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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Publish Date: 2021-04-25
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

Wednesdays / Τετάρτη
6:00pm - Paraklesis to Theotokos / Παράκληση στη Θεοτόκο

Saturdays / Σάββατο
6:00pm - Great Vespers / Μέγας Εσπερινός


Past Bulletins


Dean's Message

Frathanasios-3

Time for a Pilgrimage

Today is Palm Sunday, the day the Church commemorates the Triumphant Entrance into Jerusalem of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ. Today marks the beginning of His final journey for our salvation. Today He begins His final pilgrimage to Golgotha.

The idea of pilgrimage is ancient as the first books of the Old Testament. Ever since God established His relationship with people, human beings have participated in spiritual pilgrimages. In the ancient world, people would travel days, even weeks, to a holy place to celebrate Holy Days. Jesus Himself, traveled more than once to Jerusalem as a pilgrimage, but when God makes a pilgrimage, WE are blessed instead of Him being blessings. Such was the case with His final pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

Holy Week has long been celebrated as a time of pilgrimage for Christians. One famous book that has been translated into English for our benefit, outlines The Pilgrimage of Egeria from the late Fourth Century. I had read this book in seminary, and then again last year in preparation for my trip to the Holy Lands. It is a blessing just to read her words as she experienced the blessing for traveling from holy site to holy site throughout the region, including a visit to the Tomb of Christ for Holy Week.

Thankfully, today we are not forced to travel thousands of miles to the Holy Lands, although that would be a blessing, to experience the same pilgrimage right here at home. The Church, following many of the ancient customs that Egeria witnessed more than 1700 years ago, gathers each night this week in pilgrimage to the Cross and Tomb of Christ. Every night, the Church will take one step closer in prayer and devotion to God, to experience His love and grace. Every night, the Church will pray as a family together for forgiveness from God and each other, to soften our hearts in love.

Holy Week will culminate in the commemoration of the Crucifixion and celebration of His glorious resurrection from the dead, but I invite you not to wait for the weekend to celebrate. This year it is time for pilgrimage to the Cross and Tomb of Christ, following His final days in prayer, reflection and repentance to open our hearts. This year it is time to dedicate the entire week to God. Make plans to come to Church EVERY night, not just Friday and Saturday. Make plans to join your fellow Orthodox Christians in a pilgrimage of faith and love.

When Christ took His final pilgrimage to Jerusalem, we were blessed. Imagine how much more our blessings will be if we join Him on His pilgrimage this year in the Church!

 

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Fr Theofanis

Frtheofani3g

Saturday of Lazarus

On this Saturday before Holy week, we remember the miracle of the resurrection of Lazarus.  When Lazarus was very ill, his sisters Martha and Mary sent word to Jesus, hoping that He would come quickly to heal His close friend, Lazarus. But Jesus waited two days before beginning His journey and then said to His disciples, “Let us go into Judea that I might awake My friend who sleepeth.” His disciples did not know that Lazarus had already passed away, and the waking of Lazarus would be his resurrection.  Four days after Lazarus’ death, Jesus asked Mary and Martha to move the stone from the tomb. Jesus looked up into heaven, prayed to His Father and then commanded Lazarus to rise and exit the tomb where he had been buried. When Lazarus came out, he was fully restored to life.

Christ says “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” Although we will experience bodily death, we will not experience spiritual death as long as we keep our faith.  This is what matters most. In Christ, we will always live.

Many people, including Martha and Mary, could not understand why Jesus delayed.  But Jesus tells us why.  He says, “This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”  It was so the people could witness the power and Glory of God.  Many of us today don’t understand why God does not solve all of our problems, or why sometimes God seems to delay answering our prayers.  It is exactly the same reason why Jesus delayed in helping Lazarus. Christ has always better plans for us.  Have faith by being patient with the struggles you are going through because God will answer. Keep praying and keep believing because He is there for you and He will show up at the right time and give you His hand during your most difficult time.  

Have a Blessed Holy Week

 

 

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Saints and Feasts

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April 25

Mark the Apostle and Evangelist

Mark was an idolater from Cyrene of Pentapolis, which is near Libya. Having come to the Faith of Christ through the Apostle Peter, he followed him to Rome. While there, at the prompting of Peter himself and at the request of the Christians living there, he wrote his Gospel in Greek, and it is second in order after Matthew's. Afterwards, travelling to Egypt, he preached the Gospel there and was the first to establish the Church in Alexandria. The idolaters, unable to bear his preaching, seized him, bound him with ropes, and dragged him through the streets until he, cut to pieces on rocks, gave up his soul. It is said that he completed his life in martyrdom about the year 68. He is depicted in holy icons with a lion next to him, one of the living creatures mentioned by Ezekiel (1:10), and a symbol of Christ's royal office, as Saint Irenaeus of Lyons writes.

If April 25 falls on or before Great and Holy Pascha, the Feast of St. Mark is translated to Bright Tuesday.


Palmsunday
April 25

Palm Sunday

On Sunday, five days before the Passover of the Law, the Lord came from Bethany to Jerusalem. Sending two of His disciples to bring Him a foal of an ass, He sat thereon and entered into the city. When the multitude there heard that Jesus was coming, they straightway took up the branches of palm trees in their hands, and went forth to meet Him. Others spread their garments on the ground, and yet others cut branches from the trees and strewed them in the way that Jesus was to pass; and all of them together, especially the children, went before and after Him, crying out: "Hosanna: Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel" (John 12:13). This is the radiant and glorious festival of our Lord's entry into Jerusalem that we celebrate today.

The branches of the palm trees symbolize Christ's victory over the devil and death. The word Hosanna means "Save, I pray," or "Save, now." The foal of an ass, and Jesus' sitting thereon, and the fact that this animal was untamed and considered unclean according to the Law, signified the former uncleanness and wildness of the nations, and their subjection thereafter to the holy Law of the Gospel.


Allsaint
April 26

Basil the Holy Martyr Bishop of Amasea

This Saint was Bishop of Amasia in Pontus, in the days of Licinius (reigned 308-324), fellow Emperor and brother-in-law of Saint Constantine the Great. Licinius' wife Constantia, sister of Saint Constantine, had as handmaid a virgin named Glaphyra. When it became known that Licinius had conceived a sinful desire for her. Constantia secretly sent Glaphyra away to the East. Coming to Amasia, she took refuge with Saint Basileus. When Licinius learned of this, he furiously commanded that both be brought before him. When the soldiers came for them, however, Saint Glaphyra had already departed to the Lord; she is also commemorated this day. Saint Basileus was taken alone to Nicomedia, where he was beheaded. His body was cast into the sea, but through divine revelation was found again and brought back to Amasia.


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Cathedral Listings

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

 

No Memorials until May 16

 

St. Nicholas Needs Volunteers for Holy Week!

We are looking for stewards, young and old, who are able to give of their time to volunteer during Holy Week which starts on Saturday of Lazarus, April 24 through Pascha on May 2, 2021.

Your time and talent is greatly appreciated as we all come together as a family to support St. Nicholas Cathedral.

Please contact Karen Koulias at kkouslp@gmail.com or 727-485-4397 for more information.

Thank you!

St. Nicholas Parish Council

 

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

                      

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 make arrangements.

Kollyva (μνημόσυνα) for memorials can be ordered through:

Antonia Korfias (727) 937-8785

Evangelia Stavropoulos (727) 937-5649

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

 40 Day Prayer List

Kalliope, Colleen,Kaysea, Rick, Dianne, Themelina, Mike, George, Anna, Theodore, Constantina, Maria, George, Georgia, Katherine, Dean, Katina, George, Demetra, Wendy, Maria, Kariaky, Dustin, Maria, Gerasimos, John, Valerie

 *To add a loved one to this list, or to keep one from being taken off after 40 days, please contact our Administrative  Assistant on Mondays by 5:00pm: denise@stnicholastarpon.org  (727) 937-3540 ext 102)

 

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 (727) 244-6842.

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.
 
 

Parish Council Pangari Rotation Schedule

 As of Saturday 04/03/2021, our new Saturday rotation begins. (See schedule below)

 As of Sunday, 04/04/2021, all PC members are on duty every Sunday through Sunday 04/18/2021, if not listed to work on the preceding Saturday.

  Weekend services on 4/24/21, Saturday of Lazarus & 4/25/21, Palm Sunday on PC Holy Week Schedule.

 As of Saturday 05/08/2021, our new Saturday rotation begins. (See schedule below)

As of Sunday, 05/09/2021, all PC members are on duty every Sunday through Sunday 05/30/2021, if not listed to work on the preceding Saturday.

Weekend services on 05/01/21, Holy Saturday & 05/02/21, Great and Holy Pascha on PC Holy Week Schedule

Saturday, 05/08/2021- Divine Liturgy, 9 am

John Stamas

Irene Karavokiros

Emmanuel Gombos

George Stamas

Saturday, 05/15/2021-Divine Liturgy, 9 am  

Anna Billiris

Karen Koulias

Irene Karavokiros

Rena Faklis

Michael Kouremetis

Saturday, 05/22/2021- Divine Liturgy, 9 am

John Stamas

Johnny Billiris

Irene Karavokiros

Tony Zaronias

Saturday, 05/29/2021- Divine Liturgy, 9 am

Anna Billiris

Costas Sisois

Irene Karavokiros

Solon Tsaoussis

 

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Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion for Palm Sunday in the 1st Mode

In confirming the common Resurrection, O Christ God, Thou didst raise up Lazarus from the dead before Thy Passion. Wherefore, we also, like the children, bearing the symbols of victory, cry to Thee, the Vanquisher of death: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.
Τὴν κοινὴν Ἀνάστασιν πρὸ τοῦ σοῦ Πάθους πιστούμενος, ἐκ νεκρῶν ἤγειρας τὸν Λάζαρον, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός· ὅθεν καὶ ἡμεῖς ὡς οἱ Παῖδες, τὰ τῆς νίκης σύμβολα φέροντες, σοὶ τῷ Νικητῇ τοῦ θανάτου βοῶμεν· Ὡσαννὰ ἐν τοῖς ὑψίστοις, εὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος, ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου.

Apolytikion for Palm Sunday in the 4th Mode

As by baptism we were buried with Thee, O Christ our God, so by Thy Resurrection we were deemed worthy of immortal life; and praising Thee, we cry: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.
Συνταφέντες σοι διὰ τοῦ Βαπτίσματος, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, τῆς ἀθανάτου ζωῆς ἠξιώθημεν τῇ Ἀναστάσει σου, καὶ ἀνυμνοῦντες κράζομεν· Ὡσαννὰ ἐν τοῖς ὑψίστοις, εὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος, ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal 2nd Mode

In Heaven, He is seated upon a Throne and on earth He rides upon a foal. O Christ our God, accept the praise of the Angels and the hymn of the Children who cry out to You, "Blessed are You who comes to recall Adam."
Τῷ θρόνῳ ἐν οὐρανῷ, τῷ πώλῳ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἐποχούμενος Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, τῶν Ἀγγέλων τὴν αἴνεσιν, καὶ τῶν Παίδων ἀνύμνησιν προσεδέξω βοώντων σοι· Εὐλογημένος εἶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος, τὸν Ἀδὰμ ἀνακαλέσασθαι.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Palm Sunday
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Philippians 4:4-9

BRETHREN, rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.

Palm Sunday
Πρὸς Φιλιππησίους 4:4-9

Ἀδελφοί, χαίρετε ἐν κυρίῳ πάντοτε· πάλιν ἐρῶ, χαίρετε. Τὸ ἐπιεικὲς ὑμῶν γνωσθήτω πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις. Ὁ κύριος ἐγγύς. Μηδὲν μεριμνᾶτε, ἀλλʼ ἐν παντὶ τῇ προσευχῇ καὶ τῇ δεήσει μετὰ εὐχαριστίας τὰ αἰτήματα ὑμῶν γνωριζέσθω πρὸς τὸν θεόν. Καὶ ἡ εἰρήνη τοῦ θεοῦ ἡ ὑπερέχουσα πάντα νοῦν, φρουρήσει τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν καὶ τὰ νοήματα ὑμῶν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ. Τὸ λοιπόν, ἀδελφοί, ὅσα ἐστὶν ἀληθῆ, ὅσα σεμνά, ὅσα δίκαια, ὅσα ἁγνά, ὅσα προσφιλῆ, ὅσα εὔφημα, εἴ τις ἀρετὴ καὶ εἴ τις ἔπαινος, ταῦτα λογίζεσθε. Ἃ καὶ ἐμάθετε καὶ παρελάβετε καὶ ἠκούσατε καὶ εἴδετε ἐν ἐμοί, ταῦτα πράσσετε· καὶ ὁ θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης ἔσται μεθʼ ὑμῶν.


Gospel Reading

Palm Sunday
The Reading is from John 12:1-18

Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazaros was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazaros was one of those at table with him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, "Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me."

When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazaros, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazaros also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" And Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it; as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!" His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazaros out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.

Palm Sunday
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 12:1-18

Πρὸ ἓξ ἡμερῶν τοῦ πάσχα ἦλθεν Ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἰς Βηθανίαν, ὅπου ἦν Λάζαρος ὁ τεθνηκώς, ὃν ἤγειρεν ἐκ νεκρῶν. ἐποίησαν οὖν αὐτῷ δεῖπνον ἐκεῖ, καὶ ἡ Μάρθα διηκόνει· ὁ δὲ Λάζαρος εἷς ἦν τῶν ἀνακειμένων σὺν αὐτῷ. ἡ οὖν Μαρία, λαβοῦσα λίτραν μύρου νάρδου πιστικῆς πολυτίμου, ἤλειψε τοὺς πόδας τοῦ ᾿Ιησοῦ καὶ ἐξέμαξε ταῖς θριξὶν αὐτῆς τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ· ἡ δὲ οἰκία ἐπληρώθη ἐκ τῆς ὀσμῆς τοῦ μύρου. λέγει οὖν εἷς ἐκ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ, ᾿Ιούδας Σίμωνος ᾿Ισκαριώτης, ὁ μέλλων αὐτὸν παραδιδόναι· διατί τοῦτο τὸ μύρον οὐκ ἐπράθη τριακοσίων δηναρίων καὶ ἐδόθη πτωχοῖς; εἶπε δὲ τοῦτο οὐχ ὅτι περὶ τῶν πτωχῶν ἔμελεν αὐτῷ, ἀλλ᾽ ὅτι κλέπτης ἦν, καὶ τὸ γλωσσόκομον εἶχε καὶ τὰ βαλλόμενα ἐβάσταζεν. εἶπεν οὖν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· ἄφες αὐτήν, εἰς τὴν ἡμέραν τοῦ ἐνταφιασμοῦ μου τετήρηκεν αὐτό. τοὺς πτωχοὺς γὰρ πάντοτε ἔχετε μεθ᾽ ἑαυτῶν, ἐμὲ δὲ οὐ πάντοτε ἔχετε.

῎Εγνω οὖν ὄχλος πολὺς ἐκ τῶν ᾿Ιουδαίων ὅτι ἐκεῖ ἐστι, καὶ ἦλθον οὐ διὰ τὸν ᾿Ιησοῦν μόνον, ἀλλ᾽ ἵνα καὶ τὸν Λάζαρον ἴδωσιν ὃν ἤγειρεν ἐκ νεκρῶν. ἐβουλεύσαντο δὲ οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς ἵνα καὶ τὸν Λάζαρον ἀποκτείνωσιν, ὅτι πολλοὶ δι᾽ αὐτὸν ὑπῆγον τῶν ᾿Ιουδαίων καὶ ἐπίστευον εἰς τὸν ᾿Ιησοῦν.

Τῇ ἐπαύριον ὄχλος πολὺς ὁ ἐλθὼν εἰς τὴν ἑορτήν, ἀκούσαντες ὅτι ἔρχεται ᾿Ιησοῦς εἰς ῾Ιεροσόλυμα, ἔλαβον τὰ βαΐα τῶν φοινίκων καὶ ἐξῆλθον εἰς ὑπάντησιν αὐτῷ, καὶ ἔκραζον· ὡσαννά, εὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου, ὁ βασιλεὺς τοῦ ᾿Ισραήλ. εὑρὼν δὲ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ὀνάριον ἐκάθισεν ἐπ᾽ αὐτό, καθώς ἐστι γεγραμμένον· μὴ φοβοῦ, θύγατερ Σιών· ἰδοὺ ὁ βασιλεύς σου ἔρχεται καθήμενος ἐπὶ πῶλον ὄνου.

Ταῦτα δὲ οὐκ ἔγνωσαν οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ τὸ πρῶτον, ἀλλ᾽ ὅτε ἐδοξάσθη ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς, τότε ἐμνήσθησαν ὅτι ταῦτα ἦν ἐπ᾽ αὐτῷ γεγραμμένα, καὶ ταῦτα ἐποίησαν αὐτῷ. ᾿Εμαρτύρει οὖν ὁ ὄχλος ὁ ὢν μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ ὅτε τὸν Λάζαρον ἐφώνησεν ἐκ τοῦ μνημείου καὶ ἤγειρεν αὐτὸν ἐκ νεκρῶν. διὰ τοῦτο καὶ ὑπήντησεν αὐτῷ ὁ ὄχλος, ὅτι ἤκουσαν τοῦτο αὐτὸν πεποιηκέναι τὸ σημεῖον.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

But observe the wisdom of the Evangelist, how he is not ashamed to parade their former ignorance. That it was written they knew, that it was written of Him they knew not. For it would have offended them if He being a King were about to suffer such things, and be so betrayed.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 66 on John 12, 2. B#58, p.245., 4th Century

Besides, they could not at once have taken in the knowledge of the Kingdom of which He spake; for another Evangelist saith, that they thought the words were spoken of a kingdom of this world. (Matt. xx. 21.)
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 66 on John 12, 2. B#58, p.245., 4th Century

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Important Updates From Our Ministries

Stewardship Ministry

04/18/2021

What Stewardship Means to Me

Dr Michael Pikos is a member of the St Nicholas Cathedral Stewardship Committee 

When I think of the word stewardship in connection with our church, I think of this as being our ultimate calling as followers of Christ. We only have to look at Genesis 1:28 where God gave His first directive to Adam and Eve – that they have “dominion over every living thing that moves on earth”. And I am reminded that in reality God owns everything on earth including all that each of us own – Psalm 24:1 (“the earth is the Lord’s, and all it’s fullness. The world and those who dwell therein”)

 So if our Lord is the owner then I am not. Instead, I am His steward or manager. And that to me means being a steward of my time, talents, family, work, etc. I see this as both an awesome honor and responsibility for all aspects of my life. As a result, I feel most blessed to know that a true understanding of biblical stewardship has allowed me to have a spiritual base as to my perspective with regard to my family, my work, all relationships and especially with my church. It has given me the understanding to realize that a huge level of commitment is necessary with all of my relationships, especially that with our Lord. That said, I am most grateful for everything that I have including all of my material items.

 I had the good blessing of being raised in one household with both my parents and maternal grandparents for the first 10 years of my life in Campbell, Ohio. I watched my parents, grandparents and so many other parishioners who gave of their time and talents in building our church (Archangel Michael) and maintaining it. There was a true sense of stewardship among all of our parishioners. Whatever was needed was done, and with a strong sense of humility, servant mentality, and selfless attitude. This left a strong impression in my mind that has continued to this day. These folks were for the most part immigrants, just as was true for the founding of St. Nicholas.

 Indeed we have a rich heritage and I understand the importance of the word stewardship in every sense of the word. Only each of us can know what this means with respect to our church whether it’s giving of our talents, time and or money. Every one of us is going to give account to our Lord for our stewardship over our material resources. Everything the Lord entrusts in us is ultimately His and the highest and best use for it is to maximize its use for eternal glory.

 When I am at the awesome judgement seat and have to give an account of how I managed God’s resources (Matthew 25:21), I pray that He will say “well done good and faithful servant”.

  

What Stewardship Means to Me

Patty Pappas Tsaoussis is a member of the Philoptochos Board at St Nicholas

Stewardship to me means love.  Love of God, his church (people), ministries; the faith.  As a child, being a steward of the church meant being a "member".  What did a "member" mean to a young child, you ask?  My Mother was not Orthodox in faith before she met my father, but converted when she married.  It took time for my mother to embrace the faith but it took longer for many parishioners to embrace the "xeni" or foreigner.  I always seem to remember my Dad saying, ''we have to pay our stewardship first.''  For whatever reason the memory I have, or really felt,  was did we belong?.  Did I really belong?

As I have grown older and somewhat wiser, Stewardship means so much more.  Do I make the effort to make everyone feel like they belong?.   Being a good steward is leading by example, guiding those they may need help whether spiritually, financially, emotionally, etc.   As Stewards of the church, it is not just financially supporting our "home" but supporting those that dwell in it. It means embracing all the church has to offer and what we can provide her in return with our time and talents.  Just like in our individual homes, we must nurture our spiritual home as she nurtures us.  What we put in, we reap the rewards in multitudes.

Over the years I have personally been involved in Feeding the Hungry, involved with the Philoptochos (Friends of the Poor) both on a local level and through the Metropolis of Chicago Board.  Did you know that Philoptochos is the largest Christian Women's Charitable Organization in the country with 27,000+ members?  It's mission is 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.  
  • To promote the charitable, benevolent, and philanthropic purposes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, through instructional programs, presentations, lectures etc.
  • To preserve and perpetuate Orthodox Christian concepts and the Orthodox Christian Family, and through them, to promote the Faith and traditions, with its doctrines, canons, discipline, divine worship and customs.

Our church has so much to offer us. What are we individually and collectively as a community, willing to offer our Church in return, with Faith, Hope and Love?.  It takes a village. 

What Stewardship Means to Me

Lexa Shontz is a steward of St Nicholas

When I was young, I didn’t know what stewardship was.  I thought you paid your dues and were a member of the church.  The church was there more to serve me, rather than me serve the church.    But being a steward is so much more than that…it is a way of life in which God is at the center, recognizing that everything we have comes from Him above.  As a steward, I have the opportunity to give back what God first gave me, and it extends beyond my treasure to encompass my talent and my time.  None of which I would have if not for the grace of God.  

Practicing stewardship has helped me grow in my Orthodox faith.  It is not only a reminder of gratitude for all the blessings God has given me in my life, but it keeps me grounded in the knowledge that my purpose on earth is to grow more in His image.  Christ came into this world not to be served, but to serve.  If our goal as Orthodox Christians is to become more “Christ-like” then we too are called to serve.  We can do this by being good stewards, taking care of God’s house and each other.  And when we give of ourselves, whether it be treasure, time, or talent, it’s important to remember the spirit in which we give.  As 2 Corinthians 9:7 states:  “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”   

Even still, it is easy to get caught up in the temptations of our material world, wanting to store our treasures like the rich fool who stored his grain.  Before sharing that parable, Jesus said, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”  When I examine where I spend my money and my time, does it truly reflect the love that I say I have for God?  Not always.  And that is another blessing of stewardship—it calls us to tithe or give back to God so that we don’t let greed or selfishness become a stumbling block in our faith journey.   

During this Lenten Season, it is a perfect time to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice God made for us out of His infinite love.  He sent His Son for each and every one of us and through His glorious resurrection, He has destroyed death and given us the hope of eternal life with Him.  When considering the magnitude of God’s love, it seems natural that we would want to give back to Him.  And in this cheerful giving, we receive so  much more than we can imagine—a contentment and peace in knowing we are doing God’s will for our life. 

 

  “What does Stewardship mean to me?“

Part 1- Background, misconceptions, and what Stewardship is to me now.

Mr. Basil Moutsatsos is a steward of St Nicholas

I grew up in the Tarpon Springs community and like so many others I was an active member of the church. From altar boy, GOYA, Greek School, and volunteering, I knew I was a member of the church.  But when the word “Stewardship” came around, I admit I thought it was the same thing.  In fact, as the years have gone by, I never really understood what Stewardship really meant until recently. 

For a little background, I was the kind of person who was lumped in with my family when it came to being listed with the church, which continued as I went to college.  My parents paid my dues and kept me in good standing.  Eventually I needed something from the church when I was going to be a godfather, but I realized that I hadn’t been paid up to date on my dues with the church.  I was still active when I came home from college, came to church on holy days, and reveled in being a part of this community, but I was not a real member.  I paid my annual dues and started that tradition for my own life.  I was proud of myself for doing the right thing and I thought I was a good member of the church. 

Notice that I keep using words like “dues” and “member”, as though the church was a kind of social club.  Lately I have been coming to terms with the belief that I have been a “member” but not a true Steward of the church.  Stewardship to me means for each of us to take a responsibility to the church not as a member but as a way in having the church be a fundamental part of our lives.  The church is God’s house, but we as Stewards keep it for him as if it were our own.  Like with our own homes, we either do the upkeep ourselves or we need to pay to have something done.  To make sure we have money to pay for things we cannot do ourselves, we try to save money in case of emergencies.  When money is too tight in our lives, we look to do the work ourselves or get help from friends and we repay them some way we can help them.  For me, Stewardship works the same way, but to plan well as Stewards we need to make a specific commitment to the church to let everyone know what we are going to do for the church to help out. 

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“What does Stewardship mean to me?“

Part 2: Issues that come with change and a plan I am going to try to follow 

 Last week I discussed how Stewardship is different than being just a member and ended with a call for letting our community know what we are going to do for the church to help out.  This is where I always ran into a problem.  I personally did not want credit for any of my good work because I wanted the work to get done, or money donated for good cause, but I did not want to be boastful of what I did.  I gave for God because it was right, and that did not need credit for my own advancement.  With different kinds of donations, I can still see where this mentality can work, but with Stewardship what I am giving, in either money or volunteering, is not a donation. 

For me now, Stewardship is not a gift, but it is my part of being a family committing to take care of each other in our joined love for our faith, our church, and our community.  When it comes to volunteering, we all need to know what we are all doing so we don’t all show up to do the same one thing as we need 1000 things throughout the course of a year.  When it comes to making a commitment of money, it is not a donation, but a pledge told to the church specifically, so the Church Board and Clergy know what to expect for the year as a budget.  The church can plan to fix what is needed in a responsible way and not have to cry out for an emergency fix. 

So, what does someone pledge to the church?  I have started to think about how I pledge to take care of my own home and immediate family.  I used to pay rent and now a mortgage, and I am ashamed to admit that I never gave more to the church for my yearly monetary donation as I did in paying my rent/mortgage for one month of that year.  At times I just couldn’t, other times when I could afford to give more, I kept giving the same.  But I always saw it as a donation.  Now, I am starting to see it differently and by pledging to the church what I plan to do, I feel more connected to the church. I also don’t want to let the church down, so I am going to start slowly and build into a more connected life with the church by trying to be a good Steward.  I still may not have it right, but I think I am on a better path.  It will take time and I know we are all here to help each other like a true community.

Mr. Basil Moutsatsos is a Steward of St Nicholas


St Nicholas Welcome Ministry

Are you ready to make a difference in our church this New Year?


Are you short of time, but big on wanting to serve God in a meaningful way?


Do you enjoy and care about people and are committed to your Orthodox faith?

Come and be part of the Welcome Ministry as a Greeter or an Usher. All you need is a few Sunday mornings a month, a ready smile and a servant’s heart.

If you would like to know more about volunteering at St Nicholas Cathedral please contact Lexa Shontz at lexashontz@gmail.com or cell (727) 418-4811.


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.

 


St Nicholas Sunday School Ministry

Join us on Zoom for a group lesson grades K-5 every Sunday at 11:30 am. Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Also, follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates and announcements.

     Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/99203823085

     Instagram: @stnicholassundayschool

     Facebook: @stnicholasgreekorthodoxsundayschool


Philoptochos (A Friend of the Poor) Ministry

Philoptochos Circle Logo

 

ST NICHOLAS PHILOPTOCHOS

 Hours of Operation
Mon: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Tues-Thurs: 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.


St Nicholas Community Center Event Hosting

St. Nicholas Community Center & Conference Hall's 18,000 sq. ft. commercial kitchens; full-service bar area; professional stage & audio/visual equipment; and comfortable seating all make it a perfect venue for hosting your next event. 

For booking information, or to arrange a venue tour, please visit our new venue website or call the Parish Offices at (727) 937-3540. 


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Parish Bulletin Board

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Master Calendar

  • St Nicholas Cathedral Master Calendar

    April 25 to May 10, 2021

    Sunday, April 25

    Palm Sunday

    8:00AM First Divine Liturgy

    11:00AM Second Divine Liturgy

    7:00PM Bridegroom Orthros/Matins

    Monday, April 26

    Holy Monday

    8:00AM Soup Kitchen Meal

    7:00PM Bridegroom Orthros/Matins

    Tuesday, April 27

    Holy Tuesday

    7:00PM Bridegroom Orthros/Matins

    Wednesday, April 28

    Holy Wednesday

    3:00PM Holy Unction

    7:00PM Bridegroom Orthros/Matins

    Thursday, April 29

    Holy Thursday

    8:00AM Vesperal Liturgy

    7:00PM Crucifixion Orthros/Matins

    Friday, April 30

    Office Closed

    Holy Friday

    8:00AM Royal Hours of Pascha

    3:00PM Vespers - Taking Down from the Cross

    7:00PM Orthros/Matins - Lamentations

    Saturday, May 1

    Holy Saturday

    7:00AM First Resurrection (First Liturgy)

    11:00AM First Resurrection (Second Liturgy)

    2:00PM Holy Saturday Trisagion

    11:30PM Resurrection Vigil

    Sunday, May 2

    12:00AM Resurrection of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ

    Great and Holy Pascha

    12:30AM Resurrection Orthros/Liturgy

    10:00AM AGAPE Vespers

    Monday, May 3

    Renewal Monday

    8:00AM Soup Kitchen Meal

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy IN NPR

    6:00PM Great Vespers IN PALM HARBOR

    Tuesday, May 4

    Renewal Tuesday: The Commemoration of Saints Raphael, Nicholas, Irene, and the Other Newly-revealed Martyrs of Lesbos

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy IN PALM HARBOR

    5:00PM Virtual Greek School

    7:00PM Preschool Board Meeting

    Wednesday, May 5

    Renewal Wednesday

    10:00AM Little Lambs

    7:00PM GOYA Night

    Thursday, May 6

    Renewal Thursday

    5:00PM Virtual Greek School

    6:30PM Choir Virtual Meeting

    Friday, May 7

    Renewal Friday: Theotokos of the Life-giving Spring

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy

    12:00PM Funeral: Michael Dimos

    7:00PM Council of Ministries

    Saturday, May 8

    Synaxis of the Holy Powder (or manna) which emitted from the tomb of Saint John the Theologian

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy

    Sunday, May 9

    Fr Theofanis on Call - 727-244-6842

    Thomas Sunday

    7:45AM Othros/Matins

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy

    Monday, May 10

    Simon the Zealot & Apostle

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