St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Publish Date: 2025-04-06
Bulletin Contents

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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (727) 937-3540
  • Fax:
  • (727) 937-1739
  • Street Address:

  • 36 North Pinellas Avenue

  • Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
  • Mailing Address:

  • 17 East Tarpon Avenue

  • Tarpon Springs, FL 34689


Contact Information




Services Schedule

Sundays / Κυριακή
7:45am - Matins / Όρθρος
9:00am - Divine Liturgy (Greek) / Θεία Λειτουργία / (English) / Θεία Λειτουργία

Monday through Saturday

 


Past Bulletins


Dean's Message

Repentance and Humility; the keys which unlock the Gates of Heaven

The final Sunday of Great Lent, the Church urges us on further toward repentance and humility on the Sunday of Mary of Egypt. On this day the Church directs our attention to the total and complete humility and repentance of a woman who had been consumed by sin.

While at the “height” of a quite successful “career” of prostitution, she was called by God in a unique way. According to the Tradition of the Church, she was attempting to enter the Church of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem with a group of men she had been seducing. An unknown force kept her from entering the Sacred Church, which she interpreted as a sign from God.

She made a vow to the Theotokos that if she was allowed to enter the Church and venerate the Life-Giving Cross of Our Lord, she would renounce the world and live in total repentance. She spent the remaining forty-seven years of her life alone in the desert being ministered to by wild animals.

The Church of the Holy Cross still stands today. The door through which Saint Mary was unable to enter now leads to a chapel dedicated to her memory. Her repentance is forever on display to inspire us hundreds of years later.

In the Gospel lesson today, we also hear the Lord challenge his disciples to a life of humble service. After the disciples were found arguing about who would be greater in God’s Kingdom, Jesus said, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.” (Mark 10.42-44)

These are two great lessons of humility and repentance as we approach the final days of Great Lent. Don’t waste another day. Take full advantage of the days you have remaining for repentance and practice humility. These keys will unlock the gates of heaven and you will be welcomed into the banquet with honor.

+Fr. Athanasios C. Haros 

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Fr. Theofanis

In this Sunday’s epistle we reflect on Mark 10:32-45, where Jesus prepares His disciples for His suffering. As He shares His path to the Cross, the disciples focus on their own desires for power and ask for positions of honor in His kingdom. Jesus responds by saying that greatness comes from being a servant. This message challenges our usual understanding of what it means to be great.

Jesus, the Son of God, shows us what true servanthood looks like. He came not to be served but to serve, ultimately sacrificing His life for us. This act of self-giving love teaches us that true greatness lies in humility, not in status or authority.

To illustrate this, let’s consider the life of St. Mary of Egypt. She started off lost in a life of sin and indulgence, but everything changed when she had a powerful encounter at the Church of Jerusalem. Overwhelmed by her past, she chose to flee into the desert, seeking a new life dedicated to prayer and repentance. Her transformation is a powerful reminder that redemption is possible for everyone.

St. Mary’s journey teaches us valuable lessons. First, like the disciples, we often need to recognize our own brokenness. When we humble ourselves before God, we open ourselves to His grace. Second, Mary’s radical change shows us that it’s never too late to turn back to God. No matter our past, we can seek forgiveness and start anew. Finally, after her transformation, Mary dedicated her life to prayer and serving others, which highlights how our lives can positively impact those around us.

As we approach Holy Week, let’s commit to following the examples of Christ and St. Mary. In our daily lives, we should strive to serve others with love and humility. Remember, true greatness is found not in being served but in serving others. Amen.

+Papa Fanis

 

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Lenten Services - The Akathist Hymn

Fifth Friday of Lent

As the Great and Holy Feast of Pascha swiftly approaches, we find ourselves having traversed through five weeks of Great Lent. Each Friday, we chanted a stanza of the Akathist Hymn as part of our Evening Compline services. On the Fifth Friday of Lent, we chant not one stanza of the Hymn, but all four stanzas–this means the service is much longer than the first four Fridays of Lent, because we are chanting the entire Akathist Hymn instead of just one section of it. The order of the service also differs somewhat from the first four Fridays. Whereas before, we would chant the Canon in its entirety, and after that a single stanza of the Akathist; this Friday we chanted the stanzas interspersed between odes of the Canon. Let’s explore the service of the Akathist Hymn chanted on the Fifth Friday of Lent!

The first notable difference this Friday is that rather than chanting the Canon as soon as we finish reciting the Creed, instead, we chant the apolytikion “Το προσταχθέν”–“When he perceived.” This apolytikion is about how the Archangel Gabriel informed the Theotokos of her being chosen by God to be the Mother of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This profound hymn underscores the amazement of the angel who said, “The Lord, who has bowed the heavens in His descent, in you is contained completely and without change; and beholding Him in your womb taking the form of a slave, astounded I cry out to you, ‘Rejoice, O unwedded Bride.’” After chanting this apolytikion, we immediately proceed to the First Stanza. 

“An Angel of supreme rank was sent down from heaven to say to the Theotokos, Rejoice.” The priest intones this first verse of the stanza three times, echoing what was done on the first Friday of Lent. After this entire stanza is completed, we then chant the first and third odes of the Canon. Then, after that section of the Canon is completed, we chant the beloved kontakion, “Τη Υπερμάχω”–“O Champion General.” From this point onward, the same general pattern is repeated: a stanza of the Akathist, followed by a few odes of the Canon and the kontakion, repeated until the end of the Fourth Stanza. It is notable that the first verse of the last section of the Fourth Stanza is repeated three times, just like that of the First Stanza: “You, all-laudable Mother who gave birth to the Logos Who is holiest of all who are holy…”  

The repetition of these verses in the beginning and end of the Akathist shows the beginning and end of God’s miracle concerning the Theotokos. The first repeated verse is about how the Archangel announces the wonder to the Virgin, and the last repeated verse concerns the completion of Mary’s birthgiving after the fact, that is, after she has given birth to her Son and God. Finally, the Fourth Stanza is completed once we repeat the first verses of the First Stanza, and chant “Τη Υπερμάχω” one last time.  

Having traversed the first five weeks of Great Lent, we come to the precipice of the season, preparing to see the Passion, Crucifixion, and third-day Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we approach the greatest of all Feasts, let us fast and pray all the more earnestly, keeping our minds fixed upon our one and only hope, and meditating upon the Lord’s saving acts all the day long so that we may enjoy a fruitful and edifying Holy Pascha in all its fullness. 

Philip Carallo

St Nicholas Cathedral Protopsaltis 

 

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Saints and Feasts

April 06

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

The memory of this Saint is celebrated on April 1, where her life is recorded. Since the end of the holy Forty Days is drawing nigh, it has been appointed for this day also, so that if we think it hard to practice a little abstinence forty days, we might be roused by the heroism of her who fasted in the wilderness forty-seven years; and also that the great loving-kindness of God, and His readiness to receive the repentant, might be demonstrated in very deed.


April 06

Eutychius, Patriarch of Constantinople

Born in Theia Kome of Phrygia, Eutychius was the son of illustrious parents, from whom he received a pious upbringing. He studied in Constantinople, and became a monk in a certain monastery of Amasia. In 552 he was chosen Patriarch of New Rome, but was exiled in 565 as a result of the machinations of the Origenists. In 577 he was restored to his throne and reposed on April 6, 582.


April 06

120 Martyrs of Persia


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Cathedral Listings

SATURDAY MEMORIALS 

No Memorials

    SUNDAY MEMORIALS  

Zula Peperis - 40 days

Aristidis Provalas - 40 days

Panogiotis Stamos - 40 days

Solon P. Tsaoussis - 40 days

Theofilos Maglis - 6 months

Kalliopi Maglis - 11 years

Pano Mouratidis - 3 years

Maria Varvaris - 3 years

Petros Apostolidis - 18 years

John Tsaousis - 5 years

Constantinos Makris - 11 years

                                                                                                                                                                                 THIS SUNDAY'S COFFEE HOUR IS SPONSORED BY:

St. Nicholas Philoptochos

 Luncheon with chickpeas by The Hatzileris Family 

        All ministries wishing to sign up and host the Sunday Coffee Hour please contact Chris Palaidis at 727-808-3895.

 

         Memorial & Artoklasia Service Planning                  

If you are in need of a Memorial, or are contemplating having an Artoklasia Service, call our Parish Office at (727) 937-3540 to have the names put in the bulletin.

Kollyva (μνημόσυνα) for memorials can be ordered through:

Antonia Korfias (727) 937-8785

Evangelia Stavropoulos (727) 937-5649

Afrodity Tassopoulos (727) 674-3304

*Contact info for these preparers is provided as a service to parishioners and does not imply endorsement.

 

  *THE DEADLINE IS MONDAY 5PM FOR ALL BULLETIN INFORMATION*

40 Day Prayer List

Robert, Frank, Andriani, Stella, Valantis, Eleftherios, ChrisovalantouIrene, Kalliopi, Niki, Claudine, Evangelia, Stella

 

*To add a loved one to this list, please contact Marie at the church office on Mondays by 5:00 pm: [email protected]  (727) 937-3540. 

 

A Prayer for Healing

"Heavenly Father, physician of our souls and bodies, who have sent Your only-begotten Son and our Lord Jesus Christ to heal every sickness and infirmity, visit and heal me, Your servant, from all physical and spiritual ailments through the grace of Your Christ.  Grant me patience in this sickness, strength of body and spirit, and recovery of health.  Lord, You have taught us through Your word to pray for each other that we may be healed.  I pray that You heal me as Your servant and grant me the gift of complete health.  For You are the source of healing and to You I give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen."

 

Our Priests are Here for You

If you, or a loved one, would like to request a priestly visit due to illness or extenuating circumstances, please call Father Athanasios (727) 741-0139 or Father Theofanis Katsiklis Makris at 727-277-6910.

If you are in spiritual need, Father Athanasios wants to make himself available to you, and asks you to please call/text or email him directly, rather than through social media.
 
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 Click the link if you attend St. Nicholas and need a Letter of Good Standing Application

 

*Remember, if your sponsor for a wedding or baptism is a parishioner of St. Nicholas Church, this must be completed.*

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2025 St. Nicholas Parish Council Pangari Rotation Sunday Schedule

 February 2, 2025 – July 27, 2025

 

PC Teams for rotation begins Sunday, 02/02/2025 with Team 2 on Duty

 

**Both PC Teams on duty on Palm Sunday - Sunday, April 13, 2025

 PC Holy Week Schedule to be sent March, 2025; will include Pascha, April 20, 2025

 

February 9, 23; March 9, 23; April 6, **13; May 4, 18; June 1, 15, 29; July13, 27

Team 1:

Michael A. Samarkos

Anna Billiris

Nomikos Christoforos

Dr. John Forcella, Jr.

Themis Fountotos Tezza

Efthimios Klimis

John Lulias

 

February 2, 16; March 2, 16, 30; **April 13, 27; May 11, 25; June 8, 22; July 6, 20

Team 2:

Harry Andropoulos

Stratis Christakis

Rena Faklis

Emmanuel Gombos

Karen Koulias

Rosanne Pappas

Tony Zaronias

 

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal 4th Mode

From on high You descended, Most Merciful; for us You condescended to a threeday burial to set us free from the passions. O Lord, our Resurrection and our Life, glory to You!
Ἐξ ὕψους κατῆλθες ὁ εὔσπλαγχνος, ταφὴν καταδέξω τριήμερον, ἵνα ἡμᾶς ἐλευθερώσῃς τῶν παθῶν. Ἡ ζωὴ καὶ ἡ Ἀνάστασις ἡμῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Mary of Egypt in the Plagal 4th Mode

In thee the image was preserved with exactness, O Mother; for taking up thy cross, thou didst follow Christ, and by thy deeds thou didst teach us to overlook the flesh, for it passeth away, but to attend to the soul since it is immortal. Wherefore, O righteous Mary, thy spirit rejoiceth with the Angels.
Ἐν σοὶ Μῆτερ ἀκριβῶς διεσώθη τὸ κατ' εἰκόνα, λαβοῦσα γὰρ τὸν Σταυρόν, ἠκολούθησας τῷ Χριστῷ, καὶ πράττουσα ἐδίδασκες ὑπερορᾶν μὲν σαρκὸς παρέρχεται γάρ, ἐπιμελεῖσθαι δὲ ψυχῆς, πράγματος ἀθανάτου· διὸ καὶ μετὰ Ἀγγέλων συναγάλλεται Ὁσία Μαρία τὸ πνεῦμά σου.

Apolytikion of the Church in the 4th Mode

An example of the Faith and a life of humility. As a teacher of abstinence you did inspire and lead your flock and through the truthfulness of your deeds were exalted by greatness through your humility; uplifting all and by poverty gaining wealth. Father and Hierarch St. Nicholas, intercede with Christ our God, that our souls may be saved.

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.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 2nd Mode

The protection of Christians unshameable, intercessor to our Holy Maker, unwavering, do not turn from the prayerful cries of those who are in sin; instead, come to us, for you are good; your loving help bring unto us, who are crying in faith to you: Hasten to intercession and speed now to supplication as a protection for all time, Theotokos, for 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.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Eighth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:11-18

At that time, Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb, and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus has lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him." Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, "Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, "Rabboni," which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, "Do not touch Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God." Mary Magdalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and she told them that He had said these things to her.

Eighth Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 20:11-18

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, Μαρία εἱστήκει πρὸς τὸ μνημεῖον κλαίουσα ἔξω· ὡς οὖν ἔκλαιε, παρέκυψεν εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ θεωρεῖ δύο ἀγγέλους ἐν λευκοῖς καθεζομένους, ἕνα πρὸς τῇ κεφαλῇ, καὶ ἕνα πρὸς τοῖς ποσίν, ὅπου ἔκειτο τὸ σῶμα τοῦ Ἰησοῦ, καὶ λέγουσιν αὐτῇ ἐκεῖνοι· Γύναι, τί κλαίεις; λέγει αὐτοῖς· Ὅτι ᾖραν τὸν Κύριόν μου, καὶ οὐκ οἶδα ποῦ ἔθηκαν αὐτόν· καὶ ταῦτα εἰποῦσα ἐστράφη εἰς τὰ ὀπίσω, καὶ θεωρεῖ τὸν Ἰησοῦν ἑστῶτα, καὶ οὐκ ᾒδει ὅτι Ἰησοῦς ἐστι. Λέγει αὐτῇ ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Γύναι, τί κλαίεις; τίνα ζητεῖς; ἐκείνη δοκοῦσα ὅτι ὁ κηπουρὸς ἐστι, λέγει αὐτῷ· Κύριε, εἰ σὺ ἐβάστασας αὐτόν, εἰπέ μοι ποῦ αὐτὸν ἔθηκας, κᾀγὼ αὐτὸν ἀρῶ· λέγει αὐτῇ ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Μαρία· στραφεῖσα ἐκείνη λέγει αὐτῷ· Ῥαββουνί· ὃ λέγεται Διδάσκαλε· λέγει αὐτῇ ὁ Ἰησοῦς, Μή μου ἃπτου· οὔπω γὰρ ἀναβέβηκα πρὸς τὸν πατέρα μου, πορεύου δὲ πρὸς τοὺς ἀδελφούς μου, καὶ εἰπὲ αὐτοῖς· Ἀναβαίνω πρὸς τὸν πατέρα μου καὶ πατέρα ὑμῶν, καὶ Θεόν μου καὶ Θεὸν ὑμῶν· ἔρχεται Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ ἀπαγγέλλουσα τοῖς μαθηταῖς ὅτι ἑώρακε τὸν Κύριον· καὶ ταῦτα εἶπεν αὐτῇ.


Epistle Reading

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 9:11-14

BRETHREN, when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 9:11-14

Ἀδελφοί, Χριστὸς δὲ παραγενόμενος ἀρχιερεὺς τῶν μελλόντων ἀγαθῶν, διὰ τῆς μείζονος καὶ τελειοτέρας σκηνῆς, οὐ χειροποιήτου, τοῦτʼ ἔστιν, οὐ ταύτης τῆς κτίσεως, οὐδὲ διʼ αἵματος τράγων καὶ μόσχων, διὰ δὲ τοῦ ἰδίου αἵματος εἰσῆλθεν ἐφάπαξ εἰς τὰ ἅγια, αἰωνίαν λύτρωσιν εὑράμενος. Εἰ γὰρ τὸ αἷμα ταύρων καὶ τράγων, καὶ σποδὸς δαμάλεως ῥαντίζουσα τοὺς κεκοινωμένους, ἁγιάζει πρὸς τὴν τῆς σαρκὸς καθαρότητα, πόσῳ μᾶλλον τὸ αἷμα τοῦ Χριστοῦ, ὃς διὰ πνεύματος αἰωνίου ἑαυτὸν προσήνεγκεν ἄμωμον τῷ θεῷ, καθαριεῖ τὴν συνείδησιν ὑμῶν ἀπὸ νεκρῶν ἔργων, εἰς τὸ λατρεύειν θεῷ ζῶντι;


Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
The Reading is from Mark 10:32-45

At that time, Jesus took his twelve disciples, and he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant of James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 10:32-45

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, παραλαβάνει ὁ Ἰησοῦς τοὺς δώδεκα μαθητάς αὐτοῦ καὶ ἤρξατο αὐτοῖς λέγειν τὰ μέλλοντα αὐτῷ συμβαίνειν, ὅτι ἰδοὺ ἀναβαίνομεν εἰς ῾Ιεροσόλυμα καὶ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου παραδοθήσεται τοῖς ἀρχιερεῦσι καὶ γραμματεῦσι, καὶ κατακρινοῦσιν αὐτὸν θανάτῳ καὶ παραδώσουσιν αὐτὸν τοῖς ἔθνεσι, καὶ ἐμπαίξουσιν αὐτῷ καὶ μαστιγώσουσιν αὐτὸν καὶ ἐμπτύσουσιν αὐτῷ καὶ ἀποκτενοῦσιν αὐτόν, καὶ τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἀναστήσεται. Καὶ προσπορεύονται αὐτῷ ᾿Ιάκωβος καὶ ᾿Ιωάννης υἱοὶ Ζεβεδαίου λέγοντες· διδάσκαλε, θέλομεν ἵνα ὃ ἐὰν αἰτήσωμεν ποιήσῃς ἡμῖν. ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· τί θέλετε ποιῆσαί με ὑμῖν; οἱ δὲ εἶπον αὐτῷ· δὸς ἡμῖν ἵνα εἷς ἐκ δεξιῶν σου καὶ εἷς ἐξ εὐωνύμων σου καθίσωμεν ἐν τῇ δόξῃ σου. ὁ δὲ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· οὐκ οἴδατε τί αἰτεῖσθε. δύνασθε πιεῖν τὸ ποτήριον ὃ ἐγὼ πίνω, καὶ τὸ βάπτισμα ὃ ἐγὼ βαπτίζομαι βαπτισθῆναι; οἱ δὲ εἶπον αὐτῷ· δυνάμεθα. ὁ δὲ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· τὸ μὲν ποτήριον ὃ ἐγὼ πίνω πίεσθε, καὶ τὸ βάπτισμα ὃ ἐγὼ βαπτίζομαι βαπτισθήσεσθε· τὸ δὲ καθίσαι ἐκ δεξιῶν μου καὶ ἐξ εὐωνύμων οὐκ ἔστιν ἐμὸν δοῦναι, ἀλλ᾿ οἷς ἡτοίμασται. Καὶ ἀκούσαντες οἱ δέκα ἤρξαντο ἀγανακτεῖν περὶ ᾿Ιακώβου καὶ ᾿Ιωάννου. ὁ δὲ ᾿Ιησοῦς προσκαλεσάμενος αὐτοὺς λέγει αὐτοῖς· οἴδατε ὅτι οἱ δοκοῦντες ἄρχειν τῶν ἐθνῶν κατακυριεύουσιν αὐτῶν καὶ οἱ μεγάλοι αὐτῶν κατεξουσιάζουσιν αὐτῶν· οὐχ οὕτω δὲ ἔσται ἐν ὑμῖν, ἀλλ᾿ ὃς ἐὰν θέλῃ γενέσθαι μέγας ἐν ὑμῖν, ἔσται ὑμῶν διάκονος, καὶ ὃς ἐὰν θέλῃ ὑμῶν γενέσθαι πρῶτος, ἔσται πάντων δοῦλος· καὶ γὰρ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου οὐκ ἦλθε διακονηθῆναι, ἀλλὰ διακονῆσαι, καὶ δοῦναι τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ λύτρον ἀντὶ πολλῶν.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

Before He humbled Himself, only the angels knew him. After He humbled Himself, all human nature knew Him. You see how His humbling of Himself did not make Him have less but produced countless benefits, countless deeds of virtue, and made His glory shine forth with greater brightness? God wants for nothing and has need of nothing. Yet, when He humbled Himself, He produced such great good, increased His household, and extended His kingdom. Why, then, are you afraid that you will become less if you humble yourself?
St. John Chrysostom
On the Incomprehensible Nature of God. 8.46-47. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol: Mark. Intervarsity Press, 2005, p. 143.

But let no man be troubled at the apostles being in such an imperfect state. For not yet was the cross accomplished, not yet the grace of the Spirit given. But if thou wouldest learn their virtue, notice them after these things, and thou wilt see them superior to every passion.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

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Important Updates From Our Ministries

Philoptochos (A Friend of the Poor) Ministry

Philoptochos Circle Logo

 ST NICHOLAS PHILOPTOCHOS

 Hours of Operation
Mon: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Wed-Fri: 10:00 AM -12:00 Noon
18 Hibiscus Street (located directly behind St Nicholas Cathedral) 

National Philoptochos 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 the help of the Church through fund-raising efforts. 

If you would like to make a difference, learn from others and create relationships that will last a lifetime please send your name, e-mail. phone number and address to:

St Nicholas Philoptochos
PO Box 2043
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Annual Membership Fee of $35.00 assists Philoptochos to continue serving the poor.

Full Membership: 

Women of the Greek Orthodox Faith, of at least 18 years of age, shall be eligible for full membership in the Society.

Associate Membership:

An Associate Member shall enjoy all privileges of membership, except the right to vote or hold office.

The following persons shall be eligible for associate membership:

  1. A non-Greek Orthodox woman married to a Greek Orthodox man.
  2.  Greek Orthodox men. 
  3.  A non-Greek Orthodox man married to a Greek Orthodox woman.

St Nicholas Kitchen

Saint Nicholas Kitchen is an outreach ministry of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral that provides hot meals, helping hands and meaningful relationships to the impoverished in our community. The heart for this ministry is illustrated in 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….”

St. Nicholas Kitchen will continue preparing the Monday meals from 7:30 – 11:00 am. The meals will be delivered Monday's to the new Hope Center at the Sheppard center where the meals will be given to those in need by their, and our volunteers. We still need volunteers, food and monetary donations. Meals will be served from 11:00 – 12:00 pm. For further information, please call Chris Palaidis at (727) 808-3895.

 


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Important Information

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Master Calendar

  • Master Calendar

    April 6 to April 20, 2025

    Sunday, April 6

    7:45AM Orthros/Matins

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School following Holy Communion

    11:30AM Regional Oratorical Festival

    Monday, April 7

    8:00AM Soup Kitchen Meal

    4:00PM Greek Folk Dance

    6:00PM Great Compline

    Tuesday, April 8

    9:00AM Daily Orthros

    4:30PM Greek School

    6:00PM Great Compline

    7:00PM Boy Scouts

    7:00PM YAL Basketball

    Wednesday, April 9

    9:00AM Daily Orthros

    11:00AM Gray Visitation

    12:00PM Gray Funeral

    5:30PM Presanctified Liturgy

    7:00PM Byzantine Choir

    7:00PM Philoptochos Meeting

    7:00PM GOYA

    Thursday, April 10

    9:00AM Daily Orthros

    10:30AM Women's Book Club

    12:00PM Moutsatsos Visitation

    1:00PM Moutsatsos Funeral

    4:30PM Greek School

    4:30PM HOPE/JOY AMC Palm Harbor

    6:30PM Choir Practice

    7:00PM YAL Basketball

    7:00PM Learning Conversational Greek

    7:00PM Dance Board Meeting

    Friday, April 11

    9:00AM Presanctified Liturgy

    12:00PM Visitation

    1:00PM Funeral

    2:30PM Confessions - NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED

    4:00PM Lazarakia & Palm Cross Making

    Saturday, April 12

    9:00AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    12:00PM Youth Pascha Saturday of Lazarus Retreat

    6:00PM Great Vespers

    Sunday, April 13

    HOLY WEEK

    7:00AM Orthros

    8:15AM Palm Sunday 1st Liturgy

    11:00AM Palm Sunday Second Liturgy

    7:00PM Bridegroom Orthros/Matins

    Monday, April 14

    8:00AM Soup Kitchen Meal

    9:00AM Presanctified Liturgy

    12:00PM Panaou Funeral

    7:00PM Bridegroom Orthros/Matins

    Tuesday, April 15

    9:00AM Presanctified Liturgy

    7:00PM Bridegroom Orthros/Matins

    Wednesday, April 16

    9:00AM Presanctified Liturgy

    3:00PM Holy Unction

    7:00PM Bridegroom Orthros/Matins

    Thursday, April 17

    7:00AM Vesperal Liturgy

    7:00PM Crucifixion Orthros/Matins

    Friday, April 18

    Office Closed

    8:00AM Royal Hours of Pascha

    10:00AM Holy Friday Icon Decorating

    3:00PM Vespers - Taking Down from the Cross

    7:00PM Orthros/Matins - Lamentations

    Saturday, April 19

    7:00AM Holy Saturday 1st Liturgy

    10:00AM Holy Saturday 2nd Liturgy

    11:15PM Resurrection Vigil

    Sunday, April 20

    12:00AM Resurrection Orthros/Liturgy

    10:00AM AGAPE Vespers

  • Tampa Bay Regional Greek Orthodox Calendar

    April 6 to April 6, 2025

    Sunday, April 6

    11:30AM Regional Oratorical Festival

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