Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Sixteenth Sunday of Matthew
After-feast of the Presentation (Meeting) of Christ
St, Parthenios, bishop of Lampsakos; Venerable Luke of Hellas; New-martyr George of Crete
Who is St. Parthenios the Wonderworker, Bishop of Lampsakos?
Saint Parthenios was the son of the deacon Christodoulos from Melitopolis on the Hellespont. Although illiterate, he listened attentively to the reading of Holy Scripture in church, and he did his best to put what he heard into practice. Working as a fisherman, he would give whatever he earned from the sale of his catch to the poor, keeping nothing for himself. His charity became well-known in the area, and Philetos, the Bishop of Melitopolis, obliged him to accept ordination to the priesthood, with a commission to traverse the diocese visiting the Christians in their homes. The grace of God brought forth abundant fruit in him through many miracles and healings. One day, he met a man on the road whose eye had been dislodged by the horn of a bull. He restored the eye to its socket and healed the wound. On another occasion, he cured a woman of a fatal cancer solely by the sign of the Cross. Then again, when a mad dog attacked him, he brought the creature down stone dead with a simple puff of his breath.
Confronted by so many indications of divine favor, Ascholios, the Metropolitan of Cyzicus, consecrated him Bishop of the city of Lampsakos, which was still in the depths of idolatry. By means of fasting, prayers and inspired words, and through the example of his evangelic way of life, the Saint succeeded in converting the city.
When he visited the court of Saint Constantine the Great he was authorized to destroy the pagan temples of Lampsakos and given funds for constructing a church. On the completion of the building, a large stone was being brought to cover the altar when the envious devil caused the oxen to go out of control, resulting in the death the driver who was crushed beneath the wheels of the cart. The Saint immediately addressed a fervent prayer to the Lord, and the dead man was restored to life.
[…]
Read the complete story on the Mystagogy website.
Cafe of Life Ministry
February 11 is around the corner so please help St. Peter’s keep their commitment to the homeless and hungry by donating any amount you can spare.
Let us remember the Scripture Isaiah 58:10 If you give some of your own food to [feed] those who are hungry and to satisfy [the needs of] those who are humble, then your light will rise in the dark, and your darkness will become as bright as the noonday sun.
Have a blessed week.
IC XC NI KA
Women’s Group Meets Wednesday February 10, 2021
We meet at 5:00pm in the Social Hall. All women invited!
Brandon (Michael) Sovjani Home Security and More
Brandon Sovjani (some of us know him as Michael) has started a home networking business (home security, home entertainment, and more). He is a Microsoft Certified Technician and a Certified Ubiquity Networking Agent.
He sets up home security, home entertainment systems, anything that requires networking in your home or business.
At. St. Peter’s we support our businesses, especially those just starting out!
Capital Campaign Update — January 3, 2021
UPDATE: We are still accepting Capital Campaign Donations as we have not yet made our goal. Our goal is $750K and we now have $482K. Thank you for your generous contributions to date.
The Church now has set up a Brokerage account so if anyone wishes to donate stocks or bonds, the Church can accept them.
Our Capital Campaign is going well. So far $482,000 of the $750,000 we need to secure a mortgage to make a bid on the new Church property has been received. That’s over half of our goal!
Download a pledge form on the St. Peter website.
Please remember, churches are hard to come by in Southwest Florida. This property meets our needs because:
- We can afford it (the mortgage will cost no more than what we currently pay in rent; it may even be a little less),
- It has buildings on site that are move-in ready,
- It can accommodate the growth we are experiencing and that will continue.
Many of you have seen our Capital Campaign video. Take a look at it again. It lays out our vision that has guided us to where we are and explains why a move is necessary now.
We are grateful to everyone who has supported our Capital Campaign. Thank you very much for your confidence and trust, and the hope you have in the flourishing of St. Peter’s parish.
Introduction to Orthodoxy Classes on Sunday, February 7, 2021 – FINAL CLASS
Next class Sunday, February 7, 2020. FINAL CLASS.
The class is required for seekers and catechumens and also open to any parishioner who would like to attend. The syllabus will be posted on the website at soon as it is completed and handed out the first day of class.
We will meet after social hall. Get some coffee, have some food and fellowship, and then we break for class.
Pledge & Income Report – December 2020
Donations received in December $25,959.00
Amount of money needed to cover expenses: $18,167.00
We are ahead by $7,792
Thank you for your generosity. Although we are ahead in December, most of the surplus were prepayments of 2021 pledges. When the prepayments are deducted from the December income, we are slight behind for the month.
Please note:Please continue your generous support. If you cannot make it to church please mail in your donation to:
St. Peter Orthodox Church
24850 Old 41 Road Suite 6
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
You can also donate online (scroll to bottom of page):
Bishop NICHOLAS Offers a Weekly Live Stream
These are short thirty minute presentations where His Grace Bp. Nicholas speaks on one theme in Sunday readings for fifteen minutes followed by questions from the listeners. It’s worth tuning in. Get instructions on the St. Peter website on how to use the Band App on your phone or computer to participate.
Calendar At A Glance
Calendar also available on the St. Peter website.
FEBRUARY
- Sun Jan 31 — Orthros 8:30am / Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Mon Feb 01 — John Katsigianopoulos Funeral Visitation 10:00pm. Funeral 11:000pm LIVE STREAM
- Tue Feb 02 — PRESENTATION OF CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Sat Feb 06 — MOVED TO FEBRUARY 20, 2021 St. Paisios Brotherhood Retreat in Venice FL
- Sun Feb 07 — Orthros 8:30am / Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Sun Feb 07 — 12:00pm Catechism Class (Final Class)
- Mon Feb 08 — THEODORE THE COMMANDER AND GREAT MARTYR Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Feb 10 — ST. HARALAMBOS THE HIEROMARTYR Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Feb 10 — Women’s Group / Book Club 5:00pm
- Sun Feb 14 — Orthros 8:30am / Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Feb 17 — THEODORE THE TYRO, GREAT MARTYR Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Feb 19 — PARAKLESIS TO THE THEOTOKOS 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Sat Feb 20 — St. Paisios Brotherhood Retreat in Venice FL
- Sun Feb 21 — Orthros 8:30am / Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Wed Feb 24 — FIRST AND SECOND FINDING OF THE VENERABLE HEAD OF JOHN THE BAPTIST Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM
- Fri Feb 26 — PARAKLESIS TO THE THEOTOKOS 9:30am LIVE STREAM
Wisdom From The Elders
If we become aware of how God cares for us like an all-loving Father, and even more gently, like an adoring mother, then our hearts will be filled to overflowing with ardent and reverent love for Him. Archbishop Averky (Taushev)
How can we overcome the sinfulness that is already firmly established within us? We must use force. A man labours and struggles, and so by the use of force he escapes from destruction, always striving to raise his thoughts to holiness. We are not forbidden to resist force with force. St. John of Karpathos
We cannot achieve salvation in any way other than by transforming our mind, making it different from what it was. Our minds become deified by a special act of God’s Grace. They become passionless and holy. A deified mind is one which lives in remembrance of God at all times. Elder Thaddeus(Strabulovich) of Vitovnica
A frugal diet, steadily maintained — gathering impetus, as it were, from year to year — destroys the impulse to unchastity. Venerable Nilus the Faster of Sinai
Of course, not all those who have given themselves over in slavery to the passions acquire such a horrible external appearance, but in their inner state, in the disposition of their soul, they differ little from the demoniac of the Gospel. They become unsociable, savage, merciless and ferocious—terrifying to others in their savage anger and rage. We do not have to look very far for examples in modern life. Archbishop Averky (Taushev)
But those who would like to live a genuine spiritual life must first of all be satisfied with a few things. When their life is simplified, without too many concerns or nuisances, not only will they be liberated from the worldly spirit, they will also have plenty of time available for spiritual things. Saint Paisios of Mount Athos
Thus, out of desire to humble himself, he always sees himself in his own mind as a useless servant, extraneous to the rank he holds. We too should do the same, fleeing all honour and glory in the overflowing richness of our love for the Lord who loves us so greatly. St. Diadochus, bishop of Photike in Epirus
And what about us? We’re always frowning, always pouting; we don’t feel like singing or doing anything else. We should follow the example of the birds. They’re always joyful whereas we’re always bothered by something. What is it that bothers us? Nothing, really…. Isn’t that right?” Elder Thaddeus(Strabulovich) of Vitovnica
Remember in Your Prayers
The Prayer List has been revamped. To bring order to the list we will do the following:
- Names will remain on the list for two 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.
Current Prayer List (Updated January 11 / Resets February 1)
Barbara (Dusckas 3/21)
Dave (Dusckas 3/21)
Maryann (Breitenbach 3/21)
Irina (Jacobse 3/21)
Lee Joseph (Irina 3/21)
Paola (Jacobse 3/21>
John (Katsigianopoulos 3/21)
Bryce (NA 3/21)
Debbie (Breitenbach 2/21)
Mary (Marianthi 2/21)
Sarah (Wolffe 2/21)
Pauline (Jacobse 2/21)
Benjamin (Jacobse 2/21)
Marcie (Breitenbach 2/21)
Jo Ann (Breitenbach 2/21)
Angela (Fred 12/21)
Despina (Diveris 2/21)
Ronald (Sovjani 2/21)
Katherine (Dusckas 2/21)
Marlene (Tewis 2/21)
Gail (Jacobse 1/21)
Robert (Tewis 1/21)
Sergio (Mary Kazakos 1/21)
Rae (Semeretis 1/21)
Mary (Semeretis 1/21)
Heather (Waterman 1/21)
Zachary (Constantine 1/21)
Peter (Foltz 1/21)
Alexa (Buchanan 1/21)
Rebecca (Aguado 1/2021)
Jacob (Aguado 1/2021)
Baby Mackenzie (Zafiris 12/20
Nolan (Zafiris 12/20)
Permanent Prayer List
Fran (Hansen)
Nina (Krotov)
George (Chapekis)
Franklin (Pyrrson)
George (Chionis)
Stamatia (Jacobse)
Stamatia (Evelyn)
Demetrios (Kuchera)
Theodosios (Palis)
Theodora (Webb)
Helen (Rogers)
Robert (Smith)
Robert (Jarvis)
Presbytera Rosy (in Pakistan)
James (Hord)
Ann (Rellis)
Vassiliki (Kontinos)
Vassiliki (Morekeas)
Founders, Members, and Benefactors 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)
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 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
The Lord will give strength to His people.
Ascribe to the Lord, O sons of God, ascribe to the Lord honor and glory.
The Reading from the Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. (6:1-10)
Brethren, working together with Him, then, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain. For He says, “At the acceptable time I have listened to you, and helped you on the day of salvation.” Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, tumults, labors, watching, hunger; by purity, knowledge, forbearance, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
GOSPEL
For the Sixteenth Sunday of Matthew
The reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (25:14-30, + Luke 8:8)
The Lord spoke this parable: A man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them; and he made five talents more. So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying: “Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.” And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying: “Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.” He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying: “Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sew, and gathering where you did not winnow; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.”
But his master answered him, “You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather where I have not winnowed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.” As Jesus said these things He cried out: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”