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St. Stephen was a Jew living in the Hellenic provinces, related to the Apostle Paul and one of the first seven deacons ordained by the Apostles to serve the Church in Jerusalem (thus making him an Archdeacon). In the words of Asterias: St Stephen was “the starting point of the martyrs, the instructor of suffering for Christ, the foundation of righteous confession, since Stephen was the first to shed his blood for the Gospel.”<\/p>\n
The Holy Spirit worked powerfully through his faith, enabling him to perform many miracles and always defeat those who would dispute with him. The Jews in their hatred of St. Stephen lied about him to the people, but St. Stephen with his face illumined reminded the people of the miracles God had worked through him and even rebuked the Jews for killing the innocent Christ.<\/p>\n
The people were enraged by what they thought was blasphemy and ‘gnashed their teeth’ at Stephen. It was then that he saw his Christ in the heavens and declared it so. Hearing this, they took him outside the city and stoned him to death, with his kinsman Saul (later St. Paul) holding their coats while they did it. Afar off on a hill was the Virgin Mary and St. John the Theologian who witnessed this first martyrdom for the Son of God and prayed for him while he was being stoned. This occurred about a year after the first Pentecost.<\/p>\n
Source: OrthodoxWiki<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n “Take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word” (Matthew 2:13 – KJV)<\/p>\n “Out of Egypt I called my son” (Hosea 11:1 – RSV)<\/p>\n “The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.” (Isaiah 19:1 – KJV)<\/p>\n “In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD.” (Isaiah 19:19 – KJV)<\/p>\n “Blessed be Egypt my people” (Isaiah 19:25 – KJV)<\/p>\n According to the Scripture, Jesus Christ lived in Palestine, and the only other country he travelled to (as a young child) was Egypt. The Holy Family, throughout their stay in Egypt, which lasted for about three-and-half years, moved through many towns in Upper and Lower Egypt.<\/p>\n Many of the details of the journey of the Holy Family in Egypt are chronicled in a Mimar (manuscript) by Pope Theophilus, 23rd Patriarch of Alexandria (384-412 A.D.), who received these details during an apparition of the Holy Virgin Mary. Other sources of information include accounts by 2nd and 3rd century Greek and Jewish writers\/philosophers\/historians.<\/p>\n Many churches and monasteries were built in the locations which have been blessed by the visit of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Virgin Mary, and St. Joseph the carpenter. Many miracles took place in these locations during the Holy Family visit 2000 years ago (and continue to occur to this day). These Coptic churches are considered the oldest and among the holiest of all churches in Christendom.<\/p>\n Among the places visited by the Holy Family are Zeitun in Cairo, where the Holy Virgin Mary also appeared in 1968, and Assiut in Upper Egypt, where She again appeared in 2000 [1].<\/p>\n In one small street in el-Matarya district of today’s Cairo (Eid Street\/Shek El-Te’eban Street), all kinds of bread and bakery cannot be leavened up to this day, since the Virgin Mary first visited that place with the Holy Family 2000 years ago and they were refused bread and cast away. This is an ongoing miracle that anyone can witness till this very day. Bread leavens normally in all surrounding streets.<\/p>\n Source: OrthodoxWiki<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n We will cut the Vassilopita on Sunday, January 3, 2021 following Divine Liturgy<\/p>\n We will bless the waters at Imperial River on Sunday, January 7, 2021 following the Divine Liturgy (after a very brief Social Hall.<\/p>\n A thank you letter from NAMI for the support from St. Peter’s.<\/em><\/p>\n Dear St. Peter’s,<\/p>\n Thank you very much for your generous donation to Sara Ann Center for Christmas gifts and supplies for our members. Your kindness allows us to continue providing our services free of charge and directly improves the quality of life of those affected by mental illnesses. <\/p>\n We appreciate the support of caring people like yourselves. As we see the faces of families light up when their HUGS Navigator pulls into their driveway, or our embers smile over a Zoom meeting to see a familiar face, we are reminded of the important role NAMI Collier plays in so many people’s lives. We are here for them, for you. or anyone you know who needs us because of your donations. <\/p>\n On behalf of the Staff, our Members, and our Families, we thank you.<\/p>\n With Kind Regards;<\/p>\n Pamela J. Baker Ed.D Thank you to Mary Copeland who directs this project for St. Peter’s every year.<\/em><\/p>\n Two things determined our flourishing in the past year: God’s benevolence towards us and your faithfulness. Your support of St. Peter’s enables us to experience God’s benevolence. <\/p>\n People who follow Christ need to come together. Our parish offers that. Without a place to meet, there would be no Divine Liturgy, no Eucharist, no place for anointing when we are sick, no place where those who are seeking Christ can call home, no place to meet dear friends every week, no place for baptisms and weddings, no place where the children can grow up with their Church friends, and much more. <\/p>\n We are again in the season where we have to consider our financial commitment to St. Peter’s. Our budget is growing because the parish is growing. We estimate is that our budget will increase 19% in 2021. <\/p>\n Please click the image to read the full message and prayerfully consider your support of St. Peter’s for 2021.<\/em><\/p>\n If you have not fulfilled your 2020 Regular Stewardship Pledge, please do so before the end of the year so that we may continue to meet our year-end obligations. <\/p>\n Thank you for your generosity throughout the year.<\/p>\n Also, you should have received by mail your 2021 Stewardship Pledge letter and form. Don’t forget to fill it out and return it to the church. If you did not receive one, additional copies are available in the Narthex.<\/p>\n UPDATE:<\/strong> We are still accepting Capital Campaign Donations as we have not yet made our goal. Our goal is $750K and we now have $427K. Thank you for your generous contributions to date.<\/em><\/p>\n The Church now has set up a Brokerage account so if anyone wishes to donate stocks or bonds, the Church can accept them.<\/em><\/p>\n Our Capital Campaign is going well. So far $427,000 of the $750,000 we need to secure a mortgage to make a bid on the new Church property has been received. That’s over half of our goal!<\/p>\n Some parishioners may be under the impression that November 1 was a cut off date. It wasn’t. It was the date we hoped to receive all pledges. If you have still not pledged, you can still do so.<\/p>\n Download a pledge form on the St. Peter website<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Please remember, churches are hard to come by in Southwest Florida. This property meets our needs because:<\/p>\n Many of you have seen our Capital Campaign video. Take a look at it again. It lays out our vision that has guided us to where we are and explains why a move is necessary now.<\/p>\n We are grateful to everyone who has supported our Capital Campaign. Thank you very much for your confidence and trust, and the hope you have in the flourishing of St. Peter’s parish. <\/p>\n Next class Sunday, January 27, 2020. Assignment: Chapters 15 and 16.<\/em><\/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 We will meet after social hall. Get some coffee, have some food and fellowship, and then we break for class.<\/p>\n Get more information on the St. Peter website<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\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 Donations received in November $17,553.00 Over the last 2 months, our donations have not met expenses. Please give generously in December so that we can make our year-end budget numbers.<\/p>\n Please note:<\/strong>Please continue your generous support. If you cannot make it to church please mail in your donation to:<\/em><\/p>\n St. Peter Orthodox Church You can also donate online (scroll to bottom of page):<\/p>\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 Calendar also available on the St. Peter website<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n DECEMBER \/ JANUARY<\/strong><\/p>\n JANUARY<\/strong><\/p>\n From the time of the Fall of our ancestors, who dreamed of becoming gods, egoism became so firmly embedded in human nature that the ability to do good for goodness’ sake was lost. Archbishop Averky (Taushev)<\/strong><\/p>\n To suffer less from passionate thoughts, it is necessary to remove oneself from occasions that arouse them. Abba Poemen<\/strong><\/p>\n Fear malice as you fear the fire; do not admit it into your heart, even upon any plausible pretence, and still less by reason of anything disagreeable to you; malice is always an evil, a child of hell. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt<\/strong><\/p>\n Fear and uneasiness proceed from unbelief. Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt<\/strong><\/p>\n As soon as condemnation comes into your head, immediately say with attention: “Lord grant me to see my sins and not condemn my brother.” St. Nektary of Optina<\/strong><\/p>\n Likewise people: they go to bars and restaurants together and get drunk, smashing glasses and bottles, and they come home with cuts and bruises, but they find no comfort. They look for comfort everywhere, but it cannot be found. But those who are one with the Lord, like the angels, are always at peace and have joy in their hearts. Their peace and joy are unchangeable. Elder Thaddeus(Strabulovich) of Vitovnica<\/strong><\/p>\n The Prayer List has been revamped. To bring order to the list we will do the following:<\/p>\n Were names dropped that should have remained? Please mention it to Fr. Hans. He will add them back.<\/em><\/p>\n Current Prayer List<\/strong> (Updated December 14 \/ Resets January 1<\/em>)<\/p>\n \nDavid (Dusckas 2\/21) Permanent Prayer List<\/strong><\/p>\n \nFran (Hansen) Founders, Members, and Benefactors Departed this Life<\/strong><\/p>\n John (Hansen) How should we pray for the sick? Remember them daily. Say their names (first names are sufficient) and ask God to bestow mercy and grace on them.<\/p>\n Add or remove names and print this list for easy reference during your prayer time on the St. Peter website<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/div>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/flight-into-egypt-500x359-1.jpg\")
<\/div>\nJoseph the Betrothed and the Flight into Egypt<\/h4>\n
<\/div>\nNativity Week Worship Schedule<\/h2>\n
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<\/div>\nWhen is the Cutting of the Vassilopita (St. Basil’s Bread) and the Blessing of the Waters (Imperial River) Next Year?<\/h2>\n
Helping NAMI<\/h2>\n
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\nCEO of NAMI Collier County<\/p>\n <\/div>\nStewardship 2021<\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\nOnly a Few Days Left in December – Please Complete Your Stewardship<\/h2>\n
<\/div>\nCapital Campaign Update<\/h2>\n
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<\/div>\n <\/div>\nIntroduction to Orthodoxy Classes Continue<\/h2>\n
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<\/a> <\/p>\n <\/div>\nSt. Peter’s is Going Camping!<\/h2>\n
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<\/a> <\/div>\n2021 DOMSE Virtual Winter Retreat — Save the Date<\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\nByzantine Chant Workshop – Weekly on Tuesday at 7:00pm at St. Paul’s<\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\nPledge & Income Report – November 2020<\/h2>\n
\nAmount of money needed to cover expenses: $18,167.00
\nWe are behind by $614.00<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/check-150x114-1.jpg\")
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\n24850 Old 41 Road Suite 6
\nBonita Springs, FL 34135<\/p>\n <\/div>\n![\"Click](\"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/donate-button-235x110.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\nBishop NICHOLAS Offers a Weekly Live Stream<\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\nCalendar At A Glance<\/h2>\n
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<\/div>\nWisdom From The Elders<\/h2>\n
<\/div>\nRemember in Your Prayers<\/h2>\n
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\nT.R. (Dusckas 2\/21)
\nDebbie (Breitenbach 2\/21)
\nBarbara (Dusckas 2\/21)
\nMary (Marianthi 2\/21)
\nSarah (Wolffe 2\/21)
\nPauline (Jacobse 2\/21)
\nBenjamin (Jacobse 2\/21)
\nMarcie (Breitenbach 2\/21)
\nJo Ann (Breitenbach 2\/21)
\nAngela (Fred 12\/21)
\nDespina (Diveris 2\/21)
\nRonald (Sovjani 2\/21)
\nKatherine (Dusckas 2\/21)
\nMarlene (Tewis 2\/21)
\nGail (Jacobse 1\/21)
\nRobert (Tewis 1\/21)
\nSergio (Mary Kazakos 1\/21)
\nRae (Semeretis 1\/21)
\nMary (Semeretis 1\/21)
\nHeather (Waterman 1\/21)
\nZachary (Constantine 1\/21)
\nPeter (Foltz 1\/21)
\nAlexa (Buchanan 1\/21)
\nRebecca (Aguado 1\/2021)
\nJacob (Aguado 1\/2021)
\nBaby Mackenzie (Zafiris 12\/20
\nWeston (Teufel 12\/20)
\nNolan (Zafiris 12\/20)\n<\/p>\n
\nNina (Krotov)
\nGeorge (Chapekis)
\nFranklin (Pyrrson)
\nGeorge (Chionis)
\nStamatia (Jacobse)
\nStamatia (Evelyn)
\nDemetrios (Kuchera)
\nTheodosios (Palis)
\nTheodora (Webb)
\nHelen (Rogers)
\nRobert (Smith)
\nRobert (Jarvis)
\nPresbytera Rosy (in Pakistan)
\nJames (Hord)
\nAnn (Rellis)
\nVassiliki (Kontinos)
\nVassiliki (Morekeas)\n<\/p>\n
\nAnatoly (Kurdsjuk)
\nThareni (Brooks)
\nMilan Evanoff
\nJean (Sam)
\nEleni (Pearson)
\nRichard (Pearson)
\nFr. Stephanos (Shagoury)
\nPanagiota (Bea Chionis)
\nAnthony (Mourgis)
\nAnthony (Mankus)
\nConstantine (Houpis)
\nConstantine (Joseph)
\nMary (Jarvis)
\nPanagiota Margarita (Palis)<\/p>\n
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