St. Peter News January 17, 2023

Thirty-second Sunday after Pentecost
Fifteenth Sunday of Luke

Holy Apostle Timothy and Anastasios the Persian
Venerable Joseph the Sanctified of Crete

Saint Anastasius was a Persian by race, the son of a Magus, and a soldier in the Persian army in the days of Chosroes II, King of Persia, and Heraclius, Emperor of New Rome. The Saint’s Persian name was Magundat.

When Chosroes captured Jerusalem in the year 614 and took the Precious Cross away captive, Magundat heard the report of the miracles that came to pass through the Cross of our salvation. Being of a prudent mind, perplexed that an instrument of torture should be so highly honored by the Christians, yet seized with longing to learn their Faith, he diligently sought out instruction in the whole divine dispensation of Christ: His Incarnation, Passion, and Resurrection. When he learned what he sought to know, his soul was filled with wonder and joy. Withdrawing to the Holy City, he was baptized by Saint Modestus, Patriarch of Jerusalem, and became a monk, receiving the new name of Anastasius.

As he read the lives of the Saints and the accounts of the holy Martyrs, his heart was kindled with love for them to such a degree that he prayed to be counted worthy of a martyr’s end like unto theirs. Finally, unable to contain his longing, he left his monastery. Encountering certain Persian Magi at Caesarea, he rebuked them for their delusion. Since Palestine was still held in the captivity of the Persians, he was taken before the Persian ruler, questioned, beaten, and imprisoned. He was then taken with other captives to Persia, where, after many tortures, refusing to espouse again the error of his fathers, he was hanged up by one hand, strangled with a noose, and beheaded. The translation of his holy relics is celebrated on the 24th of this month.

Services This Week

• SUN Jan 15 — THE TWELFTH SUNDAY OF LUKE 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Tue Jan 17 — St. Anthony the Great Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Jan 18 — Sts. Athanasios and Cyrill Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Jan 18 — St. Macarios the Great Divine Liturgy / St. Nicholas Academy 9:30am
• Sat Jan 21 — St Maximos the Confessor Divine Liturgy 9:00am NOTE EARLIER TIME LIVE STREAM

Please note that the Liturgy on Saturday morning begins at 9:00am.

Results of the Election for the New Metropolitan in Dallas Last Week

Hundreds of clergy and laity from across the Antiochian Archdiocese gathered for the Special Convention on Jan. 13, 2023 in Dallas, Texas to nominate three candidates for the office of Metropolitan of New York and All North America.

His Eminence Metropolitan Antonios, Patriarchal Vicar, presided, conveying the love and blessings of His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East, praying that the Holy Spirit would guide the delegates in their discernment.

“You meet to send the names of three nominees as candidates to the care and wisdom of the Holy Synod,” His Beatitude said in his statement read aloud at the convention. “The Synod is entrusted to ask the Great Shepherd of our souls to guide our Antiochian Church in choosing an Archbishop to shepherd the Archdiocese during the coming phase, which, as we all discern, shall be full of challenges in a turbulent world. For this, I ask with you the intercessions of the Holy Theotokos, Saints Peter and Paul the founders of the Church of Antioch, and Saint Raphael of Brooklyn to guide the works of your Special Convention.”

“Beloved in Christ, I thank the Lord for giving me the chance to be with you and for that he endowed us with the blessings of being together and preparing with the board of trustees and the temporary committee this very important special convention,” Sayidna Antonios said in his report.

Each voting delegate cast one ballot, choosing from among nine candidates. The nominees, listed in alphabetical order by first name, are:

His Grace Bishop John Abdalah

His Grace Bishop Nicholas Ozone
His Eminence Metropolitan Saba Isper

His Eminence has submitted these names to His Beatitude who will share them with the Holy Synod of Antioch in consideration of their election of the next Metropolitan at a meeting in the future.
“His Beatitude sends you all his love, adding that we are one family and one church,” Sayidna Antonios told the assembly. “He is very proud of you and this Special Convention. He is proud of the bishops, clergy and parishes of this great archdiocese. He was happy to know this Special Convention was a great manifestation of the love of the Lord, the Church, the Archdiocese and the Antiochian See.”

NEEDED: Two Volunteers Every Sunday to Act as Front Door Monitors

We need two volunteers every Sunday to be stationed at the front door to greet visitors, answer questions and to keep an eye on safety.

Joe Repya is heading this effort and will create a schedule and assignments. If you can help please give Joe a call at 612-270-4443.

Adult Education: “The Winter Pascha” Series via ZOOM Resumes on Thursday January 19, 2023 at 7:00pm ET

This is the second to the last class.

Cathechumen Classes Continue This Sunday January 22, 2023

We will meet after Social Hall.

Journey to Pascha Retreat on Saturday February 4, 2023 from 9:00am to 12:00pm

What precisely is Lent for? Why do we prepare for Holy Week and Pascha? How do we do prepare?

Join Fr. Hans on Saturday for answers to these questions as he explains the Lenten, Holy Week, and Pascha disciplines and services that can bring our Orthodox faith more deeply into our lives.

Could someone volunteer to bring refreshments and make coffee before the meeting starts?

The retreat will also be available via Zoom. Click the link on the website calendar to join or click here.

Be My Valentine! Valentine’s Day Celebration and Fellowship Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 5:00pm in the Parish Fellowship Hall

Valentine’s Day Celebration and Fellowship
Saturday, February 11, 2023, 5:00pm in our Parish Fellowship Hall
Enjoy Dinner, Desserts and Dancing
Bring your own drinks/refreshments
RSVP to Tina Kucera at 239-980-1520 by February 5, 2023
Donations Accepted

We Have a Social Hall Coordinator!

Please note: The Social Hall Coordinator schedules Social Hall events only. She does not organize kitchen activities or clean up for individual events.

With activities increasing we needed someone to coordinate events in the Social Hall. Barbara Sasen is our new Social Hall Coordinator. She will keep track of events and coordinate the work between the Kitchen and Social Hall. Please direct all questions to her.

Any even will require the filling out of an event form. They are located on the counter in the Church Narthex.

Mark Your Calendars for Two Upcoming Retreats!

Saturday, February 4, 2023, 9:00am to 12:00pm – Journey to Pascha by Fr. Hans
An overview of Lent and Holy Week to prepare us for observing these days in an Orthodox manner.

Saturday, March 4, 2023 – St. Peter’s Women’s Retreat “The Prayer of Ephraim” by Presbytera Susan
What the prayer means, when and how to pray the prayer, how it ties into our personal sanctification during Lent. The retreat follows the Saturday of the Souls Divine Liturgy that morning.

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

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 – Helping the Poor Honors God

As you sit down to enjoy your next meal and thank God for all you have, ask yourself “When was the last time I made a donation for the hungry?” One of St. Peter’s mission is the making of sandwiches to feed those who are hungry and homeless in our community. Your donation will help sustain those are less fortunate than yourself.

Checks or cash may be given to Father Hans.

Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him (Proverb 14:31).

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.

The Social Hall All Stars are the men and women that make St. Peter’s Social Hall happen. Thank you All Stars!

JANUARY

• BARBARA DIONYSOPOULOS
• Al Joseph
• Bonnie Joseph
• Marianthi Kazakos
• Sandy Krotov
• Niki Locklear
• Ray Locklear
• Eleni Moran
• Koula Ormanidou

Procedures for Hospitality

Please note: If you would like to bring in your own prepared food, please contact Tom Haley at 239-887-0753 a week before the upcoming Sunday. That way we know not to prepare any food for Sunday.

1. On most Sundays we will serve lighter refreshments like coffee, sweets, hummus, olives, feta, pita and similar items. Please continue bringing these items. Even though we have a range (unlike our former facility), we appreciate items that are “ready to be served.”
2. Please do not donate coffee. We have a space age coffee brewer that we acquired at no cost if we buy our coffee from one supplier. If you bring in coffee, we can’t use it.
3. We cannot continue preparing meals for Memorials, Name Days, Anniversaries, and other celebrations. We don’t have the appliances or manpower to do it well. We do, however, have the name of two catering companies that can prepare and deliver the food if you would like to sponsor a celebration. Please call Tom Haley at 239-887-0753 for details and to make arrangements.
4. If you would like to bring in your own prepared food, please contact Tom Haley at 239-887-0753 a week before the upcoming Sunday. That way we know not to prepare any food for Sunday.

The Safest Way to Come to Church

US 41 is a busy highway and the intersection at Hickory Drive does not have a stop light. We recommend turning on Sanibel Boulevard and following Coconut Road instead.

Helping Our Seniors With Parking

With the church growing the parking lot is close to full every Sunday. Younger parishioners, could you park in the grass lot even if spaces are open in the paved area? That way our seniors can park closer to the entrance and avoid the grassy area where it is easier to stumble and fall.

Calendar also available on the St. Peter website.

JANUARY

• SUN Jan 15 — THE TWELFTH SUNDAY OF LUKE 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• SUN Jan 15 — Catechism Class 12:15pm
• Tue Jan 17 — St. Anthony the Great Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Jan 18 — Sts. Athanasios and Cyrill Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Jan 18 — St. Macarios the Great Divine Liturgy / St. Nicholas Academy 9:30am
• Thu Jan 19 — “The Winter Pascha” Adult Education 7:00pm on ZOOM
• Fri Jan 20 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm Social Hall
• Sat Jan 21 — St Maximos the Confessor Divine Liturgy 9:00am NOTE EARLIER TIME LIVE STREAM
• Sat Jan 21 — Parish Council Meeting 11:00am

• SUN Jan 22 — THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY OF LUKE 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• SUN Jan 22 — Catechism Class 12:15pm
• Wed Jan 25 — St. Gregory the Theologian Divine Liturgy / St. Nicholas Academy 9:30am
• Thu Jan 26 — Divine Liturgy / St. Nicholas Academy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Thu Jan 26 — “The Winter Pascha” Adult Education 7:00pm on ZOOM
• Fri Jan 27 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm Social Hall

• SUN Jan 29 — SUNDAY OF THE CANAANITE WOMAN 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• SUN Jan 29 — Catechism Class 12:15pm
• Mon Jan 30 — The Three Hierarchs Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Tue Jan 31 — Holy Unmercenaries Cyrus and John Divine Liturgy / St. Nicholas Academy 9:30am
• Thu Feb 02 — GREAT FEAST: PRESENTATION OF THE LORD IN THE TEMPLE / St. Nicholas Academy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Fri Feb 03 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm Social Hall
• Sat Feb 04 — Journey to Pascha Lenten Retreat 10:00am – 12:00pm Social Hall

Only in part, from our own experience, some of us see the depths of the abyss into which we have fallen through sin—all our powerlessness for good, all the power and abyss of the evil or sin nestling in our hearts. But even to see this is granted unto us by the grace of God, enlightening our darkened hearts. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

What is the velocity of movement of the angels? Angels are spiritual beings and the velocity of the spirit is equal to the velocity of thought. The velocity of thought is the velocity of the spirit. Elder Thaddeus (Strabulovich) of Vitovnica

ather, receiving from the Church and her saints the icon of the heights prayer can attain, let us return to our own hearts, taking our first steps in prayer, and ask God to give us a productive, simple beginning. Bishop Irenei Steenberg

Let the eyes of your heart be on guard every hour, every minute. Let your heart be watchful, not only during the day, but also during the night. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

In times of dryness and languor we must not fall into the pit of despondency and despair, and not seek for ourselves what we are unworthy of—great Divine gifts, but find peace in humility, considering ourselves to be unworthy of them. St. Macarius of Optina

PLEASE NOTE: The names list in “The Current Prayer List listed to be removed after September 1 have been taken of the list. If you would like someone added back please send a text to Fr. Hans or send the name through website here.

• 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.

Updated Oct 24 / Resets Dec 1.

Current Prayer List

Theodora (3/23)
Victor (3/23)
Barbara (Dusckas 3/23)
Claire (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 (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)

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 Thirty-second 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 First Epistle of St. Paul to St. Timothy. (4:9-15)

Timothy, my son, the saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, Who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, attend to the public reading of scripture, to preaching, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the council of elders laid their hands upon you. Practice these duties; devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress.

GOSPEL

For the Fifteenth Sunday of Luke — “Zacchaeus”

The reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (19:1-10)At that time, Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector, and rich. And he sought to see Who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Jesus, for He was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost.”