First Sunday of Great Lent
The Sunday of Orthodoxy
The Divine Liturgy of St. Basil
Translation of the relics of Nikephoros, patriarch of Constantinople; Bishops Poplias and Marios
The Sunday of Orthodoxy
The Sunday of Orthodoxy is the first Sunday of Great Lent. The dominant theme of this Sunday since 843 has been that of the victory of the icons. In that year the iconoclastic controversy, which had raged on and off since 726, was finally laid to rest, and icons and their veneration were restored on the first Sunday in Lent. Ever since, this Sunday has been commemorated as the “Triumph of Orthodoxy.”
The Seventh Ecumenical Council dealt predominantly with the controversy regarding icons and their place in Orthodox worship. It was convened in Nicaea in 787 by Empress Irene at the request of Tarasios, Patriarch of Constantinople. The Council was attended by 367 bishops.
Almost a century before this, the iconoclastic controversy had once more shaken the foundations of both Church and State in the Byzantine empire. Excessive religious respect and the ascribed miracles to icons by some members of society, approached the point of worship (due only to God) and idolatry. This instigated excesses at the other extreme by which icons were completely taken out of the liturgical life of the Church by the Iconoclasts. The Iconophiles, on the other-hand, believed that icons served to preserve the doctrinal teachings of the Church; they considered icons to be man’s dynamic way of expressing the divine through art and beauty.
An Endemousa (Regional) Synod was called in Constantinople in 843. Under Empress Theodora. The veneration of icons was solemnly proclaimed at the Hagia Sophia Cathedral. The Empress, her son Michael III, Patriarch Methodios, and monks and clergy came in procession and restored the icons in their rightful place. The day was called “Triumph of Orthodoxy.” Since that time, this event is commemorated yearly with a special service on the first Sunday of Lent, the “Sunday of Orthodoxy”.
Read more on the Greek Orthodox website.
Procession With Icons Following the Divine Liturgy
We will hold the procession of icons following the Divine Liturgy and read the Decree of the Seventh Ecumenical Council that restored the proper veneration of icons. Children should bring their icons from home to partake in the procession.
Services This Week
- SUN Feb 26 — SUNDAY OF FORGIVENESS Orthros 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- SUN Feb 26 — Forgiveness Vespers 12:30pm
- Mon Feb 27 — LENT BEGINS / CLEAN MONDAY
- Mon Feb 27 — Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Tue Feb 28 — Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Wed Mar 01 — Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Thu Mar 02 — Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Fri Mar 03 — Salutations First Stanza 6:30pm 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
Women’s Retreat “The Prayer of St. Ephrem on Saturday March 4, 2023 at 9:00am
Please text or email Pres. Susan if you will be attending.
Can’t attend? Watch on ZOOM here.
Met. Savas, the Metropolitan Elect of the Antiochian Archdiocese Address to Faithful
Met. Savas will become the new Metropolitan (Archbishop) of the Antiochian Archdiocese soon. He was elected by the Holy Synod of the Antiochian Patriarch about two weeks ago.
He addresses the faithful in a letter posted on the St. Peter website.
Leaving a Legacy – Remembering St. Peter’s in Our Estate Planning
The growth and success of St. Peter’s is certainly inspiring. Through it we see the benevolent work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the commitment, generosity, and fortitude of our members and friends who worked and contributed to the growth of our parish. St. Paul says that we are to become “co-laborers with Christ” and our support of St. Peter’s is one way that happens.
That work can continue long after our work on this earth is completed. Through planned giving today, we can leave a legacy that helps ensure the good work of St. Peter’s in the future.
For more information including an informational packet that answers many questions please see Fr. Hans.
Let’s Pray the Paraklesis to the Theotokos Daily
Click the image to get more information on how to participate from the St. Peter’s website
Our goal at St. Peter’s is to have one person or family pray the Parakelsis to the Theotokos for at least one day of every month. For each day of the month, individuals or even an entire family can sign up to pray the Paraklesis in their homes on the day/s which they select.
Get more information on how to participate from the St. Peter’s website.
Cafe of Life – God Loves a Cheerful Giver
A big thank to all those who have donated their time and monetary contribution for the poor, homeless and hungry in our community. Please help us to continue this important mission by giving generously.
Please remember, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (Corinthians 9:6-7).
Thank you and IC XC NI KA!
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
MARCH 2023
- Mar 05 Will Schwarz, Nader Sahawneh
- Mar 12 Al Joseph, Joe and Deb Repya
- Mar 19 Barb and Costa Dionysopoulos, Need Additional Volunteer
- Mar 26 Will Schwarz, Candice Rosen
APRIL 2023
- Apr 2 Joe and Deb Repya, Need Additional Volunteer
- Apr 9 Dan Delorenzo, George Tsikitas
- Apr 16 Joe and Deb Repya Need Additional Volunteer
- Apr 23 Dan Delorenzo, Need Additional Volunteer
- Apr 30 Need Additional Volunteer
We have a few Sunday’s in March and April with only one person or couple that we need to fill. If anyone else would like to volunteer, please call Joe Repya 612-270-4443.
SOCIAL HALL ALL STARS
MARCH
- TOM HALEY
- Marlene Haley
- Cheryl Morse
- Tim Morse
- Diana Najjar
- Deb Repya
- Elaine Semeretis
- Gregory Semeretis
The Social Hall All Stars are the men and women that make St. Peter’s Social Hall happen. Thank you All Stars!
Calendar also available on the St. Peter website.
FEBRUARY-MARCH
- SUN Feb 26 — SUNDAY OF FORGIVENESS Orthros 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- SUN Feb 26 — Forgiveness Vespers 12:30pm
- Mon Feb 27 — LENT BEGINS / CLEAN MONDAY
- Mon Feb 27 — Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Tue Feb 28 — Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Wed Mar 01 — Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Thu Mar 02 — Great Compline with Canon of St. Andrew 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Fri Mar 03 — Salutations First Stanza 6:30pm 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Fri Mar 03 — Men of St. Paisios 7:30pm Social Hall
- Sat Mar 04 — Women’s Retreat “The Prayer of St. Ephrem” 9:00am ZOOM
MARCH
- SUN Mar 05 — SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY Orthros 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Mon Mar 06 — Great Compline 6:30pmLIVE STREAM
- Wed Mar 08 — Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Thu Mar 09 — NOTE DATE CHANGE Second Stanza Salutations 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Fri Mar 09 — CANCELLED
Men of St. Paisios 7:30pm Social Hall - Fri-Sat Mar 10-11 — FR. HANS OUT OF TOWN
- SUN Mar 12 — SUNDAY OF ST. GREGORY PALAMAS Orthros 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Mon Mar 13 — Great Compline 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Wed Mar 15 — Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Fri Mar 17 — Third Stanza Salutations 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Fri Mar 17 — Men of St. Paisios 7:30pm Social Hall
- Sat Mar 18 — Parish Council Meeting 10am
- SUN Mar 19 — SUNDAY OF THE VENERATION OF THE CROSS Orthros 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Mon Mar 20 — Great Compline 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Wed Mar 22 — Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Fri Mar 24 — Great Vespers for Annunciation 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Fri Mar 24 — CANCELLED
Men of St. Paisios 7:30pm Social Hall - Sat Mar 25 — Annunciation of the Theotokos Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- SUN Mar 26 — SUNDAY OF ST. JOHN OF THE LADDER Orthros 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Mon Mar 27 — Great Compline 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Wed Mar 29 — Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Fri Mar 31 — Complete Salutations/Akathist Hymn 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
- Fri Mar 31 — Men of St. Paisios 7:30pm Social Hall
That there is a devil, that there are demons, and that these beings wage an active war against mankind and its salvation is so foundational a testimony of the Church that it is shocking it needs clarifying among Christians; yet too often it does. Bishop Irenei Steenberg
The Lord is so holy, so simple in His holiness, that one single evil or impure thought deprives us of Him, of the sweet and most sweet, of the pure and most pure peace and light of our souls. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt
As God is ever-flowing, infinite goodness, he desires and ever seeks to impart His goodness to His creatures, if only they turn to Him with faith, hope, and love, like children to their father, recognising their sinfulness, poverty, need, blindness, and infirmity without Him. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt
Ask, then, unremittingly and without doubting, however poor your efforts to gain holiness, however weak your strength; and you will receive great gifts, far beyond anything that you deserve. St. John of Karpathos
Do not be surprised that you fall every day; do not give up, but stand your ground courageously. And assuredly, the angel who guards you will honour your patience. St. John Climacus
- Names will remain on the list for three 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.
Current Prayer List
George (3/23 Chapekis)
Penelope (3/23 Chapekis)
Theodora (3/23)
Victor (3/23)
Barbara (Dusckas 3/23)
James (Dusckas 3/23)
Les (3/23
Lynn (Hurely 1/23)
Irene and unborn baby (Tsikitas 1/23)
Linda (Pappas 1/23)
Ekaterina (Chapekis 1/23)
Mikaela and unborn baby (Irena 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)
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
Katheryn (Tolkkinen)
Markisia (Long)
Angela (Long)
Marina (Long)
Eleni (Long)
Raphaella (Long)
Joanne (Haley)
Francine (Anton)
Corwin (Dusckas)
Corgette (Troutman)
Irina (Irina)
Seraphim (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)
Makrina and her unborn baby (Kerr)
Herman (Kerr)
Innocent (Kerr)
Nicholas (Kerr)
Paola (Jacobse)
Gregory (Yankopolos)
Soterios (Ninos)
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)
John (Katsigianopoulos)
George (Chionis)
Mary (Spiropoulos)
Gregory (Pappas)
Angela (Coran K
Eugene (Rust)
Robert (Jarvis)
George (Corey)
Patricia (Cotsones)
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.
EPISTLE
For Sunday of Orthodoxy
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 Hebrews. (11:24-26, 32-40)
Brethren, by faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.
And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets; who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, and put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection.
Some were tortured, refusing to accept release that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated—of whom the world was not worthy—wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
GOSPEL
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (1:43-51)
At that time, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, “We have found Him of Whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”
Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” Nathanael said to Jesus, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God! Thou art the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.”
