Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
First Sunday of Luke
Martyr Kallistratos and the 49 Martyrs with him; Apostles Aristarchos, Zenon and Mark of the Seventy; New-martyr Aquilina of Thessalonica; Venerable Ignatius, Abbot in Asia Minor; Venerable Savvatios of Solovky
Who Was Martyr Kallistratos and the 49 Martyrs with him?
St. Kallistratos came from Carthage. His parents were devout Christians and nurtured him “in the education and admonition of the Lord”. When he reached draft age he was inducted into the Roman army. In the army environment, among the pagans, he was tried by many temptations, which, however, he faced with great patience, wisdom and faith. Because he had a healthy spiritual organism, with strong spiritual antibodies, he remained, by the Grace of God and his own personal struggle, harmless and free from evil.
He had the good habit of waking up during the night and praying, but he did this with discernment and attention without bothering anyone. However, his way of life and behavior made some suspect he was a Christian, and for that a complaint was made against him to the general. He invited him to apologize and heard Kallistratos boldly confess his faith in Christ. He tried to dissuade him with promises and flatteries, yet, because he saw that he could not change his mind, he ordered that Kallistratos be tortured harshly. Finally, they tied him in a sack, which was well sealed, and threw him into the sea. But in a wondrous way the sack ripped and two dolphins carried the Saint safe and sound to shore. This miracle was seen by others, 49 soldiers, who came to believe and boldly confess that the God of Kallistratos was the true God, “Who alone does wonders”.
After this event the Saint was imprisoned together with the 49 soldiers, whom he catechized in prison. And because everyone remained stable and steadfast in their faith, they were beheaded, and in this way they sealed their martyrdom for Christ with their holy blood.
Read more about St. Kallistratos on the Mystagogy website.
Upcoming Liturgies
The Conception of St. John the Forerunner (Baptist) Divine Liturgy, Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at 9:30am
The Conception of the Venerable Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord, John: The holy Prophet Malachi prophesied that before the Messiah’s birth His Forerunner would appear, and would indicate His coming. The Jews therefore in awaiting the Messiah also awaited the appearance of His Forerunner.
In a city of the hills of Judea in the land of Palestine lived the righteous priest St Zachariah and his wife St Elizabeth, zealously observing the commandments of the Lord. The couple, however, had a misfortune: they remained childless in their old age, and they prayed unceasingly to God to grant them a child.
Once, when St Zachariah took his turn as priest at the Temple of Jerusalem, he went into the Sanctuary to offer incense. Going behind the veil of the Sanctuary, he beheld an angel of God standing at the right side of the altar of incense. St Zachariah was astonished and halted in fear, but the angel said to him, “Fear not, Zachariah, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.”
But Zachariah did not believe the words of the heavenly messenger, and then the angel said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stand in the presence of God; and I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you the good news. Behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things come to pass, because you did not believe my words….”
Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zachariah and they were astonished that he had not come out from the Sanctuary after so long a time. And when he did come out, he was supposed to pronounce a blessing upon the people, but could not do so because he had been struck speechless. When Zachariah explained by gestures that he was unable to speak, the people then understood that he had experienced a vision. The prophecy of the Archangel was fulfilled, and Righteous Elizabeth was delivered from her barrenness, and gave birth to John, the Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord.
Source: Orthodox Christian website.
St. Silouan the Athonite Divine Liturgy, Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at 9:30am
Saint Silouan was born Simeon Ivanovich Antonov on January 17, 1866, to Russian Orthodox parents in village of Sovsk in Russia’s Tambov region.
At the age of twenty-seven he left his native Russia and came to Mount Athos, where he became a monk at the Monastery of St. Panteleimon and was given the name Silouan, the Russian version of the Biblical name Silvanus.
An ardent ascetic, he received the grace of unceasing prayer and saw Christ in a vision. After long years of spiritual trial, he acquired great humility and inner stillness. He prayed and wept for the whole world as for himself, and he put the highest value on love for enemies.
Thomas Merton, a twentieth-century Catholic monk, described Silouan as “the most authentic monk of the twentieth century.” St. Silouan died on September 24, 1938. He was glorified by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in 1987.
Though barely literate, he was sought out by pilgrims for his wise counsel. His writings were edited by his disciple and pupil, Archimandrite Sophrony. Father Sophrony has written the life of the saint along with a record of St. Silouan’s teachings in the book Saint Silouan the Athonite.
Learn more on the St. Silouan website.
Watch for An Upcoming Video About St. Peter’s!
Jason and Moriah Andrews who recently joined St. Peter’s and will soon become catechumens are professional videographers are making a video about St. Peter’s. Expect to see it near the end of the month.
Here they are at work:
Riccioli Baptism, Sunday October 4, 12:30pm
You (everyone in the parish) are invited to attend the baptism of Angelina, daughter of Paul (Carmine) and Elizabeth (Lily) Riccioli following the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, October 4 (plan on about 12:30pm).
Taking Care of our Animals
The Lee County Domestic Animal Services pet food pantry will be in Bonita Springs.
They will be available Noon to 3:00pm on Wednesday, September 23 at:
Bonita Assistance Office
25300 Bernwood Drive Unit #6
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
and
9:00am to 11:00am on Tuesday, October 13 at:
26820 Old 41 Road
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
The pet food pantry will be no contact, drive up only.
Please note: This drive is both for those that wish to donate pet food and to pick up pet food.
Donations can be made at any time to Bonita Assistance or directly to the Lee County or Collier County animal shelters.
Introduction to Orthodoxy Classes Begin Sunday September 27, 2020 Following the Divine Liturgy
The best book for an Introduction to Orthodoxy class is out of print. The doesn’t restrict us because Fr. Hans makes copies to use in a three ring binder. He will need to know who is interested in attending so he can make enough books.
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.
Here’s the plan. We will meet after social hall. Get some coffee, have some food and fellowship, and then we break for class. We will plan meet in the Sunday School room. If attendance is greater we will meet in the Church. Plan on classes lasting about an hour.
Why are we meeting on Sunday? To allow everyone an opportunity to attend.
Byzantine Chant Workshop – Weekly on Tuesday at 7:00pm at St. Paul’s
Led by Dn. Nicholas Reid, participants will learn the basics of the tone of the week — its characteristics, scale, and various forms — and will get a chance to participate in group practice.
No prior chanting experience is required.
This will also be an opportunity to deepen our Orthodox faith by better understanding the role each tone plays in liturgical worship so that we can apply them more fruitfully in our parish life as well as in the worship of the “little church” – our own homes.
Questions? Contact Dn. Nick (nick.reid.11@gmail.com)
Coming Soon: DOMSE Virtual Retreat — MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Schedule now available on the new DOMSE website!
DOMSE (Diocese of Miami and the Southeast) will hold a two day virtual retreat from Friday through Saturday, October 3-4, 2020.
Topics and schedule will be available soon.
Pledge & Income Report – August 2020
Donations received in August $22,648.00
Amount of money needed to cover expenses: $18,167.00
We are ahead by $4,481.00
Please note:Thank you for your response to our Appeal Letter. 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
SEPTEMBER
- Sun Sep 20 — Orthros 8:30am / Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Tue Sep 22 — Byzantine Chant Workshop at St. Paul Naples 7:00pm
- Wed Sep 23 — CONCEPTION OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Sep 23 — ST. SILOUAN OF MT ATHOS Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Sep 25 — ST. SERGIOS OF RADONEZH Divine Liturgy 9:30am AT ST. PAUL’S
- Sun Sep 27 — Orthros 8:30am / Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Sun Sep 27 — Introduction to Orthodoxy Classes Begin Following Divine Liturgy
- Tue Sep 29 — ST. CYPRIANOS THE HERMIT OF PALESTINE Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Tue Sep 29 — Byzantine Chant Workshop at St. Paul Naples 7:00pm
October
- Thu Oct 1 — ST. ANANIAS OF THE 70 Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Oct 2 — Sat Oct 3 — DOMSE Virtual Retreat
- Sun Oct 4 — Orthros 8:30am / Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Sun Oct 4 — No Intro to Orthodoxy class this Sunday
- Sun Oct 4 — Sat Oct 3 — Riciolli Baptism 12:30pm
- Tue Oct 6 — Byzantine Chant Workshop at St. Paul Naples 7:00pm
Wisdom From The Elders
On the cross Christ offered Himself as a sacrifice to God the Father for our sins on the cross, and by it, He has saved us from the works of the enemy; and this is why we honour it with such great reverence. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt
Guard thyself then, O man; thou hast the signs of Antichrist; and remember them not only thyself, but impart them also freely to all. If thou hast a child according to the flesh, admonish him of this now; if thou hast begotten one through catechizing, put him also on his guard, lest he receive the false one as the True. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work. I fear these wars of the nations; I fear the schisms of the Churches; I fear the mutual hatred of the brethren. But enough on this subject; only God forbid that it should be fulfilled in our days; nevertheless, let us be on our guard. St. Cyril of Jerusalem
The demons in their malice revive and rekindle the unclean passions within us, causing them to increase and multiply. But the visitation of the divine Logos, especially when accompanied by our tears, dissolves and kills the passions, even those that are inveterate. St. John of Karpathos
Blasphemy against holiness, or thoughts of carnal impurity, proceed from the Devil. When this stink from the abyss of hell disturbs and suffocates you, only be convinced, only believe sincerely, that it is the work of the Devil, and this abomination will leave you. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt
When the light of faith or God’s truth dwells in your heart, only then is it tranquil, firm, strong, and living; but when this is cut off, then your heart becomes uneasy, weak as a reed shaken by the wind, and lifeless. Do not pay any attention to this darkness of Satan. Drive it away from your heart by making the sign of the life-giving Cross!
Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt
It is not the vocal repetition of the Jesus Prayer which gives results, but prayer as an outpouring of contrition. Then it will quickly generate compunction, warmth of heart, which in turn leads to facility in praying, etc.
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 September 1 / Resets October 1)
Baree (Dusckas 11/2020)
Christos (Eleni 11/20)
Lucy Marie (Eleni 11/20)
Pantelis (Tsikitas 11/20)
Patricia (Evanoff 11/20)
Barbara (Dusckas 11/20)
Brendan (Wolffe 11/20)
Douglas (Dusckas 10/22)
Sophia (Irina 10/22)
Nicholas (Zeena 10/22)
Ruthann (Zeena 10/22)
Charles Timothy (Wolfe 10/22)
Sergio (Mary Kazakos10/22)
Libby Ann (Riccioli 10/22)
Andrea (Sarros 10/22)
Basil (Sarros 10/22)
Margaret (Sarros 10/22)
Susan (Wolffe 9/20)
Grant [Van Berkom] (Zeena 9/20)
Barbara (Dusckas 9/20)
John (Troutman 9/20)
Dave (Dusckas 9/20)
Constandina (Stephania 9/20)
Steven (Breitenbach 9/20)
Lori (Dusckas 8/20)
Patricia (Copeland 8/20)
Demetrios (Copeland 8/20)
Efstathios (Mourgis 8/20)
Permanent Prayer List
George (Chionis)
Stamatia (Jacobse)
Stamatia (Evelyn)
Demetrios (Kuchera)
Margaret (Palis)
Theodosios (Palis)
Theodora (Webb)
Helen (Rogers)
Robert (Smith)
Robert (Jarvis)
Mary (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)
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.
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.
