“Greek Orthodox Christian Church - Birmingham, Alabama”

Photography Credits: Beth Hontzas - Music: Presbytera Katerina Makiej






Sunday Sermon

The Publican's Humility
February 25, 2024

- Fr. Paul Costopoulos -


Today is the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee, which comes from the Gospel reading in Luke 18. In the passage, Jesus gives a parable about a tax collector and a Pharisee who offered prayers to God. The Pharisee’s prayer lacked humility, whereas the tax collector's was full of humility. Jesus tells us that the tax collector was the one who went back to his house justified, rather than the other.

In this week’s sermon, Fr. Paul emphasizes the tax collector's humility and urges us to likewise be humble through three actions. First is contemplation of Christ—going to church, praying, and reading the scriptures. Second is imitation of Christ. As he was meek and lowly of heart, we too must be meek. Third is adopting a proper attitude, thinking of oneself as less than others.

Through these three actions, we can actualize humility as the tax collector did. 



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 ...[more]
“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





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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.