Sunday After the Elevation of the Holy Cross
Great-Martyr Nikitas the Goth and those with him
St. Nikita the Goth
Who is the Great Martyr Nikitas the Goth?
Saint Nikitas was a warrior who lived with the Gothic tribes on the eastern side of the Danube River within the boundaries of present-day Romania. He was a convert to Christianity of the Gothic Bishop Theophilus, a well-known enlightener of the Goths, who also had baptized Nikitas.
At the time there was internecine warfare among the Goths, in particular between Prince Athanarichus, who hated Christians, and Frigentus who revenged a defeat by Athanarichus with the help of Arian emperor Valens, forcing Athanarichus into exile. After Frigentus’ victory the Christian Goths enjoyed a period of peace during which Bishop Hierarch Urphilus, successor to Bp. Theophilus, created the Gothic alphabet and translated many spiritual books from Greek into Gothic. St. Nikitas participated during these time by his preaching the Gospel while living a pious life, which greatly aided the confirmation of the Christian faith among the Goths.
However, after a few years, Athanarichus returned to his homeland with a large army and warfare among the Goths started again. As part of his actions, Athanarichus raised a fierce persecution against the Christians. Nikitas, who had become a spiritual leader among the Christian Goths, denounced Athanarichus for godlessness and cruelty. He called on the faithful to be firm and not to fear martyrdom. Athanarichus soon had Nikitas seized.
Nikitas was then given over to cruel tortures and, finally, was thrown into a fire where he died on September 15, 372. A friend of Nikitas, a Christian named Marianus, found his remains during the night and transferred them to Cilicia. Since then, miracles and cures have occurred before the relics of the holy Martyr Nikitas. A particle of his relics is held in the monastery of Vysokie Dechany in Serbia.
Source: Orthodox Wiki.
Services and Events This Week
- SUN Sep 08 — SUNDAY BEFORE THE HOLY CROSS Divine Liturgy Orthros 8:30am / Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Sep 11 — Early Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Sep 13 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm
- Sat Sep 14 — Elevation of the Holy Cross Divine Liturgy 9:00am
- Sat Sep 14 — CANCELLED
Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
Please note: Vespers on September 14 is cancelled.
Elevation of the Holy Cross Divine Liturgy, Saturday, August 14, 2024 at 9:00am
Saint Helen, the mother of Saint Constantine the Great, when she was already advanced in years, undertook, in her great piety, the hardships of a journey to Jerusalem in search of the cross, about the year 325. A temple to Aphrodite had been raised up by the Emperor Hadrian upon Golgotha, to defile and cover with oblivion the place where the saving Passion had been suffered.
The venerable Helen had the statue of Aphrodite destroyed, and the earth removed, revealing the Tomb of our Lord, and three crosses. Of these, it was believed that one must be that of our Lord, the other two of the thieves crucified with Him; but Saint Helen was at a loss which one might be the Wood of our salvation. At the inspiration of Saint Macarius, Archbishop of Jerusalem, a lady of Jerusalem, who was already at the point of death from a certain disease, was brought to touch the crosses, and as soon as she came near to the Cross of our Lord, she was made perfectly whole.
Consequently, the precious Cross was lifted on high by Archbishop Macarius of Jerusalem; as he stood on the ambo, and when the people beheld it, they cried out, “Lord have mercy.”
It should be noted that after its discovery, a portion of the venerable Cross was taken to Constantinople as a blessing. The rest was left in Jerusalem in the magnificent church built by Saint Helen, until the year 614. At that time, the Persians plundered Palestine and took the Cross to their own country (see Jan. 22, Saint Anastasius the Persian). Late, in the year 628, Emperor Heraclius set out on a military campaign, retrieved the Cross, and after bringing it to Constantinople, himself escorted it back to Jerusalem, where he restored it to its place.
Women’s Mercy Ministry Forming
The women of St. Peter’s a forming a ministry of mercy to help Fr. Hans take care of our sick and homebound parishioners. There is a lot of work to be done: phone calls, rides, cards, and more. This is also a great time for fellowship and learning for the many women who work hard for St. Peter’s.
An informational and organizational meeting with be held at 12:00pm on Sunday September 22 in the Social Hall following the Divine Liturgy. Be sure to attend if you would like to be a part of this new and important ministry.
Attention Bible Bowl Participants!
Last year’s winners.
Study sessions for the Gospel of Luke (the topic of this year’s Bible Bowl) have started. All teens invited! Please contact Diane Najjar to participate.
The Bible Bowl is held during the Parish Life Conference every year (this year it will be Jacksonville, Florida). Teens study and test their skills against other teens in the Diocese. Last year we came in second. This year we are aiming higher!
Sunday School Registration Continues
We hope you had an enjoyable school break, and now we are looking forward to the upcoming Sunday School year. Classes will begin on the Sunday after Labor Day, September 8th.
No need to fill out the registration form if your child/children were previously registered, but wewould like to make certain the data we have is up to date. Registration Sundays will beAugust 25th and September 1st in the Social Hall.
We will have three classes:
- Preschool/Kindergarten 3 to 6
- Elementary 7 to 10
- Intermediate and up 11 to 18
We look forward to working with the parents to provide a fulfilling and happy experience for thechildren as they learn about our Orthodox Religion, its history and traditions.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Joan Simon and her assistant, Tina Kucera, fortheir beautiful work last school year. We are most appreciative for their help.
Georgia Katsigianopoulos
Sunday School Administrator
MARK YOU CALENDAR – Catechumen Classes begin Sunday, November 3, 2024
Catechumen classes begin November 3 following Social Hall (around 12:30pm). The classes is open to everyone but those seeking baptism and chrismation into the Orthodox Church are required to attend.
The class will be taught by Subdeacon Joseph (he returns mid-March) and we will use the book “Small Steps into the Kingdom”). The books will be preordered and available for purchase in the bookstore.
2024 Summer Appeal
Giving tends to slow down in the summer but unfortunately our obligations don’t. There is still rent, electricity, and other necessities that we have to pay.
The letter below was sent to all parishioners as a gentle reminder to remain current on their pledges and giving. That we we stay in the black and remain on a sound financial footing.
Please stay current on your pledge and giving to help keep St. Peter’s strong.
Pledge and Income Report — Contributions received in July 2024
Contributions received in July: $22,919.
Amount of money needed to cover expenses: $31,105.
We are behind by $8,486.
Every year we need an extra push in the summer to keep our income current. Please keep up with your pledge so that we can keep current with our bills.
St. Peter Orthodox Church
7470 Hickory Drive
Fort Myers FL 33967
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.
Save the Date! Upcoming DOMSE Retreat in Franklin Tennessee September
Save the Date! Upcoming Young Adult Retreat in Nashville in October
Young adults, save the date for an Orthodox Young Adult Conference happening in the fall in Nashville, TN! More details to come.
ST. PETER’S GREETERS
SEPTEMBER 2024
- Sept 1 Joe Repya – George Tsikitas
- Sept 8 Will Schultz – George Tsikitas
- Sept 15 Joe Repya – Loana Dumitru
- Sept 22 George Tsikitas – Pavlo Bilych
- Sept 29 Doug and Tina Kucera – Joe Repya
Can you volunteer? Please call Joe Repya 612-270-4443.
SOCIAL HALL ALL STARS
SEPTEMBER 2024
Please note: A fruit, veggie, OR hummus tray may be added to a week’s menu.
September 2024 – Team #3
- Sunday, Sept. 1 – Coffee and donuts
- Sunday, Sept. 8 – Coffee and muffins
- Sunday, Sept. 15 – Coffee and coffee cakes
- Sunday, Sept. 22 – Coffee and bagels
- Sunday, Sept. 29 – Coffee and donuts
October 2024 – Team #1 – Barb Dionysopoulos Group
- Sunday, Oct. 6 – Coffee and muffins
- Sunday, Oct. 13 – Coffee and coffee cakes
- Sunday, Oct. 20 – Coffee and bagels
- Sunday, Oct. 27 – Coffee and donuts
November 2024 – Team #2 – Margie Zimmerman Group
- Sunday, Nov. 3 – Coffee and muffins
- Sunday, Nov. 10 – Coffee and coffee cakes
- Sunday, Nov. 17 – Coffee and bagels
- Sunday, Nov. 24 – Coffee and donuts
For Special Events/Koliva please contact BARBARA SASEN and give her a completed Special Events Form which is found in the lobby of the church.
The Social Hall All Stars are the men and women that make St. Peter’s Social Hall happen. Thank you All Stars!
SEPTEMBER
- SUN Sep 08 — SUNDAY BEFORE THE HOLY CROSS Divine Liturgy Orthros 8:30am / Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Sep 11 — Early Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Sep 13 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm
- Sat Sep 14 — Elevation of the Holy Cross Divine Liturgy 9:00am
- Sat Sep 14 — CANCELLED
Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
- SUN Sep 15 — SUNDAY AFTER THE HOLY CROSS Divine Liturgy Orthros 8:30am / Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Mon Sep 16 — St. Euphemia Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Sep 18 — Early Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Thu Sep 18 – Sat Sep 20 — Fr. Hans out of town
- Fri Sep 20 — CANCELLED
Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm - Sat Sep 21 — CANCELLED
Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
- SUN Sep 22 — FIRST SUNDAY OF LUKE Divine Liturgy Orthros 8:30am / Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Tue Sep 24 — St. St. Silouan the Athonite Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Sep 25 — Early Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Thu Sep 26 – Sat Sep 28 — Fr. Hans out of town
- Fri Sep 20 — CANCELLED
Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm - Sat Sep 21 — CANCELLED
Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
Wisdom From The Elders
He who prays must hunger after, must ardently desire those blessings— especially the spiritual ones— the forgiveness of sins, the cleansing, the sanctification, the strengthening in virtue, for which he prays, otherwise, it will be a useless waste of words. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt
Let us learn to live an inward life. Let us turn our thoughts to the highest blessings, to the heavenly recompense which is alone desirable, true, and makes those who obtain it truly happy. St. John of Kronstadt
Let us be patient! Are not all our temporary burdens and difficulties worth eternal happiness? Metropolitan Gregory (Postnikov) of St. Petersburg
Learn to love opportunities not to speak, not to contribute, not to influence. Rather than crave conversations in which your voice can be heard, crave instead those opportunities in which your silence may respond to voice, in which you may sacrifice your willful desire for self-involvement on the altar of quiet humility before God and man. Bishop Irenei Steenberg
If it falls to you to have to bear great misfortunes, sorrows, and sicknesses, do not grow faint-hearted or despondent do not murmur; do not desire death for yourself and do not speak audaciously before the all-seeing God—as, for instance : “O, what a cruel affliction!” “O, what an unbearable misfortune; let me rather die!” or “I would rather kill myself!” God save you from such faint-heartedness, murmuring, and audacity! But endure all this courageously, as having been sent to you from God for your sins. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt
Some men tell me, “I don’t agree with my wife; we are complete opposites! How does God allow for such strange matches? Couldn’t He provide so that couples would be compatible and live spiritually?” But I tell them, “Don’t you understand that in this very difference of character lies hidden the harmony of God? It is the different characters which create harmony. God forbid that you should be the same in character! Think of what would happen if, for example, both of you had a short fuse; you would tear the house down!” Saint Paisios of Mount Athos
For instance, the change of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ is accomplished immediately after the utterance of the words: “Make this bread the precious Body of Thy Christ, and that which is in this cup the precious Blood of Thy Christ, changing them by Thy Holy Ghost.” After these last words, and after the blessing, with the sign of the cross with the hand, the bread and wine are instantaneously changed into the Body and Blood of Christ, but not before; for the divine Omnipotence awaits the word of the priest co-operating with it. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt
Current Prayer List
Lucia
Ioannes
Freida (Hansen)
Stratton (Leopold)
Mary (Copeland)
Robert (Tewis)
Gene (Forderhase)
Ruth (Mudd)
Barbara (Duskas)
Doug S (Duskas)
Marc C. (Duskas)
Rachel (Voss)
Ken John (Eaton)
Diane (Najar)
William (Semeretis)
David (Orfanos)
Maria (Orfanos)
William (Long)
George (Chionis 11-1)
Haley
Lydia
Mark (Chionis 11-1)
Katheryn (Chionis 11-1)
Jacob (Chionis 11-1)
Ken (Chionis 11-1)
Maxim (Koco)
George (Tsikistas 8/1)
George (Mourgis 8/1)
Barbara (Sason 8/1)
Anthony (Breitenbach 6/1)
Arielle (Ghanem 6/1)
Nicholas (Ghanem 6/1)
Christos
Father Demetris
Jamie
Pamela
David
Jessica
Christina (Hildreth)
Georgia and Richard and their unborn child (Chapekis)
Dionysios Chapekis)
Nancy (Forderhase)
Kayla (Palantine)
George (3/23 Chapekis)
Penelope (3/23 Chapekis)
Theodora (3/23)
Victor (3/23)
Les (3/23
Lynn (Hurely 1/23)
Irene and newborn baby (Tsikitas 1/23)
Linda (Pappas 1/23)
Ekaterina (Chapekis 1/23)
Lee (Hurley 1/23)
Emmanuel (Kalousdis 1/23)
Katherine (Dusckas 1/23)
Vassiliki (Diveris 1/23)
Zena Touma (Contorelli 1/23
Lamia Touma (Contorelli 1/23
Matthew (Contorelli 1/23
Emmanuel (Kaloudis 1/23)
Nicholas
Marlene (Tewis 12/22)
Tina (Johnson 12/22)
Nicholas (De Lorenzo 12/22)
Priest Anthony (Karbo 11/22)
Archpriest Dionysius (Valentine 9/12)
Anthony Presbyter (Kerr 10/22)
John Presbyter (Jacobse)
Elain Presbytera (Jacobse)
Constantine(Jacobse)
Chrysoula(Jacobse)
Angel (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)
The People of Ukraine and People of Russia and all those who are suffering in the war
Permanent Prayer List
Bonnie Joseph
Michael (Sovjani)
Maria (Sovjani)
Maria (Sovjani)
Maria (Sovjani)
Katerina (Sovjani)
Frederick (Sovjani)
Arsen (Sovjani)
Irene (Diveris)
Katheryn (Tolkkinen)
Markisia (Long)
Angela (Long)
Marina (Long)
Eleni (Long)
Raphaella (Long)
Joanne (Haley)
Corwin (Dusckas)
Corgette (Troutman)
Irina (Irina)
Lidia (Irina)
Sarina (Ghanem)
Debbie (Breitenbach)
Kathy (Breitenbach)
Hope (Isadore)
s
John (Long)
Pantelis (Tsikita)
Marisa (Tsikita)
Barbara (Dionysopoulos)
Patricia (Evanoff)
Gabriel (Mankus)
Baby Dani (Repya)
Despina (Diversis)
Fredericos (Diveris)
Herman (Kerr)
Innocent (Kerr)
Nicholas (Kerr)
Paola (Jacobse)
Gregory (Yankopolos)
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)
Soterios (Ninos)
George (Ninos)
John (Katsigianopoulos)
George (Chionis)
Mary (Spiropoulos)
Gregory (Pappas)
Angela (Coran K
Eugene (Rust)
Robert (Jarvis)
George (Corey)
Patricia (Cotsones)
Seraphim (Zolio)
Apostolos
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 Sunday after the Elevation of the Holy Cross
Sing praises to our God, sing praises.
Clap your hands all ye peoples.
The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians. (2:16-20)
Brethren, you know that a man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. Even we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law, because by works of the law shall no one be justified. But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we ourselves were found to be sinners, is Christ then an agent of sin? Certainly not! But if I build up again those things which I tore down, then I prove myself a transgressor. For I through the Law died to the Law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ Who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me.
GOSPEL
For the Sunday after the Elevation of the Holy Cross
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Mark. (8:34-9:1)
The Lord said, “If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for My sake and the Gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” And He said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Kingdom of God come with power.
