St. Peter News March 22, 2022

Third Sunday of Great Lent
Veneration of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross

The Divine Liturgy of St. Basil

Martyr Matrona of Thessalonica;
Martyrs Philetos the Senator, his wife Lydia of Rome and those with them; Paul, Bishop of Corinth

Each of the Sundays of Great Lent has its own special theme. This Sunday’s theme is that in the cross of Christ crucified lies both “the power of God and the wisdom of God” for those being saved (1 Cor 1:24). On this Sunday in the middle of the Lenten season, the cross stands in the middle of the church, not merely to remind the faithful of Christ’s redemption and for them to keep the goal of their Lenten efforts, but also as a reminder: “He who does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me” (Mt 10:38).

Historical theme

The historical theme, as seen in the hymnology, is the victory and joy of the cross, not the suffering. The Church fathers equate the life-giving cross with the tree of life and plant it in the middle of the Lenten pilgrimage. It was the tree that was planted in Paradise; it is to remind the faithful of both Adam’s bliss and how he was deprived from it.

Personal theme

For the catechumens of the early church, and the faithful preparing for Pascha today, the spiritual theme starts to change from personal faith, and personal effort, to Christ. The Church teaches that it is Christ’s cross that saves. One cannot take up his own cross and follow Christ unless one has Christ’s cross which he took up to save mankind. Partaking of this tree, one will no longer die, but will be kept alive.

This is done to refresh, reassure and to encourage those participating in Great Lent. The Church equates the appearance of the cross at this time to the banners and symbols that precede the return of a victorious king. The Epistle reading is from Hebrews 4:14-5:6 and explains Christ’s priesthood, and the Gospel lesson from Mark 8:34-9:1 ends with And He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power.”

At the end of the Divine Liturgy we will process with the Cross inside the Church.

From Orthodoxwiki website.

Fr. Thomas Hopko on “Taking Up Your Cross”

On the third Sunday of Great Lent, we concentrate on the Cross of Christ, and Fr. Tom helps us understand what it means to take up our cross.

Listen here:

Services This Week

• Sun Mar 20 — SUNDAY OF ST. GREGORY PALAMAS – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Mon Mar 21 — Great Compline 6:30pm
• Mon Mar 21 — Cape Coral/Ft. Myers “Man of God” viewing at Belle Tower 6:30pm
• Wed Mar 23 — Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
• Thu Mar 24 — Greek Language School 3:30pm
• Thu Mar 24 — Great Vespers of the Annunciation 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
• Thu Mar 25 — ANNUNCIATION OF THE THEOTOKOS – Orthros 8:30am / Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Fri Mar 25 — Third Stanza Salutations to the Theotokos (Akathist) 6:30pm LIVE STREAM

St. Peter’s Women’s Retreat – Saturday March 26, 2022 at 9:30am

Stewardship 2022

Stewardship letters have been mailed out. God has blessed St. Peter’s. Please fill in your pledge so the work that we have been called to do will continue.

You can also print and download the form on the St. Peter website.

Presanctified Lenten Suppers

Every Wednesday after Presanctified Liturgy on the Wednesdays during Lent, we gather for fellowship over a simple Lenten supper.

Thank you to Marjorie Zimmerman will be organizing the suppers.

Journey to Pascha

Helping Victims of the War in Ukraine

Galyna Seabrooke who has spoken on several occasions on the situation in Ukraine on behalf of our Ukranian parishioners mentioned opportunities to help the victims of the war.

One way to offer humanitarian aid is through a Go Fund Me page. Another is to donate essential items for Ukranian refugees. These items include:

1. Medications (no liquid or sprays allowed)
2. Pain killers / Fever Reducer (aspirin, Tylenol, ibuprophen)
3. Sterile gauzes
4. Elastic bandage wraps
5. Elastic bandages
6. Hydrogel burn bandages
7. Camouflage clothes
8. Knee pads
9. Tactic gloves
10. Thermal underwear for men
11. Hats, gloves, socks

No food items please.

A box will be set up in the church for donations.

We pray that war in Ukraine will end quickly.

Χρόνια Πολλά – Many Years to Theo! 97 Years!

Greek Language School Continues

Classes meet on Thursdays at 3:30pm in the Sunday School room.

A Few Good Men – Best Altar Servers in All of Orthodoxy!

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.

Many wonderful things are happening here at St. Peter’s and one of them is supporting the hungry and homeless at the Cafe of Life. This mission is possible due to your generous donations and support.

“For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.”Deuteronomy 15:11

Thank you, God bless and IC XC NI KA!

Praise the Lord, last Sunday St. Peter’s Church celebrated its one year anniversary at the Fort Meyers location. We are very fortunate and blessed. And yet, considering all that is going on in the world today, we need to be reminded of the following:

Do not look forward in fear to the changes in life. Rather, look to them with full hope that as they arise, GOD, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand it, GOD will carry you in his arms. Do not fear what may happen tomorrow. The same understanding Father who cares for you today will either shield you from suffering or give you unfailing strength to bear it. Trust in Him.

Thank you, God bless and IC XC NI KA!

Man of God (St. Nektarios) Movie Coming to Fort Myers/Naples on Monday March 21/28, 2022

A special showing of “Man of God,” an award winning feature film about the life of St. Nektarios is coming to Southwest Florida on Monday, March 21 and March 28, 2022. Fr. Hans has already seen the film and gives it five stars.

We can go view the film as a parish. Since we have parishioners in both the Cape Coral/Ft. Myers and Naples areas, two locations and dates are offered to see this film as a parish.

Cape Coral and Ft. Myers

Completed.

Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero

Monday, March 28, 2022 meet at 6:30pm (show time 7:00pm) at:

Regal Coconut Point
8021 Cinema Way
Estero, FL

Please note that we will not hold the Great Compline on March 28, 2022.

Keep in mind that St. Nektarios has performed miracles in our parish including the healing of cancer and other maladies.

Furniture Available

All furnishings are available at Mediterra in north Naples anytime after 8 April. A photo of the front (Carriage House) is included as there are stairs involved in removing the furniture.

All furniture is included — wall art, carpets, lighting and ceiling fans — at no charge. The furnishings are heavy, bring muscled friends! Denise requests that a donation for the furniture be made out St. Peter’s Church instead.

If you are interested please contact:

Denise Loisou Garbis at (202) 438-7400.

Save the Date! DOMSE Parish Life Conference June 15-18, 2022

Learn more on the DOMSE website.

Pledge & Income Report – February 2022

Donations received in February: $25,767.
Amount of money needed to cover expenses: $37,209.
We are ahead by $13,095.

Thank you to all who paid their 2022 stewardship in advance!

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.

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

March 6 – March 27

• Leon Dephkalion
• Marlene Haley
• Tom Haley 239-887-0753
• Cheryl Morse
• Tim Morse
• Diana Najjar
• Debbie Repya
• Elaine Semeretis
• Gregory Semeretis

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.

The handicap areas nearest the front door have wider access. If you park in the handicap area but don’t need wider access, please avoid the space nearest the front door. These spots are exclusively for those parishioners who need wheelchair access, which for now is one parishioner.

Calendar At A Glance

Calendar also available on the St. Peter website.

MARCH

• Sun Mar 20 — SUNDAY OF ST. GREGORY PALAMAS – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Mon Mar 21 — Great Compline 6:30pm
• Mon Mar 21 — Cape Coral/Ft. Myers “Man of God” viewing at Belle Tower 6:30pm
• Wed Mar 23 — Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
• Thu Mar 24 — Greek Language School 3:30pm
• Thu Mar 24 — Great Vespers of the Annunciation 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
• Thu Mar 25 — ANNUNCIATION OF THE THEOTOKOS – Orthros 8:30am / Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Fri Mar 25 — Parish Council Meeting 3:30pm
• Fri Mar 25 — Third Stanza Salutations to the Theotokos (Akathist) 6:30pm LIVE STREAM

• Sun Mar 27 — SUNDAY OF THE HOLY CROSS – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Mon Mar 28 — CANCELLED Great Compline 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
• Mon Mar 28 — Naples/Estero “Man of God” viewing at Coconut Point 6:30pm
• Wed Mar 30 — Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
• Fri Apr 01 — Third Stanza Salutations to the Theotokos (Akathist) 6:30pm LIVE STREAM

• Sun Mar 27 — SUNDAY OF THE VENERATION OF THE CROSS LIVE STREAM
• Mon Mar 28 — Great Compline 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
• Wed Mar 30 — Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
• Thu Mar 31 — Greek Language School 3:30pm
• Fri Apr 01 — Fourth Stanza Salutations 6:30pm LIVE STREAM

APRIL

• Sun Apr 3 — SUNDAY OF ST. JOHN OF THE LADDER LIVE STREAM
• Mon Apr 4 — Great Compline 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
• Wed Apr 6 — Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
• Thu Apr 7 — Greek Language School 3:30pm
• Thu Apr 7 — NOTE DATE CHANGE Complete Salutations/Akathist Hymn 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
• Fri Apr 7 – Sat Apr 8 — Fr. Hans Out of Town

• Sun Apr 10 — SUNDAY OF ST. MARY OF EGYPT LIVE STREAM
• Mon Apr 11 — Great Compline 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
• Wed Apr 13 — Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
• Thu Mar 14 — Greek Language School 3:30pm
• Fri Apr 15 — Small Compline with Canon of St. Lazarus 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
• Sat Apr 16 — Lazarus Saturday Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
  Baptism / Make crosses / Pancake breakfast / Children confessions – Full Schedule TBA

HOLY WEEK

• Sun Apr 17 — PALM SUNDAY LIVE STREAM
  Brunch in Social Hall following Divine Liturgy
  Bridegroom Service 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
• Mon Apr 18 — HOLY MONDAY – Bridegroom Service 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
• Tue Apr 19 — HOLY TUESDAY – Bridegroom Service 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
• Wed Apr 20 — HOLY WEDNESDAY – Holy Unction 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
• Thu Apr 21 — HOLY THURSDAY – Liturgy of the Last Supper 9:30am LIVE STREAM
  Reading of the Twelve Gospels 6:00pm (note earlier time) LIVE STREAM
• Fri Apr 22 — HOLY FRIDAY – Royal Hours 9:00am LIVE STREAM
  Decoration of Tomb of Christ 10:30am
  Taking Christ Down from the Cross 3:00pm LIVE STREAM
  Lamentations 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
• Sat Apr 23 — HOLY SATURDAY – First Resurrection Service 9:30am LIVE STREAM
  Great and Holy Pascha 10:00pm LIVE STREAM
• Sun Apr 24 — Agape Vespers 11:00am LIVE STREAM
  Paschal Dinner in Social Hall 1:00pm / Easter egg hunt for children

Wisdom From The Elders

Prayer saves from all afflictions. Archbishop Seraphim (Sobolev) of Bogucharsk

Be diligent and avoid idleness. For as diligence is pleasing to God, so idleness on the contrary, as a source of every evil, is a sin very offensive to God. St. Theophan the Recluse

When you were straggling hard and had no assaults, how did you think about yourself? – Elder, I was a small saint then but now, I am the worst of all. – Well done, may you be blessed. Now, you are speaking correctly. All our struggles and efforts have to make us humble in the end. You were never a saint but the grace of God protected you and you thought that state was your own. That’s why grace left you, to make you realise who you are. However, grace will return with confession. Elder Arsenios Galanopoulos, the Cave Dweller

Do not be irritated with him who bears malice against you and often wounds you by finding fault with you, but be compassionate to him, love him, saying: It is not he or she that is so full of malice against me, but it is the Devil who rages against me through them, and they themselves, poor creatures, are only tempted by him. As soon as this temptation ceases they will be kind again. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

You must take the utmost care not to compare yourself with others in any respect, but always to put yourself below others, although you may really be better or equal to others in some respects. We should believe James the Apostle when he writes: ‘Let every man be swift to hear and slow to speak’ (Jas. 1:19). St. John of Karpathos

Remember in Your Prayers

List has been updated. If you want some names restored, please mention it to Fr. Hans.

• 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 February 21 / Resets March 1.

Current Prayer List

Steven (Breitenbach)
Gabrielle (Lowell 5/22)
Andrea, Yelena, newborn baby (Protpapadakis 4/22)
George (Haynes 4/21)
Kayla (Palentine 4/21)
Katherine (Jacobse 3/22)
Daniel, Fr. Deacon (Jacobse 3/22)
Lev (Jacobse 3/22)
Basil (Jacobse 3/22)
Linda M. (Dusckas 3/22)
Barbara (Dusckas 3/22)
Fr John (Jacobse 3/22)
Angel (Ghanem 3/22)
John (Duskas 3/22)
Nancy (Coin 3/22)
Nicholas (Ghanem 1/22)
Arielle (Ghanem 1/22)
Georgia (Sarros 1/22)
Kerri (Dusckas 1/21)

Permanent Prayer List

Corgette (Troutman)
Irina (Irina)
Seraphim (Irina)
Lidia (Irina)
Sarina (Ghanem)
Kasiani, Jordan and their unborn child (Chapekis)
Debbie (Breitenbach)
Kathy (Breitenbach)
Hope (Isadore)
John (Long)
Pantelis (Tsikita)
Marisa (Tsikita)
Barbara (Dionysopoulos)
Patricia (Evanoff)
Gabriel (Mankus)
Baby Dani (Repya)
Maria and her newborn baby (Diveris)
Despina (Diversis)b
Fredericos (Diveris)
Sophia (D. Constantine)
Herman (Kerr)
Innocent (Kerr)
Nicholas (Kerr)
Paola (Jacobse)
Gregory (Yankopolos)
Soterios (Ninos)
Pauline (Poulos)
Sergio (Kazakos)
Fran (Hansen)
Nina (Krotov)
Franklin (Pyrrson)
George (Chionis)
Stamatia (Evelyn)
Demetrios (Kuchera)
Theodosios (Palis)
Theodora (Webb)
Robert (Smith)
Robert (Jarvis)
Presbytera Rosy (in Pakistan)
James (Hord)
Vassiliki (Kontinos)
Vassiliki (Morekeas)

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)
Lev
Lindsay (Semeretis)
Mary Lou

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

O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance.

Unto Thee, O Lord, will I cry, O my God!

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. (4:14-5:6)

Brethren, since we have a High Priest, Who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Sonof God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathizewith our weaknesses, but One Who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt Himself tobe made a high priest, but was appointed by Him Who said to Him, “Thou art My Son, today I have begotten Thee”; as He says also in another place, “Thou art a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”

GOSPEL

For the Third Sunday of Great Lent

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Mark. (8:34-9:1)

The Lord said, ‘If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” And Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.’