St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Publish Date: 2026-10-04
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


His Eminence's Message

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

The key phrase from this week’s Gospel is so well known that many approach it as a clear piece of positive advice we can find in many other philosophies: “As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them” (Luke 6:31). We should remember though, that our Lord came to a world focused on revenge as justice. In both ancient pagan and Jewish law, an evildoer’s punishment was expected to match his crime, as in “…you shall give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe” (Exodus 2:23-25). Christ knew that He was challenging His hearers when He said the exact opposite, “Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who asks of you, and if anyone takes away what is yours, do not ask for it back again” (Luke 6:27-30).

Many have struggled with this kind of self-denial. This, however, is why His point is so strong: it is not in our sinful nature to love everyone equally—but it is in God’s nature, for, as we read in the First Epistle of John, “…God is love” (1 John 4:8). Christ understands that human relationships are about giving and taking, so that we can live in peace and enjoy life. However, Christ is not asking us to behave like other people. As He wisely observes, “…even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again” (Luke 6:32-34). We, who have become His disciples, are asked to do more than the rest of the world.

Instead, we are to, “Be merciful, even as your Father in Heaven is merciful” (Luke 6:36). The reward for the very real struggle is often mistakenly thought to be gaining entrance to Heaven. The struggle is part of the transformation on our journey to becoming both one with God in Heaven, & also like God.

My brothers and sisters, in our sinful world, it is only natural that the human mind cries out for order. However, as Orthodox Christians, we must remember that our focus is always to imitate and remain close to our Creator, who, in His infinite wisdom and tenderness “…is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish” (Luke 6:36). My hope and prayer is that we all continue to meditate on these things. However impossible and contrary they may seem, let never forget that “…with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

 +SEVASTIANOS

Metropolitan of Atlanta 

 



Saints and Feasts

October 04

2nd Sunday of Luke


October 04

Hierotheus, Bishop of Athens

According to some, Hierotheus, like Saint Dionysius, was a member of the court of Mars Hill. Having first been instructed in the Faith of Christ by Paul, he became Bishop of Athens. He, in turn, initiated the divine Dionysius more perfectly into the mysteries of Christ; the latter, on his part, elaborated more clearly and distinctly Hierotheus' concise and summary teachings concerning the Faith. He too was brought miraculously by the power of the Holy Spirit to be present at the Dormition of the Theotokos, when, together with the sacred Apostles, he became a leader of the divine hymnody. "He was wholly transported, wholly outside himself and was so deeply absorbed in communion with the sacred things he celebrated in hymnology, that to all who heard him and saw him and knew him, and yet knew him not, he seemed to be inspired of God, a divine hymnographer," as Dionysius says (On the Divine Names, 3:2). Having lived in a manner pleasing to God, he reposed in the Lord.


October 04

Domnina the Martyr and her daughters




Cathedral Listings

                                                             SUNDAY MEMORIALS
 
                                                          Offered In Loving Memory Of...                                            Kaliope Boulafentis - 40 days
Evangelia Haskopoulos - 1 year
John Haskopoulos - 7 years
Costa Pappas - 1 year
Vasiliki Prangikos - 10 years
 
                This Week's Coffee Hour Is Sponsored By St. Nicholas Choir     
 
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, Alexander, Evgenia, Mary, Stephanie, Valanti, Kaliopi, Niki, Claudine, Katerina, Valantou, Amalia, Alexandra, Erini, Andonis 

  *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.

 __________________________________________________________________

St. Nicholas Parish Council-Usher - Pangari Rotation Schedule
October 4, 2026-January 31, 2027


New PC/Usher Duty Rotation Schedule begins on Sunday, 10/4/26 with Team 1 on Duty.
Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Epiphany Schedules to be sent out later
Reminder: PC/Usher Duty Rotation Schedule allows everyone to sit in church with their
family on other Sundays.


October 4; November 1, 29; December 6*, 27; January 24

PC/Usher Team 1:
Michael A. Samarkos
Efthimios Klimis - Treasurer
Anna Billiris *(Helping at Pangari on other Sundays)
John Lulias
Kaytlin Kwapil **
Evangelia Sarantis. **


October 11; November 8; December 6*; January 3, 31
PC-UsherTeam 2:
Nomikos Christoforos
Rena Faklis - Treasurer
Emmanuel Gombos *(Helping at Pangari on other Sundays)
Rosanne Pappas
Harry Andropoulos
Karen “Kaliope” Koulias


October 18; November 15; December 6*, 13; January 10
PC/Usher Team 3:
Themis Fountotos Tezza
Efthimios Klimis - Treasurer
Tony Zaronias
Dr. John Forcella, Jr.
Elena Martin
Rhea Cutlip


October 25; November 22 ; December 6*, 20; January 17
PC/Usher Team 4
Irene Sissois Pantelis
Rena Faklis - Treasurer
Emmanuel Vestas
Andreas Hatzitheodorou
Kaytlin Kwapil **
Evangelia Sarantis **


** As new Usher Team members complete the Archdiocese PYS process, they will be added
to a PC/Usher Team, removing anyone from doing Pangari Duty more than once a month

 

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 1st Mode

Although the stone was sealed by the Jews, and the soldiers guarded Your most pure body, You arose on the third day, O Savior, giving life to the world. For this reason, the heavenly powers cried out to you, O Giver of Life: Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Your kingdom! Glory to Your dispensation, only Lover of Mankind!
Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος ὑπὸ τῶν Ἰουδαίων, καὶ στρατιωτῶν φυλασσόντων τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα, ἀνέστης τριήμερος Σωτήρ, δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τὴν ζωήν. Διὰ τοῦτο αἱ Δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν ἐβόων σοι Ζωοδότα· Δόξα τῇ ἀναστάσει σου Χριστέ, δόξα τῇ Βασιλείᾳ σου, δόξα τῇ οἰκονομίᾳ σου, μόνε Φιλάνθρωπε.

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.


Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Seventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:1-10

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him." Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying and the napkin, which had been on His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that He must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.

Seventh Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 20:1-10

Τῇ μιᾷ τῶν Σαββάτων Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ ἔρχεται πρωῒ σκοτίας ἔτι οὔσης, εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον· καὶ βλέπει τὸν λίθον ἠρμένον ἐκ τοῦ μνημείου. Τρέχει οὖν, καὶ ἔρχεται πρὸς Σίμωνα Πέτρον, καὶ πρὸς τὸν ἄλλον μαθητήν, ὃν ἐφίλει ὁ Ἰησοῦς, καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· ᾞραν τὸν Κύριον ἐκ τοῦ μνημείου, καὶ οὐκ οἴδαμεν ποῦ ἔθηκαν αὐτόν. Ἐξῆλθεν οὖν ὁ Πέτρος καὶ ὁ ἄλλος μαθητής, καὶ ἤρχοντο εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον. Ἔτρεχον δὲ οἱ δύο ὁμοῦ· καὶ ὁ ἄλλος μαθητὴς προέδραμε τάχιον τοῦ Πέτρου, καὶ ἦλθε πρῶτος εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ παρακύψας, βλέπει κείμενα τὰ ὀθόνια· οὐ μέντοι εἰσῆλθεν. Ἔρχεται οὖν Σίμων Πέτρος ἀκολουθῶν αὐτῷ, καὶ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ θεωρεῖ τὰ ὀθόνια κείμενα· καὶ τὸ σουδάριον, ὃ ἦν ἐπὶ τῆς κεφαλῆς αὐτοῦ, οὐ μετὰ τῶν ὀθονίων κείμενον, ἀλλὰ χωρὶς ἐντετυλιγμένον εἰς ἕνα τόπον. Τότε οὖν εἰσῆλθε καὶ ὁ ἄλλος μαθητὴς ὁ ἐλθὼν πρῶτος εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ εἶδε, καὶ ἐπίστευσεν. Οὐδέπω γὰρ ᾔδεισαν τὴν Γραφήν, ὅτι δεῖ αὐτὸν ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστῆναι. Ἀπῆλθον οὖν πάλιν πρὸς ἑαυτοὺς οἱ μαθηταί.


Epistle Reading

18th Sunday after Pentecost
The Reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 9:6-11

Brethren, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. As it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever." He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

18th Sunday after Pentecost
Πρὸς Κορινθίους β' 9:6-11

Ἀδελφοί, ὁ σπείρων φειδομένως, φειδομένως καὶ θερίσει· καὶ ὁ σπείρων ἐπʼ εὐλογίαις, ἐπʼ εὐλογίαις καὶ θερίσει. Ἕκαστος καθὼς προαιρεῖται τῇ καρδίᾳ· μὴ ἐκ λύπης ἢ ἐξ ἀνάγκης· ἱλαρὸν γὰρ δότην ἀγαπᾷ ὁ θεός. Δυνατὸς δὲ ὁ θεὸς πᾶσαν χάριν περισσεῦσαι εἰς ὑμᾶς, ἵνα ἐν παντὶ πάντοτε πᾶσαν αὐτάρκειαν ἔχοντες περισσεύητε εἰς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθόν· καθὼς γέγραπται, Ἐσκόρπισεν, ἔδωκεν τοῖς πένησιν· ἡ δικαιοσύνη αὐτοῦ μένει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα. Ὁ δὲ ἐπιχορηγῶν σπέρμα τῷ σπείροντι, καὶ ἄρτον εἰς βρῶσιν χορηγήσαι, καὶ πληθύναι τὸν σπόρον ὑμῶν, καὶ αὐξήσαι τὰ γενήματα τῆς δικαιοσύνης ὑμῶν· ἐν παντὶ πλουτιζόμενοι εἰς πᾶσαν ἁπλότητα, ἥτις κατεργάζεται διʼ ἡμῶν εὐχαριστίαν τῷ θεῷ.


Gospel Reading

2nd Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 6:31-36

The Lord said, "As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."

2nd Sunday of Luke
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 6:31-36

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· καθὼς θέλετε ἵνα ποιῶσιν ὑμῖν οἱ ἄνθρωποι, ποιεῖτε αὐτοῖς ὁμοίως. καὶ εἰ ἀγαπᾶτε τοὺς ἀγαπῶντας ὑμᾶς, ποία ὑμῖν χάρις ἐστί; καὶ γὰρ οἱ ἁμαρτωλοὶ τοὺς ἀγαπῶντας αὐτοὺς ἀγαπῶσι. καὶ ἐὰν ἀγαθοποιῆτε τοὺς ἀγαθοποιοῦντας ὑμᾶς, ποία ὑμῖν χάρις ἐστί; καὶ γὰρ οἱ ἁμαρτωλοὶ τὸ αὐτὸ ποιοῦσι. καὶ ἐὰν δανείζητε παρ᾿ ὧν ἐλπίζετε ἀπολαβεῖν, ποία ὑμῖν χάρις ἐστί; καὶ γὰρ ἁμαρτωλοὶ ἁμαρτωλοῖς δανείζουσιν ἵνα ἀπολάβωσι τὰ ἴσα. πλὴν ἀγαπᾶτε τοὺς ἐχθροὺς ὑμῶν καὶ ἀγαθοποιεῖτε καὶ δανείζετε μηδὲν ἀπελπίζοντες, καὶ ἔσται ὁ μισθὸς ὑμῶν πολύς, καὶ ἔσεσθε υἱοὶ ὑψίστου, ὅτι αὐτὸς χρηστός ἐστιν ἐπὶ τοὺς ἀχαρίστους καὶ πονηρούς. Γίνεσθε οὖν οἰκτίρμονες, καθὼς καὶ ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν οἰκτίρμων ἐστί.




Wisdom of the Fathers

There are three things that impel us towards what is holy: natural instincts, angelic powers and probity of intention. Natural instincts impel us when, for example, we do to others what we would wish them to do to us (cf. Luke 6:31), or when we see someone suffering deprivation or in need and naturally feel compassion. Angelic powers impel us when, being ourselves impelled to something worthwhile, we find we are providentially helped and guided. We are impelled by probity of intention when, discriminating between good and evil, we choose the good.
St. Maximos the Confessor
Second Century on Love no. 32, Philokalia Vol. 2 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg. 71, 7th century

Every work which does not have love as its beginning and root is nothing.
St. John Chrysostom
Unknown, 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

    October 4 to October 18, 2026

    Sunday, October 4

    7:45AM Orthros/Matins

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School following Holy Communion

    11:00AM Choir Luncheon

    1:00PM Altar Boy Retreat

    Monday, October 5

    8:00AM Soup Kitchen Meal

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy for Little Lambs

    4:00PM Dance Practice

    Tuesday, October 6

    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, October 7

    9:30AM Homeschool Co-Op Agiasmo

    10:00AM Homeschool Co-Op

    5:30PM HOPE & JOY

    6:00PM Byzantine Choir

    7:00PM Dance Board Meeting

    Thursday, October 8

    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

    Friday, October 9

    YAL Regional Conference

    9:00AM Philoptochos Annual Rummage Sale

    Saturday, October 10

    9:00AM Philoptochos Annual Rummage Sale

    9:00AM St. Nicholas Day Camp

    Sunday, October 11

    7:45AM Orthros/Matins

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School following Holy Communion

    1:00PM GOYA

    Monday, October 12

    8:00AM Soup Kitchen Meal

    4:00PM Dance Practice

    Tuesday, October 13

    10:00AM Trousas Baptism

    4:45PM Greek School (Youth)

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

    6:00PM Council of Ministries Meeting

    7:00PM Boy Scouts

    7:00PM Basketball

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

    Wednesday, October 14

    10:00AM Homeschool Co-Op

    6:00PM Byzantine Choir

    Thursday, October 15

    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 PC Meeting

    Friday, October 16

    Boy Scouts Camping - Borine Spook-a-ree!

    7:00AM Prayer Breakfast

    Sunday, October 18

    7:45AM Orthros/Matins

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School following Holy Communion

  • Tampa Bay Regional Greek Orthodox Calendar

    October 9 to October 9, 2026

    Friday, October 9

    YAL Regional Conference





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