{"id":8461,"date":"2020-04-22T10:19:45","date_gmt":"2020-04-22T14:19:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/?p=8461"},"modified":"2020-04-22T10:19:45","modified_gmt":"2020-04-22T14:19:45","slug":"st-peter-newsletter-april-22-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/st-peter-newsletter-april-22-2020\/","title":{"rendered":"St. Peter Newsletter April 22, 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"

Christ is Risen! Truly He has Risen!<\/h2>\n

The First Sunday after Pascha
Sunday of Thomas the Apostle<\/h2>\n

Hieromartyr Basil, bishop of Amasea with Venerable Glaphyra; Stephen, bishop of Perm; Venerable Ioanikios of Devitch in Serbia<\/h4>\n
\"The
The Sunday of Thomas<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Though the doors were shut at the dwelling where the disciples were gathered for fear of the Jews on the evening of the Sunday after the Passover, our Saviour wondrously entered and stood in their midst, and greeted them with His customary words, “Peace be unto you.” Then He showed unto them His hands and feet and side; furthermore, in their presence, He took some fish and a honeycomb and ate before them, and thus assured them of His bodily Resurrection.<\/p>\n

But Thomas, who was not then present with the others, did not believe their testimony concerning Christ’s Resurrection, but said in a decisive manner, “Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe.”<\/p>\n

Wherefore after eight days, that is, on this day, when the disciples were again gathered together and Thomas was with them, the Lord Jesus came while the doors were shut, as He did formerly. Standing in their midst, He said, “Peace be unto you”; then He said to Thomas, “Bring hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and bring hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not unbelieving, but believing.”<\/p>\n

And Thomas, beholding and examining carefully the hands and side of the Master, cried out with faith, “My Lord and my God.” Thus he clearly proclaimed the two natures – human and divine – of the God-man (Luke 24:36-49; John 20:19-29).<\/p>\n

Read more on the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese website<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Sharing the Light<\/h2>\n
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Fr. Hans received requests about sharing the light, the flame from the Paschal Candle, that many people like to bring home. <\/p>\n

Since we can’t meet, Fr. Hans will keep votive candles lit with the light from the Paschal Candle. He will keep them burning until we resume the services at the Church. If you would like to take the Paschal light home after the parish is opened, you will be able to get them from these candles. <\/p>\n

So this is what we will do. On the first Sunday after opening, Fr. Hans will anoint everyone with Holy Oil after the Divine Liturgy with oil he has saved from the Holy Unction service last year. Then we will go to the Social Hall and have a celebratory meal. On the way out you can light a candle to bring the Holy Light home and bless your homes. <\/p>\n

God bless all the good people of St. Peter’s. God is with you. Stay faithful to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to each other. <\/p>\n

Christ is Risen!<\/p>\n

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Please Don’t Forget to Fulfill Your Pledge and Donations<\/h2>\n

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We received some last minute donations in March and exceeded our March budget goal. We were able to cover our February shortfall as a result. Thank you very much for all who contributed for your care and stewardship of St. Peter’s. We should all draw great encouragement from this. A complete financial tally is found below.<\/p>\n

Please keep current with your pledge. The financial health and stability of our parish requires us to do our part.<\/p>\n

You can mail your check to:<\/p>\n

St. Peter Orthodox Church
\n24850 Old 41 RD Suite 6
\nBonita Springs, FL 34135<\/p>\n

You can also donate online (scroll to bottom of page):<\/p>\n

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

Pledge & Income Report – March 2020<\/h2>\n

Donations received in February: $21,308
\nAmount of money needed to cover expenses: $18,121.00
\nAHEAD: $3,000.00<\/p>\n

Our March overage made up for our February shortfall. Thank you for your continued support.<\/p>\n

You can fill out a pledge form on the St. Peter website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Leoni’s Pizza Delivers Hot Meals<\/h2>\n
\"Click<\/a>
Click to go to Leoni’s Pizzeria website<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Also, Leoni’s Pizza has offered to deliver food for anyone who needs a hot meal.<\/p>\n

Leoni’s can deliver to Bonita Springs, Estero, San Carlos Park, or Naples Park. Leoni’s delivers within a 15 mile radius from I-75 to the Gulf Coast.<\/p>\n

You can order online at leonispizza.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Tom and Joanne Venetis, friends and supporters of St. Peter’s, own and operate Leoni’s.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Calendar At A Glance<\/h2>\n

Live Streamed Services This Week<\/strong><\/p>\n

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UPDATE: St. Peter Live Stream is now available on the St. Peter website (as well as Facebook). Click go to the website<\/a>, “Watch Live Stream” and wait for the service to begin.<\/p>\n

To Live Stream a service on FACEBOOK: Go to the St. Peter Facebook page<\/a>. Scroll down to “posts” (use the navigation bar on the left). You do not need a Facebook account to view.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"St.<\/div>\n

April<\/strong><\/p>\n