Sunday of the Forefathers (Ancestors) of Christ
Martyrs Thyrsos, Leukios and Kallinikos of Apollonia; Martyrs Philemon, Apollonios, Hypatios and Arrianos of Alexandria
The Forefathers (Ancestors) of Christ
Sermon on the Sunday of the Forefathers
By Fr. Thaddeus Hardenbrook
On the second Sunday before Nativity, the Gospel reading leaves off its progression based on Pentecost and aligns itself with the approaching Nativity. This is a sign for us; a message of urgency regarding what is about to happen. Worries, distractions, and cares must now be set aside for the sake of not missing out on the greatest of the Father’s gifts to us, which is His Son in human flesh. Every other mystical and sacred gift is secondary to the Incarnation.
We have been preparing for the feast by fasting. And now that we have moved past the midpoint of the fast, the pace quickens in anticipation of Christ’s birth. We commemorate the Holy Forefathers who were part of mankind’s preparation for the Messiah. Without them, there would be no God-man, no Christ, for prophecy foretold His birth from their lineage. Therefore their flesh, their prophecies, and their piety prepared the way for the coming of Christ.
Without the Incarnation, there is no salvation as we know it, there is no Cross, there is no Resurrection, there is no partaking in the divine energies of God and no deification. Even paradise and immortality submit to the mystical superiority of the Incarnation. For both paradise and immortality were given to man before the fall. Without the Incarnation, Paradise and eternal life only result in being perfectly and eternally joined to God as His servants.
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Read the rest of the sermon here.
Services and Events This Week
- SUN Dec 07 — SUNDAY LITURGY Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Dec 10 — EARLY MORNING LITURGY 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Dec 12 — DIVINE LITURGY ST SPYRIDON 9:00pm
- Fri Dec 12 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm
- Sat Dec 13 — Parish Council Meeting 10:00am
- Sat Dec 13 — Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
2026 Church Calendars
The 2026 Church Calendars are now available. Please only take one per family.
Any questions, please see Georgia in the office.
Updating Our Church Directory
We are updating our church directory for 2026. If you would like to be included in the directory, please see Alexis Johnson. The directory will include your photo, email and phone number only. We will ask for your address to update the church records for mailings only.
Photos can be taken on one of the following Sundays: November 30, December 7 and 21.
You can opt to update the current directory photo or have an updated photo added.
No Place to Go on Christmas?
Come and join us at St. Peter’s! Just like Thanksgiving, St. Peter’s will hold a Christmas dinner on December 25 for anyone who needs a place to go on Christmas. Fr. Hans will be there (Presbytera will be in Chicago) and will be your host. Thanksgiving was a great success and Christmas dinner will be too. Dinner starts at 1:00pm. Please sign up in the Social Hall.
Christmas Fast Instructions
On November 15, we began, with God’s help, the forty-day “Nativity Fast in preparation for the “Feast of the Nativity of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ” on December 25.
The Nativity Fast is divided into two periods. The first period is November 15 through December 19 when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine and oil) is observed with katalysis (relaxation) for wine and oil on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and for fish, wine and oil on Saturdays and Sundays.
The second period is December 20 through 24 when the traditional fasting discipline (“strict fast”: no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine and oil) is observed with katalysis (relaxation) for wine and oil only on Saturday and Sunday.
Just starting out? While fasting is not optional for Orthodox Christians, consider easing into to. Start the fast by observing the Wednesday and Friday fast with no meat. Next year try extending that into more days. Start with no meat, and then extend into no meat and dairy and so forth. We fast to the measure of our ability and it may take some training, like a runner working out to run a race.If you have questions, talk to Fr. Hans
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.
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 Greeters
DECEMBER 2025 – CHURCH GREETERS
- Dec 7 Ray Locklear – Kathy Karlos Moffet – Joe Repya
- Dec 14 Barb and Costa Dionysopoulos – Chris and Taylor Campbell
- Dec 21 Ray Locklear – Joe Repya
- Dec 28 Kathy Karlos Moffet – Chris and Taylor Campbell
JANUARY 2026 – CHURCH GREETERS
- Jan 4 Kathy Karlos Moffet – Joe Repya
- Jan 11 Joe Repya – Tim Morse
- Jan 18 Tim Morse – Joe Repya – John Tomilson
- Jan 25 Joe and Deb Repya – Tim Morse
Can you volunteer? Please call Joe Repya 612-270-4443.
SUNDAY COFFEE HOURS – FALL MONTHS 2025
Please note: A fruit bowl, veggie or hummus tray may be added to a week’s menu.
- December 2025 – Sunday Coffee Hours – Team #3
- Sunday, December 7 – Coffee and bagels
- Sunday, December 14 – Coffee and donuts
- Sunday, December 21 – Coffee and coffee cakes
- Sunday, December 28 – Pot Luck
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!
DECEMBER
- SUN Dec 07 — SUNDAY LITURGY Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Dec 10 — EARLY MORNING LITURGY 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Dec 12 — DIVINE LITURGY ST SPYRIDON 9:00pm
- Fri Dec 12 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm
- Sat Dec 13 — Parish Council Meeting 10:00am
- Sat Dec 13 — Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
- SUN Dec 14 — SUNDAY LITURGY Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Dec 17 — EARLY MORNING LITURGY 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Dec 19 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm
- Sat Dec 20 — CANCELLED Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
- SUN Dec 21 — SUNDAY LITURGY Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Dec 24 — ROYAL HOURS 9:00am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Dec 24 — VESPERAL LITURGY OF ST BASIL THE GREAT 5:00pm LIVE STREAM
- Thu Dec 25 — DIVINE LITURGY OF NATIVITY Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Dec 26 — DIVINE LITURGY ST STEPHEN THE PROTO-MARTYR 9:00am LIVE STREAM
- Sat Dec 27 — Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
- SUN Dec 28 — SUNDAY LITURGY Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Mon Dec 29 — DIVINE LITURGY THE HOLY INNOCENTS 9:00am
- Wed Dec 31 — EARLY MORNING LITURGY 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Jan 01 — DIVINE LITURGY ST BASIL THE GREAT / CIRCUMCISION OF XC
- Fri Dec 01 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm
- Sat Dec 20 — Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
Wisdom From The Elders
Progress in the spiritual life is measured more by a progressive detachment than by glorious personal acquisitions. Elder Sergei of Vanves
How simple spiritual life is! If one comes to love God, if one comes to recognize His great sacrifice and His good works, and if one exerts himself, with discernment, in imitation of the saints, he will be quickly sanctified. It is enough that he be humbled, that he be conscious of his own wretchedness and his tremendous ingratitude towards God. Saint Paisios of Mount Athos
If there is any rest for us in this world, then it consists only in purity of the conscience and patience. This is a harbor for us who sail upon the sea of life… St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
To grieve excessively (over one’s sins) and to become despondent is a sign not of humility, but of pride. We must feel contrition and regret for offending the Lord with our sins, ask His pardon and try not to repeat them. Abbot Nikon Vorobiev
If we wage war against the passions by a consistent repentance and gentle obedience, the purification provided by the grace of the Holy Trinity will become our ally and aid in their defeat. Bishop Irenei Steenberg
And do not suppose that you can pay proper attention to a single Lord, have mercy. Your prayer is bound to be divided and scattered: you are, indeed, human. Only in heaven the angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven (Matthew 18:10) Tito Colliander
Current Prayer List
Donna Eardley (Pateras)
Jack Eardley (Pateras)
Efstrathios Papadopoulos (Pateras)
Vera Pateras Stathes (Pateras)
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 (Hurley 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)
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 Holy Forefathers
Blessed art Thou, O Lord, the God of our Fathers.
For Thou art just in all that Thou hast done for us.
The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Colossians. (3:4-11)
Brethren, when Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these, the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. In these you once walked, when you lived in them. But now put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices and have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator. Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all.
GOSPEL
For the Holy Forefathers
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (14:16-24)
The Lord spoke this parable: “A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come; for all is now ready.’ But, one by one, they all began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.’ And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.”
