SAINT SPYRIDON

Hellenic Orthodox Church



The Holy Girdle (Zoni) of the Theotokos

Celebrated on August 31


According to Sacred Tradition, three days after her repose, the Theotokos rose from the dead and bodily ascended to heaven, giving her Holy Zoni (belt) to the Apostle Thomas. When the Apostles opened her tomb, it was empty; the belt became a sign of her resurrection and bodily ascension.


Tradition holds that the Virgin herself wove the belt from camel hair. It was first kept in Jerusalem, later moved to Constantinople, and eventually divided into three pieces. Over centuries it has been venerated, associated with numerous miracles. Notable events include:


  • Empress Zoe’s healing in 886 when Emperor Leo VI opened its case.
  • Theft and return during medieval wars; it was ultimately entrusted to Vatopaidi Monastery, where it remains.
  • Processions with the belt during epidemics or crises under Ottoman rule.

Many miracles are attributed to the Holy Zoni: ships miraculously immobilized until stolen pieces were returned, relief from plagues, raising of the dead, healing from disease, protection of crops, and help for infertile women. Its power is seen as stemming from its connection to the Theotokos and the grace of God.

EPISTLE & GOSPEL READING

EPISTLE READING


Hebrews 9:1-7



BRETHREN, the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary. For a tent was prepared, the outer one, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence; it is called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain stood a tent called the Holy of Holies, having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, which contained a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. These preparations having thus been made, the priests go continually into the outer tent, performing their ritual duties; but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood which he offers for himself and for the errors of the people.



GOSPEL READING

Matthew 19:16-26


At that time, a young man came up to Jesus, kneeling and saying, "Good Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?" And he said to him, "Why do you call me good? One there is who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments." He said to him, "Which?" And Jesus said, "You shall not kill, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and You shall love your neighbor as yourself." The young man said to him, "All these I have observed; what do I still lack?" Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.

And Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, 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." When the disciples heard this they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?" But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."


Worship Service Schedule

Sunday, August 31st - 12th Sunday of Matthew

Orthros & Divine Liturgy

8:00 a.m.—11:15 a.m.


Monday, September 1st - The Indiction

Orthros & Divine Liturgy

8:00 a.m.—10:15 a.m.


Saturday, September 6th

Vespers - 5:00 p.m.


Sunday, September 7th - Sunday before the Holy Cross

Orthros & Divine Liturgy

8:00 a.m.—11:15 a.m.

1st Day of Sunday School

PTA Meeting after Divine Liturgy

Prison Ministry Informational Meeting after Divine Liturgy

Faithful,



You can now schedule an appointment with Father George by clicking the link below. The link is now working. Click below to see Father's availability. If these dates/times do not work with your schedule, please contact the office to make an appointment.

COMMUNITY SCHEDULE

 

Sunday, August 31st

PTA Meeting after Divine Liturgy


Monday, September 1

Office Closed in observance of Labor Day


Tuesday, September 2nd

Parish Council Meeting - 7:00 p.m.


Wednesday, September 3rd

1st day of Archangels Preschool Academy with Blessing of the Waters (Agiasmos) - 9:00 a.m.


Thursday, September 4th

Food Distribution—1:00 p.m.—2:00 p.m.


Friday, September 5th

1st Day of Greek School - Agiasmos Service (Blessing of the Waters) - 4:30 p.m. Backpack Blessing - 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.


Sunday, September 7th

PTA Meeting after Divine Liturgy

Prison Ministry Informational Meeting after Divine Liturgy


YOUTH MINISTRY

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

MEN'S MINISTRY

ARCHANGEL ACADEMY PRESCHOOL

PLUTARCHOS GREEK SCHOOL

PHILOPTOCHOS

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 304 Stewards who have made a stewardship commitment for 2025. 


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

METROPOLIS NEWS & OTHER NEWS

MONTHLY VOICE NEWSLETTER

Saint Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church

12307 S. Ridgeland Avenue, Palos Heights, IL 60463

708.385.2311

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