The Holy Apostle Matthew
Martyr Ephygenia of Ethiopia, disciple of St. Matthew; Fulvian, prince of Ethiopia
The Holy Apostle Matthew
The Holy Apostle was the son of Alphaeus, and a tax collector when the Lord saw him in Capernaum and said: “Follow Me. And he arose, and followed Him (Matthew 9:9).” After that, Matthew received the Lord in his home and thus provided the occasion for the Lord to express several great truths about His coming to earth.
After receiving the Holy Spirit, Matthew preached the Gospel to the Parthians, Medes and Ethiopians. Matthew baptized the wife and the son of the prince of Ethiopia, at which the prince became greatly enraged and dispatched a guard to bring Matthew to him for trial. The soldiers returned to the prince saying that they had heard Matthew’s voice, but could not see him with their eyes.
The prince then sent a second guard. When this guard approached the apostle, he shone with a heavenly light so powerful that the soldiers could not look at him; filled with fear, they threw down their weapons and returned. The prince then went himself. Matthew radiated such light that the prince was instantly blinded. However, the holy apostle had a compassionate heart; he prayed to God, and the prince was given back his sight. Unfortunately, he arrested Matthew and subjected him to cruel tortures. Eventually, after Matthew’s death, the prince repented, was baptized, taking the name “Matthew,” and served as a priest, giving up his princely wealth.
Matthew the Apostle wrote his Gospel in the Aramaic language. It was soon translated into Greek and the Greek text has come down to us, while the Aramaic text has been lost. On this day, we also commemorate the Martyr Ephygenia of Ethiopia, disciple of St. Matthew; and Fulvian, prince of Ethiopia. By the intercessions of Thy saints, O Christ God, have mercy upon us. Amen
Services and Events This Week
- SUN Nov 09 — SUNDAY LITURGY Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Nov 12 — EARLY MORNING LITURGY 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Nov 14 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm
- Sat Nov 15 — CHRISTMAS LENT FASTING BEGINS
- Sat Nov 15 — Parish Council Meeting 10:00am
- Sat Nov 15 — Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
Catechism Classes Continue This Sunday
Classes will be held after Divine Liturgy. Plan a half hour in the Fellowship Hall, then return to the Sanctuary for classes. Classes are required for all seekers who would like to become catechmens, and all catechumens preparing for Baptism. Classes are open to all.
Class outlines and schedule will be distributed at the first class.
The classes will be taught by Subdeacon Joseph Brubaker. We will use Fr. Spyridon Bailey’s “Small Steps into the Kingdom” as our primary text. To sign up and receive a copy of the book please see Sdn. Joseph.
Need a Place to Go on Thanksgiving?
Why not join us at Church? Plan on coming Thursday November 27 at 1:00pm for a great dinner with other parishioners and friends with no place to go. Fr. Hans will be (he’s stranded because Presbytera will be in Chicago) and would love to welcome you!
If you would like to come please sign up in the social hall or call Georgia at church. Plan on bringing a dessert. Turkey and everything else is provided.
Christmas Fast Begins on November 15
On November 15, we begin, with God’s help, the forty-day “Nativity Fast in preparation for the “Feast of the Nativity of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ” on December 25.
The Nativity Fast is divided into two periods. The first period is November 15 through December 19 when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine and oil) is observed with katalysis (relaxation) for wine and oil on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and for fish, wine and oil on Saturdays and Sundays.
The second period is December 20 through 24 when the traditional fasting discipline (“strict fast”: no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine and oil) is observed with katalysis (relaxation) for wine and oil only on Saturday and Sunday.
Just starting out? While fasting is not optional for Orthodox Christians, consider easing into to. Start the fast by observing the Wednesday and Friday fast with no meat. Next year try extending that into more days. Start with no meat, and then extend into no meat and dairy and so forth. We fast to the measure of our ability and it may take some training, like a runner working out to run a race.If you have questions, talk to Fr. Hans
Remember to Keep Up With Your Pledge
The bills are the same in the summer as they are in the winter so please do not fall behind on you pledge.
Support always dips in support but our obligations remain the same. Your consistent support is necessary keep our parish on firm and responsible financial footing.
When You Give to the Good Samaritan Mercy Fund, You Fulfill the Law of Christ
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ (Galations 6:2)
St. Paul teaches us that God’s law, to love God and neighbor, is fulfilled when we bear one another’s burdens. The Good Samaritan Mercy fund helps us do that by helping parishioners who because of catastrophic circumstances face problems that we can help them with. This year is proving greater than past years so any donation you can make to our fund enables us to carry those burdens of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
All support is local, within our parish. Donations are approved by Fr. Hans and Ron Franklin our Parish Council President. Donations remain confidential.
St. John Chrysostom says those who can give receive their abundance from God in order to give. When we give from our abundance a double blessing occurs — one to the recipient in need, and another to him who gives.
Pledge and Income Report — October 2025
The contributions received in October were $16,084
The amount of money needed to cover expenses: $33,785.
For this month we are behind by $17,721.
Year-to-date, we are behind by $50,176.
If you have not already done so, please complete a 2025 pledge form. Your pledge will play a vital role in helping us meet our 2025 budget goals and will support ourpreparations for refinancing our mortgage in March 2026.
St. Peter Orthodox Church
7470 Hickory Drive
Fort Myers FL 33967
Sign up the the Monthly DOMSE Newsletter on the DOMSE (Diocese of Miami and the Southeast) Website!
ST. PETER’S GREETERS
Please note: Volunteers to serve as greeters are needed for December. Please contact Joe Repya if you can serve.
TBA
Can you volunteer? Please call Joe Repya 612-270-4443.
SOCIAL HALL ALL STARS
SUNDAY COFFEE HOURS – FALL MONTHS 2025
Please note: A fruit bowl, veggie or hummus tray may be added to a week’s menu.
- November 2025 – Sunday Coffee Hours – Team #2 – Margie Zimmerman Group
- Sunday, November 2 – Coffee and bagels
- Sunday, November 9 – Coffee and muffins
- Sunday, November 16 – Coffee and donuts
- Sunday, November 23 – Coffee and coffee cake
- Sunday, November 30 – Coffee and muffins
- December 2025 – Sunday Coffee Hours – Team #3
- Sunday, December 7 – Coffee and bagels
- Sunday, December 14 – Coffee and donuts
- Sunday, December 21 – Coffee and coffee cakes
- Sunday, December 28 – Pot Luck
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!
NOVEMBER
- SUN Nov 09 — SUNDAY LITURGY Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Nov 12 — EARLY MORNING LITURGY 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Nov 14 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm
- Sat Nov 15 — CHRISTMAS LENT FASTING BEGINS
- Sat Nov 15 — Parish Council Meeting 10:00am
- Sat Nov 15 — Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
- SUN Nov 16 — SUNDAY LITURGY Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Mon Nov 19 — Lenten Fast Begins
- Wed Nov 19 — EARLY MORNING LITURGY 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Nov 21 — DIVINE LITURGY ENTRANCE OF THE THEOTOKOS INTO THE TEMPLE 9:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Nov 21 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm
- Sat Nov 22 — Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
- SUN Nov 23 — SUNDAY LITURGY Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Nov 25 — DIVINE LITURGY ST KATHERINE THE GREAT MARTYR 9:00am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Nov 24 — EARLY MORNING LITURGY 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Thu Nov 25 — Thanksgiving Day Dinner 1:00pm
- Fri Nov 26 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm
- Sat Nov 27 — Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
- SUN Nov 30 — SUNDAY LITURGY Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Tue Dec 02 — DIVINE LITURGY ST KATHERINE THE GREAT MARTYR 9:00am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Dec 03 — EARLY MORNING LITURGY 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Thu Dec 04 — DIVINE LITURGY ST BARBARA ST JOHM 9:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Dec 05 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm
- Sat Dec 06 — DIVINE LITURGY ST NICHOLAS 9:00am LIVE STREAM
- Sat Dec 06 — Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
Wisdom From The Elders
We have reached a point in the life of humanity when people are saved only through unmurmuring endurance of misfortunes, with faith in God and hope in His merciful kindness. Today no one can find salvation by any other means. Abbot Nikon Vorobiev
One must never attack or oppose anyone. If he who preaches must tell people to keep away from a certain kind of evil, he must do so meekly and humbly, with fear of God. Elder Thaddeus(Strabulovich) of Vitovnica
According to the teaching of St. Isaac the Syrian there are two sorts of knowledge: that which precedes faith and that which is born of faith. The former is natural knowledge and involves the discernment of good and evil. The latter is spiritual knowledge and is “the perception of the mysteries,” “the perception of what is hidden,” “the contemplation of the invisible.” Venerable Justin (Popovic) of Chelije in Serbia
Now it should be clear what the spiritual life consists of, in contrast to the life of the soul and body. The spiritual life consists of satisfying the needs of the spirit, and the needs of the spirit consist of a person’s striving towards God, seeking for living communion with Him, and the desire to live according to God’s will. Archbishop Averky (Taushev
And thus, in as much as the sign of the Cross is great and fearful, every Christian has the duty to make it with fear and trembling, with reverence and heedfulness, and not simply, and not as it happens, simply out of habit and carelessly; for according to the degree of the reverence which one has towards the Cross, he receives corresponding power and help from God. Venerable Symeon the New Theologian
Current Prayer List
Donna Eardley (Pateras)
Jack Eardley (Pateras)
Efstrathios Papadopoulos (Pateras)
Vera Pateras Stathes (Pateras)
Maureen (Breitenbach)
Doug (Kucera)
Katrina (Marianthi)
Katherina (Sovjani)
Arsen (Sovjani)
Arion (Sovjani)
David (Sovjani)
Joe (Repya)
Bp. Nicholas
Mary Teresa (Dusckas)
Adam (Krotov)
Ariyon (Sovjani)
Diana (Veraj)
Arjan (Veraj)
Thoma (Sovjani)
Lucia
Ioannes
Stratton (Leopold)
Mary (Copeland)
Robert (Tewis)
Gene (Forderhase)
Ruth (Mudd)
Barbara (Duskas)
Maria (Duskas)
Rachel (Voss)
Ken John (Eaton)
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)
Arielle (Ghanem 6/1)
Nicholas (Ghanem 6/1)
Christos
Father Demetris
Jamie
Pamela
David
Jessica
Christina (Hildreth)
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)
Archpriest Dionysius (Valentine 9/12)
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
Kh. Denise (Breitenbach)
Fr. Patrick (Breitenbach)
Bonnie Joseph
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)
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)
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
Raymond (Zeena)
Vassilike (Hord)
Helen (Mitchell)
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
His voice has gone out into all the earth.
The heavens declare the glory of God.
The Reading from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. (4:9-16)
Brethren, God has exhibited us Apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are ill-clad and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become, and are now, as the refuse of the world, the off-scouring of all things. I do not write this to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the Gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me.
GOSPEL
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (9:9-13)
At that time, as Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office; and He said to him, “Follow Me.” And he rose and followed Him. And as He sat at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when Jesus heard it, He said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
