St. Peter News October 25, 2022

Fifth Sunday of Luke

The Holy Martyrs Zenobius and Zenobia; Apostles Cleopas and Artemas of the Seventy; Venerable Joseph and Kyriakos, patriarchs of Constantinople

The Hieromartyr Zenobius, Bishop of Aegea, and his sister Zenobia

The Hieromartyr Zenobius, Bishop of Aegea, and his sister Zenobia suffered a martyr’s death in the year 285 in Cilicia. From childhood they were raised in the holy Christian Faith by their parents, and they led pious and chaste lives. In their mature years, shunning the love of money, they distributed away their inherited wealth giving it to the poor. For his beneficence and holy life the Lord rewarded Zenobius with the gift of healing various maladies. He was also chosen bishop of a Christian community in Cilicia.

As bishop, Saint Zenobius zealously spread the Christian Faith among the pagans. When the emperor Diocletian (284-305) began a persecution against Christians, Bishop Zenobius was the first one arrested and brought to trial to the governor Licius. “I shall only speak briefly with you,” said Licius to the saint, “for I propose to grant you life if you worship our gods, or death, if you do not.” The saint answered, “This present life without Christ is death. It is better that I prepare to endure the present torment for my Creator, and then with Him live eternally, than to renounce Him for the sake of the present life, and then be tormented eternally in Hades.”

By order of Licius, they nailed him to a cross and began the torture. The bishop’s sister, seeing him suffering, wanted to stop it. She bravely confessed her own faith in Christ before the governor, therefore, she also was tortured.

[…]

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

Services This Week

• SUN Oct 23 — SIXTH SUNDAY OF LUKE Orthros 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Tue Oct 25 — St. Demetrios of Thessaloniki Divine Liturgy 6:30pm EVENING LITURGY LIVE STREAM
• Thu Oct 27 — CANCELLED Paraklesis to the Theotokos 9:30am EVENING LITURGY LIVE STREAM
• Thu Oct 27 — Protection of the Theotokos Divine Liturgy 6:30pm EVENING LITURGY LIVE STREAM

St. Demetrios of Thessaloniki the Myrrh-Flowing 6:30pm on Tuesday October 25, 2022

Saint Demetrios was born in Thesaloniki, Greece in 270 AD. He came from a wealthy family and because he was athletic in appearance and heroic in spirit, he became a high-ranking officer in the Roman Army at a very young age. (This is why he is depicted in Byzantine icons in military dress, either standing or riding a horse.) He considered himself a soldier of Christ first, and a military soldier second. He spent most of his time as a devout missionary, preaching the Gospel at secret meetings and converting pagans to the Christian faith.

At one of these meetings, he was captured and placed in front of the Emperor Maximian, who wanted to learn the truth about the conversions. Saint Demetrios proclaimed his faith by saying: “…only in Christ do I believe.” With that proclamation, Maximian ordered that Saint Demetrios be sent to prison and subjected to the cruelest tortures.

Read the entire history on the St. Demetrios Orthodox Church website.

Protection of the Theotokos 6:30pm on Thursday October 27, 2022

On October 28 in the Holy Orthodox Church, we commemorate the Holy Protection of our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary, that is, her sacred veil (skepi) kept in the treasury of the sacred temple of Blachernae; and we also remember how the righteous Andrew, the Fool for Christ’s sake, beheld it spread out above and covering all the pious.

The Church has always glorified the most holy Mother of God as the Protectress and Defender of the Christian people, entreating, by her intercessions, God’s loving-kindness towards us sinners. Two events are celebrated on this day: the first in tenth-century Constantinople, the second in twentieth-century Greece. On October 1, 911, while Slavic armies threatened the Queen of Cities, the Blachernae Church of the Theotokos held a crowded all-night vigil. Before daybreak, the most holy Mother of God appeared above the people with a veil spread over her outstretched hands, as though to protect them with this covering. Seeing this vision, St. Andrew, the Fool-for-Christ, gestured towards it and asked his disciple, Epiphanios: “Do you see how the Queen and Lady of all is praying for the whole world?” Epiphanios replied: “Yes, Father; I see it and stand in dread.” The Slavic armies stayed away. Ironically, in the twelfth century, the Orthodox Church of Russia began to celebrate the Protection on October 1, even though its ancestors—who had not yet embraced Orthodoxy—were looming near Constantinople.

Before daybreak on October 28, 1940, the Italian ambassador to Greece, representing Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, went to Greek general Ioannis Metaxas with an ultimatum. Italy wanted full control of Greece to occupy “strategic locations”; otherwise it would brutalize the country. General Metaxas shouted “Okhi!” meaning “No!” Thus, Greece was plunged into the Second World War, as Italy burst through, and then Nazi Germany eventually, wreaking havoc and horrors on the Greek people. In 1952, the Orthodox Church of Greece transferred its celebration of the Protection to October 28 in conjunction with “Okhi Day” as a testament to the rejection of European aggression and as a day of national remembrance. The Orthodox Church of Antioch can utilizes this transfer in order to more fully celebrate its sons, Ananias of the Seventy and Romanos the Melodist, on October 1.

Both dates recognize the Ever-virgin’s constant defense whenever we prayerfully seek her protection and shelter in distress and strife. While the Orthodox Church marks one date or the other for the commemoration of the Protection, we must ask the Theotokos to extend her protection and intercession every day of our life.

By the intercessions of the Most Holy Theotokos, O Christ God, have mercy on us. Amen.

Source: Antiochian Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles website.

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

• Thu Oct 27 — CANCELLED Paraklesis to the Theotokos 9:30am EVENING LITURGY LIVE STREAM

Please Note: Academy classes will still be held as scheduled.

Services Moved to Evenings

Evening services in October:

• Tue Oct 25 — St. Demetrios of Thessaloniki Divine Liturgy 6:30pm EVENING LITURGY LIVE STREAM
• Thu Oct 27 — Protection of the Theotokos 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.

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!

September

• TOM HALEY
• Marlene Haley
• Cheryl Morse
• Tim Morse
• Diana Najjar
• Deb Repya
• Elaine Seremetis
• Greogry Seremetis

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.

OCTOBER

• SUN Oct 23 — SIXTH SUNDAY OF LUKE Orthros 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Thu Oct 27 — CANCELLED Paraklesis to the Theotokos 9:30am EVENING LITURGY LIVE STREAM
• Tue Oct 25 — St. Demetrios of Thessaloniki Divine Liturgy 6:30am EVENING LITURGY LIVE STREAM
• Thu Oct 27 — Protection of the Theotokos Divine Liturgy 9:30am EVENING LITURGY LIVE STREAM

• 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

Do not anger Almighty God even by a shade of doubt—especially you, who have already experienced many and many times, the omnipotence of God. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

Many passions are hidden in the soul; they can be checked only when their causes are revealed. St. Hesychius the Theologian of Jerusalem, disciple of St. Gregory the Theologian

What a great personage a priest is! He is in constant converse with God, and God constantly replies to his speech, as whatever the ceremonies of the Church may be, whatever his prayers, he is speaking to God, and whatever the ceremonies of the Church may be and whatever his prayers, the Lord answers him. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

“And the light shines in the darkness”—the Word Who gives mankind the light of true knowledge, does not cease to guide mankind even in the darkness of sin, but the darkness did not apprehend it, that is, people who stubbornly continue in sin prefer to remain in the darkness of spiritual blindness (“and the darkness did not comprehend it. Archbishop Averky (Taushev)

All the labor and all the care of our adversary, says St. Macarius the Great, consists in trying to divert our thought from the rememberance of God and from love for Him. To this end he uses the charm of the world,and draws us away from the true good to false, unreal goods. Venerable Macarius the Great of Egypt

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. James

Sing praises to our God, sing praises.
Clap your hands, all ye peoples.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians. (1:11-19)

Brethren, I would have you know that the Gospel which was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the Church of God violently and tried to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people; so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when He Who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son to me, in order that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were Apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other Apostles except James the Lord’s brother.

GOSPEL

For the Fifth Sunday of Luke)

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (16:19-31)

The Lord said, “There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus in his bosom. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.’

But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’

And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’

He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”