A Century on Pinellas Avenue
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral stands at 36 North Pinellas Avenue in Tarpon Springs, Florida, where it has anchored the largest concentration of Greek descent in the United States for more than a century. Almost 1,000 families are listed on its membership rolls, and the Greek language remains alive in daily life around the sponge docks and the surrounding neighborhood. Services are held in Greek and English, and both languages mingle easily in conversation throughout the Tarpon Springs area.
The story of the cathedral begins in 1905, when Greek immigrants arrived in Tarpon Springs and began working the sponge grounds of the Gulf Coast. Two years later, in 1907, the congregation built its first church, a simple frame structure named for Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of Greece and the protector of seafaring people. As the sponge industry flourished, the Greek population grew, and families settled permanently, bringing with them their religious faith, social customs, Hellenic traditions, and Greek cuisine. Some opened bakeries, restaurants, grocery stores, and other businesses, building the small-town Greek-American culture that defines Tarpon Springs today.
In 1925 the community built a parochial school, and the Saint Nicholas Greek School still passes Greek Orthodox spiritual beliefs, culture, and language on to the next generation. When the original frame church could no longer hold the congregation, the sponge divers themselves funded a new cathedral by donating a portion of each sponge harvest to Saint Nicholas. The current cathedral was completed in 1943, and in January 1979 the church was elevated to the status of a cathedral in a service presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos.
Byzantine Architecture with Marble from Mount Penteli
The current cathedral combines elements of Byzantine architecture with modern styling that reflects twentieth-century America. The tall domed tower is crowned by an illuminated cross and serves as a beacon to the faithful and an important landmark in Tarpon Springs. Bright sunlight off the Gulf Coast lights up the yellow brick facade and makes the stained-glass windows glow.
Inside, crimson votive lamps hang above framed Byzantine-style icons, some with finely worked gold and silver overlays, and one strung with small embossed metal images known as "tamas" that represent pledges or petitions for divine help. Sparkling glass chandeliers imported from Czechoslovakia hang from the high rounded ceiling, with the largest one placed in the rotunda.
The church received white marble quarried at Mount Penteli, near Athens, as a gift from the Greek government. The marble had originally been shipped to New York from Greece for the 1939 World's Fair. Tons of superb quality stone were used for the altar and other appointments, including the bishop's throne. Within the great domed rotunda are painted figures of Christ and the saints, and more sacred images surround the large round windows above the doorways. The magnificent altar screen, or iconostasis, follows the tradition of the Byzantine church, with tiers of holy figures presented in splendid gold frames. Parishioners donated over sixty stained-glass windows filled with vibrant portraits of saints and scenes from the life of Christ.
The Services: From Matins to Vespers
St. Nicholas Cathedral follows the full daily cycle of Orthodox worship. On Sundays, Orthros/Matins begins at 7:45 a.m., followed by the Divine Liturgy at 9:00 a.m. The Divine Liturgy is the main form of worship for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, and the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is what is celebrated on Sunday mornings. Matins, called Orthros in Greek, is the morning service that begins with the reading of six psalms, the reading of the Gospel, the chanting of the Canon, and the Great Doxology.
Throughout the week, the cathedral is typically open for prayer from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., subject to the needs of the community and sacraments. The Monday through Saturday schedule includes Orthros at 9:00 a.m. and an evening service at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday evenings feature the Parakleisis, an intercessory prayer commonly directed to the Theotokos consisting of hymns of supplication to obtain consolation and courage. Saturday evenings at 6:00 p.m. are given over to Vespers, an important service of the Orthodox Church held in the evening as a Thanksgiving prayer for the closing day and a welcome of the new one to come the following morning.
The cathedral is only available for Orthodox services and sacraments. Weddings and baptisms are scheduled within this liturgical rhythm. A livestream of services is broadcast on the cathedral's YouTube channel so that those who cannot attend in person may join the services remotely.
The Weeping Icon of Saint Nicholas
One of the cathedral's most cherished treasures is an icon of Saint Nicholas by George Saclarides, famous for the drops of moisture that formed inside the glass. The shiny droplets were first seen by a parishioner cleaning the church in 1970. They continued for several years and were declared a "phenomenon beyond human comprehension" by His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos. Pilgrims come from around the world to venerate the icon, and it remains a focal point of devotion in the cathedral.
The Feast of Epiphany and the Dive for the Cross
Each year on January 6, the cathedral celebrates the Feast of Epiphany in a way that ties directly to Tarpon Springs' identity as the Sponge Capital of the World. The celebration brings together the Orthodox tradition of the Great Blessing of the Waters with the local heritage of sponge diving. Young men from the community serve as dove bearers, carrying white doves into the waters of Spring Bayou, and a designated diver retrieves a wooden cross thrown into the water by the presiding bishop. The annual event draws thousands of spectators and has been a defining moment of Tarpon Springs civic life for generations.
The cathedral hosts an annual Epiphany album, dove bearer and cross retriever sign-ups, and a sponsor program to support the celebration. Visitors interested in the next Epiphany can find information through the cathedral's Epiphany pages.
Greek School: Kindergarten through Adults
The Saint Nicholas Greek School has been passing Greek Orthodox spiritual beliefs, culture, and language to the next generation since 1925. Today it serves both youth and adults with separate tracks.
The youth program offers traditional Kindergarten through Sixth grade classes, plus a beginner level for students from ages 7 to 11. Classes meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Registration runs $200 for the year, or $100 each semester, and includes books. The school year begins each September with an Agiasmo (Blessing of the Waters) and open house. Students participate in the life of the church, attending community events and leading the Greek Independence Day parade. Chris Palaidis serves as Principal.
The adult program offers a beginner class with Kyria Konstantina Syriou on Tuesdays from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., a beginner/intermediate class on Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., an intermediate level with Kyria Foteini Aggelakopoulou on Tuesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and a New Testament Greek course on Thursdays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The New Testament course is designed to help students better understand the Divine Liturgy of the Greek Orthodox Faith and the language in which the New Testament was written. Adult tuition is $400 for the year, or $200 per semester, including books.
Both programs are sponsored by the Order of AHEPA Epiphany City Chapter and supported by the Hellenic Republic's Ministry of Education, which funds the books.
Sunday School, Little Lambs, and HOPE & JOY
The cathedral's Sunday School program serves students from preschool all the way through high school, with a Catechism curriculum that educates youth about the Orthodox Faith and Tradition and prepares them to live as Orthodox Christians in today's world. Sunday School meets following Holy Communion each Sunday morning, with grade-level classes for Preschool (3-year-olds), Pre-K/Kindergarten, 1st/2nd grade, 3rd to 5th grade, middle school, and high school. The program relies on teacher assistants and substitute teachers in addition to grade-level teachers.
Little Lambs welcomes children from 40 days to 4 years old together with their parents or grandparents. The ministry gathers twice per month, including one gathering that includes the Divine Liturgy, with fellowship, a faith-based learning activity, story time, and a craft. Petroula Anaplioitis leads the ministry.
HOPE & JOY is the fellowship ministry for children in Kindergarten through fifth grade, often referred to as "GOYA for children," with monthly gatherings, occasional field trips, and quarterly parish fellowship events like Thanksgiving and Christmas parties.
Greek Orthodox Youth of America (GOYA), Woven, and Forged
The Greek Orthodox Youth of America (GOYA) ministers to youth in sixth grade through twelfth grade. The mission is to lead young people into experiencing the Holy Orthodox Faith, developing a personal relationship with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and becoming active sacramental members of the living Church. GOYA meets the first and third Wednesday of every month, with additional monthly events and activities. Leaders include Kiki Kontodiakos, Amanda Weaver, and Erasmia Stamas.
Woven is a teenage ladies ministry that welcomes middle- and high-school-aged girls to share their experiences and struggles of growing up in the twenty-first century. Amanda Weaver leads the ministry. Forged is the parallel teenage boys ministry that welcomes middle- and high-school-aged boys to share their experiences as they grow into young Orthodox Christian men. Nicholas Klimis leads Forged.
Altar Servers and Boy Scout Troop 106
The Altar Servers ministry is for young men beginning at age ten and above who wish to learn to love, respect, and serve God's Holy Altar. Servers learn the meaning of the liturgical items and vestments used in the Divine Liturgy, how the parts of liturgy came into practice, and how to properly serve in the Holy Altar. Servers are asked to arrive ten minutes before services begin and also participate in retreats and fellowship activities. George Smalios leads the ministry.
Boy Scout Troop 106 is hosted by the cathedral and meets weekly. Panagioti Tsagaratos leads the troop, with weekend camping trips, court of honor events, and a strong tradition of scouting adventure and character formation.
The Dance Ministry
The Saint Nicholas Dance Ministry is one of the most vibrant parts of the parish community, dedicated to preserving and showcasing Greek culture through traditional folk dance. The ministry welcomes participants of all ages, with groups ranging from ages 4 to adults, each tailored to its age group and grade level. Through learning dances from regions across Greece, participants develop an appreciation for Greek culture and deepen their connection to the Orthodox Christian Faith.
The Dance Ministry's mission statement is "to preserve, promote, and perpetuate our Greek culture through song and dance in an Orthodox Christian environment." His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros has said that "there is a spiritual dimension to song, dance, and fellowship," and the ministry brings people together in fellowship, tradition, and kefi, continuing a cultural legacy for future generations. Dance practices are held regularly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Mondays, with separate tracks for youth and adults. Maria Kouskoutis and Eva Athanasatos serve as contacts.
The Dance Ministry hosts an annual dance each spring, plus monthly coffee hours and special events such as the Christmas bazaar and Night on the Islands.
The Choir and Byzantine Music
The cathedral supports both a regular choir and a Byzantine Choir, with practices scheduled in the parish calendar. Choir practice is held on Wednesday evenings, and Byzantine Choir practice is held on Wednesday evenings as well. Philip Carallo serves as Protopsalti, the lead cantor who guides the congregation through the chanted services. The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom and the other services rely heavily on Byzantine chant, sung in Greek and English.
Men, Women, and Young Adults
The Philadelphia Men's Ministry is a ministry for the spiritual formation of men through fellowship, service, and education. Members meet monthly for brunch following a Divine Liturgy on Saturday, with a focus on common worship as well as fellowship. Members also study the classic Orthodox Christian text "Beginning to Pray" by Metropolitan Anthony Bloom for group discussion. George Tsongranis leads the ministry.
The Women's Book Club offers two different groups. The first meets on Thursday mornings and includes grandmothers, stay-at-home moms whose children are grown, and widows. The second meets on Sunday evenings for women who work during the day.
The Young Adult League (YAL) gathers regularly for worship and fellowship, with regional YAL events sponsored by the Tampa Bay Conference twice per year. Young adults also gather in the Pappas Gymnasium on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for basketball fellowship.
Orthodoxy 101 introduces and explores the history of Orthodox Faith, doctrines, and tradition. It is open to anyone who wants to learn about the Orthodox faith, even those who were baptized and would like a refresher course.
Philoptochos, the Soup Kitchen, and the Taskforce on Drugs and Domestic Violence
Philoptochos is the cathedral's philanthropic women's organization, continuing the mission 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. Mary Tsemelis leads Philoptochos.
The Monday Soup Kitchen offers meals each week to people in the Tarpon Springs community who are in need. During Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Soup Kitchen organizes food drives and disburses food a couple of days before the holidays, as well as offering hot meals on the holidays. Chris Palaidis leads the ministry.
The Saint Nicholas Cathedral Taskforce on Drugs and Domestic Violence sponsors periodic public town halls in response to the continued and increased drug and domestic violence crisis in the neighborhood, with the goal of inspiring others and building hope in the community.
Reception Centers and Event Venues
The cathedral operates three event venues adjacent to the Cathedral at 17 East Tarpon Avenue. Theophilos Hall at the Spanos Pappas Saint Nicholas Community Center is the largest venue, accommodating up to 425 guests in its standard configuration or up to 850 guests when the partition wall opens to the 18,000 square foot hall. Theophilos Hall is air conditioned, includes a raised stage, a large dance floor, 60-inch round tables, ample parking, a full-service bar, and a fully equipped industrial kitchen. The hall can be configured for wedding receptions, Sweet 16 parties, graduations, baptisms, and other special events.
The Rev. Fr. Tryfon Theophilopoulos Banquet Hall is a 5,400 square foot space for smaller groups, accommodating up to 150 guests. It includes a bar area, stage, 60-inch round tables, and the option of a well-equipped kitchen.
The Nikita Manias Conference and Meeting Room is set up for conferences, seminars, and business meetings of up to 40 people, with audiovisual equipment and a small kitchenette.
All venues include a Saint Nicholas-appointed monitor on the premises throughout the event. The cathedral is only available for Orthodox services and sacraments.
Summer Camp and the Bookstore
Each summer, Saint Nicholas Summer Camp provides a week-long session of summer programming at the Saint Nicholas Community Center. Each week includes religious sessions, arts and crafts, music, and activities for campers. Day Camp is also offered at various points during the school year.
The Saint Nicholas Bookstore is operated by parish volunteers and offers icons, books, and other Orthodox Christian items for purchase. The bookstore relies on volunteers willing to commit at least one shift per week.
Visiting Saint Nicholas Cathedral
Visitors are always welcome at Saint Nicholas Cathedral. During the week, the cathedral is typically open for prayer from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., subject to the needs of the community and sacraments. Sunday services include Orthros/Matins at 7:45 a.m. and the Divine Liturgy at 9:00 a.m. Daily services throughout the week include Orthros at 9:00 a.m. and an evening service at 6:00 p.m., with Paraklesis on Wednesday and Vespers on Saturday.
Parking can fill up during services, but there are two public parking lots each one block away from the cathedral. Ample street parking is available on Hibiscus Street and East Orange Street, with limited street parking in front of the cathedral on Pinellas Avenue.
Upon entering the church, visitors will notice that Orthodox Christians first light a candle as a prayerful moment for their loved ones and themselves, then cross themselves as part of personal prayer before venerating the icons in the narthex. Icons are visible reminders of the reality of God and a way to focus the heart and mind on the Lord; venerating an icon means praying in the presence of the icon, not praying to the image depicted.
During services, dignified clothing that shows respect to God is the norm. Men typically wear a suit or long pants with a collared shirt, and women typically wear a dress with sleeves, a skirt, or dress pants. Some women choose to cover their head as a traditional sign of respect.
Those who wish to support the cathedral can give online, light a candle remotely through the cathedral's online prayer ministry, or volunteer in any of the parish ministries. Volunteer opportunities range from office support and Sunday School teaching to ushering and greeting at the cathedral door. The parish's volunteer slogan is "One member, One task, One year," reflecting the goal that every adult consider at least one place to volunteer each year.
The Cathedral Today
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral is led by Cathedral Dean Rev. Fr. Aristidis Arizi and Second Priest Rev. Fr. Theofanis Makris, with Philip Carallo serving as Protopsalti. The parish continues to serve the largest concentration of people of Greek descent in the United States, with a century of sponge-diving heritage woven into its walls and its mission. The dream once held in the hearts of the spongers and sailors of the early twentieth century lives on in the cathedral and the surrounding community of Tarpon Springs.