Inside This Issue

Liturgical Schedule ............... 2

Orthodoxy 101 ....................... 4

October Birthdays ................ 5

Parish Ministries ................... 8

PTO Fall Festival ................. 10

Veterans’ Day ......................... 12

Honoring Mayor Cretekos . 13

AHEPA and Daughters ...... 14

Points of Interest

Philoptochos News

Oxi Day Celebration

New Year’s Eve Celebration

Saint Demetrios was born to a wealthy, noble family. Well educated, handsome, brave, strong, and true, he rose quickly through the ranks in the Roman Army as an Officer. He was de-scribed as athletic in appearance and heroic in spirit. His martial prowess was only surpassed by his unconquerable faith. He was an eloquent preacher, evangelist, and missionary, bringing people to Christ, and he was especially popular among the young. This is why some Icons depict Saint Demetrios in his armor with youths flanking him. When his preaching and conversions were brought to the attention of the Roman Emperor Maximian, he did not deny his unshakable and total devotion to his One, Lord, God, and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Demetrios always saw himself as a Soldier of Christ. He would not worship anyone or anything else except His Christ. He, therefore, would not bow or burn incense to the Emperor. For all this, the Em-peror threw Demetrios into jail where he was subjected to the cruelest and most sadistically creative tortures. All the while,

Demetrios endured in order to prevail in Christ. In spite of all this, Deme-trios still preached Christ to those who guarded him and vis-ited him. One visitor was Nes-tor. Nestor came to ask for De-metrios' blessing to fight the Emperor's favorite Champion in the gladiator games. The Emper-or used the gladiator games as propaganda against the Chris-tians, and the Christian torture, dismemberment, and death were a popular part of the entertain-ment to feed the blood lust of the masses. Nestor was short and slight. The Emperor's Champi-on, Leo, was undefeated, and moreover, a giant. Demetrios gave Nestor his blessing, and Nestor bravely entered the arena to fight the Emperor's Champi-on. To everyone's amazement, Nestor defeated the giant, and in a fit of fury, seeing his favorite champion killed, the Emperor had Nestor beheaded on the spot. Knowing that Demetrios was spiritually behind this em-barrassing defeat, the Emperor had Demetrios speared to death.

October 2017

Filoxenia Hospitality

The Monthly Parish Newsletter of Holy Trinity

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Clearwater, Florida

Saint Demetrios the Warrior Martyr Saint and Holy Myrrh Bearer

270 A.D. - 306 A.D.

Continued on page 3

October Liturgical Calendar Sunday, October 1st-2nd Sunday of Luke Orthros (Matins) 8:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m.

Sunday, October 8th-3rd Sunday of Luke Orthros (Matins) 8:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m.

Sunday, October 15th-Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council Orthros (Matins) 8:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 18th-Luke the Evangelist Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. (Sts. Constantine and Helen Chapel) Sunday, October 22nd-6th Sunday of Luke Orthros (Matins) 8:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 23rd-James the Apostle Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. (Sts. Constantine and Helen Chapel) Wednesday, October 25th-Eve of Feast of St. Demetrios Great Vespers 6:00 p.m. (Sts. Constantine and Helen Chapel) Thursday, October 26th-Demetrios the Myrrh-Streamer Orthros 9:00 a.m. (Sts. Constantine and Helen Chapel)

Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 28th-Holy Protection of the Theotokos, OXI Day

Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. (Sts. Constantine and Helen Chapel) Sunday, October 29th-7th Sunday of Luke Orthros (Matins) 8:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m.

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Apolytikion of St. Demetrius The world has found in you a great champion in time of peril, as you emerged the victor in routing the barbarians. For as you brought to naught the boasts of Lyaios, im-parting courage to Nestor in the stadium, in like manner, holy one, great Martyr Dimitrios, invoke Christ God for us, that He may grant us His great mercy. Μέγαν εύρατο εv τοίς κιvδύvοις, σέ υπέρμαχοv η οικουμένη, Αθλοφόρε τά έθνη τροπούμενον. Ως ούν Λυαίου καθείλες τήν έπαρσιν, εν τώ σταδίω θαρρύvας τόν Νέστορα, ούτως Άγιε, Μεγαλομάρτυς Δημήτριε, Χριστόν τόν Θεόν ικέτευε, δωρήσασθαι ημίν τό μέγα έλεος. Kontakion of St. Demetrius God, who gave you invincible power and with care kept your city invulnerable, royally clothed the Church in purple with the streams of your blood, for you are her strength, O Dimitrios. Τοίς τώv ιαμάτωv σου ρείθροις Δημήτριε, τήv Εκλησίαν Θεός επορφύρωσεv, ο δούς σοι τό κράτος αήττητοv, καί περιέπωv

Reminder from the Church Office In our on-going efforts to better serve and inform you, we need your assistance. Please up-date 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 that we may reflect this good news in our data base for future schools, programs, and ministries and, most of all pray and rejoice with you. For your convenience, we have a box outside of the church office window for you to utilize when the office is not open. For Memorials, Trisagions, or Sacraments please call the church office during office hours Monday – Friday between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Please do not place cash in the mailbox. Thank you, and God bless you.

^Your Holy Trinity Family

The Christians buried Demetrios' body under the spot where he was martyred. From his body a beautiful, refreshing scent arose. From that day on, Demetrios has been known as a myrrh bearing Saint. In the Church dedicated to Demetrios in Thessalo-niki, one can come to his tomb, see his images, and smell the myrrh. His presence and prayers have time and time again, throughout the many centuries, pro-tected and delivered the ancient city and Second City of the East Roman Empire, Thessaloniki, from famine, plague, pestilence, barbarian invasion, storms, and those who sought to destroy Orthodox Christianity and the Hellenic Inheritance. Their were accounts, at the darkest hours, when the hordes were at the City walls, when mirac-ulously, Demetrios was seen in all his military armor and splendor riding his orange horse on the City walls and driving the barbarians away in utter defeat and panic. This is why he is sometimes depicted in images riding his orange horse with spear in hand subduing the enemy. The great Church of Saint Demetrios is a treasure in Thessaloniki. It commemorates the spot where he was martyred on October 26th , 306 A.D. Thus, his Feast Day is fittingly October 26th in the Greek Orthodox Church. People come from throughout the world for his intercessions, spiritual strength, and healing. At our beloved Church of Holy Trinity, we were blessed to have been given the holy relics of Saint Demetrios by His Eminence Metropolitan Niketas. We give thanks to His Eminence for this special honor and blessing, and in constant gratitude, I pray for His Eminence every time I approach the miracle working relics of my patron Saint, Saint De-metrios. We will have the Great Vespers for Saint De-metrios on the eve of his Feast, and we will offer his relics for veneration. Please come and pray, and be prepared to venerate his relics. We were blessed to

have had a dear family donate a precious Byzantine reliquary to properly encase his relics in honor and memory of a family member who was visited by Saint Demetrios shortly before her passing unto the Lord. We keep her constantly in our prayers as well whenever we approach these relics. The Divine Services for the Feast of Saint Demetrios will take place in our Saints Constantine and Helen Chapel. The Great Vespers will be on the eve of October 25th and the Orthros and Divine Liturgy will take place on the morning of October 26th. See our liturgical calendar for the precise times, pray, prepare, and come to remember and honor this great Saint and give thanksgiving and worship to the One True God, the One True God Whom Saint Demetrios served and for Whom he was martyred. Faithfully yours in Christ, ^Father Demetrios

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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.

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“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

^Matthew 6:21

Fr. Jim’s Message Continued

Orthodoxy 101 this Fall

Join Fr. Andrew and guest lecturers for an 11 week study of

our Orthodox Faith.

Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30pm in the Papadi Room

September 6th—November 8th

Learn the foundations of….

The Sacraments; Church History; Scripture; Spirituality; Church Art;

Corporate Worship; Sotiriology

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Stewardship Update To be stewards of the Gospel, we need to be stewards of our parish. This requires the vision and inspiration to

see our parish, not as it is, but as it could be. Have you become a 2017 Steward of our Parish?

Did you know……… Our Operating Expenses, excluding Payroll (January -June) is $173,118, resulting in $488 of each average stew-ardship pledge being applied to the: Insurance, Repairs and Maintenance, Office Supplies/Postage, etc. Archdiocese Fair Share Our Administrative Expenses (January – July) is $252,615, resulting in $711 of each average stewardship pledge sup-ports our; Clergy Custodians Office Staff Teachers Chanters/Directors The August stewardship update stated that the first $100 of each stewardship pledge barely covers our utilities As we look at the totals, $1299 of your Stewardship commitment covers our Operating Expenses for the first 6 months of 2017. This figure does not include support for our ministries, supporting the needs of our stewards, technology upgrades, Educational Material, Emergency expenses and any improvements to our facilities. The total expenses for opening the doors to our community for the first 6 months of 2017 is $425,733.00. With Love in Christ, Jim Mavres Stewardship Chairman

True Stewardship requires each of us to become champions of our parish, promote our vision and inspire oth-ers…

1 Sophie Alvarez 1 Audrey Blatchley 1 Louis Demos 1 Fontayne Egger 1 Kali Tripodis 1 Georgette Tsavoussis 2 Christopher Cokkinias 2 Mary Ann Cook 2 Jessica Jones 2 John Kokolakis 3 Gabriel Kolettis 3 Zachary Kolettis 3 Tyson Martin 3 Peter Poulos 3 John Sakoutis 3 Ariadne Stonestreet 4 Austin Alred 4 Ileana Berry 4 Ashley Wray 5 Jose Barquin 5 Maria Tripodis 6 Kostantine Angelou 6 Manoli Boutzoukas 6 Christopher Damianakis 6 Nikolaos Karamountzos 6 Alley Paschopoulos 6 Esther Tsikos 7 Andrea Nall 7 Evangelia Sarantis 7 John Tsagaris 8 Vasilios Asimakopoulos 8 Demetra Drizis 9 Arianna Boreman 9 Helen Fotopoulos 9 Bessie Giovanis 9 Maria McAdams 9 Evagelia Tanton 10 Fevronia Koufogazos 10 Costas Panagiotopoulos 10 Christina Pavlakos 10 Spyro Vassiliou 10 Charles Wadland

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Happy Birthday and Cronia 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!

11 Elias Bakkalapulo 11 Kostandinos Bakkalapulo 11 Yianni Bakkalapulo 11 Jacob Demirdijian 11 Thomas Dushas 11 Emily Nicklow 11 Theodore Vestinos 12 Vasso Anton 12 Irene Coulouris 12 Cally Demetrius 12 Vasilios Politis 12 Emmy Sartes 12 Anna Stearns 13 Kostas Kantaras 13 Peter Panagopoulos 13 Katherine Pantelaras 13 Alexander Ypsilandis 14 Nicole Billiris 14 Evangelia Kastrenakes 15 Coral Gilchrist 15 Susan Papagiotopoulos 15 Anna Pappas 16 Theodoros Douglias 16 Anna Lygnos 16 Esther Markou 16 Leo Rousakis 16 Elizabeth Wheeler 17 Mike Aitchison 17 Sevasti Coulis 17 Carter Jackson Vasili Demirdjian 18 Jason Ohman 18 Chrisoula Poulos 18 James Tanton 18 Emmanuel Velivasakis 19 Amanda Avram 19 Luke Falcon 19 Steve Manolakis 19 Nathanael Sesti 20 George Alexiou 20 Alice Bass 20 William Gilbert 20 Peter Markos

21 John Bechakas 21 Julie Billiris 21 Steven Sipka 21 Alexis Tsavoussis 21 Nicole Vassiliou 22 Demos Bass 22 Ronald Hytoff 22 Jacob Johnson 22 Maria Melissas 22 Nomikos Parianos 22 Dessa Pontikos 22 Chris Savas 23 Voula Gonatos 23 Sophia Rousakis 24 Eleni Angelou 24 Eva Dushas 24 Maria Fellios 24 John Katopis 24 Fannie Theodoropoulos 24 Terry Tsafatinos 24 Anastasia Samara Voutsinas 25 Nora Bitchakas 25 Nikolaos Kostakis 26 Deno Krillies 26 Ava Politis 26 Rine Poulos 27 Madeline Fassman 27 Keith Tickner 28 Niko Gonatos 28 Lucas Hittos 28 Vasilios Pastis 28 Alexandros Theofanis 29 Maria Kyriakakis 29 Connie Makris 29 Peter Makris 29 Frank Malo 29 Joshua Wray 30 Elpis Lakiotis 30 Nancy Long 30 Mary Papadakis 31 Vasilea Kaplanis

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 parish of-fice system. Please contact the office by phone or e-mail to update your profile.

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Food Drive We want to thank each one for helping us feed those who struggling to make ends meet. Life is not the same for each and every one, so while we are blessed to have enough to eat, we still need to help others, as Jesus gives us the example. We deliv-ered to the RCS Food Bank this past week, 406 pounds of food to help those in need. As our collecting box states, “God blesses those who help others.” I’m always happy when I see our parishioners stopping by to help us to help others. God Bless, Fran Glaros-Sharp God’s Little Corner The bookstore icon booth has many offerings for you to choose from and now is the time to select some spiritual reading for the fall. There is a book

called Christ In the Psalms by Patrick Henry Reardon which can be used as a daily meditation. You can read one psalm a day and then read the meditation by the author. There are 150 psalms and one that is an addition, # 151. May you all have a blessed fall. Call Fran Mastoridess at 727-443-0666 or Liz Haeusssler at 727-937-0777 with questions or to volunteer. Outreach Vistation Ministry The Holy Trinity Outreach Visitation Ministry was established under the auspices of the Holy Trini-ty Philoptochos to provide visitations to parishioners in homes, assisted living, rehabilitation facilities and nursing homes. Many of the parishioners live in isolation, are in poor health preventing them from socializing or being able to provide for basic needs. Imagine a time when going to church, driv-ing, cooking, becomes difficult; or you have no family at all. This is when loneliness accelerates and a visit from a friendly face is appreciated. Most of the parishioners are not destitute or in need of finan-cial aid, but welcome a phone call or a visitation. Outreach visitations are not stressful or demanding. The outreach program has a support staff that will assist volunteers, who encounter a parishioner with a problem that requires assistance. Even the youth of GOYA were recruited as an auxiliary for the Outreach Program. Imagine the joy of having a young person stop by to visit or provide a simple task. Please consider becoming a volunteer if you can spare one hour a month to make a visit. “Reach out and touch someone” by being a Holy Trinity Outreach volunteer. Call Georgia Mitsis, at (727)733-5158, the Outreach Visitations Coordinator, for additional information. Sewing Group We meet on the Second Wednesday each month from September through May. Each session is only two hours, from 11a.m. to 1p.m. So if you sew or do any kind of hand work, we’d love to have your help. Some ladies no longer sew, so they stuff the bears, which we make for the children in our commu-nity, that can use some loving kindness. We also make lap robes for the shut-ins. So if you can help, please join us. We got blessed again this summer while in OR, as my daughter Sherry donated us enough fabric to last for the next few months, just as our friend Ruth did last year. May God bless those who can help in anyway. -Fran Glaros-Sharp Sunshine Committee Over 740 cards of cheer, get well, and sympathy have been sent out in the past 6 years. Please contact Despina Catsikopoulos at (727) 784-3318, Jeannie Demas at (727) 786-4929, or the Church Office, if someone you know needs a note of cheer, thinking of you, get well, or note of sympathy. Troop Donation Even though things are slower in the summer, we never stop sending care packages to our men and women in the Armed Forces. Remember, “ they put their lives on the line 24/7 for our freedoms here at home.” We have averaged mailing 6-8 boxes each month, except for August, when we were on vaca-tion, but we still got 5 boxes mailed in between time. Remember, we have our footlocker for the TROOP ITEMS in our church foyer, where items can be placed for mailing at any time. In the mean-time, if I can help in anyway, please call me at 727-796-4917. Our Troops really appreciate what we do for them, so I hope we can continue our care packages until all are home safe and sound. Thanks again, Fran Glaros-Sharp

Philoptochos News and Ministries

Ladies’ Philoptochos Holiday Bake SaleLadies’ Philoptochos Holiday Bake Sale November 19, 2017 Following Divine Liturgy

Featuring…. Home-baked pastries, cookies and cupcakes

Just in time for Thanksgiving Pre-orders for tiropitas & spanakopitas – Oct. 22nd To be picked up on Nov. 19th during the Bake Sale. All pre-orders must be paid at time of ordering.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month In memory of those we have lost to Breast Cancer and to honor all the survivors, Philoptochos is sponsoring a month of awareness. On October 1, 2017 we will be distributing pink ribbons to all parishion-ers as a reminder that early detection & testing saves lives.

Dr. Katherine Dadisman-Wilson

Guest Speaker Philoptochos Meeting

October 17, 2017 at 7:00pm Fellowship Coffee at 6:00pm

All Welcome

Acolytes The word “acolyte” comes from the Greek word meaning to follow, attend to, and to minister to. This is what the Altar Boys do in God’s Holy Altar. They follow in procession, they attend to the Altar, and they minister to the Priest. It is an an-cient and sacred honor to be an acolyte. Those boys ages 10 and above may serve, and they are encouraged and expected also to be registered in our Church School. Contact George Cretekos at georgecretekos@gmail.com for more information.

Adult Basketball In 1990, Markos Lagos was assigned to create an adult basket-ball program. On Wednesday nights at 5:00 p.m., Holy Trinity adult church members gather to play basketball. We have rules and waivers that must be signed prior to playing. We encourage sportsmanship and involvement in our church. Black and white jerseys are required to participate. Prior to attending, please e-mail: mark@pinellasautobody.com.

Choir “Join your voices with the choir of the Saints and the angelic

hosts.” “Let everything that breathes praise the Lord.” Join our Holy Trinity Choir and lend your gift of voice in ser-vice of God for His Glory and Honor. Practices are on Thurs-day nights at 7:00 p.m. For more information, contact our Choir Director, Joanne Kambouris at jhkambouris@gmail.com.

Cooking Ministry The mission of the Cooking Ministry is to provide Greek tradi-tional meals during the Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving holidays for Stewards of Holy Trinity who are elderly, unable to travel or cook for the holidays, or live alone. Contact Niki Coumbis 727-539-7304 with a name and telephone number of someone who will enjoy receiving a beautiful holiday basket.

GOAL GOAL is one of the newest ministries at Holy Trinity. GOAL stands for: G-Giving, O-Opa, A-Adventure, and L-Learning. It was created for those church members who are not part of YAL, and who are not yet involved with Leisure Timers. GOAL combines social activities with charity, and learning and adventure with fellowship. Past events have included a cooking demonstration, a wine tasting, Lenten presentations, museum tours, mystery solving evenings, bowling, and holiday celebra-tions. We support Clothes to Kids, a local Clearwater nonprofit that provides free clothing to school-children in need. Contact: Paula Prentiss at 727.458.5589 or prentiss-fam@verizon.net or Sevi Lagos at 727.420.1990 or sevilagos@gmail.com. HOPE and JOY If you are interested in leading this beautiful and fun youth ministry in the new school year please contact Father Andrew (frandrew@htclearwater.com), or Theodora Bousdoukos (theodorabousdoukos@gmail.com)

Junior Hellas Dancers Our youngest Hellenic Dancers perform for our Holy Trinity Greek Festival and other social occasions and events. They meet and hold practices after Church on select Sundays. For more information, contact Stephanie Blatchley 727.639.8439 or Deanna Tsetsekas 727.409.8003

Leisure Timers Come and join our Leisure Timers for food, fellowship, enter-tainment, and fun. This is our most venerable group who enjoy company with an untiring energy. For more information, call Plato Gandjos at 727.736.0642. Little Angels God and Us Play and Pray Group for parents (caregivers) and children birth to four years old to socialize, pray, enjoy fellow-ship, and develop relationships with our spiritual family mem-bers who experience the similar joys and challenges of parenting in a loving, caring, and Orthodox environment. Contact Nicole Kratimenos at nikolms01@hotmail.com for information.

Orthodox Men’s Club Our Orthodox Men’s Club is a social and philanthropic group that enjoys good Christian Fellowship and puts their Faith into practice through chari-table deeds in the parish community, locally, and nationally. Every cent they receive they share for the benefit of Others. They pride themselves in giving out everything they receive, be-friending their fellow man, and making a Friend of Christ. For more information, contact John Tsacrios 727-744-9710 or omc@htclearwater.com.

Outreach Ministry The Outreach Ministry reaches out dur-ing difficult times with assistance that is needed to keep our elderly safe. The Outreach volunteers, women and men, are exceptional individuals. Many have gone beyond a monthly visitation of fel-lowship, and when there is a crisis, they do not hesitate to use their time, talent and treasure to help a sister or brother in Christ. During the past 16 years, volunteers, with the assistance of the parish priests and the Parish Nurse, Niki Coumbis, have supported and remained faithful during the end of life situation, when families were not available. To the past and present Out-reach volunteers, your genuine efforts to alleviate the loneliness and suffering of parishioners deserves a sincerest THANK YOU. The Outreach Ministry is always looking for new volun-teers to visit at least one parishioner once a month and if you can make this commitment, please call Georgia Mitsis at 727- 733-5158.

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Holy Trinity Ministries

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers

and foreigners, but fellow citizens with

the saints, and of the household of God “

Ephesians 2:19

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Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) On behalf of the Holy Trinity PTO, I want to welcome all the new families of Holy Trinity, and “Welcome Back” all our families to the 2017-2018 ecclesiastical year. We are gearing up for a wonderful new year, and we are incredibly blessed to be planning wonderful things for the youth of our Church. The teachers and youth ministry heads have many wonderful events and programs for us all to partic-ipate in together. Holy Trinity PTO is a volunteer organization that is comprised of parents, family members, teachers, administrators and support staff who are dedicated to the youth of our community. And we can only accomplish this with your support! Our mission is to facilitate the Parent and Teacher (and Grandpar-ent) involvement with the programs such as Greek School, Church School, and Hope & JOY. We will assist in providing funds for the advancement of scholastic, social, and religious needs of the parish youth. We also assist the Directors of the Youth Programs in con-ducting activities and programs for the youth. We are asking all the parish families to join PTO. Whether you have the opportunity to be active at meetings, or at various events, we could use all your help to ensure that our children have the best experience possible. We are also very appreciative of all families that provide not only financial support, but also volunteer invaluable hours of their time to ensure the presence of both the basic necessi-ties and an enriched learning environment at Holy Trinity. Please contact me or any of the PTO board members, if you are interested in volunteering this year. Thank you, and best wishes for an incredible 2017-2018 ecclesiastical year. Watch your emails for all of our upcoming events! We look forward to seeing everyone for the 2017-2018 year. Theodora Bousdoukos, President theodorabousdoukos@gmail.com

Parish Nurse Faith Community Nursing is a partnership between two healing entities of our faith community, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church and the hospitals operated by Morton Plant Mease Bay Care Health Systems. The Church and hospitals work together using professional nurses from the parish to promote health and wholeness by addressing the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of its parishioners. The role of FCN is to provide services to the parish. These services include health education, personal health counselor, referral agent, trainer of volunteers, initiator of support groups, and health advocate. All discussions with your FCN are strictly confidential in accordance with the HIPPA laws. For more information please contact: Anna Pavlidakey: 813-443-5554 or anna-pavlidakeyccrn@gmail.com.

Senior Hellas Dancers Join our award winning Senior Hellas Dancers. Our Dancers learn dances from throughout Greece and the diaspora and learn about the customs, history, people, and geography that gave birth to these dances and the immortality of the spirit of the people. They have well-researched authentic costumes and sets, and perform locally,

regionally, and at our Greek Festivals every year. For more infor-mation, contact Keith Mastorides 727-298-1629 or kef-fus@mac.com.

Welcome Committee Look for the Rose Upon entering the church each Sunday, you may have noticed our wonderful greeters welcoming you to Holy Trinity. Did you know that each of you can join in the spirit by welcoming our guests, and visitors, and especially, our new members? In such a large communi-ty, it is often difficult to know who our visitors are, so we now will invite our visitors to wear a tiny rose sticker. Please make a special effort to introduce yourself to our new members and guests, especially at coffee hour when you notice the rose. If you would like to join our Welcome Commit-tee, please call the church and leave your name and number.

Holy Trinity Ministries

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OXI Day Celebration

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A Big Thank you Our All Good God wanted to give wings to our sweet child, and happy angel, Nikolaki. We, and our children, offer our heart-felt gratitude to Father James Rousakis and Presvytera Vaso, who honored us during his sor-rowful farewell. Father Rousakis made us feel his filial love throughout the duration of his chanting. Likewise, we warmly thank all who were present with us and all who sent, and are sending cards with beautiful, touching prayers, and their accompanying love. The Blessing of Christ and Love to all of you, Niko and Vaso Anton Ο Πανάγαθος Θεός μας, θέλησε να δωση φτερά στο γλυκό μας, χαρούμενο αγγελούδι " Νικολακι"

Εμείς και τα παιδιά μας ευχαριστούμε εγκάρδια τον Πατέρα Δημήτριο Ρουσάκη και Πρεσβυτερα Βάσω, οι

οποίοι μας τίμησαν στο λυπηρό αποχαιρετισμό του.

Ο Πάτερ Ρουσάκης μας έκανε να νοιωσουμε την φιλική του αγάπη κατά την διάρκεια της ωραίας ψαλμωδίας

του.

Επίσης ευχαριστούμε θερμά όλους που παρεβρέθησαν μαζί μας, και όλους οι οποίοι έστειλαν και στέλνουν

κάρτες με ωραίες συγκινητικές ευχές συνοδεύοντας την αγάπη τους.

Ευλογία Χριστού και αγάπη σε όλους,

Habitat for Humanity Honors Mayor Cretekos

Mayor George Cretekos was honored by Habitat for Humanity by having this house in Clearwater named after him. He is seen with Father Jim Paris of his parish of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Clearwa-ter, blessing the home at its opening. Habitat for Hu-manity helps to build and provide homes for those in need.

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AHEPA and Daughters of Penelope

Daughters of Penelope With our September meeting cancelled due to Hurricane Irma, we look forward to getting our year going at our October 10th meeting at 7pm in Matheos Hall. We will be celebrating our chapter birthdays and enjoying fellowship. We will “Walk To End Alzheimer’s” on Saturday October 28th at Spectrum Field at 9am. Join our team as we support this very worthy cause. We will once again sell Poinsettias in memory of loved ones to beautify our churchnasium for the holidays beginning Sunday October 29th and running through December 3rd. We will have a table set up in Matheos Hall after church on Sun-days to take orders. The book A Guide to Greek Traditions and Customs in America is a perfect gift or addition to your own library. Call Joanne Sackedis 727-785-2358 to get your copy. For more information on our chapter, please email us at DOP.Clearwater@gmail.com or call President Jean Tsagaris at 727-791-1266.

AHEPA/Holy Trinity Blood Drive Blood Drive Past and Future Thank you to all who supported the September Drive, to those who did not participate, please do so soon. To Hopeful donors, become one very soon and anywhere! To all, plan to donate with us in January. Holy Trinity/AHEPA Blood Bank

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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox

Church of Clearwater

Celebrate 2018 with us,

With the music of ELLADA

Save the date

15

This Spot Available

For Advertising

Please Call Church Office

727-799-4605

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Save the Date October Events

1-Church Musician Sunday 6-8-GOYA Volleyball Tourny 17-Philoptochos Lecture 20-PTO Fall Festival 22-AHEPA Golf Tournament 22-Leadership 100 Sunday 25-Greek School OXI Day 26-St. Demetrios 28-Holy Protection 29-Food Drive

See all events by visiting our website htclearwater.com

Baptisms, Chrismations and 40 Day Blessings

“All who have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

On August 26th, Gabriella Gonatos was baptized On August 27th, Chelsey Holbrook was chrismated.

On August 27th, Aleksander, Ana, and Daniela Popoviq were baptized. On August 27th, Iliana Evangelia Machado was churched.

Na Mas Zhsoun!

2017 Parish Council Executive Board President: Michael Boutzoukas Vice President: John Pantelis Second Vice President: Ted Vlahos Treasurer: Mike Kastrenakes Assistant Treasurer: Trifon Houvardas Comptroller: George Mantzaris Secretary: Anne Drake McMullen

2017 Parish Council Members: Louis Bakkalapulo, Paul Houvardas, Joseph Kokolakis, Dean Koutroumanis, Peter Markos, Neil McMullen, Jim Mavres, Bill Mazas, Sandy Papadakis, John Tsacrios, Chris Tsa-voussis, Terry Zervos

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 409 South Old Coachman Road Clearwater, Florida 33765

www.HTclearwater.com office@htclearwater.com Office: 727-799-4605 Fax: 727-799-9193

Clergy Proistamenos Rev. Fr. James T. Paris, Protopresbyter frjm@htclearwater.com

Assistant Priest and Youth Director Rev. Fr. Andrew J. Pavlakos, Presbyter frandrew@htclearwater.com

Administration Parish Executive Director Michelle Day michelled@htclearwater.com

Parish Executive Assistant & Accounting Christine Gemmel christineg@htclearwater.com Parish Bookkeeper Brenda Albright bookkeeper@htclearwater.com

Filoxenia Hospitality, the monthly newsletter of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church is made possible by the gracious contributions of our sponsors. The deadline for submission of content and new advertisements is the 10th of the month prior.

Parish Contact Information

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

Clearwater, Florida