Jesus' Gift to All | Holy Trinity + Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral

- Fr. Paul Costopoulos -

Today in Orthodoxy is known as the Sunday of The Samaritan Woman. The Gospel reading comes to us from John 4:5-42. In this pericope Jesus approaches a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well and asks her for a drink. She is surprised by the request because the Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans and in antiquity men did not speak to women other than their wives or daughters. Father Paul shares with us that this Gospel message is intriguing on two accounts. First it demonstrates how the love of Christ is for all people regardless of race, creed or gender. And secondly that the gift of The Holy Spirit Jesus offers to the Samaritan woman is the same gift He offers to each of us who struggle with the frustrations and worries of life. We as Orthodox Christians acquire the Holy Spirit at Baptism, but during the course of our lives must nurture this relationship through repentance, faith and observance of the Commandments. Father Paul encourages us to know God with our minds and hearts and therefore we will find peace in life and know Eternity.

307 19th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233 | Fr. Gregory Edwards, Dean | 205.716.3080

Photography Credits: Beth Hontzas - Music: Presbytera Katerina Makiej

Father Paul Costopoulos was born in and grew up in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He is one of 6 siblings. A graduate of Gettysburg College (1967) and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Theological School (1970), Father Paul has served as a priest of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for over 41 years. He has served as Dean of our Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Birmingham, AL since September, 1996. He also served Greek Orthodox parishes in Huntsville, AL (1975-1978), Jacksonville, FL (1978-1991), and Denver, CO (1991-1996). In addition to his work as a Parish Priest, Father Paul has served and continues to serve our Church in various capacities both at the Archdiocesan and Metropolis levels. He worked 2 years at the Archdiocese in New York as Director of the Campus Commission, served for a number of years on the Archdiocesan Council and Metropolis Councils of Denver and Atlanta, for 13 years served as a member and former President of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center, and in 1987 led a mission team of 25 to Kenya to build a church. Since 1999, he has served as Vicar of the Central Conference of our Metropolis. Father Paul is married to the former Penny Clemson, also from Carlisle, Pennsylvania. They have 2 daughters (Nina and Niki) and 6 grandchildren, all of whom live in Birmingham, AL. Father loves to read, travel, workout, spend time with the family, and watch his grandkids play soccer.