Fifth Sunday of Great Lent
St. Mary of Egypt
Venerable John, disciple of Gregory of Decapolis; Venerable Euthymios and
Athanasios of Aegina; Cosmas the Confessor, Bishop of Chalcedon
St. Mary of Egypt
Who was St. Mary of Egypt?
Our holy mother Mary was born in Egypt. She had left her parents at the age of twelve to go to Alexandria, where she spent the next seventeen years in debauchery and the greatest profligacy. Living on charity and linen-weaving, she nevertheless offered her body to any man, not being forced to it by dire necessity as were so many poor women, but as though she were consumed by the fire of a desire that nothing was able to appease.
One day, seeing a crowd of Lybians and Egyptians moving towards the port, she followed them and set sail with them for Jerusalem, offering her body to pay her fare. When they arrived in the Holy City, she followed the crowd that was thronging towards the Church of the Resurrection, it being the day of the Exaltation of the Cross. But, when she reached the threshold of the church, an invisible force prevented her entering in spite of repeated efforts on her part, although the other pilgrims were able to go in without hindrance.
Left alone in a corner of the narthex, she began to realize that it was the impurity of her life that was preventing her approaching the holy Wood. She burst into tears and smote her breast and, seeing an icon of the Mother of God, made this prayer to her: “O Sovereign Lady, who didst bear God in the flesh, I know that I should not dare to look upon thine icon, thou who are pure in soul and body, because, debauched as I am, I must fill thee with disgust. But, as the God born of thee became man in order to call sinners to repentance, come to my aid! Allow me to go into the church and prostrate before His Cross. And, as soon as I have seen the Cross, I promise that I will renounce the world and all pleasures, and follow the path of salvation that thou willest to show me.”
She felt herself suddenly freed from the power that had held her and was able to enter the church. There she fervently venerated the Holy Cross and then, returning to the icon of the Mother of God, declared herself ready to follow the path that the Virgin would show her. A voice replied to her from on high: “If you cross the Jordan, you will find rest.”
Read more on the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese website.
St. Basil Liturgy During Lent
On the Sundays of Lent we worship with the Liturgy of St. Basil instead of the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. What is the difference between the two? The Liturgy of St Basil is a bit longer because the priests prayers are longer, say 10 minutes or so.
The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (what we do on a regular Sunday) is derived from the Liturgy of St. Basil.
Learn About Lent
Check out the rich resources about Lent and Holy Week on the Antiochian website.
Services this Week
- Sunday Apr 11 — Sunday of St. John of the Ladder LIVE STREAM
Greeters: Barbara D, Doug Kucera - Mon Apr 12 — Great Compline 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Wed Apr 14 — Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Fri Apr 16 — Complete Salutations/Akathist Hymn 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
Did You Notice the Quality of the Paint Job in our New Church?
The painting of the Church was done by Eddie Kocani, a member of St. Peter’s and the owner and operator of AP Painting in Southwest Florida.
AP Painters does commercial and residential properties. Call Eddie when you need painting done. AP Painting also does plastering, wall paper removal, pressure washing, and cabinet finishing.
Two Things to Remember About Our Church at Hickory Drive
- The Presbyterian Church will be using the Social Hall for their worship until they find a place to relocate. Do not enter the Social Hall before 10am on Sundays.
- US 41 is a busy highway and the intersection at Hickory Drive does not have a stop light. We recommend turning on Sanibel Boulevard and following Coconut Road instead.
Say Hi to Our New Greeters
We’ve started Greeters Ministry? Your job? To welcome everyone coming to St. Peter’s.
Would you like to be a greeter? Contact Joe Repya on Sunday.
Schedule for April:
- Sunday April 4 – Joe Repya, Thoma Sovjani
- Sunday April 11 – Barbara D, Doug Kucera
- Sunday April 18 – Joe Repya, Thoma Sovjani
- Sunday April 25 – Pavlo, Zannos Grekos
Coming Soon: Antiochian Men!
The new parish means new responsibilities and the men can step up. A lot of men already have with the move contributing hours of work and sweat to bring the building into shape. We could also do other things too, say breakfast one Saturday a month. It would be a great time for fellowship.
Stay tuned! The Church needs you men.
Palm Sunday Brunch on April 25, 2021
Brunch follows Divine Liturgy. Sign up in the Social Hall.
We Need Help in the Social Hall!
As the church grows so do the jobs. Everyone in the parish needs to take on a job. Please see Tom Haley to volunteer in these areas:
- Coffee Lead
- Table Lead
- Clean Up
Cafe of Life Ministry
God gave us the greatest sacrifice: His only Son Jesus. I doing so He left us with a true example of what it means to give to the poor and less fortunate. He asks us to sacrifice as an act of worship before Him and when we obey, He blesses us.
Remember Hebrews 13:16: Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
So please be exceptionally generous during the Great Lent and donate for the hungry and homeless in our community.
Thank you, Kali Sarakosti and IC XC NI KA.
Women’s Book Club
The next meeting for the Women’s book club will be held on Wednesday May 5, 2021 after Holy Pascha.
Pledge & Income Report – March 2021
Donations received in March: $23,199.
Amount of money needed to cover expenses: $21,399.
We are ahead by $1,800.
These numbers reflect the operating costs of the the Hickory Drive property.
Please note:Please continue your generous support. If you cannot make it to church please mail in your donation to:
St. Peter Orthodox Church
7470 Hickory Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33967
You can also donate online:
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.
APRIL
- Sunday Apr 11 — Sunday of St. John of the Ladder LIVE STREAM
Greeters: Barbara D, Doug Kucera - Mon Apr 12 — Great Compline 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Wed Apr 14 — Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Fri Apr 16 — Complete Salutations/Akathist Hymn 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Sunday April 18 — Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt LIVE STREAM
Greeters: Joe Repya, Thoma Sovjani - Mon Apr 19 — Great Compline 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Wed Apr 21 — Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Fri Apr 23 — Small Compline with Canon of St. Lazarus 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Sat Apr 24 — Lazarus Saturday Liturgy 9:30am / Baptisms / Make crosses / Pancake
breakfast / Children confessions – Full Schedule TBA LIVE STREAM
HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
- Sunday April 25 — Palm Sunday LIVE STREAM
Greeters: Pavlo, Zannos Grekos
Brunch in Social Hall following Divine Liturgy
Bridegroom Service 6:30pm LIVE STREAM - Mon Apr 26 — HOLY MONDAY – Bridegroom Service 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Tue Apr 27 — HOLY TUESDAY – Bridegroom Service 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Wed Apr 28 — HOLY WEDNESDAY – Holy Unction 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Thu Apr 29 — HOLY THURSDAY – Liturgy of the Last Supper 9:30am LIVE STREAM
Reading of the Twelve Gospels 6:00pm (note earlier time) - Fri Apr 30 — HOLY FRIDAY – Royal Hours 9:00am LIVE STREAM
Decoration of Tomb of Christ 10:30am
Taking Christ Down from the Cross 3:00pm LIVE STREAM
Lamentations 6:30pm LIVE STREAM - Sat May 1 — HOLY SATURDAY – First Resurrection Service 9:30am LIVE STREAM
Great and Holy Pascha — 10:00pm LIVE STREAM - Sun May 2 — Agape Vespers 11:00am LIVE STREAM
Paschal Dinner in Social Hall 1:00pm / Easter egg hunt for children
Wisdom From The Elders
We must not boldly throw ourselves into the abyss of sorrows; this would be prideful self-reliance. But when sorrows come of their own accord do not be afraid of them; do not think that they came by accident or circumstance. No, they are allowed by God’s unfathomable Providence. St. Nikon of Optina
Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. Philippians 4:6
Remove yourself in every way possible from all circumstances in which you are inescapably forced to see and hear a lot of bad things. There is company in which bad conversations are a usual or even a favorite way to pass the time. There are amusements in which the tendency to sensual pleasure finds the most plentiful nourishment. Those fond of frequenting such settings can easily throw their hearts into confusion and become entangled in the web of seduction.
Metropolitan Gregory (Postnikov) of St. Petersburg
And when our motives are pure, we are at peace. This is how we can distinguish whether or not our every action is good. Saint Paisios of Mount Athos
God takes each person at the very best time of his life, in a particular manner, in order to save his soul. If He sees that someone will improve, God will give him time to live. But if He sees that he’ll become worse, God takes him in order to save him. Saint Paisios of Mount Athos
Yet that which calls us forward is love: the love God has shown us, and the love the heart desires to return to Him. So accept your little cross out of love, and do not become disheartened when pains and struggles accompany the life to which we are called. Bishop Irenei Steenberg
Remember in Your Prayers
- 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.
Updated April 10 / Resets May 1
Current Prayer List
Georgia (Jacobse 6/21)
Margaret (Breitenbach 6/21)
Maryann (Breitenbach 6/21)
Sandra (Dusckas 6/21)
David (Dusckas 6/21)
Steven (Dusckas 6/21)
Jean (Wolffe 6/21)
Robin (Wolffe 6/21)
Debbie (Breitenbach 6/21)
Michael (Jacobse 4/21)
Kathy (Jacobse 4/21)
Raphaela (4/21)
Michael (Wolffe 4/21)
Fredericos (Diveris 4/21)
Vasiliki (Diveris 4/21)
Panagiota (Jacobse 4/21)
Michelene (Repya 4/21)
Colleen ((Repya 4/21)
Fr. Demetrios (Copeland 4/21)
Kondylia (Chapekis 4/21)
Brian (Colis 4/21)
Maria(Colis 4/21)
Permanent Prayer List
Herman (Kerr)
Innocent (Kerr)
Nicholas (Kerr)
Paola (Jacobse)
Gregory (Yankopolos)
Soterios (Ninos)
Pauline (Poulos)
Angela and Unborn Child (Chapekis)
Sergio (Kazakos)
Rae (Semeretis)
Fran (Hansen)
Nina (Krotov)
George the Priest (Chapekis)
Franklin (Pyrrson)
George (Chionis)
Stamatia (Jacobse)
Stamatia (Evelyn)
Demetrios (Kuchera)
Theodosios (Palis)
Theodora (Webb)
Helen (Rogers)
Robert (Smith)
Robert (Jarvis)
Presbytera Rosy (in Pakistan)
James (Hord)
Ann (Rellis)
Vassiliki (Kontinos)
Vassiliki (Morekeas)
Founders, Members, and Benefactors Departed this Life
John (Hansen)
Anatoly (Kurdsjuk)
Thareni (Brooks)
Milan Evanoff
Jean (Sam)
Eleni (Pearson)
Richard (Pearson)
Fr. Stephanos (Shagoury)
Panagiota (Bea Chionis)
Anthony (Mourgis)
Anthony (Mankus)
Constantine (Houpis)
Constantine (Joseph)
Mary (Jarvis)
Panagiota Margarita (Palis)
Maria (Ninos)
John (Katsigianopoulos)
Gregory (Pappas)
How should we pray for the sick? Remember them daily. Say their names (first names are sufficient) and ask God to bestow mercy and grace on them.
Add or remove names and print this list for easy reference during your prayer time on the St. Peter website.
Sunday Readings
EPISTLE
For the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent
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 Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. (9:11-14)
Brethren, when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, thenthrough the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation), Heentered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but His ownblood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the bloodof goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, Who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself withoutblemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
GOSPEL
For the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Mark. (10:32-45)
At that time, Jesus took His twelve Disciples, and began to tell them what was to happento Him, saying, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of man will be delivered tothe chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles. And they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit upon Him, and kill Him; and after three days He will rise.”
And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to Him, and said to Him, “Teacher, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire” And Jesus said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” And they said to Him, “Grant us to sit, one at Thy right hand and one at Thy left, in Thy glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” And they said to Him, “We are able.”
And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized. But to sit at My right hand or at My left is not Mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to Him and said to them, “You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be servant of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
