St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Publish Date: 2026-09-13
Bulletin Contents

Organization Icon
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


His Eminence's Message

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

This Friday marks the solemn occasion of the 25th anniversary of the events of 9/11. Difficult as both these memories are to reflect upon, it is important to do so, for as the years pass, there are more generations for whom this date is a historical event.  

Next Monday, we will observe another occasion, but one full of hope and triumph: The Exaltation of the Holy Cross. After St. Constantine legalized Christianity, his blessed mother, St. Helen, made it her goal to find the earthly relics of Christ, including the True Cross. Arriving at Golgotha in the year 325, she found the former execution place now a garbage dump. In all the destruction, many would have felt overwhelmed and discouraged, and these are emotions which those who remember Ground Zero will understand.  

However, just as so many of the courageous first responders risked their health to help recover and rebuild after 9/11, so too did St. Helen search with her senses, and with her heart. Soon, she saw and smelled the kingly plant known as basil, and three crosses were uncovered. A sick woman was brought before the True Cross of Christ and the crosses of the two thieves. She venerated the first and the second, with no change; but when she kissed the third, she was instantly healed. Similarly, when a funeral procession passed, the True Cross of Christ was able to raise the man from the dead.

For many, the veneration of the Cross of Christ poses a question: how can an instrument of death be worthy of devotion? St. Paul recognized this when he wrote “…we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 23-24). Indeed, it is only when we understand that God turned human reasoning upside down, that we begin to understand His mission: He who came into the world as a poor child, chose to end death not with an army of angels and men, but instead by His own death.

The reality of sin and evil was perhaps never clearer than on 9/11. Now, a quarter-century later, we remember the fear and sadness of that day. However, we also remember the hope and brotherly love that came in the days, weeks, and months that followed; especially when we think of how New York City rebuilt, including our Archdiocese’s St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox National Shrine. As we commemorate another anniversary, praying for the victims and their families, may we find comfort in the shade of Christ’s Cross, remembering that after the Crucifixion came our Lord’s glorious Resurrection, promising the ultimate victory of light over darkness, life over death, proving, once and for all, “…the power of God and the wisdom of God.” 

 

 +SEVASTIANOS

Metropolitan of Atlanta 

 



Saints and Feasts

September 13

Sunday before Holy Cross


September 13

The Consecration of the Church of the Holy Resurrection (Holy Sepulchre)

The church that is honoured far above all others is that of the Holy Resurrection, which Saint Constantine the Great constructed at the place of Golgotha, where our Saviour was crucified and buried. For a long time this place had been purposely buried beneath the earth by the Jews and heathen; furthermore, during the reign of Hadrian (117-138), a temple dedicated to Aphrodite was built over the site so that this sacred place might be even further desecrated and fall into utter oblivion. It was here that the Cross was hidden. However, at the command of the pious Emperor Constantine, excavations were made and the tokens of the saving Passion were found. It was here, then, that the very great and magnificent temple named in honour of Christ God's Resurrection-the Anastasis-was built under the supervision of the blessed Helen, while Dracilian was Eparch of Palestine and Macarius was Archbishop of Jerusalem. It was the latter, also, who exalted the venerable Cross and performed the consecration of this temple in the year 336.


September 13

Forefeast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross




Cathedral Listings

                                                             SUNDAY MEMORIALS
 
                                                          Offered In Loving Memory Of...                                            Panhellic Federation of Florida Annual Memorial Service for the Asia Minor Catastrophe - 104 years
Stavroula Tsitos - 40 days
George Tirikos - 1 year
John Tsangaris - 1 year
Irene Tsangaris - 4 years
George Lempidikas - 27 years
Nicholas Lempidikas - 34 years
                                                                                                                                                                                

                             This Week's Coffee Hour Is Sponsored By                                                                        St. Nicholas Dance Ministry

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 WEDNESDAY AT 3PM FOR ALL BULLETIN INFORMATION*

40 Day Prayer List

Maria, Mary, Eve, Stella, Panagiotis & Family, Argie, Stephanie, Annabella, Stelio, Alexander, Evgenia, Mary

  *To add a loved one to this list, please contact Marie at the church office on Wednesdays 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

In case of need or emergency, if you, or a loved one, would like to request a priestly visit, please call Fr. Aristidis at 786-566-7528.

 __________________________________________________________

 
 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.

 __________________________________________________________________

 

2026 St. Nicholas Parish Council Pangari Rotation Sunday Schedule

 July 26, 2026-January 24, 2027

PC Teams for rotation begins Sunday, 07/26/2026 with Team 1 on Duty 

All hands on deck for Panagias on August 15, 2026, and St. Nicholas December 6, 2026

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will be updated soon

* Treasurer and Asst. Treasurer on different teams for preparing bank deposits

* President and 1st Vice President on different teams to be available for parishioners’ questions


July 26, August 9, 15*, 23, September 6, 20, October 4, 18, November 1, 15, 29, December 6*, 20, January 3, 17, 31

Team 1:

Michael A. Samarkos

Themis Fountotos Tezza

Efthimios Klimis

Anna Billiris

Dr. John Forcella, Jr.

Irene Sissois Pantelis

Tony Zaronias

August 2, 15*, 16, 30, September 13, 27, October 11, 25, November 8, 22, December 6*, 13, 27, January 10, 24

Team 2:

Nomikos Christoforos

Rena Faklis

Emmanuel Gombos

John Lulias

Rosanne Pappas

Anthony Velardocchia

Emmanuel Vestas

Looking For More Information on St. Nicholas?

Parish Financial Reports for St. Nicholas are available here!

Parish Council and Assembly Minutes for St. Nicholas are available here!

 

Epiphany 2026 Digital Album

 



Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal 2nd Mode

Angelic powers appeared at Your tomb, and those guarding it became like dead, and at Your grave Mary was standing, seeking Your most pure body. You plundered Hades, not being tempted by it; You encountered the virgin, granting life. O Lord, who rose from the dead, glory to You!
Ἀγγελικαὶ Δυνάμεις ἐπὶ τὸ μνῆμά σου, καὶ οἱ φυλάσσοντες ἀπενεκρώθησαν, καὶ ἵστατο Μαρία ἐν τῷ τάφῳ, ζητοῦσα τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα. Ἐσκύλευσας τὸν ᾍδην, μὴ πειρασθεὶς ὑπ' αὐτοῦ, ὑπήντησας τῇ Παρθένῳ, δωρούμενος τὴν ζωήν, ὁ ἀναστὰς ἐκ των νεκρῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι.

Apolytikion for Forefeast of the Exaltation in the 2nd Mode

We offer Thee in mediation the life-giving Cross which, of Thy goodness, Thou hast given unto us, the unworthy, O Lord. Save Thy hierarchs and Thy flock, and grant Thou peace through the Theotokos, O only friend of man.
Τόν ζωοποιόν Σταυρόν τής σής αγαθότητος, όν εδωρήσω ημίν τοίς αναξίοις Κύριε, σοί προσάγομεν εις πρεσβείαν, Σώζε τούς βασιλείς καί τήν πόλιν σου, ειρηνεύοντας διά τής Θεοτόκου, μόνε φιλάνθρωπε.

Apolytikion for Temple of the Resurrection in the 4th Mode

Thou hast shown the earthly beauty of the holy tabernacle of Thy glory to be like unto the splendour of the heavenly firmament, O Lord. Strengthen it for ever and ever, and accept our prayers which we unceasingly offer therein unto Thee, through the Theotokos, O Thou Who art the Life and Resurrection of all.
Ως τού άνω στερεώματος τήν ευπρέπειαν, καί τήν κάτω συναπέδειξας ωραιότητα, τού αγίου σκηνώματος τής δόξης σου Κύριε, Κραταίωσον αυτό εις αιώνα αιώνος, καί πρόσδεξαι ημών, τάς εν αυτώ απαύστως προσαγομένας σοι δεήσεις, πρεσβείαις τής Θεοτόκου, η πάντων ζωή καί ανάστασις.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 4th Mode

The Church is shown to be a many-lighted heaven that doth shine a guiding light upon all them that do believe; wherein while standing we cry aloud: Do Thou Thyself now establish this house, O Lord.
Ουρανός πολύφωτος η Εκκλησία, ανεδείχθη άπαντας, φωταγωγούσα τούς πιστούς, εν ώ εστώτες κραυγάζομεν, Τούτον τόν οίκον, στερέωσον Κύριε.


Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Fourth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:1-12

On the first day of the week at early dawn, the women went to the tomb, taking spices, which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel; and as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how He told you, while He was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise." And they remembered His words and returning from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told this to the Apostles; but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home wondering at what had happened.

Fourth Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 24:1-12

Τῇ μιᾷ τῶν Σαββάτων, ὄρθρου βαθέος ἦλθον ἐπὶ τὸ μνῆμα, φέρουσαι ἃ ἡτοίμασαν ἀρώματα, καί τινες σὺν αὐταῖς. Εὗρον δὲ τὸν λίθον ἀποκεκυλισμένον ἀπὸ τοῦ μνημείου, καὶ εἰσελθοῦσαι οὐχ εὗρον τὸ σῶμα τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ. Καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ διαπορεῖσθαι αὐτὰς περὶ τούτου, καὶ Ἰδού, δύο ἄνδρες ἐπέστησαν αὐταῖς ἐν ἐσθήσεσιν ἀστραπτούσαις· ἐμφόβων δὲ γενομένων αὐτῶν καὶ κλινουσῶν τὰ πρόσωπον εἰς τὴν γῆν, εἶπον πρὸς αὐτάς· Τί ζητεῖτε τὸν ζῶντα μετὰ τῶν νεκρῶν; οὐκ ἔστιν ᾧδε, ἀλλ' ἠγέρθη. Μνήσθητε ὡς ἐλάλησεν ὑμῖν, ἔτι ὢν ἐν τῇ Γαλιλαίᾳ, λέγων, ὅτι δεῖ τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου παραδοθῆναι εἰς χεῖρας ἀνθρώπων ἁμαρτωλῶν, καὶ σταυρωθῆναι, καὶ τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἀναστῆναι. Καὶ ἐμνήσθησαν τῶν ῥημάτων αὐτοῦ, καὶ ὑποστρέψασαι ἀπὸ τοῦ μνημείου, ἀπήγγειλαν ταῦτα πάντα τοῖς ἕνδεκα καὶ πᾶσι τοῖς λοιποῖς. Ἦσαν δὲ ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ Μαρία καὶ Ἰωάννα καὶ Μαρία Ἰακώβου, καὶ αἱ λοιπαὶ σὺν αὐταῖς, αἳ ἔλεγον πρὸς τοὺς ἀποστόλους ταῦτα. Καὶ ἐφάνησαν ἐνώπιον αὐτῶν ὡσεὶ λῆρος τὰ ῥήματα αὐτῶν, καὶ ἠπίστουν αὐταῖς, ὁ δὲ Πέτρος ἀναστὰς ἔδραμεν ἐπὶ τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ παρακύψας βλέπει τὰ ὀθόνια κείμενα μόνα, καὶ ἀπῆλθε, πρὸς ἑαυτόν θαυμάζων τὸ γεγονός.


Epistle Reading

Sunday before Holy Cross
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 6:11-18

Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.

Sunday before Holy Cross
Πρὸς Γαλάτας 6:11-18

Ἀδελφοί, ἴδετε πηλίκοις ὑμῖν γράμμασιν ἔγραψα τῇ ἐμῇ χειρί. Ὅσοι θέλουσιν εὐπροσωπῆσαι ἐν σαρκί, οὗτοι ἀναγκάζουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι, μόνον ἵνα μὴ τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ Χριστοῦ διώκωνται. Οὐδὲ γὰρ οἱ περιτετμημένοι αὐτοὶ νόμον φυλάσσουσιν, ἀλλὰ θέλουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι, ἵνα ἐν τῇ ὑμετέρᾳ σαρκὶ καυχήσωνται. Ἐμοὶ δὲ μὴ γένοιτο καυχᾶσθαι εἰ μὴ ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ· διʼ οὗ ἐμοὶ κόσμος ἐσταύρωται, κἀγὼ τῷ κόσμῳ. Ἐν γὰρ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ οὔτε περιτομή τι ἰσχύει, οὔτε ἀκροβυστία, ἀλλὰ καινὴ κτίσις. Καὶ ὅσοι τῷ κανόνι τούτῳ στοιχήσουσιν, εἰρήνη ἐπʼ αὐτούς, καὶ ἔλεος, καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν Ἰσραὴλ τοῦ θεοῦ. Τοῦ λοιποῦ, κόπους μοι μηδεὶς παρεχέτω· ἐγὼ γὰρ τὰ στίγματα τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματί μου βαστάζω. Ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος ὑμῶν, ἀδελφοί. Ἀμήν.


Gospel Reading

Sunday before Holy Cross
The Reading is from John 3:13-17

The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him."

Sunday before Holy Cross
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 3:13-17

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· καὶ οὐδεὶς ἀναβέβηκεν εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν εἰ μὴ ὁ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καταβάς, ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ὁ ὤν ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ. καὶ καθὼς Μωϋσῆς ὕψωσε τὸν ὄφιν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, οὕτως ὑψωθῆναι δεῖ τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ' ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. Οὕτω γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν κόσμον, ὥστε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ τὸν μονογενῆ ἔδωκεν, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ' ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. οὐ γὰρ ἀπέστειλεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸν κόσμον ἵνα κρίνῃ τὸν κόσμον, ἀλλ' ἵνα σωθῇ ὁ κόσμος δι' αὐτοῦ.




Wisdom of the Fathers

Our Redeemer and Maker, Who was Son of God before the ages, became Son of Man at the end of ages. Thus the One Who, through the power of His divinity, had created us to enjoy the happiness of everlasting life, might Himself restore us, through the weakness of our humanity, to recover the life we had lost.
St. Bede the Venerable
Homilies on the Gospels, 2.18. 7th Century. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol: John 1-10. Intervarsity Press, 2006, p. 126.

For since Nicodemus had said, "We know that Thou art a teacher come from God," on this very point He sets him right, all but saying, "Think Me not a teacher in such manner as were the many of the prophets who were of earth, for I have come from heaven (but) now. None of the prophets hath ascended up thither, but I dwell there."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century



Important Updates From Our Ministries

Philoptochos (A Friend of the Poor) Ministry

Philoptochos Circle Logo

 ST NICHOLAS PHILOPTOCHOS

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. 

 

NAME:____________________________________________

 

ADDRESS:__________________________________________

 

PHONE: Home_____________________ Cell______________

 

EMAIL:___________________________________________

 

Payment:  Cash_____ or check ____   Amount $___________ ($25.00 minimum requested )

Mail check to:   St. Nicholas Philoptochos

                                 P.O. Box 2043

                                 Tarpon Springs, FL 34688


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.

 




Important Information



Master Calendar

  • Master Calendar

    September 13 to September 27, 2026

    Sunday, September 13

    7:45AM Orthros/Matins

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School following Holy Communion (First Class)

    Monday, September 14

    8:00AM Soup Kitchen Meal

    9:00AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    4:00PM Dance Practice

    Tuesday, September 15

    4:45PM Greek School (Youth)

    5:00PM Greek School (Adults) Beginner with K. Syriou

    7:00PM Boy Scouts

    7:00PM Basketball

    7:00PM Greek School (Adults) Level 2 With F. Aggelakopoulou

    Wednesday, September 16

    6:00PM Byzantine Choir

    Thursday, September 17

    4:30PM AdventHealth Fair

    4:45PM Greek School (Youth)

    5:00PM Greek School (Adults) Level 2 with K. Syriou

    6:30PM Choir Practice

    7:00PM Basketball

    7:00PM Greek School (Adults) New Testament Greek With F. Aggelakopoulou

    Saturday, September 19

    6:00PM Taverna Night

    Sunday, September 20

    7:45AM Orthros/Matins

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School following Holy Communion

    1:00PM GOYA Bowling! Location TBD!

    6:00PM YAL

    Monday, September 21

    8:00AM Soup Kitchen Meal

    4:00PM Dance Practice

    Tuesday, September 22

    4:45PM Greek School (Youth)

    5:00PM Greek School (Adults) Beginner with K. Syriou

    7:00PM Boy Scouts

    7:00PM Basketball

    7:00PM Greek School (Adults) Level 2 With F. Aggelakopoulou

    Wednesday, September 23

    6:00PM Byzantine Choir

    Thursday, September 24

    10:00AM Little Lambs

    4:45PM Greek School (Youth)

    5:00PM Greek School (Adults) Level 2 with K. Syriou

    6:00PM Dance Practice (Adults)

    6:30PM Choir Practice

    7:00PM Basketball

    7:00PM Greek School (Adults) New Testament Greek With F. Aggelakopoulou

    7:00PM PC Meeting

    Friday, September 25

    Boy Scouts Camping - Sandhill!

    Saturday, September 26

    9:00AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    7:00PM Discovering a Vibrant Faith

    Sunday, September 27

    7:45AM Orthros/Matins

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School following Holy Communion

    11:00AM Philoptochos General Meeting - Following Liturgy

  • Tampa Bay Regional Greek Orthodox Calendar

    'Error: no events returned during requested period.'




Diakonia Newsletter

BACK TO TOP