Our Righteous Mother Euphrosyne<\/h4>\nVenerable Martyr Paphnoutios of Egypt and those slain with him; repose of Venerable Sergios of Radonezh<\/h4>\n <\/div>\n\n![\"Our](\"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/st-euphrosene-500x444.png\")
\n<\/div>\nVenerable Euphrosyne of Alexandria<\/h4>\n
Our venerable Mother Euphrosyne was born at the beginning of the fifth century in the city of Alexandria. She was the only child of illustrious and wealthy parents. When she was twelve years old, her mother reposed, and so the girl was raised by her Father, Paphnutios, who was a very devout Christian. He was in the habit of visiting a certain monastery, where the Igoumen was his Spiritual Father.<\/p>\n
When Euphrosyne turned eighteen, her father wanted her to marry. He went to the monastery to obtain the Igoumen’s blessing for his daughter’s wedding. The Igoumen talked with her and gave her his blessing, but Saint Euphrosyne longed for the monastic life. One day, she gave away her possessions to the poor, and then she snuck out of the house.<\/p>\n
The Saint had decided to enter a monastery in order to spend her life in solitude and prayer, but she was afraid that her father was apt to find find her in a women’s monastery. Therefore, she disguised herself as a man and entered the same men’s monastery which she had visited with her father from her childhood, calling herself Smaragdos. The monks did not recognize Euphrosyne dressed in men’s clothes, and so they received her into the monastery. The monks were impressed by her spiritual struggles and by her willingness to serve everyone.<\/p>\n
There in a solitary cell, Saint Euphrosyne spent 38 years in spiritual endeavors, fasting and prayer, thereby attaining a high level of spiritual accomplishment.<\/p>\n
[…]<\/p>\n
Read the entire story on the Orthodox Church in America<\/a> website.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/div>\nServices This Week<\/h2>\n\n- SUN Sep 18<\/strong> — SUNDAY AFTER THE ELEVATION OF THE CROSS Orthros 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM<\/li>\n
- Tue Sep 20<\/strong> — Paraklesis to the Theotokos 9:30am LIVE STREAM<\/li>\n
- Thu Sep 22<\/strong> — The Holy 26 Martyrs of Zogaphou Monastery Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM<\/li>\n
- Fri Sep 23<\/strong> — Conception of St. John the Baptist Divine Liturgy 9:30am LIVE STREAM<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>\n
Thursday September 22 2022 9:30am – 26 Martyrs of the Zographou Monastery on Mount Athos at the hands of the Crusaders<\/h2>\n\n![\"26](\"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/zographou-martyrs-500x694-1.jpg\")
\n<\/div>\n26 Monkmartyrs of the Zographou Monastery on Mount Athos In the year 1274 at the Council of Lyons (in France), the Byzantine emperor Michael VIII Paleologos decided to buttress his waning power by forming a union with Catholic Rome. This step evoked universal discontent. In 1278, the emperor issued a decree to introduce the Union at Constantinople by forceful measures, if necessary.<\/p>\n
In the year 1274 at the Council of Lyons (in France), the Byzantine emperor Michael VIII Paleologos decided to buttress his waning power by forming a union with Catholic Rome. This step evoked universal discontent. In 1278, the emperor issued a decree to introduce the Union at Constantinople by forceful measures, if necessary.<\/p>\n
Read more on the Orthodox Church in America website<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/div>\nFriday, September 23, 2022 9:30am – The Conception of St. John the Baptist<\/h2>\n\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/conception-st-john-baptist-500x261-1.jpg\")
\n<\/div>\nThis came to pass fifteen months before the birth of Christ, after the vision of the Angel that Zacharias, the father of the Forerunner, saw in the Temple while he executed the priest’s office in the order of his course during the feast of the Tabernacles, as tradition bears witness. In this vision, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias and said to him, “Thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John” (Luke 1:13). <\/p>\n
Knowing that Elizabeth was barren, and that both he and she were elderly, Zacharias did not believe what the Angel told him, although he had before him the example of Abraham and Sarah, of Hannah, mother of the Prophet Samuel, and of other barren women in Israel who gave birth by the power of God. Hence, he was condemned by the Archangel to remain speechless until the fulfilment of these words in their season, which also came to pass (Luke 1:7-24).<\/p>\n
<\/div>\nSt. Nicholas Academy and Thursday Liturgies<\/h2>\n
Two families of St. Peter’s have established a home school cooperative that will meet every Thursday at St. Peter’s. The day begins with a Divine Liturgy to which all parishioners are invited to attend. The chanting will be done by the students. Liturgies begin at at 9:30am<\/p>\n
Some Services Moved to Evenings<\/h2>\n
Fr. Hans has been asked to move some of the services to the evening to accommodate people who would like to attend worship but cannot because of work. Please note the times of services carefully. Some have been moved to the evening so that more people can attend.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\nStarting Soon – Orthodoxy 101<\/h2>\n\n![\"Orthodoxy](\"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/orthodoxy-101-500x200-1.jpg\")
\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\nStarting soon St. Peter’s offers a study of the Orthodox Basics (less philosophical, more factual and practical) of such things as worship, history, theology and more. This is for anyone and everyone who wants to understand our Orthodox faith and practice more thoroughly.<\/p>\n
Dates will be determined but Saturday morning from 9:00am to 10:00 class time followed by a half hour optional discussion seems to work best for many people. Please let Fr. Hans know what works for you. We will begin when the summer starts and everyone’s schedule is more flexible. <\/p>\n
In the meantime check out the videos on the website Welcome to the Orthodox Church<\/a> by Frederica Mathews-Green to prepare. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n![\"St.](\"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/divider-ministries.jpg\")
<\/div>\n <\/div>\nLet’s Pray the Paraklesis to the Theotokos Daily<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n![\"Click](\"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/theotokos-wider-than-the-heavens-500x388-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nClick the image to get more information on how to participate from the St. Peter’s website<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\nOur 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.<\/p>\n
Get more information on how to participate from the St. Peter’s website<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n <\/div>\nCafe of Life – Do Not Neglect To Do Good<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n\n![\"Cafe](\"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/cafe-of-life-500x213-1.jpg\")
\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\nGod has given us the greatest sacrifice…his only Son Jesus. In doing so, he left us with a true example of what it means to give to the poor and less fortunate. He asks us to sacrifice as an act of worship before Him and when we obey, He will bless us.<\/p>\n
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God,” (Hebrews 13:16).<\/p>\n
Thank you and IC XC NI KA!<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n![\"St.](\"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/divider-stewardship.jpg\")
<\/div>\n <\/div>\nPledge & Income Report – August 2022<\/h2>\n
Contributions received in August: $28,191.
\nAmount of money needed to cover expenses: $24,114.
\nWe are ahead by $4,077.<\/p>\n
Every year we need an extra push in the summer to keep our income current. Please keep up with you pledge so we can keep current with our bills.<\/em><\/p>\n\n![\"Don't](\"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/check-150x114-1.jpg\")
\n<\/div>\nSt. Peter Orthodox Church
\n7470 Hickory Drive
\nFort Myers, FL 33967<\/p>\n
<\/div>\nYou can also donate online:<\/p>\n
\n
\n![\"Click](\"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/donate-button-235x110.jpg\")
<\/a>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n![\"St.](\"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/divider-diocese.jpg\")
<\/div>\n <\/div>\nSign up the the Monthly DOMSE Newsletter on the DOMSE (Diocese of Miami and the Southeast) Website!<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n![\"Click](\"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/the-light-logo-500x192-1.jpg\")
\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\nVisit the DOMSE Website<\/a> (scroll to the bottom, fill in the form on the left side) to sign up for “The Light” Newsletter and DOMSE emails.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/div>\n![\"St.](\"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/divider-housekeeping.jpg\")
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n![\"Social](\"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/social-hall-all-stars-500x100-2.jpg\")
\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\nThe Social Hall All Stars are the men and women that make St. Peter’s Social Hall happen. Thank you All Stars!<\/em><\/p>\nSeptember<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- TOM HALEY<\/li>\n
- Marlene Haley<\/li>\n
- Cheryl Morse<\/li>\n
- Tim Morse<\/li>\n
- Diana Najjar<\/li>\n
- Deb Repya<\/li>\n
- Elaine Seremetis<\/li>\n
- Greogry Seremetis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>\n
Procedures for Hospitality<\/h2>\n
Please note: If you would like to bring in your own prepared food, please contact Tom Haley at 239-887-0753 a week before<\/em> the upcoming Sunday. That way we know not to prepare any food for Sunday.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n![\"New](\"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/coffe-hour-500x241-1.jpg\")
\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n- 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.”<\/li>\n
- Please do not donate coffee. We have a space age coffee brewer<\/em> that we acquired at no cost if we buy our coffee from one supplier. If you bring in coffee, we can’t use it. <\/li>\n
- 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.<\/li>\n
- If you would like to bring in your own prepared food, please contact Tom Haley at 239-887-0753 a week before<\/em> the upcoming Sunday. That way we know not to prepare any food for Sunday.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n <\/div>\n
The Safest Way to Come to Church<\/h2>\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.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n\n![\"Driving](\"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/safety-map-3-500x237-1.jpg\")
\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\nHelping Our Seniors With Parking<\/h2>\n
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.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n![\"St.](\"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/divider-calendar.jpg\")
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n<\/div>\nVenerable Euphrosyne of Alexandria<\/h4>\n
Our venerable Mother Euphrosyne was born at the beginning of the fifth century in the city of Alexandria. She was the only child of illustrious and wealthy parents. When she was twelve years old, her mother reposed, and so the girl was raised by her Father, Paphnutios, who was a very devout Christian. He was in the habit of visiting a certain monastery, where the Igoumen was his Spiritual Father.<\/p>\n
When Euphrosyne turned eighteen, her father wanted her to marry. He went to the monastery to obtain the Igoumen’s blessing for his daughter’s wedding. The Igoumen talked with her and gave her his blessing, but Saint Euphrosyne longed for the monastic life. One day, she gave away her possessions to the poor, and then she snuck out of the house.<\/p>\n
The Saint had decided to enter a monastery in order to spend her life in solitude and prayer, but she was afraid that her father was apt to find find her in a women’s monastery. Therefore, she disguised herself as a man and entered the same men’s monastery which she had visited with her father from her childhood, calling herself Smaragdos. The monks did not recognize Euphrosyne dressed in men’s clothes, and so they received her into the monastery. The monks were impressed by her spiritual struggles and by her willingness to serve everyone.<\/p>\n
There in a solitary cell, Saint Euphrosyne spent 38 years in spiritual endeavors, fasting and prayer, thereby attaining a high level of spiritual accomplishment.<\/p>\n
[…]<\/p>\n
Read the entire story on the Orthodox Church in America<\/a> website.<\/em><\/p>\n 26 Monkmartyrs of the Zographou Monastery on Mount Athos In the year 1274 at the Council of Lyons (in France), the Byzantine emperor Michael VIII Paleologos decided to buttress his waning power by forming a union with Catholic Rome. This step evoked universal discontent. In 1278, the emperor issued a decree to introduce the Union at Constantinople by forceful measures, if necessary.<\/p>\n In the year 1274 at the Council of Lyons (in France), the Byzantine emperor Michael VIII Paleologos decided to buttress his waning power by forming a union with Catholic Rome. This step evoked universal discontent. In 1278, the emperor issued a decree to introduce the Union at Constantinople by forceful measures, if necessary.<\/p>\n Read more on the Orthodox Church in America website<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n This came to pass fifteen months before the birth of Christ, after the vision of the Angel that Zacharias, the father of the Forerunner, saw in the Temple while he executed the priest’s office in the order of his course during the feast of the Tabernacles, as tradition bears witness. In this vision, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias and said to him, “Thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John” (Luke 1:13). <\/p>\n Knowing that Elizabeth was barren, and that both he and she were elderly, Zacharias did not believe what the Angel told him, although he had before him the example of Abraham and Sarah, of Hannah, mother of the Prophet Samuel, and of other barren women in Israel who gave birth by the power of God. Hence, he was condemned by the Archangel to remain speechless until the fulfilment of these words in their season, which also came to pass (Luke 1:7-24).<\/p>\n Two families of St. Peter’s have established a home school cooperative that will meet every Thursday at St. Peter’s. The day begins with a Divine Liturgy to which all parishioners are invited to attend. The chanting will be done by the students. Liturgies begin at at 9:30am<\/p>\n Fr. Hans has been asked to move some of the services to the evening to accommodate people who would like to attend worship but cannot because of work. Please note the times of services carefully. Some have been moved to the evening so that more people can attend.<\/p>\n Starting soon St. Peter’s offers a study of the Orthodox Basics (less philosophical, more factual and practical) of such things as worship, history, theology and more. This is for anyone and everyone who wants to understand our Orthodox faith and practice more thoroughly.<\/p>\n Dates will be determined but Saturday morning from 9:00am to 10:00 class time followed by a half hour optional discussion seems to work best for many people. Please let Fr. Hans know what works for you. We will begin when the summer starts and everyone’s schedule is more flexible. <\/p>\n In the meantime check out the videos on the website Welcome to the Orthodox Church<\/a> by Frederica Mathews-Green to prepare. <\/p>\n Click the image to get more information on how to participate from the St. Peter’s website<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n 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.<\/p>\n Get more information on how to participate from the St. Peter’s website<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n God has given us the greatest sacrifice…his only Son Jesus. In doing so, he left us with a true example of what it means to give to the poor and less fortunate. He asks us to sacrifice as an act of worship before Him and when we obey, He will bless us.<\/p>\n “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God,” (Hebrews 13:16).<\/p>\n Thank you and IC XC NI KA!<\/p>\n Contributions received in August: $28,191. Every year we need an extra push in the summer to keep our income current. Please keep up with you pledge so we can keep current with our bills.<\/em><\/p>\n St. Peter Orthodox Church You can also donate online:<\/p>\n Visit the DOMSE Website<\/a> (scroll to the bottom, fill in the form on the left side) to sign up for “The Light” Newsletter and DOMSE emails.<\/em><\/p>\n The Social Hall All Stars are the men and women that make St. Peter’s Social Hall happen. Thank you All Stars!<\/em><\/p>\n September<\/strong><\/p>\n Please note: If you would like to bring in your own prepared food, please contact Tom Haley at 239-887-0753 a week before<\/em> the upcoming Sunday. That way we know not to prepare any food for Sunday.<\/p>\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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\nServices This Week<\/h2>\n
\n
Thursday September 22 2022 9:30am – 26 Martyrs of the Zographou Monastery on Mount Athos at the hands of the Crusaders<\/h2>\n
\n<\/div>\nFriday, September 23, 2022 9:30am – The Conception of St. John the Baptist<\/h2>\n
\n<\/div>\nSt. Nicholas Academy and Thursday Liturgies<\/h2>\n
Some Services Moved to Evenings<\/h2>\n
Starting Soon – Orthodoxy 101<\/h2>\n
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLet’s Pray the Paraklesis to the Theotokos Daily<\/h2>\n
\n<\/a><\/p>\nCafe of Life – Do Not Neglect To Do Good<\/h2>\n
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nPledge & Income Report – August 2022<\/h2>\n
\nAmount of money needed to cover expenses: $24,114.
\nWe are ahead by $4,077.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n
\n7470 Hickory Drive
\nFort Myers, FL 33967<\/p>\n
\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nSign up the the Monthly DOMSE Newsletter on the DOMSE (Diocese of Miami and the Southeast) Website!<\/h2>\n
\n
\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n
Procedures for Hospitality<\/h2>\n
\n<\/div>\n\n
The Safest Way to Come to Church<\/h2>\n
\n<\/div>\nHelping Our Seniors With Parking<\/h2>\n
<\/div>\n
![\"St.](\"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/divider-elders.jpg\")
<\/div>\n![\"St.](\"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/divider-prayer.jpg\")
<\/div>\n![\"St.](\"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/divider-sunday-readings.jpg\")
<\/div>\n![\"Search](\"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/pantokrator-blessing.png\")
<\/div>\n![\"St.](\"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/divider-2.png\")
<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"