Sunday, February 1, 2026

Sunday of the Pharisee and Publican

&

Forefeast of the Presentation (Meeting) of Christ

II Timothy (3:10-15) My son Timothy, you have followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience, persecutions, sufferings, what things befell me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra. What persecutions I endured! And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Indeed, all who would live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But people who are wicked and deceivers will proceed from worse to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and how from infancy you have known the sacred temple writings which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Luke (18:10-14) The Lord spoke this parable: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank Thee that I am not like other men, extortionists, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Troparion of the Resurrection: While the stone was sealed by the Jews, and the soldiers were guarding Thy most pure body, Thou didst arise on the third day, O Savior, granting life to the world. For which cause the heavenly powers cried aloud unto Thee, O giver of life. Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ, glory to Thy kingdom, glory to Thy providence, O Thou Who alone art the lover of mankind.

Troparion of the Forefeast of the Presentation: (**The soldiers standing guard**) The Heavens’ choir looked down from the vaults of the Heavens, * and gazing on the earth, they beheld with amazement * the First-born of all creation brought forth as a suckling babe * to the Temple by a pure and virginal mother; * and with us, they now do sing a hymn for the Forefeast, * astonished and full of awe.

Troparion of the Chains of St. Peter: O Holy Apostle, Peter, thou dost preside over the Apostles by the precious chains which thou didst bear. We venerate them with faith and beseech thee that by thine intercessions we be granted the great mercy.

Kontakion of the Forefeast of the Presentation: (**On this day Thou hast appeared**) On this day doth Simeon * receive with gladness * God, the giver of the Law; * and he doth cry to Him in fear: * Let me depart now, O Master Christ, * for I have seen Thee, the glory of Israel.

Calendar

Sunday, February 1, 2026 (Sunday of the Pharisee and Publican & Forefeast of the Presentation (Meeting) of Christ)

8:50 AM – Orthros

9:00 AM – Christian Education

10:00 AM – Divine Liturgy

6:30 PM -Vespers w/ Litia and Artoklasia

Monday, February 2, 2026 (Meeting of the Lord in the Temple)

Fr. Herman off

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

No Services

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

5:30 PM – Teen Meeting

6:30 PM – Daily Vespers

Thursday, February 5, 2026

11:00 AM – Men’s Lunch

No Services

Friday, February 6, 2026

No Service

Saturday, February 7, 2026:

6:00 PM – Great Vespers

Sunday, February 8, 2026 (Sunday of the Prodigal Son & After-feast of the Presentation (Meeting) of Christ)

8:50 AM – Orthros

9:00 AM – Christian Education

10:00 AM – Divine Liturgy

Special Announcements

Please remember the following in your prayers: Aidan Milnor, the Milnor family; Mary Greene (Lee and Kh. Sharon’s sister); Jay and Joanna Davis; Fr. Leo and Kh. Be’Be’ Schelver and their family; Jack and Jill Weatherly; Dn.Terry Algood and their family; Fr. John and Kh. Janet Henderson and their family

The Eucharist Bread was provided by Lasseters for the Divine Liturgy this morning.

Eucharist Bread Schedule:

Eucharist Bread Coffee Hour

February 1 Lasseter Ellis/Zouboukos

February 8 YAF Algood/Pacruari/Lavric

February 14 (Sat a.m.) Baker Lockhart/Karam/Snell

Saturday of the Souls

February 15 Henderson Algood/Rodriguez

Meatfare Potluck

February 22 Algood Baker/Jimmy Jones

Sunday of Forgiveness &

Cheesefare

Schedule for Epistle Readers – Page numbers refer to the Apostolos (book of Epistles) located on the chanters’ stand at the front of the nave. Please be sure to use book when you read.

Reader Reading Page#

February 1 Walt Wood II Tim 3:10-15 258

February 8 Reader Basil Baker I Cor 6:12-20 265

February 14 Reader Chad Miller I Cor 10:23-26 271-272

February 15 Brandon Strain I Cor 8:8-9:2 273

February 22 Athena Zouboukos Rom 13:11-14:4 279

We will celebrate the feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple this evening at 6:30pm with Great Vespers with Litia and Artoklasia

Reminder that there is no Wednesday nor Friday fasting this week

Please make sure to check and subscribe to the Google calendar for all updated services and events at the parish

The House Blessing Sign- up Sheet has been placed on the bureau in the foyer. If you would like your house blessed this year, please sign the sheet with your name and three dates you’re available for your house blessing. Fr Herman will reach out to you to schedule your house blessing based on those dates. NO HOUSE BLESSING WILL BE DONE THE WEEKEND BEFORE LENTBEGINS. SO, HOUSE BLESSINGS WILL END FEBRUARY 20TH.

Please be reminded to place your name, birthdate, and if married, your anniversary date in the packet on the bureau in the foyer so that we can have an accurate account of this information. This includes old and new members, catechumens and inquirers.

Please remember that we still need your tithes and offerings which may be placed in the tray that is passed during Divine Liturgy, in the tithe box at the back of the nave or be mailed to: St. Peter Orthodox Church, P.O. Box 2084, Madison, MS 39130-2084

Potluck Meals: Everyone who attends the potluck meals during the month is encouraged to bring a dish to share with everyone. This is to ensure that there is enough food for all to partake. Over the past several months we have been running out of food before everyone has an opportunity to go through the line. This also applies to the Festal Liturgies that may be served during the week and the Soup Suppers after Presanctified Liturgies during Lent. Parents, please accompany your children through the line. Thank you all for your help with this.

As a friendly reminder, in regards to coffee hour, the church will provide beef sticks, cheese cubes, crackers, cookies, and orange juice. For sponsors of baptisms/chrismations a reception may be held after the service and may have whatever food the sponsors would like to provide in celebration of this occasion. If you wish to bring a snack for your children, please be responsible for the clean up of those items. Coffee hour is not meant to be a meal, but a means to break the fast with a snack and visit with each other. Also, as a friendly reminder, please make sure kids are not getting ice in the kitchen without adult supervision.

Calendar Items

* The men of the parish meet for lunch at 11:00 a.m. on the first Thursday of the month

* The Ladies meet for dining on the last Tuesday of the month. Times will vary.

* The Ladies meet at the church at 10:00 a.m. on the second Saturday of the month to pray the

Akathist. Alternating on behalf of our children and our sick.

* The Ladies of St Peter will meet every third Sunday during Coffee Hour.

*Great Lent begins on February 23.

* Stewpot on May 2, and November 7

Fasting Discipline for February

NO fasting on the week following the Sunday of the Pharisee and the Publican is observed. (Monday, February 2 through Friday, February 6)

The traditional fasting is observed the second week of February. (Wed and Fri: Abstain from meat, dairy, eggs, fish, olive oil and wine.)

Great Lent begins on February 23 and runs through April 11. Please see the Fasting Calendar for daily abstinences.

Major Commemorations for February

February 1 – Sunday of the Pharisee and the Publican

February 2 – Meeting of the Lord in the Temple

February 3 – Simeon the God Receiver

February 8 – Sunday of the Prodigal Son

February 10 – Heiromartyr Haralampos

February 14 – Saturday of the Souls

February 15 – Meatfare

February 22 – Forgiveness Sunday

Cheesefare

February 24 – The Forerunner (1st and 2nd Discoveries)

Quote: “Courage does not consist in defeating and oppressing one’s neighbor, for this is overbearingness, which oversteps the bounds of courage. Nor again does it consist in fleeing terrified from the trials that come as a result of practicing the virtues; for this is cowardice and falls short of courage. Courage itself consists in persisting in every good work and in overcoming the passions of souls and body.”

+ St. Peter Damaskos

Worship: Sunday, February 8, 2026 (Sunday of the Prodigal Son & After-feast of the Presentation (Meeting) of Christ)

Scripture: I Cor 6:12-20; Luke 15:11-32

Epistle Reader: Reader Basil Baker

Prosphora: YAF

Coffee Hour: Algood/ Pacurari/Lavric

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Athanasius and Cyril, Patriarchs of Alexandria

Hebrews (13:7-16) Brethren, remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the Word of God; consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings; for it is well that the heart be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited their adherents. We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through His own blood. Therefore, let us go forth to Him outside the camp and bear the abuse He endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city, which is to come. Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His Name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Luke (17:12-19) At that time, as Jesus entered a village, He was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When He saw them He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving Him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus said, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

Troparion of the Resurrection: Thou didst shatter death by Thy Cross, Thou didst open paradise to the thief; Thou didst turn the sadness of the ointment-bearing women into joy. And didst bid Thine Apostles proclaim a warning, that Thou hast risen O Christ, granting to the world the Great Mercy.

Troparion of SS Athanasius and Cyril: Shining forth with works of Orthodoxy, * ye quenched every false belief and teaching * and became trophy-bearers and conquerors. * And since ye made all things rich with true piety, * greatly adorning the Church with magnificence, * Athanasius and wise Cyril, ye justly found Christ God, * Who through your prayers doth grant Great Mercy unto all.

Troparion of the Chains of St. Peter: O Holy Apostle, Peter, thou dost preside over the Apostles by the precious chains which thou didst bear. We venerate them with faith and beseech thee that by thine intercessions we be granted the great mercy.

Kontakion of the Presentation of Christ: Thou, O Christ God, Who by Thy Birth, didst sanctify the Virgin’s womb, and, as is meet, didst bless Simeon’s arms, and didst also come to save us; preserve Thy fold in wars, and confirm them whom Thou didst love, for Thou alone art the Lover of mankind.

Calendar

Sunday, January 18, 2026 (Athanasius and Cyril, Patriarchs of Alexandria)

8:50 AM – Orthros

9:00 AM – Christian Education

10:00 AM – Divine Liturgy

Monday, January 19, 2026

Fr. Herman off

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

No Services

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

5:30 PM – Teen Meeting

6:30 PM – Daily Vespers

Thursday, January 22, 2026

No Services

Friday, January 23, 2026 (Chains of Peter)

No Service

Saturday, January 24, 2026:

6:00 PM – Great Vespers

Sunday, January 25, 2026 (Gregory the Theologian, archbishop of Constantinople)

8:50 AM – Orthros

9:00 AM – Christian Education

10:00 AM – Divine Liturgy

Special Announcements

Thank you to all who came out and helped serve at Stewpot yesterday!

Please remember the following in your prayers: Aidan Milnor, the Milnor family; Mary Greene (Lee and Kh. Sharon’s sister); Jay and Joanna Davis; Fr. Leo and Kh. Be’Be’ Schelver and their family; Jack and Jill Weatherly; Dn.Terry Algood and their family; Fr. John and Kh. Janet Henderson and their family

The Eucharist Bread was provided by D. Root on Thursday, January 15th for Chains of Peter, and by the R. Roots for the Divine Liturgy this morning.

Eucharist Bread Schedule:

Eucharist Bread Coffee Hour

January 18 R. Root Lasseter/Brock

January 25 Pacurari Stewart/Alaeetawi

February 1 Lasseter Ellis/Zouboukos

February 2 (Mon a.am) Milnor Miller/D. Root

Presentation of our Lord

in the Temple

February 8 YAF Algood/Pacruari/Lavric

February 14 (Sat a.m.) Baker Lockhart/Karam/Snell

Saturday of the Souls

February 15 Henderson Algood/Rodriguez

Meatfare Potluck

February 22 Algood Baker/Jimmy Jones

Sunday of Forgiveness &

Cheesefare

Schedule for Epistle Readers – Page numbers refer to the Apostolos (book of Epistles) located on the chanters’ stand at the front of the nave. Please be sure to use book when you read.

Reader Reading Page#

January 18 Sophie Dansereau Heb 13:7-16 365-366

January 25 Grady Fisher Heb 7:26-8:2 334

February 1 Walt Wood II Tim 3:10-15 258

February 2 Kh. Sharon Meadows Heb 7:7-17 371

February 8 Reader Basil Baker I Cor 6:12-20 265

February 14 Reader Chad Miller I Cor 10:23-26 271-272

February 15 Brandon Strain I Cor 8:8-9:2 273

February 22 Athena Zouboukos Rom 13:11-14:4 279

The House Blessing Sign- up Sheet has been placed on the bureau in the foyer. If you would like your house blessed this year, please sign the sheet with your name and three dates you’re available for your house blessing. Fr Herman will reach out to you to schedule your house blessing based on those dates. NO HOUSE BLESSING WILL BE DONE THE WEEKEND BEFORE LENTBEGINS. SO, HOUSE BLESSINGS WILL END FEBRUARY 20TH.

Please be reminded to place your name, birthdate, and if married, your anniversary date in the packet on the bureau in the foyer so that we can have an accurate account of this information. This includes old and new members, catechumens and inquirers.

Please remember that we still need your tithes and offerings which may be placed in the tray that is passed during Divine Liturgy, in the tithe box at the back of the nave or be mailed to: St. Peter Orthodox Church, P.O. Box 2084, Madison, MS 39130-2084

Potluck Meals: Everyone who attends the potluck meals during the month is encouraged to bring a dish to share with everyone. This is to ensure that there is enough food for all to partake. Over the past several months we have been running out of food before everyone has an opportunity to go through the line. This also applies to the Festal Liturgies that may be served during the week and the Soup Suppers after Presanctified Liturgies during Lent. Parents, please accompany your children through the line. Thank you all for your help with this.

As a friendly reminder, in regards to coffee hour, the church will provide beef sticks, cheese cubes, crackers, cookies, and orange juice. For sponsors of baptisms/chrismations a reception may be held after the service and may have whatever food the sponsors would like to provide in celebration of this occasion. If you wish to bring a snack for your children, please be responsible for the clean up of those items. Coffee hour is not meant to be a meal, but a means to break the fast with a snack and visit with each other. Also, as a friendly reminder, please make sure kids are not getting ice in the kitchen without adult supervision.

Calendar Items

* The men of the parish meet for lunch at 11:00 a.m. on the first Thursday of the month

* The Ladies meet for dining on the last Tuesday of the month. Times will vary.

* The Ladies meet at the church at 10:00 a.m. on the second Saturday of the month to pray the

Akathist. Alternating on behalf of our children and our sick.

* The Ladies of St Peter will meet every third Sunday during Coffee Hour.

* Stewpot on May 2, and November 7

Fasting Discipline for January

On all Wednesdays and Fridays of January the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, dairy, eggs, fish, wine or oil) is observed.

Exceptions on Thursday, January 30th when we will only abstain from meat, dairy, eggs, fish. (Please see 2026 Fasting Calendar).

Major Commemorations for January

January 18 Athanasios and Cyril of Alexandria

January 23 Gregory the Theologian

January 27 John Chrysostom (Transfer of Relics)

January 30 The Three Holy Hierarchs

January 31 Cyros and John the Unmercenary Healers

Quote: “If you want to be free of your passions, your medicine is to be simple, humble; to take in, like the good earth, both the raining and the hail along with rubbish and the spittle. When one accepts external humiliations, he’s quickly freed from his old self…Blessed one, when you are given an opportunity for humility, accept it. This is how humility is acquired.”

+St. Paisios of Mount Athos

Worship: Sunday, January 25, 2026 (Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople)

Scripture: Heb 7:26-8:2

Epistle Reader: Grady Fisher

Prosphora: Pacurari

Coffee Hour: Stewart/Alaeetawi