{"id":6059,"date":"2017-08-08T16:40:26","date_gmt":"2017-08-08T20:40:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/?p=6059"},"modified":"2017-08-08T16:40:26","modified_gmt":"2017-08-08T20:40:26","slug":"st-peter-newsletter-august-9-2017-pilgrimage-to-st-michael-shrine-paraklesis-services-dormition-of-the-theotokos-welcome-bp-nicholas-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/st-peter-newsletter-august-9-2017-pilgrimage-to-st-michael-shrine-paraklesis-services-dormition-of-the-theotokos-welcome-bp-nicholas-more\/","title":{"rendered":"St. Peter Newsletter August 9, 2017 — Pilgrimage to St. Michael Shrine, Paraklesis Services, Dormition of the Theotokos, Welcome Bp. Nicholas, more…"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
\nTenth Sunday of Matthew
\nLeave-taking of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ<\/h2>\n
 <\/div>\n
\n\"The\n<\/div>\n

On the Leavetaking of the Transfiguration, all of the service for the Feast is repeated, except for the Gospel at Matins, and the blessing of grapes at Liturgy. The Gospel and Epistle readings at Liturgy are those prescribed for the day.<\/p>\n

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The Dormition (Falling Asleep) of the Theotokos<\/h2>\n
\n\"The\n<\/div>\n

Introduction<\/h4>\n

The Feast of the Dormition of Our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary is celebrated on August 15 each year. The Feast commemorates the repose (dormition and in the Greek kimisis) or “falling-asleep” of the Mother of Jesus Christ, our Lord. The Feast also commemorates the translation or assumption into heaven of the body of the Theotokos.<\/p>\n

For the first 15 days of August leading up to the Dormition Liturgy we hold Paraklesis Services. See dates below.<\/p>\n

Biblical Story<\/h4>\n

The Holy Scriptures tell us that when our Lord was dying on the Cross, He saw His mother and His disciple John and said to the Virgin Mary, “Woman, behold your son!” and to John, “Behold your mother!” (John 19:25-27). From that hour, the Apostle took care of the Theotokos in his own home.
\nAlong with the biblical reference in Acts 1:14 that confirms that the Virgin Mary was with the Holy Apostles on the day of Pentecost, the tradition of the Church holds that she remained in the home of the Apostle John in Jerusalem, continuing a ministry in word and deed.<\/p>\n

At the time of her death, the disciples of our Lord who were preaching throughout the world returned to Jerusalem to see the Theotokos. Except for the Apostle Thomas, all of them including the Apostle Paul were gathered together at her bedside. At the moment of her death, Jesus Christ himself descended and carried her soul into heaven.<\/p>\n

Following her repose, the body of the Theotokos was taken in procession and laid in a tomb near the Garden of Gethsemane. When the Apostle Thomas arrived three days after her repose and desired to see her body, the tomb was found to be empty. The bodily assumption of the Theotokos was confirmed by the message of an angel and by her appearance to the Apostles.<\/p>\n

Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese website<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Paraklesis Services and Dormition Liturgy<\/h2>\n

Paraklesis Services will be held every Monday through Friday evening starting at 6:30pm. The Dormition Vespers and Liturgy will be held on August 14, the Eve of the Dormition beginning at 6:30pm.<\/p>\n

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Metropolitan Joseph Appoints Bishop Nicholas to Lead the Diocese of Miami and the Southeast<\/h2>\n

August 3, 2017<\/p>\n

The Reverend Clergy of the Diocese of Miami and the Southeast:<\/p>\n

\n\"Bishop\n<\/div>\n

Blessings and greetings to you and your families in the name of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ, as we embark on the blessed Dormition Fast.<\/p>\n

I would like to start this letter by thanking my dear brother His Grace Bishop Antoun for all the years of hard work in the Diocese of Miami and the Southeast. He touched all of our hearts with his dedication and support as he earned his gray hair: “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” (Proverbs 16:31)<\/p>\n

As you all know, His Grace has decided to retire this year. I have spent months thinking about the right person to guide the clergy and laity of the Diocese of Miami and the Southeast. After much contemplation and prayer, I have decided that His Grace Bishop Nicholas will be your bishop<\/p>\n

Read the Metropolitan’s entire encyclical on the Antiochian Archdiocese website<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/div>\n

Pilgrimage to St. Michael the Archangel Shrine on August 12, 2017<\/h2>\n

UPDATE:<\/strong> A few spaces are left. If you would like to attend please contact Zannos Grekos (239-682-1653) or Anthea Tuefel (239-994-6975) to sign up.<\/p>\n

PLEASE NOTE:<\/strong> If you plan to attend but find yourself a little late Saturday morning, please text or call Zannos Grekos (239-682-1653) or Fr. Hans (239-248-4775) so we can hold the bus for you.<\/p>\n

\n\"Interior\n<\/div>\n

On Saturday August 12, 2017 St. Peter’s will sponsor a pilgrimage to St. Michael the Archangel Shrine in Tarpon Springs. We will leave at 8:30am and return around 7:00pm. After visiting the shrine we will have lunch in Tarpon Springs and then return home.<\/p>\n

A $25.00 donation is suggested. If you would interested in joining please mention it to Anthea Tuefel or Zannos Grekos.<\/p>\n

St. Michael’s Shrine This was built to fulfill a boy’s promise made to the Archangel Michael during a vision as the 11-year-old lay near death. Steve Tsalickis was diagnosed with a brain tumor 75 years ago. Doctors told his mother there was no hope, yet he recovered and went on to become a popular middle school guidance counselor. His parents built the shrine in their back yard.<\/p>\n

Since then, lured by Steve’s story of faith, the devout recount many more miracles they say followed: Tumors gone, sight and hearing restored, the lame leaving behind crutches and walking out. Tears have flowed from the icons covering the walls, they say. Mothers previously unable to conceive bring their babies to pay homage.<\/p>\n

Learn more about St. Michael’s Shrine on the Tampa Bay Times<\/a> website.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Coming in September: Through the Bible in One Year<\/h2>\n
\n\"Read\n<\/div>\n

Would you like to read the entire bible? Would you like to take on this challenge with friends for encouragement and support?<\/p>\n

On September 1, the start of the new Church Year, St. Peter’s will start a program to read the bible in one year. Information will be posted on the website in August.<\/p>\n

Start thinking about it now.<\/p>\n

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Calendar At A Glance<\/h2>\n