St. Peter News June 20, 2023

Third Sunday after Pentecost

Third Sunday of Matthew

Apodosis (Leave-Taking) of the Forerunner’s Nativity

Venerable Martyr Febronia of Nisibis;
Venerable Prokopios of the Iviron skete on Athos

Among the Church's feasts, there are three in honor of God's saint which in their significance stand out from the others devoted to the saints and are numbered among the great feasts of the Church of Christ. These feasts glorify the economy of God for our salvation. These three feasts are the Nativity of St. John the Forerunner, his Beheading, and the feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul.

The apparition of the holy Archangel Gabriel to the priest Zacharias in the Temple, with the announcement of the birth to him and the righteous Elizabeth, of a son who would prepare the way for the Lord, the Savior of the world, and the subsequent fulfillment of this premise, are the first of the events related by the Evangelists.

The announcement of the holy Archangel Gabriel to Zacharias in the Temple begins the New Testament Gospel. The announcement of the same Archangel Gabriel six months later in Nazareth to the Virgin Mary concerning the birth from Her of the Son of God, Who was to become incarnate, is a continuation of the revelation of the Pre-eternal Counsel concerning the salvation of the human race.

Three months after, the Annunciation, St. John the Forerunner was born "in a city of Judah," and six months after him Christ Himself was born in Bethlehem.

Read the entire article on the Orthodox Christianity website.

Services and Events This Week

• Sun Jun 18 — SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGY Orthros 8:30am Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Tue Jun 20 — Paraklesis to the Theotokos 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Jun 21 — Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
• Fri Jun 23 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm Social Hall
• Sat Jun 24 — Nativity of St. John the Baptist Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Sat Jun 24 — Baptism of Timothy and Moriah Peterson 12:00pm

Baptism of Timothy (Nicholas) and Moriah (Photini) Peterson on Saturday June 24 at Noon

Everyone is invited to the baptism of Timothy and Moria Peterson following the Divine Liturgy on June 24. The baptism will begin around noon.

Timothy and Moriah's Godparents are Isadore (Ron) and Glo (Photini) Franklin.

Coffee and light refreshments will be served after the baptism.

St. Peter and Paul Liturgy on Wednesday June 27, 2023 at 6:30pm at St. Paul's

The feast day of Sts. Peter and Paul are also the feast day of St. Peter and our sister parish St. Paul in Naples. We will celebrate this day together on the eve of the Feast on Wednesday, June 27 at St. Paul's in Naples. Orthros begins at 5:30pm, Divine Liturgy at 6:30pm.

Joseph (Chase) and Ruth (Emma) Wedding on Saturday, July 1 at 3:00pm at St. Paul’s Orthodox Church

Joseph and Emma will be married Saturday, July 1 at St. Paul Orthodox Church in Naples, FL. Fr. Hans will officiate at the wedding.

They extend an invitation to all the members of St. Peter’s to join them. The wedding begins at 3:00pm.

Early Morning Liturgy Continues on Wednesdays at 6:00am

Early morning Liturgies continue on Wednesdays at 6:00am.

Watch your calendar however. If a major feast lands on a Wednesday or if we are in a special worship period, the schedule may change.

St. Peter's Youth Win 2nd Place at the PLC Bible Bowl

St. Peter's came in at Second Place at the Bible Bowl held at the DOMSE Parish Life Conference last week. We are proud of them. They represented out parish very well! Congratulations for a job well done!

We Are Behind on Our Pledges

Summer is always a bit lean on our contributions and pledges. As noted below we are behind by $12,339 in our contributions for May.

This is a gentle reminder to remain current on our giving so that we continue to the maintain the work of St. Peter's responsibly and with care.

Barbara Dusckas Surgery

Barbara Dusckas is having hip replacement surgery on Wednesday June 28 and would appreciate calls or visits and prayers. Please call Barbara at 239-220-7383.

Shelving Installed for the Library

The new shelving you see in the Social Hall along the back wall is for our expanding library. We will have books to borrow, and books and icons to buy.

Humanitarian Aid for the Suffering in Ukraine

Humanitarian aid for Ukraine — What is Needed:

1. Children‘s clothes and footwear;
2. Baby formula;
3. Food for infants and toddlers;
4. Nut, protein bars;
5. Cookies;
6. Diapers ( size 1-6), wet wipes;
7. Hygiene products for kids and adults( soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes);
8. Towels, bed sheets.

Look, please, at the expiration day of the food.

Please do not donate following:glass containers, liquids.

Humanitarian aid would be appreciated packed in boxes.Don’t seal the boxes.

Galyna plans to have folks drop items off between noon and 3:00 PM on Sundays (you can bring them to church in a box). She will coordinate with contributors on Wednesday June 28, 2023.

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.

Pledge & Income Report – May

Contributions received in May $16,611.
Amount of money needed to cover expenses: $28,950.
We are behind by $12,339.

St. Peter Orthodox Church
7470 Hickory Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33967

You can also donate online:

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

JUNE 2023

• Jun 04 Joe and Deb Repya Need Additional Volunteer
• Jun 11 Need Additional Volunteers
• Jun 18 Need Additional Volunteers
• Jun 25 Candice Rosen and Ray Locklear

JULY 2023

• Jul 02 Will Schwartz Need Additional Volunteers
• Jul 09 Will Schwartz Need Additional Volunteers
• Jul 16 Will Schwartz Need Additional Volunteers
• Jul 23 Will Schwartz Need Additional Volunteers
• Jul 30 Will Schwartz Need Additional Volunteers

Can you volunteer? Please call Joe Repya 612-270-4443.

SOCIAL HALL ALL STARS

JUNE

• TOM HALEY
• Marlene Haley
• Cheryl Morse
• Tim Morse
• Diana Najjar
• Deb Repya
• Elaine Semeretis
• Gregory Semeretis
• Dino Magas
• Jennifer Magas
• Mikala Magas
• Michael Magas

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

JUNE

Sts. Peter and Paul Fasting Period June 12-28, 2023

• Sun Jun 18 — SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGY Orthros 8:30am Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Tue Jun 20 — Paraklesis to the Theotokos 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Jun 21 — Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
• Fri Jun 23 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm Social Hall
• Sat Jun 24 — Nativity of St. John the Baptist Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Sat Jun 24 — Baptism of Timothy and Moriah Peterson 12:00pm

• Sun Jun 25 — SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGY Orthros 8:30am Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Tue Jun 27 — Paraklesis to the Theotokos 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Jun 28 — CANCELLED Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Jun 28 — Sts Peter and Paul Divine Liturgy at St. Paul's 6:30pm
• Fri Jun 30 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm Social Hall
• Sat Jul 01 — Sts. Kosmas and Damien Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM

JULY

• Sun Jul 02 — SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGY Orthros 8:30am Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Tue Jul 04 — Paraklesis to the Theotokos 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Jul 05 — Early Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
• Fri Jul 07 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm Social Hall
• Sat Jul 08 — Parish Council Meeting

• Sun Jul 09 — SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGY Orthros 8:30am Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Mon Jul 10 — St. Joseph of Damascus Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Jul 12 — Early Divine Liturgy (St. Paisios of Athos) 6:00am LIVE STREAM
• Fri Jul 14 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm Social Hall
• Sat Jul 15 — St. Vladimir Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM

• Sun Jul 16 — SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGY Orthros 8:30am Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Tue Jul 18 — Paraklesis to the Theotokos 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Jul 19 — Early Divine Liturgy (St. Paisios of Athos) 6:00am LIVE STREAM
• Thu Jul 20 — Elias the Prophet Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Fri Jul 21 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm Social Hall

• Sun Jul 23 — SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGY Orthros 8:30am Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Mon Jul 24 – Sat Jul 29 — Fr. Hans out of town
• Wed Jul 26 — CANCELLED Early Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
• Thu Jul 27 — Elias the Prophet Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Fri Jul 28 — CANCELLED Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm Social Hall

Humility is as it were a treasure that cannot be stolen, which is formed in the mind that bears the conviction that only by the power of grace received from Christ are their any good qualities to be shown in oneself- that is truth, meekness and righteousness. Venerable Symeon the New Theologian

With your spiritual eyes, you clearly see how the Lord keeps you in obedience to Him through the laws of conscience. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

The heart is the eye of the human being. The purer it is, the quicker, farther, and clearer it can see. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

And when a gentle word of admonition for the correction of an evildoer does not bring him to his senses, then decisive and strict measures must be taken for the suppression of evil. It is for this purpose that there exist in society legitimate authorities and those whose duty it is to preserve order. Archbishop Averky (Taushev)

You would like not to experience any temptations, and yet the enemy daily harasses you by them; provokes and annoys you by every means. Do not become irritated and angered, but say: “Thy will be done.” Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

• 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 (Tsikistas 8/1)
George (Mourgis 8/1)
Barbara (Sason 8/1)
Stelios (Haley 7/1)
Madison (Tewis 6/1)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Makrina and her unborn baby (Kerr)
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)
John (Katsigianopoulos)
George (Chionis)
Mary (Spiropoulos)
Gregory (Pappas)
Angela (Coran K
Eugene (Rust)
Robert (Jarvis)
George (Corey)
Patricia (Cotsones)
Seraphim (Zolio)

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 Third Sunday after Pentecost

The Lord is my strength and my song.
The Lord has chastened me sorely.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans. (5:1-10)

Brethren, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us. While we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Why, one will hardly die for a righteous man—though perhaps for a good man one will dare even to die. But God shows His love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.

Since, therefore, we are now justified by His blood, much more shall we be saved by Him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. Not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received our reconciliation.

GOSPEL

For Third Sunday of Matthew

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (6:22-33)

The Lord said, “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not the soul more than food, and the body more than clothing?

Look at the birds of heaven: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his stature? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon himself in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O men of little faith? Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.”