{"id":6888,"date":"2018-05-22T05:00:57","date_gmt":"2018-05-22T09:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/?p=6888"},"modified":"2018-05-22T05:00:57","modified_gmt":"2018-05-22T09:00:57","slug":"st-peter-newsletter-may-22-2018-pentecost","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/st-peter-newsletter-may-22-2018-pentecost\/","title":{"rendered":"St. Peter Newsletter May 22, 2018 — Pentecost"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Fiftieth Day after Pascha
\nThe Great Feast of Pentecost<\/h2>\n
\"The<\/a>
The Descent of the Holy Spirit<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fifty days after the Resurrection, on the existing Jewish feast of Pentecost, while the disciples and many other followers of Jesus Christ were gathered together to pray, the Holy Spirit descended upon them in the form of “cloven tongues of fire,” with the sound of a mighty rushing wind, and they began to speak in languages that they did not know. There were many visitors from the Jewish diaspora to Jerusalem at that time for the Jewish observance of the feast, and they were astonished to hear these untaught fisherman speaking praises to God in their alien tongues. This account is detailed in the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2.<\/p>\n

The number fifty, as in the fiftieth day after Pascha, stands for eternal and heavenly fulfillment, seven times seven, plus one.<\/p>\n

The Orthodox Church sees Pentecost as the final fulfillment of the mission of Jesus Christ and the first beginning of the messianic age of the Kingdom of God, mystically present in his Church. It is traditionally called the beginning of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.<\/p>\n

Besides celebrating the coming of the Holy Spirit, the feast also celebrates the full revelation of the divine Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Hymns of the Church celebrate the sign of the final act of God’s self-disclosure to the world of His creation.<\/p>\n

To Orthodox Christians, the feast of Pentecost is not just a celebration of an event in history. It is also a celebration their membership in the Church. They have lived Pentecost and received “the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit” in the sacrament of chrismation.<\/p>\n

Read more on the Orthodox Wiki<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Pentecost Prayers Immediately Following the Divine Liturgy<\/h2>\n

\"Pentecost<\/a><\/p>\n

Immediately following the Divine Liturgy we will read the Pentecost Prayers in their entirety. Plan on staying about an extra half hour.<\/p>\n

Why are we doing this? One reason is that Pentecost is a major feast day in our Church. Pentecost (the fifty days) is when the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples and then all the people in Jerusalem, the same Holy Spirit that Adam lost is restored through Jesus Christ (the Second Adam) and makes our salvation possible.<\/p>\n

If Christ hung on a cross to make our salvation possible (and he did), then we can pray these prayers that have been given to us by our Fathers in order to receive Christ’s salvation more deeply. It takes discipline, but there is never any growth without it. <\/p>\n

As the prayers are read. As you listen, absorb them. Let them sink in. Keep in mind what Fr. Hans taught about worship a few Sundays ago and embrace it through these prayers. You soul will experience a measure of reordering – of healing – that will become evident in the days ahead.<\/p>\n

That is why we come to Church. That is why we are Orthodox.<\/p>\n

For those who cannot kneel to physical limitations, it is entirely appropriate to remain seated and both bow you head and “bow the knees of your heart” as scripture says. For those of us who can kneel, we should kneel.<\/p>\n

Fr. Hans Out of Town May 17-31<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Fr. Hans will be traveling to Russia the last two weeks of May.<\/p>\n

We will still have church every Sunday. The substitute priest will be Fr. Kyrill Williams, an OCA priest and hospital chaplain working in St. Petersburg (Forida, not Russia). <\/p>\n

In case of pastoral emergencies please contact Fr. Paul Girgis from St. Paul’s at 509-845-4540. Fr. Paul has graciously consented to help us while Fr. Hans is out of town.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Calling All Seniors! Luncheon on Thursday, June 7 at Noon.<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Seniors, join us for the first of many monthly get-togethers. Meet your friends, enjoy the conversation, and share in some good food!<\/p>\n

We meet at noon on Thursday, June 7 at noon at Church.<\/p>\n

Barbara Dionysopoulos is preparing a delicious lunch of Roast Pork Tenderloin with Greek style Roast Potatoes, Broccoli Spear, Greek Salad, and dessert and coffee. The cost is $5.00 to cover the food.<\/p>\n

We need to know how many are coming so sign up in the social hall (sheet on the table in the hallway).<\/p>\n

The luncheons are a good opportunity for seniors to get together socially for a few hours every month. There is no minimum age requirement for these luncheons, but we want seniors to attend to get them a hot meal and meet with friends socially.<\/p>\n

For questions call Barbara at 239-826-1655.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Interfaith Charites Needs More Help<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The shelves are bare. They need rice, canned vegetables, beans, and cereal. Please consider picking up a few extra items the next time you are shopping and bring them to Church. We will get to Interfaith Charities.<\/p>\n

Interfaith Charities is a coalition of churches and business that help the poor in the San Carlos and south Fort Myers area (view their website<\/a>). We partner with them to help the working poor in our area as part of our mission to serve the poor around us.<\/p>\n

Mark Your Calendar!<\/h2>\n

Pilgrimage to Panagia Vlahernon Greek Orthodox Monastery on Saturday, July 7, 2018<\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Join us for a pilgrimage to the Panagia Vlahernon Monastery near Ocala on Saturday, July 7, 2018. We will leave the church at 8:00am and return between 9:00-10:00pm. We will rent a bus and ride up together. More details forthcoming.<\/p>\n

You can learn more about the monastery on their website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Calendar At A Glance<\/h2>\n