The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden
Sunday of Forgiveness (Cheese Fare)

Martyr Kodratos of Corinth and his Five Companions; Anastasia the Patrician of
Alexandria; New-Martyr Michael of Thessalonica

The Sunday of Forgiveness, the last of the preparatory Sundays before Great Lent, has two themes: it commemorates Adam’s expulsion from Paradise, and it accentuates our need for forgiveness. There are obvious reasons why these two things should be brought to our attention as we stand on the threshold of Great Lent.

One of the primary images in the Triodion is that of the return to Paradise. Lent is a time when we weep with Adam and Eve before the closed gate of Eden, repenting with them for the sins that have deprived us of our free communion with God. But Lent is also a time when we are preparing to celebrate the saving event of Christ’s death and rising, which has reopened Paradise to us once more (Luke 23:43). So sorrow for our exile in sin is tempered by hope of our re-entry into Paradise.

The second theme, that of forgiveness, is emphasized in the Gospel reading for this Sunday (Matthew 6:14-21) and in the special ceremony of mutual forgiveness at the end of the Vespers on Sunday evening. Before we enter the Lenten fast, we are reminded that there can be no true fast, no genuine repentance, no reconciliation with God, unless we are at the same time reconciled with one another.

A fast without mutual love is the fast of demons. We do not travel the road of Lent as isolated individuals but as members of a family. Our asceticism and fasting should not separate us from others, but should link us to them with ever-stronger bonds.

Read more on the Greek Orthodox website.

Attn: Ladies! First Women’s Bible Study on Wednesday, March 6 at 7:00pm

The men have their own study and now the women do too! The studies will meet concurrently (men and women on the same night alternating with the Community Study every other Wednesday).

This is the first study. It will break for the Lenten period and pick up when Lent and Holy are completed.

The study will be led by Prebytera Sue.

See the verses to be studied on the St. Peter website.

Fr. Hans Out of Town March 7-9, 2019

He will be attending the Chastity, Purity, Integrity: Orthodox Anthropology and Secular Culture in the 21st Century conference at Holy Trinity Seminary, in New York.

In case of pastoral emergency please contact Fr. Paul Girgis at 509-845-4540.

St. Peter’s Community Luncheon on Thursday, March 7, 2019 at 12:00pm

Menu
Homemade Pastichio
Greek Salad with Feta Cheese and Kalamata Olives
Bread, Dessert, Beverage

You are invited to join your St. Peter’s friends for lunch and fellowship at 12 noon on Thursday, March 7, at 12:00pm.

Barbara Dionysopoulos and friends are preparing a delicious meal for all our members. Come and join us to enjoy some good food and the company of your friends. Make some new friends too and get to know other parishioners.

Reservations are required! Please call Barbara at 239-826-1655 or sign up in the Social Hall after Divine Liturgy.

The cost is $5 per person. After food expenses all donations benefit the St. Peter building fund.

Second Saturday of the Souls on March 9, 2019 CANCELLED

The Second Saturday of the Souls Liturgy scheduled for Saturday, March 9 has been cancelled.

There will be no more Saturday of the Souls liturgies this Lent.

St. Peter’s General Assembly Meeting, Sunday, March 10, 2019

Be sure to attend

St. Peter’s will hold it second annual General Assembly meeting on Sunday, January 21, 2018 following the Divine Liturgy. St. Peter’s is growing and we are establishing our systems and procedures for greater stability in the long term.

The Parish Council will report on the state of the parish and discuss vision, budgets and other necessary items for long term planning.

Forgiveness Vespers, Sunday, March 10, Following General Assembly

Forgiveness Vespers, the service before Great Lent starts on Monday, is the time where we ask each other for forgiveness for any offense of disrespect we might have committed toward each other.

This is a service of renewal and the proper way to enter the Lenten Cycle.

St. Peter / St. Paul Spiritual Saturday Women’s Retreat on Saturday, March 16, 2019

All women invited!

Please RSVP to Anne Breitenbach at either:

• 239-313-0749 (text or phone)
• anne-breitenbach@hotmail.com
• at Church on Sundays

Would you Like to take a Deep Dive into the Events of the Resurrection?

If so, email Deacon John Howard at frdnjohn@gmail.com as soon as possible.

10-week course ONLINE (from your home) beginning this Thursday, March 7th at 7 pm – 8:30 pm EST

We will learn why understanding the events surrounding the Resurrection are so critical in our lives and deserves study

We will examine how our faith and the bible are historically reliable

Finally we will go deep into the Resurrection Accounts

Interested? If so, email Deacon John at frdnjohn@gmail.com as soon as possible.

NOTE: This in an ONLINE course that will meet every Thursday night at 7 pm EST starting this week March 7th, Thursday night.

I will be using ZOOM software. It is a very easy download the first time you connect. All you need is a computer, an internet connection, a bible and a quiet place. A headset would be good but not necessary.

Again, if interested email me back soon! Thank you.

Gods Blessings,

Deacon John Howard

Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers on Sunday, March 17, 2019 at 5:00pm

History is memory. If we forget our past we won’t know who we are or where we are headed.

Area Orthodox Church will gather on the Sunday of Orthodoxy, March 17 at 5:00pm at St. Paul’s Orthodox Church (get map) to commemorate the Triumph of Orthodoxy.

St. Peter Second Annual Bake Sale

Order your treats for Pascha by March 24 and have them delivered on Sunday, April 7 or April 17.

Items include: Spanikopita (Spinach Pie), Tiropita (Cheese Pie), Baklava, and Koulourakia (Cookies).

Order forms, pick up instructions, and more are available at Church and also on the St. Peter website.

Please note: All orders must be in by March 24, 2019.

Lent and Holy Week Schedule Posted

Click the image to view and print. Copies will also be available at Church.

Lenten Supper Schedule

Following the Presanctified Liturgies on Wednesday evenings during Great Lent, we share in a Lenten supper. During the supper a short program will be held. This year’s theme is “Orthodox Saints” and it is being organized by Nancy Forderhase.

• March 13 Wednesday Corgette Troutman
• March 20 Wednesday Corgette Troutman
• March 27 Wednesday Barbara Dionysopoulos
• April 03 Wednesday Katina Protopapadakis
• April 10 Wednesday Mary Copelan
• April 17 Wednesday Anne Breitenbach

Thank you ladies!

New Member Classes and Bible Studies

Cathechumen/New Member class on Mondays at 7:00pm. Catechumens are required to attend but anyone seeking a better understanding of the Orthodox faith is encouraged to attend as well.

General and Mens and Women’s Bible studies on alternating Wednesdays. See schedule below.

St. Demetrios Brotherhood ia cancelled. Fr. Hans out of town.

Please note: All classes are suspended after March 10 due to Lenten services. We will pick up after Lent

Our Stewardship to St. Peter’s: The Tree Must Bear Fruit

Please return your Stewardship Support of St. Peter’s for 2019.

We are responsible to increase what God has given us. In the Parable of the Talents, the master gave his servants talents that they are expected to nurture and grow. This is a responsibility we cannot avoid.

The Church is both a place where the increase begins on the inside of us, and to which we much give some our increase. This too is a responsibility we must take on.

A contribution form will be included in the letter you receive. Our goal this year is $200,000. We must meet this goal to avoid using our reserves. If we spend our reserves, we will not be able to obtain a mortgage to buy or build when the time comes to do so (and it will come sooner than later).

All of us may have to squeeze a bit to meet this goal. But if give, the Church flourishes and that flourishing spills over into our lives as well and the lives of our families.

We must increase what we have been given by God.

Calendar At A Glance

Note: Lent and Holy Week Schedule available on the St. Peter website.

MARCH

• Wed Mar 6 — Men’s Bible Study at 7:00pm
• Wed Mar 6 — Women’s Bible Study at 7:00pm
• Thu Mar 7 – Sat Mar 9 — Fr. Hans out of town
• Thu Mar 7 — Community Luncheon at 12:00pm
• Thu Mar 7 — CANCELLED St. Demetrios Brotherhood at 7:00pm
• Sat Mar 9 — CANCELLED Second Saturday of the Souls Liturgy AT ST. PAUL’S 9:00am

• Sun Mar 10 — SUNDAY OF FORGIVENESS / CHEESEFARE
• Sun Mar 10 — General Assembly Meeting Following Liturgy
• Sun Mar 10 — Forgiveness Vespers Following General Assembly Meeting
• Mon Mar 11 — LENT BEGINS
• Mon Mar 11 — Great Compline with Canon St. Andrew at 6:30pm
• Tue Mar 12 — Great Compline with Canon St. Andrew at 6:30pm
• Wed Mar 13 — Presanctified Liturgy at 6:30pm
• Thu Mar 14 — Great Compline with Canon St. Andrew at 6:30pm
• Fri Mar 15 — First Stanza Salutations to the Theotokos at 6:30pm
• Sat Mar 16 — Womens Retreat at St. Pauls 9:00am

• Sun Mar 17 — SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY
• Sun Mar 17 — Sunday of Orthodox Vespers Time/Place TBA
• Mon Mar 18 — Great Compline at 6:30pm
• Wed Mar 20 — Presanctified Liturgy at 6:30pm
• Fri Mar 22 — Second Stanza Salutations to the Theotokos at 6:30pm

• Sun Mar 24 — SUNDAY OF ST. GREGORY PALAMAS
• Sun Mar 25 — Annunciation Great Vespers at St. Paul’s at 6:00pm
• Mon Mar 25 — Divine Liturgy Annunciation of the Theotokos 6:30pm
• Wed Mar 27 — Presanctified Liturgy at 6:30pm
• Fri Mar 29 — Third Stanza Salutations at 5:30pm NOTE EARLIER TIME

• Sun Mar 31 — SUNDAY OF THE VENERATION OF THE CROSS
• Mon Apr 1 — Great Compline at 6:30pm
• Wed Apr 3 — Presanctified Liturgy at 6:30pm
• Fri Apr 5 — Fourth Stanza Salutations to the Theotokos at 6:30pm

UPCOMING – Mark your calendars!

• Sun Apr 21 — Palm Sunday Brunch following Liturgy
• Sun Apr 28 — PASCHA Community Dinner following Agape Vespers
• Sun May 12 — Mother’s Day Brunch following Liturgy
• Sun Jun 16 — Father’s Day Barbecue following Liturgy

Wisdom From The Elders

Those who are attached to earthly things, especially to food and drink, to money, become “sensual, having not the Spirit.” And in everything they only see the flesh, not contemplating the spirit, and even rejecting the spiritual side of things. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt

Without God’s will or God’s forbearance nothing takes place on earth. Metropolitan Gregory (Postnikov) of St. Petersburg

He who during his earthly life endures many griefs and misfortunes; he who strictly keeps the Lord’s commandments and does not swerve from them— he receives his reward and his comfort in the life beyond death. Theodora

Ones picture of reality, of the world, definitely influences ones view of God. Fr. Seraphim (Rose)

The name of Jesus Christ is terrible for demons, passions of the soul and diseases. Let us adorn and protect ourselves with it. St. Ignatius (Brianchaninov)

As, soon as the tendency to be proud is dispelled and man regains his natural spiritual health, then God will deliver him directly from the passion which torments him, and will also reward him for his extra effort in the struggle. Saint Paisios of Mount Athos

Remember in Your Prayers

Bryan, Carolina, their unborn baby
Athanasia
Alexandra
Constantina
Maryanne (E)
Ron (E)

Tim
Robert (J)
Mary (J)
Helen (Rogers)
Doug Spencer
Kathy Spencer
Kathy D
Andreas
Sofia Tešanovic
Paul
Dennis H. and Family
Victor Evan
Ann
James
Vasiliki
Efstratia
Alexandra
Nikos
Georgia
Ioannis
Costandino
Jeffrey
Vaso
Dave
Dimitri – Presbyter
Vassiliki
Octavio
Tom
Carl
Rena
Nikolay (5 year old boy in Bulgaria whose parents asked us to pray)
David
Eva K.
Rosie
Kathryn
Jeremy

Constantine
Robert
Jane
Theodora
David
Gina
Micheal
Haralambos
Lillian
Presbytera Rosy
Valentina
Eva W.
Barbara
Angela
Carol Ann
Matthew
Chrysostom
Tim
Pat
Christina
Maria Louise
Maximos
Marian
Photini
Nicholas
Sarah
Constantine Houpis
Anna Marie Smith Baker
Ron Chromulak
Beverly Chromulak
Katerina
Mary Kassis
Baby Maximus
Christine
Maria
Annette Star
Claire Livaditis
Eva Chandilles
Baby Dani
Scott Nedoff
James Hord
Tom

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 Sunday of Forgiveness

Sing praises to our God, sing praises.
Sing praises to our King, sing praises.
O clap your hands, all ye nations.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans. (13:11-14:4)

Brethren, salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. B

ut put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables.

Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Master is able to make him stand.

Gospel

For Sunday of Forgiveness

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (6:14-21)

The Lord said to His Disciples: If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father Who is in secret; and your Father Who sees in secret will reward you.

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.