Jesus and the Samaritan Woman<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The holy and glorious Great-martyr Photine of Samaria (also Photini or Svetlana), Equal-to-the-Apostles, encountered Christ at the well of Jacob. Tradition relates that the Apostles baptized her with the name “Photine” meaning “enlightened one.” Her feast days are celebrated on February 26 with those who suffered with her (Greek tradition), March 20 (Slavic tradition), and the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman.<\/p>\n
The Gospel of John (4:5-42) relates the encounter of Photine, the Samaritan woman, with Christ at Jacob’s well. She repented after a very gentle and wise conversation with Christ and went and told her townspeople that she had met the Christ. For this, she is sometimes claimed as the first to proclaim the Gospel of Christ.<\/p>\n
She converted her five sisters (Ss. Anatole, Photo, Photis, Paraskeve, and Kyriake) and her two sons (St. Photinos, formerly known as Victor, and St. Joses). They all became tireless evangelists for Christ.<\/p>\n
After the Apostles Paul and Peter were martyred, St. Photine and her family left their homeland of Sychar, in Samaria, to travel to Carthage to proclaim the Gospel of Christ there.<\/p>\n
In 66 AD, under the persecutions of Emperor Nero, they all achieved the crown of martyrdom, along with the Duke St. Sebastianos, the close friend of St. Photinos.<\/p>\n
Read more on the OrthodoxWiki website<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n
The Women’s Book Study will have its first meeting at 6:00pm this Wednesday in the Social Hall. The book we will study is Fr. Arseny: Priest, Prisoner, Spiritual Father. Fr. Arseny was a prisoner in a Soviet Gulag and ministered to many prisoners. His story is gripping, compelling, and shows how God worked even in the Gulag through a faithful priest.<\/p>\n
A brief introduction to the book (the foreward and an introduction to the book) will be offered along with schedule and goal of the study. The primary focus will be books that teach and inspire us in our Orthodox faith.<\/p>\n
From Amazon:<\/p>\n
\nIt is one of the great mysteries of life that in atmospheres of the harshest cruelty, a certain few not only survive but emerge as beacons of light and life. Father Arseny, former scholar of church art, became Prisoner No. 18736 in the brutal ‘special sector’ of the Soviet prison camp system. In the darkness of systematic degradation of body and soul, he shone with the light of Christ’s peace and compassion. His sights set on God and his life grounded in the Church, Father Arseny lived by injunction to ‘bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ’ (Galatians 6:2). <\/p>\n
This narrative, compiled from accounts of Father Arseny’s spiritual children and others whom he brought to God, gives stirring glimpses of his life in prison camp and after his release. It also tells the stories of people whose lives, often during times of almost unimaginable crisis, were touched and transfigured through their connection with Father Arseny. Emerging from the context of the particular tragedies of Soviet Russia, this book carries a universal impact certain to be felt by readers in the West today. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
<\/div>\nDOMSE Virtual Parish Life Conference – June 13-20, 2021<\/h2>\n
Since COVID the Annual Parish Life Conference (where parishes from the Diocese get together) have gone virtual. DOMSE stands for Diocese of Miami and the Southeast (our diocese). More information including the schedule and sign up are available on the DOMSE website<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Topics covered include:<\/p>\n
\n
- Teen SOYO Guest Speaker – Erin Ghata “Dead Men Live!”<\/li>\n
- YAF Guest Speaker – Fr. Joseph Abouid “Prayer of the Hart – A Discussion on The Way of the Pilgrim”<\/li>\n
- Antiochian Women Guest Speaker – Fr. David Winn “St. John the Theologian: Love and the World”<\/li>\n
- Christian Education Workshop – Hosted by Anna-Sarah Farha “Recruiting, Training, and Supporting Church School Staff”<\/li>\n
- AMEN (Antiochian Men) Guest Speaker – Fr. Kosta Petrogeorge “Sexual Sobriety according to the Orthodox Church”<\/li>\n
- Using Technology for Ministry in the Orthodox Church – Hosted by AMEN for All DOMSE<\/li>\n
- Ask Sayedna (Ask Bishop Nicholas any question you want to ask)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/div>\n\n
\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n
Make sure to sign up for the DOMSE Newsletter when you visit the DOMSE website<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n
<\/div>\nCould You Use a Kitchen Table?<\/h2>\n
The table has six chairs included. It has one leaf and can break down into a table with four chairs.<\/p>\n
No charge. All you need to do is move it. If you are interested contact Gregory Morakeas at 615-414-4447 located in Estero.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\nTwo Things to Remember About Our Church at Hickory Drive<\/h2>\n
\n
- The Presbyterian Church will be using the Social Hall for their worship until they find a place to relocate. Do not enter the Social Hall before 10am on Sundays.<\/li>\n
- 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.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\nComing Soon: Antiochian Men!<\/h2>\n
The new parish means new responsibilities and the men can step up. A lot of men already have with the move contributing hours of work and sweat to bring the building into shape. We could also do other things too, say breakfast one Saturday a month. It would be a great time for fellowship.<\/p>\n
Stay tuned! The Church needs you men.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\nCafe of Life Ministry<\/h2>\n
The Cafe of Life depends on donations like St. Peter\u2019s to feed the hungry and homeless in our community. So please keep so donations coming in. <\/p>\n
Please remember these important words from St. Paul: “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). <\/p>\n
We will be meeting on Thursday, June 10th in the social hall at 1:00 pm to make those sandwiches.<\/p>\n
Thank you<\/p>\n
Christos Anesti and IC XC NI KA!<\/p>\n
<\/div>\nPledge & Income Report – April 2021<\/h2>\n
Donations received in April: $28,321.
\nAmount of money needed to cover expenses: $22,760.21.
\nWe are ahead by $5,561.<\/p>\nThese numbers reflect the operating costs of the the Hickory Drive property.<\/p>\n
Please note:<\/strong>Please continue your generous support. If you cannot make it to church please mail in your donation to:<\/em><\/p>\n
\n\n<\/div>\n
St. Peter Orthodox Church
\n7470 Hickory Drive
\nFort Myers, FL 33967<\/p>\n<\/div>\nYou can also donate online:<\/p>\n
\n
\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\nBishop NICHOLAS Offers a Weekly Live Stream<\/h2>\n
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<\/a> on how to use the Band App on your phone or computer to participate.<\/em><\/p>\n
<\/div>\n\n
\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\nCalendar At A Glance<\/h2>\n
Calendar also available on the St. Peter website<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n
\n
- Sun May 23<\/strong> — SUNDAY OF THE PARALYTIC Divine Liturgy – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM<\/li>\n
- Tue May 25<\/strong> — Finding of the Head of St. John the Baptist Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM<\/li>\n
- Wed May 26<\/strong> — Midfeast of Pentecost Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
MAY – JUNE<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n
- Sun May 30<\/strong> — SUNDAY OF THE SAMARITAN WOMAN Divine Liturgy – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM<\/li>\n
- Tue Jun 1<\/strong> — Paraklesis to the Theotokos 9:30am LIVE STREAM<\/li>\n
- Thu Jun 3<\/strong> — Paraklesis to the Theotokos 9:30am LIVE STREAM<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n
- Sun Jun 6<\/strong> — SUNDAY OF THE BLIND MAN Divine Liturgy – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM<\/li>\n
- Wed Jun 9<\/strong> — Apodesis (Leave Taking) of Great and Holy Pascha Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM<\/li>\n
- Thu Jun 10<\/strong> — Ascension of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM<\/li>\n
- Thu Jun 10<\/strong> — Cafe of Life Sandwich Making 1:00pm<\/li>\n
- Fri-Sat Jun 11-12<\/strong> — Fr. Hans Out of Town<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n
- Sun Jun 13<\/strong> — FATHERS OF THE FIRST ECUMENICAL COUNCIL Divine Liturgy – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM<\/li>\n
- Sun-Sat Jun 13-19<\/strong> — DIOCESE OF MIAMI VIRTUAL PARISH LIFE CONFERENCE LIVE STREAM<\/li>\n
- Wed Jun 16<\/strong> — Women’s Book Study<\/li>\n
- Sat Jun 19<\/strong> — Saturday of the Souls (for Pentecost) Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n
- Sun Jun 20<\/strong> — GREAT AND HOLY PENTECOST Divine Liturgy – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM<\/li>\n
- Tue Jun 22<\/strong> — Paraklesis to the Theotokos 9:30am LIVE STREAM<\/li>\n
- Wed Jun 23<\/strong> — Women’s Book Study<\/li>\n
- Thu Jun 24<\/strong> — Nativity St. John the Baptist Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM<\/li>\n
- Fri Jun 25<\/strong> — Parish Council Meeting 3:30pm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
JUNE – JULY<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n
- Sun Jun 27<\/strong> — SUNDAY OF ALL SAINTS Divine Liturgy – Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM<\/li>\n
- Mon-Tue Jun 28-29<\/strong> — Sts. Peter and Paul – TIME AND DETAILS TBA<\/li>\n
- Wed Jun 30 <\/strong> — Women’s Book Study<\/li>\n
- Fri Jul 02<\/strong> — St. Maximos the Confessor Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/div>\nWisdom From The Elders<\/h2>\n
It is not enough to simply make your confession to the Spiritual Father; you must also truly repent of what you have done. Elder Paisios of Mount Athos<\/strong><\/p>\n
Every day you should try to plant in your soul something spiritual which will eject something worldly and sinful. Gradually, the old self will be disclaimed, and you will be able to move freely in the spiritual realm. Replace the sinful images in your mind with holy ones. Replace songs with hymns, worldly magazines with spiritual books. Elder Paisios of Mount Athos<\/strong><\/p>\n
Look to the end of every involuntary suffering and you will find in it removal of sins. St. Mark the Ascetic<\/strong><\/p>\n
If you want the Lord to be merciful to you, always repent, be merciful to the suffering, and comfort them. “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7). Archbishop Seraphim (Sobolev) of Bogucharsk<\/strong><\/p>\n
Prayer is food for the soul. Do not starve the soul, it is better to let the body go hungry. Do not judge anyone, forgive everyone. Consider yourself worse than everyone in the world and you will be saved. As much as possible, be more quiet. St. Joseph of Optina<\/strong><\/p>\n
For God to help, one must have a desire to struggle. And when we say a desire to struggle, we mean that one must be willing to make some effort to overcome his particular weakness. If God sees even a little true will, He provides abundant help for man, He sends His Grace in great abundance. Elder Paisios of Mount Athos<\/strong><\/p>\n
<\/div>\nRemember in Your Prayers<\/h2>\n
\n
- Names will remain on the list for two months.<\/li>\n
- 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.<\/li>\n
- Names will include the person who requested the prayers and the month the name will be removed.<\/li>\n
- The permanent list includes friends and members of St. Peter’s and others including shut-ins.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Were names dropped that should have remained? Please mention it to Fr. Hans. He will add them back.<\/em><\/p>\n
Updated April 10 \/ Resets May 1<\/em><\/p>\n
Current Prayer List<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nDemetrios (Karras 8\/21)
\nLeah (Brubaker 7\/21)
\nElena (Brubaker 7\/21)
\nGeorge III (Ghanem 7\/21)
\nKristin (Ghanem 7\/21)
\nNora (Ghanem 7\/21)
\nGeorge IV (Ghanem 7\/21)
\nLena (Ghanem 7\/21)
\nBaree (Dusckas 7\/21)
\nBarbara (Dusckas 7\/21)
\nGeorgia (Jacobse 6\/21)
\nMaryann (Breitenbach 6\/21)
\nJean (Wolffe 6\/21)
\nRobin (Wolffe 6\/21)
\nDebbie (Breitenbach 6\/21)
\nMichael (Jacobse 4\/21)
\nKathy (Jacobse 4\/21)
\nRaphaela (4\/21)
\nMichael (Wolffe 4\/21)
\nFredericos (Diveris 4\/21)
\nVasiliki (Diveris 4\/21)
\nPanagiota (Jacobse 4\/21)
\nMichelene (Repya 4\/21)
\nColleen ((Repya 4\/21)
\nFr. Demetrios (Copeland 4\/21)
\nKondylia (Chapekis 4\/21)
\nBrian (Colis 4\/21)
\nMaria(Colis 4\/21)\n<\/p>\nPermanent Prayer List<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nMaria and her unborn child Iakovos (Diveris)
\nSophia (D. Constantine)
\nHerman (Kerr)
\nInnocent (Kerr)
\nNicholas (Kerr)
\nPaola (Jacobse)
\nGregory (Yankopolos)
\nSoterios (Ninos)
\nPauline (Poulos)
\nSergio (Kazakos)
\nRae (Semeretis)
\nFran (Hansen)
\nNina (Krotov)
\nGeorge the Priest (Chapekis)
\nFranklin (Pyrrson)
\nGeorge (Chionis)
\nStamatia (Jacobse)
\nStamatia (Evelyn)
\nDemetrios (Kuchera)
\nTheodosios (Palis)
\nTheodora (Webb)
\nHelen (Rogers)
\nRobert (Smith)
\nRobert (Jarvis)
\nPresbytera Rosy (in Pakistan)
\nJames (Hord)
\nAnn (Rellis)
\nVassiliki (Kontinos)
\nVassiliki (Morekeas)\n<\/p>\nFounders, Members, and Benefactors Departed this Life<\/strong><\/p>\n
John (Hansen)
\nAnatoly (Kurdsjuk)
\nThareni (Brooks)
\nMilan Evanoff
\nJean (Sam)
\nEleni (Pearson)
\nRichard (Pearson)
\nFr. Stephanos (Shagoury)
\nPanagiota (Bea Chionis)
\nAnthony (Mourgis)
\nAnthony (Mankus)
\nConstantine (Houpis)
\nConstantine (Joseph)
\nMary (Jarvis)
\nPanagiota Margarita (Palis)
\nMaria (Ninos)
\nJohn (Katsigianopoulos)
\nGeorge (Chionis)
\nGregory (Pappas)
\nAngela (Coran K)<\/p>\nHow 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.<\/p>\n
Add or remove names and print this list for easy reference during your prayer time on the St. Peter website<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n