Here is the live stream for Daily Vespers for Wednesday, September 16, 2026 If you need, here are instructions for accessing this content from your phone, tablet, computer, or TV.
Category Archives: Announcements
Announcements: September 20, 2026
Sunday, September 20, 2026
Sunday after the Elevation of the Holy Cross
THE EPISTLE:
(For Sunday after the Elevation of the Holy Cross)
The Lord will give strength to His people. Ascribe to the Lord, O sons of God, ascribe to the Lord glory and honor.
Galatians (2:16-20) Brethren, you know that a man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. Even we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law, because by works of the law shall no one be justified. But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we ourselves were found to be sinners, is Christ then an agent of sin? Certainly not! But if I build up again those things which I tore down, then I prove myself a transgressor. For I through the Law died to the Law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ Who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me.
THE GOSPEL:
(For Sunday after the Elevation of the Holy Cross)
Mark (8:34-9:1) The Lord said, “If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for My sake and the Gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” And He said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Kingdom of God come with power.”
APOLYTIKIA AND THEOTOKIA:
Troparion of the Resurrection: Thou didst abolish death by Thy Cross; Thou didst open Paradise to the thief; Thou didst transform the myrrh-bearers’ lamentation, and didst bid Thine Apostles to preach that Thou art risen, O Christ God, granting great mercy to the world.
Troparion of the Elevation of The Holy Cross: O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance, granting to Thy people victory over all their enemies, and by the power of Thy Cross preserving Thy commonwealth.
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 Elevation of the Holy Cross: (**Thou Who wast raised up**)
Do Thou, Who of Thine own good will was lifted up upon the Cross, O Christ our God, bestow Thy bounties upon the new Nation which is called by Thy Name; make glad in Thy might those who lawfully govern, that with them we may be led to victory over our adversaries, having in Thine aid a weapon of peace and a trophy invincible.
Special Announcements and News
Congratulations and many years to the McDaniel family who will be received into the Church through Holy Baptism on Saturday, September 26. The service will begin at 9:00am. Please join us for this joyous and blessed occasion.
Our annual Fall Festival will be Saturday, October 24 at 4:00pm. There will be no Great Vespers that evening. Please make plans to join us for games, grilling, fellowship, and the return of the much beloved petting zoo.
If you have not already and would like to opt in for receiving text messages from Saint Peter Orthodox Church via your phone – please add your name, e-mail, phone number and check "Yes" in the checkbox to the sign-up sheet on the Fellowship Hall table. Clearstream provides the group text messaging for us and the church text number is on the signup sheet if you would like to add that to your contact list. The purpose for the group text is to provide important and timely information pertaining to church services and activities."
New Church Directory: We are in the process of updating the St. Peter church directory. We ask everyone—including long-standing members, new members, catechumens, and inquirers—to fill out a new information sheet. We also want to include photos of you and your family. The easiest way to share your photo is to email or text it to the contact information on the form. Please place your completed information form in the box located on the foyer table, or hand it directly to Jenny Rodriguez. Both the forms and photos must be submitted no later than November 1, 2026, to ensure you are included in the new directory.
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
This Week’s Calendar
Sunday, September 20, 2026 (Sunday after the Elevation of the Holy Cross)
8:50 AM – Orthros
9:00 AM – Christian Education
10:00 AM – Divine Liturgy
12:30 PM – Catechesis
Monday, September 21, 2026
Fr. Herman Off
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
No Services
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
6:30 PM – Daily Vespers
7:30 PM – Parish Council
Thursday, September 24, 2026
No Services
Friday, September 25, 2026
No Services
6:00 PM – Great Vespers
Sunday, September 27, 2026 (Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost)
8:50 AM – Orthros
9:00 AM – Christian Education
10:00 AM – Divine Liturgy
Please make sure to check and subscribe to the Google calendar for all updated services and events at the parish.
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
* The Ladies meet for dining once a month. Date and time to be determined.
* October is Teen SOTO Month
* Fall Festival: October 24 at 4:00 p.m. No Great Vespers that day.
* Stewpot November 7 @ 11:30 a.m.
COFFEE HOUR AND POTLUCKS:
The next potluck is scheduled Sunday, October 11, 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.
Eucharist Schedule:
The Eucharist Bread was provided by the Pacuraris for the Divine Liturgy this morning.
Eucharist Bread Coffee Hour
September 20 Pacurari Algood/Rodriguez
September 27 Lasseter Kumar/Jimmy Jones
October 4 Milnor Miller/D. Root
October 11 YAF Lasseter/Pacurari/Lavric
Potluck
October 18 Baker Lockhart/Karam/Rodriguez
October 25 Henderson Algood/Schelver
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#
September 20 Athena Zouboukos Gal 2:16-20 193
September 27 Grady Fisher II Cor 6:16-7:1 173
October 4 Antonina Karam II Cor 9:6-11 178
October 11 Michel Root Titus 3:8-15 322
October 18 Sophie Dansereau Col 4:5-11, 14-18 324
October 25 Aaron Franklin Gal 2:16-20 193
Greeter Schedule:
Please arrive at the Parish by 9:45 a.m. to greet everyone coming in.
Greeter
September 20 Charlotte Algood
September 27 Andrew Spiehler
October 4 Justin White
October 11 Maricica Pacurari
October 18 Jimmy Jones
October 25 Ian Jones
Fasting Discipline for September
In the month of September, we will continue the traditional fast on Wednesdays and Fridays. Monday, September 14 is also a fasting day in Commemoration of Elevation of the Precious Cross.
Major Commemorations for September/October
September 23 Conception of the Forerunner
September 24 Proto-martyr Thekla
September 26 Apostle John the Theologian (repose)
October 1 Holy Protection of the Theotokos
October 6 Apostle Thomas
October 9 Apostle James Son of Alphaeus
October 11 Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council
October 16 Longinus the Centurion
October 18 Apostle Luke
October 23 Apostle James Brother-of-the-Lord
October 26 Great-Martyr Demetrios the Myrrh-Streamer
October 28 Holy Protection of the Theotokos
Quote
“How mistaken are those people who seek happiness outside of themselves, in foreign lands and journeys, in riches and glory, in great possessions and pleasures, in diversions and vain things, which have a bitter end! In the same thing to construct the tower of happiness outside of ourselves as it is to build a house in a place that is consistently shaken by earthquakes. Happiness is found within ourselves, and blessed is the man who has understood this.Happiness is a pure heart, for such a heart becomes the throne of God. Thus says Christ of those who have pure hearts: ‘I will visit them, and will walk in them, and I will be a God to them, and they will be my people.’ What can be lacking to them? Nothing, nothing at all! For they have the greatest good in their hearts: God Himself!”
+ St. Nektarios of Aegina, Path to Happiness
Next Week’s Schedule:
Sunday, September 27, 2026 (Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost)
Scripture: II Cor 6:16-7:1; Luke 5:1-11
Epistle Reader: Grady Fisher
Prosphora: Lasseter
Coffee Hour: Kumar/Jimmy Jones
Great Vespers with Litia and Artoklasia
Here is the live stream for Great Vespers with Litia and Artoklasia If you need, here are instructions for accessing this content from your phone, tablet, computer, or TV.
Orthros and Divine Liturgy for Sunday, September 13, 2026
Here is the live stream for Orthros and Divine Liturgy for Sunday, September 13, 2026 If you need, here are instructions for accessing this content from your phone, tablet, computer, or TV.
Great Vespers for Saturday, September 12, 2026
Here is the live stream for Great Vespers for Saturday, September 12, 2026 If you need, here are instructions for accessing this content from your phone, tablet, computer, or TV.
Wed. Service – no streaming this evening.
The Wednesday service will not be streaming this evening.
Announcements: September 13, 2026
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Forefeast of and Sunday before Elevation of the Cross
&
Consecration of Resurrection Church in Jerusalem
FEAST OF THE ELEVATION OF THE HOLY CROSS:
This feast is celebrated as one of the most important in the Church Year because it
commemorates two events of great significance. After St. Helen had found at Jerusalem the cross
upon which Christ was crucified, she built a Church on Mount Calvary to hold the precious relic.
The Christians held the Holy Cross in such high regard that they soon began to celebrate this feast
in honor of the finding of the Cross.
In the year 614, the Persians invaded the Empire and took Jerusalem, and sent the case
containing the Cross back to their country. For fifteen years the Greek Emperor Heraclius waged
war against the Persians, and finally in 629 defeated them, forcing them to make peace, and to
restore the Holy Cross to him. It is said that the case containing the sacred relics was returned to
him with the seals still unbroken. The Relics were replaced in the Church with great rejoicing,
and to the original Feast in honor of the finding of the Cross was added another, in honor of its
safe return to Jerusalem.
A special feature of the Church Services on this day, is the procession in which the Cross is
borne aloft on a tray of flowers and placed in the midst of the Church; the Priest then elevates it to
the four corners of the compass, blessing thrice with it as he does so, and praying that God will
protect and preserve the President and the Civil Authorities of our country and the Armed Forces,
and guard and guide the Hierarchs and clergy of the Church, and protect and preserve all His
faithful people from every evil.
THE EPISTLE:
(For the Sunday before the Elevation of the Holy Cross)
O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance. Unto Thee, O Lord, will I cry, O Lord my God
Galatians (6:11-18) Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the Law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all, who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
THE GOSPEL:
(For the Sunday before the Elevation of the Holy Cross)
John (3:13-17) The Lord said, “No one has ascended into heaven but He who descended from heaven, the Son of man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent His Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.”
APOLYTIKIA AND THEOTOKIA:
Troparion of the Resurrection: Angelic Powers were above Thy tomb, and they that guarded Thee became as dead. And Mary stood by the grave seeking Thine immaculate Body. Thou hast despoiled Hades and wast not tried thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst grant us life. O Thou Who didst arise from the dead, Lord, glory be to Thee.
Troparion of Forefeast of The Holy Cross: We offer thee in mediation the life-giving Cross which, of Thy goodness, Thou hast given unto us, the unworthy, O Lord. Save Thy hierarchs and Thy flock, and grant Thou peace through the Theotokos, O only Lover of mankind.
Troparion of Holy Resurrection Church: Thou hast revealed the earthly majesty of the dwelling place of the holy glory, O Lord, as the brilliance of the firmament on high. Make firm its foundation unto ages of ages and receive our fervent supplications which are offered to thee therein; through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Life and Resurrection of 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 Holy Resurrection Church: By thy holy nativity, O pure one, Joachim and Anna were delivered from the reproach of barrenness; and Adam and Eve were delivered from the corruption of death; thy people do celebrate it, having been saved from the stain of iniquity, crying unto thee: The barren doth give birth to the Theotokos, who nourisheth our life.
Special Announcements and News
If you have not already and would like to opt in for receiving text messages from Saint Peter Orthodox Church via your phone – please add your name, e-mail, phone number and check "Yes" in the checkbox to the sign-up sheet on the Fellowship Hall table. Clearstream provides the group text messaging for us and the church text number is on the signup sheet if you would like to add that to your contact list. The purpose for the group text is to provide important and timely information pertaining to church services and activities."
New Church Directory: With the blessings of so many new members and families joining us this year, we are in need of updating the St. Peter church directory. We ask everyone—including long-standing members, new members, catechumens, and inquirers—to fill out a new information sheet. We also want to include photos of you and your family. The easiest way to share your photo is to email or text it to the contact information on the form. Please place your completed information form in the box located on the foyer table, or hand it directly to Jenny Rodriguez. Both the forms and photos must be submitted no later than November 1, 2026, to ensure you are included in the new directory.
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
This Week’s Calendar
Sunday, September 13, 2026 (Forefeast of and Sunday Before Elevation of the Cross)
8:50 AM – Orthros
9:00 AM – Christian Education
10:00 AM – Divine Liturgy
12:00 PM – Potluck
6:00 PM – Great Vespers with Litia and Artoklasia
Monday, September 14, 2026 (Nativity of the Theotokos)
Fr. Herman Off
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
No Services
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
5:30 PM – Teen Meeting
6:30 PM – Daily Vespers
Thursday, September 17, 2026
No Services
Friday, September 18, 2026
No Services
830 AM – Men’s Breakfast
6:00 PM – Great Vespers
Sunday, September 20, 2026 (Sunday after the Elevation of the Holy Cross)
8:50 AM – Orthros
9:00 AM – Christian Education
10:00 AM – Divine Liturgy
12:30 PM – Catechesis
Please make sure to check and subscribe to the Google calendar for all updated services and events at the parish.
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
* The Ladies meet for dining once a month. Date and time to be determined.
* October is Teen SOTO Month
* Stewpot November 7 @ 11:30 a.m.
COFFEE HOUR AND POTLUCKS:
The next potluck is scheduled Today, September 13 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.
Eucharist Schedule:
The Eucharist Bread was provided by the R. Roots for the Divine Liturgy this morning.
Eucharist Bread Coffee Hour
September 13 R. Root Lockhart/Karam/Snell-Potluck
September 20 Pacurari Algood/Rodriguez
September 27 Lasseter Kumar/Jimmy Jones
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#
September 13 Ian Jones Gal 6:11-18 198
September 20 Athena Zouboukos Gal 2:16-20 193
September 27 Grady Fisher II Cor 6:16-7:1 173
Greeter Schedule:
Please arrive at the Parish by 9:45 a.m. to greet everyone coming in.
Greeter
September 13 Jenny Rodriguez
September 20 Charlotte Algood
September 27 Andrew Spiehler
Fasting Discipline for September
In the month of September, we will continue the traditional fast on Wednesdays and Fridays. Monday, September 14 is also a fasting day in Commemoration of Elevation of the Precious Cross.
Major Commemorations for September
September 13 Dedication of the Church of the Anastasis
September 14 Elevation of the Precious Cross
September 23 Conception of the Forerunner
September 24 Proto-martyr Thekla
September 26 Apostle John the Theologian (repose)
Quote
“The one who knows God will follow the Lord’s footsteps, bearing the cross of the Saviour. It is said, “The world is crucified to him and he to the world.” The Lord says, “He who loses his life will save it.” We can “lose our lives” in one of two ways. First, we can risk our lives just as the Lord did for us. Secondly, we can separate our lives from the customary things of this world. Bearing the cross means to separate our souls from the delights and pleasures of this life. If you do this, you will find your life again – resting in the hope of what is to come. Dying to ourselves means being content with the necessities of life. When we want more than these necessities it is easy to sin.”
St Clement of Alexandria on the Crucified Life of Christians
Next Week’s Schedule:
Sunday, September 20, 2026 (Sunday after the Elevation of the Holy Cross)
Scripture: Gal 2:16-20; Mark 8:34-9:1
Epistle Reader: Athena Zouboukos
Prosphora: Pacurari
Coffee Hour: Algood/Rodriguez
Great Vespers with Litia and Artoklasia for Monday, September 07, 2026
Here is the live stream for Great Vespers with Litia and Artoklasia for Monday, September 07, 2026 If you need, here are instructions for accessing this content from your phone, tablet, computer, or TV.
Orthros and Divine Liturgy for Sunday, September 06, 2026
Here is the live stream for Orthros and Divine Liturgy for Sunday, September 06, 2026 If you need, here are instructions for accessing this content from your phone, tablet, computer, or TV.
Great Vespers for Saturday, September 05, 2026
Here is the live stream for Great Vespers for Saturday, September 05, 2026 If you need, here are instructions for accessing this content from your phone, tablet, computer, or TV.
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