The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple, also called The Presentation, is one of the Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church, celebrated on November 21. Among those Orthodox Christians who use the “Old” (Julian) calendar as their Church calendar, the date of this feast corresponds to December 4 in the secular calendar.<\/p>\n
According to Tradition, the Theotokos was taken – presented – by her parents Joachim and Anna into the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem as a young girl, where she lived and served as a Temple virgin until her betrothal to St. Joseph. One of the earliest sources of this tradition is the non-canonical Protoevangelion of James, also called the Infancy Gospel of James.<\/p>\n
Mary was solemnly received by the temple community which was headed by the priest Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist. She was led to the holy place to become herself the “holy of holies” of God, the living sanctuary and temple of the Divine child who was to be born in her. The Church also sees this feast as a feast which marks the end of the physical temple in Jerusalem as the dwelling place of God.<\/p>\n
Source: Orthodoxwiki<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n
The Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, was also named Levi (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27); he was one of the Twelve Apostles (Mark 3:18; Luke 6:45; Acts 1:13), and was brother of the Apostle James Alphaeus (Mark 2:14). He was a publican, or tax-collector for Rome, in a time when the Jews were under the rule of the Roman Empire. He lived in the Galilean city of Capernaum. When Matthew heard the voice of Jesus Christ: “Come, follow Me” (Mt. 9:9), he left everything and followed the Savior. Christ and His disciples did not refuse Matthew’s invitation and they visited his house, where they shared table with the publican’s friends and acquaintances. Like the host, they were also publicans and known sinners. This event disturbed the pharisees and scribes a great deal.<\/p>\n
Publicans who collected taxes from their countrymen did this with great profit for themselves. Usually greedy and cruel people, the Jews considered them pernicious betrayers of their country and religion. The word “publican” for the Jews had the connotation of “public sinner” and “idol-worshipper.” To even speak with a tax-collector was considered a sin, and to associate with one was defilement. But the Jewish teachers were not able to comprehend that the Lord had “come to call not the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Mt. 9:13).<\/p>\n
Matthew, acknowledging his sinfulness, repaid fourfold anyone he had cheated, and he distributed his remaining possessions to the poor, and he followed after Christ with the other apostles. Saint Matthew was attentive to the instructions of the Divine Teacher, he beheld His innumerable miracles, he went together with the Twelve Apostles preaching to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Mt. 10:6). He was a witness to the suffering, death, and Resurrection of the Savior, and of His glorious Ascension into Heaven.<\/p>\n
[…]<\/p>\n
Read the entire biography on the Orthodox Church in America<\/a> website.<\/em><\/p>\n
St. Peter’s will hold a Thanksgiving Dinner for all our parishioners who who want to spend their Thanksgiving with others — singles, couples, anyone. (First to sign up was Fr. Hans since Presbytera will be with family in Minneapolis.) So far sixteen people have signed up. It’s a full Thanksgiving dinner with great people and great fellowship.<\/p>\n
Deadline for signup is Wednesday, November 16. Yes, that’s short notice but plans were made on Saturday and announced on Sunday. We need to know who will attend so we can get all the necessary supplies and everything cooked up in time. <\/p>\n
Would you like to come? Please call Anna Tsikitas at 718-309-1250 or email at tsikitaki@aol.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n
St. John Chrysostom was asked once, “Is it good to lay aside the Psalter?” He replied, “it would be better for the sun to fall from its orbit, than to neglect reading the Psalter, for it is of great benefit to study the psalms, and to read the Psalter diligently. For all spiritual books are profitable for us, and grieve the demons, but there is NONE LIKE THE PSALTER”<\/p>\n
Those are powerful words from a great Saint and teacher. At St. Peter’s we read the Psalter completely through during Christmas Lent. If you would like to join a group you will be assigned which kathismata (sections of Psalms, usually 6 to 8 each day) to read. So far 28 people are participating.<\/p>\n
The complete instructions are posted on the website<\/a>, including the kathismata. To be assigned to a group please contact John Diveris at 219-263-8849 or jdiveris@icloud.com<\/a>. John will add you to a group. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The classes will be held following the Divine Liturgy. Get your coffee, take a short break, then begin the class.<\/p>\n
The text we will use is Fr. Spyridon Bailey’s “Small Steps in the Kingdom.” It’s a good introduction to the Orthodox faith. Please order your copy and bring it to class. You can also download a free copy on your Kindle from Amazon. A syllabus and outline of classes will be provided at the first class.<\/p>\n
Click the image or link to order from Amazon<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Please note: Books will not be available for purchase at Church.<\/em><\/p>\n
Click the image to read the article about St. Peter’s in “The Light,” the monthly newsletter of the Miami Diocese. You can sight up for “The Light” below.<\/p>\n
Click the image of go here<\/a> for more information.<\/em><\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Several people have asked how they can leave a legacy for St. Peter’s. Thanks to the good work of Joe and Debbie Repya, St. Peter’s has developed a guide for anyone who would like to consider a gift to the parish in their estate planning.<\/p>\n
Our vision at St. Peter’s is to become a church where anyone who is seeking Christ can find him. It happens when Christ calls them. But it also haappens because there is a parish to which our Lord and Savior can bring them. That’s our part of the work. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
For more information including an informational packet that answers many questions please see Fr. Hans.<\/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
These passed few weeks Floridians have experienced the worst devastation ever from a storm surge called hurricane Ian. Some had minimum damages, Praise be to God, while many others lost their homes, personal possessions and loved ones.<\/p>\n
Now more ever our Christian duty is to open our homes and extend our hospitality to those impoverished due to Ian.<\/p>\n
So please be extra charitable and give your donations to Father Hans who is cognizant of families suffering right now and remember: But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (John 3:17-18).<\/p>\n
Thank you and IC XC NI KA!<\/p>\n
Contributions received in October: $47,835.71.
\nAmount of money needed to cover expenses: $24,114.
\nWe are ahead by $23,721.71.<\/p>\n
St. Peter Orthodox Church
\n7470 Hickory Drive
\nFort Myers, FL 33967<\/p>\n
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
NOVEMBER<\/strong><\/p>\n
DECEMBER<\/strong><\/p>\n
JANUARY<\/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>\n
Calendar also available on the St. Peter website<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n
Christmas Lent and Fasting Starts November 15.<\/em><\/p>\n
The saints’ deep secret is this: do not seek freedom, and freedom will be given you. Tito Colliander<\/strong><\/p>\n
The poignant sorrow with which you unintentionally pierce another’s heart shall return to your own heart according to the strict law of requital: “ With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” If you do not desire sorrow for yourself, do not occasion it to others. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt<\/strong><\/p>\n
Self-confidence is a dangerous confederate. The less strength you credit yourself with, the more surely you stand. Acknowledge that you are weak, completely unable to resist the slightest beckoning of the devil. Then to your astonishment you will find that he has no power over you. Tito Colliander<\/strong><\/p>\n
Holiness is the fruit of a man’s efforts and the gift of the Holy Spirit. St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco<\/strong><\/p>\n
It is better to pray devoutly for your neighbour than to rebuke him every time he sins. St Mark the Ascetic<\/strong><\/p>\n
God is never far away. He is the center of life and its moving force. Elder Thaddeus(Strabulovich) of Vitovnica<\/strong><\/p>\n
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<\/a>. <\/p>\n
Were names dropped that should have remained? Please mention it to Fr. Hans. He will add them back.<\/em><\/p>\n
Updated Oct 24 \/ Resets Dec 1<\/em>.<\/p>\n
Current Prayer List<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nKatherine (Dusckas 1\/23)
\nVassiliki (Diveris 1\/23)
\nZena Touma (Contorelli 1\/23
\nLamia Touma (Contorelli 1\/23
\nMatthew (Contorelli 1\/23
\nEmmanuel (Kaloudis 1\/23)
\nNicholas
\nMarlene (Tewis 12\/22)
\nTina (Johnson 12\/22)
\nNicholas (De Lorenzo 12\/22)
\nPriest Anthony (Karbo 11\/22)
\nArchpriest Dionysius (Valentine 9\/12)
\nAnthony Presbyter (Kerr 10\/22)
\nAngel (Ghanem 10\/22)
\nEdgar (Chapekis 9\/22)
\nEvthriki (Jacobse 9\/22)
\nChristos (Johnson 8\/22)
\nJon Paul (Andrew 8\/22)
\nWilliam (Brubaker 8\/22)
\nPeter (Tewis 8\/22)
\nThe People of Ukraine and People of Russia and all those who are suffering in the war\n<\/p>\n
Permanent Prayer List<\/strong><\/p>\n
Katheryn (Tolkkinen)
\nMarkisia (Long)
\nAngela (Long)
\nMarina (Long)
\nEleni (Long)
\nRaphaella (Long)
\nJoanne (Haley)
\nFrancine (Anton)
\nCorwin (Dusckas)
\nCorgette (Troutman)
\nIrina (Irina)
\nSeraphim (Irina)
\nLidia (Irina)
\nSarina (Ghanem)
\nDebbie (Breitenbach)
\nKathy (Breitenbach)
\nHope (Isadore)
\nJohn (Long)
\nPantelis (Tsikita)
\nMarisa (Tsikita)
\nBarbara (Dionysopoulos)
\nPatricia (Evanoff)
\nGabriel (Mankus)
\nBaby Dani (Repya)
\nDespina (Diversis)b
\nFredericos (Diveris)
\nMakrina (Kerr)
\nHerman (Kerr)
\nInnocent (Kerr)
\nNicholas (Kerr)
\nPaola (Jacobse)
\nGregory (Yankopolos)
\nSoterios (Ninos)
\nPauline (Poulos)
\nSergio (Kazakos)
\nFran (Hansen)
\nNina (Krotov)
\nFranklin (Pyrrson)
\nDemetrios (Kuchera)
\nTheodosios (Palis)
\nTheodora (Webb)
\nRobert (Smith)
\nPresbytera Rosy (in Pakistan)
\nJames (Hord)
\nVassiliki (Kontinos)
\nVassiliki (Morekeas)
\nVassilike (Hord)<\/p>\n
Founders, Members, Benefactors and Friends 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)
\nMary (Spiropoulos)
\nGregory (Pappas)
\nAngela (Coran K
\nEugene (Rust)
\nRobert (Jarvis)
\nGeorge (Corey)\n<\/p>\n
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.<\/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