πει ο Χριστός. Στις επίσημες αποφάσεις και γνωμοδοτήσεις της καθημερινής ζωής, στην Νομοθεσία, στην Πολιτική και τη Διπλωματία, χρησιμοποιείται προσεκτικά κάθε λέξη. Το περιεχόμενό της είναι πολύ συγκεκριμένο ακόμα και αν συχνά υπάρχει ανάγκη κάποιος ειδικός να το εξηγήσει. Τα δόγματα της Εκκλησίας είναι διατυπωμένα έτσι που να μην υπάρχουν αμφιβολίες. Όταν οι Πατέρες συγκεντρώθηκαν για να διατυπώσουν την θεότητα του Χριστού, όποιος διαφωνούσε, έθετε τον εαυτό του εκτός Εκκλησίας. Κατά τη διάρκεια της Λειτουργίας, μετά το «Πιστεύω εις ένα Θεό», λέμε «Και εις ένα Κύριο Ιησού Χριστό......Θεόν Αληθινό».

Το ίδιο έγινε με το δόγμα για τη Θεότητα του Αγίου Πνεύματος, το ίδιο με το δόγμα για τις δύο φύσεις του Χριστού, το ίδιο για τις δύο θελήσεις του Χριστού, και με την εικονομαχία αργότερα. Σε δογματικά ζητήματα, όποιος δεν συμφωνεί με την απόφαση της Συνόδου ονομάζεται Αιρετικός.

Πολλοί από τους Πατέρες είχαν μεγάλη μόρφωση, ενώ άλλοι δεν είχαν. Όλοι τους όμως είχαν την φώτιση του Αγίου Πνεύματος και χάρη σε αυτήν μπόρεσαν να διατυπώσουν την διδασκαλία και την αλήθεια της Πίστης μας. Γι’ αυτό και στο τέλος κάθε ιερής ακολουθίας, ζητούμε τις ευχές τους λέγοντας: «Δι’ ευχών των Αγίων Πατέρων ημών, Κύριε Ιησού Χριστέ ελέησον ημάς. Αμήν».

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 The Ecumenical Councils

The Ecumenical Councils are the highest collective authority within the Orthodox Church, convened when a significant dogmatic or religious matter arises. Representatives from each Patriarchate and Autocephalous Church of the Orthodox Church participate in these councils.

The Fathers of the Church gather at an Ecumenical Council not to establish a new system of teachings or regulations, but to articulate and affirm the Truth—under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. Truth is not invented; it already exists. Christ Himself declares: "I am the way, the truth, and the life." Thus, the Fathers carefully interpret and express the words of Christ with precision. Every word in the official decrees and doctrinal statements is chosen deliberately, much like in the fields of legislation, politics, and diplomacy, where content is exact—even requiring experts at times to explain its depth. The doctrines of the Church are formulated with absolute clarity to leave no room for doubt. When the Fathers gathered to affirm Christ’s divinity, those who rejected their declaration placed themselves outside the Church. This truth is reflected in the Liturgy when, after proclaiming "I believe in one God," we continue, "And in one Lord Jesus Christ… True God."

The same doctrinal precision was applied to the declaration of the Holy Spirit’s divinity, the two natures of Christ, His two wills, and later, to the issue of iconoclasm. In matters of dogma, anyone who rejects the decision of the Synod is considered a heretic. While some of the Church Fathers were highly educated and others were not, all were enlightened by the Holy Spirit, enabling them to express the teachings and truth of our Faith. For this reason, at the conclusion of each sacrament, we pray for their intercessions, saying:

"Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen."

 

  . Events:

**The St. Augustine Greek Festival dates have changed to October 17–18, 2026 due to impending inclement weather.

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

     ·      Thu, Oct 15, 10am - 5pm – Tzatziki; Onion, tomato chopping

    ·      Fri, Oct 16, 10am - finish – Set-up; Beans, Dressing

 Notices:

  • ASTERAKIA DANCE GROUP

    We are excited to invite all our children, boys and girls, 5 – 14 years old to join the Asterakia Dance group, which means “Little Stars” in English!

    Come learn and enjoy the beautiful traditions of Greek dancing in a fun and welcoming environment. No experience is necessary for this free of charge event!

    When: Sundays, after Divine Liturgy at noon for about 30 minutes (Sunday school classroom) 

    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 2nd Tone

When You descended unto Death, O Lord, You who are immortal Life put Hades to death, by the lightning of Your divinity. And when You raised the dead from the netherworld, all the hosts of heaven sang aloud to You, “O Christ God, Giver of life, glory to You!” Ὅτε κατῆλθες πρὸς τὸν θάνατον, ἡ ζωὴ ἡ ἀθάνατος, τότε τὸν ᾅδην ἐνέκρωσας, τῇ ἀστραπῇ τῆς θεότητος· ὅτε δὲ καὶ τοὺς τεθνεῶτας, ἐκ τῶν καταχθονίων ἀνέστησας, πᾶσαι αἱ δυνάμεις τῶν ἐπουρανίων ἐκραύγαζον· Ζωοδότα Χριστέ, ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν δόξα σοι.

Apolytikion for Sun. of the 7th Ecumenical Council in the Plagal 4th Tone

Supremely glorified are You, O Christ our God, who established the holy Fathers on earth as beacons, and through them guided us all to the true Faith. Most compassionate Lord, glory be to You! Ὑπερδεδοξασμένος εἶ, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, ὁ φωστῆρας ἐπὶ γῆς, τοὺς Πατέρας ἡμῶν θεμελιώσας, καὶ δι’ αὐτῶν, πρὸς τὴν ἀληθινὴν πίστιν, πάντας ἡμᾶς ὁδηγήσας. Πολυεύσπλαγχνε δόξα σοι.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 2nd Tone

OProtection of Christians that never falls, intercession with the Creator that never fails, we sinners beg you, do not ignore the voices of our prayers. O good Lady, we implore you, quickly come unto our aid, when we cry out to you with faith. Hurry to intercession, and hasten to supplication, O Theotokos who protect now and ever those who honor you. Προστασία τῶν Χριστιανῶν ἀκαταίσχυντε, μεσιτεία, πρὸς τὸν Ποιητὴν ἀμετάθετε, μὴ παρίδῃς, ἁμαρτωλῶν δεήσεων φωνάς, ἀλλὰ πρόφθασον, ὡς ἀγαθή, εἰς τὴν βοήθειαν ἡμῶν, τῶν πιστῶς κραυγαζόντων σοι· Τάχυνον εἰς πρεσβείαν, καὶ σπεῦσον εἰς ἱκεσίαν, ἡ προστατεύουσα ἀεί, Θεοτόκε, τῶν τιμώντων σε.


Saints and Feasts

October 11

Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council

On the Sunday that falls on or immediately after the eleventh of this month, we chant the Service to the 350 holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council, which gathered in Nicaea in 787 under the holy Patriarch Tarasius and during the reign of the Empress Irene and her son, Constantine Porphyrogenitus, to refute the Iconoclast heresy, which had received imperial support beginning with the Edict issued in 726 by Emperor Leo the Isaurian. Many of the holy Fathers who condemned Iconoclasm at this holy Council later died as Confessors and Martyrs for the holy Icons during the second assult of Iconoclasm in the ninth century, especially during the reigns of Leo the Armenian and Theophilus.

October 11

Philip the Apostle of the 70, one of the 7 Deacons

Saint Philip, who had four daughters that prophesied, was from Caesarea of Palestine. He preached throughout Samaria; it was he also who met the eunuch of Candace, the Queen of the Ethiopians, as the eunuch was reading the Prophet Esaias, and he instructed and baptized him (Acts 8:26-39). He reposed in Tralles of Asia Minor while preaching the Gospel.

October 11

Theophanes the Confessor, Bishop of Nicaea

Saint Theophanes, the brother of Saint Theodore the Branded, was a Palestinian by race. Both were monks at the Monastery of Saint Sabbas. They were called "the Branded" because Theophilus, the last of the Iconoclast emperors, had twelve iambic verses branded by hot irons on their foreheads and then sent them into exile, where Theodore died in the year 838. After the death of Theophilus in 842, Theophanes was elected Bishop of Nicaea. Both brothers composed many canons and hymns, thereby adorning the services of the Church.



Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. 4th Tone. Daniel 3.26,27.
Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers.
Verse: For you are just in all you have done.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to Titus 3:8-15.

Titus, my son, the saying is sure. I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men. But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned.

When I send Artemas or Tychicos to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not to be unfruitful.

All who are with me send greeting to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council
The Reading is from Luke 8:5-15

The Lord said this parable: "A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold." And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, he said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. And as for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience." As he said these things, he cried out "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."



Diakonia Newsletter

Diakonia Newsletter

Read the latest Diakonia Newsletter for this Sunday

https://bulletinbuilder.org/diakonia-newsletter/2026-10-11?source=bulletin_web

October 11, 2026

BACK TO TOP