Sunday, June 29, 2025

The Holy, Glorious Apostles Peter and Paul

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 June 29, 2025 Liturgy Variables 2 Peter and Paul 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: When thou, O immortal Life, didst humble thyself unto death, then didst thou destroy death by the brightness of thy Godhead; and when thou didst raise the bowels of the earth, then all the heavenly powers exclaimed, O Christ, thou art the Giver of life! Glory to thee, O our God!

Troparion of Sts. Peter and Paul: O foremost in the ranks of the Apostles and teachers of the world, intercede with the Master of all to grant safety to the world and to the 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 honour thee.

Calendar

Sunday, June 29 (Apostles Peter and Paul)

8:50 AM – Orthros

10:00 AM – Divine Liturgy

Monday, June 30

Father Herman off

Tuesday, July 1

No Services

Wednesday, July 2

6:30 PM – Daily Vespers

Thursday, July 3

11:00 AM -Men’s Lunch

No Services

Friday, July 4

No Services

Saturday, July 5

6:00 pm – Great Vespers

Sunday, July 6 (4th Sunday after Pentecost; 4th of Matthew)

8:50 AM -Orthros

10:00 AM -Divine Liturgy

-Judith White will be baptized during Divine Liturgy

Special Announcements

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

Eucharist Bread Schedule:

Eucharist Bread Coffee Hour

June 29 Schelver Baker/Lively

July 6 Jones Miller/Lockhart/Snell/Meadows

July 13 Meadows POT LUCK

Lasseter/Pacurari/ Lavric

July 20 Davis Karam/D. Root

July 27 D. Root Algood/Schelver

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 29 Brenda Baker II Cor 11:21-12:9 389

July 6 Kh. Sharon Meadows Rom 6:18-23 102

July 13 Reader Basil Baker Titus 3:8-15 322

July 20 Reader Chad Miller James 5:10-20 395

July 27 Brandon Strain II Tim 2:1-10 328

His Eminence Metropolitan SABA has directed that the Trisagion Prayers of Mercy be said for the victims of the deadly terrorist attack on St. Elias Orthodox Church in Damascus, Syria. May God remember these martyrs in His Heavenly Kingdom!

Judith White will be baptized Sunday, July 6 during Divine Liturgy. Please come help celebrate this sacrament with the soon to be illumined Judith. May God grant her Many Years!

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 remember the following in your prayers: Aidan Milnor, the Milnor family; Lamia Dabit and her family; Mary Greene (Lee and Kh. Sharon’s sister); Jay and Joanna Davis; Fr. Leo and Kh. Be’Be’ Schelver and their family; Marilyn (Kyriake) Snell; Jack and Jill Weatherly; Dn.Terry Algood and their family; Fr. Joseph Bittle; Rick Carlton; Very Rev. Fr. Nicholas and Kh. Jan Speier; Lee Greene; Fr. John and Kh. Janet Henderson and their family; Galina Singletary; Emily and Cole Parker.

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. Thank you all for your help with this.

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

Akathist to the Mother of God, Nurturer of Children on behalf of our children.

* The Ladies meet for lunch at 1:00 p.m. on the last Tuesday of the month.

* The remaining date for serving at Stewpot Ministries is Saturday, September 27th.

Fasting Discipline for June / July

The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, dairy, eggs, fish, wine or oil) will be observed on the first Wednesday and Friday of the month.

Major Commemorations for June/July

June 29 Chief Apostles Peter and Paul

June 30 Synaxis of the Twelve Apostles

July1 Cosmas and Damien of Rome

July2 Deposition of the Robe of the Theotokos

July 5 Athanasios of Athos

July11 Great-martyr Kyriaki

July 13 Fathers of the 4th Ecumenical Council

July 17 Great-martyr Marina

July 20 Prophet Elias

July27 Great-martyr Panteleimon

Quotable: "We have a popular belief, fairly widespread, that holds that as soon as you occupy yourself with work around the house or at your place of business, you have already left the sphere of Godly things and things pleasing to God. Thinking this, when you get the desire to live in a God-pleasing way or begin to talk about it, there is usually a thought that accompanies it that says you must run away from society, leave home, and go to the desert or the forest. This is not the case at all. Life’s everyday affairs, upon which the foundation of the home and society depend, are appointed by God, and carrying them out is not a desertion to the sphere of the ungodly, but a continuation of Godly affairs."

-St. Theophan the Recluse, The Spiritual Life

Worship: Sunday, July 6, 2025 (4th Sunday after Pentecost; 4th of Matthew)

Scripture: Rom 6:18-23; Matt 8:5-13

Epistle Reader: Kh. Sharon Meadows

Prosphora: Jones

Coffee Hour: Miller/Lockhart/Snell/Meadows

Sunday, June 22, 2025

Second Sunday of Pentecost

Sunday of All Saints of Antioch

Acts 11:19-30: In those days, when the apostles were scattered because of the tribulation that arose over Stephen, they traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one, except to Jews only. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who upon coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number that believed turned to the Lord. The report concerning them reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas, to go as far out as Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad; and he exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they should cleave to the Lord; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great multitude was added unto the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul; and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year, they were gathered together in the church, and they taught a great multitude of people, and the disciples were called June 22, 2025 Liturgy Variables 2 2nd Sun. of Pentecost Christians first in Antioch. Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named Agabos stood up and signified by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over the whole world; and this took place in the days of Claudius Caesar. And the disciples, every one according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren who dwelt in Judaea; and they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

Matthew 4:18-23: At that time, as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. And going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and He called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him. And He went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the Kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.

Troparion of the Resurrection: The stone being sealed by the Jews, and thy pure body being guarded by the soldiers, thou didst arise on the third day, O Saviour, granting life to the world. Wherefore, the heavenly powers acclaimed thee, O Giver of life, crying, Glory to thy Resurrection, O Christ! Glory to thy kingdom! Glory to thy gracious providence, O only Lover of mankind.

Troparion of All Saints of Antioch: (**Thou Who wast raised up**) O fellow trav’lers in the way of the faithful, * the saints of Antioch now let us all honor: * the pure and blest Apostles with the hierarchs, * martyrs with the righteous ones, * their worn path wisely walking, * wond’ring at their holy lives * overflowing with wonders; * thus let us walk in peace and fear of God * so that we all win * the dwelling in Paradise.

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 honour thee.

Calendar

Sunday, June 22 (Second Sunday after Pentecost; Sunday of All Saints of Antioch)

8:50 AM – Orthros

10:00 AM – Divine Liturgy

Monday, June 23

Father Herman off

Tuesday, June 24

1:00 PM -Ladies Lunch

No Services

Wednesday, June 25

6:30 PM – Daily Vespers

7:30 PM – Parish Council Meeting

Thursday, June 26

No Services

Friday, June 27

No Services

Saturday, June 28

6:00 pm – Great Vespers

Sunday, June 29 (Second of Apostles Peter and Paul)

8:50 AM -Orthros

10:00 AM -Divine Liturgy

Special Announcements

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

Eucharist Bread Schedule:

Eucharist Bread Coffee Hour

June 22 Algood Ellis/Zouboukos/Waites

June 29 Schelver Baker/Lively

July 6 Jones Miller/ D. Root

July 13 Meadows POT LUCK

Lasseter/Pacurari/ Lavric

July 20 Davis Karam/Snell/Meadows

July 27 D. Root Algood/Schelver

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 22 Ian Jones Rom. 2:10-16 90

June 29 Brenda Baker II Cor 11:21-12:9 389

July 6 Kh. Sharon Meadows Rom 6:18-23 102

July 13 Reader Basil Baker Titus 3:8-15 322

July 20 Reader Chad Miller James 5:10-20 395

July 27 Branson Strain II Tim 2:1-10 328

Please remember the following in your prayers: Aidan Milnor, the Milnor family; Lamia Dabit and her family; Mary Greene (Lee and Kh. Sharon’s sister); Jay and Joanna Davis; Fr. Leo and Kh. Be’Be’ Schelver and their family; Marilyn (Kyriake) Snell; Jack and Jill Weatherly; Dn.Terry Algood and their family; Fr. Joseph Bittle; Rick Carlton; Very Rev. Fr. Nicholas and Kh. Jan Speier; Lee Greene; Fr. John and Kh. Janet Henderson and their family; Galina Singletary; Emily and Cole Parker.

Also 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.

Prayers for Fr. Paul Yerger from Holy Resurrection: Please continue to keep in your God-pleasing prayers Fr. Paul. He is slowly recovering from the injuries he suffered several weeks ago due to a fall. He is currently attending physical therapy at Methodist Rehabilitation and continues to improve each day. Glory to God for all things!

Prayers for His Grace Bp. Nicholas: Please keep in your God-pleasing prayers Bp. Nicholas who underwent a “preventive measure” procedure on his heart last week. He will be recovering over the next several weeks and hopes, by your prayers, to make a speedy recovery. May God grant him many years!

Registration for the Archdiocese National Convention has also opened. It is being hosted by St George Parish in Cicero, IL (just outside of Chicago) July 20-27th. If you are interested in attending, please see Father Herman and he will get you the registration information and link

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. Thank you all for your help with this.

Congratulations and many years to Zach “Nektarios” Koenigsberger who was baptized yesterday morning. May God bless him and keep him always!

Will and Lisa Lively will be moving to PA next week and have provided their new address for us to keep in touch. (4841 Spruce Creek Rd, Spruce Creek, PA 16683). May God continue to bless them and their growing family!

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

Akathist to the Mother of God, Nurturer of Children on behalf of our children.

* The Ladies meet for lunch at 1:00 p.m. on the last Tuesday of the month.

* The next Parish Council Meeting will be held after vespers on Wednesday, June 18th.

* The remaining date for serving at Stewpot Ministries is Saturday, September 27th.

Fasting Discipline for June

The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, dairy, eggs, fish, wine or oil) will be observed on the first Wednesday and Friday of the month. There will be no fasting the week following Pentecost (June 9-13). The Fast of the Apostles begins Monday, June 16th and runs through Saturday, June 28th. During this time the traditional fasting discipline will be observed on all days of the week. (However, we are permitted fish and olive oil except on Wednesdays and Fridays during the Fast)

Major Commemorations for June

June 22 Sunday of All Saints of Antioch

June 24 Nativity of the Forerunner

June 29 Chief Apostles Peter and Paul

June 30 Synaxis of the Twelve Apostles

Quotable: "The secret essence of the soul that knows the truth is calling out to God: Beloved, strip me of the consolations of my complacent spirituality. Plunge me into the darkness where I cannot rely on any of my old tricks for maintaining my separation. Let me give up on trying to convince myself that my own spiritual deeds are bound to be pleasing to you. Take all my juicy spiritual feelings, Beloved, and dry them up, and then please light them on fire. Take my lofty spiritual concepts and plunge them into darkness, and then burn them. Let me only love you, Beloved. Let me quietly and with unutterable simplicity just love you.”

– St. John of the Cross

Worship: Sunday, June 29, 2025 (Sunday of Apostles Peter and Paul)

Scripture: II Cor 11:21-12:9; Matthew 16:13-19

Epistle Reader: Brenda Baker

Prosphora: Schelver

Coffee Hour: Baker/Lively