Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Sixteenth Sunday of Matthew
Hieromartyr Blaise, bishop of Sebastia, and companions
Theodora the empress; New-martyr George of Serbia
Who is the Hieromartyr Blaise, bishop of Sebastia?
The Hieromartyr Blaise (Blasius), Bishop of Sebaste, was known for his righteous and devout life. Unanimously chosen by the people, he was consecrated Bishop of Sebaste. This occurred during the reign of the Roman emperors Diocletian (284-305) and Licinius (307-324), fierce persecutors of Christians. Saint Blaise encouraged his flock, visited the imprisoned, and gave support to the martyrs.
Many hid themselves from the persecutors by going off to desolate and solitary places. Saint Blaise also hid himself away on Mount Argeos, where he lived in a cave. Wild beasts came up to him and meekly waited until the saint finished his prayer and blessed them. The saint also healed sick animals by laying his hands upon them.
The refuge of the saint was discovered by servants of the governor Agrilaus, who had come to capture wild beasts to loose on the Christian martyrs. The servants reported to their master that Christians were hiding on the mountain, and he gave orders to arrest them. But those sent out found there only the Bishop of Sebaste. Glorifying God Who had summoned him to this exploit, Saint Blaise followed the soldiers.
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Read the entire story on the Orthodox Church in America website.
Services and Events This Week
- Sun Feb 04 — SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGY Orthros 8:30am Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- mon Feb 05 — GREAT VESPERS WITH BP NICHOLAS 6:00PM LIVE STREAM
- Wed Feb 07 — EARLY DIVINE LITURGY 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Feb 09 — Brotherhood of St. Paisios 7:00pm
- Sat Feb 10 — ST HARALAMBOS DIVINE LITURGY 8:00am LIVE STREAM
- Sat Feb 10 — Parish Council Meeting 10am
- Sat Feb 10 — Valentine Day Gala 5:00pm
Web Site Fixed — But Please Be Patient Because…
…It still needs some fine tuning. Websites are fickle beasts but we are almost there. The good news is that the calendar is back. One or two weeks and it will be where we want it to be.
Valentine Day Gala This Saturday!
SAINT PETER VALENTINE’S DAY
DINNER AND DANCE
Saturday, February 10 in our
Parish Hall from 5pm-9pm
Bring Your Beverage
Enjoy a wonderful evening of delicious food, music and lights
by DJ Tony, dancing and great fellowship with friends.
Fr. John Parker, President of St. Tikhon’s Seminary to Visit St. Peter’s on Sunday, February 18, 2024
Fr. John, president of St. Tikhon’s Seminary will join us on Sunday, February 18. Fr. John will offer the sermon and then a brief talk on “Philoxenia” in the Social Hall after the Liturgy. Philoxenia means “love of the stranger,” a virtue developed out of the Christian ehtos and practiced in thriving practices as openness, charity, and support of those whom God brings us. This virtue begins in the church and ought to flow into our private lives and the larger culture as well.
This is a topic close to Fr. John’s heart and can be of great benefit to us. Join us for what promises to be very edifying instruction.
Mark Your Calendars
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Sat Feb 10 — Valentine’s Day Gala
- Sun Feb 18 — Fr. John Parker at St. Peter’s
Bible Bowl Invitation!
All teens are invited to join our Catechism team and study the book of Romans. Actually adults are invited too as we can have an adult team as well.
St. Peter’s teens won 2nd place last year at the Parish Life Conference for the Diocese of Miami and the Southeast.
The competition this year will be held in Georgia, near Atlanta over the weekend of June 13-15. All questions for the competition will be from the book of Romans.
If you are interested in studying Romans, whether you want to travel to the conference in Georgia or just study with the team, please contact Diana Najjar at 317-213-5785 or msdiananajjar@gmail.com. Currently we are studying by zoom, but we plan to meet together when the opportunity arises. Diana is flexible to work with teens at a time that fits their schedule.
ST. PETER WISH LIST— Things the Parish Needs
We are looking for donors to help St. Peter’s improve. Things we need:
- Landscape Beautification Project $10,000 is needed to purchase trees and shrubbery. We will remove and replace the dead and diseased trees. Thank you to Doug Kucera for designing a master plan.
If you can contribute in part or in full, please contact Fr. Hans or Ron Franklin, Parish Council President.
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.
DOMSE MEN’S RETREAT IN MARCH 2024
80 attendees registered! Only 75 spaces left.
More information at DOMSE website.
ST. PETER'S GREETERS
FEBRUARY 2024
- FEB 4 George Karounos – Doug Kucera
- FEB 11 Joe and Deb Repya –
- FEB 18 Moriah Peterson – Pavlo Bilych
- FEB 25 Barb – Costa Dionysopoulos
Can you volunteer? Please call Joe Repya 612-270-4443.
SOCIAL HALL ALL STARS
FEBRUARY 2024
TEAM #2 – Margie Zimmerman Group
Feb 04 –- Coffee, Bagels and Mixed Fruit
Feb 11 –- Coffee, Donuts and Mixed Fruit
Feb 18 –- Coffee, Cookies and Mixed Fruit
Feb 25 –- Coffee, Coffee Cake and Mixed Fruit
MARCH 2024
TEAM #3 – (Need to appoint a new Team Leader) for March 2024
March 03 – Coffee, Bagels & Mixed Fruit*
March 10 – Coffee, Donuts & Mixed Fruit*
March 17 – Catered Lunch for Theo’s 99th Birthday
March 24 – Coffee, Cookies & Mixed Fruit*
March 31 – Coffee, Coffee Cake & Mixed Fruit*
APRIL 2024
TEAM #1 – Barbara Dionysopoulas Group for April 2024
April 07 – Coffee, Bagels & Mixed Fruit*
April 14 – Coffee, Donuts & Mixed Fruit*
April 21 – Coffee, Cookies & Mixed Fruit*
April 28 – Coffee, Coffee Cake & Mixed Fruit*
MAY 2024
TEAM #2 Margie Zimmerman Group for May 2024
May 05 – Coffee, Bagels & Mixed Fruit*
May 12 – Coffee, Donuts & Mixed Fruit*
May 19 – Coffee, Cookies & Mixed Fruit*
May 26 – Coffee, Coffee Cake & Mixed Fruit*
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!
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
- Sun Feb 04 — SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGY Orthros 8:30am Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- mon Feb 05 — GREAT VESPERS WITH BP NICHOLAS 6:00PM LIVE STREAM
- Wed Feb 07 — EARLY DIVINE LITURGY 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Feb 09 — Brotherhood of St. Paisios 7:00pm
- Sat Feb 10 — ST HARALAMBOS DIVINE LITURGY 8:00am LIVE STREAM
- Sat Feb 10 — Parish Council Meeting 10am
- Sat Feb 10 — Valentine Gala 5:00pm
- Sun Feb 11 — SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGY Orthros 8:30am Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Tue Feb 13 — PARAKLESIS TO THE THEOTOKOS 8:00am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Feb 14 — EARLY DIVINE LITURGY 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Feb 16 — Brotherhood of St. Paisios 7:00pm
- Sat Feb 17 — ST THEODORE OF TYRE DIVINE LITURGY 8:00am LIVE STREAM
- Sun Feb 18 — SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGY Orthros 8:30am Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Tue Feb 20 — PARAKLESIS TO THE THEOTOKOS 8:00am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Feb 21 — EARLY DIVINE LITURGY 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Feb 23 — Brotherhood of St. Paisios 7:00pm
- Sat Feb 24 — FIRST AND SECOND FIND OF THE HEAD OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST 8AM LIVE STREAM
- Sun Feb 25 — SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGY Orthros 8:30am Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Tue Feb 27 — PARAKLESIS TO THE THEOTOKOS 8:00am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Feb 28 — EARLY DIVINE LITURGY 6:00am LIVE STREAM
Wisdom From The Elders
If we become aware of how God cares for us like an all-loving Father, and even more gently, like an adoring mother, then our hearts will be filled to overflowing with ardent and reverent love for Him. Archbishop Averky (Taushev)
How can we overcome the sinfulness that is already firmly established within us? We must use force. A man labours and struggles, and so by the use of force he escapes from destruction, always striving to raise his thoughts to holiness. We are not forbidden to resist force with force. St. John of Karpathos
We cannot achieve salvation in any way other than by transforming our mind, making it different from what it was. Our minds become deified by a special act of God’s Grace. They become passionless and holy. A deified mind is one which lives in remembrance of God at all times. Elder Thaddeus(Strabulovich) of Vitovnica
A frugal diet, steadily maintained — gathering impetus, as it were, from year to year — destroys the impulse to unchastity. Venerable Nilus the Faster of Sinai
Of course, not all those who have given themselves over in slavery to the passions acquire such a horrible external appearance, but in their inner state, in the disposition of their soul, they differ little from the demoniac of the Gospel. They become unsociable, savage, merciless and ferocious—terrifying to others in their savage anger and rage. We do not have to look very far for examples in modern life. Archbishop Averky (Taushev)
But those who would like to live a genuine spiritual life must first of all be satisfied with a few things. When their life is simplified, without too many concerns or nuisances, not only will they be liberated from the worldly spirit, they will also have plenty of time available for spiritual things. Saint Paisios of Mount Athos
Thus, out of desire to humble himself, he always sees himself in his own mind as a useless servant, extraneous to the rank he holds. We too should do the same, fleeing all honour and glory in the overflowing richness of our love for the Lord who loves us so greatly. St. Diadochus, bishop of Photike in Epirus
And what about us? We’re always frowning, always pouting; we don’t feel like singing or doing anything else. We should follow the example of the birds. They’re always joyful whereas we’re always bothered by something. What is it that bothers us? Nothing, really…. Isn’t that right?” Elder Thaddeus(Strabulovich) of Vitovnica
- 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
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
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.
EPISTLE
For the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
The Lord will give strength to His people.
Ascribe to the Lord, O sons of God, ascribe to the Lord honor and glory.
The Reading from the Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. (6:1-10)
Brethren, working together with Him, then, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain. For He says, “At the acceptable time I have listened to you, and helped you on the day of salvation.” Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, tumults, labors, watching, hunger; by purity, knowledge, forbearance, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
GOSPEL
For the Sixteenth Sunday of Matthew
The reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (25:14-30, + Luke 8:8)
The Lord spoke this parable: A man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them; and he made five talents more. So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying: “Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.” And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying: “Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.” He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying: “Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sew, and gathering where you did not winnow; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.”
But his master answered him, “You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather where I have not winnowed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.” As Jesus said these things He cried out: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
