St. Peter News August 5, 2025

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Ninth Sunday of Matthew
After-feast of the Transfiguration of Christ

Martyr and Archdeacon Laurence of Rome, Hieromartyr Sixtus, bishop of Rome and those with them; Venerable Laurence of Kaluga, the Fool for Christ’s sake

Who was Martyr and Archdeacon Laurence of Rome?

The Martyrs Archdeacon Laurence, Pope Sixtus, Deacons Felicissimus and Agapitus, and the soldier Romanus were citizens of Rome, and suffered in the year 258 during the reign of Emperor Valerian (253-260). Saint Sixtus was born in the city of Athens, and at first he was a philosopher, but later he became a follower of Christ. When he arrived in Rome, he showed himself to be a wise and devout member of the Church. Over a period of time, he passed through the various ranks of the clergy, and became the Bishop of Rome following the martyric death of Saint Stephen (August 2). Several Roman Hierarchs preferred to die rather than offer sacrifice to idols. Soon, Saint Sixtus was also arrested and imprisoned together with his deacons Felicissimus and Agapitus.

When Archdeacon Laurence visited Saint Sixtus in prison, he cried out with tears, “Where are you going, Father, without your son? Where do you hasten without your Archdeacon? Never have you offered the Bloodless Sacrifice without me. Take me with you, so that I may join you in shedding our blood for Christ!”

[. . .]

Read the entire biography on the Orthodox Church in America website.

Services and Events This Week

• SUN Aug 03 — SUNDAY LITURGY Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Tue Aug 05 — PARAKLESIS TO THE THEOTOKOS 9:00am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Aug 06 — CANCELLED EARLY MORNING LITURGY 6:00am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Aug 06 — HOLY TRANSFIGURATION DIVINE LITURGY 9:00am LIVE STREAM
• Fri Aug 08 — PARAKLESIS TO THE THEOTOKOS 6:00pm LIVE STREAM
• Fri Aug 08 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm
• Sat Aug 09 — Parish Council Meeting 10:00am
• Sat Aug 09 — Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM

Please note: Wednesday early morning liturgy rescheduled for 9:00 Transfiguration Liturgy.

Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Transfiguration on Wednesday, August 6, 9:00am

The Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ is celebrated each year on August 6. The feast commemorates the transfiguration or metamorphosis of Christ on Mount Tabor, when our Lord appeared in His divine glory before the Apostles Peter, James, and John.

Biblical Story

The event of the Transfiguration is recorded in three of the four Gospels: Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-8, and Luke 9:28-36. Jesus took the Apostles Peter, James, and John with Him up upon a mountain, and while they were on the mountain Jesus was transfigured. His face shone like the sun, and His garments became glistening white.

Moses and Elijah appeared with Christ, talking to Him. Peter declared how good it was for them to be there and expressed the desire to build three booths for Moses, Elijah, and Christ. This reference to the booths could imply that this occurred during the time of the Feast of Tabernacles when the Jews would be camping out in the fields for the grape harvest; for this Feast had acquired other associations in the course of its history, including the memory of the wanderings in the wilderness recorded in the Old Testament book of Exodus.

While Peter was speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them. A voice came from the cloud saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.” When the disciples heard this they fell on their faces filled with awe. Jesus came to them and told them to not be afraid. When the three looked up they saw only Jesus.

As Jesus and His disciples came down the mountain, He told them not to speak of what they had seen until He had risen from the dead.

Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.

Dormtion Of the Theotokos August 1-15

August 1 starts the Dormition period in our Orthodox Church. We fast (abstain from meat and dairy as much as possible) from August 1 to August 15. At St. Peter’s the fast ends after the Dormition Liturgy on the evening of August 14.

What is the Dormition of the Theotokos?

The Holy Scriptures tell us that when our Lord was dying on the Cross, He saw His mother and His disciple John and said to the Virgin Mary, “Woman, behold your son!” and to John, “Behold your mother!” (John 19:25-27). From that hour, the Apostle took care of the Theotokos in his own home.

Along with the biblical reference in Acts 1:14 that confirms that the Virgin Mary was with the Holy Apostles on the day of Pentecost, the tradition of the Church holds that she remained in the home of the Apostle John in Jerusalem, continuing a ministry in word and deed.

At the time of her death, the disciples of our Lord who were preaching throughout the world returned to Jerusalem to see the Theotokos. Except for the Apostle Thomas, all of them including the Apostle Paul were gathered together at her bedside. At the moment of her death, Jesus Christ himself descended and carried her soul into heaven.

Following her repose, the body of the Theotokos was taken in procession and laid in a tomb near the Garden of Gethsemane. When the Apostle Thomas arrived three days after her repose and desired to see her body, the tomb was found to be empty. The bodily assumption of the Theotokos was confirmed by the message of an angel and by her appearance to the Apostles.

Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese website.

The Dormition Fasting Period August 1-15

The Dormition Fast begins on August 1st and lasts 2 weeks, concluding with the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos on August 15. The fast comes down to us from the early days of Christianity.

Fasting Guidelines

• Mon-Fri: Abstain from meat, dairy, fish, wine and olive oil
• Sat and Sun: Abstain from meat, dairy and fish
• +Shellfish is always allowed during fasting season (i.e. fish with no backbone)
• +Fish is allowed ONLY on Aug. 6 for the Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ

Please consult with your Spiritual Father on fasting matters.

During the Dormition Fast, Orthodox Christian parishes offer the Paraklesis with the Little Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos, a beautiful service of supplication to the Theotokos. Please check the calendar for the most up-to-date service schedule.

Time to Register your Child for Sunday School

Dear Parents and Grandparents:

It is unimaginable that summer time as we know it here in Florida will be considered over very
soon and our children will be returning to their classrooms.

Traditionally, we do not officially begin Sunday school until one week after Labor Day. This year
September 7 th . However, the Church is required to maintain Sunday school records. We know it
is a nuisance, but your help in expediting this procedure will be greatly appreciated.

We are setting two Sundays aside in the Social Hall so you may enjoy your coffee and snack while
signing up your child/children:

August 17 and 24.

We look forward to teaching the children in a loving and fun manner.

Thank you.

Georgia Katsigianopoulos
Sunday School Administrator

Remember to Keep Up With Your Pledge

The bills are the same in the summer as they are in the winter so please do not fall behind on you pledge.

Support always dips in support but our obligations remain the same. Your consistent support is necessary keep our parish on firm and responsible financial footing.

When You Give to the Good Samaritan Mercy Fund, You Fulfill the Law of Christ

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ (Galations 6:2)

St. Paul teaches us that God’s law, to love God and neighbor, is fulfilled when we bear one another’s burdens. The Good Samaritan Mercy fund helps us do that by helping parishioners who because of catastrophic circumstances face problems that we can help them with. This year is proving greater than past years so any donation you can make to our fund enables us to carry those burdens of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

All support is local, within our parish. Donations are approved by Fr. Hans and Ron Franklin our Parish Council President. Donations remain confidential.

St. John Chrysostom says those who can give receive their abundance from God in order to give. When we give from our abundance a double blessing occurs — one to the recipient in need, and another to him who gives.

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.

ST. PETER’S GREETERS

Please note: Volunteers to serve as greeters are needed for December. Please contact Joe Repya if you can serve.

JUNE

TBA

Can you volunteer? Please call Joe Repya 612-270-4443.

SOCIAL HALL ALL STARS

SUNDAY COFFEE HOURS – SUMMER MONTHS 2025

Please note: A fruit bowl, veggie or hummus tray may be added to a week’s menu.

• August 2025 – Sunday Coffee Hours – Team #2 – Margie Zimmerman Group
• Sunday, August 3 – Coffee and donuts
• Sunday, August 10 – Coffee and coffee cakes
• Sunday, August 17 – Coffee and muffins
• Sunday, August 24 – Coffee and bagels
• Sunday, August 31 – Coffee and donuts

• September 2025 – Sunday Coffee Hours – Team #3
• Sunday, September 7 – Coffee and coffee cakes
• Sunday, September 14 – Coffee and muffins
• Sunday, September 21 – Coffee and bagels
• Sunday, September 28 – 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 03 — SUNDAY LITURGY Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Tue Aug 05 — PARAKLESIS TO THE THEOTOKOS 9:00am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Aug 06 — CANCELLED EARLY MORNING LITURGY 6:00am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Aug 06 — HOLY TRANSFIGURATION DIVINE LITURGY 9:00am LIVE STREAM
• Fri Aug 08 — PARAKLESIS TO THE THEOTOKOS 6:00pm LIVE STREAM
• Fri Aug 08 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm
• Sat Aug 09 — Parish Council Meeting 10:00am
• Sat Aug 09 — Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM

• SUN Aug 10 — SUNDAY LITURGY Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Tue Aug 12 — PARAKLESIS TO THE THEOTOKOS 9:00am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Aug 13 — EARLY MORNING LITURGY 6:00am LIVE STREAM
• Thu Aug 14 — PARAKLESIS TO THE THEOTOKOS 9:00am LIVE STREAM
• Fri Aug 15 — DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS DIVINE LITURGY 9:00am LIVE STREAM
• Fri Aug 15 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm
• Sat Aug 16 — Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM

• SUN Aug 17 — SUNDAY LITURGY Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Aug 20 — EARLY MORNING LITURGY 6:00am LIVE STREAM
• Fri Aug 22 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm
• Sat Aug 23 — Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM

• SUN Aug 24 — SUNDAY LITURGY Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Aug 27 — EARLY MORNING LITURGY 6:00am LIVE STREAM
• Fri Aug 29 — BEHEADING OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST DIVINE LITURGY 9:00am LIVE STREAM
• Fri Aug 29 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm
• Sat Aug 24 — Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM

Wisdom From The Elders

Irritability of temper proceeds from want of self-knowledge, from pride, and also from the fact that we do not consider the great corruption of our nature, and know but little the meek and humble Jesus. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

The surest means of salvation for you is one and the same: endure patiently whatever God sends, both good and bad.
Elder Anatoly of Optina

You have not as yet fought unto blood, and have you in fact fought against the enemy, against your own passions? Have you not lived as you pleased? Abbot Nikon Vorobiev

We must struggle, because without struggles we do not obtain virtues. Elder Ieronymos of Aegina

When we see that many people avidly seek their happiness in sensual pursuits, in sensual pleasures, in comfort, and in lux­ury and pass this off as wisdom; when we see that the children of the world use every falsehood and every deception to construct their earthly happiness; when we hear that they defend hatred, vindictiveness, and other passions, but consider refusal to satisfy sensual desires to be foolishness; then we must resolutely say in our hearts, as the holy apostles taught: “We are Christians; we must fulfill the law of Christ (Gal. 6:2)”, and the law of Christ requires that we have crucfied the flesh with the affections and lusts (Gal. 5:24). Metropolitan Gregory (Postnikov) of St. Petersburg

Therefore, a humble person is not weak, but actually strong, because God’s power manifests itself and acts through him; the proud man is weak, for he rejects God’s all-powerful grace and is left with only his human powers, which are, of course, immeasurably weaker and less significant than God’s all-powerful grace. Archbishop Averky (Taushev)

Current Prayer List

Maureen (Breitenbach)
Doug (Kucera)
Katrina (Marianthi)
Katherina (Sovjani)
Arsen (Sovjani)
Arion (Sovjani)
David (Sovjani)
Joe (Repya)
Bp. Nicholas
Mary Teresa (Dusckas)
Adam (Krotov)
Ariyon (Sovjani)
Diana (Veraj)
Arjan (Veraj)
Thoma (Sovjani)
Lucia
Ioannes
Stratton (Leopold)
Mary (Copeland)
Robert (Tewis)
Gene (Forderhase)
Ruth (Mudd)
Barbara (Duskas)
Maria (Duskas)
Rachel (Voss)
Ken John (Eaton)
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)
Arielle (Ghanem 6/1)
Nicholas (Ghanem 6/1)
Christos
Father Demetris
Jamie
Pamela
David
Jessica
Christina (Hildreth)
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)
Archpriest Dionysius (Valentine 9/12)
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

Kh. Denise (Breitenbach)
Fr. Patrick (Breitenbach)
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)
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)

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
Raymond (Zeena)
Vassilike (Hord)
Helen (Mitchell)

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 Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

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

The Reading from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. (3:9-17)

Brethren, we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s husbandry, God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise architect I laid a foundation, and another builds upon it. Let each one take heed how he builds upon it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; everyone’s work will become manifest; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire itself will test each one’s work of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which was built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, yet so as by fire. Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? Ifanyone corrupts the temple of God, God will corrupt him. For the temple of God is holy, whose temple you are.

GOSPEL

For the Ninth Sunday of Matthew

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (14:22-34)

At that time, Jesus made the Disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. And after He had dismissed the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone, but the Disciples’ boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. But when the Disciples saw Jesus walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately He spoke to them, saying, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.” And Peter answered Him, “Lord, if it is Thee, bid me come to Thee on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught him, saying to him, “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly, Thou art the Son of God.” And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret.