The Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost
The Ninth Sunday of Luke

Gregory the Wonderworker, Bishop of Neo-Caesarea; Gennadios and Maximos, patriarchs of Constantinople; Nikon the Wonderworker, disciple of Sergios of Radonezh; Hilda, Abbess of Whitby

Gregory the Wonderworker, Bishop of Neo-Caesarea

Who was Gregory the Wonderworker, Bishop of Neo-Caesarea?

Saint Gregory was born in Neocaesarea of Pontus to parents who were not Christians. He studied in Athens, in Alexandria, in Beirut, and finally for five years in Caesarea of Palestine under Origen, by whom he was also instructed in the Faith of Christ. Then, in the year 240, he became bishop of his own city, wherein he found only seventeen Christians. By the time the Saint reposed about the year 265, there were only seventeen unbelievers left there.

Virtually the whole duration of his episcopacy was a time of continual, marvellous wonders worked by him. Because of this, he received the surname “Wonderworker”; even the enemies of the truth called him a second Moses (see Saint Basil the Great’s On the Holy Spirit, ch. 29).

Source: The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese website.

St. John Chrysostom Divine Liturgy, Wednesday, November 13 at 9:30am

St. John Chrysostom

The Holy Church of Christ celebrates the blessed memory of Saint John Chrysostom, our great teacher, confessor, and preacher, on November 26 (November 13 according to Julian calendar). The great John is seen as the beacon of faith and enjoys indisputable authority among all Orthodox Christians. He is venerated in Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and Oriental Orthodox churches, too. Many of us know a lot about this great Christian man of faith. Some of us have read his works and homilies. Let us list several facts from his life so as to praise the Lord who acts through His saints.

1. St. John Chrysostom was born in Syria in the great city of Antioch to a noble family. His father Secundus was a high-ranking military officer who died when St. John was a young boy. His mother Anthusa was widowed when she was 20. As a true Christian widow, she decided to not marry again. Instead, she devoted her life to bringing up her son.
2. The great preacher was well-versed in all Greek wisdom , i.e., in all sciences of his day. He attained outstanding mastery in the art of eloquence thanks to his teacher Libanius, a pagan rhetorician. Libanius is supposed to have said on his deathbed that John would have been his successor “if the Christians had not stolen him from us”.
3. The future holy hierarch was baptized as an adult , at the age of about 20, in spite of having been born in a Christian family. Notwithstanding this fact, he was in favor of infant baptism and considered it more suitable for Christian families.
4. John spent about 4 years in extreme asceticism in a desert not far from Antioch. He became a hermit after the death of his mother. He led a stringent and extremely harsh life, as a result of which his stomach and kidneys were permanently damaged, and he is believed to have suffered from gastritis or ulcer.
5. When John returned to Antioch, he was ordained as a deacon and later as a presbyter at the age of 40 and entrusted with preaching the Word of God to the people. That was how the most fruitful period in the creative and public speaking career of this great Christian preacher from Antioch began. It was during that period that most homilies and exegetical works of the talented pastor were written. John would preach daily in front of large crowds. The people nicknamed him Chrysostom, or Gold Mouth, for his exceptional eloquence.
6. St. John Chrysostom knew the Scripture so well that his sermons include ca. 7 thousand Old Testament quotations and 11 thousand New Testament quotations.
7. St. John Chrysostom belonged to the School of Antioch. He knew Theodore of Mopsuestia and studied under Diodore of Tarsus but for some mind-boggling reason managed to avoid the extremes of their school and remained strictly Orthodox in his theology.
8. When St. John Chrysostom was appointed the Archbishop of Constantinople, he had to deal with depravity of the clergy, bribery, lavish social gatherings and enormous spendings of the Church of Constantinople. The holy hierarch fought against those vices, which made him an enemy of many people, especially Empress Eudoxia whom he publicly shamed for her transgressions.
9. St. John Chrysostom believed that you can serve Christ best by being merciful to the poor, for, by giving alms to beggars, we help Christ. That is why he is said to have ordered to sell marble plated meant for decoration of a church, donate the earned money to a hospital and build several new hospitals.
10. A wide coalition of St. John’s opponents, led by Eudoxia and Theophilus, the Archbishop of Alexandria, who wanted to bring Constantinople under his sway and influence the imperial house directly, convened a synod, which resulted in St. John’s deposition, banishment, and exile.
11. St. John was exiled to Pitiunt (Pityus) but never reached this destination, as he died at Comana Pontica on September 14, 407 during the journey due to numerous difficulties during the journey and mistreatment by his guards. When he was dying, he was comforted by an apparition of Martyr Basiliscus near his shrine, took the Holy Eucharist, and reposed in the Lord, his last words being “Glory be to God for all things.” Given that September 14 is the Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the Church instituted a separate commemoration of this saint on November 13 (November 26), the day when he started his ministry in Constantinople.
12. His relics were transferred to Constantinople in 438. The honorable remains of the saint were transferred to Rome during the 4th Crusade. The relics were placed in a special chapel in St. Peter Cathedral. The relics of St. John Chrysostom and St. Gregory the Theologian were returned to the Orthodox Church of Constantinople by the decree of Pope John Paul II in 2004.

Saint John Chrysostom remains one of the most highly revered Orthodox saints. He left a formidable treasure of homilies and exegeses of the Holy Scripture, as well as several prayers before Holy Communion and prayers used during the Sacrament of Unction. This holy hierarch of Constantinople is also famous for laying out a new rite of the Divine Liturgy based on the ancient anaphora of the Twelve Apostles, which was used in Antioch. The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom went on to become the most widely used in the Byzantine rite, which makes St. John who created this rite one of the most frequently mentioned saints in Orthodox churches—another case in point emphasizing the uniqueness of this remarkable man of God.

Source The Catalogue of Good Deeds website.

Community Luncheon on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 12:00pm

Please note the Community Luncheon is held on the second Thursday this month.

Menu
Mousaka
Vegetable
Greek Salad with Feta and Kalamata Olives
Dessert

Barbara Dionysopoulos and friends are preparing a delicious meal for all our members. Come and join us to enjoy some good food and the company of your friends. Make some new friends too and get to know other parishioners.

Reservations are required! Please call Barbara at 239-826-1655 or sign up in the Social Hall after Divine Liturgy.

Please: Don’t sign up if you cannot attend. The food is prepared for the numbers who sign up.

Donations are accepted. Proceeds benefit the building fund.

Parish General Assembly on Sunday, November 17, 2019 Following the Divine Liturgy

We will hold our Annual Parish Assembly this Sunday, November 17, 2019 in the Social Hall following the Divine Liturgy.

Items to be discussed include:

• Review of past year (finances, activities, parish growth, etc.)
• Approval of the 2010 budget
• State of the Parish report by Fr. Hans
• Questions from the floor

Nativity Fast Begins on Friday, November 15, 2019

The Nativity Fast is one of the four Canonical Fasting Seasons in the Church year. This is a joyous fast in anticipation of the Nativity of Christ. That is the reason it is less strict than other fasting periods. The fast is divided into two periods. The 1st period is November 15th through December 19th when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, dairy, fish, wine, and oil) is observed. There is dispensation given for wine and oil on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Similarly, fish, wine, and oil are permitted on Saturdays and Sundays. The 2nd period is December 20th through 24th when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, dairy, fish, wine, and oil) is observed. There is dispensation given for wine and oil only on Saturday and Sunday during this period. Here are the guidelines:

The Purpose of Fasting

The purpose of fasting is to focus on the things that are above, the Kingdom of God. It is a means of putting on virtue in reality, here and now. Through it we are freed from dependence on worldly things. We fast faithfully and in secret, not judging others, and not holding ourselves up as an example.

• Fasting in itself is not a means of pleasing God. Fasting is not a punishment for our sins. Nor is fasting a means of suffering and pain to be undertaken as some kind of atonement. Christ already redeemed us on His Cross. Salvation is a gift from God that is not bought by our hunger or thirst.
• We fast to be delivered from carnal passions so that God’s gift of Salvation may bear fruit in us.
• We fast and turn our eyes toward God in His Holy Church. Fasting and prayer go together.
• Fasting is not irrelevant. Fasting is not obsolete, and it is not something for someone else. Fasting is from God, for us, right here and right now.
• Most of all, we should not devour each other. We ask God to “set a watch and keep the door of our lips.”

Too Hard?

Want to remain faithful to the teachings but have never fasted before? Try to abstain from meat for this period. Do a bit more next year, and then more the year after that. Start a marathon by walking around the block.

Source: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese.

Diocese of Miami Winter Retreat

Bible Studies

November

• Wed Nov 6 — Community Bible Study 7:00pm
• Wed Nov 13 — Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm
• Wed Nov 20 — Community Bible Study 7:00pm
• Wed Nov 27 — CANCELLED Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Thanksgiving Divine Liturgy held instead) 7:00pm

The Community Bible Study is for the entire community.

The Men’s and Women’s Bible Study are separate studies but held concurrently.

Third Annual Toys for Tots Drive Up and Running!

At St. Peter’s we help the poor and disadvantaged. It is part of our mission. Organizations we support include Interfaith Charities, NAAMI, and Toys for Tots. Our third annual Toys for Tots drive has begun!

Please bring an unwrapped toy and put it in the box.

Upcoming Liturgies

St. John Chrysostom on Wednesday November 13, 2019 at 9:30am

St. John Chrysostom

Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple on Thursday, November 21 at 9:30am Followed by the Baptism of Joshua Liriano

The liturgy will be followed by the baptism of Joshua Liriano, a young man who attends church in St. Petersburg, FL but who Fr. Hans has been catechizing.

Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

St. Katherine the Great Martyr on Monday, November 25, 2019 at 9:30am

St. Katherine of Alexandria the Great Martyr

Thanksgiving Divine Liturgy on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at 6:30pm

Pledge & Income Report – October 2019

In October we took in $17,201 in total donations. Our monthly goal is $16,777.00 leaving us $424 above our monthly expenses.

Please continue giving and thank you for it. We are on track to meet all of our 2019 expenses.

Interfaith Charities Needs More Food Items

They need:

• Ramen noodles
• Canned tuna
• Vegetables
• Beans
• Soups

Please note: Interfaith Charities is no longer accepting clothing or household items so we won’t be accepting them at St. Peter’s either.

Bring the food items to church and we will get them to Interfaith Charities. Interfaith Charities is a coalition of local churches helping the poor in our immediate community. See more on their website.

Calendar At A Glance

OCTOBER

• Wed Oct 30 — Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm

November

• Wed Nov 13 — St. John Chrysostom Divine Liturgy 9:30am
• Wed Nov 13 — Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm
• Thu Nov 14 — Community Luncheon 12pm
• Thu Nov 15 — NATIVITY FAST BEGINS
• Sun Nov 17 — Parish General Assembly following Divine Liturgy
• Wed Nov 20 — Community Bible Study 7:00pm
• Thu Nov 21 — Entrance of the Theotokos Divine Liturgy 9:30am
• Mon Nov 25 — St. Katherine Divine Liturgy 9:30am
• Wed Nov 27 — CANCELLED Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm
• Wed Nov 27 — Thanksgiving Divine Liturgy 6:30pm

Please note the extra remaining liturgies scheduled for November:

• Wed Nov 13 — St. John Chrysostom Divine Liturgy 9:30am
• Thu Nov 21 — Entrance of the Theotokos Divine Liturgy 9:30am
• Mon Nov 25 — St. Katherine Divine Liturgy 9:30am
• Wed Nov 27 — Thanksgiving Divine Liturgy 6:30pm

Wisdom From The Elders

If you have done anything wrong, or even, sometimes when you have not done anything wrong, you feel a deadly despondency in your soul. Wherefore? Because you have allowed the evil spirit of despondency to take possession of you.
Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

And, you see, people are not at all aware that we are living during the signs of the times, that the sealing is already advancing. It is as if nothing is happening. This is why the Sacred Scripture says that even the elect will be deceived. Saint Paisios of Mount Athos

We are to take stock ofour condition daily, to see it in its true weakness, and to call upon the solace and support of the charitable Lord to overcome it. Bishop Irenei Steenberg

The enemy enters the hearts of men because they have given themselves up to a carnal mode of life—to gluttony, and because they do not pray. It is, therefore, natural that he can be driven out from them by opposite means—that is, by prayer and fasting. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

God descends to the humble as waters flow down from the hills into the valleys. St. Tikhon of Zadonsk

Seeking of high spiritual states is forbidden by our Lord and by the holy fathers. All our inner struggle should be concentrated on repentance and on everything which promotes that penitent state. When the soul is clean, God’s grace will then enter by itself – if the Lord Himself so wills Abbot Nikon Vorobiev

Remember in Your Prayers

Diomidis (Kanellos)

Anastacia (Ann Constan)
Ben (Ben)
Thomas (Ben)
Irene (C. Diveris)
Vasiliki (C.Diveris)
Efrosini (C. diveris)
Charles (Oberg)
Christine (Kouzes)
Nina (Kovalev)
Hugh (Jacquie)
Violet (Jacquie Mom)
Tammie (Jacquie friend)
Phillip
Baby Luke
George
Priest Kyprianos
Savannah (Jonson)
Bud
Silvana
Nicole
Evan
Megan
Bill R.
Pat R.
Aglaia
George
Hieromonk Serapion
Priest Kyprianos
Athanasia
Alexandra
Constantina
Maryanne (E)
Ron (E)
Tim
Robert (J)
Mary (J)
Patricia
Gregory
Andreas
Sofia Tešanovic
Paul
Dennis H. and Family
Victor Evan
Ann
James
Vasiliki
Efstratia
Alexandra
Nikos
Georgia
Ioannis
Costandino
Jeffrey
Vaso
Dave
Dimitri – Presbyter
Vassiliki
Octavio
Tom
Carl
Rena
Nikolay (5 year old boy in Bulgaria whose parents asked us to pray)
David
Rosie
Kathryn
Jeremy
Constantine
Robert
Jane
Theodora
David
Gina
Micheal
Haralambos
Lillian
Presbytera Rosy
Valentina
Eva W.
Barbara
Angela
Carol Ann
Matthew
Chrysostom
Tim
Pat
Christina
Maria Louise
Maximos
Marian
Photini
Nicholas
Sarah
Constantine Houpis
Anna Marie Smith Baker
Katerina
Mary Kassis
Baby Maximus
Christine
Maria
Annette Star
Claire Livaditis
Eva Chandilles
Baby Dani
Scott Nedoff
James Hord

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 Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost

Thou, O Lord, shalt preserve us and keep us from this generation.
Save me, O Lord, for the godly man hath disappeared.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians. (6:11-18)

Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the Law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all, who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.

Gospel

For the Ninth Sunday of Luke

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (12:16-21)

The Lord spoke this parable: “The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” As He said this, Jesus called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

The Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost
The Eighth Sunday of Luke

Apostles Olympas, Rodion, Sosipater, Tertios, Erastos and Quartos of the Seventy;
Great-martyr Orestes of Cappadocia; Venerable Theostiriktos of Symbola;
Nonnus, bishop of Heliopolis

St. Tertius of Iconium

Who were the Apostles Olympas, Rodion, Sosipater, Tertios, Erastos and Quartos of the Seventy?

Of these Saints, Olympas and Rodion became disciples of Peter, the chief Apostle, and came to Rome, where they were beheaded by Nero. The others reposed in peace, having become bishops: Sosipater of Iconium, Quartus of Beirut, and Erastus of Paneas, or Paneias (which was also called Caesarea of Philippi); Saint Erastus had been chamberlain of the city of Corinth (Rom.16:23).

Source: The Orthodox Church in America website.

Synaxis of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael Divine Liturgy, Friday, November 8 at 9:30am

Archangel Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

All the Angels, according to the Apostle Paul, are ministering spirits, – sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation – (Heb. 1:14). God set them as overseers of every nation and people, and guides to that which is profitable (Deut. 32:8); and while one Angel is appointed to oversee each nation as a whole, one is also appointed to protect each Christian individually. He commands them to guard them that hope on Him, that nothing should harm them, neither should any evil draw nigh to their dwelling (Ps. 90:10-12).

In the Heavens they always behold the face of God, sending up to Him the thrice-holy hymn and interceding with Him in our behalf, seeing they rejoice over one sinner that repents (Esaias 6:2-3; Matt. 18:10; Luke 15:7). In a word, they have served God in so many ways for our benefit, that the pages of Holy Scripture are filled with the histories thereof. It is for these reasons that the Orthodox Catholic Church, wisely honoring these divine ministers, our protectors and guardians, celebrates today the present Synaxis that is, our coming together in assembly for their common feast to chant their praises, especially for the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, who are mentioned in the Scriptures by name.

The name Michael means “Who is like God?” and Gabriel means “God is mighty.” The number of Angels is not defined in the divine Scriptures, where Daniel says that thousands of thousands ministered before Him, and ten thousands of ten thousands attended upon Him -(Dan. 7:10). But all of them are divided into nine orders which are called Thrones, Cherubim, Seraphim, Dominions, Powers, Authorities, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels.

Read the entire essay on the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese website.

St. Nektarios Divine Liturgy, Saturday, November 9 at 9:30am

St. Nektarios

St. Nectarios: Living Life as a Christian

Christians, have we understood the great responsibility that we have taken on before God through baptism?

Have we come to know that we must conduct ourselves as children of God, that we must align our will with the will of God, that we must remain free from sin, that we must love God with all our hearts and always patiently await union with Him?

Have we thought about the fact that our heart should be so filled with love that it should overflow to our neighbor?

Do we have the feeling that we must become holy and perfect, children of God and heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven?

We must struggle for this, so that we may not be shown unworthy and rejected. Let none of us lose our boldness, nor neglect our duties, nor be afraid of the difficulties of spiritual struggle.

For we have God as a helper, who strengthens us in the difficult path of virtue.

Community Luncheon on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 12:00pm

Please note the Community Luncheon is held on the second Thursday this month.

Our next Community Luncheon will be held on Thursday, November 14.

Menu
Mousaka
Vegetable
Greek Salad with Feta and Kalamata Olives
Dessert

Barbara Dionysopoulos and friends are preparing a delicious meal for all our members. Come and join us to enjoy some good food and the company of your friends. Make some new friends too and get to know other parishioners.

Reservations are required! Please call Barbara at 239-826-1655 or sign up in the Social Hall after Divine Liturgy.

Please: Don’t sign up if you cannot attend. The food is prepared for the numbers who sign up.

Donations are accepted. Proceeds benefit the building fund.

Diocese of Miami Winter Retreat

Bible Studies

November

• Wed Nov 6 — Community Bible Study 7:00pm
• Wed Nov 13 — Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm
• Wed Nov 20 — Community Bible Study 7:00pm
• Wed Nov 27 — CANCELLED Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Thanksgiving Divine Liturgy held instead) 7:00pm

The Community Bible Study is for the entire community.

The Men’s and Women’s Bible Study are separate studies but held concurrently.

Third Annual Toys for Tots Drive Coming

At St. Peter’s we help the poor and disadvantaged. It is part of our mission. Organizations we support include Interfaith Charities, NAAMI, and Toys for Tots. Our third annual Toys for Tots drive begins in a few weeks! Watch for details.

Pledge & Income Report – September 2019

In August we took in $16,445 in total donations. Our monthly goal is $16,777.00 leaving us $323 short for August.

These are very good numbers for September.

Thank you for your generosity. This year is much better than last but we are still behind in our numbers.

It is not too late to pledge. Pledge forms are available on the table in the narthex.

Interfaith Charities Needs More Food Items

They need:

• Ramen noodles
• Canned tuna
• Vegetables
• Beans
• Soups

Please note: Interfaith Charities is no longer accepting clothing or household items so we won’t be accepting them at St. Peter’s either.

Bring the food items to church and we will get them to Interfaith Charities. Interfaith Charities is a coalition of local churches helping the poor in our immediate community. See more on their website.

Calendar At A Glance

OCTOBER

• Wed Oct 30 — Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm

November

• Wed Nov 6 — Community Bible Study 7:00pm
• Fri Nov 8 — Archangel Michael and Gabriel Divine Liturgy 9:30am
• Sat Nov 9 — St. Nektarios Divine Liturgy 9:30am
• Wed Nov 13 — St. John Chrysostom Divine Liturgy 9:30am
• Wed Nov 13 — Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm
• Thu Nov 14 — Community Luncheon 12pm
• Thu Nov 15 — NATIVITY FAST BEGINS
• Wed Nov 20 — Community Bible Study 7:00pm
• Thu Nov 21 — Entrance of the Theotokos Divine Liturgy 9:30am
• Mon Nov 25 — St. Katherine Divine Liturgy 9:30am
• Wed Nov 27 — CANCELLED Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm
• Wed Nov 27 — Thanksgiving Divine Liturgy 6:30pm

Please note the extra liturgies scheduled for November:

• Fri Nov 8 — Archangel Michael and Gabriel Divine Liturgy 9:30am
• Sat Nov 9 — St. Nektarios Divine Liturgy 9:30am
• Wed Nov 13 — St. John Chrysostom Divine Liturgy 9:30am
• Thu Nov 21 — Entrance of the Theotokos Divine Liturgy 9:30am
• Mon Nov 25 — St. Katherine Divine Liturgy 9:30am
• Wed Nov 27 — Thanksgiving Divine Liturgy 6:30pm

Wisdom From The Elders

Turn your face toward light, o son of light. The Father of light calls you with a fiery love. Missionary Letters of Saint Nikolai Velimirovich

To mock and to joke – therein lie a subtle manifestation of vainglory! Archbishop Seraphim (Sobolev) of Bogucharsk

Some persons ask: What is the use of mentioning the names of the departed or living in prayer for them? God, being omniscient Himself, knows their names and the needs of each one. But those who speak thus forget, or do not know, the importance of prayer, do not know the importance of every word said from the whole heart. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

Those who go to attend the Divine service after having eaten much, voluntarily lay upon themselves an unnecessary and injurious burden, and deaden their hearts beforehand to prayer, obstructing the access of holy thoughts and feelings to it. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

Value highly, and always preserve Christian meekness and kindness, mutual peace and love, crushing by every possible means the impulses of self-love, malice, irritability, and disturbance. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

Man is a Christian only if he thinks through Christ, believes, feels, and desires through Christ (cf. Phil. 2: 5). Venerable Justin (Popovic)

Remember in Your Prayers

Diomidis (Kanellos)

Anastacia (Ann Constan)
Ben (Ben)
Thomas (Ben)
Irene (C. Diveris)
Vasiliki (C.Diveris)
Efrosini (C. diveris)
Charles (Oberg)
Christine (Kouzes)
Nina (Kovalev)
Hugh (Jacquie)
Violet (Jacquie Mom)
Tammie (Jacquie friend)
Phillip
Baby Luke
George
Priest Kyprianos
Savannah (Jonson)
Bud
Silvana
Nicole
Evan
Megan
Bill R.
Pat R.
Aglaia
George
Hieromonk Serapion
Priest Kyprianos
Athanasia
Alexandra
Constantina
Maryanne (E)
Ron (E)
Tim
Robert (J)
Mary (J)
Patricia
Gregory
Andreas
Sofia Tešanovic
Paul
Dennis H. and Family
Victor Evan
Ann
James
Vasiliki
Efstratia
Alexandra
Nikos
Georgia
Ioannis
Costandino
Jeffrey
Vaso
Dave
Dimitri – Presbyter
Vassiliki
Octavio
Tom
Carl
Rena
Nikolay (5 year old boy in Bulgaria whose parents asked us to pray)
David
Rosie
Kathryn
Jeremy
Constantine
Robert
Jane
Theodora
David
Gina
Micheal
Haralambos
Lillian
Presbytera Rosy
Valentina
Eva W.
Barbara
Angela
Carol Ann
Matthew
Chrysostom
Tim
Pat
Christina
Maria Louise
Maximos
Marian
Photini
Nicholas
Sarah
Constantine Houpis
Anna Marie Smith Baker
Katerina
Mary Kassis
Baby Maximus
Christine
Maria
Annette Star
Claire Livaditis
Eva Chandilles
Baby Dani
Scott Nedoff
James Hord

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 Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost

O Lord, how magnified are Thy works.
In wisdom hast Thou made them all.
Bless the Lord, O my soul.

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 Eighth Sunday of Luke

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (10:25-37)

At that time, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read?” And the lawyer answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And Jesus said to him, “You have answered right; do this, and you will live.”

But the lawyer, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” The lawyer said, “The one who showed mercy on him.” And Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
The Fifth Sunday of Luke

Martyrs Akepsimas, Joseph & Aeithalas of Persia; Dedication of St. George Church in Lydda of Palestine; Hieromartyr George of Neapolis; Theodore the Confessor, bishop of Ancyra

Martyrs Akepsimas, Joseph & Aeithalas of Persia

Who were the Martyrs Akepsimas, Joseph & Aeithalas of Persia?

Martyrs Akepsimas the Bishop, Joseph the Presbyter and Aethalas the Deacon of Persia were leaders of the Christian Church in the Persian city of Naesson. His flock devotedly loved their hierarch for his ascetic life and tireless pastoral work.

The emperor Sapor ordered his men to seek out and kill Christian clergy. Saint Akepsimas also was arrested, even though he was already an eighty-year-old man. They took him to the city of Arbela, where he came before the judge Ardarkh, a pagan priest of the sun god. The holy Elder refused to offer sacrifice to the Persian gods. For this he was fiercely beaten and thrown into prison, where on the following day the seventy-year-old priest Joseph and the deacon Aethalas were severely beaten and thrown into jail with him. For three years the saints were held in confinement, and suffered from hunger and thirst.

Emperor Sapor came to the temple of the god of fire, located not far from Arbela, and wanted to take a look at the three holy martyrs. Exhausted and covered with festering wounds, the saints were brought before the emperor. When he asked them to worship the pagan gods they firmly refused, confessing their faith in Christ instead.

The holy bishop was beheaded, but the presbyter and deacon were taken into the city to be stoned.

The execution of the presbyter Joseph was prolonged for several hours. A guard was placed near the place of execution, so that Christians would not take the body of the holy martyr. On the fourth night a strong windstorm raged near the city, lightning killed the guard, the wind tossed stones about, and the body of Saint Joseph disappeared.

Deacon Aethalas was taken to the village of Patrias, where he was stoned. Christians secretly buried his body. A tree grew on the saint’s grave, and its fruit brought healings.

Source: The Orthodox Church in America website.

Sts. Kosmas and Dimianos (Sts. Cosmas and Damien) Divine Liturgy, Friday, November 1 at 9:30am (Sorry for the late notice)

Sts. Kosmas and Damion

Sorry for the late notice but St. Kosmas and Damien are healers in our parish. Their icon is included on our pillar of healing saints. God is glorified in his Saints and by venerating them and by holding liturgies on their feast days, we honor them and praise God.

Divine Liturgy for Sts. Kosmas and Damianos will be held Friday, November 1 at 9:30am.

Community Luncheon on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 12:00pm

Please note the Community Luncheon is held on the second Thursday this month.

Our next Community Luncheon will be held on Thursday, November 14.

Menu
Mousaka
Vegetable
Greek Salad with Feta and Kalamata Olives
Dessert

Barbara Dionysopoulos and friends are preparing a delicious meal for all our members. Come and join us to enjoy some good food and the company of your friends. Make some new friends too and get to know other parishioners.

Reservations are required! Please call Barbara at 239-826-1655 or sign up in the Social Hall after Divine Liturgy.

Please: Don’t sign up if you cannot attend. The food is prepared for the numbers who sign up.

Donations are accepted. Proceeds benefit the building fund.

Diocese of Miami Winter Retreat

Men: Join AMEN

AMEN is growing in the Miami Diocese, very fast actually, and there is a lot of good energy behind it. Fr. Hans has been appointed the Spiritual Advisor to the group by Bp. Nicholas. Steve Breitenbach is our local president.

What will AMEN do? It will bring together the men of the parish for friendship, fellowship, and work.

St. Peter’s Men:

• SIGN UP for the AMEN Newsletter. Send an email to: AMEN Newsletter
• JOIN AMEN on the BAND app (IOS and Android): Instructions on the Antiochian Men website.
• Visit the AMEN YouTube page.

Bible Studies

October

• Wed Oct 30 — Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm

November

• Wed Nov 6 — Community Bible Study 7:00pm
• Wed Nov 13 — Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm
• Wed Nov 20 — Community Bible Study 7:00pm
• Wed Nov 27 — CANCELLED Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Thanksgiving Divine Liturgy held instead) 7:00pm

The Community Bible Study is for the entire community.

The Men’s and Women’s Bible Study are separate studies but held concurrently.

Third Annual Toys for Tots Drive Coming

At St. Peter’s we help the poor and disadvantaged. It is part of our mission. Organizations we support include Interfaith Charities, NAAMI, and Toys for Tots. Our third annual Toys for Tots drive begins in a few weeks! Watch for details.

Pledge & Income Report – September 2019

In August we took in $16,445 in total donations. Our monthly goal is $16,777.00 leaving us $323 short for August.

These are very good numbers for September.

Thank you for your generosity. This year is much better than last but we are still behind in our numbers.

It is not too late to pledge. Pledge forms are available on the table in the narthex.

Interfaith Charities Needs More Food Items

They need:

• Ramen noodles
• Canned tuna
• Vegetables
• Beans
• Soups

Please note: Interfaith Charities is no longer accepting clothing or household items so we won’t be accepting them at St. Peter’s either.

Bring the food items to church and we will get them to Interfaith Charities. Interfaith Charities is a coalition of local churches helping the poor in our immediate community. See more on their website.

Calendar At A Glance

OCTOBER

• Wed Oct 30 — Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm

November

• Wed Nov 6 — Community Bible Study 7:00pm
• Fri Nov 8 — Archangel Michael and Gabriel Divine Liturgy 9:30am
• Sat Nov 9 — St. Nektarios Divine Liturgy 9:30am
• Wed Nov 13 — St. John Chrysostom Divine Liturgy 9:30am
• Wed Nov 13 — Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm
• Wed Nov 20 — Community Bible Study 7:00pm
• Thu Nov 21 — Entrance of the Theotokos Divine Liturgy 9:30am
• Mon Nov 25 — St. Katherine Divine Liturgy 9:30am
• Wed Nov 27 — CANCELLED Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm
• Wed Nov 27 — Thanksgiving Divine Liturgy 6:30pm

Please note the extra liturgies scheduled for November:

• Fri Nov 1 — Sts. Kosmas and Damianos 9:30am
• Fri Nov 8 — Archangel Michael and Gabriel Divine Liturgy 9:30am
• Sat Nov 9 — St. Nektarios Divine Liturgy 9:30am
• Wed Nov 13 — St. John Chrysostom Divine Liturgy 9:30am
• Thu Nov 21 — Entrance of the Theotokos Divine Liturgy 9:30am
• Mon Nov 25 — St. Katherine Divine Liturgy 9:30am
• Wed Nov 27 — Thanksgiving Divine Liturgy 6:30pm

Wisdom From The Elders

In the European West, Christianity gradually became transformed into humanism. For several centuries the God-man became more and more limited and confined to His humanity, eventually becoming the infallible man of Rome and of Berlin. Thus, on the one hand there appeared a western Christian humanistic maximalism (the papacy) which took everything away from Christ, and on the other hand a western Christian humanistic minimalism (Protestantism) which sought very little if anything from Christ. In both man takes the place of the God-man as that which is of most value and is the measure of all things. Venerable Justin (Popovic) of Chelije in Serbia

All my passions rage against me at every hour, and the host of demons tempts me at every moment. Behold, the true state of my miserable soul! But the Lord looks into the heart of man and sees the trouble there, and He speaks the word that quiets the demons and calms the raging passions. Bishop Irenei Steenberg

When the demons inflict us vith a thought of pride, then you should remember the shameful thoughts which they flung at to you, and thus you should humble yourself. Then again, when you are subjected to corrupt thoughts, remember those thoughts of pride and be victorious over them by the use of this method so that you neither lose hope because of the impure thoughts, nor become proud because of the good ones. Holy Martyr Peter of Damascus

Thus, my brother, if you love peace of heart, strive to enter it by the door of humility, for no other door but humility leads therein. Unseen Warfare

You should not seek to combat your evil thoughts, in the sense of waging a direct, focused warfare against them: they will often get the best of you— for we stand together as weak men, little able to wage battle directly against the powers that would destroy us. Instead, strive not to combat but to dismiss those thoughts which come into the mind seeking to trouble the heart. Bishop Irenei Steenberg

Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 KJV

Remember in Your Prayers

Diomidis (Kanellos)

Anastacia (Ann Constan)
Ben (Ben)
Thomas (Ben)
Vjacheslav (Slava) (Julia)
Irene (C. Diveris)
Vasiliki (C.Diveris)
Efrosini (C. diveris)
Charles (Oberg)
Christine (Kouzes)
Nina (Kovalev)
Hugh (Jacquie)
Violet (Jacquie Mom)
Tammie (Jacquie friend)
Phillip
Baby Luke
George
Priest Kyprianos
Savannah (Jonson)
Bud
Silvana
Nicole
Evan
Megan
Bill R.
Pat R.
Aglaia
George
Hieromonk Serapion
Priest Kyprianos
Athanasia
Alexandra
Constantina
Maryanne (E)
Ron (E)
Tim
Robert (J)
Mary (J)
Patricia
Gregory
Andreas
Sofia Tešanovic
Paul
Dennis H. and Family
Victor Evan
Ann
James
Vasiliki
Efstratia
Alexandra
Nikos
Georgia
Ioannis
Costandino
Jeffrey
Vaso
Dave
Dimitri – Presbyter
Vassiliki
Octavio
Tom
Carl
Rena
Nikolay (5 year old boy in Bulgaria whose parents asked us to pray)
David
Rosie
Kathryn
Jeremy
Constantine
Robert
Jane
Theodora
David
Gina
Micheal
Haralambos
Lillian
Presbytera Rosy
Valentina
Eva W.
Barbara
Angela
Carol Ann
Matthew
Chrysostom
Tim
Pat
Christina
Maria Louise
Maximos
Marian
Photini
Nicholas
Sarah
Constantine Houpis
Anna Marie Smith Baker
Katerina
Mary Kassis
Baby Maximus
Christine
Maria
Annette Star
Claire Livaditis
Eva Chandilles
Baby Dani
Scott Nedoff
James Hord
Tom

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 Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

Sing praises to our God, sing praises.
Clap your hands, all ye peoples.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians. (1:11-19)

Brethren, I would have you know that the Gospel which was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the Church of God violently and tried to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people; so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when He Who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son to me, in order that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were Apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other Apostles except James the Lord’s brother.

Gospel

For the Fifth Sunday of Luke

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (16:19-31)

The Lord said, “There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus in his bosom. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.’

But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’

But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”

The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
The Seventh Sunday of Luke

The Martyr Nestor of Thessalonica;
Procla (Claudia) the wife of Pontius Pilate;
Kyriakos, Patriarch of Constantinople;
Venerable Nestor the Chronicler of the Kiev Caves

The Martyr Nestor of Thessalonica

By St. Nikolai Velimirovich

In the time of the suffering of St. Demetrios the Myrrhgusher, there was a young man of Thessalonica, Nestor, who learned the Christian Faith from St. Demetrios himself.

At that time Christ’s enemy, Emperor Maximian, organized various games and amusements for the people. Nestor 01The emperor’s favorite in these games was a Vandal by the name of Lyaeus, a man of Goliath-like size and strength. As the emperor’s gladiator, Lyaeus challenged men every day to single combat and slew them. Thus, the bloodthirsty Lyaeus amused the bloodthirsty, idolatrous Maximian. The emperor built a special stage for Lyaeus’s battles, similar to a threshing floor on pillars. Spears, points upward, were planted beneath this platform. When Lyaeus defeated someone in wrestling, he would throw him from the platform onto the forest of spears. The emperor and his pagan subjects cheered as some poor wretch writhed in torment on the spears until he died.

Among Lyaeus’s innocent victims were many Christians: when no one volunteered to duel with Lyaeus, by the emperor’s orders Christians were arrested and forced to duel with him. Seeing this horrifying amusement of the pagan world, Nestor’s heart was torn with pain, and he decided to come forward for a duel with the gigantic Lyaeus. But first, he went to prison to see St. Demetrios and sought a blessing from him to do this. St. Demetrios blessed him, signed him with the sign of the Cross on the forehead and on the chest and prophesied to him: “You will defeat Lyaeus, but you will suffer for Christ.” Thus, young Nestor went to duel with Lyaeus.

Maximian was present with a multitude nestor34of people; everyone felt pity for the young Nestor, who would surely die, and tried to dissuade him from dueling with Lyaeus. Nestor crossed himself and said: “O God of Demetrios, help me!” and with God’s help, he overcame Lyaeus, knocked him down, and threw him onto the sharp spears, where the heavy giant soon found death. Then all the people cried out: “Great is the God of Demetrios!” But the emperor, shamed before the people and sorrowing for his favorite Lyaeus, was greatly angered at Nestor and Demetrios, and commanded that Nestor be beheaded and Demetrios run through with lances. Thus, the Christian hero Nestor ended his earthly life and took up his habitation in the Kingdom of his Lord in the year 306.

Source: The Antioch Patriarch website.

Divine Liturgy for St. Demetrios and Parish Pot Luck on Saturday, October 26 at 4:30pm

Why so late? Because the pot-luck follows at 6:00pm. Asking the people who live 45 minutes or more away to come in the morning, go home, and then come back is three hours of driving. So we moved the Liturgy to a time accessible for all.

St. Demetrios

Who Was St. Demetrios?

The holy, glorious and right-victorious Great-martyr Demetrios of Thessaloniki the Myrrh-streamer (also Demetrios) is one of the most popular saints in the Orthodox world. He was martyred around the year 306 in Thessalonica, and his cult rapidly grew during the Middle Ages, when he was regarded as the first recognized patron and protector of the city, militarily as well as spiritually. His feast day is celebrated on October 26. The Serbian Orthodox Church commemorates the Saint as a Mitar having a feast of Mitrovan on November 8.

Demetrios came from a noble family of the Roman province of Macedonia. Through this noble ancestry and through his own ability and virtue he rose to a high military position under Galerius Maximian, Caesar of the Eastern part of the Roman Empire (with Diocletian as the Augustus, or senior emperor). Despite this position in the still-pagan empire, he remained fervent in faith and works for Christ, encouraging many Christians to endure persecution and even bringing many pagans to the faith.

When Maximian returned from one of his campaigns to Thessaloniki, which he had made his capital, he had pagan games and sacrifices celebrated for his triumph. Demetrios was denounced by pagans who were envious of his success, and he was thrown into prison. While in prison he was visited by a young Christian named Nestor, who asked him for a blessing to engage in single combat with the giant Lyaios (or Lyaeus), who was posing as the champion of paganism. Demetrios gave his blessing and Nestor, against all odds, slew his opponent in the arena, as David had once defeated Goliath.

The enraged emperor, learning that this had occurred with Demetrios’s aid, first had Nestor beheaded outside the city and then had Demetrios impaled in prison. Later Demetrios’s servant Lupus was beheaded after using his master’s blood-stained tunic and signet ring to work many miracles. The Christians buried Demetrios and Nestor next together in the bath where Demetrios had been imprisoned. During the seventh century a miraculous flow of fragrant myrrh was found emanating from his tomb, giving rise to the appellation Mirovlitis, the Myrrh Gusher to his name. His tomb containing his relics is now in the crypt of the Church of St. Demetrios in Thessaloniki.

St. Demetrios is revered as the patron saint of Thessaloniki and is believed by the people as having intervened to save the city over the years from invading foreigners, from the Slavic nations, Bulgarians, Arabs, Saracens, and others. While well remembered in the Hellenic world, the memory of the Great Martyr Demetrios of Thessaloniki found an attachment in the Slavic, particularly the Russian, world from the times of the Russian Primary Chronicle.

Source: The Orthodoxwiki website.

Remember This?

First published on September 17, 2017 after hurricane Irma.

St. Demetrios Visits St. Peter’s

I shared the following on Facebook in 2017:

After checking church today I entered my office (dark, no power) and as I opened the door a very strong aroma of myrrh had filled the office, and by strong I mean it was palpable.

I located the source and it came from this icon that had some myrrh from the relics of St Demetrios of Thessaloniki. It exuded through the plastic.

The Orthodox will understand the meaning of this. It is a sign of the protection of St. Demetrios towards our parish. I moved the icon to our still barren altar area.

God is glorified through His Saints.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: St. Peter’s Potluck Featuring John Panagiotou on Saturday, October 26 at 6:00pm

St. Peter’s is growing and that means more planning, more organization, and more work — but it’s the kind of work that is blessed by God because we are building to help ourselves and the people that God will bring to us.

We see that happening already, but it will grow. It’s our mission, but this mission is given to us by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Potluck season is here too so we are combing two events into one. We will enjoy the food and fellowship we all love as well as a featured speaker. The first speaker will be John Panagiotou who will tell us how supporting St. Peter’s really works.

Diocese of Miami Winter Retreat

Men: Join AMEN

AMEN is growing in the Miami Diocese, very fast actually, and there is a lot of good energy behind it. Fr. Hans has been appointed the Spiritual Advisor to the group by Bp. Nicholas. Steve Breitenbach is our local president.

What will AMEN do? It will bring together the men of the parish for friendship, fellowship, and work.

St. Peter’s Men:

• SIGN UP for the AMEN Newsletter. Send an email to: AMEN Newsletter
• JOIN AMEN on the BAND app (IOS and Android): Instructions on the Antiochian Men website.
• Visit the AMEN YouTube page.

Bible Studies

October

• Wed Oct 23 — Community Bible Study 7:00pm
• Wed Oct 30 — Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm

November

• Wed Nov 6 — Community Bible Study 7:00pm
• Wed Nov 13 — Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm
• Wed Nov 20 — Community Bible Study 7:00pm
• Wed Nov 27 — Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm

The Community Bible Study is for the entire community.

The Men’s and Women’s Bible Study are separate studies but held concurrently.

Pledge & Income Report – September 2019

In August we took in $16,445 in total donations. Our monthly goal is $16,777.00 leaving us $323 short for September.

These are very good numbers for September.

Thank you for your generosity. This year is much better than last but we are still behind in our numbers.

It is not too late to pledge. Pledge forms are available on the table in the narthex.

Interfaith Charities Needs More Food Items

They need:

• Ramen noodles
• Canned tuna
• Vegetables
• Beans
• Soups

Please note: Interfaith Charities is no longer accepting clothing or household items so we won’t be accepting them at St. Peter’s either.

Bring the food items to church and we will get them to Interfaith Charities. Interfaith Charities is a coalition of local churches helping the poor in our immediate community. See more on their website.

Calendar At A Glance

OCTOBER

• Wed Oct 23 — Community Bible Study 7:00pm
• Sat Oct 26 — St. Demetrios Divine Liturgy 4:30pm
• Sat Oct 26 — St. Peter’s Pot Luck 6:00pm
• Wed Oct 30 — Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm

November

• Wed Nov 6 — Community Bible Study 7:00pm
• Wed Nov 13 — Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm
• Wed Nov 20 — Community Bible Study 7:00pm
• Wed Nov 27 — Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm

Wisdom From The Elders

Learn to know the spirit of the age, study it, so whenever possible you will be able to avoid its influence. Bishop Ignatius Brianchaninov

When the soul is mature, God will give it inner peace. The Lord watches over us, and He is pleased that you long for His peace. Until the soul is ready, He will only sometimes allow us to see that He is everywhere present and fills all things. At these moments the soul feels such joy! It feels as though it has everything! But then the Lord conceals Himself from us again, in order that we might long for Him and seek Him with our hearts. Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnika

My brothers, have no fear of the punishments of the Lord! For He does not punish us as criminals, but as His own children! Archimandrite Gabriel of the Pskov Caves

Thus, as St. Paul says (cf. 2 Cor. 5:7), we should press forward on the basis of faith, patiently striving to conform ourselves to God’s will. St. Peter of Damaskos

Try to fill your soul with Christ so as not to have it empty. Your soul is like a cistern full of water. If you channel the water to the flowers, that is, to the virtues, you will experience true joy and all the thorns of evil will wither away. But if you channel the water to the weeds, these will grow and choke you and all the flowers will wither. St. Porphyrios of Kafsokalyvia

One may have a good worldly relationship with non-believers, but one cannot have a relationship in prayer and one must not carry on arguments about religion so that the name of God not be offended during an argument. St. Nektary of Optina

Remember in Your Prayers

Diomidis (Kanellos)

Anastacia (Ann Constan)
Ben (Ben)
Thomas (Ben)
Vjacheslav (Slava) (Julia)
Irene (C. Diveris)
Vasiliki (C.Diveris)
Efrosini (C. diveris)
Charles (Oberg)
Christine (Kouzes)
Nina (Kovalev)
Hugh (Jacquie)
Violet (Jacquie Mom)
Tammie (Jacquie friend)
Phillip
Baby Luke
George
Priest Kyprianos
Savannah (Jonson)
Bud
Silvana
Nicole
Evan
Megan
Bill R.
Pat R.
Aglaia
George
Hieromonk Serapion
Priest Kyprianos
Athanasia
Alexandra
Constantina
Maryanne (E)
Ron (E)
Tim
Robert (J)
Mary (J)
Patricia
Gregory
Andreas
Sofia Tešanovic
Paul
Dennis H. and Family
Victor Evan
Ann
James
Vasiliki
Efstratia
Alexandra
Nikos
Georgia
Ioannis
Costandino
Jeffrey
Vaso
Dave
Dimitri – Presbyter
Vassiliki
Octavio
Tom
Carl
Rena
Nikolay (5 year old boy in Bulgaria whose parents asked us to pray)
David
Rosie
Kathryn
Jeremy
Constantine
Robert
Jane
Theodora
David
Gina
Micheal
Haralambos
Lillian
Presbytera Rosy
Valentina
Eva W.
Barbara
Angela
Carol Ann
Matthew
Chrysostom
Tim
Pat
Christina
Maria Louise
Maximos
Marian
Photini
Nicholas
Sarah
Constantine Houpis
Anna Marie Smith Baker
Katerina
Mary Kassis
Baby Maximus
Christine
Maria
Annette Star
Claire Livaditis
Eva Chandilles
Baby Dani
Scott Nedoff
James Hord
Tom

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 Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

The Lord is my strength and my song.
The Lord has chastened me severely.

The Reading from the Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. (11:31-12:9)

Brethren, the God and Father of the Lord Jesus, He Who is blessed forever, knows that I do not lie. At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas guarded the city of Damascus in order to seize me, but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped his hands. I must boast; there is nothing to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ who 14 years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into Paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.

On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. Though if I wish to boast, I shall not be a fool, for I shall be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. And to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I besought the Lord about this, that it should leave me; but He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Gospel

For the Seventh Sunday of Luke

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (8:41-56)

At that time, there came to Jesus a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue; and falling at Jesus’ feet he besought Him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As Jesus went, the people pressed round Him. And a woman, who had had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had spent all her living upon physicians, and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind Him, and touched the fringe of His garment; and immediately her flow of blood ceased. And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched Me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the multitudes surround Thee and press upon Thee! And Thou sayest, ‘Who touched Me?’” But Jesus said, “Someone touched Me; for I perceive that power has gone forth from Me.” And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before Him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed. And Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”

While Jesus was still speaking, a man from the ruler’s house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she shall be well.” And when Jesus came to the house, He permitted no one to enter with Him, except Peter and James and John, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and bewailing her; but Jesus said, “Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand Jesus called, saying, “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and Jesus directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed; but He charged them to tell no one what had happened.

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
The Sixth Sunday of Luke

Great-Martyr Artemius at Antioch

Venerable Gerasimos the New Ascetic of Kephallenia; Venerable Matrona of Chios

Great Martyr Artemius

Saint Artemius lived during the years of Saint Constantine the Great, and was appointed by him to be Governor of Alexandria; later, he was honoured with the rank of patrician. During the reign of Julian the Apostate, in the year 361, Artemius appeared before the Emperor and censured him for his apostasy. For this, he endured many torments and was finally beheaded.

Source: The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese website.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: St. Peter’s Potluck Featuring John Panagiotou on Saturday, October 26 at 6:00pm

St. Peter’s is growing and that means more planning, more organization, and more work — but it’s the kind of work that is blessed by God because we are building to help ourselves and the people that God will bring to us.

We see that happening already, but it will grow. It’s our mission, but this mission is given to us by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Potluck season is here too so we are combing two events into one. We will enjoy the food and fellowship we all love as well as a featured speaker. The first speaker will be John Panagiotou who will tell us how supporting St. Peter’s really works.

Fr. Hans is Out of Town October 14-19, 2019

Fr. Hans is out of town from Sunday evening October 14, 2019 until Saturday, October 19, 2019.

For pastoral emergencies, please call Fr. Paul Girgis from St. Paul’s in Naples at 509-845-4540.

Memorial Prayers Offered for John and Mary Spiriopoulos on Sunday, October 20, 2019

John and Mary were the parents of Joan Simon and Peter Spiriopoulos. The Simon family will sponsor social hall in their honor.

Diocese of Miami Winter Retreat

Men: Join AMEN

AMEN is growing in the Miami Diocese, very fast actually, and there is a lot of good energy behind it. Fr. Hans has been appointed the Spiritual Advisor to the group by Bp. Nicholas. Steve Breitenbach is our local president.

What will AMEN do? It will bring together the men of the parish for friendship, fellowship, and work.

St. Peter’s Men:

• SIGN UP for the AMEN Newsletter. Send an email to: AMEN Newsletter
• JOIN AMEN on the BAND app (IOS and Android): Instructions on the Antiochian Men website.
• Visit the AMEN YouTube page.

Bible Studies

• Wed Oct 16 — CANCELLED (Fr. Hans Out of Town) Community Bible Study 7:00pm
• Wed Oct 23 — Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm
• Sat Oct 26 — St. Peter’s Potluck 6:00pm
• Wed Oct 30 — Community Bible Study 7:00pm

The Community Bible Study is for the entire community.

The Men’s and Women’s Bible Study are separate studies but held concurrently.

Pledge & Income Report – August 2019

In August we took in $15,536 in total donations. Our monthly goal is $16,777.00 leaving us $1,241 short for August.

These are good numbers for August and we appreciate the response to our mid-summer appeal. Thank you for your support to date.

Please be generous in your giving between now and the end of the year so that we can meet our expenses.

It is not too late to pledge. Pledge forms are available on the table in the narthex.

A Foundation is Being Laid for an Orthodox School in SW Florida

For more information please visit the St. Paul Orthodox Church website. With God’s help this could succeed.

Interfaith Charities Needs Our Help

They need:

• Ramen noodles
• Canned tuna
• Vegetables
• Beans
• Soups

and…

• Used clothing
• Used household items

Bring the items to church and we will get them to Interfaith Charities. Interfaith Charities is a coalition of local churches helping the poor in our immediate community. See more on their website.

Calendar At A Glance

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

• Fri Oct 13-19 — Fr. Hans Out of Town
• Wed Oct 16 — CANCELLED (Fr. Hans Out of Town) Community Bible Study 7:00pm
• Wed Oct 23 — Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm
• Wed Oct 30 — Community Bible Study 7:00pm

Wisdom From The Elders

Watch every movement of your heart; consider whether it is pleasing to the Holy Trinity, or if it is not, on the contrary, the will of your old passionate man. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

Therefore we must not be despondent, but must good-humouredly and patiently bear spiritual darkness that descends upon our soul, the fire that weakens and inclines us to impatience and malice, the affliction and oppression, knowing that all these are indis pensable in the order of our spiritual life, that by these the Lord is proving us. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

When you feel that you are falling into confusion or despair, stop yourself immediately and repent of it, as you would for a sin, and get back on your feet. Elder Sergei of Vanves

A monk also asked Sisoes: How can I attain humility? The saint replied: When someone learns to acknowledge every man as being better than himself, then he has attained humility. St. Sisoes the Great

Without humility man cannot” accept any of God’s gifts without bringing harm to himself. This is why it is prophesied that in the last times, because of an increase in pride, people will be saved only through endurance of sorrows and illness; great ascetic deeds will be unknown to them. Abbot Nikon Vorobiev

Without such quietude, which the Fathers call hesychia, we do not even realize how dominated we are by our thoughts. With it, we at last are given eyes to see how they flood through us and out of us with such abandon. Bishop Irenei Steenberg

Remember in Your Prayers

Ben (Ben)
Thomas (Ben)
Vjacheslav (Slava) (Julia)
Irene (C. Diveris)
Vasiliki (C.Diveris)
Efrosini (C. diveris)
Alan L (B Duskcas)
Charles (Oberg)
Christine (Kouzes)
Nina (Kovalev)
Hugh (Jacquie)
Violet (Jacquie Mom)
Tammie (Jacquie friend)
Phillip
Baby Luke
George
Priest Kyprianos
Savannah (Jonson)
Bud
Silvana
Nicole
Evan
Megan
Bill R.
Pat R.
Aglaia
George
Hieromonk Serapion
Priest Kyprianos
Athanasia
Alexandra
Constantina
Maryanne (E)
Ron (E)
Tim
Robert (J)
Mary (J)
Patricia
Gregory
Andreas
Sofia Tešanovic
Paul
Dennis H. and Family
Victor Evan
Ann
James
Vasiliki
Efstratia
Alexandra
Nikos
Georgia
Ioannis
Costandino
Jeffrey
Vaso
Dave
Dimitri – Presbyter
Vassiliki
Octavio
Tom
Carl
Rena
Nikolay (5 year old boy in Bulgaria whose parents asked us to pray)
David
Rosie
Kathryn
Jeremy
Constantine
Robert
Jane
Theodora
David
Gina
Micheal
Haralambos
Lillian
Presbytera Rosy
Valentina
Eva W.
Barbara
Angela
Carol Ann
Matthew
Chrysostom
Tim
Pat
Christina
Maria Louise
Maximos
Marian
Photini
Nicholas
Sarah
Constantine Houpis
Anna Marie Smith Baker
Katerina
Mary Kassis
Baby Maximus
Christine
Maria
Annette Star
Claire Livaditis
Eva Chandilles
Baby Dani
Scott Nedoff
James Hord
Tom

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 Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.

The Reading from the Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. (9:6-11)

Brethren, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. As it is written, “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

Gospel

For the Sixth Sunday of Luke

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (8:26-39)

At that time, Jesus arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. And as He stepped out on land, there met Him a man from the city who had demons; for a long time he had worn no clothes, and he lived not in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him, and said with a loud voice, “What hast Thou to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beseech Thee, do not torment me.” For Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. [For many a time it had seized him; he was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters, but he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the desert.]

Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion”; for many demons had entered him. And they begged Jesus not to command them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside; and they begged Jesus to let them enter these. So He gave them leave. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.

When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country. Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. And those who had seen it told them how he who had been possessed with demons was healed.

Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gadarenes asked Jesus to depart from them; for they were seized with great fear; so He got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with Jesus; but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home, and declare all that God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city all that Jesus had done for him.