St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Baltimore

06/23/2026

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL IS NOW IN SESSION!

A heartwarming thank you goes out to all the wonderful parents and grandparents who brought their children to the first day of Vacation Bible School!

We also want to give a massive shout-out to our amazing young GOYAΝs and former VBS students who have stepped up to volunteer, helping lead our lessons and activities throughout the week.

Our spiritual father, Fr. Michael Pastrikos, welcomed everyone this morning with a beautiful opening blessing, encouraging all the participants to have an enjoyable, rewarding, and spiritually enriching experience.

We also would like to say Thank You to Phaedra Avgerinos, VBS Coordinator, Presbytera Toula Pastrikos, Fotis Mavroulis, Tina Harris, and Anastasia Diniotis for their much-needed help.

Day Two continues tomorrow! If you would still like to register your child or grandchild, it is not too late! Simply stop by the church office by 9:00 AM tomorrow to complete the registration paperwork. The fee is just $25 per child, which includes a daily snack and a full lunch.

We can't wait to see you there!

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Baltimore Sunday School

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ΤΟ ΚΑΤΗΧΗΤΙΚΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ ΚΑΛΟΚΑΙΡΙΟΥ (VBS) ΞΕΚΙΝΗΣΕ!

Ένα θερμό «ευχαριστώ» εκφράζουμε στους υπέροχους γονείς που έφεραν τα παιδιά τους στην πρώτη μέρα του Κατηχητικού Σχολείου Καλοκαιριού (Vacation Bible School)!

Επίσης, απευθύνουμε ένα μεγάλο ευχαριστώ στους καταπληκτικούς νέους της GOYA μας, καθώς και σε πρώην μαθητές του VBS, οι οποίοι προσφέρθηκαν εθελοντικά να βοηθήσουν στα διάφορα μαθήματα και τις δραστηριότητες καθ' όλη τη διάρκεια της εβδομάδας.

Ο π. Μιχαήλ Παστρικός καλωσόρισε τα παιδιά και έδωσε την ευλογία του στην έναρξη αυτής της πρώτης ημέρας, ενθαρρύνοντας όλους να περάσουν μια ευχάριστη, ανταποδοτική και πνευματικά εμπλουτιστική εμπειρία.

Θα θέλαμε επίσης να εκφράσουμε ένα θερμό «ευχαριστώ» στη Φαίδρα Αυγερινού, Συντονίστρια του VBS, στην Πρεσβυτέρα Τούλα Παστρικού, στον Φώτη Μαυρούλη, στην Τίνα Χάρις και στην Αναστασία Δινιώτη για την πολύτιμη και απαραίτητη βοήθειά τους.

Η δεύτερη μέρα του VBS συνεχίζεται αύριο! Εάν κάποιος επιθυμεί ακόμα να εγγράψει το παιδί ή τα παιδιά του, μπορεί να το κάνει. Απλώς περάστε από το γραφείο της εκκλησίας στις 9 π.μ. για να συμπληρώσετε τα απαραίτητα έγγραφα. Το κόστος συμμετοχής για κάθε παιδί είναι μόλις 25 δολάρια και περιλαμβάνει σνακ και μεσημεριανό γεύμα καθημερινά.

Ανυπομονούμε να σας δούμε εκεί!

06/22/2026

COFFEE, FELLOWSHIP, AND A SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY THE HELLENIC HERITAGE MUSEUM OF MARYLAND

Purpose: Preserving Our History & Honoring Our Roots!

A huge thank you to Harry Maistros, Director, and the members of the Hellenic Heritage Museum of Maryland for a wonderful presentation this past Sunday!

They shared an invaluable oral history from their archives, focusing on Xenophon (Xenon) Kohilas—whom many of us fondly remember as the face behind Baltimore's legendary Ikaros Restaurant, a beloved landmark in our community for 54 years.

The Museum’s vital mission is to ensure the struggles, determination, and triumphs of our parents, our pappous, and our yiayiades are never forgotten.

How you can help: Do you have family heirlooms, old photos, or keepsakes from Greece sitting forgotten in a closet or drawer? Don't keep them hidden! Please consider donating them to the Museum to help bring our community's rich history to life for future generations.

Currently, you can view selected exhibits at the Annunciation Orthodox Center (AOC), located across the street from the Cathedral, or explore their work online at hellenicheritagemd.org or visit their official page - Hellenic Heritage Museum of Maryland.

Like their page, share this post, and help us pass our heritage forward!

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ΚΑΦΕΣ, ΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΚΗ ΣΥΝΑΝΑΣΤΡΟΦΗ ΚΑΙ ΜΙΑ ΕΙΔΙΚΗ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΙΑΣΗ ΑΠΟ ΤΟ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ
ΜΟΥΣΕΙΟ ΠΟΛΙΤΙΣΤΙΚΗΣ ΚΛΗΡΟΝΟΜΙΑΣ ΤΟΥ ΜΕΡΙΛΑΝΤ!

Σκοπός: Διατήρηση της Ιστορίας μας & Απόδοση Τιμής στις Ρίζες μας!

Ένα τεράστιο «ευχαριστώ» εκφράζουμε στον Χάρη Μάιστρο, Διευθυντή και το Ελληνικό Μουσείο Πολιτιστικής Κληρονομιάς του Μέριλαντ για την υπέροχη παρουσίαση αυτή την Κυριακή!

Μοιράστηκαν μαζί μας μια ανεκτίμητη προφορική ιστορία από τα αρχεία τους, εστιάζοντας στον Ξενοφών (Ξένον) Κοχίλα—τον οποίο τόσοι πολλοί από εμάς θυμόμαστε με αγάπη ως ένα από τα πρόσωπα πίσω από το θρυλικό εστιατόριο «Ίκαρος» (Ikaros Restaurant) της Βαλτιμόρης, ένα αγαπημένο ορόσημο στην κοινότητά μας για 54 χρόνια.

Η ζωτική αποστολή του Μουσείου είναι να διασφαλίσει ότι οι αγώνες, η αποφασιστικότητα και οι θρίαμβοι των γονέων, των παππούδων και των γιαγιάδων μας δεν θα ξεχαστούν ποτέ.

Πώς μπορείτε να βοηθήσετε: Έχετε οικογενειακά κειμήλια, παλιές φωτογραφίες ή ενθύμια από την Ελλάδα που κάθονται ξεχασμένα σε κάποια ντουλάπα ή συρτάρι; Μην τα κρατάτε κρυμμένα! Παρακαλούμε σκεφτείτε το ενδεχόμενο να τα δωρίσετε στο Μουσείο, βοηθώντας να ζωντανέψει η πλούσια ιστορία της κοινότητάς μας για τις μελλοντικές γενιές.

Αυτή τη στιγμή, μπορείτε να δείτε επιλεγμένα εκθέματα στο Ορθόδοξο Κέντρο του Ευαγγελισμού (AOC) απέναντι από τον Καθεδρικό Ναό, ή να εξερευνήσετε το έργο τους διαδικτυακά στη διεύθυνση: hellenicheritagemd.org ή να δείτε τη σελίδα τους στο Facebook - Hellenic Heritage Museum of Maryland.

Κάντε like στη σελίδα τους, κοινοποιήστε αυτή την ανάρτηση και βοηθήστε μας να μεταδώσουμε την κληρονομιά μας στις επόμενες γενιές!

Hellenic Heritage Museum of Maryland

06/21/2026

Sharing a Father’s Day message from His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros!

"Today is Father’s Day, a day when we remember the earthly parent who has begotten us, protected us, and provided for us,” His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros states in his Father’s Day encyclical.

“But above every paternal figure in our lives, there is our Heavenly Father, to Whom we pray, and upon Whom we depend for our very existence. He is our Creator, and is so fundamental to our lives that the Lord Jesus said the following: And do not call anyone on earth your ‘father,’ for one is your Father, Who is in Heaven (Matthew 23:9).

And yet, we do call our earthly parent, ‘father;’ we call our Baptismal Sponsor, ‘godfather;’ and we call our priest, ‘Father.’ Do we therefore violate the saying of the Lord? By no means! Rather, we honor them by recognizing how they reflect our Heavenly Father. As Saint Paul observes to the Christians of Corinth, spiritual parentage is a rare and precious gift. The Apostle did not have children of his own body, but he had a vast spiritually begotten family of sons and daughters. As he writes in the same Letter, ‘For in Christ Jesus, I have become a father to you through the Gospel’ (4:15b).

Therefore, on this Father’s Day, let us remember our clergy, who beget us through the Gospel. There are many who take the role of teacher upon themselves, but fatherhood in Christ is an extraordinary relationship, to be revered and honored (thus we refer to the clergy as 'Reverend'). And let us not forget their needs, especially to sustain them in their retirements. Whatever you can contribute to their material sustenance by means of the Clergy pension Fund will certainly be returned to you spiritually in ‘good measure, pressed together, shaken down, and overflowing’ (Luke 6:38).”

Read the full Archiepiscopal Encyclical for Father’s Day at the link in the comments below.

(Fresco of St. Joseph by Theodore Apsevdis in the Enkleistra of St. Neophytos near Paphos, Cyprus.)

06/20/2026

LITURGICAL PROGRAM FOR SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2026

LIVE STREAMING MAY BE AVAILABLE

SUNDAY, JUNE 21 – Third Sunday of Matthew /Γ' Ματθαῖου
ORTHROS – 8:30 am DIVINE LITURGY – 9:45 am

• Matins Gospel Reading : Mark 16:9-20
• Epistle Reading : St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 5:1-10
• Gospel Reading : Matthew 6:22-33

Fast Day (Fish Allowed) | Fish, oil, and wine are allowed. Refrain from meat, dairy, and eggs.

Today, Sunday, we commemorate:

• 3rd Sunday of Matthew
• Julian the Martyr of Tarsus
• Terentios, Bishop of Iconium
• Nikitas the New Martyr of Nisyros
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COFFEE, FELLOWSHIP, AND A SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY THE HELLENIC HERITAGE MUSEUM OF MARYLAND

Please join us and the members of the Hellenic Heritage Museum as they host the coffee hour following the Divine Liturgy here at St. Nicholas. As part of the Oral History Project of the Museum, they will be presenting an interview with Xenophon (Xenon) Kohilas who immigrated from the island of Ikaria, Greece in 1975.

Xenon, who is an accomplished artist and photographer, is well known as the co-owner and operator (along with his brother) of the Ikaros Restaurant that was a popular destination recognized for its delicious and affordable genuine Greek cuisine for 54 years. Please join us....
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HAPPY FATHER’S DAY. . . . .

On behalf of the Parish Council, Fr. Michael, the church Staff and the entire family of St. Nicholas, we would like to wish all the Fathers of our community. . . a Happy and Blessed “FATHER’S DAY”.

Especially to our spiritual father, Fr. Michael Pastrikos.

Many years to all of you!

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Εκ μέρους του Κοινοτικού Συμβουλίου, του π. Μιχαήλ, του προσωπικού της εκκλησίας και ολόκληρης της οικογένειας του Αγίου Νικολάου, θα θέλαμε να ευχηθούμε σε όλους τους πατέρες της κοινότητάς μας... Ευλογημένη και Ευτυχισμένη «ΓΙΟΡΤΗ ΤΟΥ ΠΑΤΕΡΑ».

Ιδιαίτερα στον πνευματικό μας πατέρα, π. Μιχαήλ Παστρικό.

Χρόνια πολλά σε όλους εσας!
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3RD SUNDAY OF MATTHEW / Γ’ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΥ

Date: June 21 Gospel: Matthew 46:22-33

Theme: The Eye is the Lamp of the Body!

MEMORY VERSE: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

WHAT HAPPENED IN THE BIBLE STORY?

In this Gospel reading, Christ teaches that the eye is the lamp of the body, showing that the way people see and desire things shapes the direction of their lives. When the eye is clear, the whole person is filled with light, but when the eye is darkened, the whole person becomes filled with darkness.

Christ then teaches that no one can serve two masters, because the heart cannot belong to God while also being ruled by money, possessions, and worldly concerns. He tells the people to look at the birds, which do not plant or store food, yet are still fed by God, and to look at the flowers, which do not make clothing for themselves, yet are beautifully clothed by Him.

Through these examples, Christ reminds the people that their heavenly Father knows what they need and calls them to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that God will care for them.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

In this Gospel reading, Christ says, “The eye is the lamp of the body,” which invites us to examine the condition of our souls. The eye of the soul, called the nous, is meant to be filled with the light of Christ so that our thoughts, desires, and choices are guided toward Him. When people turn from the love of God, the eyes of their soul (the nous) are darkened, and they begin to lose sight of God’s love and beauty. Yet Christ always calls each person back to Him, knocking at the door of the soul and offering His grace, mercy, and life.

This is seen most clearly in the Divine Liturgy, where we offer bread and wine, and Christ gives us His very Body and Blood in return. Through the Eucharist, He heals, illumines, and transforms us, teaching us to live in His light, grow in love, and become true members of His Body, the Church.

Article source: Sunday Sermon series – goarch.org

06/19/2026

T H A N K. . . . Y O U!!
Σ Α Σ. . . . Ε Υ Χ Α Ρ Ι Σ Τ Ο Υ Μ Ε!!

Dear Beloved Parishioners and Friends of Saint Nicholas,

This past weekend, we experienced four beautiful days overflowing with blessings, love, and community spirit! The success of our Annual Greek Folk Festival was truly outstanding—not just in its ex*****on, but in the profound warmth and mutual respect felt by everyone who attended – Thank You to all of you!

Before all else, we lift our hearts in deep gratitude to our Lord and to our patron saint, Saint Nicholas, for their abundant blessings upon our community during this spectacular event.

This incredible achievement belongs to our army of volunteers, young and old, our hard-working staff, and our joyful cooks and helpers who labored with smiles on their faces.

Most importantly, our youth turned out in greater numbers than ever before. Seeing their vibrant presence gave us all so much hope, as they are the "new blood" who will carry our sacred community's traditions into the future.

Our spiritual leader, Father Michael, was filled with endless joy, tirelessly moving through the crowds to connect with, bless, and speak to each and every one of you who attended and who volunteered to work.

Everything about the weekend was wonderful. The food was delicious, the pastries were sweet, the drinks were refreshing, and the music, dancing, and the marketplace vendors brought our heritage to life beautifully.

A massive, heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who helped with the preparations weeks before the festival, to those who provided generous donations, and to those who labored through these intense four days. May God’s grace keep each of you healthy and happy, for you have truly offered your time and your hearts to His church.

On a personal note, I would like to express my deep gratitude to my immediate team, who worked alongside me at the kitchen window—Lisa, Bona, and Penny—for their invaluable assistance.

To our chef, Spyros Q, the guys from Dimitris’ team, and every single person who stepped into the kitchen or into the outdoor tents to work with us: you were spectacular. To all the Station Captains who made sure their stations ran smoothly – Thank You!

Finally, we owe a HUGE DEBT OF GRATITUDE to the phenomenal Chairpersons of our Festival, our beloved Spiros and Penny Alafassos. We are incredibly blessed to have you. Your leadership resulted in an event that was magnificent by all standards, and your organizational skills were flawless. Well done, and congratulations on a spectacular festival!

Thank you all, once again, from the very bottom of our hearts.

With love and deep gratitude in Christ,

Stamatia Ieromonahos & the Parish Council, and
The Festival Committee
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Baltimore

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Αγαπημένοι μας ενορίτες και φίλοι της εκκλησίας μας
Του Πολιούχου Μας Αγίου Νικολάου

Κύλησαν τέσσερις μέρες γεμάτες ευλογία & αγάπη !!!
Η επιτυχία του Ετήσιου Ελληνικού Λαϊκού Φεστιβάλ μας ήταν πραγματικά εξαιρετική—όχι μόνο στην οργάνωσή του, αλλά και στη βαθιά ζεστασιά και τον αμοιβαίο σεβασμό που ένιωσαν όλοι όσοι παρευρέθηκαν – Σας ευχαριστούμε όλους!

Όλοι δουλεύαμε εθελοντές μικροί και μεγάλοι, εργατικό προσωπικό μάγειρες & βοηθοί μέσα στην καλή χαρά. Ευλογία Κυρίου θα το έλεγα.


Η νεολαία μας πιο πολύ παρά ποτέ έδωσαν το παρόν και το ευχαριστηθήκαμε όλοι μας γιατί αυτό θέλουμε νέο αίμα να συνεχίζει την παράδοση της κοινότητας μας.

Ο πάτερ Μιχάλης ενθουσιασμένος μιλούσε με όλους ακούραστα και με ατελείωτη χαρά.


Όλα ήταν υπέροχα & νοστιμότατα τα φαγητά μαγειρευτά & της ώρας, τα γλυκά, τα ποτά, η μουσική, τα χορευτικά, τα περίπτερα με τα τόσα όμορφα πράγματα.

ΕΥΧΑΡΙΣΤΟΥΜΕ ξανά & ξανά όλους εσάς που βοηθήσατε για τις προετοιμασίες, για τις δωρεές, για την βοήθεια σας όλες αυτές τις ημέρες. ΟΛΟΥΣ μα όλους να σας έχει Η Χάρη Του υγιείς & ευτυχισμένους γιατί με την καρδιά σας προσφέρετε τον
Χρόνο σας για την εκκλησία μας.

Ευχαριστώ την ομάδα μου που συνεργαστήκαμε στο παράθυρο της κουζίνας Λίζα, Μπόνα, Πέννυ για την πολύτιμη βοήθεια τους. Τον μάγειρα τον Σπύρο, τα παιδιά
από τον γύρο ( Dimitris team ) & όλους όσους δούλεψαν στην κουζίνα μαζί μας αυτές τις μέρες & μας βοήθησαν/

Ιδιαιτέρως ΕΝΑ ΤΕΡΑΣΤΙΟ ΕΥΧΑΡΙΣΤΩ στους υπεύθυνους του Φεστιβάλ μας στους αγαπημένους μας Σπύρος & Πέννυ Αλαφασσός. Είμαστε ευγνώμονες και τυχεροί για την εξαιρετική δουλειά από όλες τις απόψεις. Άριστη συνεργασία Μπράβο σας
Συγχαρητήρια!!!!

Σας ευχαριστούμε από καρδιάς!

Με αγάπη και βαθιά ευγνωμοσύνη εν Χριστώ,

Σταματία Ιερομονάχου & το Κοινοτικό Συμβούλιο,
και η Επιτροπή του Φεστιβάλ
Ελληνική Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία του Αγίου Νικολάου της Βαλτιμόρης

06/17/2026

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL . . . . . . . .
Runs from Monday, June 22 through Thursday, June 25th!!

Calling all parents of children ages 3–12:

Give your kids a summer of spiritual adventure filled with faith, fellowship, and new friendships.

Don't let them miss out—make sure to register soon! Cost per child is only $25.

The day will include story time, games, crafts, bible lessons, snacks, and lunch.

Contact the church office to register your children or grandchildren today!

06/13/2026

LITURGICAL PROGRAM FOR SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2026

LIVE STREAMING MAY BE AVAILABLE

SUNDAY, JUNE 14 – Second Sunday of Matthew / Β΄ Ματθαῖου
ORTHROS – 8:30 am DIVINE LITURGY – 9:45 am

• Matins Gospel Reading : Mark 16:1-8
• Epistle Reading : St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 2:10-16
• Gospel Reading : Matthew 4:18-23

Fast Day (Fish Allowed) | Fish, oil and wine are allowed. Refrain from meat, dairy and eggs.

Today, Sunday, we commemorate:

• 2nd Sunday of Matthew
• The Holy Prophet Elisseus (Elisha)
• Methodius the Confessor, Patriarch of Constantinople
• Cyril, Bishop of Gortyna
• The Holy Martyrs of Estonia: the Priests Basil, John, John, Artemios, and Nicholas; the Deacons Vasili and Peter; the Presvytera Martha; and John, Theodor, and Anna
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R E M I N D E R:

Our Greek Folk Festival is still going on. Please stop by for some delicious food, pastries, and desserts. Saturday Noon to 10 pm and Sunday Noon to 10 pm.
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METHODIOS THE CONFESSOR, PATRIARCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE / ΜΕΘΟΔΙΟΣ Ο ΟΜΟΛΟΓΗΤΗΣ

As for Saint Methodius, he was born to wealthy parents in Syracuse of Sicily about the end of the eighth century. Being a presbyter, he was sent as an ambassador to Rome in 815 or 816 on behalf of Patriarch Nicephorus of Constantinople, who had been exiled by Leo the Armenian (see June 2).

After Leo's death, he returned to Constantinople, but since he was a zealot for the veneration of the holy icons, he was immediately exiled this time by Emperor Michael the Stutterer to a fortress near Bithynia. When Michael died, he was freed for a short time, but then, because of his confession of the Orthodox Faith, he was imprisoned again by the Emperor Theophilus in a dark and foul-smelling sepulcher.

Since this was not enough for the Emperor's inhumanity, he commanded that two thieves be shut up with Methodius, and when one of them died, that the co**se not be removed. While the Saint was imprisoned there, a certain poor fisherman ministered to his needs.

Finally, when the Church received its freedom under Saint Theodora the Empress, the Saint ascended the patriarchal throne of Constantinople in 842. Together with the holy Empress, Methodius restored the holy icons to their proper honor; this is commemorated on the Sunday of Orthodoxy. He governed the Church of Constantinople for four years and reposed in 846.

Apolytikion of Methodius the Confessor
Fourth Tone
A model of faith and the image of gentleness, the example of your life has shown you forth to your sheepfold to be a master of temperance. You obtained thus through being lowly, gifts from on high, and riches through poverty. Methodios, our father and priest of priests, intercede with Christ our God that He may save our souls.

Kontakion of Methodius the Confessor
Second Tone
Thou didst struggle on earth as one without a body, and didst inherit Heaven, O Methodius; for thou didst set forth the veneration of icons to the ends of the earth. And while living in abundant labors and hardships, thou didst not cease boldly to censure them that set at nought the icon of Christ.

Article Source: goarch.org

06/13/2026

06/13/2026