The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden
Sunday of Forgiveness (Cheese Fare)
Martyr Hesychios the Senator; Theodotos, bishop of Cyrene in Cyprus; Virgin-martyr Euthalia of Sicily
The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden
The Sunday of Forgiveness, the last of the preparatory Sundays before Great Lent, has two themes: it commemorates Adam’s expulsion from Paradise, and it accentuates our need for forgiveness. There are obvious reasons why these two things should be brought to our attention as we stand on the threshold of Great Lent.
One of the primary images in the Triodion is that of the return to Paradise. Lent is a time when we weep with Adam and Eve before the closed gate of Eden, repenting with them for the sins that have deprived us of our free communion with God. But Lent is also a time when we are preparing to celebrate the saving event of Christ’s death and rising, which has reopened Paradise to us once more (Luke 23:43). So sorrow for our exile in sin is tempered by hope of our re-entry into Paradise.
The second theme, that of forgiveness, is emphasized in the Gospel reading for this Sunday (Matthew 6:14-21) and in the special ceremony of mutual forgiveness at the end of the Vespers on Sunday evening. Before we enter the Lenten fast, we are reminded that there can be no true fast, no genuine repentance, no reconciliation with God, unless we are at the same time reconciled with one another.
A fast without mutual love is the fast of demons. We do not travel the road of Lent as isolated individuals but as members of a family. Our asceticism and fasting should not separate us from others, but should link us to them with ever-stronger bonds.
Read more on the Greek Orthodox website.
Forgiveness Vespers follows Social Hour This Sunday
Following the Social Hall, we will hold Forgiveness Vespers, a short service followed by the asking of forgiveness of each other to prepare us for Lent. All parishioners are encouraged to stay.
Services and Events This Week
- SUN Feb 23 — SUNDAY LAST JUDGMENT DIVINE LITURGY / MEATFARE SUNDAY Orthros 8:30am / Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Feb 26 — Early Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Feb 28 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm
- Sat Mar 01 — GREAT VESPERS 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
Journey to Pascha
Preparation begins with a resolution in the heart to do better this year than we did last year. Lent requires more of us but the requirement is never a demand but an invitation because God is not coercive. He freely gives so that we may freely receive.
But God is what the scripture calls a “jealous God.” This does not mean that God is jealous, but that the requirements for salvation, the things that are necessary to experience His salvation do not change. For us Americans it might be easier to understand it this way: God’s directives are not subject to negotiation or compromise.
More is expected from us. The Sunday services will be longer because we perform the Liturgy of St. Basil instead of St. John Chrysostom. The prayers are longer and we will pray them all because we don’t negotiate or compromise with what the Fathers have handed down to us.
We are expected to fast from certain foods during Lent. Why? Because bodily discipline is necessary for the healing of the soul.
We are expected to attend more services? Why? Because prayer and worship are necessary to draw us closer to God. When we draw closer to God, He draws closer to us St. Paul teaches.
We are expected to aid the poor more. Why? Because he who cares for the poor finds honor from his maker.
We Americans don’t like being told what to do. We naturally resist any statement that begins with “We are expected…” We reflexively equate obedience with servitude and we don’t like servitude.
Remember though that God gives freely and we are to receive freely. God does not force obedience. If He did obedience would be coercion and not freely given.
At the same time, we don’t change the Church and its practices to fit our idea of how things should be. Through the Church we learn how to conform ourselves to Christ. We don’t conform the Church into our own image.
Volunteers for Wednesday Lenten Suppers
Every Wednesday after Presanctified Liturgy on the Wednesdays during Lent, we gather for fellowship over a simple Lenten supper.
Thank you to everyone who volunteered!
March
- 5 – Barbara and Kosta Dionysopoulos
- 12 – Kyriaki and Ioannis Ormandiou
- 19 – Glo Franklin and Barbara Sasson
- 26 – Barbara Sassen and Eleni Souganakis
April
- 2 – Katina Protopapadakis
- 9 – No one yet
Journey to Pascha
Click to enlarge and print
Women’s Book Club Meets Friday 11am in the Social Hall
We will begin, “Thinking Orthodox”, by, Dr Eugenia (Jeannie) Constantinou. The book can be purchased on-line at Ancient Faith Store.
All women are welcome and encouraged to attend. Coffee will be served. We can’t wait to gather together!
We Need Donations for the Good Samaritan Fund
These are very difficult times for some of our parishioners. We need to replenish the Good Samaritan Fund to be able to help them. Can you donate? Please write a check and note “Good Samaritan Fund” in the memo box. If you would like to donate cash please put it in envelope marked “Good Samaritan Fund.”
When you bless a neighbor in need, you bless God.
Pledge and Income Report — January 2025
Contributions received in January $43,498.
Amount of money needed to cover expenses: $33,785.
For the month we are ahead by $9,713.
If you have not already done so, please complete a 2025 pledge form. Your pledge willplay a vital role in helping us meet our 2025 budget goals and will support ourpreparations for refinancing our mortgage in March 2026.
St. Peter Orthodox Church
7470 Hickory Drive
Fort Myers FL 33967
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ST. PETER’S GREETERS
Please note: Volunteers to serve as greeters are needed for December. Please contact Joe Repya if you can serve.
FEBRUARY
- February 2 — Barb and Kosta Dionysopoulos
- February 9 — Joe Repya, Deb Repya
- February 16 — Candice Rosen, Tim Morse
- February 23 — Jordan Voss, Barb Zena, Vickie Matie
MARCH
- March 2 — Will Schwarz – Loana Dumitru
- March 9 — Barb – Costa Dionysopoulas
- March 16 — Will Schwarz – (Still looking to fill this slot)
- March 23 — Tina – Doug Kureca
- March 30 — Will Schwarz – Joe Repya
Can you volunteer? Please call Joe Repya 612-270-4443.
SOCIAL HALL ALL STARS
SUNDAY COFFEE HOURS – 2025
Please note: A fruit bowl, veggie or hummus tray may be added to a week’s menu.
- March 2025 – Sunday Coffee Hours – Team #3
- Sunday, March 2 – Coffee and bagels
- Sunday, March 9 – Coffee and donuts
- Sunday, March 16 – Coffee and muffins
- Sunday, March 23 – Coffee and coffee cakes
- Sunday, March 30 – Coffee and donuts
- April 2025 – Sunday Coffee Hours – Team #1 – Barb Dionysopoulos Group
- Sunday, April 6 – Coffee and bagels
- Sunday, April 13 – Palm Sunday – Coffee and muffins
- Sunday, April 20 – Pascha – Coffee and coffee cakes
- Sunday, April 27 – Coffee and donuts
- May 2025 – Sunday Coffee Hours – Team #2 – Margie Zimmerman Group
- Sunday, May 4 – Coffee and bagels
- Sunday, May 11 – Coffee and muffins
- Sunday, May 18 – Coffee and coffee cakes
- Sunday, May 25 – 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!
FEBRUARY
- SUN Feb 23 — SUNDAY LAST JUDGMENT DIVINE LITURGY / MEATFARE SUNDAY Orthros 8:30am / Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Feb 26 — Early Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Feb 28 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm
- Sat Mar 01 — GREAT VESPERS 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
MARCH
The complete Lenten Schedule can be found on the St. Peter website.
- SUN Mar 02 — FORGIVENESS SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGY / CHEESEFARE SUNDAY – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Sun Mar 02 — FORGIVENESS SUNDAY VESPERS (Following Social Hall)
- Mon Mar 03 — LENT BEGINS
- Mon Mar 03 — Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew 6:30pm
- Tue Mar 04 — Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew 6:30pm
- Wed Mar 05 — Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Thu Mar 06 — Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew 6:30pm
- Fri Mar 07 — First Stanza Salutations to the Theotokos (Akathis Service) 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Sat Mar 08 — Parish Council Meeting 10:00am
- Sat Mar 08 — GREAT VESPERS 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
- SUN Mar 09 — SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY DIVINE LITURGY – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Mon Mar 10 — Great Compline 6:30pm
- Wed Mar 12 — Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Fri Mar 14 — Second Stanza Salutations to the Theotokos (Akathist) 6:30pm NOTE DATE CHANGE LIVE STREAM
- Sat Mar 15 — Lenten Womens Retreat 10:00am
- Sat Mar 15 — GREAT VESPERS 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
Wisdom From The Elders
Those who are attached to earthly things, especially to food and drink, to money, become “sensual, having not the Spirit.” And in everything they only see the flesh, not contemplating the spirit, and even rejecting the spiritual side of things. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt
Without God’s will or God’s forbearance nothing takes place on earth. Metropolitan Gregory (Postnikov) of St. Petersburg
He who during his earthly life endures many griefs and misfortunes; he who strictly keeps the Lord’s commandments and does not swerve from them— he receives his reward and his comfort in the life beyond death. Theodora
Ones picture of reality, of the world, definitely influences ones view of God. Fr. Seraphim (Rose)
The name of Jesus Christ is terrible for demons, passions of the soul and diseases. Let us adorn and protect ourselves with it. St. Ignatius (Brianchaninov)
As, soon as the tendency to be proud is dispelled and man regains his natural spiritual health, then God will deliver him directly from the passion which torments him, and will also reward him for his extra effort in the struggle. Saint Paisios of Mount Athos
Current Prayer List
Ariyon (Sovjani)
Diana (Veraj)
Arjan (Veraj)
Thoma (Sovjani)
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)
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)
Archpriest Dionysius (Valentine 9/12)
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
Raymond
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 Sunday of Forgiveness
Sing praises to our God, sing praises.
Sing praises to our King, sing praises.
O clap your hands, all ye nations.
The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans. (13:11-14:4)
Brethren, salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. B
ut put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables.
Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Master is able to make him stand.
GOSPEL
For Sunday of Forgiveness
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (6:14-21)
The Lord said to His Disciples: If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father Who is in secret; and your Father Who sees in secret will reward you.
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
