Sunday, July 5, 2026

Venerable Athanasius of Athos

St. Athanasius of Athos:

Having completed his education, St. Athanasius (who before tonsure was called Abraham) withdrew into the desert of Maleinos near the Holy Mountain, where he lived the life of an ascetic, as a disciple of the then renowned Michael Maleinos. Desiring a more difficult life of asceticism, Athanasius moved to Mount Athos, to live in silence. But many that were desirous of a life of asceticism began to gather around him. In 963, he founded the Great Lavra. He is the foundational figure of Eastern Orthodox monasticism on Mount Athos, organizing previously isolated hermits into a disciplined, communal cenobiticlifestyle where monks share all property, meals, and daily duties under the guidance of an Abbot and a unified set of rules and establishing the spiritual legacy of the "Holy Mountain.”. He was assisted in this by the Byzantine emperors, first by Nicephorus Phocas, who himself intended to withdraw and become a monk, and then by John Tzimiskes. He also introduced the Typicon, which is a formal monastic charter, establishing the daily cycle of worship, fasting and obedience.

Filled with the grace of God, Athanasius was found worthy to see the All-holy Theotokos, who miraculously brought forth water from a rock and promised that she would always be the Abbess of the monastery. In work and in prayer, St. Athanasius surpassed his brethren, and he loved all with the love of a spiritual father and shepherd. He reposed in the year 1003 as a great beacon of monasticism. Many times, following his death St. Athanasius appeared to his brethren – sometimes to comfort them, and sometimes to reprimand them.

THE EPISTLE:

Galatians. (5:22-6:2) Brethren, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us have no self-conceit, no provocation of one another, no envy of one another. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

THE GOSPEL:

Matthew. (8:28-9:1) At that time, when Jesus came to the country of the Gergesenes, two demoniacs met Him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. And behold, they cried out, “What have we to do to Thee, O Son of God? Art Thou come here to torment us before the time?” Now a herd of many swine was feeding at some distance from them. And the demons begged Him, “If Thou castest us out, send us away into the herd of swine.” And He said to them, “Go.” So they came out and went into the swine; and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and perished in the waters. The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, and what had happened to the demoniacs. And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw Him, they begged Him to leave their neighborhood. And getting into a boat He crossed over and came to His own city.

APOLYTIKIA AND THEOTOKIA:

Troparion of the Resurrection: (Page 102 in the Camp Book)

Having learned the joyful message of the Resurrection from the angel the women disciples of the Lord cast from them their parental condemnation. And proudly broke the news to the Disciples, saying: Death hath been spoiled; Christ God is risen, granting the world Great Mercy..

Troparion of St. Athanasius the Athonite: (**Awed by the beauty**)

The Angels’ ranks were awed by thy life in the flesh, * how, though corporeal, and clad with earthly clay, * thou didst set forth with courage to invisible wars and wrestlings * and didst boldly smite the hordes * of the demons with mortal wounds. * Wherefore, Christ rewarded thee * with abundant gifts in return. * Entreat Him that our souls find salvation, * O most renowned Father Athanasius.

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 5, 2026 (Venerable Athanasius of Athos)

8:50 AM – Orthros

10:00 AM – Divine Liturgy

Monday, July 6, 2026

Fr. Herman Off

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

No Services –

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

5:30 PM – Teen Meeting

6:30 PM – Daily Vespers

Thursday, July 9, 2026

NO Services

Friday, July 10, 2026

No Services

Saturday, July 11, 2026

10:00 AM – Ladies meet for Akathist

No Services

Sunday, July 12, 2026 (Sixth Sunday after Pentecost)

8:50 AM – Orthros

10:00 AM – Divine Liturgy

12:00 PM – Pot Luck

Eucharist Schedule:

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

Eucharist Bread Schedule:

Eucharist Bread Coffee Hour

July 5 Milnor Miller/ K. Jones

July 12 YAF Lasseter/Pacurari/Lavric

Potluck

July 19 Brenda Lockhart/Karam/Snell

July 26 Kumar Algood/Rodriguez

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 5 Mary Martha Ellis Gal 5:22-6:2 222

July 12 Gabrielle Jones Rom 12:6-14 113

July 19 Michael Root Titus 3:8-15 322

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

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 has been started again after a long while for those who are interested in participating. Please see Grady Fisher for further information.

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, July 12, 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. *** Also, as a friendly reminder, please make sure kids are not getting ice in the kitchen without adult supervision. ***

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. 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

* 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 @ 5:45 p.m. for Book Study.

* Dormition Fast begins on August 1

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

Fasting Discipline for July

In the month of July, Traditional fasting (No meat, dairy, eggs, fish, olive oil, or wine) On Wednesdays and Fridays is observed. Except for July 1, 10, 17, and 22 (See Commemorations below) when wine and oil are allowed.

Major Commemorations for June-July

July 5 Athanasius of Athos

July 10 Translation of the Precious Robe of Our Lord Jesus Christ

July 11 Euphemia the All-praised

July 17 Great-martyr Marina

July 20 Prophet Elias

July 22 Mary Magdalene, Equal to the Apostles

July 25 Dormition of Righteous Anna

July 27 Great-martyr and Healer Panteleimon

Quote:

“The truly intelligent man pursues one sole objective: to obey and conform to the God of all. With this single aim in view, he disciplines his soul, and whatever he may encounter in the course of his life, he gives thanks to God for the compass and depth of His providential ordering of all things…For it is absurd to be grateful to doctors who give us bitter and unpleasant medicines to cure our bodies, and yet to be ungrateful to God for what appears to us to be harsh, not grasping that all we encounter is for our benefit and in accordance with His providence. For knowledge of God and faith in Him is the salvation and perfection of the soul.”

— St. Anthony the Great, The Philokalia

Next Week Schedule:

Sunday, July 12, 2026 (Sixth Sunday after Pentecost)

Scripture: Rom 12: 6-14; Mattew 9:1-8

Epistle Reader: Gabrielle Jones

Prosphora: YAF

Coffee Hour: Lasseter/Pacurari/Lavric

Potluck

The Holy, Glorious Apostles Peter and Paul

Holy, Glorious Apostles Peter and Paul:

The Orthodox Church has a beautiful presentation of the importance and prominence of the Apostles Peter and Paul with the icon that shows both Apostles standing together holding an image of the Church. Both Apostles, being chosen by our Lord, were instrumental in the establishment and growth of the early Church through their boldness, spiritual strength, and wisdom. Thus, they are recognized as "pillars" of the Church, having offered all even unto death for the sake of the Gospel of Christ. In the icon, the Apostle Paul, the great missionary of the early Church, is holding a Gospel book, while the Apostle Peter offers a blessing with his right hand. At the top of the icon is the is a semicircle, representing the divine realm. Rays extend in the semicircle representing the blessings and presence of God upon His two chosen heralds of the True Faith.

II Corinthians. (11:21-12:9): Brethren, whatever anyone dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman— with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I have received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I have been beaten with rods; once I was stoned. Three times I have been shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brethren; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure upon me of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, He Who is blessed forever, knows that I do not lie. At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas guarded the city of Damascus in order to seize me, but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped his hands. I must boast; there is nothing to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into Paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. On behalf of this man, I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. Though if I wish to boast, I shall not be a fool, for I shall be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. And to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I besought the Lord about this, that it should leave me; but He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Matthew. (16:13-19) At that time, when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His Disciples, “Who do men say that the Son of man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father Who is in Heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my Church, and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven.”

Troparion of the Resurrection: Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, for the Lord hath done a mighty act with His own arm. He hath trampled down death by death, and become the first-born from the dead. He hath delivered us from the depths of Hades, granting the world the Great Mercy.

Troparion of Sts Peter and Paul: O foremost in the ranks of Apostles, and teachers of the world, Peter and Paul, intercede with the Master of all to grant peace unto the world, and to our souls the Great Mercy.

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: 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.

Calendar

Sunday, June 28, 2026 (The Holy, Glorious Apostles Peter and Paul)

8:50 AM – Orthros

10:00 AM – Divine Liturgy

12:00 Pm – Potluck

Monday, June 29, 2026

Fr. Herman Off

5:45 PM – YAF Book Study

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

No Services –

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

6:30 PM – Daily Vespers

Thursday, July 2, 2026

11:00 AM – Men’s Lunch

NO Services

Friday, July 3, 2026

No Services

Saturday, July 4, 2026

No Services

Sunday, June 5, 2026 (Venerable Athanasius of Athos)

8:50 AM – Orthros

10:00 AM – Divine Liturgy

Special Announcements

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

Eucharist Bread Schedule:

Eucharist Bread Coffee Hour

June 28 Lasseter Ellis/Zouboukos

Sts. Peter and Paul Potluck

July 5 Milnor Miller/ K. Jones

July 12 YAF Lasseter/Pacurari/Lavric

Potluck

July 19 Brenda Lockhart/Karam/Snell

July 26 Kumar Algood/Rodriguez

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#

June 28 Doru Pacurari II Cor 11:21-33, 12:6-9 389

July 5 Mary Martha Ellis Gal 5:22-6:2 222

July 12 Gabrielle Jones Rom 12:6-14 113

July 19 Michael Root Titus 3:8-15 322

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

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 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 has been started again after a long while for those who are interested in participating. Please see Grady Fisher for further information.

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

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. *** Also, as a friendly reminder, please make sure kids are not getting ice in the kitchen without adult supervision. ***

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. 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.

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

Calendar Items

* 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 fourth Saturday of the month at 8:30 at Primos in Ridgeland.

* The Ladies meet for dining once a month.

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

* Dormition Fast begins on August 1

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

Fasting Discipline for July

In the month of July, Traditional fasting (No meat, dairy, eggs, fish, olive oil, or wine) will be observed. There are exceptions for July 1, 10, 17, and 22 when we will only abstain from meat, dairy, eggs and fish. (Please see fasting calendar on the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America website. *antiochian.org*)

Major Commemorations for June-July

June 29 Chief Apostles Peter and Paul

June 30 Synaxis of the Twelve Holy Apostles

July 1 Cosmas and Damian of Rome

July 2 Deposition of the Precious Robe of the Theotokos in Blachernae

July 5 Athanasios of Athos

July 11 Euphemia the All-praised

July 17 Great-martyr Marina

July 20 Prophet Elias

July 25 Dormition of Righteous Anna

July 27 Great-martyr and Healer Panteleimon

Quote: "When we call upon the Saints in prayer, if we pronounce their names from the heart, it already means that we bring them near our heart itself. Therefore, ask their prayers and intercession undoubtingly for yourself. They will hear you, and will speedily lay your prayers before the Lord, in the twinkling of an eye, for He is omnipresent and omniscient."

+St. John of Kronstadt, My Life in Christ: Part 1

Sunday, June 5, 2026 (Venerable Athanasius of Athos)

Scripture: Gal 5:22-6:2; Matthew 8:28-9:1

Epistle Reader: Mary Martha Ellis

Prosphora: Milnor

Coffee Hour: Miller/ K. Jones