Sunday of the Last Judgment (Meat Fare)
Hieromartyr Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna; Venerable Gorgonia, sister of Gregory the Theologian
The Last Judgment
The parable of the Last Judgment is about Christian love. Not all of us are called to work for “humanity,” yet each one of us has received the gift and the grace of Christ’s love.
We know that all persons ultimately need this personal love—the recognition in them of their unique soul in which the beauty of the whole creation is reflected in a unique way.
We also know that people are in prison and are sick and thirsty and hungry because that personal love has been denied them.
And, finally, we know that however narrow and limited the framework of our personal existence, each one of us has been made responsible for a tiny part of the Kingdom of God, made responsible by that very gift of Christ’s love. Thus, on whether or not we have accepted this responsibility, on whether we have loved or refused to love, shall we be judged.
Read more on the Greek Orthodox website.
Services and Events This Week
- SUN Feb 23 — SUNDAY LAST JUDGEMENT DIVINE LITURGY Orthros 8:30am / Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Feb 26 — Early Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Feb 28 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm
- Sat Mar 01 — GREAT VESPERS 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
Lent is Coming So How Do We Prepare?
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese website has good information on Lent. Click the image above.
Preparation begins with a resolution in the heart to do better this year than we did last year. Lent requires more of us but the requirement is never a demand but an invitation because God is not coercive. He freely gives so that we may freely receive.
But God is what the scripture calls a “jealous God.” This does not mean that God is jealous, but that the requirements for salvation, the things that are necessary to experience His salvation do not change. For us Americans it might be easier to understand it this way: God’s directives are not subject to negotiation or compromise.
More is expected from us. The Sunday services will be longer because we perform the Liturgy of St. Basil instead of St. John Chrysostom. The prayers are longer and we will pray them all because we don’t negotiate or compromise with what the Fathers have handed down to us.
We are expected to fast from certain foods during Lent. Why? Because bodily discipline is necessary for the healing of the soul.
We are expected to attend more services? Why? Because prayer and worship are necessary to draw us closer to God. When we draw closer to God, He draws closer to us St. Paul teaches.
We are expected to aid the poor more. Why? Because he who cares for the poor finds honor from his maker.
We Americans don’t like being told what to do. We naturally resist any statement that begins with “We are expected…” We reflexively equate obedience with servitude and we don’t like servitude.
Remember though that God gives freely and we are to receive freely. God does not force obedience. If He did obedience would be coercion and not freely given.
At the same time, we don’t change the Church and its practices to fit our idea of how things should be. Through the Church we learn how to conform ourselves to Christ. We don’t conform the Church into our own image.
Finally please note: This year the Paschal service will be scheduled where it should be, near midnight (time to be determined). This is Orthodox practice. Metropolitan Joseph has been gently urging the parishes to conform closer to Orthodox practice. (In many areas, including Southwest Florida, the practices were relaxed.) The same will happen with the Nativity liturgy in December, 2022.
We Need a Volunteer to Organize Lenten Suppers
Every Wednesday after Presanctified Liturgy on the Wednesdays during Lent, we gather for fellowship over a simple Lenten supper.
We need a volunteer to take on organizing it. Basically it consists of finding other volunteers to prepare the supper. If you can do this please contact Fr. Hans.
Women’s Book Club Meets Friday 11am in the Social Hall
We will begin, “Thinking Orthodox”, by, Dr Eugenia (Jeannie) Constantinou. The book can be purchased on-line at Ancient Faith Store.
All women are welcome and encouraged to attend. Coffee will be served. We can’t wait to gather together!
We Need Donations for the Good Samaritan Fund
These are very difficult times for some of our parishioners. We need to replenish the Good Samaritan Fund to be able to help them. Can you donate? Please write a check and note “Good Samaritan Fund” in the memo box. If you would like to donate cash please put it in envelope marked “Good Samaritan Fund.”
When you bless a neighbor in need, you bless God.
Pledge and Income Report — January 2025
Contributions received in January $43,498.
Amount of money needed to cover expenses: $33,785.
For the month we are ahead by $9,713.
If you have not already done so, please complete a 2025 pledge form. Your pledge willplay a vital role in helping us meet our 2025 budget goals and will support ourpreparations for refinancing our mortgage in March 2026.
St. Peter Orthodox Church
7470 Hickory Drive
Fort Myers FL 33967
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ST. PETER’S GREETERS
Please note: Volunteers to serve as greeters are needed for December. Please contact Joe Repya if you can serve.
FEBRUARY
- February 2 — Barb and Kosta Dionysopoulos
- February 9 — Joe Repya, Deb Repya
- February 16 — Candice Rosen, Tim Morse
- February 23 — Jordan Voss, Barb Zena, Vickie Matie
Can you volunteer? Please call Joe Repya 612-270-4443.
SOCIAL HALL ALL STARS
SUNDAY COFFEE HOURS – 2025
Please note: A fruit bowl, veggie or hummus tray may be added to a week’s menu.
- February 2025 – Sunday Coffee Hours – Team #2 – Margie Zimmerman Group
- Sunday, February 2 – Coffee and muffins
- Sunday, February 9 – Coffee and donuts
- Sunday, February 16 – Coffee and coffee cakes
- Sunday, February 23 – Coffee and bagels
- March 2025 – Sunday Coffee Hours – Team #3
- Sunday, March 2 – Coffee and bagels
- Sunday, March 9 – Coffee and donuts
- Sunday, March 16 – Coffee and muffins
- Sunday, March 23 – Coffee and coffee cakes
- Sunday, March 30 – Coffee and donuts
- April 2025 – Sunday Coffee Hours – Team #1 – Barb Dionysopoulos Group
- Sunday, April 6 – Coffee and bagels
- Sunday, April 13 – Palm Sunday – Coffee and muffins
- Sunday, April 20 – Pascha – Coffee and coffee cakes
- Sunday, April 27 – Coffee and donuts
- May 2025 – Sunday Coffee Hours – Team #2 – Margie Zimmerman Group
- Sunday, May 4 – Coffee and bagels
- Sunday, May 11 – Coffee and muffins
- Sunday, May 18 – Coffee and coffee cakes
- Sunday, May 25 – 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!
FEBRUARY
- SUN Feb 16 — SUNDAY PRODIGAL SON DIVINE LITURGY Orthros 8:30am / Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Feb 19 — Early Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Feb 21 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm
- Sat Feb 22 — GREAT VESPERS 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
- SUN Feb 23 — SUNDAY LAST JUDGMENT DIVINE LITURGY / MEATFARE SUNDAY Orthros 8:30am / Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Feb 26 — Early Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Feb 28 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm
- Sat Mar 01 — GREAT VESPERS 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
MARCH
The complete Lenten Schedule can be found on the St. Peter website.
- SUN Mar 02 — FORGIVENESS SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGY / CHEESEFARE SUNDAY – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Sun Mar 02 — FORGIVENESS SUNDAY VESPERS (Following Social Hall)
- Mon Mar 03 — LENT BEGINS
- Mon Mar 03 — Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew 6:30pm
- Tue Mar 04 — Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew 6:30pm
- Wed Mar 05 — Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Thu Mar 06 — Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew 6:30pm
- Fri Mar 07 — First Stanza Salutations to the Theotokos (Akathis Service) 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Sat Mar 08 — Parish Council Meeting 10:00am
- Sat Mar 08 — GREAT VESPERS 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
- SUN Mar 09 — SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY DIVINE LITURGY – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Mon Mar 10 — Great Compline 6:30pm
- Wed Mar 12 — Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Fri Mar 14 — Second Stanza Salutations to the Theotokos (Akathist) 6:30pm NOTE DATE CHANGE LIVE STREAM
- Sat Mar 15 — Lenten Womens Retreat 10:00am
- Sat Mar 15 — GREAT VESPERS 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
Wisdom From The Elders
What is the sign to a man that a certain sin is forgiven? The sign that a sin is forgiven is that the sin does not generate any activity in your heart and that you have forgotten it to such a degree that, in conversation about a similar sin, you do not feel any inclination toward that sin, but rather consider it something totally foreign to you. Venerable Isaiah the Recluse
But even impudence is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. The impudent person distorts or disobeys, for example, an evangelical commandment in order to justify his fallen state. Such a person does not respect the truth, reality, but knowingly distorts it and tramples upon a sacred object or principle. Saint Paisios of Mount Athos
Be kindly disposed in heart, word, and deed, ready at every time to serve others without the slightest vexation or irritability, remembering the words of the Saviour: “Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.” Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt
Although I have done nothing good in my life, I have always sincerely endeavored to draw close to God. For this reason I trust in God’s mercy with all my soul. The Lord will not turn away from anyone who always strove to draw close to Him. Abbot Nikon Vorobiev
As a mother teacher her child to walk, so also God teaches us to have a living faith in Him. A mother will make the child stand, and leave it for a while by itself, then she will tell it to come to her. The child cries without its mother; it wants to go to her, but is afraid to attempt to move its feet; it tries to walk, makes a step, and falls down. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt
Current Prayer List
Ariyon (Sovjani)
Diana (Veraj)
Arjan (Veraj)
Thoma (Sovjani)
Lucia
Ioannes
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)
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
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
Raymond
40 Days
Lori (Pateras Jan3)
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 Sunday of the Last Judgment
The Lord is my strength and my praise.
The Lord chastising hath chastised me, but He hath not delivered me over to death.
The Reading from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. (8:8-9:2)
Brethren, food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. Only take care, lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if any one sees you—a man of knowledge—at table in an idol’s temple, might he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? And so by your knowledge this weak man is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of my brother’s falling, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to fall. Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
GOSPEL
For Sunday of the Last Judgment
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (25:31-46)
The Lord said, “When the Son of man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. Before Him will be gathered all the nations, and He will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and He will place the sheep at His right hand, but the goats at the left.
Then the King will say to those at His right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed Me, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me, I was in prison and you came to Me.’
Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see Thee hungry and feed Thee, or thirsty and give Thee drink? And when did we see Thee a stranger and welcome Thee, or naked and clothe Thee? And when did we see Thee sick or in prison and visit Thee?’
And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
Then He will say to those at his left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave Me no food, I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome Me, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’
Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see Thee hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to Thee?’ Then He will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to Me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
