Beginning of the Indiction:
Ecclesiastical New Year
Righteous Simeon the Stylite; Synaxis of the Theotokos at Miasinae
Who was St. Simeon the Stylite?
St. Simeon the Stylite
Saint Simeon spent 80 years in arduous monastic feats, 47 years of which he stood upon the pillar. God granted him to accomplish in such unusual conditions an indeed apostolic service. Many pagans accepted Baptism, struck by the moral staunchness and bodily strength which the Lord bestowed upon His servant.
The first one to learn of the death of the saint was his close disciple Anthony. Concerned that his teacher had not appeared to the people for three days, he went up on the pillar and found the dead body stooped over at prayer. Patriarch Martyrius of Antioch performed the funeral before a huge throng of clergy and people. They buried him near his pillar. At the place of his ascetic deeds, Anthony established a monastery, upon which rested the special blessing of Saint Simeon.
Read the complete history on the Orthodox Chruch in America website.
What is the “Indiction” (the start of the Orthodox Ecclesiastical Year)?
Indiction is a term given to identify an era or epoch of years of the calendar that was first used in the late third century to date agricultural and land tax cycles in Roman Egypt. By the late fifth century the indiction became widely used throughout the Mediterranean. Its use is still reflected in the Christian church calendars. The indiction in the Orthodox Church is on September 1.
Background
The name “Indictus” comes from the Latin word “indictio” which means definition. This is the Roman imperial decree, according to which the citizens of the Roman Empire had to pay a tax for the maintenance of the army on the first of September, the beginning of the financial year.
Due to the fact that the month of August the harvest of several kinds of fruits of the year is being completed, the month of September is counted as the beginning of the new year. The Church, with hymns and supplications, prays to the Lord and Creator of the universe, as it gives during the New Year every blessing and opportunity for the creation of good works for the glory of God.
Throughout the year we wish in the worship life of the Church: “for the prosperity of the air, the flourishing of the fruits of the earth and for times of peace.” Let us, therefore, ask the Holy Triune God, Creator of the universe, to bless the new ecclesiastical year, giving us the necessary spiritual armor with new strength and endurance, as well as readiness for new spiritual struggles to face daily dangers and sorrows and with perspective the sanctification in Christ.
- In the west, the Imperial or Western Indictions September 24 was adopted as the beginning of the year, apparently based upon calculations under the authority of the Venerable Bede.
- Later, in the ninth century Roman or Pontifical Indictions were introduced in the west that began the year on either December 25 or January 1.
Services and Events This Week
- SUN Aug 25 — NINTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW Divine Liturgy Orthros 8:30am / Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Tue Aug 27 — CANCELLED
Divine Liturgy St. Phanourios 8:00am LIVE STREAM - Wed Aug 28 — Early Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Thu Aug 29 — Divine Liturgy Beheading of St. John the Baptist 9:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Aug 30 — Divine Liturgy Apodisis (Leave-taking) of the Forerunner 9:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Aug 30 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm
- Sat Aug 31 — Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
Please Note: The Liturgies on August 29 and August 30 begin at 9:00am.
Divine Liturgy Thursday August 10, 2024 at 9:00am – The Beheading of St. John the Baptist
Attention Bible Bowl Participants!
Last year’s winners.
Study sessions for the Gospel of Luke (the topic of this year’s Bible Bowl) have started. All teens invited! Please contact Diane Najjar to participate.
The Bible Bowl is held during the Parish Life Conference every year (this year it will be Jacksonville, Florida). Teens study and test their skills against other teens in the Diocese. Last year we came in second. This year we are aiming higher!
Sunday School Registration Begins
We hope you had an enjoyable school break, and now we are looking forward to the upcoming Sunday School year. Classes will begin on the Sunday after Labor Day, September 8th.
No need to fill out the registration form if your child/children were previously registered, but wewould like to make certain the data we have is up to date. Registration Sundays will beAugust 25th and September 1st in the Social Hall.
We will have three classes:
- Preschool/Kindergarten 3 to 6
- Elementary 7 to 10
- Intermediate and up 11 to 18
We look forward to working with the parents to provide a fulfilling and happy experience for thechildren as they learn about our Orthodox Religion, its history and traditions.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Joan Simon and her assistant, Tina Kucera, fortheir beautiful work last school year. We are most appreciative for their help.
Georgia Katsigianopoulos
Sunday School Administrator
MARK YOU CALENDAR – Catechumen Classes begin Sunday, November 3, 2024
Catechumen classes begin November 3 following Social Hall (around 12:30pm). The classes is open to everyone but those seeking baptism and chrismation into the Orthodox Church are required to attend.
The class will be taught by Subdeacon Joseph (he returns mid-March) and we will use the book “Small Steps into the Kingdom”). The books will be preordered and available for purchase in the bookstore.
2024 Summer Appeal
Giving tends to slow down in the summer but unfortunately our obligations don’t. There is still rent, electricity, and other necessities that we have to pay.
The letter below was sent to all parishioners as a gentle reminder to remain current on their pledges and giving. That we we stay in the black and remain on a sound financial footing.
Please stay current on your pledge and giving to help keep St. Peter’s strong.
Pledge and Income Report — Contributions received in July 2024
Contributions received in July: $22,919.
Amount of money needed to cover expenses: $31,105.
We are behind by $8,486.
Every year we need an extra push in the summer to keep our income current. Please keep up with your pledge so that we can keep current with our bills.
St. Peter Orthodox Church
7470 Hickory Drive
Fort Myers FL 33967
Sign up the the Monthly DOMSE Newsletter on the DOMSE (Diocese of Miami and the Southeast) Website!
Visit the DOMSE Website (scroll to the bottom, fill in the form on the left side) to sign up for “The Light” Newsletter and DOMSE emails.
Save the Date! Upcoming DOMSE Retreat in Franklin Tennessee September
Save the Date! Upcoming Young Adult Retreat in Nashville in October
Young adults, save the date for an Orthodox Young Adult Conference happening in the fall in Nashville, TN! More details to come.
ST. PETER’S GREETERS
JULY 2024
Can you volunteer? Please call Joe Repya 612-270-4443.
SOCIAL HALL ALL STARS
SEPTEMBER 2024
Please note: A fruit, veggie, OR hummus tray may be added to a week’s menu.
September 2024 – Team #3
- Sunday, Sept. 1 – Coffee and donuts
- Sunday, Sept. 8 – Coffee and muffins
- Sunday, Sept. 15 – Coffee and coffee cakes
- Sunday, Sept. 22 – Coffee and bagels
- Sunday, Sept. 29 – Coffee and donuts
October 2024 – Team #1 – Barb Dionysopoulos Group
- Sunday, Oct. 6 – Coffee and muffins
- Sunday, Oct. 13 – Coffee and coffee cakes
- Sunday, Oct. 20 – Coffee and bagels
- Sunday, Oct. 27 – Coffee and donuts
November 2024 – Team #2 – Margie Zimmerman Group
- Sunday, Nov. 3 – Coffee and muffins
- Sunday, Nov. 10 – Coffee and coffee cakes
- Sunday, Nov. 17 – Coffee and bagels
- Sunday, Nov. 24 – Coffee and donuts
For Special Events/Koliva please contact BARBARA SASEN and give her a completed Special Events Form which is found in the lobby of the church.
The Social Hall All Stars are the men and women that make St. Peter’s Social Hall happen. Thank you All Stars!
AUGUST
- SUN Aug 25 — NINTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW Divine Liturgy Orthros 8:30am / Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Tue Aug 27 — CANCELLED
Divine Liturgy St. Phanourios 8:00am LIVE STREAM - Wed Aug 28 — Early Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Thu Aug 29 — Divine Liturgy Beheading of St. John the Baptist 9:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Aug 30 — Divine Liturgy Apodisis (Leave-taking) of the Forerunner 9:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Aug 30 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm
- Sat Aug 31 — Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
SEPTEMBER
- SUN Sep 01 — TENTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW Divine Liturgy Orthros 8:30am / Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Sep 04 — Early Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Thu Sep 05 — Divine Liturgy Zechariah and Elizabeth 8:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Sep 06 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm
- Sat Sep 07 — Parish Council Meeting 10:00am
- Sat Sep 07 — Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
- SUN Sep 08 — SUNDAY BEFORE THE HOLY CROSS Divine Liturgy Orthros 8:30am / Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Sep 11 — Early Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Sep 13 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm
- Sat Sep 14 — Elevation of the Holy Cross Divine Liturgy 9:00am
- Sat Sep 14 — Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
- SUN Sep 15 — SUNDAY AFTER THE HOLY CROSS Divine Liturgy Orthros 8:30am / Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Mon Sep 16 — St. Euphemia Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Sep 18 — Early Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Thu Sep 18 – Sat Sep 20 — Fr. Hans out of town
- Fri Sep 20 — CANCELLED
Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm - Sat Sep 21 — CANCELLED
Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
- SUN Sep 22 — FIRST SUNDAY OF LUKE Divine Liturgy Orthros 8:30am / Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Tue Sep 24 — St. St. Silouan the Athonite Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Sep 25 — Early Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Thu Sep 26 – Sat Sep 28 — Fr. Hans out of town
- Fri Sep 20 — CANCELLED
Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm - Sat Sep 21 — CANCELLED
Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
Wisdom From The Elders
That which is required of monks and nuns is also required of lay people. Even the Holy Fathers say that the only difference between monastics and lay people is that lay people are married. Elder Thaddeus(Strabulovich) of Vitovnica
Gather spiritual knowledge from books and through your own experience. May the Lord grant you wisdom to do good and guard you from all evil. Abbot Nikon Vorobiev
The more someone lives according to God, the more closely he can approach Him; and the more he distances himself from a godly life, the more he is isolated from Him. God does not send him away; it is he who distances himself from God’s presence. Saint Paisios of Mount Athos
And all those negotiations and conferences which strive to establish a system of world peace—those are empty dreams, yet it is surprising how people cannot understand this. What prevents them from understanding? That very same spirit of self-assertive human pride, the spirit of the Antichrist, which does not accept the spirit of Christ, the spirit of meekness and humility. Archbishop Averky (Taushev)
Martyrdom is the state in which a Christian brings forth fruit. This must be imparted to our people. Venerable Justin (Popovic) of Chelije in Serbia
He who opposes unpleasant events opposes the command of God unwittingly. But when someone accepts them with real knowledge, he ‘waits patiently for the Lord’ (Ps. 27:14). St Mark the Ascetic
Current Prayer List
Freida (Hansen)
Stratton (Leopold)
Mary (Copeland)
Robert (Tewis)
Gene (Forderhase)
Ruth (Mudd)
Barbara (Duskas)
Doug S (Duskas)
Marc C. (Duskas)
Rachel (Voss)
Ken John (Eaton)
Diane (Najar)
William (Semeretis)
David (Orfanos)
Maria (Orfanos)
William (Long)
George (Chionis 11-1)
Haley
Lydia
Mark (Chionis 11-1)
Katheryn (Chionis 11-1)
Jacob (Chionis 11-1)
Ken (Chionis 11-1)
Maxim (Koco)
George (Tsikistas 8/1)
George (Mourgis 8/1)
Barbara (Sason 8/1)
Anthony (Breitenbach 6/1)
Arielle (Ghanem 6/1)
Nicholas (Ghanem 6/1)
Christos
Father Demetris
Jamie
Pamela
David
Jessica
Christina (Hildreth)
Georgia and Richard and their unborn child (Chapekis)
Dionysios Chapekis)
Nancy (Forderhase)
Kayla (Palantine)
George (3/23 Chapekis)
Penelope (3/23 Chapekis)
Theodora (3/23)
Victor (3/23)
Les (3/23
Lynn (Hurely 1/23)
Irene and newborn baby (Tsikitas 1/23)
Linda (Pappas 1/23)
Ekaterina (Chapekis 1/23)
Lee (Hurley 1/23)
Emmanuel (Kalousdis 1/23)
Katherine (Dusckas 1/23)
Vassiliki (Diveris 1/23)
Zena Touma (Contorelli 1/23
Lamia Touma (Contorelli 1/23
Matthew (Contorelli 1/23
Emmanuel (Kaloudis 1/23)
Nicholas
Marlene (Tewis 12/22)
Tina (Johnson 12/22)
Nicholas (De Lorenzo 12/22)
Priest Anthony (Karbo 11/22)
Archpriest Dionysius (Valentine 9/12)
Anthony Presbyter (Kerr 10/22)
John Presbyter (Jacobse)
Elain Presbytera (Jacobse)
Constantine(Jacobse)
Chrysoula(Jacobse)
Angel (Ghanem 10/22)
Edgar (Chapekis 9/22)
Evthriki (Jacobse 9/22)
Christos (Johnson 8/22)
Jon Paul (Andrew 8/22)
William (Brubaker 8/22)
Peter (Tewis 8/22)
The People of Ukraine and People of Russia and all those who are suffering in the war
Permanent Prayer List
Bonnie Joseph
Michael (Sovjani)
Maria (Sovjani)
Maria (Sovjani)
Maria (Sovjani)
Katerina (Sovjani)
Frederick (Sovjani)
Arsen (Sovjani)
Irene (Diveris)
Katheryn (Tolkkinen)
Markisia (Long)
Angela (Long)
Marina (Long)
Eleni (Long)
Raphaella (Long)
Joanne (Haley)
Corwin (Dusckas)
Corgette (Troutman)
Irina (Irina)
Lidia (Irina)
Sarina (Ghanem)
Debbie (Breitenbach)
Kathy (Breitenbach)
Hope (Isadore)
s
John (Long)
Pantelis (Tsikita)
Marisa (Tsikita)
Barbara (Dionysopoulos)
Patricia (Evanoff)
Gabriel (Mankus)
Baby Dani (Repya)
Despina (Diversis)
Fredericos (Diveris)
Herman (Kerr)
Innocent (Kerr)
Nicholas (Kerr)
Paola (Jacobse)
Gregory (Yankopolos)
Pauline (Poulos)
Sergio (Kazakos)
Fran (Hansen)
Nina (Krotov)
Franklin (Pyrrson)
Demetrios (Kuchera)
Theodosios (Palis)
Theodora (Webb)
Robert (Smith)
Presbytera Rosy (in Pakistan)
James (Hord)
Vassiliki (Kontinos)
Vassiliki (Morekeas)
Vassilike (Hord)
Founders, Members, Benefactors and Friends 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)
Soterios (Ninos)
George (Ninos)
John (Katsigianopoulos)
George (Chionis)
Mary (Spiropoulos)
Gregory (Pappas)
Angela (Coran K
Eugene (Rust)
Robert (Jarvis)
George (Corey)
Patricia (Cotsones)
Seraphim (Zolio)
Apostolos
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 Indiction
Great is our Lord, and great is His power.
Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good.
The Reading from the First Epistle of St. Paul to St. Timothy. (2:1-7)
Timothy, my son, first of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way. This is good, and it is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, Who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony to which was borne at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
GOSPEL
For the Indiction
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (4:16-22)
At that time, Jesus came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and He went to the synagogue, as His custom was, on the Sabbath day. And He stood up to read; and there was given to Him the book of the prophet Isaiah. Jesus opened the book and found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor and to heal the broken hearted. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” And Jesus closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke well of Him, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth.
