St. Peter News February 1, 2022

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
Seventeenth Sunday of Matthew

After-feast of the Presentation (Meeting) of Christ

The Martyr and Healer Julian of Homs Boukolos, Bishop of Smyrna; Photios the Great, Patriarch of Constantinople

Who Was St. Photios the Great, Patriarch of Constantinople?

Who Was St. Photios the Great, Patriarch of Constantinople?

Saint Photios the Great, whose feast day is February 6, was the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople during the middle of the ninth century. Together with other great Fathers of the Church, Saint Photios demonstrates through his writing and his teaching that scholarship can be a valuable instrument in proclaiming and expressing the Faith of the Church. The Orthodox Church honors Saint Photios as a theologian, a supporter of missionary activity, and a defender of the Faith. Photios was born around 820 AD to holy parents, who were confessors of the Faith. His parents were persecuted for defending icons against the iconoclasts and were exiled from Constantinople.

His greatness was not only due to his defense of Orthodoxy against heretical papal practices, but also connected to his love and meekness. He vigorously opposed the addition of the filioque clause to the Nicene – Constantinopolitan Creed, and wrote On the Mystagogy of the Holy Spirit to preserve “the purity of our religion” and to hinder “those who chose to promote any other definition of dogma than the unanimous and common faith of the pious”.

St. Photios was forced to become Patriarch of Constantinople, however he took his calling seriously and at once set to work as a man of God.. One of his activities was to correct the error of Pope Nicholas of Rome. Holy Photios wrote to Nicholas, “Nothing is dearer than the Truth.” In the same letter he noted, “It is truly necessary that we observe all things, but above all, that which pertains to matters of Faith, in which but a small deviation represents a deadly sin.”

St. Photios was also known for his brilliance and for his missionary zeal, and one of his greatest achievements was in the field of mission work. In 863, St. Photios sent his two nephews from Thessaloniki, known to us today as Saints Cyril and Methodios, to preach the Gospel in Moravia. He blessed St. Cyril in his work of developing an alphabet for the Slavonic people, and for the later work of St. Cyril and his brother St. Methodios as missionaries to the Slavs. As a result of efforts they initiated, the Slavic peoples and nations embraced Orthodox Christianity.

As a Father of the Church, his achievements as Patriarch have earned him a reputation as the greatest of all Patriarchs.

Source: Orthodox Transfiguration website.

Services This Week

• Sun Jan 30 — SUNDAY OF ZACCHEAUS DIVINE LITURGY – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Mon Jan 31 — Unmercenaries Cyrus and John Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Feb 02 — GREAT FEAST PRESENTATION OF THE LORD IN THE TEMPLE DIVINE LITURGY 9:30am LIVE STREAM

Services Next Week

• Sun Feb 06 — ST PHOTIOS THE GREAT DIVINE LITURGY – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Tue Feb 08 — St. Theodore the Commander Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Thu Feb 10 — St. Haralambos the Hieromartyr Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM

The Holy Unmercenaries Cyrus and John Divine Liturgy on Monday January 31, 2022 at 9:30am

Great Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple Divine Liturgy Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at 9:30am

Forty days after Christ was born He was presented to God in the Jerusalem Temple according to the Mosaic Law. At this time as well His mother Mary underwent the ritual purification and offered the

sacrifices as prescribed in the Law. Thus, forty days after Christmas, on the second of February, the Church celebrates the feast of the presentation called the Meeting (or Presentation or Reception) of the Lord.

Source: Orthodox Church in America website.

St. Theodore the Commander Divine Liturgy on Tuesday February 8, 2022 at 9:30am

St. Haralambos the Hieromartyr Divine Liturgy on Thursday February 10, 2022 at 9:30am

Scenes From St. Peter’s Flea Market

Thank you to all who planned, contributed, and worked to make the Fea Market a success!

Liturgical Greek Language School Continues

St. Peter’s has begun classes on the Greek language for the children of the parish. Their parents requested the classes so that their children can be exposed to liturgical Greek, the language of scripture and theology. Classes meet on Thursdays at 3:30pm in the Sunday School room.

Parents are responsible for the instruction of their children. St. Peter’s do will everything possible to help them.

St. Peter’s Adult Education Begins. Mark Your Calendars!

Our first three offerings begin soon. These talks and discussion will deepen your knowledge of our Orthodox Christian faith, particularly in these troublesome times when trust in our civic institutions is failing and the bonds that held culture and society together have been seriously, and perhaps irretrievably, weakened. In our lifetime, the need to deepen our knowledge and faith has never been more necessary than today.

1) What is Secularism? Saturday February 19, 2022 at 9:30am

Fr. Hans mentions secularism often. What is secularism? How do we define it? How do secular ideas we may have incorporated into how we think and see the world distort our understanding of it? What does our Orthodox faith say about secularism? The talk will end around noon.

2) Journey through Lent. Saturday March 5, 2022 following the Saturday of the Souls Liturgy

This talk will explain the general outline of Lent and Holy Week so that we can understand the structure, meaning, and importance of this season more deeply. Leaarn why we do the things that we do. It follows the Saturday of the Souls Divine Liturgy held that morning (talk begins about 11:30am and will be over by 1:00pm).

3) St. Peter’s Women’s Retreat. Saturday March 26, 2022 at 9:00am

The tentative title is “All About Prayer” led by Presbytera Susan. Coffee at 9:00am, retreat begins at 9:30am and concludes with Vespers. More details forthcoming.

Cafe of Life— The Importance of Feeding the Poor

Many wonderful things are happening here at St. Peter’s and one of them is the making of sandwiches for the hungry and homeless at the Cafe of Life.

This mission is possible due to your generous donations and support.

“For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.”Deuteronomy 15:11.

Thank you, God bless and IC XC NI KA!

DOMSE Winter Retreat Rescheduled

Get more information on the DOMSE website.

Save the Date! DOMSE Parish Life Conference June 15-18, 2022

Learn more on the DOMSE website.

Could You Support a Special Project?

Some parishioners have requested a needs list they could contribute to. Below are the special projects we still need to get done. If you can help please mention it to Fr. Hans, Jack Long, or John Simon.

• Replace Church computer
  $1,500 Donated.
• Replace Flat roof on Church
  $30,000. Donated.
• Replace windows in the Sunday School rooms
  $8000. Donated.
• Upgrade Church sound system
  $1700.00 Donated.
• Seal coat and restripe parking Lot
  $6,300.
• Upgrade Church Electrical System
  $3600 Donated.

Pledge & Income Report – December 2021

Donations received in December: $35,409.
Amount of money needed to cover expenses: $22,760.
We are ahead by $12,649.

These numbers reflect the operating costs of the the Hickory Drive property.

St. Peter Orthodox Church
7470 Hickory Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33967

You can also donate online:

Sign up the the Monthly DOMSE Newsletter on the DOMSE (Diocese of Miami and the Southeast) Website!

Visit the DOMSE Website (scroll to the bottom, fill in the form on the left side) to sign up for “The Light” Newsletter and DOMSE emails.

The Social Hall All Stars are the men and women that make St. Peter’s Social Hall happen. Thank you All Stars!

February 6 – February 27

• Pavlo Bilych
• Bonnie Joseph
• Al Joseph
• Sandy Krotov
• Nader Sahawneh 214-695-5710
• Anna Tsikitas
• Margie Zimmerman

March 6 – March 27

• Leon Dephkalion
• Marlene Haley
• Tom Haley 239-887-0753
• Cheryl Morse
• Tim Morse
• Diana Najjar
• Debbie Repya
• Elaine Semeretis
• Gregory Semeretis

Procedures for Hospitality

Please note: If you would like to bring in your own prepared food, please contact Tom Haley at 239-887-0753 a week before the upcoming Sunday. That way we know not to prepare any food for Sunday.

1. 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.”
2. Please do not donate coffee. We have a space age coffee brewer that we acquired at no cost if we buy our coffee from one supplier. If you bring in coffee, we can’t use it.
3. 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.
4. If you would like to bring in your own prepared food, please contact Tom Haley at 239-887-0753 a week before the upcoming Sunday. That way we know not to prepare any food for Sunday.

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.

Calendar At A Glance

Calendar also available on the St. Peter website.

FEBRUARY

• Sun Jan 30 — SUNDAY OF ZACCHEAUS DIVINE LITURGY – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Mon Jan 31 — Unmercenaries Cyrus and John Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Feb 02 — GREAT FEAST PRESENTATION OF THE LORD IN THE TEMPLE DIVINE LITURGY 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Thu Feb 03 — Greek Language School 3:30pm

• Sun Feb 06 — ST PHOTIOS THE GREAT DIVINE LITURGY – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Tue Feb 08 — St. Theodore the Commander Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Thu Feb 10 — St. Haralambos the Hieromartyr Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Thu Feb 10 — Greek Language School 3:30pm

• Sun Feb 13 — LENTEN TRIODION BEGINS
• Sun Feb 13 — SUNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN AND PHARISEE DIVINE LITURGY – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Tue Feb 15 — Paraklesis to the Theotokos 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Thu Feb 17 — St. Theodore of Tyro Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Thu Feb 17 — Greek Language School 3:30pm
• Fri Feb 18 — Parish Council Meeting 3:30pm
• Sat Feb 19 — Adult Education: What is Secularism? Church Social Hall 9:30am

• Sun Feb 20 — SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON DIVINE LITURGY – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Tue Feb 22 -26 — Fr. Hans out of town for the DOMSE Retreat in Atlanta
• Thu Feb 24 — Greek Language School 3:30pm
• Sat Feb 26 — CANCELLED – First Saturday of the Souls Divine Liturgy, Fr. Hans out of town

FEBRUARY – MARCH

• Sun Feb 27 — SUNDAY OF THE LAST JUDGEMENT DIVINE LITURGY / MEATFARE SUNDAY – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Mar 02 — Paraklesis to the Theotokos 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Thu Mar 03 — Greek Language School 3:30pm
• Fri Mar 04 — Paraklesis to the Theotokos 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Sat Mar 05 — Second Saturday of the Souls Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM

Wisdom From The Elders

Prayer is the remedy for gloom and despondency. Evagrios the Solitary

Since these spiritual feelings cannot all become established at once, spiritual warmth does not instantly become an attribute of our heart. Fr. Jack Sparks

You do not pray to have your own earthbound desires fulfilled, but you pray: Thy will be done. It is not fitting to wish to use God as an errand boy. You yourself must be silent; let the prayer speak. Tito Colliander

When he does not attempt to change his sinful life, does not repent, he kills not only himself but also tempts many of his flock by his example. This is why there cannot be “worldly” pastors, but every pastor, both monastic and married, must be cut off from the world to a certain extent, must love ascetical struggle and practice it. Archbishop Averky (Taushev)

l wish to be patient, but before I have strengthened my heart in patience, I become irritable, impatient; I wish to be humble, but Satan’s pride has already found ample room in my heart; I wish to be gracious, meanwhile, when it is necessary to show graciousness, I show myself rough; I wish to be unmercenary and generous, but cupidity and avarice, upon the least occasion, like hungry and roaring lions, require to be fed. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

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 three 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 January 11 / Resets February 1.

Current Prayer List

Daniel, Fr. Deacon (Jacobse 3/22)
Lev (Jacobse 3/22)
Basil (Jacobse 3/22)
Linda M. (Dusckas 3/22)
Barbara (Dusckas 3/22)
Fr John (Jacobse 3/22)
Angel (Ghanem 3/22)
John (Duskas 3/22)
Nancy (Coin 3/22)
Carmella (Jacobse 2/22)
Roma (Jacobse 2/22)
Nicholas (Ghanem 1/22)
Arielle (Ghanem 1/22)
Georgia (Sarros 1/22)
Kerri (Dusckas 1/21)

Permanent Prayer List

Lindsay (Semeretis)
Corgette (Troutman)
Irina (Irina)
Lee Joseph (Irina)
Lidia (Irina)
Sarina (Ghanem)
Kasiani, Jordan and their unborn child (Chapekis)
Debbie (Breitenbach)
Kathy (Breitenbach)
Hope (Isadore)
John (Long)
Pantelis (Tsikita)
Marisa (Tsikita)
Barbara (Dionysopoulos)
Patricia (Evanoff)
Gabriel (Mankus)
Baby Dani (Repya)
Maria and her newborn baby (Diveris)
Despina (Diversis)b
Fredericos (Diveris)
Sophia (D. Constantine)
Herman (Kerr)
Innocent (Kerr)
Nicholas (Kerr)
Paola (Jacobse)
Gregory (Yankopolos)
Soterios (Ninos)
Pauline (Poulos)
Sergio (Kazakos)
Fran (Hansen)
Nina (Krotov)
Franklin (Pyrrson)
George (Chionis)
Stamatia (Evelyn)
Demetrios (Kuchera)
Theodosios (Palis)
Theodora (Webb)
Robert (Smith)
Robert (Jarvis)
Presbytera Rosy (in Pakistan)
James (Hord)
Vassiliki (Kontinos)
Vassiliki (Morekeas)

Founders, Members, Benefactors and Friends 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)
Mary (Spiropoulos)
Gregory (Pappas)
Angela (Coran K
Eugene (Rust)

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 Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
God is known in Judah; His Name is great in Israel.

The Reading from the Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. (6:16-7:1)

Brethren, you are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will live in them and move
among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Therefore, come out from them, and be separate from them,” says the Lord, “and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters,” says the Lord Almighty. Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God.

GOSPEL

For the Seventeenth Sunday of Matthew

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (15:21-28)

At that time, Jesus went to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman
from that region came out and cried, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon.” But He did not answer her one word. And His disciples came and begged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.