Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
First Sunday of Luke
Martyr Kallistratos and the 49 Martyrs with him; The Apostles Aristarchos, Zenon and Mark of the Seventy
Who Was the Martyr Kallistratos?
The Martyr Kallistratos
Kallistratos was a soldier. One night, one of his colleagues caught him praying and reported him to the harsh commander Persentinus. He ordered Kallistratos to offer sacrifice to idols, which Kallistratos immediately refused to do. Then Kallistratos was harshly beaten and thrown into the sea, but God’s power preserved him, and he emerged from the sea unharmed.
Seeing Kallistratos’ endurance and his miracles, 49 soldiers came to believe in Christ the Lord, and they were beaten and thrown into prison along with him. In prison, Kallistratos instructed his companions in the Faith and encouraged them. They showed great courage in suffering, and the Lord showed great power through them.
The wicked torturer sent soldiers to the prison at night, and they slew Kallistratos and the other 49. They suffered for the truth in 304. On this day, we also commemorate the Apostles Aristarchos, Zenon and Mark of the Seventy. By the intercessions of Thy Saints, O Christ God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Services and Events This Week
- SUN Sep 20 — SUNDAY ORTHROS 8:30am DIVINE LITURGY 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Sep 23 — Early Morning Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Thu Sep 24 — St Silouan / Thekla Divine Liturgy 9:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Sep 25 — St Paisios Brotherhood 7:00pm
- Sat Sep 26 — Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
Fr. Hans Out of Town Monday September 28 – Thursday October 8, 2026
Fr.Hans will be traveling to Greece and Mt Athos (Vatopedi Monastery) for a week and a half after next Sunday. Services will be celebrated by Fr. Kenneth Alonso from the Tampa Bay area. Please give him a warm welcome.
Fr. Paul Gurguis will be available to handle any pastoral emergencies. Please reach him at 509-845-4540 (emergencies only please).
Vespers on Saturday October 3 and Orthros and Divine Liturgy on October 4 will be held. All other services are cancelled. St. Paisios Brotherhood will be held led by Subdeacon Joseph.
Sunday School Update
Thank you to the parents, grandparents and new church members who came into the Sunday school room this last Sunday to register their children. The turnout was heartwarming and it was an absolute pleasure to speak with you.
Classes begin officially this coming Sunday following the dispensing of Holy Communion to Chrismated or Baptized children. The children should go to the head of the line and then gather towards the left to be taken to their classes in a group.
We look forward to a fruitful and great year. Any questions, please call me on my home phone: 239-254-1129.
Georgia Katsigianopoulos
Sunday School Director
Catechumen and Enquirers Class starts on Sunday November 1
The Catechumen and Enquirers Class starts on Sunday the 1st of November. The necessary books will be passed out at the first class, which are: Small Steps into the Kingdom by Fr. Spyridon Bailey and the Pocket Book of Prayers for Orthodox Christians.
There are 14 weekly classes held on Sunday at 12:15, which allows for a coffee break after the liturgy. Classes run about 90 minutes, sometimes longer with discussion. We are family friendly, so bring you little ones if that is easiest for you.
Subdeacon Joseph (the Elder) teaches the class, you may reach out to him if you have questions. Please text him at 860-460-8310, he screens his calls so is unlikely to pick up the phone.
Announcing the Formation of the Sisterhood of Righteous Naomi
Saint Peter‘s is excited to announce the first meeting of the Sisterhood of Righteous Naomi women’s group. Please join us on Saturday, October 3, in the Fellowship Hall at 3:30pm for social time, with meeting to starting promptly at 4pm.
Sisterhood of Righteous Naomi is modeled after Naomi‘s five characteristics of compassion, faith, resilience, loyalty, and humility.
This group is for all women, 16 and older, inquirers, catechumens, newly baptized, cradle Orthodox and everywhere in between.
This group will assist you in growing into your orthodox faith with deep discussions, cross-generational wisdom, and forming a sisterhood bond with fellow sisters who love and support one another.
Questions? please email Teri Peterson at tpeterson1334@gmail.com
From Our Sister Parish – Retreat with Fr. Josiah Trenham
Join us for a refreshing day hearing from Fr. Josiah Trenham! This uplifting conference is for adults and serious teens only as we have no childcare available. Nursing infants welcome.
If you have concerns about being able to attend due to childcare, illness, etc., please fill out the Google form below. We will have a livestream link that is only available to our parish and to those who truly need it. All other inquiries or questions, please email info@stpaulnaples.org.
The focus of the sessions will be on the topic of Family Life: Following Jesus Christ in Your Home.
Parking is limited and carpooling is appreciated. We look forward to this edifying conference! DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS SEPTEMBER 24!
Purchase your tickets here.
In Addition – An Exclusive Evening Event
Attendees will get to enjoy an intimate cocktail reception and a private dinner with a small group of 70 people and Father Josiah Trenham!
Tickets for the elevated dinner are $200 and the evening includes:
6:00-7:00pm – Cocktail Hour with an open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres and a brief, dedicated moment for each individual or couple to speak with Fr. Josiah and get their photo taken with him.
7:00-9:00pm – Dinner and discussion with Fr. Josiah Trenham and Fr. Paul Girgis where Fr. Josiah will answer attendees questions.
Deadline to register is September 30. Tickets will sell fast, don’t miss out! Register here.
Help Eldar Raise Funds for His Cancer Treatment
Eldar Sharashenidze, a member of St. Paul Orthodox Church and a friend of St. Peter’s needs funds to pay for cancer treatment.
Eldar writes on his GoFundMe page:
In 2023, I was diagnosed with lung cancer. I had surgery, and afterward they told me they got all of it. I believed that. I went back to work and did my best to put it behind me.
The cancer is back.
I am going to start everything from the beginning, all the treatments, scans, and appointments, so I do not know yet what treatment will be done this time.
I am not comfortable asking. I have always worked for what I have. But I would rather ask than lose ground while I am fighting this.
Anything helps. And if you cannot give, sharing this with one person who might is worth just as much.
Thank you for reading this and for anything you can do.
Eldar
You can contribute on Eldar’s GoFundMe page.
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.
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.
St. Peter Greeters
Can you volunteer? Please call Joe Repya 612-270-4443.
SUNDAY COFFEE HOURS
Please note: A fruit bowl, veggie or hummus tray may be added to a week’s menu.
September 2026 – Team #3
- Sunday, Sept 6 – “Labor Day Sunday” – Coffee and Hot dog lunch
- Sunday, Sept 13 – Coffee and donuts
- Sunday, Sept 20 – Coffee and bagel
- Sunday, Sept 27 – Coffee and muffins
October 2026 – Sunday Coffee Hours – Team #1
- Sunday, October 4- Coffee and coffee cakes
- Sunday, October 11 – Coffee and donuts
- Sunday, October 18 – POT LUCK
- Sunday, October 25 – Coffee and muffins
November 2026 – Sunday Coffee Hours – Team #2 – Vicki Ullemeyer Group
- Sunday, Nov. 1 – Coffee and bagels
- Sunday, Nov. 8 – Coffee and coffee cakes
- Sunday, Nov. 15 – Coffee and Donuts
- Sunday, Nov. 22 – Coffee and muffins
- Sunday, Nov. 29 – Coffee and bagels
December 2026 – Sunday Coffee Hours – Team #3
- Sunday, Dec 6 – Coffee and coffee cakes
- Sunday, Dec. 13 – Coffee and donuts
- Sunday, Dec. 20 – Coffee and muffins
- Sunday, Dec. 27 – Coffee and bagels
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!
SEPTEMBER
- SUN Sep 20 — SUNDAY ORTHROS 8:30am DIVINE LITURGY 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Sep 23 — Early Morning Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Thu Sep 24 — St Silouan / Thekla Divine Liturgy 9:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Sep 25 — St Paisios Brotherhood 7:00pm
- Sat Sep 26 — Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
- SUN Sep 27 — SUNDAY ORTHROS 8:30am DIVINE LITURGY 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Mon Sep 28 – Thu Oct 8 — Fr. Hans in Greece
- Wed Sep 29 — CANCELLED
Early Morning Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM - Fri Oct 02 — St Paisios Brotherhood 7:00pm
- Sat Oct 03 — Great Vespers 5:30pm with Fr. Kenneth Alonso LIVE STREAM
OCTOBER
- SUN Oct 04 — SUNDAY ORTHROS 8:30am DIVINE LITURGY 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Mon Oct 28 – Thu Oct 8 — Fr. Hans in Greece
- Wed Oct 07 — CANCELLED
Early Morning Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM - Fri Oct 09 — St Paisios Brotherhood 7:00pm
- Sat Oct 10 — CANCELLED
Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
- SUN Oct 11 — SUNDAY ORTHROS 8:30am DIVINE LITURGY 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Oct 14 — Early Morning Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Oct 16 — St Paisios Brotherhood 7:00pm
- Sat Oct 17 — Parish Council Meeting 10:00am
- Sat Oct 17 — Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
- SUN Oct 18 — SUNDAY ORTHROS 8:30am DIVINE LITURGY 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Oct 21 — Early Morning Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Oct 23 — James the Brother of Our Lord Divine Liturgy 9:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Oct 23 — St Paisios Brotherhood 7:00pm
- Sat Oct 24 — Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
- SUN Oct 25 — SUNDAY ORTHROS 8:30am DIVINE LITURGY 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Mon Oct 26 — St. Demetrios Divine Liturgy 9:00am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Oct 28 — Early Morning Divine Liturgy 6:00am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Oct 29 — St Paisios Brotherhood 7:00pm
- Sat Oct 30 — Great Vespers 5:30pm LIVE STREAM
Prayers for Those in Need
Current Prayer List
Daniel (Breitenbach)
Eva (Breitenbach)
Eve Helen
James (Franklin)
Anthea (Tuefel)
Anthony
RJ Schwegler (Breitenbach)
Sonya (Duskas)
Georgia (Katsigianopoulos)
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 (Hurley 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)
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)
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)
Pangiota (Poulos)
Catherine (Forderhase)
Diane (Radford)
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
For the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
God is known in Judah; His Name is great in Israel.
The Reading from the Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. (6:16-7:1)
Brethren, we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will live in them and moveamong them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Therefore come out fromthem, and be separate from them,” says the Lord, “and touch nothing unclean; then I willwelcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says theLord Almighty.” Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from everydefilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God.
GOSPEL
For the First Sunday of Luke
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (5:1-11)
At that time, Jesus was standing by the lake of Gennesaret. And He saw two boats by the lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, Jesus asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when Jesus had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at Thy word I will let down the nets.”
And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the catch of fish, which they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him.
