Foundational Faith | Holy Trinity + Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral

“Greek Orthodox Christian Church - Birmingham, Alabama”

Photography Credits: Beth Hontzas - Music: Presbytera Katerina Makiej

- Fr. Paul Costopoulos -

In today’s Gospel reading, Matthew 17:14-23, we hear the story of a father seeking healing for his son who suffered from epilepsy. The father first took his son to Jesus' disciples, who were unable to heal the boy. Confused, the disciples asked Jesus why they were unable to heal him. Jesus noted it was due to their lack of faith: “For truly I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed… nothing will be impossible to you.” Like the disciples, we all lack true faith, faith that is foundational to the Christian life. So, how do we increase our faith? Father Paul expounds on the two practices Jesus identifies in today’s Gospel reading: fasting and prayer. He explains fasting enhances our awareness of God, strengthens our prayer life, and helps us overcome our passions. Prayer allows us to have a relationship with God and grow closer to him. Through the acts of fasting and prayer, we can strengthen our faith and, in turn, acquire and actualize the fruits of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Through the Holy Spirit and with the faith of a mustard seed, salvation and eternal life in Christ Jesus are made available to us all.

“Greek Orthodox Christian Church - Birmingham, Alabama”

Photography Credits: Beth Hontzas - Music: Presbytera Katerina Makiej

Sunday Morning Divine Liturgy - 9:30

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

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 served as Dean of our Holy Trinity- Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral from September 1996 through February 2019, when he retired from the full time priesthood. 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.