Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul

Patronal Feast of St. Paul Church in Naples 

Thursday (June 28) at 6PM, with various clergy, faithful and visitors from the surrounding SW FL area, we will gather to properly glorify the Creator of the Universe for giving this world such a “love gift” in the form of these two “preachers of the universe”: Sts. Peter and Paul.

The “patronal feast” is the day one commemorates their parish patron saint. For us, at St. Paul Orthodox Christian Church, we pay special honor to our patron and protector the holy apostle Paul on the same day as the holy apostle Peter – patron and protector of our sister parish in Bonita Springs, St. Peter Orthodox Church.

This is also the feast of the Patriarchate of Antioch – the founders of this ancient Patriarchate being Sts. Peter and Paul, “And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch” (Acts 11:26).

We will be joined by our shepherd in Christ, His Grace Bishop +NICHOLAS of the Diocese of Miami & the Southeast.

Since no “fasting season” (i.e. Apostles Fast 6/4-6/29) is complete without a feast, come ready to “break bread together” and enjoy a wonderful Mediterranean meal – a great effort sponsored by generous and hospitable parishioners at St. Paul Church. 

On occasion of our local Bishop’s visit, in keeping with Archdiocesan custom, I remind all members of the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch (OSIA) to wear their crosses to church Thursday evening. God willing, I will be inducted into OSIA at the end of service, which is a humbling reality. Having been a direct recipient of this beautiful organization’s “loving-labor”, I feel quite convicted to join and, with a warm heart, inspired to participate in their Christ-centered work.

I encourage you, my brothers and sisters, to join with me. You may respond directly to me or our OSIA Ambassador, Barbara Hebeka (ebhebeka@hotmail.com).

This is truly a unique and beautiful opportunity – a great blessing – to be inducted on the Feast of our beloved founders and patrons of the Patriarchate of Antioch, the holy apostles Peter & Paul, the latter being our parish patron, who’s grace-filled words have inspired many over the centuries towards a deeper and more real commitment, to serving Christ through His Church.

(Photo: At the Holy Royal Patriarchal Stavropegic Monastery of the Vlatades in Thessaloniki, Greece. Fr. Paul standing near the step (behind icon stand) where the holy apostle Paul preached to the Thessalonians during his second missionary journey. Greece/Mt. Athos pilgrimage – Jan. 2017. )