{"id":8929,"date":"2020-09-21T23:04:41","date_gmt":"2020-09-22T03:04:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/?p=8929"},"modified":"2020-09-21T23:04:41","modified_gmt":"2020-09-22T03:04:41","slug":"september-22-2020-st-peter-newsletter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/september-22-2020-st-peter-newsletter\/","title":{"rendered":"September 22, 2020 – St. Peter Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
\nFirst Sunday of Luke<\/h2>\n

Martyr Kallistratos and the 49 Martyrs with him; Apostles Aristarchos, Zenon and Mark of the Seventy; New-martyr Aquilina of Thessalonica; Venerable Ignatius, Abbot in Asia Minor; Venerable Savvatios of Solovky<\/h4>\n

Who Was Martyr Kallistratos and the 49 Martyrs with him?<\/h2>\n
\"St,
St, Kallistratos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

St. Kallistratos came from Carthage. His parents were devout Christians and nurtured him “in the education and admonition of the Lord”. When he reached draft age he was inducted into the Roman army. In the army environment, among the pagans, he was tried by many temptations, which, however, he faced with great patience, wisdom and faith. Because he had a healthy spiritual organism, with strong spiritual antibodies, he remained, by the Grace of God and his own personal struggle, harmless and free from evil.<\/p>\n

He had the good habit of waking up during the night and praying, but he did this with discernment and attention without bothering anyone. However, his way of life and behavior made some suspect he was a Christian, and for that a complaint was made against him to the general. He invited him to apologize and heard Kallistratos boldly confess his faith in Christ. He tried to dissuade him with promises and flatteries, yet, because he saw that he could not change his mind, he ordered that Kallistratos be tortured harshly. Finally, they tied him in a sack, which was well sealed, and threw him into the sea. But in a wondrous way the sack ripped and two dolphins carried the Saint safe and sound to shore. This miracle was seen by others, 49 soldiers, who came to believe and boldly confess that the God of Kallistratos was the true God, “Who alone does wonders”.<\/p>\n

After this event the Saint was imprisoned together with the 49 soldiers, whom he catechized in prison. And because everyone remained stable and steadfast in their faith, they were beheaded, and in this way they sealed their martyrdom for Christ with their holy blood.<\/p>\n

Read more about St. Kallistratos on the Mystagogy<\/a> website.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/div>\n

Upcoming Liturgies<\/h2>\n

The Conception of St. John the Forerunner (Baptist) Divine Liturgy, Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at 9:30am<\/h4>\n
 <\/div>\n
\"St.
St. John the Forerunner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
 <\/div>\n

The Conception of the Venerable Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord, John: The holy Prophet Malachi prophesied that before the Messiah’s birth His Forerunner would appear, and would indicate His coming. The Jews therefore in awaiting the Messiah also awaited the appearance of His Forerunner. <\/p>\n

In a city of the hills of Judea in the land of Palestine lived the righteous priest St Zachariah and his wife St Elizabeth, zealously observing the commandments of the Lord. The couple, however, had a misfortune: they remained childless in their old age, and they prayed unceasingly to God to grant them a child. <\/p>\n

Once, when St Zachariah took his turn as priest at the Temple of Jerusalem, he went into the Sanctuary to offer incense. Going behind the veil of the Sanctuary, he beheld an angel of God standing at the right side of the altar of incense. St Zachariah was astonished and halted in fear, but the angel said to him, “Fear not, Zachariah, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.” <\/p>\n

But Zachariah did not believe the words of the heavenly messenger, and then the angel said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stand in the presence of God; and I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you the good news. Behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things come to pass, because you did not believe my words….” <\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zachariah and they were astonished that he had not come out from the Sanctuary after so long a time. And when he did come out, he was supposed to pronounce a blessing upon the people, but could not do so because he had been struck speechless. When Zachariah explained by gestures that he was unable to speak, the people then understood that he had experienced a vision. The prophecy of the Archangel was fulfilled, and Righteous Elizabeth was delivered from her barrenness, and gave birth to John, the Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord.<\/p>\n

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

 <\/div>\n

St. Silouan the Athonite Divine Liturgy, Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at 9:30am<\/h4>\n
 <\/div>\n
\"St.
St. Silouan the Athonite<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
 <\/div>\n

Saint Silouan was born Simeon Ivanovich Antonov on January 17, 1866, to Russian Orthodox parents in village of Sovsk in Russia’s Tambov region.<\/p>\n

At the age of twenty-seven he left his native Russia and came to Mount Athos, where he became a monk at the Monastery of St. Panteleimon and was given the name Silouan, the Russian version of the Biblical name Silvanus.<\/p>\n

An ardent ascetic, he received the grace of unceasing prayer and saw Christ in a vision. After long years of spiritual trial, he acquired great humility and inner stillness. He prayed and wept for the whole world as for himself, and he put the highest value on love for enemies.<\/p>\n

Thomas Merton, a twentieth-century Catholic monk, described Silouan as “the most authentic monk of the twentieth century.” St. Silouan died on September 24, 1938. He was glorified by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in 1987.<\/p>\n

Though barely literate, he was sought out by pilgrims for his wise counsel. His writings were edited by his disciple and pupil, Archimandrite Sophrony. Father Sophrony has written the life of the saint along with a record of St. Silouan’s teachings in the book Saint Silouan the Athonite.<\/p>\n

Learn more on the St. Silouan website<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/div>\n

Watch for An Upcoming Video About St. Peter’s!<\/h2>\n

Jason and Moriah Andrews who recently joined St. Peter’s and will soon become catechumens are professional videographers are making a video about St. Peter’s. Expect to see it near the end of the month. <\/p>\n

Here they are at work:<\/p>\n

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\"Clark<\/p>\n

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Riccioli Baptism, Sunday October 4, 12:30pm<\/h2>\n
\n\"Baptism\n<\/div>\n

You (everyone in the parish) are invited to attend the baptism of Angelina, daughter of Paul (Carmine) and Elizabeth (Lily) Riccioli following the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, October 4 (plan on about 12:30pm). <\/p>\n

 <\/div>\n

Taking Care of our Animals<\/h2>\n
 <\/div>\n

\"Rescued<\/p>\n

 <\/div>\n

The Lee County Domestic Animal Services pet food pantry will be in Bonita Springs.<\/p>\n

They will be available Noon to 3:00pm on Wednesday, September 23 at:<\/p>\n

Bonita Assistance Office
\n25300 Bernwood Drive Unit #6
\nBonita Springs, FL 34135<\/p>\n

and<\/p>\n

9:00am to 11:00am on Tuesday, October 13 at:<\/p>\n

26820 Old 41 Road
\nBonita Springs, FL 34135<\/p>\n

The pet food pantry will be no contact, drive up only.<\/p>\n

Please note: This drive is both for those that wish to donate pet food and to pick up pet food.<\/em> <\/p>\n

Donations can be made at any time to Bonita Assistance or directly to the Lee County or Collier County animal shelters.<\/p>\n

 <\/div>\n

Introduction to Orthodoxy Classes Begin Sunday September 27, 2020 Following the Divine Liturgy<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The best book for an Introduction to Orthodoxy class is out of print. The doesn’t restrict us because Fr. Hans makes copies to use in a three ring binder. He will need to know who is interested in attending so he can make enough books. <\/p>\n

The class is required for seekers and catechumens and also open to any parishioner who would like to attend. The syllabus will be posted on the website at soon as it is completed and handed out the first day of class.<\/p>\n

Here’s the plan. We will meet after social hall. Get some coffee, have some food and fellowship, and then we break for class. We will plan meet in the Sunday School room. If attendance is greater we will meet in the Church. Plan on classes lasting about an hour.<\/p>\n

Why are we meeting on Sunday? To allow everyone an opportunity to attend. <\/p>\n

 <\/div>\n

Byzantine Chant Workshop – Weekly on Tuesday at 7:00pm at St. Paul’s<\/h2>\n
 <\/div>\n

\"Byzantine<\/p>\n

 <\/div>\n

Led by Dn. Nicholas Reid, participants will learn the basics of the tone of the week — its characteristics, scale, and various forms — and will get a chance to participate in group practice.<\/p>\n

No prior chanting experience is required. <\/p>\n

This will also be an opportunity to deepen our Orthodox faith by better understanding the role each tone plays in liturgical worship so that we can apply them more fruitfully in our parish life as well as in the worship of the “little church” – our own homes.<\/p>\n

Questions? Contact Dn. Nick (nick.reid.11@gmail.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n

 <\/div>\n

Coming Soon: DOMSE Virtual Retreat — MARK YOUR CALENDAR!<\/h2>\n

\"Antiochian<\/p>\n

Schedule now available on the new DOMSE website<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n

DOMSE (Diocese of Miami and the Southeast) will hold a two day virtual retreat from Friday through Saturday, October 3-4, 2020.<\/p>\n

Topics and schedule will be available soon.<\/p>\n

 <\/div>\n

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

Donations received in August $22,648.00
\nAmount of money needed to cover expenses: $18,167.00
\nWe are ahead by $4,481.00<\/p>\n

Please note:<\/strong>Thank you for your response to our Appeal Letter. Please continue your generous support. If you cannot make it to church please mail in your donation to:<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

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

 <\/div>\n

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

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

 <\/div>\n

Bishop NICHOLAS Offers a Weekly Live Stream<\/h2>\n

These are short thirty minute presentations where His Grace Bp. Nicholas speaks on one theme in Sunday readings for fifteen minutes followed by questions from the listeners. It’s worth tuning in. Get instructions on the St. Peter website<\/a> on how to use the Band App on your phone or computer to participate.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

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Calendar At A Glance<\/h2>\n

SEPTEMBER<\/strong><\/p>\n