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<\/a><\/p>\nSunday of Forgiveness, the last of the preparatory Sundays before Great Lent, has two themes: it commemorates Adam’s expulsion from Paradise, and it accentuates our need for forgiveness. There are obvious reasons why these two things should be brought to our attention as we stand on the threshold of Great Lent.<\/p>\n
One of the primary images in the Triodion is that of the return to Paradise. Lent is a time when we weep with Adam and Eve before the closed gate of Eden, repenting with them for the sins that have deprived us of our free communion with God. But Lent is also a time when we are preparing to celebrate the saving event of Christ’s death and rising, which has reopened Paradise to us once more (Luke 23:43). So sorrow for our exile in sin is tempered by hope of our re-entry into Paradise.<\/p>\n
The second theme, that of forgiveness, is emphasized in the Gospel reading for this Sunday (Matthew 6:14-21) and in the special ceremony of mutual forgiveness at the end of the Vespers on Sunday evening. Before we enter the Lenten fast, we are reminded that there can be no true fast, no genuine repentance, no reconciliation with God, unless we are at the same time reconciled with one another. <\/p>\n
A fast without mutual love is the fast of demons. We do not travel the road of Lent as isolated individuals but as members of a family. Our asceticism and fasting should not separate us from others, but should link us to them with ever-stronger bonds.<\/p>\n
Read more on the Greek Orthodox website<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n We will hold a light Lenten supper following each Wednesday Presanctified Liturgy during Lent. This will be something like lentil soup, bread and fruit — very simple.<\/p>\n A sign up sheet is posted on the board in the Social Hall. The dates are March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29.<\/p>\n We also will hold brief presentations during the suppers. This year we look at Monasticism. The schedule this year:<\/p>\n In order to stay faithful to our Lenten disciplines, during Lent we will eliminate animal products (meat, cheese, eggs, fish, etc.) from our refreshments following the Divine Liturgy. Shell fish (shrimp, etc.) and oil are still allowed.<\/p>\n Attention college age and above Orthodox Christians in SW Florida. Members of St. Peter’s have started an Orthodox Christian Fellowship open to anyone who would like to join. They meet twice a month. Many plans are in the works including activities, occasional bible studies and more. This is a great way to get to know Orthodox Christians your own age!<\/p>\n Events will be announced in the newsletter and on the website and the OCF phone text list. Questions? Want to join? Contact Jeremiah at 504-256-8768 (text him), Erika at 412-716-2899, or Julia at 239-450-2400.<\/p>\n If you have any you don’t need please see Fr. Hans.<\/p>\n St. Paul’s has invited all Orthodox women in the area to “Spiritual Saturday Women’s Reteat” at St. Paul’s on Saturday March 4. Full schedule of the day’s events are posted on the website<\/a>.<\/p>\n Mark you calendar. More details will be provided this Sunday. Cost is $10 to cover lunch and snacks. Questions? Please see Angela Long or Anthea Teufel.<\/p>\n This is a good opportunity to meet other Orthodox women in our area in a setting that also is good for the soul!<\/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 If you have not returned your stewardship form, please fill it in and mail (or bring) it to the Church by March 1, 2017.<\/p>\n See you then.<\/p>\n Every Christmas St. Peter’s helps our local NAMI chapter by collecting food for their drop-in center. Every spring we extend our help by joining in the NAMI walk of Naples. <\/p>\n From the NAMI website:<\/p>\n NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Collier County membership is comprised of people with serious and persistent mental illnesses, as well as their parents, children, spouses, siblings and friends. Our mission is to improve the quality of life of the 1 in 4 families affected by serious and persistent mental illness, through education, support and advocacy. We believe that persons with severe and persistent mental illness can recover and lead productive and meaningful lives within their community of choice.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Why help? Because God calls us to help those who need help. This is part of our mission at St. Peter’s.<\/p>\n Mary Copeland will handle the sign-up and donations and speak more about the walk following Liturgy on Sundays. For questions please call Mary at 239-498-1331.<\/p>\n View the NAMI Walk poster on the website<\/a>. <\/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.<\/p>\nForgiveness Vespers — Sunday, February 26, 6:30pm<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nLenten Suppers — Sign-Ups and Program<\/h2>\n
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Social Hall Lenten Food<\/h2>\n
Orthodox Christian Fellowship Started<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nLooking for Bookshelves<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nCalling All Women to a Retreat Saturday, March 4<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nStewardship Letters in the Mail<\/h2>\n
Choir Practice 6:00pm and Bible Study 7:00pm This Week on Wednesday, February 15, 2017, 6<\/h2>\n
2017 NAMI Walk on Saturday, February 25, 2017<\/h2>\n
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Calendar At A Glance<\/h2>\n
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