{"id":26952,"date":"2025-02-18T13:46:12","date_gmt":"2025-02-18T13:46:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/?p=26952"},"modified":"2025-02-18T13:46:12","modified_gmt":"2025-02-18T13:46:12","slug":"st-peter-news-february-18-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/st-peter-news-february-18-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"St Peter News February 18, 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"
The Last Judgment<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The parable of the Last Judgment is about Christian love. Not all of us are called to work for “humanity,” yet each one of us has received the gift and the grace of Christ’s love.<\/p>\n
We know that all persons ultimately need this personal love—the recognition in them of their unique soul in which the beauty of the whole creation is reflected in a unique way.<\/p>\n
We also know that people are in prison and are sick and thirsty and hungry because that personal love has been denied them.<\/p>\n
And, finally, we know that however narrow and limited the framework of our personal existence, each one of us has been made responsible for a tiny part of the Kingdom of God, made responsible by that very gift of Christ’s love. Thus, on whether or not we have accepted this responsibility, on whether we have loved or refused to love, shall we be judged.<\/p>\n
Read more on the Greek Orthodox<\/a> website.<\/p>\n The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese website has good information on Lent. Click the image above.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Preparation begins with a resolution in the heart to do better this year than we did last year. Lent requires more of us but the requirement is never a demand but an invitation because God is not coercive. He freely gives so that we may freely receive.<\/p>\n But God is what the scripture calls a “jealous God.” This does not mean that God is jealous, but that the requirements for salvation, the things that are necessary to experience His salvation do not change. For us Americans it might be easier to understand it this way: God’s directives are not subject to negotiation or compromise.<\/p>\n More is expected from us. The Sunday services will be longer because we perform the Liturgy of St. Basil instead of St. John Chrysostom. The prayers are longer and we will pray them all because we don’t negotiate or compromise with what the Fathers have handed down to us.<\/p>\n We are expected to fast from certain foods during Lent. Why? Because bodily discipline is necessary for the healing of the soul.<\/p>\n We are expected to attend more services? Why? Because prayer and worship are necessary to draw us closer to God. When we draw closer to God, He draws closer to us St. Paul teaches. <\/p>\n We are expected to aid the poor more. Why? Because he who cares for the poor finds honor from his maker. <\/p>\n We Americans don’t like being told what to do. We naturally resist any statement that begins with “We are expected…” We reflexively equate obedience with servitude and we don’t like servitude.<\/p>\n Remember though that God gives freely and we are to receive freely. God does not force obedience. If He did obedience would be coercion and not freely given.<\/p>\n At the same time, we don’t change the Church and its practices to fit our idea of how things should be. Through the Church we learn how to conform ourselves to Christ. We don’t conform the Church into our own image. <\/p>\n Finally please note: This year the Paschal service will be scheduled where it should be, near midnight (time to be determined). This is Orthodox practice. Metropolitan Joseph has been gently urging the parishes to conform closer to Orthodox practice. (In many areas, including Southwest Florida, the practices were relaxed.) The same will happen with the Nativity liturgy in December, 2022.<\/p>\n Every Wednesday after Presanctified Liturgy on the Wednesdays during Lent, we gather for fellowship over a simple Lenten supper.<\/p>\n We need a volunteer to take on organizing it. Basically it consists of finding other volunteers to prepare the supper. If you can do this please contact Fr. Hans.<\/p>\n We will begin, “Thinking Orthodox”, by, Dr Eugenia (Jeannie) Constantinou. The book can be purchased on-line at Ancient Faith Store<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n All women are welcome and encouraged to attend. Coffee will be served. We can’t wait to gather together!<\/p>\n These are very difficult times for some of our parishioners. We need to replenish the Good Samaritan Fund to be able to help them. Can you donate? Please write a check and note “Good Samaritan Fund” in the memo box. If you would like to donate cash please put it in envelope marked “Good Samaritan Fund.”<\/p>\n When you bless a neighbor in need, you bless God.<\/p>\n Contributions received in January $43,498. If you have not already done so, please complete a 2025 pledge form. Your pledge willplay a vital role in helping us meet our 2025 budget goals and will support ourpreparations for refinancing our mortgage in March 2026.<\/em><\/p>\n St. Peter Orthodox ChurchServices and Events This Week<\/h2>\n
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Lent is Coming So How Do We Prepare?<\/h2>\n
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We Need a Volunteer to Organize Lenten Suppers<\/h2>\n
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Women’s Book Club Meets Friday 11am in the Social Hall<\/h2>\n
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We Need Donations for the Good Samaritan Fund<\/h2>\n
Pledge and Income Report — January 2025<\/h2>\n
\nAmount\u00a0of\u00a0money needed to cover expenses: $33,785.
\nFor the month we are ahead by $9,713.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n7470 Hickory Drive
\nFort Myers FL 33967<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Sign up the the Monthly DOMSE Newsletter on the DOMSE (Diocese of Miami and the Southeast) Website!<\/h2>\n
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