Philoxenia - Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

1
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church – Clearwater, Florida
Philoxenia
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Clearwater, Florida
September 2015 - Volume 2
The Nativity of the Most Holy Birth-Giver of God (The Theotokos)
The First Great Feast of the Orthodox Christian Ecclesiastical Year
September 8
Our
Orthodox
Christian Church
is indeed wise and
instructive. It recognizes the sanctity, beauty, and
glory of God’s creation and its due
appreciation and
reverence. In His Infinite Wisdom and
out of His Infinite Love, God created
all that exists, every living and animate thing, and even time and space.
Moreover, He did not just create and
consecrate it, He voluntarily became A
part of His creation, and furthermore,
He entered time and space to ordain,
guide, and direct it for His Divine Purpose--the reconciliation, consummation, and salvation of the world in Him
and through Him.
Out of reverence for His Divine Wisdom and of respect for His
Infinite Love, we treat His world and
each other with respect, honor, and
love, for this is His Will for us. To teach
us this in the most perfect way, however, He became Man, so that we may
see, hear, touch, and know Him--not
just intellectually--but really, experientially, which is real knowledge, not
mere speculation. This is why God
became real, incarnate, in the flesh,
for you and me. Theology may be the
“Queen of Philosophy,” but the Christian Philosophy is “The Philosophy”
for it is indeed real, not nebulous, or
amorphous, or mere theory.
Borrowing from the Latin
meaning of the word, the Incarnation
is the meat, flesh, or reality of Christian Dogma that cannot be denied by
the True Believer, for according to the
ancient Patristic Formula, that which
God does not assume, He does not redeem. God became Man to save man.
God became Man so man can become
God. As God created man the “Crown
of His Creation,” and as creation fell
through man, so God redeemed His
beloved creation through the “Crown
of His Creation,” by becoming completely and perfectly man in order to
completely and perfectly save man,
and through him, His creation. This is
Divine Reason, the eternal Logos, the
Second Person of the Holy Trinity Who
became Man.
Through the Love of the God
the Father and the Fellowship of the
Holy Spirit, the Son, out His Infinite
Grace, voluntarily emptied Himself of
All His Glory, and became Man. Such is
the nature of this Infinite, Ecstatic, and
Giving Love. It cannot sit back passively, far away, detached, cold, apathetic,
and aloof. Love bridges the gap, spans
the divide, overcomes all obstacles,
reconciles all divisions, and gives new
life. God is Love, and God has come
in the very real, historical Person, Emmanuel (“God with us”)--That is Jesus
Christ.
However, before Christ came
to save us, there had to be a preparation as part of the Divine Economy.
This preparation took place in time
and space, in this world, through our
human lineage. After the Fall of the
First Man and Fist Woman, Adam and
Eve, God prepared humanity through
this now fallen lineage to be redeemed
by a New Adam and New Eve--Namely,
Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. As
Adam fell through a Tree in Paradise
and its Gates were closed to us, so redemption would come through a New
Tree (the Cross of Christ), and the New
Adam would open the Gates of Paradise once closed through The Tree. As
Eve was born from the side of the Old
Adam as he slept, so the Church, the
New Bride of Christ, was born from His
Side on the Cross as He slept. As we fell,
through Adam because of the curse
on the tree, so we were redeemed by
the New Adam Who became for us the
Curse on the Tree (the Cross). Thus,
God’s Plan was to redeem us perfectly
and completely, and so He prepared for
the day of our salvation.
Since the Fall, man and creation
suffered from the breaking of fellowship with God. So that this suffering
should not last forever, God allowed
death to give us rest. Breaking from the
Infinite and Eternal, we became finite
and transitory. We became infertile and
barren. We became the dry bones. But
Wisdom built Her House on Seven Pillars. Through the lineage and promises
made to Noah, Abraham, Moses, David,
What’s Inside
Message from Fr Jim.......................1
Service Schedule.............................3
September Birthdays.......................5
Parish Ministries........................ 6-11
Activities Calendar........................ 12
Save the Date............................... 16
2
Philoxenia —September 2015- Volume 2
Solomon, and Ioachim and Anna, Wisdom prepared a New
Ark, and New Covenant, a New Deliverer, a New King, a New
Temple, and a New Eve.
As the infertility of Abraham and Sarah in the Old
Testament was overcome by God’s Love, and, through His
Love, life, hope, and a new beginning were granted to the
Old, so, too, the sterility of Ioachim and Anna was miraculously overcome and a new creation granted in the New. As
the stigma of infertility was overcome, the sting of death
was overcome. Whereas once the stain of shame mercilessly reigned; now glory would joyfully abide and thrive. Marginalization, alienation, and ostracism, were overcome by
the reconciliation, embracement, and welcoming of Love.
As prophesied, new life would be breathed into the
Old House of Israel. What was once sterile was now pregnant with infinite possibilities. Sinew, muscle, flesh, and skin
grew over and animated the “dry bones,” baked, bleached,
and made brittle by the unrelenting and merciless laws of
nature, now overcome by the Gift of God’s Grace. This new
life was foreshadowed and would be come true.
As Abraham offered his only son, Isaac, in gratitude
and faith for the gift of a child and a promise of immortality below, God delivered Isaac from death, and through this
faith of the Patriarch, we have the promise of the Deliverance from Death below and the Resurrection to eternal life
above, through the Only Begotten Son of the Father. Likewise, in the New Testament, recalling the infertility of Abraham and Sarah, the gift of the child Mary to Ioachim and
Anna, prefigured life from sterility, and immortality through
progeny below and eternal life as children of the Kingdom
above. Sterility, symbolizing the consequences of sin, corruption, decay, and death, and the once ineffaceable stain
of the curse, are now overcome. The Creator of the laws of
nature, Who is not limited by His own laws, works through,
beyond, and around His own laws, in order to overcome all
things for His beloved humanity.
All these events were prepared, therefore, down to
Ioachim and Anna. God overcomes their sterility and gives
them life in the child of the child Mary. This Nativity of Mary,
chosen to be the Mother of God, is the Feast we celebrate
on September 8th. This Great Feast proclaims the preparation for the salvation of the world. This Great Nativity announces the Womb that will be the New Ark, New Tabernacle, and New Living Temple of Holy Wisdom. Behold, as
Sacred Scripture proclaims: “Wisdom has built Her House.”
And unlike in the Old Testament, in the New Testament,
this House is not build by human hands for a specified location, limited time, or a certain people; but rather it is built
to hold the Eternal and Unlimited God Who will come for
all peoples, in all places, for all times. This is the universal,
transcendent, and eternal nature of Wisdom Which invites
all peoples to the bliss and fellowship of the Lamb of God at
the Heavenly Banquet. What was commemorated and honored in the Old, is given Life in the New, and immortality in
the Age inaugurated in and to come in Christ--The Consummation of the Ages and the Fulfillment of All.
The Ineffable beauty of it all is that this happens
through the Womb of pure and simple Maiden. Unlike the
First Eve, this New Eve will be obedient and humble, and
simply accept God’s Word without question, hesitation, reservation, or qualification. No bargaining or arguing, discord
or unnecessary noise occurred. She simply listened and
accepted the Word of God and God’s Will for her, and the
Word dwelt within Her Womb and dwelt amongst us. Thus,
this little child and her Womb were prepared for the salvation of the Universe. This little, humble, simple child would
become “The One Who is Wider than the Heavnens” for she
would one day contain in her Womb He created the Heavens. This little child would one day become, through Her
Son, the Queen of the Universe, for one day, through Her
Son, She would be assumed into Heaven and seated at the
Right Hand of the Ruler of All.
Moreover, through Her Son’s Words, as He suffered
on the Cross on behalf of humanity, She would become
the Mother of Humanity. Thus, due to Her unique relationship, that only a Mother can have with Her Son, and this
Divine Gift, we have a perpetual and fervent intercessor as
well as a Mother, and, therefore, no matter what, we will
always have a Mother, and we will never be abandoned or
orphaned, for through Her Son Who assumed all of our humanity, we will always have a Mother.
This was all prepared and ordained. Thus, the Great
Feast of the Nativity proclaims assurance, hope, promise,
resurrection and a new eternal beginning and life to a world
that is hurting, suffering, alienated, decaying, and moribund. This is why it is the first Great Feast of the Liturgical
Year to give us this momentum and joy to begin anew as we
being a new year. As the Greatest of the Saints, the Theotokos is commemorated first and last. We start with her birth
on September 8th and end the Liturgical Cycle with her Falling Asleep on August 15th.
So we end as we begin, closing the circle, emblematic of completion, perfection, and eternity from God’s created laws of geometry and time that He became a part of
to guide us for our instruction and our salvation in Him. Rejoice and be glad, for Wisdom has built Her House. Salvation
is assured; and God dwells amongst us, for He is our God,
and we are His People.
Yours in our Incarnate Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
Father Jim
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church – Clearwater, Florida
Liturgical Services for September
Sunday, September 6th- Sunday of Matthew
6 Σεπτεμβριου, Κυριακη- Κυριακη του Ματθαιου
Orthros (Matins)/Ορθρος 8:45 a.m.
Divine Liturgy/θεια Λειτουργια 10:00 a.m.
Ushers & Acolytes:
Team 2
Monday, September 7th-Forefeast of the Nativity of the Theotokos
7 Σεπτεμβριου, Δευτερα-Προεορτια Γεννησεως της Θεοτοκου
Great Vespers/Μεγα Εσπερινο
7:00 p.m. Chapel
Usher:
Michael Kastrenakes
Tuesday, September 8th-Nativity of the Theotokos
8 Σεπτεμβριου, Τριτη-Γενεθλιον της Θεοτοκου
Orthros (Matins)/Ορθρος 9:00 a.m.
Divine Liturgy/θεια Λειτουργια 10:00 a.m. Chapel
Ushers:
Dan Kaster & Sam Buclous
Sunday, September 13th-Sunday before Holy Cross
13 Σεπτεμβριου, Κυριακη-Προεορτια Υψωσεως
Orthros (Matins)/Ορθρος 8:45 a.m.
Chapel
10:00 a.m.
Divine Liturgy/θεια Λειτουργια 10:00 a.m.
Ushers & Acolytes:
Team 1
Great Vespers/Μεγα Εσπερινο
7:00 p.m.
at St. Nicholas in Tarpon Springs
Monday, September 14th-Exaltation of the Holy Cross
14 Σεπτεμβριου, Δευτερα-Η Υψωσις του Τιμιου Σταυρου
Orthros (Matins)/Ορθρος 9:00 a.m.
Divine Liturgy/θεια Λειτουργια 10:00 a.m. Chapel
Ushers:
Dan Kaster & Sam Buclous
Sunday, September 20th-Eustathios and Companions
20 Σεπτεμβριου, Κυριακη-Ευσταθιος και οι συν αυτω
Orthros (Matins)/Ορθρος 8:45 a.m.
Chapel
10:00 a.m.
Divine Liturgy/θεια Λειτουργια 10:00 a.m.
Ushers & Acolytes:
Team 2
Saturday, September 26th-Falling asleep of St. John the Theologian
26 Σεπτεμβριου, Σαββατο-Η Μεταστασις του Ιωαννου του Θεολογου
Divine Liturgy/θεια Λειτουργια 10:00 a.m. Chapel
Ushers & Acolytes:
Steve Tsetsekas
Sunday, September 27th-1st Sunday of Luke
27 Σεπτεμβριου, Κυριακη-1 Κυριακη του Λουκας
Orthros (Matins)/Ορθρος 8:45 a.m.
Chapel
10:00 a.m.
Divine Liturgy/θεια Λειτουργια 10:00 a.m.
Ushers & Acolytes:
Team 1
3
4
Philoxenia —September 2015- Volume 2
Feast of the Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross
In the twentieth year of his reign (326), the Emperor Constantine sent his
mother Saint Helen to Jerusalem to venerate the holy places and to find
the site of the Holy Sepulchre and of the Cross. Relying upon the oral tradition of the faithful, Saint Helen found the precious Cross together with
the crosses of the two thieves crucified with our Lord. However, Helen
had no way of determining which was the Cross of Christ.
With the healing of a dying woman who touched one of the crosses, Patriarch Macarius of Jerusalem identified the True Cross of Christ. Saint Helen
and her court venerated the Precious and Life-Giving Cross along with
many others who came to see this great instrument of Redemption.
The Patriarch mounted the ambo (pulpit) and lifted the Cross with both
hands so that all of the people gathered could see it. The crowd responded with “Lord have mercy”.
This became the occasion of the institution in all of the Churches of the
Exaltation of the Precious Cross, not only in memory of the event of the
finding of the Cross, but also to celebrate how an instrument of shame
was used to overcome death and bring salvation and eternal life.
CONSIDER THE CHURCH IN YOUR WILL:
There are many good and worthy charities, but have you ever considered
one where you will always be remembered, your children and grand children will
benefit, and your posterity will be assured? Consider remembering your Church in
your will. Your good deeds and generosity will live on forever. Thank you.
REMINDER FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:
In our on-going efforts to better serve and inform
you, we need your assistance. Please update our
Church Office with any changes in your e-mails,
phone numbers, addresses, or other pertinent
contact information. Also, please make us aware
of any additions to your family such as new births
or adoptions, so we may reflect this good news in
our data base for future schools, programs, and
ministries and, most of all pray, rejoice with you.
Thank you, and God bless you. Your Holy
Trinity family.
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church – Clearwater, Florida
September Birthdays
Happy Birthday and Chronia Polla to all of our Brothers and
Sisters in Christ who celebrate their birthdays during this month. We
wish them many, many years of health, happiness, and prosperity
in the Lord shared with all those whom they love, cherish and hold
dear. God bless you one and all.
Sophia Abril
Spyridon Alexandratos
Nicholas Andreopoulos
Steven Annas
Elizabeth Aretis
Mrs. Kathy Bakkalapulo
Kosmia Bassil
Sofia Baxivanakis
Christina Carassas
Stefanie Caros
Mrs. Julia Cherouvis
Christos Koulouvardis
Dr. Dean Koutroumanis
Anthony Koutroumanis
Efthemios Kratimenos
Mr. Lucas Krillies
Zhaklin Lappas
Mr. Michael Long
Mr. Peter Loukataris
Stella Makris
Mrs. Helen Maltezos
Mrs. Paula Mannossos
Ellen Pazos
Mrs. Mary Petikas
Evangelos Politis
Mrs. Harriet Provatas
Rev.Fr. James Rousakis
Presv. Vasiliki Rousakis
Mr. Spiro Sarantakos
Ana Selky
Kaylee Shinksy
Jaydon Slezak
Costa Spyridakos
Sophia Cilmi
Mr. Peter Drulias
Constantine Fotopoulos
Mrs. Carole Foundoulis
Elefteria Garos
Victoria Garos
Konstsntinos Grigoras
Demetrios Helidonas
Anna Hios
Andrew Holcombe
George Houvardas
James Hughes
Laura Kaye Jackson
Mr. John Kamkutis
Mr. Frank Karakostas
Mr. Sam Karamountzos
Mr. Elias Kolettis
Mr. Demetrios Kolovos
Vasiliki Koufogazos
Mrs. Antigone
Koulouvardis
Mr. Michael Mannossos
Presv. Katherine
Marcantoni
Mr. Andrew McAdams
Mrs. Georgia
Melandinos
Paulina Melissas
Katerina Meyers
Mrs. Anita Moshonas
Alyssa Mulder
Christos Mylonas
Mr. Christos Mylonas
Elizabeth Pallas
Mr. James Pallas
Mrs. Rosalie Pallas
Mrs. Sandra Papadakis
Mr. Michael
Papamichael
Kalliope Papas
Mrs. Irene Pappas
Mr. Sam Patterson
Mr. Alexander Stratigos
Logan Tickner
Andrea Tripodis
Nicole Tripodis
Mrs. Katherine Tsacrios
Elias Tsavoussis
Paul Tsavoussis
Mr. Christopher
Tsavoussis
Elianna Tuite
Miss Valerie Vasil
Yanni Vasiliadis
Mr. George Vricos
Maggie Vricos
Justin Wyatt
Ms. Dorothy Xanos
Mrs. Sia Zaharis
Emmanuel Zervos
5
Bible Study
“The Bread for Life”
“Two Wednesday evening Bible Studies to nourish
your soul and mind.”
Join us for good Christian fellowship and to grow and
prosper in the Knowledge that is our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ. We will study Sacred Scripture under the
transfiguring Light of Christ within the mind of the
Orthodox Christian Church. An earlier Bible Study is
now additionally offered to better serve you .
WHERE
Papadi Room
Wednesday 5:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Resumes September 23rd
The approach will be interdisciplinary, weaving
in history, philosophy, culture, and Sacred Tradition
to get the full picture, the complete context, and
a more mature understanding of God’s Word and
how it is central to worship and transformative and
empowering for our lives.
If you do not already have your Orthodox
Study Bibles, please contact our Bookstore for this
invaluable resource and spiritual investment that will
return infinite dividends for eternity.
If your name does not appear on this list in your birthday month then, we do
not have all the information we need in our system. Please contact the office to
update your profile
ORTHODOX RESOURCES ON THE INTERNET
www.goarch.org Award-winning website of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
goarch.org/chapel Visit this page for your daily bible readings, lives of the Saints, and other pertinent topics
and resources on the Greek Orthodox Faith. You can also download all of the daily Scriptural
readings and Saints of the day to your smartphone calendar, or, you can also sign up to have
the readings e-mailed to you every day.
atlanta.goarch.org Website of the Holy Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta.
www.ocn.org Holy Trinity is proud to be a sponsoring partner with Orthodox Christian News, so please
avail yourselves of this valuable resource.
Check out our new Facebook page! Facebook.com/HTClearwater
Check out our new website: www.htclearwater.com
Philoxenia —September 2015- Volume 2
6
Parish Ministries
Blood Drive
Blood Drive Donors...
Thank you to those who donated at our summer drive.
We made the summer minimum stated by OneBlood Services, thanks to you.
Currently, we are trying to coordinate with
OneBlood Services to allow for donors to credit
the Bank when donating around the time of our
drives and when not able to be at Holy Trinity.
Thanks again.
Look forward to seeing you all on Sunday the
27th of September.
Joanne Sackedis
Coordinator
Thank you for participating in the blood drive at
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church - AHEPA on
Sunday, July
NIKI COUMBIS
HALI DRIZIS
STEPHANIE GIALLOURAKIS
NICHOLAS HOUMIS
SUSAN KYPRIOTAKIS
GEORGIOS LAGOS
NIKOLAOS LEKKAS
FLORENTINA MIRICA
JOHN PANTELIS
JOANNE SACKEDIS
JEAN TSAGARIS
Little Angels
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church – Clearwater, Florida
clearwater
$3
admission
GREEK
FESTIVAL
October 9-11, 2015
Friday 11am-12 AM • Saturday 11am - 12 AM • Sunday Noon - 9 pM
AUTHENTIC GREEK FOOD • DELICIOUS PASTRIES • LIVE MUSIC
COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS • GREEK BEER AND WINE
CHURCH TOURS • GREEK DANCING • GREEK ARTIFACTS
SILENT AUCTION • WIN A NEW CAR! • ATM
KIDS’ GAMES • FREE PARKING • VISA / MASTERCARD
Sponsored By:
Info: 727-799-4605
[email protected]
www.htclearwater.com
409 S. Old Coachman Raod Clearwater, Fl
Scan this
QR code for
valuable coupons
during the fesival
7
Philoxenia —September 2015- Volume 2
8
GOD’S LITTLE CORNER
Many books and icons are available from the religious booth in the narthex of Matheos Hall. Several
new books have recently arrived and one, “Following
Egeria” by Father Lawrence R. Farley, is an interesting
read especially if you have been or always wanted to
go to the Holy Land. Egeria was a female monastic who
made a tour of the Holy Land between 381 and 384 AD.
In his travelogue, one feels present both in 381 and the
present day. In addition to this book, we have marked
down to $10.00 from $16.00 “Gladsome Rose; a bereaved mother’s journey into faith”.
While this book is especially helpful for those
who have lost a child, it is also helpful for anyone who
has lost a loved one. Come and see our many icons as
well. If we don’t have what you are looking for we can
probably order it for you.
Call Fran Mastorides at 727-443-0666 or Liz Haeussler
at 727-937-0777 for questions or to volunteer.
Community Prayer Corner
“Is any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone
cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you
sick? Let him call for the elders of the Church, and let
them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Name
of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick.
And the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed
sins, they will be forgiven him.”
--James 5: 13-15, From the Book of Saint James the Just
and Righteous and the Brother of the Lord:
If you would like your name submitted for inclusion in
our monthly bulletin for prayers, please contact Mrs Esther Tsikos at 727 736-3409 or e-mail [email protected]. before the 10th of each of month. We will
print first names only.
Thank you, and God bless you.
Mary Ann requests prayers. Involves surgery.
Chris,Evangelo, Sophia and Eleni
request prayers.
Philoptochos
Philoptochos News for September
SUNSHINE COMMITTEE:
this is a busy ministry of Philoptochos that sends Get
Well, Thinking of You, and Sympathy cards to our members and parishioners. If you know someone who could
use a note of cheer, please contact Despina Catsikopoulos
at 727-784-3318, or the Church office at (727)779-4605.
FOOD BANK:
dry goods and monetary donations will continue to be
collected on the last Sunday of every month. Thank you
to all those parishioners who support this worthy cause.
OUTREACH:
volunteers are needed for the visitation program. Regular monthly meetings will resume on September 3rd.
Please contact Georgia Mitsis at (727) 733-5158 for
more information or to volunteer.
COLLEGE NETWORK/NEW METROPOLIS INITIATIVE:
The threat of losing our young people when they go “off
to college” is a very big problem. The Metropolis Philoptochos has implemented a “College Ministry” committee to try to reach out to those young people. If you
are interested in chairing or helping with this ministry,
please contact Jeannie Demas at (727) 786-4929 for
more information.
SAVE THE DATES:
•
Potluck Dinner, Tues, Sept. 15, 2015, at 6:00pm
dinner & meeting. All existing & new members and
spouses are welcomed. Contact Despina Catsikopoulos
for more information at (727)784-3318.
•
Fanouropita, Sunday, Sept. 20th, 2015: please
support our Chapter as we join the others in the Metropolis of Atlanta in support of Metropolitan Alexios’
appeal. We will be baking Fanouropites and asking for
donations on Sunday, Sept. 20th. All proceeds will help
underwrite Metropolis youth activities such as HDF, Oratorical Festivals, the Orthodox Christian Fellowship, St.
Stephen’s Summer Camp, Winter Youth Rally and GOYA
& YAL activities as well as Acolyte retreats. Thank you in
advance for your support!
•
October 19, 2015 – General Meeting 6:00pm fellowship with Orthodox Men’s Club followed by 7:00pm
meeting
UPCOMING…..October is Breast Cancer Awareness
Month
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church – Clearwater, Florida
Daughters of Penelope
Join us for our chapter meeting and installation of officers on September 8th, 7pm at Matheos Hall. The
newly elected Grand President, Connie Pilallis from
our own District, will be our guest. Please come and
welcome her!!
Do you need a gift for someone special? We are happy to offer the book, A Guide to Greek Traditions and
Customs in America. This lovely book shares our
Hellenic and Orthodox heritage. Call Joanne Sackedis
727-785-2358
We are excited for the upcoming Festival. Stop by
our table to drop off those items you’ve saved for
us: tabs from cans, eyeglasses, Boxtops for Education, Soup labels, small toiletries, school supplies,
and plastic caps up to 4 inches.
For more information on our chapter, please email
us at [email protected] or call sister LeeAnn Lamby 727-785-5470.
9
Holy Trinity Hosts its fourth “Preparing for the
Journey of Marriage” for Metropolis of Atlanta
On Saturday, August 29th, Holy Trinity hosted a
one day workshop for couples preparing to marry
in the Orthodox Christian Church. This was the
fourth workshop/seminar hosted at Holy Trinity
in the past 3 years, and we are so blessed to have
three trained leaders from our parish. They are
Jeanette and Mitch Aydlette, who between them
have 5 Masters Degrees and many years of professional experience in education, counseling, and
the military, and Pete Caffentzis who has a Ph.D.
and a most impressive professional resume and
life experience. Most important of all, they are
faithful Orthodox Christians and fellow parishioners. We give thanks to them, and Father Gregory
Georgiou, of the Metropolis of Atlanta Family Life
Ministry, who has trained them and comes down
to lead, instruct, and guide our young couples.
We had an overwhelming turnout of young couples (over 50 people) who learned, grew, and
had fellowship together. We wish them all the
best, and pray fervently that God will guide them
and keep them as they begin their new journey
together.
Would You Like to Donate an Icon to Your Church?
Clearwater AHEPA and Daughters of Penelope
Award Holy Trinity Members with Scholarships.
If you would like to donate an Icon to the Church, please contact Father Jim. The price is a modest $100.00 per Icon, but as It
adorns Christ’s Church, the spiritual benefit to countless faithful worshippers over the many years will be infinite. Thank you
for consideration and help.
AHEPA Family,
The attached photo and information regarding our recent Scholarship Awards banquet at the Island Way Grill on Clearwater
Beach, was posted in today’s edition of the Tampa Bay Times.
Once again, congratulations to the nine (9) outstanding students who each received a $1000.00 scholarship, to help further
their education.
Fraternally,
Brother Gus Pantelides
President
Pinellas Chapter 356
Clearwater, FL
10
Philoxenia —September 2015- Volume 2
Confessions and Paraklesis with Father Christodoulos
Many Blessings Abide at Holy Trinity
MINISTRY MEETING DATES
We were very blessed to have Archimandrite
Father Christodoulos once again with us during the
Lenten Period for the Dormition of the Holy Mother
of God. During those 15 days in preparation for the
last Great Feast of the Orthodox Christian Ecclesiastical Year, Father Christodoulos heard our confessions
in our Saint Constantine and Helen Chapel and gave
us spiritual guidance with his talks and loving presence. Father Christodoulos and Father Jim chanted a
Paraklesis Service together, and Father Jim was most
grateful to Father Christodoulos for taking the time
from his busy schedule, as the Metropolis of Atlanta Preacher/Herald, to be with us during these holy
days.
Parish Council 6:30 p.m.
Third Monday of the Month Philoptochos
7:00 p.m.
Third Tuesday of the Month
P.T.O.
5:15 p.m.
First Monday of the Month
O.M.C. 7:00 p.m.
Third Tuesday of the Month
GOYA
After Liturgy
First Sunday of the Month
We pray that Father Christodoulos will continue to come to our community during the Lenten
Periods leading to Christmas, Pascha, and the Dormition. We are so blessed, and we give thanks to our
Spiritual Shepherd, Metropolitan Alexios, for sending
Father Christodoulos to us.
Choir
7:00 p.m.
Every Thursday
Bible Study
5:00 and 7:00 p.m.
Wednesdays
Sewing Group
10:00 a.m.
Second Wednesday
Leisure Timers
1:00 p.m.
First and Third Wednesdays
Outreach
6:00 p.m.
Fourth Wednesday AHEPA
7:00 p.m.
Second Tuesday
Hellas Dancers
6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Sunday and Tuesday
Altar Boys
After Liturgy
Second Sunday SAVE THE DATES
1 September, HOPE AND JOY EVENT
13 September, GREEK SCHOOL REGISTRATION
14 September, PTO MEETING
15 September, PHILOPTOCHOS POT LUCK
16 September, GREEK SCHOOL AGIASMOS
17 September, LECTURE ON HELLENIC GENOCIDE
20 September, PHILOPTOCHOS PHANOUROPITA
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church – Clearwater, Florida
11
"The Great Catastrophe: Forgotten Genocide Greek School Upcoming Events
- Preserving the Memory of the Anatolian and HOLY TRINITY GREEK SCHOOL OF
Pontian Greeks 1913-1923"
CLEARWATER,
2015-16 CALENDAR
After the Lausanne treaty and the forced expulsion of the remaining Greeks, Armenians, and
Assyrians from Asia Minor in 1923, Turkey continued its policy of Turkification, ignoring its
obligation to protect its citizens, and continues to deny its genocidal actions today. Sadly the saga
continues to this day with Turkey repeating its actions against the Christians and Kurds in northern
Syria and Iraq.
Presented by Mr. George Mavropoulos, Founder of
The Asia Minor and Pontos
Hellenic Research Center
www.hellenicresearchcenter.org
Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015
7:00pm
Holy Trinity Matheos Hall
409 Old Coachman Road
Clearwater, Florida 33765
COSPONSORED BY
PanHellenic Federation of Florida
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Clearwater
Archons of Tampa Bay
The Asia Minor and Pontos Hellenic Research Center (AMPHRC) is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. Its
mission is to research, preserve, and disseminate information concerning the Greek communities of
*Εορτασμός 28ης Οκτωβρίου
28 Οκτωβρίου 5:30pm
(Celebration of “OXI” Day)
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΑΠΟΓΕΥΜΑΤΙΚΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ «ΑΓΙΑ
ΤΡΙΑΣ»
ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΣΧΟΛΙΚΗΣ ΧΡΟΝΙΑΣ,
2015-2016
Greek School Class time will always be Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:00pm-6:30
pm;
Events below begin for parents/families at
the noted time.
1. **Registration Fair Sunday
Sunday, August 30, 2015
2. *First Day of Greek School
Αγιασμός
Wednesday, 16 Σεπτεμβρίου
5:15 μ.μ.
(Blessing of the Water) chapel
September 16, 2015 at
5:15 p.m.
3. *Open House
Monday, October 5, 2015
6:00 p.m. in classes
4. *Εορτασμός 28ης Οκτωβρίου
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015 in Chapel
(Celebration of “OXI” Day)
• GOYA Board
• Blood Drive
• Church Services
• Souvlaki
• Philoptochos
Phanouropita
• Church Services
• Church Services
Church School
Agiasmos
• Church Services
• Youth Events
• Church Events
• Adult Events
• Community Events
= Fish Allowed
= Strict Fast
= Wine/Oil Allowed
Legend
Sunday
27
20
13
6
Monday
• Parish Council
6:30 pm
• PTO
February 2014
28
21
14
• Philoptochos Pot
Luck 6:00 pm
7 • Dolmades
Tuesday
29
22
15
8
1
16
9
2
•Finikia baking
30
23
• Greek School Agiasmos 5:15 pm
• GOYA
• Leisure Timers
1:00 pm
• Pastitsio
• Dolmades
Sewing 10:00 am
• PMC 5:00 pm
• Leisure Timers
1:00 pm
Wednesday
3
17
10
24
• Religious Freedom
Lecture 7:00 pm
• Pastitsio
• Outreach Meeting
3:30 pm
Thursday
• Hope & Joy
Friday
25
18
11
4
• Souvlaki making
Saturday
September 2015 Community Calendar
26
19
12
5
12
Philoxenia —September 2015- Volume 2
Philoxenia
10
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church – Clearwater, Florida
RESTORE
YOUR
DISCOVER
BODY’
S
Commercial Brokerage • Management • Development • Consulting
Anthony
Saravanos, CCIM
• Flexible mortgage
Trifon
Houvardas
T
Director
D
THE THINNER,
NATURAL
HEALTHIER
& HAPPIER YOU
BALANCE
options, including low Principal
ce: 727-784-1007
down paymentOffi
loans
Cell: 727-643-8922
[email protected]
• Simply Free
Checking
13
B E S T O F TA M P A B AY
2 0 0 9, 2 0 1 0 , 2 0 1 2 , 2 0 1 3 & 2 0 1 4
Meet our Greek
speaking Directors
Locally Owned and Operated
August 2013 - Volume 2
“I understand the complex nature of obesity and hormones.
Christos Politis, M.D.
C
Director
D
That’s why my scientifically based programs are designed
• Mobile account
Florida’s
Only Authentic Greek Cemetery
to give the individual the best solutions for their specific
needs in order to achieve a healthy weight and a balanced
Commercial Real Estate Specialist
access
For Your Individual Needs
Our
special
Hellenic Cemetery ‘Morpheus’
about
our
•● Ask
Retail, Office, Industrial and Land Sales
is dedicated
to the
cultural & religious
Trendsetters
Clubtraditional
for
healthy way to age”
leasing for property owners
beliefs ●ofVacant
the space
Greek
heritage. These beautiful grounds
● Representation for professionals and business owners seeking
Saravanos
were blessed by Rev. Father James AAnthony
Rousakis
of
Director
D
to lease
new office, retail or industrial locations
727.394.2265
The Metropolis of Atlanta Vicar of Tampa Bay.
www.fi
● Buyerrsthomebank.com
representation for portfolio expansion, specializing in
1031 tax-deferred exchange and triple net lease properties
Premium
spaces & private family estates
are still available
- Dr. Lara
7 2 7- 4 4 6 - 3 0 2 1
BESTMEDICINEFORWEIGHTLOSS.COM
Board Certified in Obesity Medicine &
Advanced Certification in Bioidentical
1-800-WEIGHT-LOSS | BESTMEDICINEFORWEIGHTLOSS.COM
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Specialty Therapies Of fered: BHRT, HCG, Hypnosis
CLEARWATER
PALM HARBOR
ST. PETERSBURG
Anthony speaks Greek fluently and is conversational in Spanish
% μ+$% ( $!"+ ##$!"+ "&%%
$ #,&!
Florida’s Only Authentic Greek Cemetery
% !!"+ ##$!"+ "&%% %&' $!
Our special Hellenic Cemetery ‘Morpheus’
!&*μ$%
!' -&%!"', -%#!!!"' "!
is dedicated to the traditional cultural & religious
&"(!"'
--%!
!'
'These
##$!"'
"#&%$%μ!'.
beliefs of the Greek
heritage.
beautiful grounds
were
blessed
by
Rev.
Father
James
Rousakis
of %$
( +μ%& #+! (#% "$ -+
The Metropolis of Atlanta Vicar of Tampa Bay.
!!μ+% -& μ&!% %(" "!
Premium spaces
& private
family estates' #$'
&)!&!"+ -&%-%
'
&+-%#'
are still available
$ -&!%) %( +#-%( ' μ-.
Curlew Hills
% μ+$%
$!"+ ##$!"+
"&%%
$! "+μ
!(!μ%!
-$!%!
),&%!, !!*!"%
$ #,&!
"! %!"%$!"%.
% !!"+ ##$!"+ "&%% %&' $!
!&*μ$% !' -&%!"', -%#!!!"' "!
&"(!"' --%! !' ' ##$!"' "#&%$%μ!'.
( +μ%& #+! (#% "$ -+ %$
!!μ+% -& μ&!% %(" "!
&)!&!"+ -&%-% ' &+-%#' ' #$'
$ -&!%) %( +#-%( ' μ-.
$! "+μ ! !μ%! -$!%! ),&%!, !!*!"%
"! %!"%$!"%.
727.789.2000 • CurlewHills.com
PETER MAKRIS
Certified Public Accountant
J D CPA PA
JERRY MAKRIS
Certified Public Accountant
STELLA MAKRIS
Masters of Taxation
HELEN MAKRIS
Juris Doctor
2110 Drew St.
7 N. Pinellas Ave.
Clearwater, FL 33765
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
Tel: (727) 446-0000
Fax: (727) 442-0404
For all your Personal, Business,
Accounting, and Tax needs,
Financial Statements,
Corporate and Personal Tax Returns,
Monthly Bookkeeping, Computerized Payroll
Always Free Consultations.
P ro ud T o Se rv e O ur Co m m unity !
9
Philoxenia —September
2015- Volume 2
14
Philoxenia
August 2013 - Volume 2
Theodore P. Vlahos, M.D.
Certified, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Specializing in
 Auto Injuries
 Sports Injuries
 Slip/Trip & Fall
 Arthritis
 Work Injuries
NEW! Balance Testing & Pain Management Injections
MOST MAJOR INSURANCE ACCEPTED
Offering same & next day appointments
727.772.0819
CALL TO SCHEDULE TODAY!
Offices in Palm Harbor & Tampa
Florida’s Only Authentic
Greek Cemetery
OBJECTIVE ADVICE FROM TRUSTED ADVISORS
Anastasia
Anne Drake McMullen
Executive Vice President
Business Development
Curlew Hills
Our special Hellenic Cemetery ‘Morpheus’
is dedicated to the traditional cultural & religious
beliefs of the Greek heritage. These beautiful grounds
were blessed by Rev. Father James Rousakis of
The Metropolis of Atlanta Vicar of Tampa Bay.
Premium spaces & private family estates
are still available
727.789.2000 • CurlewHills.com
A trusted partner providing comprehensive
wealth management services to individuals,
families, endowments, and institutions
333 3rd Avenue North, Suite 300 • St. Petersburg, FL 33701
727-898-3063 • 800-932-8505
fax: 727-898-3073
www.doylewealth.com
Doyle Wealth Management’s services are best
suited for those with $500,000 or more to invest.
Philoxenia
6
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church – Clearwater, Florida
August 2013 - Volume 2
15
16
PETER MARKOS
WE SHOP, YOU SAVE.
Independent insurance agents
can quote multiple insurance
companies to make sure you
are getting a great rate.
Dr. Marni L. Mentis, D.O.
401 Corbett Street, Suite 310
Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: 727-474-0205
www.iconiqueplasticsurgery.com
Specializing in
Cosmetic Surgery
of the Face, Breast
and Body
And with great rates, excellent
claims service, and 24/7 policy
service, Progressive is an
easy choice.
Louis J. Michaelos, M.D.
John L. Michaelos, M.D.
(727)
To get exp585-2200
ert advice and a free
Corneal & Cataract Specialist
(727)
quote584-9239
today, stop infax
or call
TER MARKFL
OS.33770
1030 W Bay Drive •PELargo,
www.stmichaelseye.com
PETER MARKOS
Complimentary Consults
WE SHOP, YOU SAVE.
1 Corinthians
13 the
2-8
“When the angels went away from them
into heaven,
shepherds
one another,
ushave
go over
Bethlehem
“....if I have a faith
that cansaid
moveto mountains,
but“Let
do not
love,toI am
nothing.
and see
thispoor
thing
that
happened,
the that
LordI may
has
3 If I give all I possess
to the
and
givehas
over
my body towhich
hardship
made known to us.”And they went with haste and found
boast,[b]
but baby
do notlying
have in
love,
I gain nothing.
Mary and Joseph,
and the
a manger.
” Luke
2:15-16
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not
proud.
5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it
keeps no record of wrongs.
6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with thetruth.
May we all remember what this time is truly about.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, aways perseveres.
May you7all
have a Blessed and joyous New Year.
8 Love never fails...”
PETER MARKOS
WE SHOP, YOU SAVE.
Independent insurance agents
can quote multiple insurance
companies to make sure you
are getting a great rate.
Independent insurance agents
can quote multiple insurance
companies to make sure you
are getting a great rate.
PETEclaims
R Mservice,
ARKandO24/7
S policy
service, Progressive is an
And with great rates, excellent
claims service, and 24/7 policy
service, Progressive is an
easy choice.
727-qP7EuTo3EtRe8tMo-Ad0aRyK7,Os7Sto. p7in or call
To get expert advice and a free
quote today, stop in or call
PETER MARKOS.
The Drizis Family
And with great rates, excellent
1454 M
AIchoice.
N STREET
easy
DUNED
IN, FL 34698
To get expert advice and a free
[email protected]
Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates, Mayfield Village, OH. 11P00927.BQ (08/12)
PETER MARKOS
1454 MAIN STREET
DUNEDIN, FL 34698
PETER MARKOS
1454 MAIN STREET
DUNEDIN, FL 34698
727-738-0777
Vicki’s Wedding &
Christening Necessities
727-738-0777
[email protected]
BLUE TELENDOS, LLC
Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates, Mayfield Village, OH. 11P00927.BQ (08/12)
[email protected]
John C. Tsacrios, Pres.
Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates, Mayfield Village, OH. 11P00927.BQ (08/12)
Private Banquet Room Available
Baptism & Wedding Receptions, Dances,
Anniversaries, Memorial Dinners
1230 CLEVELAND ST • 727-447-7800
(727) 797-8223
www.vickisfavors.com
727.741.9710
1749
Thomas Dr, Clearwater
ΕΙΔΗ ΓΑΜΟΥ & ΒΑΠΤΙΣΗΣ
DR. JOHN SAVIDAKIS, JR.
Podiatry & Wound Care; Diabetic Foot Care
Complete Foot & Ankle Care; Wound Specialist
(727) 796-1490
www.drjohnpodiatry.com
2701 Park Drive & S.R. 580
(West of Countryside Mall / US 19)
Clearwater, FL 33763
Philoxenia —September 2015- Volume 2
16
Save the Date
Events for October
10/03 St Stefanos Volleyball Tournament
10/04-10/08 Festival Setup
10/09-10/11 Festival
10/23-1025 Post Marriage
Conference
10/27 Constantinople
Lecture
10/30 Fall Festival
Contact Us
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
409 South Old Coachman Road
Clearwater, FL 33765
Clergy
Website: www.htclearwater.com
Email: [email protected]
Church Office: 727-799-4605
Fax: 727-799-9173
Administrative
Proistamenos
Rev. Fr. James T. Paris, Protopresbyter
[email protected]
Assistant Priest
Rev. Fr. Michael Marcantoni
[email protected]
2015 Parish Council
President: Mike Kastrenakes
Vice President: Michael Boutzoukas
Second Vice President: John Pantelis
Treasurer: Steve Tsetsekas
Assistant Treasurer: Trifon Houvardas
Comptroller: George Mantzaris
Secretary: Anne Drake McMullen
Parish Executive Director
Michelle Day
[email protected]
Parish Office Administrator
Nina Pazos
[email protected]
[email protected]
Members: Sam Buclous, Shareef
Doumet, Joseph Kokolakis, Deno Krillies,
Paul Houvardas, Peter Markos, Keith
Mastorides, Mike Mastorides, Christos
Politis, Bill Mazas, and Chris Tsavoussis,
Theodore Vlahos.
Philoxenia is the monthly newsletter of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church made possible by the gracious
contributions of our sponsors. The deadline is the 10th of each month. Thank you, sponsors.
ΧΡΟΝΙΑ ΠΟΛΛΑ!
Baptisms / Chrismations / 40 Day Blessings
XRONIA POLLA/MANY YEARS
Chronia Polla to all of
our of our beloved brothers
and sisters in Christ whose feast
days we celebrate during the
month of September.
BAPTISMS
08/01 Gavin James Gonatos
08/01 Stephania Bolanos
08/17 Austin David Alfred
08/23 Daniel Joshua Bennett
08/30 Katalina Monroe Kelmetis
“All who have been been baptized into
Christ have put on Christ.”
40 DAY BLESSINGS
08/16 Niko James Krillies
08/16 Dalton Theodore Brown
08/20 Vula Sassman
Weddings
Deaths & Burials
“Among the spirits of the righteous
made perfect.”
Funerals
08/05 Deno Cardulias
08/05 Steve Demas
08/16 Athanasios Korbos
“May their memory be eternal.”