July 25, 2021

Faith Softens Fear
Sunday Sermon

- Fr. Paul Costopoulos -


Today on the 5th Sunday of Matthew the Gospel reading comes to us from Matthew 8:28; 9:1. In this pericope two demoniacs were surprised that their malice and power of fear over others was terminated by Jesus. Father Paul shares with us an encouraging message of how we can overcome unwanted fear, that is synonymous with anxiety and worry, of which we have no control. Life has a way of producing many fears, but through faith in Jesus Christ and trusting in Him, we can overcome those fears and grow in our life in Christ. The demoniacs recognized, as we must, that we can do nothing apart from the will of God. Faith in God justifies us and allows us to find peace, which is the opposite of fear. The rewards of faith include salvation, healing and deliverance from fear.



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

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

Photography Credits: Beth Hontzas - Music: Presbytera Katerina Makiej





close


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.