Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Sixth Sunday of Matthew
The Seven Maccabean Youths, their mother Solomonia and Eleazar their teacher
The Seven Maccabean Youths, their mother Solomonia and Eleazar their teacher
The seven holy Maccabee martyrs, Abim, Antonius, Gurias, Eleazar, Eusebonus, Alimus and Marcellus, their mother, Solomonia, and their teacher, Eleazar, suffered for Christ in 166 under Syrian King Antiochus IV. The king loved pagan and Hellenistic customs, and held Jewish customs in contempt. He did everything possible to turn people from the Law of Moses and from their covenant with God. He desecrated the Temple of the Lord, placed a statue of the pagan god Zeus there, and forced the Jews to worship it. Many people abandoned the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but there were also those who continued to believe that the Savior would come.
A ninety-year-old elder, the scribe and teacher Eleazar, was brought to trial for his faithfulness to the Mosaic Law. He suffered tortures and died at Jerusalem.
The disciples of St. Eleazar, the seven Maccabee brothers and their mother, Solomonia, also displayed great courage. They were eventually brought to trial in Antioch by King Antiochus. They fearlessly acknowledged themselves as followers of the True God, and refused to eat pork, which was forbidden by the Law.
The eldest brother acted as spokesmen for the rest, saying that they preferred to die rather than break the Law. He was subjected to fierce tortures in sight of his brothers and their mother. His tongue was cut out, he was scalped, and his hands and feet were cut off. A cauldron and a large frying pan were then heated, and the first brother was thrown into the frying pan where he offered his soul up to God.
The next five brothers were tortured one after the other. The seventh and youngest brother was the last one left alive. King Antiochus suggested to their mother, St. Solomonia, that she persuade the boy to obey him, so that her last son at least would be spared. Instead, the brave mother told him to imitate the courage of his brothers.
After all her seven children had died, St. Solomonia stood over their bodies, raised up her hands in prayer to God and died.
The martyric death of the Maccabee brothers inspired Judas Maccabeus, and he led a revolt against King Antiochus. With God’s help, he was victorious, and then purified the Temple at Jerusalem. He also destroyed the altars which the pagans had set up in the streets. All these events are related in the Second Book of Maccabees (Ch. 8-10).
Many Church Fathers preached sermons on the seven Maccabees, including St. Cyprian of Carthage, St. Ambrose of Milan, St. Gregory Nazianzus and St. John Chrysostom.
Source: Antiochian Archdiocese website.
Services This Week
- Sun Jul 25 — DORMITION OF ST ANNA Divine Liturgy – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Mon Jul 26 — ST. PARASKEVE DIVINE LITURGY 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Tue Jul 27 — ST. PANTELEIMON DIVINE LITURGY 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Jul 30 — Paraklesis to the Theotokos 9:30am LIVE STREAM
Services Next Week
- Sun Aug 01 — SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGY – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Mon Aug 02 — Paraklesis to the Theotokos 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Wed Aug 04 — Paraklesis to the Theotokos 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Fri Aug 06 — TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Aug 06 — Paraklesis to the Theotokos 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
Progress Continues at St. Peter’s
Over the last few weeks we have:
- Installed altar ceiling lights
- Added table cloths to the proskomedi table
- Installed new gutters
- Added glass tops to the Proskomedi table, icon shelves, kovouklion, conference room table
- Installed hangers for altar server cassocks
- Repaired front entrance door
- Replaced the broken exterior window in the sanctuary
- Completed all exterior painting
- Completed hurricane protection upgrades
- Restored the backs of the pews that were damaged by prolonged exposure to the sun
- Installed LED lights under the soffits on the exterior of the Church
What’s coming up?
- Installing new window treatments (white) in sanctuary
- Installing wall length candle stand in the narthex
- Complete the mulching of public areas
What about the landscaping?
We will perform a general cleanup followed by a landscaping redo in the fall months when the weather is cooler. Sprinking and irrigation has already been upgraded and repaired. Next comes a plan and then a work day (a lot like our moving day) when we will need extra hands in order to knock out the landscape upgrade in one day. Stay tuned.
Think of all the repairs, upgrades, and construction done in the last three months alone. It is astounding what has been accomplished both in the volume of the work and the quality that was achieved.
Sunday School Registration and the Blessing of the Children on Sunday, August 8, 2021
Mark you calendars for Sunday, August 8, 2021. Following the Divine Liturgy we will bless all Sunday School and regular school students.
Also, we need to update our Sunday School roster. We will also hold registration for Sunday School on that date in the social hall.
Bring your children!
Dormition of the Theotokos Celebration on Sunday August 15, 2021
This year the Dormition of the Theotokos falls on a Sunday. Following the Divine Liturgy we will hold a celebration cook-out during Social Hall breaking the Dormition Fast (no meat through August 1-15) and honoring the Mother of God.
Paraklesis to the Theotokos Offered during the First Two Weeks of August
During the first fifteen days of August, Paraklesis to the Theotokos services will be offered on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings starting at 6:30. The services lasts about 45-50 minutes. Plan on attending.
Bring the names of those for whom you want prayers. Supplications offered to the Theotokos are powerful during this period.
The Menu for our Celebration on August 15, 2021 includes:
- Grilled chicken and pork souvlaki
- Rice Pilag
- Greek Salad
- Desert
Ladies (gents too), could you bring a desert?
New Procedures for Hospitality
Our Church is growing and the old ways have to become new ways so that things run smoothly.
First of all, thumbs up to our July volunteers: Barbara Dionysopoulos, Marianthi Kazakos, Niki and Ray Locklear, Maria Mourgis, and Carol Palantine. Thank you and thank you again!
Thank you to Tom and Marlene Haley who organize everything. They do a great job!
NEW PROCEDURES
- On most Sundays we will serve lighter refreshments like coffee, sweets, hummus, olives, feta, pita and similar items. Please continue bringing these items. Even though we have a range (unlike our former facility), we appreciate items that are “ready to be served.”
- Please do not donate coffee. We have a space age coffee brewer that we aquired at no cost if we buy our coffee from one supplier. If you bring in coffee, we can’t use it.
- We cannot continue preparing meals for Memorials, Name Days, Anniversaries, and other celebrations. We don’t have the appliances or manpower to do it well. We do, however, have the name of two catering companies that can prepare and deliver the food if you would like to sponsor a celebration. Please call Tom Haley at 239-887-0753 for details and to make arrangements.
- If you would like to bring in your own prepared food, please contact Tom Haley at 239-887-0753 by the Friday before the upcoming Sunday. That way we know not to prepare any food for Sunday.
Thank you and let’s BREAK BREAD!
Cafe of Life Ministry Update
People are traditionally more generous with those in need during the holidays than they are the rest of the year. Yet the hunger crisis in this country isn’t seasonal, but year round.
We may be at the beginning of another pandemic and the likelihood of your own neighbors or people in your community struggling to put food on the table is extremely high.
If you are fortunate enough to be in a place to help out folks in need right now, your support can be part of the solution. Your tax deductible donation in cash or check can be given to Father Hans. No amount is too little for this community mission.
Thank you, God bless and IC XC NI KA!
The Safest Way to Come to Church
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 – June 2021
Donations received in June: $17,697.
Amount of money needed to cover expenses: $22,760.21.
We are behind by $5, 063.
These numbers reflect the operating costs of the the Hickory Drive property.
Please note:Summer months are always lean and in June we fell behind by $5,063. Please remember to send in your pledge so we can make up the deficit and keep St. Peter’s on a secure financial footing.
St. Peter Orthodox Church
7470 Hickory Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33967
You can also donate online:
The Social Hall All Stars are the men and women that make social hall happen. Thank you All Stars!
July 4 to July 25, 2021
- Barbara Dionysopoulos
- Marianthi Kazakos
- Niki Locklear
- Ray Locklear
- Carol Palatine
- Maria Mourgis
August 1 to August 29
- Olga Bilych
- Pavlo Bilych
- Sandy Krotov
- Nader Sahawneh
Calendar At A Glance
Calendar also available on the St. Peter website.
JULY
- Sun Jul 25 — DORMITION OF ST ANNA Divine Liturgy – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Mon Jul 26 — ST. PARASKEVE DIVINE LITURGY 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Tue Jul 27 — ST. PANTELEIMON DIVINE LITURGY 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Jul 30 — Paraklesis to the Theotokos 9:30am LIVE STREAM
AUGUST
DORMITION Fasting Period from August 1 to August 15, 2021.
- Sun Aug 01 — SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGY – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Mon Aug 02 — Paraklesis to the Theotokos 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Wed Aug 04 — Paraklesis to the Theotokos 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Fri Aug 06 — TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Aug 06 — Paraklesis to the Theotokos 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Sun Aug 08 — SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGY – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Sun Aug 08 — Blessing of the Children
- Mon Aug 09 — Paraklesis to the Theotokos 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Wed Aug 11 — Paraklesis to the Theotokos 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Fri Aug 13 — ST. MAXIMOS THE CONFESSOR Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Aug 13 — Paraklesis to the Theotokos 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Sun Aug 15 — DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS Divine Liturgy – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Aug 16 – Sep 1 — Fr. Hans on Vacation
- Sun Aug 22 — SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGY – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Aug 16 – Sep 1 — Fr. Hans on Vacation
- Sun Aug 29 — SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGY – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Aug 16 – Sep 1 — Fr. Hans on Vacation
Wisdom From The Elders
Men throughout all their earthly life see everything but Christ, the life-giver; this is why they have no spiritual life, this is why they are given to every passion : unbelief, want of faith, covetousness, envy, hatred, ambition, the pleasures or eating and drinking. St. John of Kronstadt
Spiritual vigilance or sobriety is a spiritual art which completely delivers a man, with the help of God, from sinful actions and passionate thoughts and words when fervently practiced for a considerable time. It is silence of the heart; it is guarding of the mind; it is attention to oneself without any other thought which always, incessantly and unceasingly calls upon Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and God… St. Hesychius of Jerusalem
We are all in deception. The knowledge of this is the greatest preventative against deception. It is the greatest deception to acknowledge oneself to be free of deception. St. Ignatius Brianchaninov
O relatives and close ones of the dead! Do for them what is needful for them and within your power. Use your money not for outward adornment of the coffin and grave, but in order to help those in need, in memory of your close ones who have died, for churches, where prayers for them are offered. Show mercy to the dead, take care of their souls. St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco
The drunkard, the fornicator, the proud – he will receive God’s mercy. But he who does not want to forgive, to excuse, to justify conciously, intentionally … that person closes himself to eternal life before God, and even more so in the present life. He is turned away and not heard. Elder Sampson of Russia
Christ leads us out of separation from God, away from a “self” defined by our will and passions, into a new life that is the work of His hands, the fruit of His will, the created glory of His eternal, unending and glorious life.
Bishop Irenei Steenberg
Remember in Your Prayers
List has been updated. If you want some names restored, please mention it to Fr. Hans.
- 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 13 / Resets August
Current Prayer List
Maggie (Jacobse 10/21)
Walt (Dusckas 10/21)
A. L (Duskas 10/21)
M. R. (Duskas 10/21)
Jeff (Duskas 10/21)
Georgia D. (Repya 10/21)
Colleen R. (Repya 10/21)
Debbie (Breitenbach 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)
Permanent Prayer List
Gabriel (Mankus)
Baby Dani (Repya)
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)
Franklin (Pyrrson)
George (Chionis)
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
For the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Thou, O Lord, wilt preserve us and keep us from this generation.
Save me, O Lord, for the Godly man hath disappeared.
The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans. (12:6-14)
Brethren, having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; out do one another in showing honor. Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, and serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
GOSPEL
For Sixth Sunday of Matthew
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (9:1-8)
At that time, Jesus got into a boat, crossed over and came to His own city. And behold, they brought to Him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith He said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier,to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—He then said to the paralytic—“Rise, take up your bed and go home.” And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they marveled, and they glorified God, Who had given such authority to men.