October 22, 2023

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

Galatians 1:11-19: Brethren, I would have you know that the Gospel which was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the Church of God violently and tried to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people; so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when He Who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son to me, in order that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were Apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other Apostles except James the Lord’s brother.

Luke 8:26-39: At that time, Jesus arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. And as He stepped out on land, there met Him a man from the city who had demons; for a long time he had worn no clothes, and he lived not in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him, and said with a loud voice, “What hast Thou to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beseech Thee, do not torment me.” For Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. [For many a time it had seized him; he was kept
under guard, and bound with chains and fetters, but he broke the bonds and was
driven by the demon into the desert.] Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion”; for many demons had entered him. And they begged Jesus not to command them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside; and they begged Jesus to let them enter these. So He gave them leave. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country. Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. And those who had seen it told them how he who had been possessed with demons was healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gadarenes asked Jesus to depart from them; for they were seized with great fear; so He got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with Jesus; but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home, and declare all that God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city all that Jesus had done for him.

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 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 Averkios the Wonder-worker: Thy works of justice did reveal thee to thy community as a canon of faith, the likeness of humility, and teacher of abstinence, O Father Bishop Averkios. Wherefore, by humility thou hast achieved exaltation, and by thy meekness wealth. Intercede, therefore, with Christ God to save our souls.

Troparion of the Seven Ephesian Youths: Thy Martyrs, O Lord, in their courageous contest for Thee received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since they possessed Thy strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons’ strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

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 undisputed intercessor of Christians, O mediatrix, who is unrejected by the Creator, turn not away from the voice of our petitions though we be sinners; come to us in time, who cry to thee in faith, for thou art good. Hasten to us with intercessions, O Theotokos, who didst ever intercede for those who honor thee.

CALENDAR

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE: All services listed on the calendar will be available through streaming and webcast. (Instructions can be found on the parish website.)

Sunday, October 22 (Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost)

8:50 a.m. – Orthros (webcast)

9:00 a.m. – Christian Education

10:00 a.m. – Divine Liturgy (webcast)

Monday, October 23 (Apostle James, Brother of the Lord)

Father Herman off

Tuesday, October 24

NO Services

Wednesday, October 25

6:30 p.m. – Daily Vespers

7:30 p.m. – Parish Council Meeting

Thursday, October 26 (Great Martyr Demetrios)

NO Services

Friday, October 27

NO Services

Saturday, October 28

3:00 p.m. – Choir Practice

4:00 p.m. – FALL FESTIVAL

NO Great Vespers

Sunday, October 29 (Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost))

8:50 a.m. – Orthros (webcast)

9:00 a.m. – Christian Education resumes

10:00 a.m. – Divine Liturgy (webcast)

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Eucharist Bread …was offered by the Davises for the Divine Liturgy this morning.

Memory Eternal! Maria Costas (a member of St. Peter for many years) fell asleep in the Lord this past Monday evening. Please keep her as well as her family in your prayers.

October is Teen Month in our Archdiocese. The Teens will be reading the Epistle during the Divine Liturgy for the month.

Eucharist Bread Schedule:

Eucharist Bread Coffee Hour

October 22 Davis D. Root/Baker

October 29 Meadows Henderson/K. Jones

November 3 (Fri. p.m.) (Dr. Jeannie’s talk) Dansereau/Alaeetawi

November 4 (Sat. a.m.) D. Root Meadows

November 5 Karam Lockhart/Karam/Snell

November 12 Brock POT LUCK MEAL

Ellis/Zouboukos/Waites

November 19 Pacurai Meadows/Pacurari/Cooper

November 20 (Mon. p.m.) R. Root (Artos Bread)

Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple)

November 26 Lasseter Pigott/Stewart

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

Reader Reading Page#

October 22 Katie Miller Gal. 1:11-19 188

October 29 Sophie Dansereau Gal. 2:16-20 193

November 4 (Sat. a.m.) Walt Wood Heb. 7:26-8:2 334

November 5 Reader Basil Baker Gal. 6:11-18 198

November 12 Reader Chad Miller II Cor. 9:6-11 178

November 19 Sam Habeeb Eph. 2:14-22 207

November 26 Sh. Charlotte Algood Eph. 5:8-19 217

Also, please remember that we still need your tithes and offerings which may be placed in the tray that is passed during the 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; Kathy Willingham; Marilyn (Kyriake) Snell; Jack and Jill Weatherly; Lottie Dabbs (Sh. Charlotte Algood’s mother), Sh. Charlotte and their family; Reader Basil and Brenda Baker and their family; Buddy Cooper; Georgia and Bob Buchanan; Fr. Joseph Bittle; Steve and Sheryl Chamblee; Rick Carlton; Very Rev. Fr. Nicholas and Kh. Jan Speier; Dora Lambert (Dimitri Zouboukos’ fiancée).

Save the Date! Dr. Jeannie Constantinou will be here for a talk on November 3rd, beginning in the Fellowship Hall at 6:30 p.m.

At last, we are able to resume (after all the disruption of Co-vid) our annual women’s retreat with our sisters of the Jackson area! Dr. Constantinou will be the speaker for the retreat, hosted this year by the women of Holy Trinity/St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church on Saturday, November 4th from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Registration for the retreat is available online at HolyTrinityPhiloptochos.com.

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.

* Fall Festival – Saturday, October 28th, beginning at 4:00 p.m. (No Great Vespers that day.)

* Dr. Jeannie Constantinou will be speaking at St. Peter Friday evening, November 3rd, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

* The Pan-Orthodox Women’s Retreat, hosted this year by Holy Trinity/St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church, will be held Saturday, November 4th from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Dr. Constantinou will be the featured speaker this year.

* The Feast-day of St. Raphael will be celebrated with Divine Liturgy (only) on Saturday, November 4th, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Fasting Discipline for October/November

In October the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, dairy, eggs, fish, wine or oil) is observed on all Wednesdays and Fridays of the month. In November the traditional fasting discipline is observed on Wednesdays and Fridays until the 15th of the month, when the Fast of the Nativity begins. During this fast the traditional fasting is observed on each day of the week. Note, however, through December 19thth there is a katlysis on Tuesdays and Thursdays when wine and oil are permitted, and on Saturdays and Sundays when fish, wine and oil are permitted.

Major Commemorations for October/November

October 23 Apostle James, Brother of the Lord

October 26 Great-martyr Demetrios

November 1 Cosmas and Damian of Asia

November 3 Dedication of the Church of St. George

November 4 Raphael, Bishop of Brooklyn

November 8 Archangels Michael and Gabriel

November 9 Nektarios of Pentapolis

November 13 John Chrysostom (repose)

November 14 Apostle Philip

November 16 Apostle Matthew

November 21 Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

November 25 Great-martyrs Catherine and Mercurios

November 30 Apostle Andrew, the First-called

Quotable: “Besides blessing and praising God for the world, man is also to reshape and alter the word; and so endue it with fresh meaning. In the words of Fr. Dumitru Staniloae, ‘Man puts the seal of his understanding and of his intelligent work onto creation…the world is not only a gift, but a task for man’. It is our calling to cooperate with God; we are, in St. Paul’s phrase, ‘’fellow workers with God’ (1 Cor. 3:9). Man is not just logical, but he is also creative. The fact that man is in God’s image means that man is a creator after the image of God the Creator. This creative role he fulfills, not by brute force, but though the clarity of his spiritual vision; his vocation is not to dominate and exploit nature, but to transfigure and hallow it.”

Metropolitan Kallistos Ware, The Orthodox Way

Worship: Sunday, October 29, 2023 (Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost)

Scripture: Galatians 2:16-20; Luke 8:41-56

Celebrant: Father Herman

Epistle Reader: Sophie Dansereau

Prosphora: Meadows

Coffee Hour: Henderson/K. Jones

October 22, 2023

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

Galatians 1:11-19: Brethren, I would have you know that the Gospel which was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the Church of God violently and tried to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people; so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when He Who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son to me, in order that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were Apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other Apostles except James the Lord’s brother.

Luke 8:26-39: At that time, Jesus arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. And as He stepped out on land, there met Him a man from the city who had demons; for a long time he had worn no clothes, and he lived not in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him, and said with a loud voice, “What hast Thou to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beseech Thee, do not torment me.” For Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. [For many a time it had seized him; he was kept
under guard, and bound with chains and fetters, but he broke the bonds and was
driven by the demon into the desert.] Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion”; for many demons had entered him. And they begged Jesus not to command them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside; and they begged Jesus to let them enter these. So He gave them leave. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country. Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. And those who had seen it told them how he who had been possessed with demons was healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gadarenes asked Jesus to depart from them; for they were seized with great fear; so He got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with Jesus; but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home, and declare all that God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city all that Jesus had done for him.

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 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 Averkios the Wonder-worker: Thy works of justice did reveal thee to thy community as a canon of faith, the likeness of humility, and teacher of abstinence, O Father Bishop Averkios. Wherefore, by humility thou hast achieved exaltation, and by thy meekness wealth. Intercede, therefore, with Christ God to save our souls.

Troparion of the Seven Ephesian Youths: Thy Martyrs, O Lord, in their courageous contest for Thee received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since they possessed Thy strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons’ strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

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 undisputed intercessor of Christians, O mediatrix, who is unrejected by the Creator, turn not away from the voice of our petitions though we be sinners; come to us in time, who cry to thee in faith, for thou art good. Hasten to us with intercessions, O Theotokos, who didst ever intercede for those who honor thee.

CALENDAR

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE: All services listed on the calendar will be available through streaming and webcast. (Instructions can be found on the parish website.)

Sunday, October 22 (Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost)

8:50 a.m. – Orthros (webcast)

9:00 a.m. – Christian Education

10:00 a.m. – Divine Liturgy (webcast)

Monday, October 23 (Apostle James, Brother of the Lord)

Father Herman off

Tuesday, October 24

NO Services

Wednesday, October 25

6:30 p.m. – Daily Vespers

7:30 p.m. – Parish Council Meeting

Thursday, October 26 (Great Martyr Demetrios)

NO Services

Friday, October 27

NO Services

Saturday, October 28

3:00 p.m. – Choir Practice

4:00 p.m. – FALL FESTIVAL

NO Great Vespers

Sunday, October 29 (Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost))

8:50 a.m. – Orthros (webcast)

9:00 a.m. – Christian Education resumes

10:00 a.m. – Divine Liturgy (webcast)

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Eucharist Bread …was offered by the Davises for the Divine Liturgy this morning.

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; Kathy Willingham; Marilyn (Kyriake) Snell; Jack and Jill Weatherly; Lottie Dabbs (Sh. Charlotte Algood’s mother), Sh. Charlotte and their family; Reader Basil and Brenda Baker and their family; Buddy Cooper; Georgia and Bob Buchanan; Fr. Joseph Bittle; Steve and Sheryl Chamblee; Rick Carlton; Very Rev. Fr. Nicholas and Kh. Jan Speier; Dora Lambert (Dimitri Zouboukos’ fiancée).

Eucharist Bread Schedule:

Eucharist Bread Coffee Hour

October 22 Davis D. Root/Baker

October 29 Meadows Henderson/K. Jones

November 3 (Fri. p.m.) (Dr. Jeannie’s talk) Dansereau/Alaeetawi

November 4 (Sat. a.m.) D. Root Meadows

November 5 Karam Lockhart/Karam/Snell

November 12 Brock POT LUCK MEAL

Ellis/Zouboukos/Waites

November 19 Pacurai Meadows/Pacurari/Cooper

November 20 (Mon. p.m.) R. Root (Artos Bread)

Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple)

November 26 Lasseter Pigott/Stewart

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

Reader Reading Page#

October 22 Katie Miller Gal. 1:11-19 188

October 29 Sophie Dansereau Gal. 2:16-20 193

November 4 (Sat. a.m.) Walt Wood Heb. 7:26-8:2 334

November 5 Reader Basil Baker Gal. 6:11-18 198

November 12 Reader Chad Miller II Cor. 9:6-11 178

November 19 Sam Habeeb Eph. 2:14-22 207

November 26 Sh. Charlotte Algood Eph. 5:8-19 217

Also, please remember that we still need your tithes and offerings which may be placed in the tray that is passed during the 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.

October is Teen Month in our Archdiocese. The Teens will be reading the Epistle during the Divine Liturgy for the month.

Save the Date! Dr. Jeannie Constantinou will be here for a talk on November 3rd, beginning in the Fellowship Hall at 6:30 p.m.

At last, we are able to resume (after all the disruption of Co-vid) our annual women’s retreat with our sisters of the Jackson area! Dr. Constantinou will be the speaker for the retreat, hosted this year by the women of Holy Trinity/St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church on Saturday, November 4th from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Registration for the retreat is available online at HolyTrinityPhiloptochos.com.

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.

* Fall Festival – Saturday, October 28th, beginning at 4:00 p.m. (No Great Vespers that day.)

* Dr. Jeannie Constantinou will be speaking at St. Peter Friday evening, November 3rd, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

* The Pan-Orthodox Women’s Retreat, hosted this year by Holy Trinity/St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church, will be held Saturday, November 4th from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Dr. Constantinou will be the featured speaker this year.

* The Feast-day of St. Raphael will be celebrated with Divine Liturgy (only) on Saturday, November 4th, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Fasting Discipline for October/November

In October the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, dairy, eggs, fish, wine or oil) is observed on all Wednesdays and Fridays of the month. In November the traditional fasting discipline is observed on Wednesdays and Fridays until the 15th of the month, when the Fast of the Nativity begins. During this fast the traditional fasting is observed on each day of the week. Note, however, through December 19thth there is a katlysis on Tuesdays and Thursdays when wine and oil are permitted, and on Saturdays and Sundays when fish, wine and oil are permitted.

Major Commemorations for October/November

October 23 Apostle James, Brother of the Lord

October 26 Great-martyr Demetrios

November 1 Cosmas and Damian of Asia

November 3 Dedication of the Church of St. George

November 4 Raphael, Bishop of Brooklyn

November 8 Archangels Michael and Gabriel

November 9 Nektarios of Pentapolis

November 13 John Chrysostom (repose)

November 14 Apostle Philip

November 16 Apostle Matthew

November 21 Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

November 25 Great-martyrs Catherine and Mercurios

November 30 Apostle Andrew, the First-called

Quotable: “Besides blessing and praising God for the world, man is also to reshape and alter the word; and so endue it with fresh meaning. In the words of Fr. Dumitru Staniloae, ‘Man puts the seal of his understanding and of his intelligent work onto creation…the world is not only a gift, but a task for man’. It is our calling to cooperate with God; we are, in St. Paul’s phrase, ‘’fellow workers with God’ (1 Cor. 3:9). Man is not just logical, but he is also creative. The fact that man is in God’s image means that man is a creator after the image of God the Creator. This creative role he fulfills, not by brute force, but though the clarity of his spiritual vision; his vocation is not to dominate and exploit nature, but to transfigure and hallow it.”

Metropolitan Kallistos Ware, The Orthodox Way

Worship: Sunday, October 29, 2023 (Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost)

Scripture: Galatians 2:16-20; Luke 8:41-56

Celebrant: Father Herman

Epistle Reader: Sophie Dansereau

Prosphora: Meadows

Coffee Hour: Henderson/K. Jones

October 15, 2023

Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council

Todaythe Church remembers the 350 holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council under the holy Patriarch Tarasius (February 25). The Council of 787, the second to meet at Nicea, refuted the Iconoclast heresy during the reign of Empress Irene and her son Constantine Porphyrogenitos.

The council decreed that the veneration of icons was not idolatry (Exodus 20:4-5), because the honor shown to them is not directed to the wood or paint, but passes to the prototype (the person depicted). It also upheld the possibility of depicting Christ, Who became man and took flesh at His Incarnation. The Father, on the other hand, cannot be represented in His eternal nature, because “no man has seen God at any time” (John 1:18).

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.

Luke 8:5-15: The Lord spoke this parable: “A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold.” And when His Disciples asked Him what this parable meant, Jesus said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. And as for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience.” As Jesus said this, He called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

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 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: O undisputed intercessor of Christians, O mediatrix, who is unrejected by the Creator, turn not away from the voice of our petitions though we be sinners; come to us in time, who cry to thee in faith, for thou art good. Hasten to us with intercessions, O Theotokos, who didst ever intercede for those who honor thee.

CALENDAR

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE: All services listed on the calendar will be available through streaming and webcast. (Instructions can be found on the parish website.)

Sunday, October 15 (Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council)

8:50 a.m. – Orthros (webcast)

9:00 a.m. – Christian Education resumes

10:00 a.m. – Divine Liturgy (webcast)

Monday, October 16

Father Herman off

Tuesday, October 17

NO Services

Wednesday, October 18 (Apostle Luke)

6:30 p.m. – Daily Vespers

Thursday, October 19

NO Services

Friday, October 20

NO Services

6:30 – 9:00 p.m. – Choir Workshop

Saturday, October 21

7:45 a.m. – Choir Breakfast

8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Choir Workshop

5:00 p.m. – Great Vespers (please note the change in time)

Sunday, October 22 (Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost)

8:50 a.m. – Orthros (webcast)

9:00 a.m. – Christian Education

10:00 a.m. – Divine Liturgy (webcast)

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Eucharist Bread …was offered by the Ken Joneses for the Divine Liturgy this morning.

Eucharist Bread Schedule:

Eucharist Bread Coffee Hour

October 15 K. Jones Lasseter/Miller

October 22 Davis D. Root/Baker

October 29 Meadows Henderson/K. Jones

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

Reader Reading Page#

October 15 Simeon Root Titus3:8-15 322

October 22 Katie Miller Gal. 1:11-19 188

October 29 Sophie Dansereau Gal. 2:16-20 193

Also, please remember that we still need your tithes and offerings which may be placed in the tray that is passed during the 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; Kathy Willingham; Marilyn (Kyriake) Snell; Jack and Jill Weatherly; Lottie Dabbs (Sh. Charlotte Algood’s mother), Sh. Charlotte and their family; Maria Costas (currently at St. Catherine’s Village); Reader Basil and Brenda Baker and their family; Buddy Cooper; Georgia and Bob Buchanan; Fr. Joseph Bittle; Anthony and Athena Zouboukos and Keri Waites; Steve and Sheryl Chamblee; Rick Carlton; Very Rev. Fr. Nicholas and Kh. Jan Speier.

Kh. Nora Bleam (wife of Fr. David Bleam, Pastor of St. Andrew the Apostle in Pensacola, FL) will be at St. Peter October 20-21 for a workshop with our choir. On the 21st, Great Vespers will begin at 5:00 p.m. instead of the usual 6:00 p.m.

October is Teen Month in our Archdiocese. The Teens will be reading the Epistle during the Divine Liturgy for the month.

Fall Festival! Get ready to have some fun and good fellowship at our annual Fall Festival, to be held this year on Saturday, October 28th, beginning at 4:00 p.m.! Anna Kathryn Stewart has graciously agreed to head this up again. She will need volunteers for the various activities and for food dishes for our meal. Sign-up sheets are located on the bureau in the hallway outside the nave, so please be sure to sign up. As is our parish custom, we will not have Great Vespers that evening.

Save the Date! Dr. Jeannie Constantinou will be here for a talk on November 3rd, beginning in the Fellowship Hall at 6:30 p.m.

At last, we are able to resume (after all the disruption of Co-vid) our annual women’s retreat with our sisters of the Jackson area! Dr. Constantinou will be the speaker for the retreat, hosted this year by the women of Holy Trinity/St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church on Saturday, November 4th from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Registration for the retreat is available online at HolyTrinityPhiloptochos.com.

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.

* Choir Workshop – October 20-21.

* Fall Festival – Saturday, October 28th, beginning at 4:00 p.m. (No Great Vespers that day.)

* Dr. Jeannie Constantinou will be speaking at St. Peter Friday evening, November 3rd, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

* The Pan-Orthodox Women’s Retreat, hosted this year by Holy Trinity/St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church, will be held Saturday, November 4th from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Dr. Constantinou will be the featured speaker this year.

* The Feast-day of St. Raphael will be celebrated with Divine Liturgy (only) on Saturday, November 4th, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Fasting Discipline for October

In September the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, dairy, eggs, fish, wine or oil) is observed on all Wednesdays and Fridays of the month.

Major Commemorations for October

October 15 Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council

October 23 Apostle James, Brother of the Lord

October 26 Great-martyr Demetrios

Quotable: “When you are in church, and are going to partake of the divine mysteries of Christ, do not go out until you have attained complete peace. Stand in one place, and do not leave it until the dismissal. Think that you are standing in heaven, and that in company of the holy angels you are meeting God and receiving Him in your heart. Prepare yourself with great awe and trembling, lest you mingle with the holy powers unworthily.”

Abba Philemon

Worship: Sunday, October 22, 2023 (Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost)

Scripture: Galatians 1:11-19; Luke 8:26-39

Celebrant: Father Herman

Epistle Reader: Katie Miller

Prosphora: Davis

Coffee Hour: D. Root/Baker

October 8, 2023

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

II Corinthians 9:6-11: Brethren, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. As it is written, “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

Luke 7:11-16: At that time, Jesus went to a city called Nain, and many of His disciples and a great crowd went with Him. As He drew near to the gate of the city, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a large crowd from the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” And He came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And Jesus said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all; and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited His 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 Pelagia the Righteous: Through thee the divine likeness was securely preserved, O Mother Pelagia; for thou didst carry the cross and followed Christ. By example and precept thou didst teach us to ignore the body because it is perishable, and to attend to the concerns of the undying soul. Therefore, doth thy soul rejoice with the angels.

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 undisputed intercessor of Christians, O mediatrix, who is unrejected by the Creator, turn not away from the voice of our petitions though we be sinners; come to us in time, who cry to thee in faith, for thou art good. Hasten to us with intercessions, O Theotokos, who didst ever intercede for those who honor thee.

CALENDAR

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE: All services listed on the calendar will be available through streaming and webcast. (Instructions can be found on the parish website.)

Sunday, October 8 (Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost)

8:50 a.m. – Orthros (webcast)

9:00 a.m. – Christian Education

10:00 a.m. – Divine Liturgy (webcast)

12:00 p.m. – POT LUCK MEAL

Monday, October 9 (Apostle James, Son of Alphaeus)

Father Herman off

Tuesday, October 10

NO Services

Wednesday, October 11

6:30 p.m. – Daily Vespers

Thursday, October 12

NO Services

Friday, October 13

NO Services

Saturday, October 14

10:00 a.m. – Ladies meet for Akathist

4:45 p.m. – Choir Practice

6:00 p.m. – Great Vespers

Sunday, October 15 (Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council)

8:50 a.m. – Orthros (webcast)

9:00 a.m. – Christian Education resumes

10:00 a.m. – Divine Liturgy (webcast)

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Eucharist Bread …was offered by the Morrises for the Divine Liturgy this morning.

Eucharist Bread Schedule:

Eucharist Bread Coffee Hour

October 8 Morris POT LUCK MEAL

Algood/Schelver/I. Jones

October 15 K. Jones Lasseter/Miller

October 22 Davis D. Root/Baker

October 29 Meadows Henderson/K. Jones

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

Reader Reading Page#

October 8 Katie Miller II Cor. 9:6-11 178

October 15 Simeon Root Titus3:8-15 322

October 22 Sophie Dansereau Gal. 1:11-19 188

October 29 Katie Miller Gal. 2:16-20 193

Also, please remember that we still need your tithes and offerings which may be placed in the tray that is passed during the 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.

Kh. Nora Bleam (wife of Fr. David Bleam, Pastor of St. Andrew the Apostle in Pensacola, FL) will be at St. Peter October 20-21 for a workshop with our choir. On the 21st, Great Vespers will begin at 5:00 p.m. instead of the usual 6:00 p.m.

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; Kathy Willingham; Marilyn (Kyriake) Snell; Jack and Jill Weatherly; Lottie Dabbs (Sh. Charlotte Algood’s mother), Sh. Charlotte and their family; Maria Costas (currently at St. Catherine’s Village); Reader Basil and Brenda Baker and their family; Buddy Cooper; Georgia and Bob Buchanan; Fr. Joseph Bittle; Anthony and Athena Zouboukos and Keri Waites; Steve and Sheryl Chamblee; Rick Carlton; Very Rev. Fr. Nicholas and Kh. Jan Speier.

Save the Date! Dr. Jeanne Constantinou will be here for a talk on November 3, beginning in the Fellowship Hall at 6:30 p.m.

October is Teen Month in our Archdiocese. The Teens will be reading the Epistle during the Divine Liturgy for the month.

Fall Festival! Get ready to have some fun and good fellowship at our annual Fall Festival, to be held this year on Saturday, October 28th, beginning at 4:00 p.m.! Anna Kathryn Stewart has graciously agreed to head this up again. She will need volunteers for the various activities and for food dishes for our meal. Sign-up sheets are located on the small table by the patio doors in the Fellowship Hall, so please be sure to sign up. As is our parish custom, we will not have Great Vespers that evening.

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.

* Choir Workshop – October 20-21.

* Fall Festival – Saturday, October 28th, beginning at 4:00 p.m. (No Great Vespers that day.)

* Dr. Jeanne Constantinou will be speaking at St. Peter Friday evening, November 3rd, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

* The Feast-day of St. Raphael will be celebrated with Divine Liturgy (only) on Saturday, November 4th, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Fasting Discipline for October

In September the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, dairy, eggs, fish, wine or oil) is observed on all Wednesdays and Fridays of the month.

Major Commemorations for October

October 9 Apostle James, Son of Alphaeus

October 15 Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council

October 23 Apostle James, Brother of the Lord

October 26 Great-martyr Demetrios

Quotable: “How mistaken are those people who seek happiness outside 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 I will walk in 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

Worship: Sunday, October 15, 2023 (Holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council)

Scripture: Titus 3:8-15; Luke 8:5-15

Celebrant: Father Herman

Epistle Reader: Simeon Root

Prosphora: K. Jones

Coffee Hour: Lasseter/Miller