WELCOME TO ST. PHILIP THE APOSTLE ORTHODOX CHURCH

   Located in Tampa, Florida we are a mission parish of the Orthodox Church in America founded by our present pastor, Fr. Joseph and 5 others, who came to Tampa from Safety Harbor to begin the parish. Our first Divine Liturgy was celebrated on November 5, 2005 and since that time we have increased in membership sevenfold and have been blessed with four converts. Our parish is a mix of both cradle Orthodox and converts. We are young and old, families and single members. We come from all parts of the country as well as Russia, Moldova, Romania, Greece, Lebanon and the West Indies. The parish is a warm and loving community practicing Holy Orthodoxy, which is the faith of the apostles unchanged for 2,000 years.

   We welcome all visitors, be they traveling Orthodox, inquirers, or those who are curious to experience the joy of Divine Liturgy and all other services in English. You are always welcome to come and pray with us. Fr. Joseph welcomes your calls at (813) 933-9807.

   Our website contains much information about our parish and about Orthodoxy in general. Our menu at left will take you to our services schedule, driving directions, contact information and to a list and photos of our parish administration. New to our site is a photographic tour of our parish facilities, as well as an “Archives” section where past articles and photos from our website can be viewed. “About Orthodoxy” will take you to pages of information about the faith in easy to read and understand “Q & A” format. Fr. Joseph’s sermons are available in streaming audio or may be down loaded to an mp3 player.

   We invite you to click on the “Welcome” bar above where you will hear a brief welcome and then be able to listen to Ancient Faith Radio as you browse our website. God bless you and please return to our website often.

FR. JOSEPH GIVEN AWARD.

On July 21, during the Divine Liturgy at the Diocesan Assembly in Atlanta, Metropolitan Jonah, on behalf of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America, presented Fr. Joseph with the gold pectoral cross. Fr. Joseph said that he was humbled by the Holy Synod's actions in making the award and that any accomplishments he has had in his ministry were "the result of the grace of God and the help and cooperation of the wonderful parishioners at St. Philip."

WE BLESS A NEW MISSIONSARY AND OUR VEHICLES.

On Sunday, July 18th, we had a double blessing after Liturgy. First Fr. Joseph dedicated the Tanzania Teaching Mission to the protection of Christ the Teacher. Then Jean Jolly was blessed in a brief "sending" ceremony as she prepares to depart for this 18 day teaching mission. Holding a PhD in education and having been an assistant superintendent of schools, Jean is uniquely qualified for this African outreach. She will be preparing instructors who will then teach future teachers of religious education.

Following this ceremony we all went outside for the annual blessing of vehicles. This is done on the Sunday before the feast of St. Elijah who went up to heaven in a fiery chariot.

UGANDAN MEDICAL MISSION 2010

3 STORIES, 55 PHOTOS AND THE AUDIO OF A REPORT
 BY KARLENE AND FR. JOSEPH TO THE PARISH

(Click on photos to enlarge.)

UGANDAN MEDICAL MISSION TREATS 3,800 PATIENTS.

   Fr. Joseph and parishioner Karlene Kunz, a professor of nursing, departed for Uganda on June 12. Arriving in Kampala, Uganda the next day, they joined seven others in forming a medical team to treat residents of northern Uganda. This area had been decimated by war and insurrection for the past twenty years. Now relatively secure, former residents are beginning to return and their medical needs are tremendous. Malaria is a scourge of this area and intestinal worms are pandemic. Working out of Gulu first and then moving to Lira, Uganda the team treated over 3,800 patients in nine rural clinics. The first day saw a new record for one day patient count when over 700 were examined and treated. The team pharmacy worked until 8:30 pm filling prescriptions by the light of a kerosene lantern.
   Utilizing two doctors, one nurse practitioner, three RNs and two laboratory technicians the team brought medical services to many who had not had any care since last year's team treated them. These dedicated Orthodox medical professionals are a credit to themselves and to the Orthodox Church. The love and care with which they served God's children was a visible sign of the Gospel message of love of neighbor.
   The spiritual highlight of the trip for the team members was Sunday Divine Liturgy celebrated in a mud walled, thatched roofed church. The people sang with great joy and enthusiasm. Fr. Joseph delivered the sermon through a translator and delighted the congregation by blessing them in their own language. (Please see related story below.)
   We brought with us liturgical books and two sets of vestments for the priests. Likewise we transported a set of icons and an icon cross for St. Basil church in Gulu. We left over 3,000 paper icons as well as a set of church banners. Financial contributions were made toward a day school as well as for other good works. A particularly moving moment was when a father brought us his infant daughter. The child's mother had died the day before and, as one of the priests observed, the child's life was in danger. Milk is very expensive for the people of northern Uganda, the equivalent of about 50 cents US per liter. Through the earlier generosity of people back home we were able to give the pastor enough money to support the child until she can be fed solid food. (To God belongs the glory!)
   Both Karlene and Fr. Joseph felt the experience to be one of the most spiritually rewarding of their lives. All money necessary for Fr. Joseph and Karlene to participate was raised through direct appeals. No "fund raising" activities other than the direct appeals were used. This allowed many people to participate in the mission through their generosity. While the poor need the rich for their survival, the rich need the poor for their salvation. God bless the priests and people of northern Uganda.
TO LISTEN TO A REPORT BY KARLENE AND FR. JOSEPH TO THE PARISH ON THE UGANDAN MEDICAL MISSION (CLICK HERE).

HOLY UGANDAN PRIESTS LOVINGLY SERVE GOD'S PEOPLE

   It was a most humbling experience to be in the presence of such holy men as the Ugandan priests that we worked with. They are truly "fathers" not only to their parishioners but to all in need in their areas. They try to provide for the people's temporal as well as spiritual needs. Though poorly paid, many of the priests take from their own pockets to help those most in need. No one in need is ever asked if they are Orthodox. Each is treated as the child of God that they are. All of this work is done with a smile and a joyful heart.
   Their celebration of the Divine Liturgy is done with awe and with care for the Holy Mystery. It was a great joy to concelebrate with them in a church that had mud walls and a thatched roof. The greatest cathedral never had a more joyful and reverential and well sung Liturgy. Fr. Joseph was accepted as an altar brother and treated with love and kindness by the priests and by the people. This experience gave new meaning to "one holy, catholic and apostolic church."

UGANDAN MISSION WAS A JOY, AN ADVENTURE
AND A KALEIDOSCOPE OF SIGHTS.

   The people of northern Uganda were a great joy to be with. Despite their poverty they always insisted on feeding us lunch as a token of their appreciation. In one village, after Sunday Liturgy, we were entertained with native dances. Some of our members reciprocated by teaching the children to sing: "He's got the whole world in his hands." We brought jump ropes and balls for the children to play with.
   The roads that we traveled, though always teeming with interesting sights, were deeply rutted and potholed. It took its toll on our 12 year old van. On the next to the last day the transmission failed on a back road and it was getting toward sundown. God was with us. A man with his wife came along in a small pickup truck. Nine of us got in the back and two inside and he took us to our destination. The next day a taxi van from Kampala came with the rector of the seminary and a mechanic to fetch us. The transmission was pulled then and there and all 13 of us, along with the transmission, made the long journey back to the capital, arriving well after dark.

BEAUTIFUL ADDITION TO ICONOSTASIS

Parishioner George Chakkar, a master woodworker has generously added to the beauty of our iconostasis by the addition of vine and leaf scrolls, each holding up a budded cross over each of the main icons. They are finished in gold and greatly enhance the beauty of the icons. We are most grateful to George. "Blessed are those that love the beauty of God's house."

METROPOLITAN JONAH VISITS THE PARISH

On Sunday, April 25th, Metropolitan Jonah paid a short visit to St. Philip parish. His Beatitude was in Bradenton for the weekend attending the dedication of St. Mark parish's new temple. During the festivities he told Fr. Joseph that he would like to pay a brief visit to St. Philip parish on his way to the airport. A number of our parishioners gathered to greet him with the traditional offering of salt, bread, the hand cross and the keys to the church building. Met. Jonah individually blessed each of the parishioners present and exchanged a few joyful remarks with them. He indicated to Fr. Joseph his desire to return for an hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Then it was off to the airport and a return to his busy schedule. God grant him many years.

PARISH COMPLETES 2ND YEAR AT THE FLORIDA STATE FAIR.

From February 4th through the 15th, the parish once again staffed its exhibit booth at the Florida State Fair in Tampa. Presenting an exhibit of icons and liturgical items such as a chalice, Gospel book and a bishop's miter, Fr. Joseph and parish volunteers witnessed to Christ and to Holy Orthodoxy 13 hours a day for all 12 days of the fair. Contact was made with scores of non-practicing Orthodox and many were directed to Orthodox parishes near them regardless of jurisdiction. Hundreds stopped to find out about Orthodoxy, iconography and many of the traditions of the Church. Several people sought spiritual guidance from Fr. Joseph. Although the weather was the worst in forty years, cutting attendance by 25%, considering our contact with an inquiring public the parish endeavor was a success nonetheless.

ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS MARCH FOR LIFE IN WASHINGTON.

Once again a large contingent of Orthodox Christians from across the country joined in the annual March for Life. Held every year to mark the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court case legalizing abortion, the march gives voice to the majority of Americans who hold all life to be sacred from conception to natural ending. Fr. Joseph again was present with many other Orthodox Christians, both clergy and laity, to lend support to this noble cause. For the first time all of the hierarchs of the Orthodox Church in America were present for the march. The OCA is the primary Orthodox presence at the March. We pray that this national tragedy of abortion will soon end.

SOMETHING NEW-A VIRTUAL TOUR OF OUR FACILITIES

We have a new section that offers a virtual tour of our Temple and of our social hall. For the tour click here.

NEW HOME PAGE FEATURE.

As a new feature for our home page a link on the home page will take you to the audio of the sermons from the three preceding Sundays. You can still access all past sermons by clicking on "Audio Sermons" at the left.

JUNE 6TH
ON THE OCCASION OF THE CONONIZATION OF ST. HERMAN OF ALSAKA
A REFLECTION BY ARCHBISHOP DMITRI

Almost forty years ago, and when he was the Bishop of Berkley, on Archbishop Dmitri, founder and first bishop if the Diocese of the South, gave the keynote reflection at the canonization of St. Herman of Alaska. On this Sunday of the Saints of North America, Fr. Joseph read this still informative and spiritual address by His Eminence. (Click Here)

MAY 30TH
"A CLOUD OF WITNESSES"  THE ORTHODOX SAINTS

On the Sunday of All Saints, Fr. Joseph explores who saints are and our relationship with them. (Click Here)

May 16th
OUR PERSONAL HERESIES.

On this Sunday of the Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council, Fr. Joseph explores what a heresy is and how our pride can lead us to our "personal heresies. (Click Here)

May 9th
ON THE SECOND COMING

On the second coming of Christ and how we are to be prepared for it. (Click Here)

APRIL 25TH
PART III OF SERIES ON PARISH LIFE.

Sermon on parish ministry to all mankind. We explore our upcoming Africa mission trips and hear from two of the missionaries. (Click Here)

SUNDAY OF THE MYRRH BEARING WOMEN.
PART II OF SERIES ON PARISH LIFE.

In the parish the saints are equipped for the doing of all good works in the service of Christ. (Click Here)

THOMAS SUNDAY
SERMON SERIES ON PARISH LIFE BEGINS.

Parish life is the foundation of our following of Christ. Here we are fed by His word in the Scriptures and by His body and blood in the Eucharist. Here we unconditionally love and are loved by each other. (Click Here)

PALM SUNDAY

From "Hosanna" to "Crucify Him" in 5 days. What happened? (Click Here)

HERE ARE SOME SERMON SERIES AND SOME SINGLE SERMONS THAT MAY BE HELPFUL.

SERMON SERIES ON DOUBT

   On May 3rd, Fr. Joseph began a two part sermon series on doubt. This first part dealt with doubt caused by trying to assimilate worldly values into are lives. By trying to be "of the world" when we are not. Part I may be heard by clicking here.
   On May 10th, Fr. Joseph gave Part II of the sermon series on doubt. He explored doubt as occasioned by the scandals in the church. To listen to Part II click here.
   For a complete selection of Fr. Joseph's sermon's ranging from the Sacraments to Funeral Practices to Respect Life from conception to natural death, click on "Audio Sermons" at the left.

SERMON ON PRESENT ECONOMIC SITUATION

On October 12th, Fr. Joseph preached a sermon applying Orthodox beliefs to the present economic times.  True believers must show the world that they have faith in our provident Father. While America has put its trust in money, we, Orthodox, must help it to instead put its trust in God. To listen to the sermon click here.

SERMON SERIES ON THE HOLY MYSTERIES (SACRAMENTS)

A sermon series on the Holy Mysteries of the Orthodox Church by Fr. Joseph is available here on our website.  This series, consisting of twelve parts, explores the seven sacraments as well as grace itself. Since we are a sacramental Church, Fr. Joseph thought it appropriate that we should explore these great gifts from God.  Whether we are senior citizen cradle Orthodox or recent converts, these sermons shed light on the history, ritual and grace giving aspect of each of the Holy Mysteries. They may be played either as streaming audio or down loaded to an iPod or an mp3 player.  To see the varying topics dealing with the sacraments as well as other past sermons click here.

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PARISH FEATURED IN DIOCESAN NEWSPAPER ARTICLE

The latest issue of the Diocese of the South newspaper, The Dawn, carries a full page story about St. Philip the Apostle parish.  Fr. Joseph was asked to author an article featuring the use of technology by the mission for both iconography and evangelization. The article may be viewed in the online edition of The Dawn by double clicking here and scrolling to page 3.

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BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY

Our dream of a Christian bereavement ministry for all of Tampa has begun.  In July our Sue Finzer, herself a widow, attended a week long bereavement ministry facilitator course in Massachusetts.  If you or someone you know has lost a loved one and could use some help dealing with the loss please call Sue at (727) 692-9227.

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PRAY MINISTRY

Please click on our "Prayer Ministry" at left and if possible print the list of intentions and pray for them daily. This is a wonderful way to serve Jesus by serving the needs of those listed through prayer. We have recently received a number of urgent requests dealing with the health and welfare of children as well as several of our parishioners.  Please pray daily for all of these intentions.

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SEE WHAT ORTHODOXY IS DOING FOR THE SANCTITY OF LIFE

Click on "Orthodox Pro Life" at left. It also contains a link to the Zoe website which is the Orthodox pro life ministry.

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St. Philip the Apostle is a mission parish of the Orthodox Church in America and is under the authority of His Beaditude Jonah, Metropolitan of all America and Canada and Locum Tenens of the Diocese of the South. Its purpose is threefold; to bring the true faith of Orthodoxy to Tampa and the Bay area in a parish where all services are in English, to seek out those Orthodox Christians in the Tampa Bay area who have fallen away from the practice of their faith, and to bring Orthodoxy to all citizens of the Bay area including Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater.

On Nov. 6th, 2005 we celebrated our first Divine Liturgy in our new church at 9100 El Portal Drive. We are located just south of Chamberlain High School behind the North Branch Library.

If you are looking for the church that was founded by Christ, where the truth has been taught unchanged for 2,000 years, then visit us. If you want to hear the gospel proclaimed without fear or apology, then visit us. If you are looking for a loving spiritual home, then visit us. As St. Philip said to Nathaniel: "Come and see."

Sunday Divine Liturgy begins at 9:30 am.

Saturday evening vespers begins at 6 pm.

Bible Study is on Wednesday evenings following vespers which begins at 7 PM. All are welcome and can join the class at any time.

All Liturgies and services are in English. Inquirers and visitors are always welcome as our guests.

Fr. Joseph can be contacted at the numbers and address provided at the left under "contact information". We look forward to worshiping and growing in the faith with you.