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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Publish Date: 2021-09-12
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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

6:00 pm Small Compline


Past Bulletins


Dean's Message

Frathanasios-3

Are you saved?

In the Orthodox Christian Tradition our answer to this popular question  is quite different from the Protestant Tradition. Many Protestants, especially those of the ‘Born Again’ tradition, can remember the exact date on which they submitted their life to Jesus Christ. Some can even remember what time is said on the clock when they raised their hands and said the ‘sinner’s prayer’ in Church. Why don’t we Orthodox Christians have this same tradition?

When it comes to ‘being saved’ the Orthodox Church teaches a different understanding of our relationship with God than other Christians. What makes the issue more complicated is that we often use the same terms, like saved, to discuss quite different concepts. So when an Orthodox Christian is asked the question, “Are you saved?” our answer should be, “I was saved, I am saved, and I am being saved.” We do not pinpoint our salvation to an exact moment in time as do many Protestants. For us, the concept is different.

Look at this morning’s Gospel as an example. It includes one of the most famous verses of the Holy Scriptures, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3.16 NKVJ) But the scriptures also says, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3.14-15 NKJV) This image from the Old Testament is given to us by God to recall His Promise which we learn about in the Old Testament.

When we Orthodox Christians speak about ‘being saved’ we are speaking not about a moment in time, but a relationship with Jesus Christ as promised many centuries ago. “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall be a guard for His heel.” (Genesis 3.15 SAAS) From the very moment our ancestors were deceived by the serpent, God made a promise to defeat the serpent. To save us from the serpent’s victory, God sent a Savior, Who is Christ. So the first part of “I WAS saved,” is an acknowledgment that God defeated the devil and death.

But the Scripture also says, “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3.18 NKJV) So the, “I AM saved and the I AM BEING saved,” is an acknowledgement that being saved from death isn’t the entire picture since we are all saved from death through the birth, death and resurrection of our Lord. But Jesus accomplished more than just defeating death. He united humanity to divinity in Himself. So long as we BELIEVE, being saved from death is not condemnation. But if we do not believe, then being saved from death leads to condemnation.

So are you saved? Ultimately the answer is an open question. Time will tell whether or not you really believe. Time will tell whether or not you look upon Christ Crucified (that is the image of Moses and serpent) and believe that He has come to unite you to Himself. You WILL BE saved over and over again, every day if you believe, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3.17 NKJV) 

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Fr Theofanis

Frtheofani3g

What Is Right?

In the Epistle reading this Sunday, Apostle Paul tells us that sometimes rules and laws are not as important as following the Lord and doing what is right. He explains how important it was during that time for Jewish men to be circumcised. It was the law and people went to extreme measures to make sure everyone followed that law.  If a man was not circumcised, it meant he was less faithful. Apostle Paul tells us how wrong this thinking was.

Of course it is good to have laws and traditions, but when they begin to force people to do things against their will, perhaps they aren’t for the best. Paul tells us that it is much more important to accept the Lord into your heart and to always do what is right.  The question then becomes: What is the right thing to do?  Is it right to always follow all laws and rules? What if they could cause harm to others? It is our duty as good and moral Christians, to examine a rule if it doesn’t feel right.  Unfortunately, history has witnessed way too many times where people followed the wrong person just because he was in charge.  Too many innocent lives have been lost “In the name of a God,” but in reality it was greed motivating them.

This week marks the 20 year anniversary of one of the worst days in our lives.  On September 11, 2001, we witnessed to what extreme people can go to when they lose sight of what is right.  There are many different religions in the world fighting over which is the truest, but most agree on the basic principle of doing no harm to others.  Sadly, different interpretations of God’s words can develop into extreme thoughts and people begin to lose sight of their true meaning.  Corrupt leaders can twist the words for their own selfish greed and power.  It is our duty as faithful Orthodox Christians to always follow God’s laws.  And whenever we are unsure of which path to take, we need to search deep within our hearts because God will always guide us in the right direction.

We must never forget the great loss the world suffered 20 years ago.  Let us pray for the thousands of people who lost their lives that day and for all the people who are still grieving their losses.  And let us pray for all the lost individuals who are struggling to find the right path to take.

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Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
September 12

Hieromartyr Cornatus, Bishop of Iconium


Allsaint
September 12

Agirus, the Hieromartyr of Cornoutus, Bishop of Iconium


Allsaint
September 12

Apodosis of the Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary


Exaltation
September 12

Sunday before Holy Cross


Allsaint
September 12

Autonomos the Martyr

This saint was a bishop in Italy. Fleeing from the persecution of Diocletian in 298, he came to Bithynia, where he went from place to place converting many from the idols to the true God. Because of this, one day as he was celebrating the Divine Liturgy in the Church of the Archangels, they who worshipped wood and stones fell upon him and beat him to death with staves and stones.


Allsaint
September 12

Daniel of Thassos


Allsaint
September 12

Julian the Martyr


Allsaint
September 12

Theodore the Hieromartyr of Alexandria


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Cathedral Listings

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

MEMORIALS 

 

Joseph Louis Pappas - 9 days

Kiriaki Loparnos - 3 months

Evangeline Rigas - 9 months

Michael Psilakis - 9 months

Irene Krouskos - 3 years

Alexander Bazos - 3 years

George Ziamparas - 5 years

 

 

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

Rita, Rita, Duchess, Wendy, Alexander, Nicholas, Svetlana, Panagiotis, Kalina

 

*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.
 
 

2021 St. Nicholas Parish Council Pangari Rotation Sunday Schedule September 5, 2021 – January 16, 2022


PC Teams for rotation begin Sunday, 9/05/2021 with Team 2 on Duty


*Both PC Teams on duty on Sunday evening Vespers, Dec. 5 and Monday, Dec. 6 for St. Nicholas Feastday services


September 12, 26; October 10, 24; November 7, 21; December 5, 19; January 2, 16


Team 1:
Anna Billiris
Nikitas Manias
Johnny Billiris
Themis Fountotos Tezza
Karen Koulias
Costas Sisois
Tony Zaronias


September 5, 19; October 3, 17, 31; November 14, 28; December 12, 26; January 9


Team 2:
John Stamas
Irene Karavokiros
Rena Faklis
Emmanuel Gombos
Michael Kouremetis
George Stamas
Solon Tsaoussi

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 3rd Mode

Let the heavens rejoice; let the earth be glad, for the Lord has shown the mighty power of His arm. He trampled down death by death and became the firstborn of the dead. From the depths of Hades, He delivered us and granted to the world great mercy.
Εὐφραινέσθω τὰ οὐράνια, ἀγαλλιάσθω τὰ ἐπίγεια, ὅτι ἐποίησε κράτος, ἐν βραχίονι αὐτοῦ, ὁ Κύριος, ἐπάτησε τῷ θανάτῳ τὸν θάνατον, πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν ἐγένετο, ἐκ κοιλίας ᾅδου ἐρρύσατο ἡμᾶς, καὶ παρέσχε τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Apolytikion for Apodosis of Nativity of the Theotokos in the 4th Mode

Thy Nativity, O Theotokos, hath procliamed joy to the whole world; for from thee hath dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, annulling the curse and bestowing the blessing, abolishing death and granting us life everlasting.
Η γέννησίς σου Θεοτόκε, χαράν εμήνυσε πάση τή οικουμένη, εκ σού γάρ ανέτειλεν ο ήλιος τής δικαιοσύνης, Χριστός ο Θεός ημών, καί λύσας τήν κατάραν, έδωκε τήν ευλογίαν, καί καταργήσας τόν θάνατον, εδωρήσατο ημίν ζωήν τήν αιώνιον.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 4th Mode

In your holy birth, Immaculate One, Joachim and Anna were rid of the shame of childlessness; Adam and Eve of the corruption of death. And so your people, free of the guilt of their sins, celebrate crying: "The barren one gives birth to the Theotokos, who nourishes our life."
Ιωακείμ καί Άννα όνειδισμού ατεκνίας, καί Αδάμ καί Εύα, εκ τής φθοράς τού θανάτου, ηλευθερώθησαν, Άχραντε, εν τή αγία γεννήσει σου, αυτήν εορτάζει καί ο λαός σου, ενοχής τών πταισμάτων, λυτρωθείς εν τώ κράζειν σοι, Η στείρα τίκτει τήν Θεοτόκον, καί τροφόν τής ζωής ημών.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

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.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

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

For not in heaven only is He, but everywhere, and He fills all things; but yet He speaks according to the infirmity of His hearer, desiring to lead him up little by little ... For after having spoken of the very great benefaction that had come to man by Baptism, He proceeds to mention another benefaction, which was the cause of this, and not inferior to it; namely, that by the Cross ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century

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Important Updates From Our Ministries

Philoptochos (A Friend of the Poor) Ministry

Philoptochos Circle Logo

 

ST NICHOLAS PHILOPTOCHOS

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


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. 

                                                                                                 3/27/2120

“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


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Master Calendar

  • St Nicholas Cathedral Master Calendar

    September 12 to September 27, 2021

    Sunday, September 12

    Fr Theofanis on Call - 727-244-6842

    Sunday before Holy Cross

    7:45AM Othros/Matins

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy

    5:00PM Damalos Viewing

    6:30PM Women's Book Club

    Monday, September 13

    Forefeast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross

    8:00AM Soup Kitchen Meal

    11:00AM Olga Damalos Funeral

    4:00PM Greek Folk Dance

    6:00PM Great Vespers

    Tuesday, September 14

    The Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross

    8:00AM Orthros/Matins

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy

    1:00PM Funeral: Freda Bateman

    4:30PM Greek School

    6:00PM Great Vespers

    Wednesday, September 15

    Nikitas the Great Martyr

    8:00AM Orthros/Matins

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy

    10:00AM Little Lambs

    6:00PM Paraklesis to the Theotokos

    7:00PM GOYA Night

    7:00PM Men’s Book Club

    Thursday, September 16

    Euphemia the Great Martyr

    9:30AM Women's Book Club

    12:00PM SPC Tarpon Campus Ministry

    4:30PM Greek School

    6:00PM Great Vespers

    7:00PM Parish Council

    7:00PM Choir Rehearsal

    Friday, September 17

    Sophia & her three daughters: Faith, Hope, and Love

    8:00AM Orthros/Matins

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy

    6:00PM Small Vespers

    Saturday, September 18

    Metropolis of Atlanta Virtual Clergy Laity

    Saturday after Holy Cross

    6:00PM Great Vespers

    Sunday, September 19

    Fr Athanasios on Call - 727-741-0139

    Sunday after Holy Cross

    7:45AM Othros/Matins

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy

    6:30PM Women's Book Club

    Monday, September 20

    Eustathius the Great Martyr, his wife and two children

    8:00AM Soup Kitchen Meal

    4:00PM Greek Folk Dance

    6:00PM Small Compline

    Tuesday, September 21

    Apodosis of the Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross

    4:30PM Greek School

    6:00PM Small Vespers

    7:00PM Bible Study on 1st Corinthians

    Wednesday, September 22

    Phocas the Martyr, Bishop of Sinope

    10:00AM Little Lambs

    6:00PM Paraklesis to the Theotokos

    7:00PM GOYA Night

    7:00PM Men’s Book Club

    Thursday, September 23

    The Conception of St. John the Baptist

    9:30AM Women's Book Club

    12:00PM SPC Tarpon Campus Ministry

    4:30PM Greek School

    6:00PM Small Vespers

    7:00PM Choir Rehearsal

    Friday, September 24

    The Commemoration of the Miracle of the Theotokos Myrtidiotissis in Kythyra

    6:00PM Small Vespers

    Saturday, September 25

    Euphrosyne of Alexandria

    6:00PM Great Vespers

    Sunday, September 26

    Fr Theofanis on Call - 727-244-6842

    The Falling Asleep of St. John the Evangelist and Theologian

    7:45AM Othros/Matins

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday school

    6:30PM Women's Book Club

    Monday, September 27

    Callistratus the Martyr & his 49 Companions

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Parish Bulletin Board

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