Memorial: Today’s 3-year memorial is held for Vasilios Hartofilax Talarantas. Our love and prayers go out to him and his father Mike, his mother Joann, his sister Anastasia and his twin brother Kosta. We also pray for all his family and friends. May his memory be eternal!

Happy New Year! GOYA & JOY are invited to attend a New Year’s Eve Painting Party sponsored by Crazy Picasso. RSVP your spot today by texting Presvytera Karen: 361-533-8864. Cost is an offering of $10/person. Included: pizza, dessert, drinks and a beautiful piece of your own artwork you get to take home!
Where: Saint Nicholas Fellowship Hall
When: Sun Aug 30, 2026 5pm – 7pm.
What is GOYA? Greek Orthodox Youth of America (7th-12th) What is JOY? Junior Orthodox Youth (3rd – 6th)

Church Etiquette:  You will find a blue card in each pew, provided by the Parish Council, outlining basic church etiquette.  We kindly ask that you review these guidelines as we strive to foster a safe, prayerful, and spiritually enriching environment for everyone.

A Blessed New Year of 7535: As we celebrate the beginning of the New Year on September 1st, Fr. Thomas, Fr. Gregory, and all the Parish Council wishes everyone a blessed and joyous Happy New Year! May God grant His servants a year filled with His grace and blessings. May we grow closer to Christ each day through prayer, repentance, and love, seeking always to live according to His will. Happy New Year!

Intro to Orthodoxy Class: If you would like to know more about the Orthodox faith- this class is for you! We will meet on Wednesdays at 6:00pm for an evening prayer service followed by the class at 7:00pm. The first class will be held Sept 9th. Child-care for ages 6-12 is provided. Open to everyone- not only for inquirers. For more questions, please see Father Thomas. Interested? See the Syllabus print-out located in the Saint Nicholas Bookstore.

St. Mamas Pet Blessing: On Saturday, September 12, at 9:00 am, we will have a short pet blessing service outside the fellowship doors on the turf. The service will include a prayer of St. Mamas for our pets. St. Mamas (Feast Day is Sept 2nd) has a very special connection with God’s creation and animals. Don’t forget to bring your pets!

St. Nicholas Bookstore: Come visit our bookstore downstairs! We have icons, prayer ropes, & gifts for the family.  The Ladder of Divine Ascent is also for sale. We hope you find some treasures! 

Vespers Cancelled: Please note that Great Vespers and Confessions will be cancelled this Saturday 9/5.

Corpus Christi Oyster & Seafood Festival: Come visit the St. Nicholas Greek Festival booth! When: Sept 11 & 12. We can use volunteers! Reach out to Fotini Piperis 440-409-6746 for details. This will be a great way to spread the word about our upcoming Greek Fest while selling some tasty food to offset the expenses for it. Don’t forget to share on social media.

Preparation for Greek Fest! On Sat Sept 19 we will be baking Koulourakia, those delicious twisty cookies that always sell out each year! We start @ 9:00 am. Stay for an hour or the whole time! Every little bit helps. With enough hands we should have no problem finishing the batches we need. A huge thanks to Irene Tsambounieris for taking charge and leading our Koulourakia baking day. If you don’t know how to make Koulouria, don’t worry we’ll teach you! Bring a hat & apron

Parish Financial Snapshot: Each month the Parish Council will share an overview of Saint Nicholas’ financial records. As of June 30, 2026, our updated finances are as follows:

Annual Operating Budget Less Festival: $319,875

Total Income Received thru June 30: $159,938

If you are not yet a steward in the year 2026, please consider becoming a member in good-standing. Please see Constance Plomarity Sanchez, Parish Council Treasurer, for stewardship questions.

Poster Contest: Calling all Greek Orthodox children ages 5-18! Submit your 8" × 10" artwork to honor our Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Last day to submit: Oct 1. See Olga Plomarity for details.

Sunday School Yearly Kick-Off! Join us at the Micheal J. Ellis Beach & Seawall on Sept 20 starting at 3pm. Sandwiches, Chips, & Drinks will be provided. All Sunday School families are all welcome! The exact mile-marker location TBA. See Presvytera for a map of the location. No cost! Contact Presv Karen 361-533-8864 if you have any questions.

Greek Fest Raffle Tickets! This year we are raffling off a fantastic trip to Las Vegas! Please share with your friends and family. Tickets cost only $25 & the winner will be selected on Nov 8. You do not need to be present to win. Please see Olga Plomarity to pick up your raffle tickets.

Fellowship Hall Update: Downstairs you will find an improved and cleaner space for our Fellowship Hall. The Parish Council has worked hard in organizing, cleaning up the space, and hanging the curtains to make the environment more inviting. Please help us by monitoring your children closely and encouraging them not to play behind the curtains, or with the Greek Fest equipment. Please clean up your tables when you are ready to leave, etc. Thank you!

Online Calendar & Email Updates: Please visit our website: www.stnicholasgoc.net for the latest dates & times of all upcoming church services, classes, Bible studies, & events. Do you want to receive the weekly email blasts? Email Father Thomas: [email protected]

Coffee Hour Needs Help: We are in need of volunteers to host the Coffee Hour. A sign-up list with many open Sundays is located downstairs, posted on the side of the walk-in refrigerator. Hosting simply involves providing a few light snacks and staying afterward to assist Father Thomas with cleanup. The Parish Council greatlt appreciates your help!

Confession: Father Thomas will be available for confession each Saturday after the service of Great Vespers. There is no need to make an appointment. If you would like to schedule a time outside of Saturday evening for confession, please contact Fr. Thomas.

We welcome all visitors.  Please introduce yourself to Fr. Thomas at the end of the service and if you are able, please stay for the Coffee Hour.

Forgot your tithe?  NO worries!   You can use your phone.  Just click the QR Code below and follow the link to PayPal.  We are very grateful for your generousity!