Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church

Yesterday was a dreary day with lots of rain and thunder storms that lasted well into late afternoon. However, in spite of the weather, I had a very pleasant meeting with the pastor of one of our local churches, Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church. I was on my way to work as a Citrus County Realtor / consultant at ERA American Realty in Inverness and decided to stop by the Church in hope to get some information for my Citrus County houses of worship page on www.CitrusCountyForSale.com.

Upon entering the Temporary Chapel set up in the Family Community Center I was met by a Parishioner after briefly explaining my mission, he introduced me to the Pastor, Rev. Fr. Demetrios Simeonidis, a handsome man with a speckled beard and welcoming smile. He is well spoken, personable and friendly, and not at all as I had expected. I found him to be down to earth, practical, and not like experiences I had years ago with the Pastor of a Greek Orthodox Church In New York City just a block away from the Theatre District at Broadway, near Times Square. The Pastor there was a Bishop, elderly and near retirement who planned on returning to a monastery on top of a mountain in Constantinople in Europe. But that's another unusual experience I probably write about sometime in the future.

The congregation was in the completion stage of building a new and beautiful Domed Church in Lecanto. The Pastor Fr. Demetrious explained they were planning to have the opening services and dedication on St Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2010. I am now planning attending the ceremony even though I am not a member of the Greek Orthodox Religion. I am looking forward to it because I have always been interested in different cultures, having been raised there, went to school and was a business owner located in New York City.

Farther Demetrious reminded me of the forth coming Spring Greek festival going to be held April 15th through to the 18th. My wife Sandy, daughter Nicole and I have attended several times. It is a very popular event because there are Folk dances with traditional costumes, music with authentic instruments, singing, food, cakes, beverage, gifts etc. It is well organized and truly a lively, colorful, cultural affair which I strongly recommend attending. Posted here are pictures of the new Church and Entrance sign to the church grounds. The address is 4705 W. Gulf to Lake Blvd. .Lecanto, Florida 34461 and their E-mail: priest@stmichaelgoc.org and web site is, www.stmichaelgoc.org.

Introduction to Explore Citrus County.

February 1, 2010

This is my first attempt at writing a blog and I hope you fellow blogger out in cyberspace find it interesting and informative. Also at some point I hope my writing will arouse your spirit of curiosity enough for you to want to come to visit this the most beautiful and unique county in the State of Florida. I am in the Real Estate Business and with hardship sales of homes which no doubt you heard about because of the news media. There are many great homes offered for sale at one third their true value. Don't misunderstand me stirring up business is not the purpose of this blog. It's just that my wife Sandy, 10 year old daughter Nicole and myself love it here along with a few thousand other people who also live here. I guess you already gathered that our county is sparsely populated. It's true, therefore we have plenty room for more. We might have to displace a few Cows, Horses Goats and Chickens to make room for you but it's do able.

The one thing that hasn't suffered because of the bad press is the natural beauty and natures wondrous resource of Lakes, Waterfront homes and sites, hiking trails, Parks, Habitat of Birds, wild life such of Turtles, Foxes and Bears etc. It borders on Sumter County to the East and extends from the lake region west to the Gulf of Mexico and about 50 to 60 miles north of Tampa. Check out my web site that specializes in Hernando homes and Inverness homes for sale including all of Citrus County. I have a lot of pictures and information posted besides our list of homes for sale and you will be missing out on insider information.

I might as well tell you now, I am from New York City. Born and raised there and still love it to this day. I have been living and working in Florida for over 20 years but I miss the smells, noise and hustle of the Big City. No matter how I try I can't get rid of my New York accent, walk or attitude.

By the way, I am a avid sail boat skipper and competed in many off shore races while living on Staten Island. Fished off Sandy Hook,and caught more than my fair share of Blue Fish and one Flounder. I enjoyed every thing else the big Apple had to offer including Institutes of higher education, culture, theatre, museums, parks, night life and People. Lots of People good, bad and different or is a better word indifferent? . Need I say more? I will end on that note.