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SAINT SPYRIDON
Hellenic Orthodox Church
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Reflection on the Fifth Sunday of Matthew
By St. Theophan the Recluse
The Gadarenes saw the Lord’s wondrous miracle, when He cast out a legion of devils, and yet, the whole city came out and besought the Lord that He would depart from their coast. We do not observe them being hostile to the Lord, but neither do we observe any faith in them. They are seized with a sort of indeterminate fearfulness, making them to desire only that the Lord pass them by, wherever He wishes, “only do not touch us.” This is a true image of people who live in peace with their possessions. An order of things has formed around them which is not unfavorable; they are used to it, they have neither thoughts nor the need to change or reverse anything, and they fear to make a new step. They feel, however, that should a command come down from above, the fear of God and their conscience would force them to renounce the old and accept something new. Therefore, they strive to avoid any circumstance which might lead them to such convictions, that they might continue living quietly in their old habits, pleading ignorance. These are the sort of people who are afraid to read the Gospels and patristic books, or to discuss spiritual matters. They fear that if their conscience be thereby disturbed, it might wake up and start forcing them to abandon what they had, and take up something else.
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EPISTLE READING
Galatians 5:22-26; 6:1-2
Brethren, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
GOSPEL READING
Matthew 8:28-34; 9:1
At that time, when Jesus came to the country of the Gergesenes, two demoniacs met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one would pass that way. And behold, they cried out, "What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?" Now a herd of many swine was feeding at some distance from them. And the demons begged him, "If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of swine." And he said to them, "Go." So they came out and went into the swine; and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and perished in the waters. The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, and what had happened to the demoniacs. And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighborhood. And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city.
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Sunday, July 5
Orthros & Divine Liturgy - 8:00 a.m - 11:15 a.m.
Memorial:
Tuesday, July 7 - St. Kyriaki the Great Martyr
Orthros & Divine Liturgy - 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Sunday, July 12th
Orthros & Divine Liturgy—8:00 a.m.—11:15 a.m.
COMMUNITY SCHEDULE
Tuesday, July 7th
Floga Practice (Advanced) - 6:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m.
Parish Council Meeting—7:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, July 8th
Floga Practice (Wonderworkers) - 6:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m.
Greek Festival Set-up - 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 9th
Greek Festival Set-up - 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday, July 10th
Greek Festival Set-up - 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 11th
Greek Festival— 1:00 p.m.—10:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 12th
Orthros & Divine Liturgy—8:00 a.m.—11:15 a.m.
Greek Festival— 12:00 p.m.—10:00 p.m.
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Consider the Following Info...
Drawing on Nehemiah’s call to “Rise up and build” (Neh. 2:18), we are reminded that stewardship is not simply about money or meeting a budget, but a grateful, spiritual response to God’s gifts. Just as Nehemiah saw the broken walls of Jerusalem and, moved by compassion, prayer, and faith, inspired the people to rebuild together, we too are called to rebuild both the physical life of our parish and the spiritual walls of our own souls. Stewardship invites us to pray, to worship faithfully, to give generously of our time, talents, and treasures, and to act intentionally in love and service. When we rise up together with dedication and trust in God, He blesses our efforts and builds up the Body of Christ in our parish, our community, and the world.
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We wish to thank the 241 Stewards who have made a stewardship commitment for 2026.
Stewardship materials for 2026 are available at the church office and on our website.
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As a steward of Saint Spyridon Parish, and with gratitude to God, let's together strive to improve in each area of stewardship:
· Time: I will increase my time in prayer, worship, and service by about 10%.
· Talent: I will offer one new gift or ministry to strengthen our Saint Spyridon family.
· Treasure: I will increase my financial giving by 1–2% of my income this year.
“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14
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Saint Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church
12307 S. Ridgeland Avenue, Palos Heights, IL 60463
708.385.2311
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