Third Sunday after Pentecost
Third Sunday of Matthew
Martyr Hyacinth and his Companions of Caesarea; Anatolios, patriarch of Constantinople; Venerable-martyr Gerasimos the New of Carpenision; Venerable Nicodemus of Kozhe Lake
Who Were the Martyr Hyacinth and his Companions of Caesarea?
Saint Hyacinth, a native of Caesarea in Cappadocia, was raised in a Christian family. The emperor Trajan made the boy his “cubicularius” (chamberlain), unaware that he was a secret Christian.
One day, while the emperor and his entourage were offering sacrifice to idols, the young Hyacinth remained at the palace, shut himself up in a small room, and prayed fervently to the Lord Jesus Christ. One of the servants overheard him praying and denounced him to the emperor. He said that although Hyacinth was entrusted with an imperial position, he did not honor the Roman gods, and was secretly praying to Christ.
Hyacinth was brought to trial before Trajan, who tried to persuade him to deny Christ and sacrifice to the deaf and dumb idols, but the holy martyr remained steadfast and declared that he was a Christian. He was whipped and thrown into prison, where the only food given to him was what had already been offered to the idols. They hoped that he would be overcome with hunger and thirst and eat it. Saint Hyacinth did not eat the food, and he died after thirty-eight days. When they came to torture him again, they found his dead body.
The jailer saw two angels in the cell. One covered the saint’s body with his own garment, and the other placed a crown of glory on his head.
The twelve-year-old Hyacinth suffered for Christ in the year 108 in the city of Rome. Later, the saint’s relics were transferred to Caesarea.
Saints Diomedes, Eulampius, Asclepiodotus, and Golinduc also suffered with Saint Hyacinth.
Read more on the Orthodox Church of America website.
Services This Week
- SUN JUN 26 — SECOND SUNDAY OF MATTHEW Orthros 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Tue Jun 28 — Sts. Peter and Paul Divine Liturgy (At St. Paul’s) 4:30pm Vespers 5:30pm Orthos 6:30pm Divine Liturgy
- Sat Jul 02 — St. John Maximovitch Divine Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
Sts. Peter and Paul Patronal Feast Day on June 28, 2022
Every year either St. Peter’s our sister parish St. Paul’s hosts our feast day. We alternate every year. This year St. Paul will host.
Would you like to bring a dish to the pot-luck that follows? Sign up here.
St. John Maximovitch Divine Liturgy Saturday July 2, 2022
On Saturday, July 2 at 9:30am we will celebrate the Liturgy commemorating St. John of San Francisco (Maximovitch). Why? Because St. John has quietly worked miracles for some of the families in our parish. God is glorified through His Saints.
New on the Holy Table (Altar) – The Seven Branched Candle Stick
From: Old Testament Worship and the Orthodox Church
The Altar Table Within the Orthodox temple, the altar table occupies the central place. The altar table is located behind the iconostasis in the middle of the altar area, which is elevated by several steps. In the Orthodox temple, the place of the altar table parallels that of the Ark of the Covenant, which was placed in the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle and the Temple (2 Ch. 5:7).
Not surprisingly, the altar table performs a similar function as that of Ark of the Covenant. As the Ark of the Covenant was a special place of meeting between God and man (Ex. 25:22), so it is that from the altar table we receive our most intimate communion with Christ. On the Ark of the Covenant was sprinkled the blood from the atoning sacrifice (Lev. 16:14); on the altar table, we offer the Bread and Wine which become the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which we partake of the once-for-all-sacrifice of our Passover Lamb. In partaking of this Sacrifice, we come to a special meeting with God and enter into the Mystery of His Death and Resurrection (1 Cor. 10:16).
One of the things found inside the Ark of the Covenant was the stone tablets on which were written the Ten Commandments (Heb. 9:4). Rather than the Old Testament revelation of God’s word, on the Orthodox altar now lies a book containing the four New Testament Gospels—revealing to us the Word of God incarnate in the Person of Jesus Christ.
Also kept inside the Ark of the Covenant was the wooden rod which budded for Aaron (Heb. 9:4). Today, we keep the Cross of Christ on the altar table, which is the wood from which budded forth our eternal life.
Finally, jars of manna were kept in the Ark of the Covenant (Heb. 9:4). Manna was the food which God miraculously gave to His people in the desert to keep them alive during their 40 years of wandering. Today, we keep a small portion of the Body and Blood of Christ on our altar table (this portion of the Eucharist is kept reserved in order to commune the sick and dying). We believe this Eucharist to be the miraculous Food of Immortality, given to us by God as a means of communion with Him whereby we receive grace to aid us in our Christian life (Jn. 6:53-54).
Other Liturgical Items Besides the altar table, we find other items that are used in Orthodox worship that come directly from Old Testament worship. Among these, we find: 1) a seven-branch candelabrum (Ex. 21:35-37), 2) a censer and incense (Lev. 16:12-13; 1 Ch. 23:13; Mal. 1:11), 3) and priestly vestments (Ex. 28:3-4, 29:29-30).
We Are Remodeling the Sunday School Rooms
The outside wall is being replaced and the floors will be leveled. Work will take about four weeks to complete. Greek Language classes will be moved to the Social Hall.
George Corey Memory Eternal
Memory eternal for George Corey, a founding member of St. Paul’s in Naples and attending member of St. Peter’s. George entered the place where there is no pain, sorrow, or suffering prepared by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ late last week. Read more about George’s illustrious life here.
Starting Soon – Orthodoxy 101
Starting soon St. Peter’s offers a study of the Orthodox Basics (less philosophical, more factual and practical) of such things as worship, history, theology and more. This is for anyone and everyone who wants to understand our Orthodox faith and practice more thoroughly.
Dates will be determined but Saturday morning from 9:00am to 10:00 class time followed by a half hour optional discussion seems to work best for many people. Please let Fr. Hans know what works for you. We will begin when the summer starts and everyone’s schedule is more flexible.
In the meantime check out the videos on the website Welcome to the Orthodox Church by Frederica Mathews-Green to prepare.
Helping Victims of the War in Ukraine
Galyna Seabrooke who has spoken on several occasions on the situation in Ukraine on behalf of our Ukranian parishioners mentioned opportunities to help the victims of the war.
One way to offer humanitarian aid is through a Go Fund Me page. Another is to donate essential items for Ukranian refugees. These items include:
No food items please.
A box will be set up in the church for donations.
We pray that war in Ukraine will end quickly.
Greek Language School Continues
Classes meet on Thursdays at 3:30pm in the Social Hall until remodel of the Social Hall is completed.
Let’s Pray the Paraklesis to the Theotokos Daily
Click the image to get more information on how to participate from the St. Peter’s website
Our goal at St. Peter’s is to have one person or family pray the Parakelsis to the Theotokos for at least one day of every month. For each day of the month, individuals or even an entire family can sign up to pray the Paraklesis in their homes on the day/s which they select.
Get more information on how to participate from the St. Peter’s website.
Cafe of Life: Our Lord Helps the Poor through Us
Most men and women lead lives of quiet desperation and “What if” scenarios. They make themselves slaves to their external realities. Fear and their lack of faith in Jesus Christ drive them to hopelessness.
According to the Scriptures (Proverbs 31:9) Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. Thus, it is our duty as Orthodox Christians to guide and help them.
So please reach deep into your pockets and give generously to those impoverished. Any amount is appreciated.
Thank you.
Thank you, God bless and IC XC NI KA!
Pledge & Income Report – May 2022
Contributions received in May: $23,931.
Amount of money needed to cover expenses: $24,114.
We are behind by $183.
Summer has arrived and many families are traveling. Please remember to keep current with your stewardship so that our bills can be paid!
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!
July
- Barbara Dionysopoulos 239-826-1655
- Costa Dionysopoulos
- Marianthi Kazakos
- Niki Locklear
- Ray Locklear
- Koula Ormandiou
- Carol Palatine
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.
- 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 acquired 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 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.
Helping Our Seniors With Parking
With the church growing the parking lot is close to full every Sunday. Younger parishioners, could you park in the grass lot even if spaces are open in the paved area? That way our seniors can park closer to the entrance and avoid the grassy area where it is easier to stumble and fall.
Calendar also available on the St. Peter website.
JUNE – JULY
- SUN JUN 26 — SECOND SUNDAY OF MATTHEW Orthros 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Tue Jun 28 — Sts. Peter and Paul Divine Liturgy (At St. Paul’s) 4:30pm Vespers 5:30pm Orthos 6:30pm Divine Liturgy
- Sat Jul 02 — St. John Maximovitch Divine Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- SUN JUL 03 — THIRD SUNDAY OF MATTHEW Orthros 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Tue Jul 05 — St. Athanasios of Athos Divine Liturgy (At St. Paul’s) TIME AND DATE TBA
- Thu Jul 07 — Paraklesis to the Theotokos 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- SUN JUL 10 — FOURTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW Orthros 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Tue Jul 12 — St. Paisios of Athos Divine Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Jul 15 — St. Vladimir Equal to the Apostles Divine Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- SUN JUL 17 — FATHERS OF THE FOURTH ECUMENICAL COUNCIL Orthros 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Mon Jul 18 – Fri Jul 22 — Fr. Hans Out of Town
- SUN JUL 24 — SIXTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW Orthros 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Tue Jul 26 — St. Paraskeve the Righteous Martyr Divine Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Jul 26 — St. Panteleimon the Great Martyr Divine Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
JUNE – AUG
Dormition Fasting Period from August 1-15.
- SUN JUL 31 — SIXTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW Orthros 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Mon Aug 01 – Aug 7 — Fr. Hans Out of Town
Hatred of sin is the beginning of spiritual rebirth. Archbishop Seraphim (Sobolev) of Bogucharsk
This unseen warfare is not easy! It is much more difficult than any ordinary earthly warfare, for it is much easier to battle with other people than with oneself. Archbishop Averky (Taushev)
Everything that happens to us and in us is a test and an education—designed to teach us in the end to truly perceive things which lead to our salvation. Fr. Jack Sparks
Let us walk the strait path of sorrow, that we might become worthy and have God as our protector. Venerable Ephraim the Syrian
One cannot trust oneself; it is essential to labor in repentance. The Lord came to save sinners, but only those who repent. Abbot Nikon Vorobiev
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 June 4 / Resets August 1.
Current Prayer List
Abott Tryphon (Jacobse 10/22)
Mary (Ghanem 10/22
Edgar (Chapekis 9/22)
Evthriki (Jacobse 9/22)
Christos (Johnson 8/22)
Jon Paul (Andrew 8/22)
William (Brubaker 8/22)
Peter (Tewis 8/22)
Alberta (Dusckas 8/22)
Connie (Dusckas 8/22)
Johanna (Dimartino 7/22)
Sarah (Tomlinson 7/22)
Natasha (Tomlinson 7/22)
Christine (Brubaker 7/22)
Elena (Brubaker 7/22)
Stella (Brubaker 7/22)
Steven (Breitenbach)
Gabrielle (Lowell 5/22)
Andrea, Yelena, newborn baby (Protpapadakis 4/22)
George (Haynes 4/21)
Kayla (Palentine 4/21)
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)
Nicholas (Ghanem 1/22)
Arielle (Ghanem 1/22)
Georgia (Sarros 1/22)
Kerri (Dusckas 1/21)
Permanent Prayer List
Katheryn (Tolkkinen)
Markisia (Long)
Angela (Long)
Marina (Long)
Eleni (Long)
Raphaella (Long)
Joanne (Haley)
Francine (Anton)
Corwin (Dusckas)
Corgette (Troutman)
Irina (Irina)
Seraphim (Irina)
Lidia (Irina)
Sarina (Ghanem)
Debbie (Breitenbach)
Kathy (Breitenbach)
Hope (Isadore)
John (Long)
Pantelis (Tsikita)
Marisa (Tsikita)
Barbara (Dionysopoulos)
Patricia (Evanoff)
Gabriel (Mankus)
Baby Dani (Repya)
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)
Demetrios (Kuchera)
Theodosios (Palis)
Theodora (Webb)
Robert (Smith)
Presbytera Rosy (in Pakistan)
James (Hord)
Vassiliki (Kontinos)
Vassiliki (Morekeas)
Vassilike (Hord)
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)
Robert (Jarvis)
George (Corey)
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.
EPISTLE
For Third Sunday of Matthew
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (6:22-33)
The Lord said, “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not the soul more than food, and the body more than clothing?
Look at the birds of heaven: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his stature? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon himself in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O men of little faith? Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.”
GOSPEL
For the Third Sunday of Matthew
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 6:22-33
The Lord said, “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not the soul more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of heaven: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his stature? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon himself in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O men of little faith? Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.”
