Dean's Message

You Want to Give More but Can’t Afford More

Today is the final installment in our Stewardship Series. I have invited you to dream about the future. I have shared with you why I think it is good to become a steward of the Cathedral. I have even shared with you ‘how much’ the Church teaches that we should give. I will wrap up our series by answering the question, “How can I give more to the Church if I have so many expenses?”

I meet people all the time who want to give more to the Church but life keeps getting more expensive every year. I would never ask someone to stop paying bills ‘just’ to give more money to the Church, but there is a way we can increase our giving.

First, we should plan to give often to the Church rather than waiting to send one big check. Saint Paul taught, “On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.” (Corinthians 16.2) It is easier to give $10 per week than to write a $500 check all at once.

Second, for those who desire to ‘tithe’ (10%) as the Church teaches, it can seem impossible for such an increase ‘overnight’ no matter how much we want to give. I often suggest coming up with a plan to increase giving every year until you reach the 10% goal. For example if you are currently giving 1%, increase to 2% this year and 3% the next, etc. After ten years you will have reached your goal. As the Greek saying goes, “Φασούλι με φασούλι γεμίζει το σακούλι” which means “Bean by bean the bag is full.” When we increase a little each year we reach our goal.

Here’s my Stewardship Challenge for our Saint Nicholas Cathedral Community. Become a Tithing Community in Ten Years. Calculate your stewardship contribution in 2024 as a percentage of your annual salary. Then ‘bump up’ one percentage each year for the next ten years. If we all commit to this challenge, our Saint Nicholas Cathedral Community will become everything we dream it could be, but it begins with us today. Here’s what that might look like.

2024 Salary - $45,000 (Average Tarpon Springs Annual Salary)

2024 Stewardship - $300 (<1%) = $5.77 per week (Average Stewardship Gift)

2025 Stewardship $450 (1%) = $8.65 per week

2026 Stewardship $900 (2%) = $17.30 per week

Fr. Athanasios C. Haros

Fr. Theofanis

As we prepare to gather around the Thanksgiving table, we’re reminded that this season is about more than food, family, or traditions. It’s a time to reflect on our blessings and, most importantly, to give glory to God. St. Paul’s message in Galatians 6:11–18 offers us guidance for how we can approach this season with hearts rooted in gratitude and faith.

In this passage, St. Paul emphasizes what truly matters in life: not outward appearances or worldly achievements, but the transformative power of the Cross of Christ. He writes, “God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” As we prepare for Thanksgiving, this verse challenges us to reflect on what we “boast” about. Is our pride rooted in temporary things …success, possessions, or recognition—or is it in the eternal gift of salvation through Christ?

Thanksgiving is a time when we often reflect on material blessings, but St. Paul reminds us that the greatest blessing is the new life we have in Christ. To live as a “new creation” means to let Christ transform our hearts, to live in love, humility, and service. When we gather at the table, let us remember that the foundation of our gratitude is not just what we have but who we are in Christ—redeemed, forgiven, and loved.

St. Paul also speaks of being “crucified to the world.” This doesn’t mean rejecting the joys of life, but rather putting worldly values into perspective. Instead of being consumed by comparisons, stress, or the desire to impress others, we’re called to focus on what truly matters: our relationships, our faith, and the peace that comes from God.

As we give thanks, let’s embrace the spirit of the Cross sacrifice and selflessness. This could mean extending forgiveness to someone at the table, offering kindness to a family member in need, or remembering those who are less fortunate by sharing our abundance.

Finally, St. Paul blesses those who live by this new way of life with peace and mercy. Let us pray for that same peace as we gather this Thanksgiving, boasting not in our earthly blessings but in the boundless love of Christ, who makes us new.

Amen.

+Papa Fanis

Axion Estin: Magnifying the Mother of God

Last Sunday, we discussed the hymn, “We praise you, we bless you,” which is a beautiful example of interpretative melody in the hymns of the Divine Liturgy. Remember, while the people are chanting this hymn, the clergy pray for the Holy Spirit to descend among us and mystically change the Bread and the Wine into the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. These prayers of the clergy are offered as spiritual worship on behalf of all the Christian people. They end with the remembrance of all those who have reposed in the faith: “forefathers, fathers, patriarchs, prophets, apostles, preachers, evangelists, martyrs, confessors, ascetics, and for every righteous spirit made perfect in faith, [and] especially for our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary.”

The Theotokos, or Panagia, has a very special place in our hearts as Orthodox Christians. She is our Mother because she is Christ’s Mother, and in our faith, we magnify her with awe and reverence for the role she has played in our salvation. Being that she gave birth to the God and Savior of mankind, the Church Fathers have decided to sing her praises in all of our services, appointing special hymns in her honor, such as the “Theotokia” and “Megalynaria.” One such hymn is called “It is Truly Right,” or in Greek, “Axion Estin.” The words of the hymn are as follows: “It is truly right to bless you, Theotokos, ever blessed, most pure, and Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, without corruption you gave birth to God the Logos. We magnify you, the true Theotokos.”

This is easily one of the most beloved and recognizable hymns of the Divine Liturgy, and depending on where you go, it is normal for the people to chant along, even with the more elaborate versions of “Axion Estin.” As with most of our liturgical hymns, there are various compositions by famous composers from throughout history, set to all eight modes of the Byzantine Octoechos. If you are attentive to this choir’s chanting of this hymn at our cathedral, you will notice an interpretative melody similar to that which we discussed last week. When we chant the words, “You who are more worthy than the Cherubim,” we begin a melodic ascent into the higher register, proceeding even higher with the phrase, “...and by far more glorious….”

The great composers of Byzantine Chant employ interpretative melody in this way to express the meanings in the text. In this way, our liturgical melodies are more than mere servants of the text - they are an indispensable companion to the words of our prayers, which elevate our souls and add layers of non-verbal meaning to our worship. It is also worth noting that, depending on the liturgical commemoration being celebrated, there are hymns appointed to be chanted in place of “Axion Estin,” which we may explore in later additions of this series. Chant along with us this Sunday as we magnify our Most-Holy Lady the Theotokos, who is more honorable and glorious than even the highest angels!

Philip Carallo,

St Nicholas Cathedral Protopsaltis

Saints and Feasts

November 24

13th Sunday of Luke

November 24

Our Holy Father Clement, Pope of Rome

Saint Clement was instructed in the Faith of Christ by the Apostle Peter. He became Bishop of Rome in the year 91, the third after the death of the Apostles. He died as a martyr about the year 100 during the reign of Trajan.

November 24

Peter, Archbishop of Alexandria

Saint Peter illustriously occupied the throne of Alexandria for twelve years, and, as Eusebius says, "was a divine example of a bishop on account of the excellence of his life and his study of the sacred Scriptures" (see Eusebius, Eccl. Hist., Book VII, 3 2; Book VIII 11, 13; and Book IX, 6). He excommunicated Arius for his sympathy with the Meletian schism. When Arius learned that Saint Peter had been imprisoned, he sent many priests and deacons to him, asking that he receive him back into the communion of the Church before his martyrdom. When the ambassadors of Arius, who had not, like Saint Peter, perceived the ruin he would engender, were astonished at the vehemence with which Saint Peter refused to receive Arius again, he revealed to them a dread vision he had seen, in which the Master Christ had appeared to him as a child wearing a garment torn from head to foot. When Saint Peter asked the Lord who rent His garment, the Lord answered that it was Arius, and that he must not be received back into communion. The holy hieromartyr Peter was beheaded during the reign of Maximinus in the year 312; he is called the "Seal of the Martyrs," because he was the last Bishop of Alexandria to suffer martyrdom under the pagan Emperors. His successors to the throne of Alexandria, Saints Alexander and Athanasius the Great, brought to final victory the battle against Arius' heresy which Saint Peter had begun.

Cathedral Listings

SATURDAY MEMORIALS

No Memorials

SUNDAY MEMORIALS

Lefkothea Xanthopoulos - 9 days
Kalliope Spanias - 26 years

SUNDAY COFFEE HOUR

40 Day Prayer List

Stella, Chrisovalantou, Giorgios, Irene, Kaliopi, Valanti, Frank

*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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If you attend St. Nicholas and need a Letter of Good Standing, scan the code!

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

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2024 St. Nicholas Parish Council Pangari Rotation Sunday Schedule

August 4, 2024 – January 26, 2025

PC Teams for rotation begins Sunday, 8/4/2024 with Team 2 on Duty

**Both PC Teams on duty for the Dormition of the Theotokos services
Great Vespers Wed. August 14 @ 6 pm
Orthros Thurs. August 15 @ 9 am; Divine Liturgy 10 am
Epiphany – Monday, January 6, 2025

Holiday church service times for Christmas, New Year’s and additional Epiphany services
will be posted closer to the holidays

August 11, 25; September 8, 22; October 6, 20; November 3, 17; December 1, 15, 29;
January 12, 26

Team 1:

Anna Billiris
Nomikos Christoforos
Dr. John Forcella, Jr.
Themis Fountotos Tezza
Efthimios Klimis
John Lulias1
Rosanne Pappas

August 4, 18; September 1, 15, 29; October 13, 27; November 10, 24; December 8, 22;
January 5, 19

Team 2:

Harry Andropoulos
Stratis Christakis
Rena Faklis
Emmanuel Gombos
Karen Koulias
Michael A. Samarkos
Tony Zaronias

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal 1st Mode

Let us the faithful give praise and worship to the Logos, coeternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation; for of His own goodwill he consented to ascend the cross in the flesh and endured death and raised the dead by His glorious resurrection.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον Πατρὶ καὶ Πνεύματι, τὸν ἐκ Παρθένου τεχθέντα εἰς σωτηρίαν ἡμῶν, ἀνυμνήσωμεν πιστοὶ καὶ προσκυνήσωμεν, ὅτι ηὐδόκησε σαρκί, ἀνελθεῖν ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ, καὶ θάνατον ὑπομεῖναι, καὶ ἐγεῖραι τοὺς τεθνεῶτας, ἐν τῇ ἐνδόξῳ Ἀναστάσει αὐτοῦ.

Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Entry of the Theotokos in the 4th Mode

Today is the prelude of God's good will and the heralding of the salvation of mankind. In the temple of God, the Virgin is presented openly, and she proclaimeth Christ unto all. To her, then, with a great voice let us cry aloud: Rejoice, O thou fulfilment of the Creator's dispensation.

Σήμερον τής ευδοκίας Θεού τό προοίμιον, καί τής τών ανθρώπων σωτηρίας η προκήρυξις, Εν Ναώ τού Θεού τρανώς η Παρθένος δείκνυται, καί τόν Χριστόν τοίς πάσι προκαταγγέλλεται, Αυτή καί ημείς μεγαλοφώνως βοήσωμεν, Χαίρε τής οικονομίας τού Κτίστου η εκπλήρωσις.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 4th Mode

Today, the most pure temple of the Savior, the precious bridal chamber and Virgin, the sacred treasure of God, enters the house of the Lord, bringing the grace of the Divine Spirit. The Angels of God praise her. She is the heavenly tabernacle.

Ο καθαρώτατος ναός τού Σωτήρος, η πολυτίμητος παστάς καί Παρθένος, τό Ιερόν θησαύρισμα τής δόξης τού Θεού, σήμερον εισάγεται, εν τώ οίκω Κυρίου, τήν χάριν συνεισάγουσα, τήν εν Πνευματι θείω, ήν ανυμνούσιν Άγγελοι Θεού, Αύτη υπάρχει σκηνή επουράνιος.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Eleventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:14-25

At that time, Jesus revealed himself to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. And he said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go." (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, "Follow me." Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!" The saying spread abroad among the brethren that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?" This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.

Eleventh Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 21:14-25

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἐφανέρωσεν ἑαυτὸν ὁ Ἰησοῦς τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ, ἐγερθεὶς ἐκ νεκρῶν, καὶ λέγει τῷ Σίμωνι Πέτρῳ· Σίμων Ἰωνᾶ, ἀγαπᾶς με πλέον τούτων; Λέγει αὐτῷ· Ναὶ Κύριε, σὺ οἶδας ὅτι φιλῶ σε. Λέγει αὐτῷ· Βόσκε τὰ ἀρνία μου. Λέγει αὐτῷ πάλιν δεύτερον· Σίμων Ἰωνᾶ ἀγαπᾶς με; Λέγει αὐτῷ· Ναί, Κύριε, σὺ οἶδας ὅτι φιλῶ σε. Λέγει αὐτῷ· Ποίμαινε τὰ πρόβατά μου. Λέγει αὐτῷ τὸ τρίτον· Σίμων Ἰωνᾶ, φιλεῖς με; ἐλυπήθη ὁ Πέτρος, ὅτι εἶπεν αὐτῷ τὸ τρίτον, φιλεῖς με; Καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· Κύριε, σὺ πάντα οἶδας, σὺ γινώσκεις ὅτι φιλῶ σε. Λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς. Βόσκε τὰ πρόβατά μου. Ἀμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω σοι, ὅτε ἦς νεώτερος, ἐζώννυες σεαυτόν, καὶ περιεπάτεις ὅπου ἤθελες, ὅταν δὲ γηράσῃς, ἐκτενεῖς τὰς χεῖράς σου, καὶ ἄλλος σε ζώσει, καὶ οἴσει ὅπου οὐ θέλεις. Τοῦτο δὲ εἶπε, σημαίνων ποίῳ θανάτῳ δοξάσει τὸν Θεόν. Καὶ τοῦτο εἰπών, λέγει αὐτῷ· Ἀκολούθει μοι. Ἐπιστραφεὶς δὲ ὁ Πέτρος βλέπει τὸν μαθητὴν ὃν ἠγάπα ὁ Ἰησοῦς, ἀκολουθοῦντα, ὃς καὶ ἀνέπεσεν ἐν τῷ δείπνῳ ἐπὶ τὸ στῆθος αὐτοῦ καὶ εἶπε· Κύριε, τίς ἐστιν ὁ παραδιδούς σε; τοῦτον ἰδὼν ὁ Πέτρος λέγει τῷ Ἰησοῦ· Κύριε, οὗτος δὲ τί; λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Ἐὰν αὐτὸν θέλω μένειν ἕως ἔρχομαι, τί πρὸς σέ; σύ μοι ἀκολούθει μοι. Ἐξῆλθεν οὖν ὁ λόγος οὗτος εἰς τοὺς ἀδελφούς. Ὃτι ὁ μαθητὴς ἐκεῖνος οὐκ ἀποθνῄσκει, καὶ οὐκ εἶπεν αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς, ὅτι οὐκ ἀποθνήσκει· ἀλλ' ἐὰν αὐτὸν θέλω μένειν ἕως ἔρχομαι, τί πρὸς σὲ; Οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ μαθητὴς ὁ μαρτυρῶν περὶ τούτων, καὶ γράψας ταῦτα, καὶ οἴδαμεν ὅτι ἀληθής ἐστιν ἡ μαρτυρία αὐτοῦ. Ἔστι δὲ καὶ ἄλλα πολλὰ ὅσα ἐποίησεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς, ἅτινα ἐὰν γράφηται καθ' ἕν, οὐδὲ αὐτὸν οἶμαι τὸν κόσμον χωρῆσαι τὰ γραφόμενα βιβλία. Ἀμήν.

Epistle Reading

22nd Sunday after Pentecost
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.

22nd Sunday after Pentecost
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

13th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 18:18-27

At that time, a ruler came to Jesus and asked him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.' " And he said, "All these I have observed from my youth." And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." But when he heard this he became sad, for he was very rich. Jesus looking at him said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For 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." Those who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?" But he said, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."

13th Sunday of Luke
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 18:18-27

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἄρχων λέγων· διδάσκαλε ἀγαθέ, τί ποιήσας ζωὴν αἰώνιον κληρονομήσω; εἶπε δὲ αὐτῷ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· τί με λέγεις ἀγαθόν; οὐδεὶς ἀγαθὸς εἰ μὴ εἷς ὁ Θεός. τὰς ἐντολὰς οἶδας· μὴ μοιχεύσῃς, μὴ φονεύσῃς, μὴ κλέψῃς, μὴ ψευδομαρτυρήσῃς, τίμα τὸν πατέρα σου καὶ τὴν μητέρα σου. ὁ δὲ εἶπε· ταῦτα πάντα ἐφυλαξάμην ἐκ νεότητός μου. ἀκούσας δὲ ταῦτα ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτῷ· ἔτι ἕν σοι λείπει· πάντα ὅσα ἔχεις πώλησον καὶ διάδος πτωχοῖς, καὶ ἕξεις θησαυρὸν ἐν οὐρανῷ, καὶ δεῦρο ἀκολούθει μοι. ὁ δὲ ἀκούσας ταῦτα περίλυπος ἐγένετο· ἦν γὰρ πλούσιος σφόδρα. ἰδὼν δὲ αὐτὸν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς περίλυπον γενόμενον εἶπε· πῶς δυσκόλως οἱ τὰ χρήματα ἔχοντες εἰσελεύσονται εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ! εὐκοπώτερον γάρ ἐστι κάμηλον διὰ τρυμαλιᾶς ῥαφίδος εἰσελθεῖν ἢ πλούσιον εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ εἰσελθεῖν. εἶπον δὲ οἱ ἀκούσαντες· καὶ τίς δύναται σωθῆναι; ὁ δὲ εἶπε· τὰ ἀδύνατα παρὰ ἀνθρώποις δυνατὰ παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ ἐστιν.

Wisdom of the Fathers

Spiritual delight is not enjoyment found in things that exists outside the soul.

St. Isaac of Syria

Unknown, 7th century

Love of money is the worship of idols, a daughter of unbelief, an excuse for infirmities, a foreboder of old age, a harbinger of drought, a herald of hunger.

St. John Climacus

The Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 16:2,7 and Step 17:1, 6th Century

Important Updates From Our Ministries

Philoptochos (A Friend of the Poor) Ministry

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:

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

Important Updates & Flyers

Important Flyers

Master Calendar

Master Calendar

November 18 to December 8, 2024

Monday, November 18

12:00AM Philoptochos Community Give Back

Sunday, November 24

7:45AM Orthros/Matins

9:00AM Divine Liturgy

11:30AM Choir Practice

6:00PM Great Vespers

Monday, November 25

8:00AM Soup Kitchen Meal

9:00AM Orthros/Matins

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, November 26

9:00AM Daily Orthros

9:30AM Thanksgiving Turkeys (Outside Community Center)

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

6:00PM Daily Vespers

7:00PM Boy Scouts

7:00PM Orthodoxy 201

Wednesday, November 27

9:00AM Daily Orthros

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

6:00PM Paraklesis to the Theotokos

7:00PM Byzantine Choir

Thursday, November 28

Office Closed

8:30AM Thanksgiving Dinner

9:00AM Daily Orthros

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

Friday, November 29

9:00AM Daily Orthros

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

4:00PM Open Confessions - No Appointment Needed

6:00PM Great Vespers

Saturday, November 30

9:00AM Orthros/Matins

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

6:00PM Great Vespers

Sunday, December 1

7:45AM Orthros/Matins

9:00AM Divine Liturgy

10:30AM Blessing of the Waters

10:30AM Sunday School following Holy Communion

11:00AM Parish Council Elections

12:00PM Brunch with the Dean

Monday, December 2

8:00AM Soup Kitchen Meal

9:00AM Daily Orthros

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

4:00PM Greek Folk Dance

Tuesday, December 3

9:00AM Daily Orthros

10:00AM Little Lambs - Fr Tryfon

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

7:00PM Boy Scouts

Wednesday, December 4

5:00PM HOPE/JOY

6:00PM Great Vespers

6:45PM Choir Practice

7:00PM Byzantine Choir

7:30PM YAL Basketball

Thursday, December 5

9:00AM Orthros/Matins

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

10:30AM Women's Book Club

6:00PM Great Vespers

7:00PM Learning Conversational Greek

Friday, December 6

Sno Place Tarpon

9:00AM Orthros/Matins

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

12:00PM St Nicholas luncheon

4:00PM Holy Confession Available NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED

Saturday, December 7

9:00AM Daily Orthros

10:00AM Shepherd Center food distribution

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

6:00PM Great Vespers

7:00PM St Nicholas Dinner Dance

Sunday, December 8

7:45AM Orthros/Matins

9:00AM Divine Liturgy

10:30AM Dance Ministry Bazaar

10:30AM Sunday School following Holy Communion

6:00PM Carols at the Cathedral
Tampa Bay Regional Greek Orthodox Calendar

November 29 to November 30, 2024

Friday, November 29

6:00PM Great Vespers in St. Andrew Chapel at St.George

Saturday, November 30

9:30AM Divine Liturgy St. Andrew

General Information

Contact Information

Services Schedule

Past Bulletins

Dean's Message

Fr. Theofanis

Axion Estin: Magnifying the Mother of God

Saints and Feasts

13th Sunday of Luke

Our Holy Father Clement, Pope of Rome

Peter, Archbishop of Alexandria

Cathedral Listings

40 Day Prayer List

A Prayer for Healing

Our Priests are Here for You

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal 1st Mode

Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Entry of the Theotokos in the 4th Mode

Seasonal Kontakion in the 4th Mode

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Epistle Reading

Gospel Reading

Wisdom of the Fathers

Important Updates From Our Ministries

Philoptochos (A Friend of the Poor) Ministry

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:

St Nicholas Kitchen

Important Updates & Flyers

Important Flyers

Master Calendar

Master Calendar

November 18 to December 8, 2024

Tampa Bay Regional Greek Orthodox Calendar

November 29 to November 30, 2024