Seventh Sunday of Luke
Paul the Confessor, Archbishop of Constantinople; Venerable Luke of Sicily; Paul of Corinth, the fool-for-Christ
Paul the Confessor, Archbishop of Constantinople
Our father among the saints Paul the Confessor or Paul I of Constantinople lived during the fourth century, and served as Archbishop of Constantinople during three periods: from 337 to 339, from 341 to 342, and from 346 to 351.
The Arians, led by the Eastern emperor, Constantius, revolted against the election of Paul to his see. Emperor Constantius held a council, banishing Paul and electing in his stead Eusebius of Nicomedia. Eusebius also banished other Orthodox bishops to Rome. After Eusebius died, Paul returned to Constantinople. Although he was greeted warmly by the people, Emperor Constantius once again banished him to Rome. The Western emperor, Constans, returned Paul to Constantinople with a threatening letter to his eastern co-ruler, resulting in Paul’s reinstatement as archbishop.
After Constans was murdered in a palace coup, Paul was banished again, but now to Cucusus in Armenia. There, celebrating the Divine Liturgy, Arians came upon him and strangled him with his omophorion.
In 381, Emperor Theodosius the Great transferred St. Paul’s relics to Constantinople. Nearly a thousand years later, in 1326, they were further moved to Venice.
Source: OrthodoxWiki.
Services This Week
- SUN Oct 30 — FIFTH SUNDAY OF LUKE Orthros 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Tue Nov 01 — Sts. Kosmas and Damian Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Thu Nov 03 — Acepsimas the Bishop, Joseph the Presbyter, and Aeithalas the Deacon, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
Sts. Kosmas and Damian 9:30am on Tuesday November 1, 2022
Sts. Kosmas and Damian suffered at Rome in the reign of the emperor Carinus (283-284). Brought up by their parents in the rules of piety, they led strict and chaste lives, and they were granted by God the gift of healing the sick. By their generosity and exceptional kindness to all, the brothers converted many to Christ. The brothers told the sick, “It is not by our own power that we treat you, but by the power of Christ, the true God. Believe in Him and be healed.” Since they accepted no payment for their treatment of the infirm, the holy brothers were called “unmercenary physicians.”
Their life of active service and their great spiritual influence on the people around them led many into the Church, attracting the attention of the Roman authorities. Soldiers were sent after the brothers. Hearing about this, local Christians convinced Sts Cosmas and Damian to hide for a while until they could help them escape. Unable to find the brothers, the soldiers arrested instead other Christians of the area where the saints lived. Sts Cosmas and Damian then came out of hiding and surrendered to the soldiers, asking them to release those who had been arrested because of them.
At Rome, the saints were imprisoned and put on trial. Before the Roman emperor and the judge they openly professed their faith in Christ God, Who had come into the world to save mankind and redeem the world from sin, and they resolutely refused to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. They said, “We have done evil to no one, we are not involved with the magic or sorcery of which you accuse us. We treat the infirm by the power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and we take no payment for rendering aid to the sick, because our Lord commanded His disciples, “Freely have you received, freely give” (Mt. 10: 8).
The emperor, however, continued with his demands. Through the prayer of the holy brothers, imbued with the power of grace, God suddenly struck Carinus blind, so that he too might experience the almighty power of the Lord, Who does not forgive blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Mt. 12:31). The people, beholding the miracle, cried out, “Great is the Christian God! There is no other God but Him!” Many of those who believed besought the holy brothers to heal the emperor, and he himself implored the saints, promising to convert to the true God, Christ the Savior, so the saints healed him. After this, Sts Cosmas and Damian were honorably set free, and once again they set about treating the sick.
Read the entire article on the OrthodoxWiki website.
Memory of the holy Martyrs Acepsimas, Joseph, and Aeithalas; and of the Consecration of the Church of the Holy Great-Martyr George in Lydda 9:30am on Thursday November 03, 2022
This Divine Liturgy is held in conjuction with the St. Nicholas Academy that meets every Thursday.
St. Nicholas Academy and Thursday Liturgies
Two families of St. Peter’s have established a home school cooperative that will meet every Thursday at St. Peter’s. The day begins with a Divine Liturgy to which all parishioners are invited to attend. The chanting will be done by the students. Liturgies begin at at 9:30am
Please Note: Academy classes will still be held as scheduled.
Services Moved to Evenings
Evening services in November / December:
- Tue Nov 08 — Eve of St. Nektarios of Aegina Divine Liturgy 6:30pm EVENING LITURGY LIVE STREAM
- Mon Nov 21 — Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple Divine Liturgy 6:30pm EVENING LITURGY LIVE STREAM
- Fri Dec 02 — St. Porphyrios Divine Liturgy 6:30pm EVENING LITURGY LIVE STREAM
Fr. Hans Out of Town Saturday November 5 Through Monday November 7, 2022
He will participating in a wedding in Chicago, Illinois. Fr. Constantine Aliferakis will substitute. Fr. Constantine requests that all parishioners that receive communion by the priest turning the spoon inside the mouth to abstain from receiving communion. Also, catechumen prayers and catechumens coming for a blessing will be suspended this Sunday.
Mark Your Calendar: Pot Luck Dinner on Saturday, November 12 at 5:00pm
Potluck dinners are resuming. Always popular and loaded with good food, the dinners are a low-key time of fellowship and good-will. Since Covid and the move to the new property we have not had any. It’s time to bring this great local tradition back!
Our custom is to ask someone in the congregation to make a presentation. At one dinner we heard about Max’s escape from the Albanian communists. At another Pavlo taught us ball room dancing. This dinner will feature Joseph Mudd give a presentation on the recent trip to Mt. Athos that Fr. Hans led with eleven other men.
Register for Winter Camp Ages 12-17
Click the image of go here for more information.
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.
Several people have asked how they can leave a legacy for St. Peter’s. Thanks to the good work of Joe and Debbie Repya, St. Peter’s has developed a guide for anyone who would like to consider a gift to the parish in their estate planning.
Our vision at St. Peter’s is to become a church where anyone who is seeking Christ can find him. It happens when Christ calls them. But it also haappens because there is a parish to which our Lord and Savior can bring them. That’s our part of the work.
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 – Giving for the Devastation of Hurricane Ian
These passed few weeks Floridians have experienced the worst devastation ever from a storm surge called hurricane Ian. Some had minimum damages, Praise be to God, while many others lost their homes, personal possessions and loved ones.
Now more ever our Christian duty is to open our homes and extend our hospitality to those impoverished due to Ian.
So please be extra charitable and give your donations to Father Hans who is cognizant of families suffering right now and remember: But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (John 3:17-18).
Thank you and IC XC NI KA!
Pledge & Income Report – September 2022
Contributions received in September: $31,641.
Amount of money needed to cover expenses: $24,114.
We are ahead by $7,527.
Every year we need an extra push in the summer to keep our income current. Please keep up with you pledge so we can keep current with our bills.
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!
NOVEMBER
No posted yet.
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.
- 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.”
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
- SUN Oct 30 — FIFTH SUNDAY OF LUKE Orthros 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Tue Nov 01 — Sts. Kosmas and Damian Divine Liturgy 6:30am EVENING LITURGY LIVE STREAM
- Thu Nov 03 — Acepsimas the Bishop, Joseph the Presbyter, and Aeithalas the Deacon, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Nov 04 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm Social Hall
NOVEMBER
- SUN Nov 06 — SEVENTH SUNDAY OF LUKE Orthros 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Tue Nov 08 — Eve of St. Nektarios of Aegina Divine Liturgy 6:30pm EVENING LITURGY LIVE STREAM
- Thu Nov 10 — St. Nicholas Academy Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Nov 11 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm Social Hall
- Sat Nov 12 — St. John the Merciful Patriarch of Alexandria Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Sat Nov 12 — Potluck Dinner “Pilgrimage to Mt. Athos” 5:00pm
Christmas Lent and Fasting Starts November 15.
- SUN Nov 13 — EIGHTH SUNDAY OF LUKE Orthros 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Nov 15 — St. Matthew the Apostle Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Thu Nov 17 — St. Nicholas Academy Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Nov 08 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm Social Hall
- SUN Nov 20 — NINTH SUNDAY OF LUKE Orthros 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Mon Nov 21 — Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple Divine Liturgy 6:30pm EVENING LITURGY LIVE STREAM
- Thu Nov 17 — CANCELLED
St. Nicholas Academy Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM - Fri Nov 25 — St. Katherine Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Nov 26 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm Social Hall
- SUN Nov 27 — THIRTEENTH SUNDAY OF LUKE Orthros 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Nov 30 — St. Andrew the First Called Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Thu Dec 01 — St. Nicholas Academy Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Dec 02 — St. Porphyrios Divine Liturgy 6:30pm EVENING LITURGY LIVE STREAM
- Fri Dec 02 — Men of St. Paisios following the Divine Liturgy (8:00pm) Social Hall
Nevertheless, even after baptism Satan still acts on the soul, often, indeed, to a greater degree than before. This is not because he is present in the soul together with grace; on the contrary, it is because he uses the body’s humours to befog the intellect with the delight of mindless pleasures. God allows him to do this, so that a man, after passing through a trial of storm and fire, may come in the end to the full enjoyment of divine blessings. St. Diadochus, bishop of Photike in Epirus
Kissing with the lips corresponds to kissing with the soul; and when we kissholy things [icons, relics, the chalice], we ought to kiss them with the souland heart as well as the lips. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt
The flesh overthrows all the impulses of the spirit, and will not let it rise and come to its full power. The spirit will then be the slave of the flesh. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt
It is through victories in small things that the fathers won their great battles. St. Peter of Damaskos
Cleanse your heart during all your life, so that it, or your soul, may be capable of seeing God afterwards; only care for your body and its requirements as much as is necessary for maintaining its health, power, and decency. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt
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
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)
Abott Tryphon (Jacobse 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)
Alberta (Dusckas 8/22)
Connie (Dusckas 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)b
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 Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost
O Lord, how magnified are Thy works.
In wisdom hast Thou made them all.
Bless the Lord, O my soul.
The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians. (2:16-20)
Brethren, you know that a man is not justified by works of the Law but through faith in Jesus Christ. Even we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the Law, because by works of the Law shall no one be justified. But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we ourselves were found to be sinners, is Christ then an agent of sin? Certainly not! But if I build up again those things which I tore down, then I prove myself a transgressor. For I through the Law died to the Law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ Who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me.
GOSPEL
For the Seventh Sunday of Luke
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (8:41-56)
At that time, there came to Jesus a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue; and falling at Jesus’ feet he besought Him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As Jesus went, the people pressed round Him. And a woman, who had had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had spent all her living upon physicians, and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind Him, and touched the fringe of His garment; and immediately her flow of blood ceased.
And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched Me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the multitudes surround Thee and press upon Thee! And Thou sayest, ‘Who touched Me?’” But Jesus said, “Someone touched Me; for I perceive that power has gone forth from Me.” And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before Him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed. And Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”
While Jesus was still speaking, a man from the ruler’s house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she shall be well.” And when Jesus came to the house, He permitted no one to enter with Him, except Peter and James and John, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and bewailing her; but Jesus said, “Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand Jesus called, saying, “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and Jesus directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed; but He charged them to tell no one what had happened.
