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

Sunday of Holy Fathers of Seventh Ecumenical Council
The Fourth Sunday of Luke

Hieromartyr Jacob of Hamatoura; The Martyrs Karpos, Papylos, Agathodoros and Agathonika at Pergamos

On Sunday the Church remembers the 350 holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council under the holy Patriarch Tarasius.

The Synod of 787, the second to meet at Nicea, refuted the Iconoclast heresy during the reign of Empress Irene and her son Constantine VI.

The Council decreed that the veneration of icons was not idolatry (Exodus 20:4-5), because the honor shown to them is not directed to the wood or paint, but passes to the prototype (the person depicted). It also upheld the possibility of depicting Christ, Who became man and took flesh at His Incarnation. The Father, on the other hand, cannot be represented in His eternal nature, because “no man has seen God at any time” (John 1:18).

Source: The Orthodox Church in America 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 Out of Town October 14-19, 2019

Fr. Hans will be 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.

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 9 — Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm
• 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.

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

• Wed Oct 9 — Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm
• Fri Oct 11 — Parish Council Meeting 3:00pm
• 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

Worthy, sincere, and reverent service to the Lord in the temple, accompanied by lively faith, is a source of peace, joy, and blessedness to our souls. Thus a reverent priest celebrating the services, the sacraments, and the reading of the prayers, in his very duty itself finds the highest delight and blessedness for himself. St. John of Kronstadt

The person who does not despise all material things, glory and bodily comfort, even his own rights, cannot cut off his own will, nor can he be delivered from wrath and sadness or comfort his neighbor Abba Dorotheos

All pious people are filled with the Spirit of God similarly as a sponge is filled with water. St. John of Kronstadt

Seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you (Matt. 7:7). What shall be opened unto you? The doors of repentance, tears and tenderness of heart. This will give birth to peace and salvation. It will—truly it will! Abbot Nikon Vorobiev

To practice the Jesus Prayer, as we are all gaining the habit of doing, is an excellent thing. In monasteries it is being set as a task. Would they set it as a task if it were dangerous? What is dangerous is only the mechanical techniques which were added later and adjusted to fit the recitation of the prayer…Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner. St. Theophan the Recluse

Where would there be opportunities for struggling for great deeds if we were not occasioned injury by our neighbours, if they did not offend us? St. John of Kronstadt

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 Holy Fathers

Blessed are Thou, O Lord, the God of our Fathers.For Thou art just in all that Thou hast done.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to St. Titus. (3:8-15)

Titus, my son, the saying is sure. I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men. But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissension, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned.

When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not to be unfruitful. All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

Gospel

For the Fourth Sunday of Luke

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (8:5-15)

The Lord spoke this parable: “A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold.”

And when His Disciples asked Him what this parable meant, Jesus said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. And as for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience.”

As Jesus said this, He called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
The Third Sunday of Luke

Thomas the Apostle Called “The Twin”

Innocent, Apostle to the Americas; Venerable Kendeas of Cyprus; Venerable-martyr Makarios of St. Anne Skete on Athos

The Apostle Thomas, for the most part, lives in the background of the four Gospels. St. John tells us in his Gospel that Thomas was also called “Didymus,” or “the Twin,” but we really do not know anything about the origin of this nickname. Perhaps he had a twin brother or sister? The name “Thomas” seems to be derived from a Hebrew word which means “twin,” so perhaps “Didymus” was simply his name translated into Greek.

We know him colloquially as “Doubting Thomas,” which is true up to a point, but still a rather unfortunate way to remember him! St. Thomas did at first doubt the Lord’s resurrection, but only because he was not with the other disciples when the Lord first paid them a visit. When he met the Risen Lord, he believed!

Three times in St. John’s Gospel St. Thomas rises to the forefront, and we can learn a great deal about him and about our own faith from these instances.

[…]

Read the entire essay about St. Thomas on the Antiochian Orthodox Christian website.

Community Luncheon on Thursday, October 03, 2019 at 12:00pm

Our next Community Luncheon will be held on Thursday, October 3.

Menu
Baked Lamb Shanks
Mashed Potatoes
Green Beans
Greek Salad with Feta and Kalamata Olives
Dessert – Baklava

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.

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 Out of Town October 14-19, 2019

Fr. Hans will be 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.

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 2 — Community Bible Study 7:00pm
• Wed Oct 9 — Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm
• 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.

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

• Wed Oct 2 — Community Bible Study 7:00pm
• Thu Oct 03 — Community Luncheon 12:00pm
• Wed Oct 9 — Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm
• Fri Oct 11 — Parish Council Meeting 3:00pm
• 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

The message of the universal temptation that attacks men today—quite openly in its secular forms, but usually more hidden in its religious forms—is: Live for the present, enjoy yourself, relax, be comfortable. Fr. Seraphim Rose

Man finds himself in constant battle with evil, with the devil and his suggestions, sometimes falling, some­ times rising. In this battle he discovers his own weakness, the supreme evil of the enemy, God’s help and God’s Love. Abbot Nikon Vorobiev

The more goods people acquire today, the more problems they have. They neither thank God for His benefactions, nor do they take notice of the misfortunes suffered by their fellowmen to offer their charity. Saint Paisios of Mount Athos

“The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. (Pr 1:7)” Fear of God is clearly respect for God, devotion and spiritual reserve. Such fear of God makes one stand in awe before Him; it is something sacred. Saint Paisios of Mount Athos

The man who loves God constantly lives and speaks with Him as a Father. He turns aside from every thought that is tinged with passion. St. Evagrius of Pontus

You are, I am sure, aware that for you penitence is now no longer limited to disclosing your sins to your confessor, but that you must now bear your sins in mind always, until your heart nearly breaks with their ugly load; and would break, were it not for your firm faith in the mercy of our Lord. Venerable Macarius of Optina

Yes, the angels of peace, our true guides, the guardians of our souls and bodies, are ever with us if we do not voluntarily drive them away from us by the abomination of sensuality, pride, doubt, and unbelief. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

Remember in Your Prayers

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 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 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 aretrue; 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 Third Sunday of Luke

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (7:11-16)

At that time, Jesus went to a city called Nain, and many of His disciples and a great crowd went with Him. As He drew near to the gate of the city, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a large crowd from the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” And He came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And Jesus said, “Young man, I say to you: arise.” And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all; and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited His people!”

The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
The Second Sunday of Luke

Venerable Kyriakos the hermit of Palestine; Martyr Petronia and those with her in Palestine; Mother Mary the hermit of Palestine; Martyrs Gudelia, Casdous, Casdoa, Gargalus, Dada and Gobdelaas of Persia

Who is Venerable Kyriakos the Hermit of Palestine?

Saint Kyriakos was born at Corinth to the priest John and his wife Eudokia. Bishop Peter of Corinth, who was a relative, seeing that Kyriakos was growing up as a quiet and sensible child, made him a reader in church. Constant reading of the Holy Scriptures awakened in him a love for the Lord and of a yearning for a pure and saintly life.
Once, when the youth was not yet eighteen years old, he was deeply moved during a church service by the words of the Gospel: “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me” (Mt.16:24). He believed these words applied to him, so he went right to the harbor without stopping at home, got onto a ship and went to Jerusalem.

[…]

Saint Kyriakos rendered great help to the Church in the struggle with the spreading heresy of the Origenists. By prayer and by word, he brought the wayward back to the true path, and strengthened the Orthodox in their faith. Cyril, the author of the Life of Saint Kyriakos, and a monk of the Lavra of Saint Euthymius, was a witness when Saint Kyriakos predicted the impending death of the chief heretics Nonos and Leontius, and soon the heresy would cease to spread.

[…]

For the two years before his death Saint Kyriakos returned to the monastery and again settled into the cave of Saint Chariton. Until the end of his life the righteous Elder preserved his courage, and prayed with fervor. He was never idle, either he prayed, or he worked. Before his death Saint Kyriakos summoned the brethren and blessed them all. He quietly fell asleep in the Lord, having lived 109 years.

Read the entire history on the Orthodox Christian website.

Community Luncheon on Thursday, October 03, 2019 at 12:00pm

Our next Community Luncheon will be held on Thursday, October 3.

Menu
Baked Lamb Shanks
Mashed Potatoes
Green Beans
Greek Salad with Feta and Kalamata Olives
Dessert – Baklava

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.

Donations are accepted. Proceeds benefit the building fund.

MARK YOU 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 but more people will come. 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.

We Need Some People to Help Barbara Dusckas Move

Barbara is moving and could use some help packing and a few other things. Here is the schedule:

• Tuesday-Thursday, September 24-26, 10-4pm — help pack up boxes.
• The move is on Saturday September 28 (movers have been hired) but help throughout the day especially with unpacking is appreciated. Workday begins at 9:00am.

These are the hours she is working, not the hours you are being asked to work. If you are free and could help Barbara for even a few hours, it would be much appreciated.

If you could help please call Barbara at 239-220-7383.

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.

She could really use the help, if even for only a few hours.

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.

Income Report – July 2019

In order to meet our operating Budget goal for 2019 we need to take in $16,777.00 each month.

In July we took in $18,104.00 in total contributions. Our monthly goal is $16,777.00. Thank you to everyone who responded to our letter of appeal. So far we are meeting our budget and have remained in the black in these more difficult summer months.

We also apologize for the late report. Our bookkeeper is very busy this summer and was only to compile the report recently.

Please pledge in order to meet our goal. Pledge forms are available on the table in the narthex.

Bible Studies

• Wed Sep 25 — Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm
• Wed Oct 2 — Community Bible Study 7:00pm
• Wed Oct 9 — Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm
• Wed Oct 16 — CANCELED (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

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.

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

• Mon Sep 23 — Conception of St. John Baptist Divine Liturgy 9:30am
• Wed Sep 25 — Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm
• Thu Sep 26 — Apostle John Divine Liturgy 9:30am

OCTOBER

• Wed Oct 2 — Community Bible Study 7:00pm
• Thu Oct 03 — Community Luncheon 12:00pm
• Wed Oct 9 — Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm
• Fri Oct 11 — Parish Council Meeting 3:00pm
• Fri Oct 13-19 — Fr. Hans Out of Town
• Wed Oct 16 — CANCELED (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

Wisdom From The Elders

Another holy teach­er said “You should not eat whatever you want, but eat what you have, and in a way that after eating and drinking, you still feel an urge for food.” Metropolitan Gregory (Postnikov) of St. Petersburg

The knowledge of God does not dwell in a pleasure loving body, and the man who loves his own body will not obtain divine gifts. Venerable Isaac the Syrian, bishop of Nineveh

The task of the spiritual father is to find God’s will for his spiritual child. Priest Daniel Sysoev

“The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. (Pr 1:7)” Fear of God is clearly respect for God, devotion and spiritual reserve. Such fear of God makes one stand in awe before Him; it is something sacred. Saint Paisios of Mount Athos

Learn to subdue your heart, to stifle your passions, by the power of the name of the Lord, and by your own will, at the time when you chiefly suffer from the outburst of self-love, when you feel ready to strike everyone and break everything. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

Without having freed itself from the world, the soul cannot love God sincerely. For worldly things, in the words of St. Antioch, are as it were a veil for the soul. St. Seraphim of Sarov

The punishment for sin, and the peace of the conscience after repenting of it, visibly prove that there is one Judge, the Lifegiver and our God, Who can save or destroy us, Who has given us life and the laws of life, and chastises us for their violation. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

Remember in Your Prayers

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 Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance.
Unto Thee have I cried, O Lord my God.

The Reading is from the Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. (4:6-15)

Brethren, it is the God Who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” Who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. While we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we too believe, and so we speak, knowing that He Who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into His presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

Gospel

For the Second Sunday of Luke

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (6:31-36)

The Lord said:“As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.”

The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
The First Sunday of Luke

Hieromartyr Phocas, Bishop of Sinope; Apostle Quadratos of the Seventy: Martyr Phocas the Gardener; New-martyrs Isaac and Martin

Who is the Hieromartyr Phocas, Bishop of Sinope?

Hieromartyr Phocas was born in the city of Sinope. From youth he led a virtuous Christian life, and in his adult years he became Bishop of Sinope. Saint Phocas converted many pagans to faith in Christ. At the time of a persecution against Christians under the emperor Trajan (98-117), the governor demanded that the saint renounce Christ. After fierce torture they enclosed Saint Phocas in a hot bath, where he died a martyr’s death in the year 117.

In the year 404, the relics of the saint were transferred to Constantinople (July 22).

The Hieromartyr Phocas is especially venerated as a defender against fires, and also as a helper of the drowning.

Source: Orthodox Church in America website.

We Need Some People to Help Barbara Dusckas Move

Barbara is moving and could use some help packing and a few other things. Here is the schedule:

• Tuesday-Thursday, September 24-26, 10-4pm — help pack up boxes.
• The move is on Saturday September 28 (movers have been hired) but help throughout the day especially with unpacking is appreciated. Workday begins at 9:00am.

These are the hours she is working, not the hours you are being asked to work. If you are free and could help Barbara for even a few hours, it would be much appreciated.

If you could help please call Barbara at 239-220-7383.

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.

She could really use the help, if even for only a few hours.

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.

Income Report – July 2019

In order to meet our operating Budget goal for 2019 we need to take in $16,777.00 each month.

In July we took in $18,104.00 in total contributions. Our monthly goal is $16,777.00. Thank you to everyone who responded to our letter of appeal. So far we are meeting our budget and have remained in the black in these more difficult summer months.

We also apologize for the late report. Our bookkeeper is very busy this summer and was only to compile the report recently.

Please pledge in order to meet our goal. Pledge forms are available on the table in the narthex.

Bible Studies

Bible Studies will resume Wednesday, September 18, 2019

• Wed Sep 18 — Community Bible Study 7:00pm
• Wed Sep 25 — 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 – 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.

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

• Wed Sep 18 — Community Bible Study 7:00pm
• Mon Sep 23 — Conception of St. John Baptist Divine Liturgy 9:30am
• Wed Sep 25 — Men’s & Women’s Bible Study (Held separately) 7:00pm
• Thu Sep 26 — Apostle John Divine Liturgy 9:30am

Wisdom From The Elders

The goal of our profession, as we have said, is the kingdom of God. Its immediate purpose, however, is purity of heart, for without this we cannot reach our goal. Abba Moses

Let us not be scared, practicers of the prayer of Jesus, either by winds or waves! By winds I mean diabolic thoughts and imaginings, and by waves the revolt of the passions aroused by thoughts and reveries. From the midst of the most furious storm, with perseverance, courage and weeping you will cry to the Lord Jesus Christ, and He will rebuke the winds and waves. St. Ignatius (Brianchaninov), Bishop of the Caucasus and the Black Sea

Orthodox Christians are Orthodox because they maintain a continuous sense of divine-human catholicity which they preserve and kindle through prayer and humility. They never preach about themselves; they never boast; they never remain entirely within their base human nature; they never idealize humanism. Venerable Justin (Popovic) of Chelije in Serbia

Only by being illuminated with the light of the God-man Christ does the world open the blossom of its essence to us and thus reveals its true meaning and value. That is why the Savior said: “I am the light of the world” (John 8: 12; 9: 5). Venerable Justin (Popovic) of Chelije in Serbia

You ask the Lord that you may love Him with a love, strong as death, or until death. Suppose, now, that the Lord sends you a terrible inward disease that may bring you nigh unto death itself. Do not, then, murmur against the Lord, but bear it bravely, thanking the Lord for His fatherly visitation. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

The Lord especially values virginity and loves monks. At first it is very difficult and one needs constantly to compel oneself, but in the end the Savior’s words are fulfilled: “For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). Archbishop Seraphim (Sobolev) of Bogucharsk

Remember the words: “Set, O Lord, a watch before my mouth” (Psalm 140:3). Do not teach if you are not asked!
Archbishop Seraphim (Sobolev) of Bogucharsk

Remember in Your Prayers

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 Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Thou, O Lord, wilt keep and preserve us.
Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.

The Reading from the Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. (1:21-2:4)

Brethren, it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has commissioned us; He has put his seal upon us and given us His Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. But I call God to witness against me—it was to spare you that I refrained from coming to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith; we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith. For I made up my mind not to make you another painful visit. For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained? And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all. For I wrote you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.

Gospel

For the First Sunday of Luke

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (5:1-11)

At that time, Jesus was standing by the lake of Gennesaret. And He saw two boats by the lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, Jesus asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when Jesus had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at Thy word I will let down the nets.”

And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the catch of fish, which they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him.