SAINT SPYRIDON

Hellenic Orthodox Church



The Three Hierarchs

Celebrated January 30


By St. Nikolai Velimirovich


Each of these saints have their own feast day: St. Basil the Great, January 1; St. Gregory the Theologian, January 25; and St. John Chrysostom, January 27. This combined feast day, January 30, was instituted in the eleventh century during the reign of Emperor Alexios Komnenos.


At one time a debate arose among the people concerning who of the three is the greatest? Some extolled Basil because of his purity and courage; others extolled Gregory for his unequaled depth and lofty mind in theology; still others extolled Chrysostom because of his eloquence and clarity in expounding the Faith. Thus some were called Basilians, others Gregorians, and the third were called Johannites. This debate was settled by Divine Providence to the benefit of the Church and to an even greater glory of the three saints.


Bishop John of Euchaita (June 14) had a vision in a dream: At first, all three of these saints appeared to him separately in great glory and indescribable beauty, and after that all three appeared together. They said to him, "As you see, we are one in God and there is nothing contradictory in us; neither is there a first or a second among us." The saints also advised Bishop John that he write a common service for them and to order a common feast day of celebration.


Following this wonderful vision, the debate was settled in this manner: January 30 would be designated as the common feast of these Three Hierarchs. The Greeks consider this feast not only an ecclesiastical feast but their greatest national school holiday.


EPISTLE & GOSPEL READING

EPISTLE READING


Timothy 4:9-15

Timothy, my son, the saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and suffer reproach, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Till I come, attend to the public reading of scripture, to preaching, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the council of elders laid their hands upon you. Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress.

 


GOSPEL READING



 Luke 19:1-10

At that time, Jesus was passing through Jericho. And there was a man named Zacchaios; he was a chief collector, and rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaios, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today." So he made haste and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." And Zacchaios stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost."  

Worship Service Schedule

Sunday, January 26th

Orthros & Divine Liturgy—8:00 a.m.—11:15 a.m.

Sanctity of Life Prayer Service

All Saints Antiochian Church, Chicago—6:30 p.m.—7:30 p.m.


Tuesday, January 28th

Paraklesis to the Theotokos followed by presentation

by his Grace Bishop Chrysostomos of Bukoba and Western Tanzania

6:30 p.m.


Thursday, January 30th –The Three Hierarchs

Orthros & Divine Liturgy—8:00 a.m.—10:30 a.m.


Saturday, February 1st — St. Trypho the Martyr

Orthros & Divine Liturgy—8:00 a.m.—10:00 a.m.

Vespers—5:00 p.m.—6:00 p.m.

 

Our Parish will host a SPECIAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING for SUNDAY, February 2, 2025 immediately after the service.

 

This meeting is being called to inform the parish of several church projects that we are undertaking. All parishioners are welcome to attend this meeting, but only members in good standing for the calendar year of 2025. 

 

Please plan to attend this very important assembly, for it gives everyone the opportunity to be involved and informed on matters of our community.

 

COMMUNITY CALENDAR


Sunday, January 26th

Sunday School—10:30 a.m.—11:30 a.m.


Monday, January 27th

Archangels Academy Preschool—9:00 a.m.— 3:00 p.m.

Greek School—4:30 p.m.—6:30 p.m.

Floga Dance (Beginners & Intermediate)

6:45 p.m.—7:30 p.m.


Tuesday, January 28th

Archangels Academy Preschool—9:00 a.m.— 3:00 p.m.


Wednesday, January 29th

Archangels Academy Preschool—9:00 a.m.— 3:00 p.m.

Iconography Class—5:30 p.m.—7:00 p.m.

GOYA—7:00 p.m.—8:30 p.m.


Thursday, January 30th

Archangels Academy Preschool—9:00 a.m.— 3:00 p.m.

Food Distribution—1:00 p.m.—2:00 p.m.

Paradosis Dance Troup—7:00 p.m.—8:00 p.m.


Friday, January 31st

Archangels Academy Preschool—9:00 a.m.— 3:00 p.m.

Greek School—4:30 p.m.—6:30 p.m.

Family Night—6:30 p.m.—8:00 p.m.

Adult Greek School— 6:45 p.m.—8:15 p.m.


Saturday, February 1st

Byzantine Chant—Levels 1 & 3—4:15 p.m.—5:00 p.m. 

Youth Programs/Programs & Events

PTA Events

PHILOPTOCHOS / OUTREACH

ARCHANGEL ACADEMY PRESCHOOL

Click HERE for 2025-26 Enrollment Application

PLUTARCHOS ACADEMY GREEK SCHOOL

Enroll your children in “Πλούταρχος» Academy Greek School, and watch them flourish in the beauty of Greece's heritage! Classes are offered Mondays and Fridays, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. For more information please call 708-385-2311 or email us at office@saint-spyridon.net


Ellinomatheia: 6th grade Greek School graduates can take this Greek Language Seminar to prepare for the Ellinomatheia exam. The Ellinomatheia certificate can be used to receive a seal of Biliteracy. For more information, please see the flyer below.

REGISTER FOR THE 2024-25 SHOOL YEAR

STEWARDSHIP

Consider the Following Info...

Coming to worship and participating in the sacramental life sanctifies our soul and body so that we may  contribute to the sanctification of the world. It is an important component of stewardship. Christ’s gift to us through the Eucharist is an invitation for us to truly experience the Lord and receive Him. In gratitude, centered and strengthened by worship, we offer our entire life in return to Him. This is the greatest form of stewardship which fuels our souls to offer ourselves entirely to Him! With over 170 services offered annually at our parish, we encourage you to participate in 10%—20% more worship opportunities than the previous year.

 

 


We wish to thank the 330 Stewards who have made a stewardship commitment for 2024. 


Stewardship materials for 2025 are available at the church office and on our website.

Click to Become a Steward

Metropolis News / Events

Saint Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church

12307 S. Ridgeland Avenue, Palos Heights, IL 60463

708.385.2311

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