Sts. Raphael, Nicholas & Irene Greek Orthodox Church of Palm Harbor
Sts. Raphael, Nicholas & Irene Greek Orthodox Church of Palm Harbor serves the Orthodox Christian community of Palm Harbor, Florida, offering regular worship services and preserving Greek Orthodox faith, traditions, and community life in the region.
Phone:
+1 (727) 789-5905
E-mail:
Website:
Clergy:
Served by Metropolis of Atlanta Clergy
Church Type:
Parish
Denomination:
Greek Orthodox
Metropolis:
Metropolis of Atlanta
Affiliation:
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Ecumenical Patriarch:
Bartholomew I of Constantinople
Clergy Information updated Jan 2026
History
Saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene Greek Orthodox Church of Palm Harbor, Florida owes its existence to an act of faith by one devoted couple. In the winter of 1996, Nikitas and Elaine Damianakis of Palm Harbor made the drive to Atlanta in the snow, despite Nikitas' advanced emphysema, to request the Episcopal blessings of Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta for a dream they carried in their hearts: to build the first Greek Orthodox church in America dedicated to Saints Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene of Thermi, the fifteenth-century martyrs of the island of Lesvos who were canonized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in 1961. Metropolitan Alexios granted his blessings, and the founders moved forward with vision and faith, with neither a priest assigned nor the financial resources to build, trusting that what God calls into being, He also sustains.
In 2003, a historic moment of profound spiritual significance took place when His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos of Plomari and Erressos, together with Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, personally escorted the Holy Relics of Saints Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene from their sanctified monastery in Thermi on the island of Lesvos to their new permanent Parish and Shrine in Palm Harbor. From that moment the parish became a place of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians throughout the Tampa Bay area and beyond, drawn to pray before the relics of the saints whose intercessions have been the source of countless miracles recorded since their glorification.
In just sixteen years from its founding the community had outgrown its original home and retired its existing mortgage, a remarkable testimony to its growth. Then, in September 2014, an early morning fire caused by old electrical wiring destroyed the small church. The community worshipped in a rented shopping center while the parish council planned a new and worthy home for the precious relics of their patron saints. The new church was built and opened, giving the community a dignified permanent sanctuary befitting the holy relics it is entrusted to enshrine.
Saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene Greek Orthodox Church at 1100 Riviere Road in Palm Harbor serves the Orthodox Christian faithful of the Tampa Bay area as a parish and shrine of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
This page serves as a reference resource for Sts. Raphael, Nicholas & Irene Greek Orthodox Church of Palm Harbor, providing essential information such as location, contact details, clergy, and church affiliation. It is intended to help visitors and members of the Orthodox Christian community easily find accurate parish information in one place.
How to Get To Sts. Raphael, Nicholas & Irene
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register as a member at a Greek Orthodox parish?
Parish membership is generally established by registering with the church office. Each parish may have its own process for enrollment and participation in parish life.
Can I attend services if I am not a registered member of the parish?
Greek Orthodox churches welcome visitors and non-members to attend services. Participation in sacraments may require coordination with the parish and priest.
How do I contact the parish priest for pastoral matters?
Pastoral requests are typically handled by the parish priest. The parish office can assist with contact details and help coordinate appointments or inquiries.
How do I register to baptize my child in the Greek Orthodox Church?
Baptism requests are handled by the local parish. The church will usually require documentation from the parents and godparent, along with coordination with the priest to schedule the baptism.
How do I request a wedding date at my Greek Orthodox church?
Wedding dates are scheduled through the parish office and priest. Availability depends on the church calendar, fasting periods, and parish guidelines, so it is recommended to inquire well in advance.
How do I obtain a copy of my Greek Orthodox marriage certificate?
Marriage certificates are typically issued by the church where the sacrament took place. To request a copy, contact the parish office directly and ask what information or identification is required.
How do I obtain a copy of my Greek Orthodox baptismal certificate?
Baptismal certificates are typically issued by the church where the baptism took place. To request a copy, contact the parish office directly and ask what information or identification is required.
Explore Greek Orthodox churches by Metropolis
Nearby Churches
by State
Nearby Churches
by
Metropolis
