The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden
Sunday of Forgiveness (Cheese Fare)
Venerable Benedict of Nursia; Euschemenos, Bishop of Lampsakos
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.
Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers at St. Paul’s on Sunday, March 20 at 5:00pm
Join area churches at St. Paul’s on Sunday, March 20 for the Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers. We will process with the icons to mark this great day of the victory of the Orthodox over the iconoclasts — a celebration held every year in every Church since 843AD at the end of the Iconoclastic Controversy.
Refreshments will follow.
Services this Week
- Tue Mar 9 — Forty Holy Martyrs Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Sat Mar 13 — Second Saturday Of The Souls 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Sun Mar 14 — Forgiveness Sunday / Cheesefare Sunday LIVE STREAM
- Sun Mar 14 — Forgiveness Vespers following Divine Liturgy LIVE STREAM
- Mon Mar 15 — CLEAN MONDAY / LENT BEGINS
- Mon Mar 15 — Great Compline With Canon of St. Andrew 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Tue Mar 16 — Great Compline With Canon of St. Andrew 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Wed Mar 17 — Presanctified Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
Please note: Liturgy at 9:30am because of no parking at Bernwood in the evening. - Thu Mar 18 — Great Compline With Canon of St. Andrew 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Fri Mar 19 — AKathist Hymn First Stanza 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
Capital Campaign Update — March 9, 2021
UPDATE: We are still accepting Capital Campaign Donations as we have not yet made our goal. Our goal is $750K and we now have $703,371. We have secured a mortgage and hope to close on March 15, 2021.
We are now only $47,000 short of our goal!
The Church has set up a Brokerage account so if anyone wishes to donate stocks or bonds, the Church can accept them.
Download a pledge form on the St. Peter website.
Many of you have seen our Capital Campaign video. Take a look at it again. It lays out our vision that has guided us to where we are and explains why a move is necessary now.
We are grateful to everyone who has supported our Capital Campaign. Thank you very much for your confidence and trust, and the hope you have in the flourishing of St. Peter’s parish.
Pledge & Income Report – February 2021
Donations received in January 16,374.00
Amount of money needed to cover expenses: $19,732.00
We are behind by $2,812
None of the monthly expenses are spent on the new building. There are operating costs for the Bernwood property.
Please note:Please continue your generous support. If you cannot make it to church please mail in your donation to:
St. Peter Orthodox Church
24850 Old 41 Road Suite 6
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
You can also donate online (scroll to bottom of page):
Cafe of Life Ministry
We will be gathering for the last time at the St. Peter’s Social Hall location in Bonita Springs on Thursday March 11 at 1:00 p.m. to make the sandwiches for the hungry and homeless in our community. You are all invited to partake of this humanitarian cause and keep in mind:
He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever (Corinthians 9:9).
All monetary donations are welcomed so please be generous and remember…
IC XC NI KA
Womens Book Club Meets Wednesday, March 10 at 5:00pm
All women invited!
Here’s the Schedule!
Only one step remains with the purchase of the new church: the closing on March 15. It looks like that is going to happen and we are planning the move!
There are two moving days: Saturday March 20 and Tuesday March 23 both starting at 8:30am. Here’s what we will do:
Saturday March 20, 2021
The small stuff.
- Move social hall tables and chairs
- Move all kitchen items
- Move church school tables and chairs
- Move all but two icons
- Move large chandeliers
We will have a truck, pickups, SUV’s and our cars to move these items. We need your help. Most everything will be ready to go.
Tuesday March 23, 2021
The big stuff.
Allied Van Lines will move the big items. This includes refrigerators, wardrobes, freezers, tables, file cabinets, boxed items and everything else that is heavy and requires a van.
Notable and Important
Unfortunately we will have to cancel Lenten services for the week, including the Annunciation. St. Paul’s will be having the services however and you can attend there. Check out the St. Paul website for the times of services.
Our last liturgy in our present location will be on Sunday, March 21, 2021. There will be no Social Hour that Sunday. Our first Liturgy in the new location will be Sunday, March 28, 2021. Everything is planned out but there are sure to be a few hiccups along the way so please be patient.
The Presbyterian Church won’t have a home for a while so they will be using the social hall for their worship from 8:30am-10:00am every Sunday until they get settled. Please do not disturb them by entering into the social hall (on the new property) until after 10:00am.
Questions? Please contact Joe Repya who is in charge of the move at (612) 270-4443.
Pledge & Income Report – January 2021
Donations received in January $28,374.00
Amount of money needed to cover expenses: $19,732.00
We are ahead by $8,642
Please note that some people pay their stewardship for the year in advance in January.
Please note:Please continue your generous support. If you cannot make it to church please mail in your donation to:
St. Peter Orthodox Church
24850 Old 41 Road Suite 6
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
You can also donate online (scroll to bottom of page):
Bishop NICHOLAS Offers a Weekly Live Stream
These are short thirty minute presentations where His Grace Bp. Nicholas speaks on one theme in Sunday readings for fifteen minutes followed by questions from the listeners. It’s worth tuning in. Get instructions on the St. Peter website on how to use the Band App on your phone or computer to participate.
Calendar At A Glance
Calendar also available on the St. Peter website.
MARCH
- Tue Mar 9 — Forty Holy Martyrs Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Mar 10 — Womens Book Club 5:00pm
- Thu Mar 11 — Cafe of Life Sandwich Making 1:00pm
- Sat Mar 13 — Second Saturday Of The Souls 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Sun Mar 14 — Forgiveness Sunday / Cheesefare Sunday LIVE STREAM
- Sun Mar 14 — Forgiveness Vespers following Divine Liturgy LIVE STREAM
- Mon Mar 15 — CLEAN MONDAY / LENT BEGINS
- Mon Mar 15 — Great Compline With Canon of St. Andrew 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Tue Mar 16 — Great Compline With Canon of St. Andrew 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Wed Mar 17 — Presanctified Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
Please note: Liturgy at 9:30am because of no parking at Bernwood in the evening. - Thu Mar 18 — Great Compline With Canon of St. Andrew 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Fri Mar 19 — AKathist Hymn First Stanza 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Sat Mar 20 — Moving Day 8:30pm
- Sun Mar 21 — Sunday Of Orthodoxy LIVE STREAM
- Sun Mar 21 — Sunday Of Orthodoxy Vespers at St. Paul Naples 5:00pm
Please note: Beginning Monday services will held at St. Paul’s because of the move. - Mon Mar 22 — CANCELED Great Compline 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Wed Mar 24 — CANCELED Annunciation Vespers 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Thu Mar 25 — CANCELED Annunciation Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Mar 26 — CANCELED Second Stanza Salutations 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Sun March 28 — Sunday Of St. Gregory Palamas
Please note: Sunday March 28 services begin at the new Church on Hickory Lane. - Mon Mar 29 — Great Compline 6:30pm
- Wed Mar 31 — Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm
- Fri Apr 2 — Third Stanza Salutations 6:30pm
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
Remember in Your Prayers
The Prayer List has been revamped. To bring order to the list we will do the following:
- 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.
Current Prayer List (Updated March 5 / Resets April 1)
Michael (Wolffe 4/21)
Fredericos (Diveris 4/21)
Vasiliki (Diveris 4/21)
Mark (Dusckas 4/21)
Tammy (Dusckas 4/21)
Panagiota (Jacobse 4/21)
Michelene (Repya 4/21)
Colleen ((Repya 4/21)
Fr. Demetrios (Copeland 4/21)
Kondylia (Chapekis 4/21)
Brian (Colis 3/21)
Maria(Colis 3/21)
John (Jacobse 3/21)
Mary (Jacobse 3/21)
Herman (Kerr 3/21)
Innocent (Kerr 3/21)
Nickolas (Kerr 3/21)
Kerr Family (Kerr 3/21)
Barbara (Dusckas 3/21)
Maryann (Breitenbach 3/21)
Irina (Jacobse 3/21)
Lee Joseph (Irina 3/21)
Paola (Jacobse 3/21>
Bryce (NA 3/21)
Permanent Prayer List
Sergio (Mary Kazakos
Rae (Semeretis)
Fran (Hansen)
Nina (Krotov)
George (Chapekis)
Franklin (Pyrrson)
George (Chionis)
Stamatia (Jacobse)
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)
Gregory (Pappas)
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.
