St. Peter News November 8, 2022

Eighth Sunday of Luke
St. John Chrysostom, archbishop of Constantinople

Saint John was surnamed Chrysostom (“Golden-mouth”) because of his eloquence. He made exhaustive commentaries on the divine Scriptures and was the author of more works than any other Church Father, leaving us complete commentaries on the Book of Genesis, the Gospels of Saints Matthew and John, the Acts, and all the Epistles of Saint Paul. His extant works are 1,447 sermons and 240 epistles. Twenty-two teachers of the Church have written homilies of praise in his honour. Besides his feasts today and on January 27, he is celebrated as one of the Three Hierarchs on January 30, together with Saint Basil the Great and Saint Gregory the Theologian.

Read the entire history on the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese website.

• 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

St. Nectatrios of Aegina Divine Liturgy on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at 6:30pm

The divine Nektarios of Aegina, is one of the most widely known of Greek Orthodox Saints. He was born on October 1st, 1846 in Silyvria, in Asia Minor (now occupied by Turkey).His great service to the Church, prolific writings and teachings, energy and zeal led Fr Nektarios to be ordained as the Metropolitan of Pentapolis in Egypt.

In 1904, our Saint founded a monastery for women in Aegina, the Holy Trinity Convent. Under his guidance the Convent flourished. In 1908, the Blessed Nektarios, at the age of 62, retired from the Rizarios Ecclesiastical School and withdrew to Holy Trinity Convent in Aegina. There, for the rest of his life as a true monk and ascetic. He served as a confessor and spiritual guide to the nuns and even priests from as far as Athens and Piraeus. His Holy and pious life shone forth like a guiding light to all near him. Many would come to him for healing. Saint Nektarios was a great ëWonder-workerí even while alive.

On September 20, 1920 one of the nuns took him to the local hospital, in spite of his protest. He was convulsing in pain from a long-standing ailment. He was admitted, and placed into a ward reserved for the poor and unwanted. There he stayed for two months among the sick and dying. At 10:30 in the evening of November 8th, although in the midst of terrible pains, in peace and at prayer he gave up his spirit unto God at the age of 74.

As soon as the Saint gave up his Spirit, a nurse came to prepare him for transfer to Aegina for burial. As the nurse removed the Saints sweater, she inadvertently placed it on the next bed, on which a paralytic lay. And O, strange wonder!, the paralytic immediately began to regain his strength and arose from his bed healthy, and glorifying God.

Read the complete story on the Orthodox Christian Info website.

St. John the Merciful Divine Liturgy on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 9:30am

Saint John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria, was born on Cyprus in the seventh century into the family of the illustrious dignitary Epiphanius. At the wish of his parents he entered into marriage and had children. When the wife and the children of the saint died, he became a monk. He was zealous in fasting and prayer, and had great love for those around him.

His spiritual exploits won him honor among men, and even the emperor revered him. When the Patriarchal throne of Alexandria fell vacant, the emperor Heraclius and all the clergy begged Saint John to occupy the Patriarchal throne.

The saint worthily assumed his archpastoral service, concerning himself with the moral and dogmatic welfare of his flock. As patriarch he denounced every soul-destroying heresy, and drove out from Alexandria the Monophysite Phyllonos of Antioch.

He considered his chief task to be charitable and to give help all those in need. At the beginning of his patriarchal service he ordered his stewards to compile a list of all the poor and downtrodden in Alexandria, which turned out to be over seven thousand men. The saint ordered that all of these unfortunates be provided for each day out of the church’s treasury.

[…]

Read the entire biography on the Orthodox Church in America website.

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

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.

St. Peter’s Featured in Dicoese Newsletter “The Light”

Click the image to read the article about St. Peter’s in “The Light,” the monthly newsletter of the Miami Diocese. You can sight up for “The Light” below.

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

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

• MARGIE ZIMMERMAN
• Leon Dephkalion
• Glow Franklin
• Moriah Peterson
• Barbara Sasen
• Will Schwarz
• Anna Tsikitas

DECEMBER

• TOM HALEY
• Marlene Haley
• Cheryl Morse
• Tim Morse
• Diana Najjar
• Deb Repya
• Elaine Semeretis
• Gregory Semeretis

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.

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

A passion which we allow to grow active within us through our own choice afterwards forces itself upon us against our will. St Mark the Ascetic

Note how Ezekiel condemns those who indulge the pleasures of others. In giving way to everyone’s wishes they are treasuring up future punishment for themselves. Venerable Nilus the Faster of Sinai

At a time of affliction, expect a provocation to sensual pleasure; for because it relieves the affliction it is readily welcomed. St Mark the Ascetic

In the depths of each person’s heart lies the knowledge of his immortality. And he is indeed immortal, and that which we call death is a birth into a new life, a transition from one state of being to another. Abbot Nikon Vorobiev

Everyone has the responsibility of understanding the deeper meaning of life… If they did this, then people wouldn’t be mean and petty, nor would they grumble with one another. Saint Paisios of Mount Athos

God is never far away. He is the center of life and its moving force. Elder Thaddeus(Strabulovich) of Vitovnica

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 St. John Chrysostom

My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.
Hear this, all ye people.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. (7:26-8:2)

Brethren, it was fitting that we should have such a High Priest, holy, blameless, unstained,
separated from sinners, exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; He did this once for all when He offered up Himself. Indeed, the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son Who has been made perfect forever. Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a High Priest, one Who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the sanctuary and the true tent which is set up not by man but by the Lord.

GOSPEL

For the Eighth Sunday of Luke

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (10:25-37)

At that time, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read?” And the lawyer answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And Jesus said to him, “You have answered right; do this, and you will live.” But the lawyer, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’

Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” The lawyer said, “The one who showed mercy on him.” And Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”