Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Martyr Pamphilos, Priest of Caesarea in Palestine and his companions; Venerable Flavian the Hermit; Venerable Martyr Romanos from Solovak of Carpenision

The Sunday of the Prodigal Son is the second Sunday of pre-Lent, the weeks of preparation preceding Great Lent. It is the Sunday after the Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee and Sunday before Meatfare Sunday. This pre-Lent is the start of the Easter cycle of worship in the Orthodox Church.

On this Sunday in the preparation for Great Lent, Orthodox Christians are read Christ’s parable about God’s loving

forgiveness (Luke 15:11-24). They are to see themselves as being in a foreign country far from the Father’s house and to make the movement of return to God, where we truly belong. The parable gives assurance that the Father will receive them with joy and gladness in their journey through Great Lent, their journey home.

Sermon on the Prodigal Son by Bp. Timothy Ware

When we take one step towards God, He takes 10 steps toward us.

Services this Week

• Wed Feb 24 — ST. JOHN BAPTIST Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Fri Feb 26 — PARAKLESIS TO THE THEOTOKOS 9:30am LIVE STREAM

Cafe of Life Ministry

As you sit down to enjoy your next meand and thank For for all you have, ask yourself, “When was the last time I made a donation for the hungry?”

One mission of St. Peter is the making of sandwiches to feed those who are hungry and homeless in the Bonita Springs community. Your donation will help sustain those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Check os donations can be given to Fr. Hans. It takes $200 monthly to help the poor.

“Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors Him” (Proverbs 14:31).

Thank you and remember…

IC XC NI KA

Welcoming Dan Christopoulos

Following the Liturgy this Sunday in the Social Hall, Dan Christopoulos, the Development Director of Orthodox Christian Missions, will offer a presentation on the mission work overseas of the Orthodox Church.

OCMC does much good work in the world. To learn more visit their website.

Many of you may remember that Cliff Tewis went on a mission trip to Africa (see pictures of his trip on the St. Peter website) and gave us a presentation of his service.

Women’s Group Meets Tuesday February 23, 2021

Next Ladies Book Club meeting is on Tuesday, February 23rd at 5:00 pm in the Church social hall.

Piano For Sale: $350 or Best Offer

Why are we selling it? Because the new church has a piano. Please contact Fr. Hans or John Simon.

Brandon (Michael) Sovjani Home Security and More

Brandon Sovjani (some of us know him as Michael) has started a home networking business (home security, home entertainment, and more). He is a Microsoft Certified Technician and a Certified Ubiquity Networking Agent.

He sets up home security, home entertainment systems, anything that requires networking in your home or business.

At. St. Peter’s we support our businesses, especially those just starting out!

Capital Campaign Update — February 8, 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 $621,599K. Thank you for your generous contributions to date.

The Church now has set up a Brokerage account so if anyone wishes to donate stocks or bonds, the Church can accept them.

Our Capital Campaign is going well. To date we have collected $621,599 of the $750,000 we need to secure a mortgage to make a bid on the new Church property has been received. That’s over half of our goal!

Download a pledge form on the St. Peter website.

Please remember, churches are hard to come by in Southwest Florida. This property meets our needs because:

1. We can afford it (the mortgage will cost no more than what we currently pay in rent; it may even be a little less),
2. It has buildings on site that are move-in ready,
3. It can accommodate the growth we are experiencing and that will continue.

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 – 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.

FEBRUARY

• Sun Feb 21 — Orthros 8:30am / Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Feb 24 — FIRST AND SECOND FINDING OF THE VENERABLE HEAD OF JOHN THE BAPTIST Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Fri Feb 26 — PARAKLESIS TO THE THEOTOKOS 9:30am LIVE STREAM

A man who is growing cold towards God begins first of all to flee attending church. At first he tries to come to services later, and then he ceases altogether to visit God’s temple…Here in the skete we even make the rounds of the cells on feast days, so that no one evades church services. Elder Barsanuphius of Optina

The Christian today—not unlike Christians of other eras, but in ways that are continually “updated” as soci­ety carries on—is not told simply that he mustn’t fight the passions, that he mustn’t battle the devil: he is told that the passions are unreal, that the devil does not exist. He is told that ascesis is unnatural, that spiritual warfare is delusional. He is told that judgment is oppressive and the desire to become something de­fined by another (even God!) is psychologically unhealthy. He is told that to believe in the Church’s tradition is a simplistic, pietistic adherence to the past; that he had better “think for himself.” Bishop Irenei Steenberg

Human charity is suspicious: it fears lest it may somehow give to a person who already has something, or lest it may give too much. But the Lord’s charity is not like this: “The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.” Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

The foundation of prayer is the yearning of the image towards its prototype, as of like to like. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

The crucified flesh reconciles itself with the spirit and with God; whilst the flesh that is cherished, that is abundantly and daintily fed, fights hard against the spirit and against God. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

Free-thinkers and atheists say that religion, the Church, the Divine service, the sacraments and rites, were invented by men in order to keep people in fear and submission, and to maintain, morality, and, perhaps, also in order to collect revenues from them. This is how God’s mercy and His wonderful ordering for our salvation, the very incarnation, sufferings and death of the Son of God for our sakes, are blasphemed by the ignorant and free-thinkers who have lost the fear of God. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

Our wickedness shall not overpower the unspeakable goodness and mercy of God; our dullness shall not overpower God’s wisdom, nor our infirmity God’s omnipotence. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

tions of the soul that are called “virtues” by the Holy Fathers. AArchbishop Averky (Taushev)

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 January 11 / Resets February 1)

Michelene (Repya 4/21)
Colleen ((Repya 4/21)
Patricia (Copeland 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>
John (Katsigianopoulos 3/21)
Bryce (NA 3/21)
Debbie (Breitenbach 2/21)
Mary (Marianthi 2/21)
Sarah (Wolffe 2/21)
Pauline (Jacobse 2/21)
Benjamin (Jacobse 2/21)
Marcie (Breitenbach 2/21)
Jo Ann (Breitenbach 2/21)
Angela (Fred 12/21)
Ronald (Sovjani 2/21)
Katherine (Dusckas 2/21)
Marlene (Tewis 2/21)
Gail (Jacobse 1/21)
Robert (Tewis 1/21)
Sergio (Mary Kazakos 1/21)
Mary (Semeretis 1/21)
Heather (Waterman 1/21)
Zachary (Constantine 1/21)
Peter (Foltz 1/21)
Alexa (Buchanan 1/21)
Rebecca (Aguado 1/2021)
Jacob (Aguado 1/2021)
Baby Mackenzie (Zafiris 12/20
Nolan (Zafiris 12/20)

Permanent Prayer List

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)

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 the Prodigal Son

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

The Reading from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. (6:12-20)

Brethren, all things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything. Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food; but God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by His power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who joins himself to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two shall become one flesh.” But he who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with Him. Shun immorality. Every other sin which a man commits is outside the body; but the immoral man sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

GOSPEL

For Sunday of the Prodigal Son

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (15:11-32)

The Lord spoke this parable: “There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that falls to me.’ And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living.

And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have fed on the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.”’

And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to make merry.

Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid that I might make merrywith my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf!’

Seventeenth Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee

Venerable Timothy of Symbola; Eustathios, Archbishop of Antioch; Zachariah, patriarch of Jerusalem; George, bishop of Amastris

What is a Publican and a Pharisee?

A Pharisee was an externally decent and righteous man of religion. The Publican was a sinful tax-collector who was cheating the people.

Though the Pharisee was genuinely righteous under the Law, he boasted before God and was condemned. The Publican, although he was truly sinful, begged for mercy, received it, and was justified by God.

The focus this Sunday is on the Gospel of Luke 18:10-14, in which two men went to the Temple to pray. On this Sunday in the preparation for Great Lent, we are to see that we have not the religious piety of the Pharisee, but the repentance of the Publican. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and everyone who humbles himself will be exalted. (Luke 18:14)

Read more on the Orthdoxwiki website.

To learn more about the Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee, listen to Fr. Thomas Hopko’s podcast on the St. Peter website.

Fr. Tom teaches on the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee as we prepare for the Lenten season.

Services this Week

• Wed Feb 17 — THEODORE THE TYRO, GREAT MARTYR Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Fri Feb 19 — PARAKLESIS TO THE THEOTOKOS 9:30am LIVE STREAM

Cafe of Life Ministry

Many wonderful things are happening here at St. Peter’s and one of them is the making of sandwiches for the hungry and homeless at the Cafe of Life. This mission is possible due to your generous donations and support.

“For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.”Deuteronomy 15:11

Thank you and remember…

IC XC NI KA

Women’s Group Meets Tuesday February 23, 2021

Next Ladies Book Club meeting is on Tuesday, February 23rd at 5:00 pm in the Church social hall.

Brandon (Michael) Sovjani Home Security and More

Brandon Sovjani (some of us know him as Michael) has started a home networking business (home security, home entertainment, and more). He is a Microsoft Certified Technician and a Certified Ubiquity Networking Agent.

He sets up home security, home entertainment systems, anything that requires networking in your home or business.

At. St. Peter’s we support our businesses, especially those just starting out!

Capital Campaign Update — February 8, 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 $621,599K. Thank you for your generous contributions to date.

The Church now has set up a Brokerage account so if anyone wishes to donate stocks or bonds, the Church can accept them.

Our Capital Campaign is going well. To date we have collected $621,599 of the $750,000 we need to secure a mortgage to make a bid on the new Church property has been received. That’s over half of our goal!

Download a pledge form on the St. Peter website.

Please remember, churches are hard to come by in Southwest Florida. This property meets our needs because:

1. We can afford it (the mortgage will cost no more than what we currently pay in rent; it may even be a little less),
2. It has buildings on site that are move-in ready,
3. It can accommodate the growth we are experiencing and that will continue.

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 – 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.

FEBRUARY

• Sun Feb 14 — Orthros 8:30am / Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Feb 17 — THEODORE THE TYRO, GREAT MARTYR Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Fri Feb 19 — PARAKLESIS TO THE THEOTOKOS 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Sat Feb 20 — St. Paisios Brotherhood Retreat in Venice FL

• Sun Feb 21 — Orthros 8:30am / Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Feb 24 — FIRST AND SECOND FINDING OF THE VENERABLE HEAD OF JOHN THE BAPTIST Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Fri Feb 26 — PARAKLESIS TO THE THEOTOKOS 9:30am LIVE STREAM

Wisdom From The Elders

All men, led by the light of fallen nature alienated from guidance of God’s light, will be enticed into submission to the seducer (antichrist). St Ignaty Brianchaninov

Many receive grace to begin with but very few get it back after losing it.” St. Silouan the Athonite

Freedom from the passions is brought about by the crucifying of both the intellect and the flesh. This makes a man capable of contemplating God. The intellect is crucified when undean thoughts are driven out of it, and the body when the passions are uprooted. Venerable Isaac the Syrian, bishop of Nineveh

Therefore a Christian must always think and speak and do only what is good, for as the Lord says, ‘A house divided against itself shall not stand’ (Matt. 12:25). Venerable Symeon the New Theologian

It is only through its divine-human power that Christianity is the “salt” of the earth, a salt which preserves humanity from decomposing into sin and evil. If, however, Christianity becomes decomposed into various humanistic elements, then it becomes lifeless, it becomes a “saltless” salt, which, according to the ever-true word of the Savior, “is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men” (Matth. 5:13). Venerable Justin (Popovic) of Chelije in Serbia

However, to overcome and eradicate passions is not enough. In the place of eradicated passions it is necessary to firmly implant in the heart their opposite counterparts, the good dispositions of the soul that are called “virtues” by the Holy Fathers. AArchbishop Averky (Taushev)

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 January 11 / Resets February 1)

Kondylia (Chapekis 3/21)
Brian (Colis 3/210)
Maria(Colis 3/210)
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>
John (Katsigianopoulos 3/21)
Bryce (NA 3/21)
Debbie (Breitenbach 2/21)
Mary (Marianthi 2/21)
Sarah (Wolffe 2/21)
Pauline (Jacobse 2/21)
Benjamin (Jacobse 2/21)
Marcie (Breitenbach 2/21)
Jo Ann (Breitenbach 2/21)
Angela (Fred 12/21)
Ronald (Sovjani 2/21)
Katherine (Dusckas 2/21)
Marlene (Tewis 2/21)
Gail (Jacobse 1/21)
Robert (Tewis 1/21)
Sergio (Mary Kazakos 1/21)
Mary (Semeretis 1/21)
Heather (Waterman 1/21)
Zachary (Constantine 1/21)
Peter (Foltz 1/21)
Alexa (Buchanan 1/21)
Rebecca (Aguado 1/2021)
Jacob (Aguado 1/2021)
Baby Mackenzie (Zafiris 12/20
Nolan (Zafiris 12/20)

Permanent Prayer List

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)

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 the Pharisee and Publican

My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.
For He hath regarded the humility of His servant.

The Reading from the Second Epistle of St. Paul to St. Timothy. (3:10-15)

Timothy my son, you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions, and my sufferings; and what befell me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra. What persecutions I endured; yet from them all, the Lord rescued me. Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

GOSPEL

For Sunday of the Pharisee and Publican

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (18:10-14)

The Lord spoke this parable: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank Thee that I am not like other men, extortionists, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to Heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
Seventeenth Sunday of Matthew

Venerable Auxentios the priest of Bithynia; Venerable Abraham and Maron of Syria; New-martyrs Nicholas of Corinth and George the tailor of Mitylene; Venerable Cyril, Equal-to-the-Apostles and Enlightener of the Slavs

Who is New Martyr George the Tailor of Mitylene, at Constantinople (1693)?

A tailor in the city of Mitylene, the Turks beheaded him after torturing him for his faith and confession in Jesus Christ, and refusal to accept Islam in Constantinople in 1693.

The Repose of St Cyril, Equal-to-the-Apostles and Enlightener of the Slavs

Saint Cyril Equal of the Apostles, Teacher of the Slavs (Constantine in the schema), and his older brother Methodius (April 6), were Slavs, born in Macedonia in the city of Thessalonica.

St Cyril received the finest of educations, and from the age of fourteen he was raised with the son of the emperor. Later, he was ordained as a priest. Upon his return to Constantinople, he worked as a librarian of the cathedral church, and as a professor of philosophy. St Cyril successfully held debates with iconoclast heretics and with Moslems.

Yearning for solitude, he went to Mount Olympos to his older brother Methodius, but his solitude lasted only a short while. Both brothers were sent by the emperor Michael on a missionary journey to preach Christianity to the Khazars in the year 857. Along the way they stopped at Cherson and discovered the relics of the Hieromartyr Clement of Rome (November 25).

Arriving at the territory of the Khazars, the holy brothers spoke with them about the Christian Faith. Persuaded by the preaching of St Cyril, the Khazar prince together with all his people accepted Christianity. The grateful prince wanted to reward the preachers with rich presents, but they refused this and instead asked the prince to free and send home with them all the Greek captives. St Cyril returned to Constantinople together with 200 such captives set free.

In the year 862 began the chief exploit of the holy brothers. At the request of Prince Rostislav, the emperor sent them to Moravia to preach Christianity in the Slavic language. Sts Cyril and Methodius by a revelation from God compiled a Slavonic alphabet and translated the Gospel, Epistles, the Psalter and many Service books into the Slavonic language. They introduced divine services in Slavonic.

The holy brothers were then summoned to Rome at the invitation of the Roman Pope. Pope Adrian received them with great honor, since they brought with them the relics of the Hieromartyr Clement. Sickly by nature and in poor health, St Cyril soon fell ill from his many labors, and after taking the schema, he died in the year 869 at the age of forty-two. Before his death, he expressed his wish for his brother to continue the Christian enlightenment of the Slavs. St Cyril was buried in the Roman church of St Clement, whose own relics also rest there, brought to Italy from Cherson by the Enlighteners of the Slavs.

Services this Week

• Mon Feb 08 — THEODORE THE COMMANDER AND GREAT MARTYR Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Feb 10 — ST. HARALAMBOS THE HIEROMARTYR Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM

Cafe of Life Ministry

Volunteers will meet this Thursday, February 11 at 1:00pm in the Social Hall to make sandwiches for the homeless and the hungry in the Bonita Springs community. Please keep the donations for the poor coming and remember the words of St. Luke:

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you,” (Luke 6:38).

Have a blessed week.

IC XC NI KA

Women’s Group Meets Wednesday February 10, 2021

We meet at 5:00pm in the Social Hall. All women invited!

Brandon (Michael) Sovjani Home Security and More

Brandon Sovjani (some of us know him as Michael) has started a home networking business (home security, home entertainment, and more). He is a Microsoft Certified Technician and a Certified Ubiquity Networking Agent.

He sets up home security, home entertainment systems, anything that requires networking in your home or business.

At. St. Peter’s we support our businesses, especially those just starting out!

Capital Campaign Update — February 8, 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 $621,599K. Thank you for your generous contributions to date.

The Church now has set up a Brokerage account so if anyone wishes to donate stocks or bonds, the Church can accept them.

Our Capital Campaign is going well. To date we have collected $621,599 of the $750,000 we need to secure a mortgage to make a bid on the new Church property has been received. That’s over half of our goal!

Download a pledge form on the St. Peter website.

Please remember, churches are hard to come by in Southwest Florida. This property meets our needs because:

1. We can afford it (the mortgage will cost no more than what we currently pay in rent; it may even be a little less),
2. It has buildings on site that are move-in ready,
3. It can accommodate the growth we are experiencing and that will continue.

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 – December 2020

Donations received in December $25,959.00
Amount of money needed to cover expenses: $18,167.00
We are ahead by $7,792

Thank you for your generosity. Although we are ahead in December, most of the surplus were prepayments of 2021 pledges. When the prepayments are deducted from the December income, we are slight behind for the month.

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.

FEBRUARY

• Sun Feb 07 — Orthros 8:30am / Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Sun Feb 07 — 12:00pm Catechism Class (Final Class)
• Mon Feb 08 — THEODORE THE COMMANDER AND GREAT MARTYR Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Feb 10 — ST. HARALAMBOS THE HIEROMARTYR Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Feb 10 — Women’s Group / Book Club 5:00pm

• Sun Feb 14 — Orthros 8:30am / Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Feb 17 — THEODORE THE TYRO, GREAT MARTYR Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Fri Feb 19 — PARAKLESIS TO THE THEOTOKOS 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Sat Feb 20 — St. Paisios Brotherhood Retreat in Venice FL

• Sun Feb 21 — Orthros 8:30am / Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Feb 24 — FIRST AND SECOND FINDING OF THE VENERABLE HEAD OF JOHN THE BAPTIST Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Fri Feb 26 — PARAKLESIS TO THE THEOTOKOS 9:30am LIVE STREAM

Wisdom From The Elders

Before all spiritual gifts, undistraction (concentration) is given to the mind by our Lord Jesus Christ, and the invocation in the heart of His holy name with faith. St. Kallistus Xanthopoulos

We don’t understand that happiness is in eternity and not in vanity. Saint Paisios of Mount Athos

Every man of himself is so insignificant and helpless that he receives everything necessary to support his existence, not from himself, but from without; he himself is nothing. And as his body is supported by air, food, and drink, so his soul is supported by prayer, by reading God’s Word, and by the communion of the Holy Mysteries. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

The Holy Orthodox Church has determined the rules of preparation for Holy Communion. The main thing is to prepare the heart for uniting with the Lord. Fasting is necessary for calming the body, and once the body is at peace, the soul is at peace, too. Elder Thaddeus(Strabulovich) of Vitovnica

To repent—means to feel in our hearts the falsehood, the madness, the guilt of our sins, it means—to acknowledge that we have offended, by them, our Creator, our Lord, our Father and Benefactor, Who is infinitely holy, and infinitely abhors sin, it means, to desire, with the whole soul, to amend and to expiate our sins. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

Excessive conveniences make life difficult for people. Saint Paisios of Mount Athos

The fact that the truths revealed by Christianity communicate to us information about things such as our reason could in no way whatsoever reach by itself, and moreover, these truths solve successfully all our questions about the Author of our being; the beginning of the world; the origin of all creatures, including man; the primitive condition of the latter; the conditions necessary for blessedness; the cause of evils falling upon mankind; the meaning of death; the life hereafter; and the end of all visible things. Yakov Tyagunoff

God’s boundless wisdom has given each person a rcross according to his/her character and strength. If we carry our cross without grumbling, repent of our sins and do not justify ourselves, then like the good thief we shall enter God’s Kingdom. But if we grumble, if we blaspheme God and our neighbor, we shall perish like the wicked thief—in great torment, without the hope of salvation to lessen our grief. The choice lies in our own hands. Abbot Nikon Vorobiev

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 January 11 / Resets February 1)

Barbara (Dusckas 3/21)
Dave (Dusckas 3/21)
Maryann (Breitenbach 3/21)
Irina (Jacobse 3/21)
Lee Joseph (Irina 3/21)
Paola (Jacobse 3/21>
John (Katsigianopoulos 3/21)
Bryce (NA 3/21)
Debbie (Breitenbach 2/21)
Mary (Marianthi 2/21)
Sarah (Wolffe 2/21)
Pauline (Jacobse 2/21)
Benjamin (Jacobse 2/21)
Marcie (Breitenbach 2/21)
Jo Ann (Breitenbach 2/21)
Angela (Fred 12/21)
Ronald (Sovjani 2/21)
Katherine (Dusckas 2/21)
Marlene (Tewis 2/21)
Gail (Jacobse 1/21)
Robert (Tewis 1/21)
Sergio (Mary Kazakos 1/21)
Rae (Semeretis 1/21)
Mary (Semeretis 1/21)
Heather (Waterman 1/21)
Zachary (Constantine 1/21)
Peter (Foltz 1/21)
Alexa (Buchanan 1/21)
Rebecca (Aguado 1/2021)
Jacob (Aguado 1/2021)
Baby Mackenzie (Zafiris 12/20
Nolan (Zafiris 12/20)

Permanent Prayer List

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)

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 Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
God is known in Judah; His Name is great in Israel.

The Reading from the Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. (6:16-7:1)

Brethren, you are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will live in them and move among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Therefore, come out from them, and be separate from them,” says the Lord, “and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters,” says the Lord Almighty. Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God.

GOSPEL

For the Seventeenth Sunday of Matthew

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (15:21-28)

At that time, Jesus went to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon.” But He did not answer her one word. And His disciples came and begged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Sixteenth Sunday of Matthew

After-feast of the Presentation (Meeting) of Christ

St, Parthenios, bishop of Lampsakos; Venerable Luke of Hellas; New-martyr George of Crete

Who is St. Parthenios the Wonderworker, Bishop of Lampsakos?

Saint Parthenios was the son of the deacon Christodoulos from Melitopolis on the Hellespont. Although illiterate, he listened attentively to the reading of Holy Scripture in church, and he did his best to put what he heard into practice. Working as a fisherman, he would give whatever he earned from the sale of his catch to the poor, keeping nothing for himself. His charity became well-known in the area, and Philetos, the Bishop of Melitopolis, obliged him to accept ordination to the priesthood, with a commission to traverse the diocese visiting the Christians in their homes. The grace of God brought forth abundant fruit in him through many miracles and healings. One day, he met a man on the road whose eye had been dislodged by the horn of a bull. He restored the eye to its socket and healed the wound. On another occasion, he cured a woman of a fatal cancer solely by the sign of the Cross. Then again, when a mad dog attacked him, he brought the creature down stone dead with a simple puff of his breath.

Confronted by so many indications of divine favor, Ascholios, the Metropolitan of Cyzicus, consecrated him Bishop of the city of Lampsakos, which was still in the depths of idolatry. By means of fasting, prayers and inspired words, and through the example of his evangelic way of life, the Saint succeeded in converting the city.

When he visited the court of Saint Constantine the Great he was authorized to destroy the pagan temples of Lampsakos and given funds for constructing a church. On the completion of the building, a large stone was being brought to cover the altar when the envious devil caused the oxen to go out of control, resulting in the death the driver who was crushed beneath the wheels of the cart. The Saint immediately addressed a fervent prayer to the Lord, and the dead man was restored to life.

[…]

Read the complete story on the Mystagogy website.

Cafe of Life Ministry

February 11 is around the corner so please help St. Peter’s keep their commitment to the homeless and hungry by donating any amount you can spare.

Let us remember the Scripture Isaiah 58:10 If you give some of your own food to [feed] those who are hungry and to satisfy [the needs of] those who are humble, then your light will rise in the dark, and your darkness will become as bright as the noonday sun.

Have a blessed week.

IC XC NI KA

Women’s Group Meets Wednesday February 10, 2021

We meet at 5:00pm in the Social Hall. All women invited!

Brandon (Michael) Sovjani Home Security and More

Brandon Sovjani (some of us know him as Michael) has started a home networking business (home security, home entertainment, and more). He is a Microsoft Certified Technician and a Certified Ubiquity Networking Agent.

He sets up home security, home entertainment systems, anything that requires networking in your home or business.

At. St. Peter’s we support our businesses, especially those just starting out!

Capital Campaign Update — January 3, 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 $482K. Thank you for your generous contributions to date.

The Church now has set up a Brokerage account so if anyone wishes to donate stocks or bonds, the Church can accept them.

Our Capital Campaign is going well. So far $482,000 of the $750,000 we need to secure a mortgage to make a bid on the new Church property has been received. That’s over half of our goal!

Download a pledge form on the St. Peter website.

Please remember, churches are hard to come by in Southwest Florida. This property meets our needs because:

1. We can afford it (the mortgage will cost no more than what we currently pay in rent; it may even be a little less),
2. It has buildings on site that are move-in ready,
3. It can accommodate the growth we are experiencing and that will continue.

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.

Introduction to Orthodoxy Classes on Sunday, February 7, 2021 – FINAL CLASS

Next class Sunday, February 7, 2020. FINAL CLASS.

The class is required for seekers and catechumens and also open to any parishioner who would like to attend. The syllabus will be posted on the website at soon as it is completed and handed out the first day of class.

We will meet after social hall. Get some coffee, have some food and fellowship, and then we break for class.

Pledge & Income Report – December 2020

Donations received in December $25,959.00
Amount of money needed to cover expenses: $18,167.00
We are ahead by $7,792

Thank you for your generosity. Although we are ahead in December, most of the surplus were prepayments of 2021 pledges. When the prepayments are deducted from the December income, we are slight behind for the month.

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.

FEBRUARY

• Sun Jan 31 — Orthros 8:30am / Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Mon Feb 01 — John Katsigianopoulos Funeral Visitation 10:00pm. Funeral 11:000pm LIVE STREAM
• Tue Feb 02 — PRESENTATION OF CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Sat Feb 06 — MOVED TO FEBRUARY 20, 2021 St. Paisios Brotherhood Retreat in Venice FL

• Sun Feb 07 — Orthros 8:30am / Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Sun Feb 07 — 12:00pm Catechism Class (Final Class)
• Mon Feb 08 — THEODORE THE COMMANDER AND GREAT MARTYR Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Feb 10 — ST. HARALAMBOS THE HIEROMARTYR Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Feb 10 — Women’s Group / Book Club 5:00pm

• Sun Feb 14 — Orthros 8:30am / Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Feb 17 — THEODORE THE TYRO, GREAT MARTYR Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Fri Feb 19 — PARAKLESIS TO THE THEOTOKOS 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Sat Feb 20 — St. Paisios Brotherhood Retreat in Venice FL

• Sun Feb 21 — Orthros 8:30am / Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Feb 24 — FIRST AND SECOND FINDING OF THE VENERABLE HEAD OF JOHN THE BAPTIST Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Fri Feb 26 — PARAKLESIS TO THE THEOTOKOS 9:30am LIVE STREAM

Wisdom From The Elders

If we become aware of how God cares for us like an all-loving Father, and even more gently, like an adoring mother, then our hearts will be filled to overflowing with ardent and reverent love for Him. Archbishop Averky (Taushev)

How can we overcome the sinfulness that is already firmly established within us? We must use force. A man labours and struggles, and so by the use of force he escapes from destruction, always striving to raise his thoughts to holiness. We are not forbidden to resist force with force. St. John of Karpathos

We cannot achieve salvation in any way other than by transforming our mind, making it different from what it was. Our minds become deified by a special act of God’s Grace. They become passionless and holy. A deified mind is one which lives in remembrance of God at all times. Elder Thaddeus(Strabulovich) of Vitovnica

A frugal diet, steadily maintained — gathering impetus, as it were, from year to year — destroys the impulse to unchastity. Venerable Nilus the Faster of Sinai

Of course, not all those who have given themselves over in slavery to the passions acquire such a horrible external appearance, but in their inner state, in the disposition of their soul, they differ little from the demoniac of the Gospel. They become unsociable, savage, merciless and ferocious—terrifying to others in their savage anger and rage. We do not have to look very far for examples in modern life. Archbishop Averky (Taushev)

But those who would like to live a genuine spiritual life must first of all be satisfied with a few things. When their life is simplified, without too many concerns or nuisances, not only will they be liberated from the worldly spirit, they will also have plenty of time available for spiritual things. Saint Paisios of Mount Athos

Thus, out of desire to humble himself, he always sees himself in his own mind as a useless servant, extraneous to the rank he holds. We too should do the same, fleeing all honour and glory in the overflowing richness of our love for the Lord who loves us so greatly. St. Diadochus, bishop of Photike in Epirus

And what about us? We’re always frowning, always pouting; we don’t feel like singing or doing anything else. We should follow the example of the birds. They’re always joyful whereas we’re always bothered by something. What is it that bothers us? Nothing, really…. Isn’t that right?” Elder Thaddeus(Strabulovich) of Vitovnica

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 January 11 / Resets February 1)

Barbara (Dusckas 3/21)
Dave (Dusckas 3/21)
Maryann (Breitenbach 3/21)
Irina (Jacobse 3/21)
Lee Joseph (Irina 3/21)
Paola (Jacobse 3/21>
John (Katsigianopoulos 3/21)
Bryce (NA 3/21)
Debbie (Breitenbach 2/21)
Mary (Marianthi 2/21)
Sarah (Wolffe 2/21)
Pauline (Jacobse 2/21)
Benjamin (Jacobse 2/21)
Marcie (Breitenbach 2/21)
Jo Ann (Breitenbach 2/21)
Angela (Fred 12/21)
Despina (Diveris 2/21)
Ronald (Sovjani 2/21)
Katherine (Dusckas 2/21)
Marlene (Tewis 2/21)
Gail (Jacobse 1/21)
Robert (Tewis 1/21)
Sergio (Mary Kazakos 1/21)
Rae (Semeretis 1/21)
Mary (Semeretis 1/21)
Heather (Waterman 1/21)
Zachary (Constantine 1/21)
Peter (Foltz 1/21)
Alexa (Buchanan 1/21)
Rebecca (Aguado 1/2021)
Jacob (Aguado 1/2021)
Baby Mackenzie (Zafiris 12/20
Nolan (Zafiris 12/20)

Permanent Prayer List

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)

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 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

The Lord will give strength to His people.
Ascribe to the Lord, O sons of God, ascribe to the Lord honor and glory.

The Reading from the Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. (6:1-10)

Brethren, working together with Him, then, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain. For He says, “At the acceptable time I have listened to you, and helped you on the day of salvation.” Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, tumults, labors, watching, hunger; by purity, knowledge, forbearance, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

GOSPEL

For the Sixteenth Sunday of Matthew

The reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (25:14-30, + Luke 8:8)

The Lord spoke this parable: A man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them; and he made five talents more. So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying: “Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.” And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying: “Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.” He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying: “Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sew, and gathering where you did not winnow; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.”

But his master answered him, “You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather where I have not winnowed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.” As Jesus said these things He cried out: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”