SAINT SPYRIDON

Hellenic Orthodox Church

SAINT KATHERINE

by St. Nikolai Velimirovic

Katherine was the daughter of King Constus. After the death of her father, she lived with her mother in Alexandria. Her mother was secretly a Christian who, through her spiritual father, brought Katherine to the Christian Faith.In a vision, St. Katherine received a ring from the Lord Jesus Himself as a sign of her betrothal to Him. This ring remains on her finger even today.

Katherine was greatly gifted by God and was well educated in Greek philosophy, medicine, rhetoric and logic. In addition to that, she was of unusual physical beauty.

When the iniquitous Emperor Maxentius offered sacrifices to the idols and ordered others to do the same, Katherine boldly confronted the emperor and denounced his idolatrous errors. The emperor, seeing that she was greater than he in wisdom and knowledge, summoned fifty of his wisest men to debate with her on matters of faith and to put her to shame. Catherine outwitted and shamed them. In a rage, the emperor ordered all fifty of those men burned. By St. Katherine's prayers, all fifty confessed the name of Christ and declared themselves Christians before their execution.

After Katherine had been put in prison, she converted the emperor's commander, Porphyrius, and two hundred soldiers to the true Faith, as well as Empress Augusta-Vasilissa herself. They all suffered for Christ.

During the torture of St. Katherine, an angel of God came to her and destroyed the wheel on which the holy virgin was being tortured. Afterward, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself appeared to her and comforted her.

After many tortures, Katherine was beheaded at the age of eighteen, on November 24, 310. Milk, instead of blood, flowed from her body. Her miracle-working relics repose on Mount Sinai.

EPISTLE READING

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.

GOSPEL READING

Luke 18:18-27



At that time, a ruler came to Jesus and asked him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.' " And he said, "All these I have observed from my youth." And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." But when he heard this he became sad, for he was very rich. Jesus looking at him said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Those who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?" But he said, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."

Sunday, November 23rd - 13th Sunday of Luke

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

Sunday, November 24th

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

Vespers at St. Catherine’s Chapel, Assumption Church,

601 S. Central, Chicago—7:00 p.m.— 9:30 p.m.

Monday, November 25th

St. Catherine the Great Martyr

Orthros & Divine Liturgy—8:00 a.m.—10:15 a.m.

Tuesday, November 26th

1st Hour & Divine Liturgy—8:00 a.m.—9:30 a.m.

Friday, November 29th

Great Vespers at St. Andrew Church, Chicago

7:00 p.m.—9:30 p.m.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Sunday, November 24th

Sunday School—10:30 a.m.—11:30 a.m.

GOYA Thanksgiving Basket Assembly

5:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m.

Monday, November 25th

NO Archangels Academy Preschool

(Thanksgiving Break)

Thanksgiving Baskets Distribution 

10:00 a.m.—11:30 a.m.

Greek School—4:30 p.m.—6:30 p.m.

Floga Dance (Beginners & Intermediate)

6:45 p.m.—7:30 p.m.

Thursday, November 28th—Thanksgiving

OFFICE CLOSED

Friday, November 29th

OFFICE CLOSED

NO Greek School (Thanksgiving Break)

YOUNG ADULT WINTER RETREAT

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.

We wish to thank the 320 Stewards who have made a stewardship commitment for 2024. 

Stewardship materials for 2024 are available at the church office and on our website.

Saint Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church

12307 S. Ridgeland Avenue, Palos Heights, IL 60463

708.385.2311