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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Publish Date: 2021-12-19
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Treejesse
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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

Our Church. Our Spiritual Home (from Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America)

Home is safe and familiar. It is where we belong. Our Orthodox Christian Church is our spiritual home. It is a place of prayer, comfort, spiritual healing, and celebration. We are at home in the fragrance of incense, the sound of hymns and prayers, the physical touch of kneeling, bowing and making the sign of the cross, and the taste of Holy Communion and antidoron (the blessed bread). You may have been brought to the Orthodox Church on your 40th day, or the Orthodox Church may have been the destination of your spiritual journey. For both, the Church is a spiritual home to which we may always return. We are brothers and sisters in Christ – a family.

One Orthodox Christian author writes about the Ekklesia (the Church), “This Ekklesia exists when the dispersed, divided, self-preoccupied people unite and become a family, where people see one another as brothers and sisters with God as their common father, and try to share whatever they have and whatever they are, and be united in heart and soul” (P. Faros in Functional and Dysfunctional Christianity).

Our Church is so much more than a building.  It is where we turn for comfort, support and healing. It is where we make true Christian friends that last a lifetime. No matter where we go in the world, we can come home to the Orthodox Church to be surrounded by the same familiar elements: altar, iconostasion (icon screen), pulpit, altar table, tabernacle, iconography, baptismal font, candles and more.

Church is not so much a place as it is what we are together. We are called to be the Body of Christ to witness to God in the world. When we truly become members of the Church, transfigured by our faith and worship, we become what the Church was intended to be.  As Saint Paul writes to the Ephesians, “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19).

We enter our spiritual home not to be entertained, but to be a part of a community of believers. We receive Jesus Christ in Holy Communion. As we pray, worship and serve together, we become His Body. To be truly a member of the Church as Body of Christ requires our presence and our engagement with one another -- in worship, study and service to others. We grow spiritually as a family. We give sacrificially as we acknowledge that all we have comes from God.

From our spiritual home we are sent out as “phosphoroi” - bearers of His light in the modern world, setting an example by our mutual understanding and love. As we do so, we pray for each other, listen and learn from each other, disagree respectfully, restore civility, and find a common purpose.

In our spiritual home, we grow together as we share our spiritual life. We give sacrificially to support our local parish because when we give of our first fruits we set our priorities on God and have a constant reminder that all we are and all we have are His. We are stewards of the Gospel and the stewards of our parish. We see our church, not as it is, but as it could be. We offer our treasure and ourselves sacrificially, so that, as members of the Body of Christ, we may reach our full potential in Him.

 

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Fr Theofanis

Frtheofani3g

 Today’s Gospel reading is taken from the Beginning of the New Testament, from the first chapter of the Gospel according to St Matthew. This reading begins with a long list of names that give the family tree of Jesus on his human side. The reason we are told these names is because we need to know that Jesus is descendant from great men as well as sinners.  Christ’s family tree included both righteous and wicked people, faithful kings and murderers, Jews and gentiles, kings and peasants.  

Why is this important to know? Because He came from a family tree full of sinners, we can see that we have something in common with Him. We see sinners like ourselves.  There are people who even when blessed by God, had times of weakness like King David. It was from this imperfect family tree that the holiest person to walk the Earth came from.  He is not a Creator who separates Himself from us. His family tree is our family tree. He is one of us. 

God promised Abraham that, through his seed, meaning Abraham’s descendants, all nations of the world would be blessed. Jesus Christ was born to redeem mankind, to live a perfect life, and then to sacrifice his life for the sins of the world.  Christ teaches us how to live, how to love, how to repent, and how to have faith in order to achieve our own salvation and eternal life.  By following His teachings, we are given the opportunity to be a part of, and to continue the family tree of Jesus Christ.

We all may come from different families, but God sees one big family.   What can we do today, this week, this Christmas, to be a part of Christ’s family tree?  Let us follow in the footsteps of the Three Magi.  Let us give! Give everything you can, to those who need it. And I’m not talking about things and money.  Let us give love to someone who is lonely.  Let us give happiness to someone who is sad.  Go visit an old or sick neighbor and bring them some holiday cheer.  Let us give our time and help people who need it.  Maybe offer to drive someone to church, or the market, or the mall.  Find someone who is hungry and feed them.  Go outside and give a jacket to someone who is cold.  Ask forgiveness from someone you have hurt and give forgiveness to someone that has hurt you.  Let us try to invite more people to our holiday parties so people don’t spend Christmas alone.  And let us pray for all those around the world who need our prayers.  

This Christmas, let us be thankful for everything we have and let us share our blessings with others.  Through the sacrament of our baptism, God has given us the opportunity to be a part of his family.  Let us truly live by the teachings of Christ so we may continue His eternal family tree.  May God bless you all this coming feast of His Nativity. Merry Christmas!

 

 

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Saints and Feasts

Treejesse
December 19

Sunday before Nativity

On the Sunday that occurs on or immediately after the eighteenth of this month, we celebrate all those who from ages past have been well-pleasing to God, beginning from Adam even unto Joseph the Betrothed of the Most Holy Theotokos, according to genealogy, as the Evangelist Luke hath recorded historically (Luke 3:23-38); we also commemorate the Prophets and Prophetesses, and especially the Prophet Daniel and the Holy Three Children.


Allsaint
December 19

Martyrs Boniface, Probus, Ares, Timothy, Polyeuktos, Eutychios and Thessaloniki

This Saint, who lived during the reign of Diocletian, was the servant of a certain Roman woman of senatorial rank named Aglais. Mistress and servant lived together in an unlawful union, and Boniface was moreover given to drunkenness and riotous living. Nevertheless, he was generous to the poor, hospitable to strangers, and compassionate to those in misfortune. At last, Aglais, moved at hearing the accounts of the Martyrs, and believing in the power of their intercessions to obtain the mercy of God, sent Boniface to Tarsus to obtain relics of holy Martyrs. Before he departed, he asked her in jest, "And what if they bring back my body as holy relics?" He then set out with some of his fellow slaves for Cilicia, where the Saints were contesting in martyrdom. As he went among the Martyrs and encouraged them in their pains he was arrested by the ruler and confessed Christ with boldness, and suffered death as a martyr in the year 290. Thus what he had said in jest to his mistress was fulfilled when he himself was brought back to her as sacred relics by his fellow servants. Saint Aglais devoted the remainder, of her life to prayer and works of virtue, and reposed in sanctity. Saint Boniface is especially invoked for help against the passion of drinking.


Allsaint
December 19

Our Righteous Father Gregentius, Bishop of Ethiopia


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Cathedral Listings

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

MEMORIALS 

Stavroula Parisis - 9 months

Angelo Boudalis - 1 year

Artemis "Diane" Danzig - 5 years

Dimitrios Hatzileris - 5 years

 

 All ministries wishing to sign up and host the 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 make arrangements.

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.

40 Day Prayer List

Edwin, Tom, Maria, Nicholas, Alexa, Panayiota, Julia, Amelia, John, Nick, Yianni, John, Mary, Alexandra, Panayiotis

 

*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 Tsaoussis

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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 for Forefeast of the Nativity in the 4th Mode

Be thou ready, Bethlehem, Eden hath opened unto all. Ephratha, prepare thyself, for now, behold, the Tree of life hath blossomed forth in the cave from the Holy Virgin. Her womb hath proved a true spiritual Paradise, wherein the divine and saving Tree is found, and as we eat thereof we shall all live, and shall not die as did Adam. For Christ is born now to raise the image that had fallen aforetime.
Ετοιμάζου Βηθλεέμ, ήνοικται πάσιν η Εδέμ, Ευτρεπίζου Εφραθά, ότι τό ξύλον τής ζωής, εν τώ Σπηλαίω εξήνθησεν εκ τής Παρθένου, Παράδεισος καί γάρ, η εκείνης γαστήρ, εδείχθη νοητός, εν ώ τό θείον φυτόν, εξ ού φαγόντες ζήσομεν, ουχί δέ ως ο Αδάμ τεθνηξόμεθα, Χριστός γεννάται, τήν πρίν πεσούσαν, αναστήσων εικόνα.

Apolytikion for Sun. before Nativity in the 2nd Mode

Great are the achievements of faith! In the fountain of flame, as by the water of rest, the Three Holy Children rejoiced. And the Prophet Daniel proved a shepherd of lions as of sheep. By their prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls.
Μεγάλα τὰ τῆς πίστεως κατορθώματα! ἐν τῇ πηγὴ τῆς φλογός, ὡς ἐπὶ ὕδατος ἀναπαύσεως, οἱ ἅγιοι τρεῖς παϊδες ἠγάλλοντο, καὶ ὁ Προφήτης Δανιήλ, λεόντων ποιμήν, ὡς προβάτων ἐδείκνυτο, Ταὶς αὐτῶν ἱκεσίαις, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς.

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 3rd Mode

On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to * God the Word ineffably, * Who was before all the ages. * Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing * the gladsome tidings; * with the Angels and the shepherds now glorify Him * Who is willing to be gazed on * as a young Child Who * before the ages is God.
Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον, τὸν Προαιώνιον Λόγον, ἐν Σπηλαίῳ ἔρχεται, ἀποτεκεῖν ἀπορρήτως. Χόρευε ἡ οἰκουμένη ἀκουτισθεῖσα, δόξασον μετὰ Ἀγγέλων καὶ τῶν Ποιμένων, βουληθέντα ἐποφθῆναι, παιδίον νέον, τὸν πρὸ αἰώνων Θεόν.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Sunday before Nativity
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 11:9-10; 32-40

BRETHREN, by faith Abraham sojourned in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city which has foundation, whose builder and maker is God.

And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets - who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated - of whom the world was not worthy - wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Sunday before Nativity
Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 11:9-10, 32-40

Ἀδελφοί, πίστει παρῴκησεν Ἀβραὰμ εἰς τὴν γῆν τῆς ἐπαγγελίας ὡς ἀλλοτρίαν, ἐν σκηναῖς κατοικήσας μετὰ ᾿Ισαὰκ καὶ ᾿Ιακὼβ τῶν συγκληρονόμων τῆς ἐπαγγελίας τῆς αὐτῆς· ἐξεδέχετο γὰρ τὴν τοὺς θεμελίους ἔχουσαν πόλιν, ἧς τεχνίτης καὶ δημιουργὸς ὁ Θεός. Καὶ τί ἔτι λέγω; Ἐπιλείψει γάρ με διηγούμενον ὁ χρόνος περὶ Γεδεών, Βαράκ τε καὶ Σαμψὼν καὶ ᾿Ιεφθάε, Δαυΐδ τε καὶ Σαμουὴλ καὶ τῶν προφητῶν, οἳ διὰ πίστεως κατηγωνίσαντο βασιλείας, εἰργάσαντο δικαιοσύνην, ἐπέτυχον ἐπαγγελιῶν, ἔφραξαν στόματα λεόντων, ἔσβεσαν δύναμιν πυρός, ἔφυγον στόματα μαχαίρας, ἐνεδυναμώθησαν ἀπὸ ἀσθενείας, ἐγενήθησαν ἰσχυροὶ ἐν πολέμῳ, παρεμβολὰς ἔκλιναν ἀλλοτρίων· ἔλαβον γυναῖκες ἐξ ἀναστάσεως τοὺς νεκροὺς αὐτῶν· ἄλλοι δὲ ἐτυμπανίσθησαν, οὐ προσδεξάμενοι τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν, ἵνα κρείττονος ἀναστάσεως τύχωσιν· ἕτεροι δὲ ἐμπαιγμῶν καὶ μαστίγων πεῖραν ἔλαβον, ἔτι δὲ δεσμῶν καὶ φυλακῆς· ἐλιθάσθησαν, ἐπρίσθησαν, ἐπειράσθησαν, ἐν φόνῳ μαχαίρας ἀπέθανον, περιῆλθον ἐν μηλωταῖς, ἐν αἰγείοις δέρμασιν, ὑστερούμενοι, θλιβόμενοι, κακουχούμενοι, ὧν οὐκ ἦν ἄξιος ὁ κόσμος, ἐν ἐρημίαις πλανώμενοι καὶ ὄρεσι καὶ σπηλαίοις καὶ ταῖς ὀπαῖς τῆς γῆς. Καὶ οὗτοι πάντες μαρτυρηθέντες διὰ τῆς πίστεως οὐκ ἐκομίσαντο τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν, τοῦ Θεοῦ περὶ ἡμῶν κρεῖττόν τι προβλεψαμένου, ἵνα μὴ χωρὶς ἡμῶν τελειωθῶσι.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

The tribes of Judah and Levi were united by a fusion of their lines of descent, and that is why Matthew assigns Christ's family to the tribe of Judah. And the Apostle says, 'for our Lord has sprung out of Judah' (Heb. 7:14).
St. Ambrose of Milan
Seven Exegetical Works, 4th Century

Thus, from the tribe of Levi may be counted a heritage that is priestly and filled with holiness, while from the tribe of Judah - to which David and Solomon and the rest of the kings belonged - there shines forth the splendor of a royal descent. And so, by the testimony of the Scriptures, Christ is shown to be at once both king and priest.
St. Ambrose of Milan
Seven Exegetical Works, 4th Century

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Important Updates From Our Ministries

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.

 


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. 


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

    December 19, 2021 to January 3, 2022

    DECEMBER

    Sunday, December 19

    Fr Theofanis on Call - 727-244-6842

    Sunday before Nativity

    7:45AM Othros/Matins

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday school

    2:00PM Visitation: Ikonomou

    3:00PM Funeral: Ikonomou

    6:00PM Parish Christmas Party

    Monday, December 20

    Ignatius the God-Bearer, Bishop of Antioch

    8:00AM Soup Kitchen Meal

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy

    4:00PM Greek Folk Dance

    6:00PM Small Compline

    Tuesday, December 21

    Forefeast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy

    4:30PM Greek School

    6:00PM Daily Vespers

    Wednesday, December 22

    Forefeast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy

    6:00PM Paraklesis to the Theotokos

    7:00PM GOYA Night

    Thursday, December 23

    Forefeast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

    8:00AM Orthros/Matins

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy

    4:30PM Greek School

    6:00PM Daily Vespers

    7:00PM Epiphany Meeting

    Friday, December 24

    OFFICE CLOSED - Christmas Day

    Eve of the Nativity of Christ

    8:00AM Royal Hours of Christmas

    10:00AM Vesperal Liturgy

    6:00PM Orthros/Matins

    7:00PM Divine Liturgy

    Saturday, December 25

    The Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

    8:00AM Orthros/Matins

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy

    Sunday, December 26

    Fr Athanasios on Call - 727-741-0139

    Sunday after Nativity

    7:45AM Othros/Matins

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy

    Monday, December 27

    Winter Youth Rally

    Stephen, Archdeacon & First Martyr

    8:00AM Soup Kitchen Meal

    4:00PM Greek Folk Dance

    Tuesday, December 28

    20,000 Martyrs burned in Nicomedia

    Wednesday, December 29

    14,000 infants (Holy Innocents) slain by Herod in Bethlehem

    Thursday, December 30

    Anysia the Virgin-martyr of Thessaloniki

    7:00PM Choir Rehearsal

    Friday, December 31

    OFFICE CLOSED

    Apodosis of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

    9:00AM Kalymnian Society NYE DANCE

    6:00PM Great Vespers

    7:00PM Divine Liturgy

    8:00PM Cutting of the Vasilopita

    JANUARY

    Saturday, January 1

    Office Closed - New Years Day

    Circumcision of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

    Sunday, January 2

    Fr Theofanis on Call - 727-244-6842

    Sunday before Epiphany

    7:45AM Othros/Matins

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy

    6:00PM Choir Practice

    Monday, January 3

    Forefeast of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ

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Parish Bulletin Board

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