Sunday of the After-feast of the Ascension
Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council
Martyr Aquilina of Byblos in Syria; Antipater, bishop of Bostra in Arabia;
Triphyllios, bishop of Nicosia in Cyprus
The Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council
“I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Mt. 16:18). Although the Church of Christ on earth will pass through difficult struggles with the enemy of salvation, it will emerge victorious.
Persecution of Christians ceased during the fourth century, but heresies arose within the Church itself. One of the most pernicious of these heresies was Arianism. Arius, a priest of Alexandria, was a man of immense pride and ambition. In denying the divine nature of Jesus Christ and His equality with God the Father, Arius falsely taught that the Savior is not consubstantial with the Father, but is only a created being.
A local Council, convened with Patriarch Alexander of Alexandria presiding, condemned the false teachings of Arius. However, Arius would not submit to the authority of the Church. He wrote to many bishops, denouncing the decrees of the local Council. He spread his false teaching throughout the East, receiving support from certain Eastern bishops.
Investigating these dissentions, the holy emperor Constantine (May 21) consulted Bishop Hosius of Cordova (Aug. 27), who assured him that the heresy of Arius was directed against the most fundamental dogma of Christ’s Church, and so he decided to convene an Ecumenical Council. In 325, 318 bishops representing Christian Churches from various lands gathered together at Nicea.
Read the complete story on the Orthodox Church in America website.
Services This Week
- Sun Jun 6 — SUNDAY OF THE BLIND MAN Divine Liturgy – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Jun 9 — Apodesis (Leave Taking) of Great and Holy Pascha Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Thu Jun 10 — Ascension of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Thu Jun 10 — Cafe of Life Sandwich Making 1:00pm
- Fri-Sat Jun 11-12 — Fr. Hans Out of Town
Services Next Week
- Sun Jun 13 — FATHERS OF THE FIRST ECUMENICAL COUNCIL Divine Liturgy – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Sun-Sat Jun 13-19 — DIOCESE OF MIAMI VIRTUAL PARISH LIFE CONFERENCE LIVE STREAM
- Wed Jun 16 — Women’s Book Study
- Sat Jun 19 — Saturday of the Souls (for Pentecost) Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
Women’s Book Study Continues This Wednesday, June 9, 2021 in the Social Hall at 6:00pm
The Women’s Book Study meets this Wednesday in the Social Hall. The book we will study is Fr. Arseny: Priest, Prisoner, Spiritual Father. Fr. Arseny was a prisoner in a Soviet Gulag and ministered to many prisoners. His story is gripping, compelling, and shows how God worked even in the Gulag through a faithful priest.
A brief introduction to the book (the foreward and an introduction to the book) will be offered along with schedule and goal of the study. The primary focus will be books that teach and inspire us in our Orthodox faith.
From Amazon:
It is one of the great mysteries of life that in atmospheres of the harshest cruelty, a certain few not only survive but emerge as beacons of light and life. Father Arseny, former scholar of church art, became Prisoner No. 18736 in the brutal ‘special sector’ of the Soviet prison camp system. In the darkness of systematic degradation of body and soul, he shone with the light of Christ’s peace and compassion. His sights set on God and his life grounded in the Church, Father Arseny lived by injunction to ‘bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ’ (Galatians 6:2).
This narrative, compiled from accounts of Father Arseny’s spiritual children and others whom he brought to God, gives stirring glimpses of his life in prison camp and after his release. It also tells the stories of people whose lives, often during times of almost unimaginable crisis, were touched and transfigured through their connection with Father Arseny. Emerging from the context of the particular tragedies of Soviet Russia, this book carries a universal impact certain to be felt by readers in the West today.
Fr. Hans Out of Town Friday – Saturday, June 10-11, 2021
Fr. Hans will be out of town Friday and Saturday, June 10 and 11. He will be Phoenix, AZ giving at talk on growing missions at the Arizona Missions Conference. For pastoral emergencies please contact Fr. Paul Girgis at 509-845-4540.
Cafe of Life Ministry
PLEASE NOTE: NO VOLUNTEERS NEED THIS WEEK
Fr. Hans asked for volunteers this Sunday. Plans unexpectedly changed later in the day an no volunteers are needed.
Summer is just around the corner and plans for barbecuing, picnics, family reunions, vacations and traveling overseas are in the making. That is all wonderful but be mindful that the Cafe of Life depends on donations like St. Peter’s to feed the hungry and homeless.
So please keep so donations coming in and remember “God wants us to be cheerful, generous givers with humble hearts. He asks us to give as a response to His grace in our lives — even if what we have to offer is all that we have.”
Thank you.
Christos Anesti and IC XC NI KA!
DOMSE Virtual Parish Life Conference – June 13-20, 2021
Since COVID the Annual Parish Life Conference (where parishes from the Diocese get together) have gone virtual. DOMSE stands for Diocese of Miami and the Southeast (our diocese). More information including the schedule and sign up are available on the DOMSE website.
Just added: Fr. Hans will lead a second session for men only on “Sexual Sobriety.”
Topics covered include:
- Teen SOYO Guest Speaker – Erin Ghata “Dead Men Live!”
- YAF Guest Speaker – Fr. Joseph Abouid “Prayer of the Hart – A Discussion on The Way of the Pilgrim”
- Antiochian Women Guest Speaker – Fr. David Winn “St. John the Theologian: Love and the World”
- Christian Education Workshop – Hosted by Anna-Sarah Farha “Recruiting, Training, and Supporting Church School Staff”
- AMEN (Antiochian Men) Guest Speaker – Fr. Hans Jacobse “Sexual Sobriety according to the Orthodox Church”
- AMEN (Antiochian Men) Guest Speaker – Fr. Kosta Petrogeorge “ABSTINENCE, SOBRIETY, & INTIMACY: practical Orthodox insights for personal and relational growth.”
- Using Technology for Ministry in the Orthodox Church – Hosted by AMEN for All DOMSE
- Ask Sayedna (Ask Bishop Nicholas any question you want to ask)
Make sure to sign up for the DOMSE Newsletter when you visit the DOMSE website.
Do You Receive THE WORD Magazine?
The Word Magazine is the official publication of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese and comes out monthly. It is filled with helpful articles, archdiocese news, and more. All members of St. Peter’s can (and should) receive it.
If you are not receiving your copy sign up on the Antiochian Archdiocese website.
Two Things to Remember About Our Church at Hickory Drive
- The Presbyterian Church will be using the Social Hall for their worship until they find a place to relocate. Do not enter the Social Hall before 10am on Sundays.
- US 41 is a busy highway and the intersection at Hickory Drive does not have a stop light. We recommend turning on Sanibel Boulevard and following Coconut Road instead.
Pledge & Income Report – May 2021
Donations received in May: $24 ,401.
Amount of money needed to cover expenses: $22,760.21.
We are ahead by $1,641.
These numbers reflect the operating costs of the the Hickory Drive property.
Please note:Please continue your generous support. If you cannot make it to church please mail in your donation to:
St. Peter Orthodox Church
7470 Hickory Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33967
You can also donate online:
Bishop NICHOLAS Offers a Weekly Live Stream
These are short thirty minute presentations where His Grace Bp. Nicholas speaks on one theme in Sunday readings for fifteen minutes followed by questions from the listeners. It’s worth tuning in. Get instructions on the St. Peter website on how to use the Band App on your phone or computer to participate.
Calendar At A Glance
Calendar also available on the St. Peter website.
JUNE
- Sun Jun 6 — SUNDAY OF THE BLIND MAN Divine Liturgy – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Jun 9 — Apodesis (Leave Taking) of Great and Holy Pascha Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Thu Jun 10 — Ascension of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Thu Jun 10 — Cafe of Life Sandwich Making 1:00pm
- Fri-Sat Jun 11-12 — Fr. Hans Out of Town
- Sun Jun 13 — FATHERS OF THE FIRST ECUMENICAL COUNCIL Divine Liturgy – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Sun-Sat Jun 13-19 — DIOCESE OF MIAMI VIRTUAL PARISH LIFE CONFERENCE LIVE STREAM
- Wed Jun 16 — Women’s Book Study
- Sat Jun 19 — Saturday of the Souls (for Pentecost) Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Sun Jun 20 — GREAT AND HOLY PENTECOST Divine Liturgy – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Tue Jun 22 — Paraklesis to the Theotokos 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Jun 23 — Women’s Book Study
- Thu Jun 24 — Nativity St. John the Baptist Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Jun 25 — Parish Council Meeting 3:30pm
JUNE – JULY
- Sun Jun 27 — SUNDAY OF ALL SAINTS Divine Liturgy – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Mon-Tue Jun 28-29 — Sts. Peter and Paul – TIME AND DETAILS TBA
- Wed Jun 30 — Women’s Book Study
- Fri Jul 02 — St. Maximos the Confessor Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
Wisdom From The Elders
The suffering of the world, ample and endless, is their own. We are all one human being. And the prayer of the humble person is one: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.” In other words, have mercy on the whole of your world. He prays and breathes for all people. He is the breath of the world. He lives with Him Who is the Alpha and the Omega Metropolitan Saba(Esber)
‘The pure of heart will see God,’ according to the Lord’s infallible word (Mt. 5:8), according to his capacity, receiving as much as his mind can sustain; yet the infinite and incomprehensible nature of the Godhead remains beyond all understanding. Archimandrite Vasileios (Gontikakis) of Iveron
I see a fish expiring as soon as it is taken out of the water, and I say: “That is me! If they take me out of Your embrace, I shall die in seconds—like a fish tossed onto the sand. St. Nikolai Velimirovich
Know and remember always, no matter where you are, that whatsoever hurts will be dulled as soon as you learn In all things, to look at Me. Everything has been sent to you by Me, for the perfection of your soul. All these things were from Me. St. Seraphim of Viritsa
A certain monk lived in a monastery, and he was always angry. He decided, “I will leave this place and dwell by myself as a hermit, and then I will no relations with anyone, and the passion of anger will leave me.” Leaving the monastery, he settled in a cave. One day, having taken up a pitcher of water, the monk set it one the ground, and it tipped over. Again he drew the water, and the pitcher tipped a second time. The he drew it again, and it fell a third time. The brother got angry, picked it up and broke it.
When he had come to himself, he understood that the devil had triumphed over him and said, “Behold, I have gone away into seclusion, and I am conquered! I will go back to the monastery, for patience and the help of God are necessary everywhere!” And he returned to his previous place. Ancient Patericon, 7.38
Remember in Your Prayers
- Names will remain on the list for two months.
- If you would like to keep them on longer please mention it to Fr. Hans. We will keep the names on the list for as long as the person needs prayers.
- Names will include the person who requested the prayers and the month the name will be removed.
- The permanent list includes friends and members of St. Peter’s and others including shut-ins.
Were names dropped that should have remained? Please mention it to Fr. Hans. He will add them back.
Updated June 7 / Resets August
Current Prayer List
Katherine (Duskas 9/21)
James (Duskas 9/21)
Anne (Breitenbach 9/21)
Patricia (Tsikita 9/21)
Robert (Tewis 9/21)
Lydia (Irena 9/21)
Lee (Irena 9/21)
Demetrios (Karras 8/21)
Leah (Brubaker 7/21)
Elena (Brubaker 7/21)
George III (Ghanem 7/21)
Kristin (Ghanem 7/21)
Nora (Ghanem 7/21)
George IV (Ghanem 7/21)
Lena (Ghanem 7/21)
Barbara (Dusckas 7/21)
Georgia (Jacobse 6/21)
Maryann (Breitenbach 6/21)
Jean (Wolffe 6/21)
Robin (Wolffe 6/21)
Debbie (Breitenbach 6/21)
Permanent Prayer List
Maria and her unborn child Iakovos (Diveris)
Sophia (D. Constantine)
Herman (Kerr)
Innocent (Kerr)
Nicholas (Kerr)
Paola (Jacobse)
Gregory (Yankopolos)
Soterios (Ninos)
Pauline (Poulos)
Sergio (Kazakos)
Rae (Semeretis)
Fran (Hansen)
Nina (Krotov)
George the Priest (Chapekis)
Franklin (Pyrrson)
George (Chionis)
Stamatia (Jacobse)
Stamatia (Evelyn)
Demetrios (Kuchera)
Theodosios (Palis)
Theodora (Webb)
Helen (Rogers)
Robert (Smith)
Robert (Jarvis)
Presbytera Rosy (in Pakistan)
James (Hord)
Ann (Rellis)
Vassiliki (Kontinos)
Vassiliki (Morekeas)
Founders, Members, and Benefactors Departed this Life
John (Hansen)
Anatoly (Kurdsjuk)
Thareni (Brooks)
Milan Evanoff
Jean (Sam)
Eleni (Pearson)
Richard (Pearson)
Fr. Stephanos (Shagoury)
Panagiota (Bea Chionis)
Anthony (Mourgis)
Anthony (Mankus)
Constantine (Houpis)
Constantine (Joseph)
Mary (Jarvis)
Panagiota Margarita (Palis)
Maria (Ninos)
John (Katsigianopoulos)
George (Chionis)
Gregory (Pappas)
Angela (Coran K)
How should we pray for the sick? Remember them daily. Say their names (first names are sufficient) and ask God to bestow mercy and grace on them.
Add or remove names and print this list for easy reference during your prayer time on the St. Peter website.
Sunday Readings
EPISTLE
Blessed art Thou, O Lord, the God of our Fathers.
For Thou art just in all Thou hast done.
The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles. (20:16-18, 28-36)
In those days, Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spendtime in Asia; for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost. Andfrom Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church. And when they cameto him, he said to them: “Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hasmade you overseers, to care for the church of God which he obtained with the blood of his ownSon. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;and from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away thedisciples after them. Therefore, be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears.
And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by so toiling one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” And when he had spoken thus, he knelt down and prayed with them all.
GOSPEL
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (17:1-13)
At that time, Jesus lifted up His eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Thy Son that the Son may glorify Thee, since Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom Thou hast given Him. And this is eternal life, that they know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ Whom Thou hast sent. I glorified Thee on earth, having accomplished the work which Thou gavest Me to do; and now, Father, glorify Thou Me in Thy own presence with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was made. I have manifested Thy Name to the men whom Thou gavest Me out of the world; Thine they were, and Thou gavest them to Me, and they have kept Thy word. Now they know that everything that Thou hast given Me is from Thee; for I have given them the words which Thou gavest Me, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from Thee; and they have believed that Thou didst send Me.
I am praying for them; I am not praying for the world but for those whom Thou hast given Me, for they are Thine; all Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine, and I am glorified in them. And now Iam no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to Thee. Holy Father, keep them in Thy Name, which Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, even as We are one. While I was with them, I kept them in Thy Name, which Thou have given Me; I have guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.”
