When the Sunday of Zaccheus rolls around, we know that Lent is not far behind. Begin thinking about Lent now. Resolve to do better than you did last year.<\/p>\n
To aid us Fr. Stephanos will present a short (morning only) talk on preparing for Lent on Saturday, February 4 from 9:00am to 11:00am. More information below.<\/p>\n
Fr. Hans will be doing house and business blessings all through January and February on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Contact Fr. Hans either by phone, in person at church, or through the website (preferred)<\/a> to schedule a date.<\/p>\n
Responsibility towards God includes taking responsibility for His Church. We love God because He first loved us. He established the Church as His body, as the way we find Him and draw closer to Him. We are responsible for maintaining it so that the work of Christ can continue in the world. That’s how it works.<\/p>\n
You will be getting letter next week asking for your commitment to St. Peter’s. Prayerfully consider your support of St. Peter’s. The Church is not a charity. The Church is the Body of Christ. It needs to be high on our list.<\/p>\n
Interfaith Charities (IC), the local agency St. Peter’s partners with to help working poor families, needs peanut butter, jelly, and ramen noodles to help feed underprivileged kids. They do not need spaghetti.<\/p>\n
St. Peter’s helps IC at crunch time. Last time we supplied over 90lbs of peanut butter and jelly when the call came out.<\/p>\n
Please bring your donation to Church. We will be sure it gets to IC.<\/p>\n
Andrea Psaras has launched a clothing business and invites any interested women to attend “A Luncheon and Fashion Show for all Generations.”<\/p>\n
The luncheon and show will be held at the Bonita Bay Club, 26660 Country Club Dr, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 (get map<\/a>)on Saturday January 28, 2017.<\/p>\n
For more information call Andrea at 239-591-8002 or email Andrea at andrea.psaras@gmail.com<\/p>\n
Bible Study resumes this Wednesday, January 18, 2017<\/p>\n
See you then.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday February 1, 2017 at 6:30pm we will celebrate the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple on the eve of this important feast day.<\/p>\n
Forty days after Christ was born He was presented to God in the Jerusalem Temple according to the Mosaic Law. At this time as well His mother Mary underwent the ritual purification and offered the sacrifices as prescribed in the Law. Thus, forty days after Christmas, on the second of February, the Church celebrates the feast of the presentation called the Meeting (or Presentation or Reception) of the Lord.<\/p>\n
Learn more on the Orthodox Church in America website<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n
Fr. Stephanos will give us some practical instruction on Saturday, February 4, 2017 from 9:00am to 11:00am on what Lent is for, why we fast and how to fast, the worship cycle and more. We’ve planned it to fit into your schedule.<\/p>\n
Please plan to attend. The talk will be focused and cover the important points regarding Lent.<\/p>\n
Choir Practice every Tuesday at 6:00pm and Bible Study every Wednesday at 7:00pm unless cancelled as noted below. Divine Liturgy every Sunday at 9:30. Extra services noted below. BIBLE STUDY RESUMES JANUARY 18, 2017.<\/p>\n
The purpose of spiritual reading is to keep the intellect from distraction and restlesness, for this is the first step towards salvation.
\n—St. Peter of Damaskos<\/strong><\/p>\n
In spite of our sinfulness, in spite of the darkness surrounding our souls, the Grace of the Holy Spirit, conferred by baptism in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, still shines in our hearts with the inextinguishable light of Christ…and when the sinner turns to the way of repentance the light smooths away every trace of the sins committed, clothing the former sinner in the garments of incorruption, spun of the Grace of the Holy Spirit. It is this acquisition of the Holy Spirit about which I have been speaking.
\n—St. Seraphim of Sarov<\/strong><\/p>\n
The passion of lust wars against everyone, and at the toll-houses the demon of lust will boast before all the princes of darkness that he provided hell with more spoils than all the rest. Be patient, and implore Divine help!
\n—St. Anatoly of Optina<\/strong><\/p>\n
The purpose of spiritual reading is to keep the intellect from distraction and restlesness, for this is the first stepThe mind, before it awakens from the sleep of slothfulness, resides with the demons.
\n—Venerable Isaiah the Recluse<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nIt is better to yield. If you insist on fairness, it is the same as a paper ruble, but if you yield, it is a silver ruble.
\n—St. Ambrose of Optina<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nBaby Samuel
\nVictoria
\nJennie
\nMary
\nJames
\nLori
\nBaby Kyriake
\nMaximos
\nMarian
\nPhotini
\nNicholas
\nBrad William
\nRyan
\nSarah
\nRobert Jarvis
\nPetronia (Wife of Phil Pappas)
\nAnna Marie Smith Baker
\nHarry Zifiris
\nIris Kuring (Bettina Zifiris' mother)
\nConstantine Houpis
\nGerhard Kuring (Bettina Zifiris' father)
\nRon Chromulak
\nBeverly Chromulak
\nKaterina
\nDianne
\nLoucine Kassis
\nMary Kassis
\nBaby Maximus
\nAnnette Star
\nChristine
\nMaria
\nClaire Livaditis
\nEva Chandilles
\nBaby Dani
\nScott Nedoff
\nAnthony Mourgis
\nJohn Hansen
\nConstandina James
\nJames Hord
\nBob Smith
\nTom and Jean, parents of Patty and Jerry.<\/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