Sunday, August 2, 2026

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

THE EPISTLE:

(For the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost)

Make your vows and pay them to the Lord our God. God is known in Judaea; His Name is great in Israel…

I Corinthians (3:9-17) Brethren, we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s husbandry, God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise architect I laid a foundation, and another builds upon it. Let each one take heed how he builds upon it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; everyone’s work will become manifest; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire itself will test each one’s work of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which was built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, yet so as by fire. Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone corrupts the temple of God, God will corrupt him. For the temple of God is holy, whose temple you are.

THE GOSPEL:

(For the Ninth Sunday of Matthew)

Matthew (14:22-34) At that time, Jesus made the Disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. And after He had dismissed the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone, but the Disciples’ boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. But when the Disciples saw Jesus walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately He spoke to them, saying, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.” And Peter answered Him, “Lord, if it is Thee, bid me come to Thee on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught him, saying to him, “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly, Thou art the Son of God.” And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret.

APOLYTIKIA AND THEOTOKIA:

Troparion of the Resurrection: From the heights Thou didst descend, O compassionate One, and Thou didst submit to the threeday burial, that Thou might deliver us from passion; Thou art our life and our Resurrection, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Troparion of St. Stephen the Archdeacon: (**Be quick to anticipate**) The crown of the Kingdom hath adorned the brow of thy head * because of the contests that thou hast endured for Christ God, thou first of the martyred Saints; * for when thou hadst censured the Jews’ madness, thou sawest * Christ thy Savior standing at the right hand of the Father. * O Stephen, ever pray Him for us, that He would save our souls.

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 Transfiguration: Thou wast transfigured on the mount, and Thy Disciples, in so far as they were able, beheld Thy glory, O Christ our God; so that, when they should see Thee crucified, they would remember that all Thy suffering was voluntary, and could declare to all the world that Thou art truly the effulgent Splendor of the Father.

This Week’s Calendar

Sunday, August 2, 2026 (Ninth Sunday after Pentecost)

8:50 AM – Orthros

10:00 AM – Divine Liturgy

Monday, August 3, 2026

6:30 PM – Paraklesis

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

No Services

Wednesday, August 5, 2026 (Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ)

6:00 PM – Festal Orthros and Divine Liturgy

Thursday, August 6, 2026

NO Services

11:00 AM – Men’s Lunch

Friday, August 7, 2026

6:30 PM – Paraklesis

Saturday, August 8, 2026 (Dormition Fast Begins)

10:00 AM – Ladies meet for Akathist

6:00 PM – Great Vespers

Sunday, August 9, 2026 (Tenth Sunday after Pentecost)

8:50 AM – Orthros

10:00 AM – Divine Liturgy

12:00 PM – Potluck (Fasting)

1:00 PM – Catechesis

Eucharist Schedule:

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

Eucharist Bread Schedule:

Eucharist Bread Coffee Hour

August 2 Henderson Ian Jones/Jimmy Jones

August 5 (Wed p.m.) Algood Pigott/Kumar

Feast of The Transfiguration

August 9 Jones Ken Jones/Stewart

Potluck

August 15 (Sat a.m.) Meadows Meadows/Brock

Dormition of The Theotokos

August 16 Davis Dansereau/Alaeetawi

August 23 D. Root Ellis/Zouboukos

August 30 Karam Miller/D. Root

Epistle Readers Schedule:

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#

August 2 Grady Fisher I Cor 3:9-17 130

August 5 (Wed p.m.) Kh. Sharon Meadows II Peter 1:10-19 401

August 9 Brandon Strain I Cor 4:9-16 135

August 15 (Sat a.m.) Katie Miller Phil 2:5-11 403

August 16 Reader Chad Miller I Cor 9:2-12 141

August 23 Mary Martha Ellis I Cor 15:1-11 146

August 30 Reader Bill Baker I Cor 16:13-24 152

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

Special Announcements and News

The Parish Council has authorized the church to sign up with Clearstream SMS text messaging. If you would like to opt in to this service please reply “Yes" to the email sent out by Dn. Richard, or see him directly. The phone text messages will be sent from our number at Clearstream (601) 873-6749. If not opted in you won’t receive group SMS messages. If you opt in and later decide you do not want SMS messages you can always opt out.

Supper Club Ministry: If you are interested in participating, please see Grady Fisher.

AS A FRIENDLY REMINDER:NO Food or drinkshould be brought into the Nave. Especially during the Divine Services. We must always bear in mind that we are standing in the presence of the Holy Trinity during our worship. Being respectful of that and of those who have fasted for the partaking of the Holy Eucharist during Divine Liturgy, and to make sure our Nave stays clean and pleasing to God. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation with this.

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

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

COFFEE HOUR AND POTLUCKS:

The next potluck is scheduled Sunday, August 9, 2026. (Fasting)

As a friendly reminder, in regards to coffee hour, the church will provide snacks and beverages. 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. Coffee hour is not meant to be a meal, but a means to break the fast with a snack and visit with each other. * Please be sure kids are not getting ice in the kitchen without adult supervision. *

Potluck Meals: Everyone who attends the potluck meals is encouraged to bring a dish to share. This is to ensure that there is enough food for all to partake. 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.

Upcoming Events

* Parish Council meeting has been moved to July 29 at 7:30

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

* The men will also meet for every third Saturday of the month at 8:30 at Primos in Ridgeland.

* The Ladies meet for dining once a month. Date and time to be determined.

* YAF meets every other Monday at 5:45 p.m. for Book Study.

* Dormition Fast begins on August 1

* Feast of the Transfiguration on Wednesday, August 5 at 6:00 p.m.

* Dormition of The Theotokos on Saturday, August 15 at 9:00 a.m.

* Parish Council Meeting on August 26 at 7:30

* Stewpot November 7 @ 11:30 a.m.

Fasting Discipline for July-August

The Dormition Fast begins on August 1 and runs through August 1. We will abstain from meat, dairy eggs, fish olive oil and wine. An exception on August 6th for the Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ, when fish olive oil and wine are allowed.

Major Commemorations for August

August 6 Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ

August 15 Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos

August 21 The Holy Apostle Thaddaeus

August 25 Apostles Bartholomew and Titus

August 29 Beheading of the Forerunner and Baptist John

August 31 The Placing of the Honorable Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos

Quote:

“People offend you, irritate you, breathe contempt and malice against you; do not repay them in the same way, but be gentle, meek, and kind, respectful and loving towards those very persons who behave unworthily to you. If you are agitated yourself, and speak excitedly, rudely, contemptuously – that is, unlovingly – then you will be vanquished yourself, and those who offend you will have the right to say, ‘Physician, heal thyself’…Do not wonder, then, if the affronts of those who offend you are often repeated, for they will notice your weakness and will irritate you intentionally.”

+St. John of Kronstadt

Next Week’s Schedule:

Wednesday, August 5, 2026 (Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ)

Scripture: II Peter 1:10-19; Matthew 17:1-9

Epistle Reader: Kh. Sharon Meadows

Prosphora: Algood

Coffee Hour: Pigott/Kumar

Sunday, August 9, 2026 (Tenth Sunday after Pentecost)

Scripture: I Cor 3:9-16; Matthew 17:14-23

Epistle Reader: Brandon Strain

Prosphora: Jones

Coffee Hour: Ken Jones/Stewart

Potluck

Sunday, July 26, 2026

The Holy Righteous Martyr Paraskeva of Rome

The Holy Righteous Martyr Paraskeva of Rome:

St. Paraskevi was born in Rome of Christian parents, and from her youth was instructed in the Faith of Christ. With great fervor, Saint Paraskevi endeavored to fulfill all the commandments of God in her life. Believing firmly and living according to her faith, Paraskevi directed others on the path of salvation and in the pious life. When her parents died, Paraskevi distributed all of her property to the poor, and was tonsured a nun. As a nun, she preached the Christian Faith with an even greater zeal, not hiding from anyone, even though at that time the Roman authorities were conducting a bloody persecution against the Christian Faith. Then, the pernicious Jews denounced Saint Paraskevi for preaching the forbidden faith, and she was brought to trial before Emperor Antoninus. All the flatteries of the emperor did not shake the faith of this handmaiden of God. They then subjected her to torture by fire, and placed a red-hot helmet on her head. The Lord miraculously saved her, and Paraskevi was freed, and left Rome. She continued traveling from city to city to convert pagans to the True Faith. She was brought before princes and judges in two more cities, and was tortured for her Lord, at which time she worked great miracles and, by the power of God, quickly recovered from her pains and wounds. The pagans, as always, ascribed her miracles to magic and her swift recoveries to the mercy of their gods. Saint Paraskevi once said to the prince who was torturing her: "O prince, it is not your gods who have healed me, but my Christ, the True God." Finally, a certain Prince Tarasius beheaded her with the sword. Thus, this saint gloriously ended her fruitful life. Her relics were later translated to Constantinople. She suffered honorably for Christ in the second century.

THE EPISTLE:

(For St. Paraskeva)

God is wondrous in His saints. Bless God in the congregations.

Galatians (3:23-4:5) Brethren, before faith came, we were confined under the Law, kept under restraint until faith should be revealed. So that the Law was our custodian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian; for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise. I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no better than a slave, though he is the owner of all the estate; but he is under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father. So with us; when we were children, we were slaves to the elemental spirits of the universe. But when the time had fully come, God sent forth His Son, to redeem those who were under the Law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

THE GOSPEL:

(For the Eighth Sunday of Matthew)

Matthew. (14:14-22) At that time, when Jesus went ashore he saw a great throng; and he had compassion on them, and healed their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to Him and said, “This is a lonely place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They said to Him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” And He said, “Bring them here to Me.” Then He ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass; and taking the five loaves and the two fish He looked up to Heaven, and blessed, and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Then Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds.

APOLYTIKIA AND THEOTOKIA:

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 for St. Paraskeva: Showing a diligence befitting thy calling, O namesake of preparedness, thou hast gained, as thy dwelling, a faith worthy of thy name, O prize-winning Paraskeva. Hence, thou pourest forth healings and intercedest for our souls.

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 Theotokos: (Page 101 in the Camp Service Book)

O protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the Creator most constant, O despise not the suppliant voices of those who have sinned; but be thou quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession, and speed thou to make supplication, thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.

The same hymns are chanted in the Divine Liturgy from the Camp service book.

This Week’s Calendar

Sunday, July 26, 2026 (The Holy Righteous Martyr Paraskeva of Rome)

8:50 AM – Orthros

10:00 AM – Divine Liturgy

Monday, July 27, 2026

Fr. Herman Off

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

No Services

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Ladies Lunch – TBA

5:20 PM – Catechesis

6:30 PM – Daily Vespers

7:30 PM – Parish Council Meeting

Thursday, July 30, 2026

NO Services

Friday, July 31, 2026

No Services

Saturday, August 1, 2026 (Dormition Fast Begins)

4:45 PM – Catechesis

6:30 PM – Great Vespers

Sunday, August 2, 2026 (Ninth Sunday of Matthew)

8:50 AM – Orthros

10:00 AM – Divine Liturgy

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

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

Eucharist Schedule:

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

Eucharist Bread Schedule:

Eucharist Bread Coffee Hour

July 26 Kumar Algood/Rodriguez

August 2 Henderson Kumar/Jimmy Jones

August 5 (Wed p.m.) Algood Pigott/Ian Jones

Feast of The Transfiguration

August 9 Jones Ken Jones/Stewart

Potluck

August 15 (Sat a.m.) Meadows Meadows/Brock

Dormition of The Theotokos

August 16 Davis Dansereau/Alaeetawi

August 23 D. Root Ellis/Zouboukos

August 30 Karam Miller/D. Root

Epistle Readers Schedule:

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#

July 26 Amanda Kumar Gal 3:23-4:5 160-161

August 2 Grady Fisher I Cor 3:9-17 130

August 5 (Wed p.m.) Kh. Sharon Meadows II Peter 1:10-19 401

August 9 Reader Bill Baker I Cor 4:9-16 135

August 15 (Sat a.m.) Katie Miller Phil 2:5-11 403

August 16 Reader Chad Miller I Cor 9:2-12 141

August 23 Mary Martha Ellis I Cor 15:1-11 146

August 30 Brandon Strain I Cor 16:13-24 152

Special Announcements and News

The Parish Council has authorized the church to sign up with Clearstream SMS text messaging. If you would like to opt in to this service please reply “Yes" to the email sent out by Dn. Richard, or see him directly. The phone text messages will be sent from our number at Clearstream (601) 873-6749. If not opted in you won’t receive group SMS messages. If you opt in and later decide you do not want SMS messages you can always opt out.

Supper Club Ministry: If you are interested in participating, please see Grady Fisher.

AS A FRIENDLY REMINDER:NO Food or drinkshould be brought into the Nave. Especially during the Divine Services. We must always bear in mind that we are standing in the presence of the Holy Trinity during our worship. Being respectful of that and of those who have fasted for the partaking of the Holy Eucharist during Divine Liturgy, and to make sure our Nave stays clean and pleasing to God. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation with this.

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

COFFEE HOUR AND POTLUCKS:

The next potluck is scheduled Sunday, August 9, 2026.

As a friendly reminder, in regards to coffee hour, the church will provide snacks and beverages. 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. Coffee hour is not meant to be a meal, but a means to break the fast with a snack and visit with each other. * Please be sure kids are not getting ice in the kitchen without adult supervision. *

Potluck Meals: Everyone who attends the potluck meals is encouraged to bring a dish to share. This is to ensure that there is enough food for all to partake. 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.

Upcoming Events

* Parish Council meeting has been moved to July 29 at 7:30

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

* The men will also meet for every third Saturday of the month at 8:30 at Primos in Ridgeland.

* The Ladies meet for dining once a month. Date and time to be determined.

* YAF meets every other Monday at 5:45 p.m. for Book Study.

* Dormition Fast begins on August 1

* Feast of the Transfiguration on Wednesday, August 5 at 6:00 p.m.

* Dormition of The Theotokos on Saturday, August 15 at 9:00 a.m.

* Parish Council Meeting on August 26 at 7:30

* Stewpot November 7 @ 11:30 a.m.

Fasting Discipline for July-August

In the month of July, Traditional fasting (No meat, dairy, eggs, fish, olive oil, or wine) On Wednesdays and Fridays is observed. Except for the July 22 for the Commemoration of Mary Magdalene, Equal to the Apostles, when wine and oil are allowed. The Dormition Fast begins on August 1 and runs through August 14. We will abstain from meat, dairy eggs, fish olive oil and wine. An exception on August 6th for the Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ, when fish olive oil and wine are allowed.

Major Commemorations for July

July 26 The Holy Righteous Martyr Paraskeva of Rome

July 27 Great-martyr and Healer Panteleimon

August 6 Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ

August 15 Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos

August 21 The Holy Apostle Thaddaeus

August 25 Apostles Bartholomew and Titus

August 29 Beheading of the Forerunner and Baptist John

August 31 The Placing of the Honorable Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos

Quote:

“Temptations come so that hidden passions may be revealed and so that it will be possible to fight them, and so that the soul may be rid of them. They are also a sign of God’s mercy. So give yourself with trust into God’s hands and ask His help, so that He will strengthen you in your struggle. God knows how much each one can bear and allows temptations according to the measure of our strength. Remember that after temptation comes spiritual joy, and that the Lord protects them that endure temptations and suffering for the sake of His love.”

– St. Nektarios of Aegina, The Path to Happiness, 4

Next Week’s Schedule:

Sunday, August 2, 2026 (Ninth Sunday of Matthew)

Scripture: I Cor 3:9-17; Matthew 14:22-34

Epistle Reader: Grady Fisher

Prosphora: Henderson

Coffee Hour: Kumar/Jimmy Jones

Sunday, July 19, 2026

Sunday of the Holy Fathers of Fourth Ecumenical Council

Sunday of the Holy Fathers of Fourth Ecumenical Council:

On this Sunday, in the Holy Orthodox Church, we commemorate the 630 holy and God-bearing Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical Council, which convened in Chalcedon in 451 against the Monophysite.

The Holy Fathers were, once again, concerned with the nature of Jesus Christ. The false teaching arose that Christ’s human nature (considered by heretics as less perfect) dissolved itself in His divine nature (considered by heretics as more perfect): like a cube of sugar in a parcel of water. Thus, in that scenario, Christ had only one nature, the Divine. These false preachers were called Monophysites (“mono”, meaning “one” and “physis”, meaning “nature”), and they were led by Eutyches and Dioscorus. Monophysitism overemphasized the divine nature of Christ, at the expense of the human. The Fourth Ecumenical Council condemned Monophysitism and proclaimed that Christ has two complete natures: the divine and the human, as defined by previous Councils. These two natures function as equally perfect, without confusion, and are neither divided nor separate. The Fathers declared that at no time did they undergo any change.

THE EPISTLE:

Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O ye righteous.

Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven!

Titus (3:8-15) Titus, my son, faithful is the saying, and concerning these things I desire you to affirm confidently, that those who have believed in God may be thoughtful of how to preside in honorable occupations. These things are good and profitable to men. But avoid foolish disputes, and genealogies, and contentions, and controversies about the Law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man who is a heretic after the first and second admonition reject, knowing that such a one is subverted, and sins, being self-condemned. When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicós, give diligence to come to me to Nicopolis; for I have determined to winter there. Set forward Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that they may be lacking in nothing. And let our people also learn how to preside in honorable occupations, so as to help in cases of urgent need, that they should not be unfruitful. All who are with me salute you. Salute those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

THE GOSPEL:

Matthew (5:14-19) The Lord said to His Disciples: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father Who is in heaven. Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them, but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

APOLYTIKIA AND THEOTOKIA:

Troparion of the Resurrection: When Mary stood at Thy grave, looking for Thy sacred body, angelic powers shone above Thy revered tomb; and the soldiers who were to keep guard became as dead men. Thou led Hades captive and wast not tempted thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst give life to the world, O Thou, Who art risen from the dead, O Lord, glory to Thee..

Troparion of The Holy Fathers: Thou, O Christ, art our God of exceeding praise Who didst establish our Holy Fathers as luminous stars upon earth, and through them didst guide us unto the true Faith, O most merciful One, glory to Thee.

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 Theotokos: (Page 101 in the Camp Service Book)

O protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the Creator most constant, O despise not the suppliant voices of those who have sinned; but be thou quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession, and speed thou to make supplication, thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.

The same hymns are chanted in the Divine Liturgy from the Camp service book.

This Week’s Calendar

Sunday, July 19, 2026 (Sunday of the Holy Fathers of Fourth Ecumenical Council)

8:50 AM – Orthros

10:00 AM – Divine Liturgy

Monday, July 20, 2026

Fr. Herman Off

5:45 PM – YAF Book Study

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

No Services

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

5:20 PM – Catechesis

5:30 PM – Teen Meeting

6:30 PM – Daily Vespers

Thursday, July 23, 2026

NO Services

Friday, July 24, 2026

No Services

Saturday, July 25, 2026

4:45 PM – Catechesis

6:30 PM – Great Vespers

Sunday, July 26, 2026 (The Holy Righteous Martyr Paraskeva of Rome)

8:50 AM – Orthros

10:00 AM – Divine Liturgy

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

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

Eucharist Schedule:

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

Eucharist Bread Schedule:

Eucharist Bread Coffee Hour

July 19 Baker Lockhart/Karam/Snell

July 26 Kumar Algood/Rodriguez

August 2 Henderson Kumar/Jimmy Jones

August 5 (Wed p.m.) Algood Pigott/Ian Jones

Feast of The Transfiguration

August 9 Jones Ken Jones/Stewart

Potluck

August 15 (Sat a.m.) Meadows Meadows/Brock

Dormition of The Theotokos

August 16 Davis Dansereau/Alaeetawi

August 23 D. Root Ellis/Zouboukos

August 30 Karam Miller/D. Root

Epistle Readers Schedule:

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#

July 19 Michel Root Titus 3:8-15 322

July 26 Amanda Kumar Gal 3:23-4:5 160-161

August 2 Grady Fisher I Cor3:9-17 130

August 5 (Wed p.m.) Kh. Sharon Meadows II Peter 1:10-19 401

August 9 Reader Bill Baker I Cor 4:9-16 135

August 15 (Sat a.m.) Katie Miller Phil 2:5-11 403

August 16 Reader Chad Miller I Cor 9:2-12 141

August 23 Mary Martha Ellis I Cor 15:1-11 146

August 30 Brandon Strain I Cor 16:13-24 152

Special Announcements and News

The Parish Council has authorized the church to sign up with Clearstream SMS text messaging. If you would like to opt in to this service please reply “Yes" to the email sent out by Dn. Richard, or see him directly. The phone text messages will be sent from our number at Clearstream (601) 873-6749. If not opted in you won’t receive group SMS messages. If you opt in and later decide you do not want SMS messages you can always opt out.

Supper Club Ministry: If you are interested in participating, please see Grady Fisher.

AS A FRIENDLY REMINDER:NO Food or drinkshould be brought into the Nave. Especially during the Divine Services. We must always bear in mind that we are standing in the presence of the Holy Trinity during our worship. Being respectful of that and of those who have fasted for the partaking of the Holy Eucharist during Divine Liturgy, and to make sure our Nave stays clean and pleasing to God. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation with this.

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

COFFEE HOUR AND POTLUCKS:

The next potluck is scheduled today, Sunday, August 9, 2026.

As a friendly reminder, in regards to coffee hour, the church will provide snacks and beverages. 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. Coffee hour is not meant to be a meal, but a means to break the fast with a snack and visit with each other. * Please be sure kids are not getting ice in the kitchen without adult supervision. *

Potluck Meals: Everyone who attends the potluck meals is encouraged to bring a dish to share. This is to ensure that there is enough food for all to partake. 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.

Upcoming Events

* Parish Council meeting has been moved to July 29 at 7:30

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

* The men will also meet for every third Saturday of the month at 8:30 at Primos in Ridgeland.

* The Ladies meet for dining once a month. Date and time to be determined.

* YAF meets every other Monday at 5:45 p.m. for Book Study.

* Dormition Fast begins on August 1

* Feast of the Transfiguration on Wednesday, August 5 at 6:00 p.m.

* Dormition of The Theotokos on Saturday, August 15 at 9:00 a.m.

* Parish Council Meeting on August 26 at 7:30

* Stewpot November 7 @ 11:30 a.m.

Fasting Discipline for July-August

In the month of July, Traditional fasting (No meat, dairy, eggs, fish, olive oil, or wine) On Wednesdays and Fridays is observed. Except for the July 22 for the Commemoration of Mary Magdalene, Equal to the Apostles, when wine and oil are allowed. The Dormition Fast begins on August 1 and runs through August 14. We will abstain from meat, dairy eggs, fish olive oil and wine. An exception on August 6th for the Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ, when fish olive oil and wine are allowed.

Major Commemorations for July

July 20 Prophet Elias

July 22 Mary Magdalene, Equal to the Apostles

July 25 Dormition of Righteous Anna

July 26 The Holy Righteous Martyr Paraskeva of Rome

July 27 Great-martyr and Healer Panteleimon

August 6 Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ

August 15 Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos

August 21 The Holy Apostle Thaddaeus

August 25 Apostles Bartholomew and Titus

August 29 Beheading of the Forerunner and Baptist John

August 31 The Placing of the Honorable Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos

Quote:

“Do not claim to have acquired virtue unless you have suffered affliction, for without affliction virtue has not been tested."

+ St. Mark the Ascetic, On the Spiritual Law Two Hundred Texts

Next Week Schedule:

Sunday, July 26, 2026 (The Holy Righteous Martyr Paraskeva of Rome)

Scripture: Gal 3:23-4:5; Matthew 14:14-22

Epistle Reader: Amanda Kumar

Prosphora: Meadows

Coffee Hour: Algood/Rodriguez