{"id":7713,"date":"2019-06-05T14:32:00","date_gmt":"2019-06-05T18:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/?p=7713"},"modified":"2019-06-05T14:32:00","modified_gmt":"2019-06-05T18:32:00","slug":"st-peter-newsletter-june-5-2019-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/st-peter-newsletter-june-5-2019-2\/","title":{"rendered":"St. Peter Newsletter June 5, 2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sunday of the After-feast of the Ascension
\nCommemoration of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council<\/h2>\n

Cyril, archbishop of Alexandria; Pelagia and the three Virgin-martyrs of Chios; Venerable Cyril of Belozersk; Venerable Columba, Enlightener of Scotland<\/h4>\n
\"The
The 318 Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Mt. 16:18). Although the Church of Christ on earth will pass through difficult struggles with the enemy of salvation, it will emerge victorious.<\/p>\n

Persecution of Christians ceased during the fourth century, but heresies arose within the Church itself. One of the most pernicious of these heresies was Arianism. Arius, a priest of Alexandria, was a man of immense pride and ambition. In denying the divine nature of Jesus Christ and His equality with God the Father, Arius falsely taught that the Savior is not consubstantial with the Father, but is only a created being.<\/p>\n

A local Council, convened with Patriarch Alexander of Alexandria presiding, condemned the false teachings of Arius. However, Arius would not submit to the authority of the Church. He wrote to many bishops, denouncing the decrees of the local Council. He spread his false teaching throughout the East, receiving support from certain Eastern bishops.<\/p>\n

Investigating these dissentions, the holy emperor Constantine (May 21) consulted Bishop Hosius of Cordova (Aug. 27), who assured him that the heresy of Arius was directed against the most fundamental dogma of Christ’s Church, and so he decided to convene an Ecumenical Council. In 325, 318 bishops representing Christian Churches from various lands gathered together at Nicea.<\/p>\n

Read the complete story on the Orthodox Church in America website<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Michael Strezev Accepted to Masters Music Program<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Many of you know Michael, our parishioner from Moldavia. Michael makes his living playing the organ which is why you see him enter liturgy late on most Sundays. He plays for other churches.<\/p>\n

Most don’t know that Michael is an accomplished organ player, one with great promise and talent. He was encouraged by a faculty member of the Eastman School of Music to audition there and was accepted into their Master’s program. He begins his studies in August. He needs to raise $20,000 plus living expenses. <\/p>\n

Michael has been granted a scholarship that covers half of his expenses to start. A person associated with the Naples Philharmonic is arranging a fund raising concert to help him meet the second half of his expenses. Location and time will be announced. It would be could if those of us who can help him attend the concert in support of his goals. <\/p>\n

If would also be good if anyone who could help him do so. My prayer is that the money comes in for Michael through both work and gifts and that he be able to complete this course of study in his fledgling career.<\/p>\n

 <\/div>\n

The Ascension Divine Liturgy on June 5, 2019 at 6:30pm<\/h2>\n
\"The
The Ascension of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Ascension is when Jesus Christ ascended into heaven to resume his rightful place at the right hand of the Father. It is the completion of Christ’s earthly ministry. Following about two weeks later the Holy Spirit descends, the Church begins, and the era of the New Covenant (God’s new way of dealing with men) begins. <\/p>\n

We will commemorate Ascension with a Divine Liturgy on the Eve of Ascension on June 5, 2019 starting at 6:30pm.<\/p>\n

 <\/div>\n

Community Luncheon on Thursday, June 6, 2019 at 12:00pm Noon<\/h2>\n

\"Community<\/p>\n

You are invited to join your St. Peter’s friends for lunch and fellowship at 12 noon on Thursday, September at 12:00pm. <\/p>\n

Barbara Dionysopoulos and friends are preparing a delicious meal for all our members. Come and join us to enjoy some good food and the company of your friends. Make some new friends too!<\/p>\n

Reservations are required!<\/em> Please call Barbara at 239-826-1655 or sign up in the Social Hall after Divine Liturgy.<\/p>\n

Menu<\/strong><\/p>\n