St. Peter News January 3, 2023

Sunday after the Theophany of Christ

Righteous Mother Domnica of Constantinople and her companions;
Venerable George the Chozebite

Services This Week

• SUN Jan 01 — St. Basil the Great / The Circumcision of Christ in the Flesh Orthros 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Thu Jan 05 — Royal Hours of Theophany 9:00am LIVE STREAM
• Thu Jan 05 — The Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil the Great 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
• Fri Jan 06 — Theophany Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom Orthros 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Fri Jan 06 — The Great Blessing of the Waters 11:00am LIVE STREAM

Voting for the New Metropolitan of the Antiochian Archdiocese on Sunday, December 8, 2023

As many of you know the process has started for the election of a new Metropolitan (Archbishop) of the Antiochian Archdiocese.

Bishops elect bishops and ultimately the new Metropolitan will be elected by the Holy Synod of the Antiochian Church in Syria, Nevertheless, these elections do not happen in a vacuum and Patriarch John has implement the procedures for choosing the new Metropolitan by polling the clergy and laity of the Antiochian Archdiocese of America.

The Holy Synod understands that the new Metropolitan has to be familiar with American culture and the special needs that living in such a highly secularized culture such as ours presents to the faithful. Polling the faithful (through a ballot) will reveal who the clergy and laity think would serve the American church best. All votes are of course anonymous.

Our local election will be held in the social hall following the Divine Liturgy on January 8, 2023.

WHO CAN VOTE?

Baptized or christmated members of St. Peter’s who contribute to the financial stability of the parish.

Complete information is available on the St. Peter website.

NEEDED: Two Volunteers Every Sunday to Act as Front Door Monitors

We need two volunteers every Sunday to be stationed at the front door to greet visitors, answer questions and to keep an eye on safety.

Joe Repya is heading this effort and will create a schedule and assignments. If you can help please give Joe a call at 612-270-4443.

Adult Education: “The Winter Pascha” Series via ZOOM Cancelled on January 5 and 12, 2023

We will be holding the Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil on January 5, and Fr. Hans will be attending the Nominating Convention of January 12. Class resumes Thursday, January 19, 2023.

Bring Your Empty Holy Water Bottles to Church this Sunday

That way we can be sure everyone has some Holy Water to take home.

Catechumen Classes Resume on January 15, 2023

Classes are cancelled through the Nativity/Theophany season.

This will be an Orthodoxy 101 class covering the basics and fundamentals of our Orthodox faith. All catechumens are required to attend but the class is great for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of our Orthodox faith and Church. Anyone may attend. Plan on staying for an hour.

The classes will be held following the Divine Liturgy. Get your coffee, take a short break, then begin the class.

Baby Shower for Amanda Woolf on Sunday January 15, 2003

The Woolf’s are expecting a new baby girl. A small baby shower will be held for them on Sunday, January 15 on the far end of the social hall. Everyone is welcome to offer their congratulations to the family.

If you would like to offer a gift, a baby shower registry is available on Amazon.

Be My Valentine! Valentine’s Day Celebration and Fellowship Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 5:00pm

Enjoy Savory Hors d’oeuvres, Desserts & Dancing in our Parish Fellowship Hall

Bring your own drinks/refreshments

RSVP to Tina Kucera at 239-980-1520 by February 8, 2023

No Charge – Donations Accepted

We Have a Social Hall Coordinator!

With activities increasing we needed someone to coordinate events in the Social Hall. Barbara Sasen is our new Social Hall Coordinator. She will keep track of events and coordinate the work between the Kitchen and Social Hall. Please direct all questions to her.

Any even will require the filling out of an event form. They are located on the counter in the Church Narthex.

Mark Your Calendars for Two Upcoming Retreats!

Saturday, February 4, 2023, 10:00am to 12:00pm – Journey to Pascha by Fr. Hans
An overview of Lent and Holy Week to prepare us for observing these days in an Orthodox manner.

Saturday, March 4, 2023 – St. Peter’s Women’s Retreat “The Prayer of Ephraim” by Presbytera Susan
What the prayer means, when and how to pray the prayer, how it ties into our personal sanctification during Lent. The retreat follows the Saturday of the Souls Divine Liturgy that morning.

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.

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 – Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! May God bless us and our families with good health, peace, prosperity and all our comings and goings throughout this year, guiding our works according to his Divine Will.

So as we step into 2023, let’s be Orthodox on purpose and remember what the Scriptures teaches us: Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God (Hebrews 13:16).

Thank you and IC XC NI KA!

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!

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.

JANUARY

• SUN Jan 01 — St. Basil the Great / The Circumcision of Christ in the Flesh Orthros 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• SUN Jan 01 — CANCELLED Catechism Class 12:15pm
• Thu Jan 05 — Royal Hours of Theophany 9:00am LIVE STREAM
• Thu Jan 05 — CANCELLED St. Nicholas Academy 9:30am
• Thu Jan 05 — The Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil the Great 6:30pm LIVE STREAM
• Fri Jan 06 — Theophany Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom Orthros 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Fri Jan 06 — The Great Blessing of the Waters 11:00am LIVE STREAM

• SUN Jan 08 — THE SUNDAY AFTER THEOPHANY 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• SUN Jan 08 — CANCELLED Catechism Class 12:15pm
• Thu Jan 12 – Sat Jan 14 — Fr. Hans Out of Town
• Thu Jan 12 — St. Nicholas Academy (No liturgy today)
• Thu Jan 12 — CANCELLED “The Winter Pascha” Adult Education 7:00pm on ZOOM / Fr. Hans out of town
• Fri Jan 13 — CANCELLED Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm Social Hall / Fr. Hans out of town

• SUN Jan 15 — THE TWELFTH SUNDAY OF LUKE 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• SUN Jan 15 — Catechism Class 12:15pm
• Tue Jan 17 — St. Anthony the Great Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Jan 18 — Sts. Athanasios and Cyrill Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Wed Jan 18 — St. Macarios the Great Divine Liturgy / St. Nicholas Academy 9:30am
• Thu Jan 19 — “The Winter Pascha” Adult Education 7:00pm on ZOOM
• Fri Jan 20 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm Social Hall

• SUN Jan 22 — THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY OF LUKE 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• SUN Jan 22 — Catechism Class 12:15pm
• Wed Jan 25 — St. Gregory the Theologian Divine Liturgy / St. Nicholas Academy 9:30am
• Thu Jan 26 — Divine Liturgy / St. Nicholas Academy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Thu Jan 26 — “The Winter Pascha” Adult Education 7:00pm on ZOOM
• Fri Jan 27 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm Social Hall

• SUN Jan 29 — SUNDAY OF THE CANAANITE WOMAN 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• SUN Jan 29 — Catechism Class 12:15pm
• Mon Jan 30 — The Three Hierarchs Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Tue Jan 31 — Holy Unmercenaries Cyrus and John Divine Liturgy / St. Nicholas Academy 9:30am
• Thu Feb 02 — GREAT FEAST: PRESENTATION OF THE LORD IN THE TEMPLE / St. Nicholas Academy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
• Thu Feb 02 — “The Winter Pascha” Adult Education 7:00pm on ZOOM
• Fri Feb 03 — Men of St. Paisios 7:00pm Social Hall
• Sat Feb 04 — Journey to Pascha Lenten Retreat 10:00am – 12:00pm Social Hall

Quietude, then, is a necessary ingredient for the develop­ment of prayer, not merely at the times dedicated to this divine act, but as an overriding characteristic of our Life in Christ. If we are constantly talkative and noisy in our worldly affairs, then this is the spirit we will bring to our prayer. Bishop Irenei Steenberg

Let us make our rule moderate, constant abstinence in food and drink. Let us deny ourselves the pleasure of tasty foods and drinks. Let us sleep sufficiently, but not excessively. St. Ignatius (Brianchaninov), Bishop of the Caucasus and the Black Sea

Much time and labor are needed in order to expel the enemy and instate Christ. St. Ignatius (Brianchaninov), Bishop of the Caucasus and the Black Sea

“Our natural love is damaged by the fall,” says Bishop Ignatius. It is poisoned by egoism. One who loves his close ones—either family or friends—with a natural love, loves them to a greater or lesser degree egoistically. This love is always mixed to a certain extent with egoism: in loving someone else, one loves not so much that person, as much as his own feelings for him, thus loving in that person not the other person, but himself. Archbishop Averky (Taushev)

Thus, as St. Paul says (cf. 2 Cor. 5:7), we should press forward on the basis of faith, patiently striving to conform ourselves to God’s will. St. Peter of Damaskos

One who is bold before God and prays for others serves as an intermediary between those seeking help and God. Saint Paisios of Mount Athos

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

Barbara (Dusckas 3/23)
Claire (Dusckas 3/23)
Les (3/23
Lynn (Hurely 1/23)
Irene and unborn baby (Tsikitas 1/23)
Linda (Pappas 1/23)
Ekaterina (Chapekis 1/23)
Mikaela and unborn baby (Irena 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)
Priest Anthony (Karbo 11/22)
Archpriest Dionysius (Valentine 9/12)
Anthony Presbyter (Kerr 10/22)
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

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)
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 Sunday after Theophany of Christ

Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Ephesians. (4:7-13)

Brethren, grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore, it is said, “When He ascended on high He led a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men.” (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that He had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is He who also ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) And His gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

GOSPEL

For the Sunday after Theophany of Christ

The reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (4:12-17)

At that time, when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulon and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulon and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”