SAINT SPYRIDON

Hellenic Orthodox Church

Reflection on the 10th Sunday of Matthew

By St. Theophan the Recluse

"This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." If this kind goes out by the prayer and fasting of another person, then it is even less able to enter one who fasts and prays. What protection! Although there are a slew of demons and all the air is packed with them, they cannot do anything to one who is protected by prayer and fasting. 

Fasting is universal temperance, prayer is universal communication with God; the former defends from the outside, whereas the latter from within directs a fiery weapon against the enemies. The demons can sense a faster and man of prayer from a distance, and they run far away from him so as avoid a painful blow. 

Is it feasible to think that where there is no fasting and prayer, there already is a demon? Yes, it is. The demons lodging in a person, do not always reveal their presence, but lurk there, stealthily teaching their host every evil and turning him away from every good thing; so this person is certain that he is doing everything on his own, but meanwhile he is only fulfilling the will of his enemy. Just commence prayer and fasting and the enemy will immediately depart, then wait on the side for an opportunity to somehow return again. And he truly will return, as soon as prayer and fasting are abandoned.

EPISTLE READING

St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 4:9-16

Brethren, God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are ill-clad and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become, and are now, as the refuse of the world, the off-scouring of all things. I do not write this to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me.



 GOSPEL READING

Matthew 17:14-23

At that time, a man came up to Jesus and kneeling before him said, "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; for often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him." And Jesus answered, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me." And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move hence to yonder place,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. But this kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting." As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day."

WORSHIP SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday, August 9th

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

Monday, August 10th

Vigil of St. Spyridon - 6:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Tuesday, August 11th

Paraklesis to the Theotokos - 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 12th

Paraklesis to the Theotokos - 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 13th

Paraklesis to the Theotokos - 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Friday, August 14th

Great Vespers at Assumption Homer Glen, Chicago and Hegwisch

7:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 15th

The Dormition of the Theotokos

Orthros & Divine Liturgy - 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Sunday, August 16th

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

  COMMUNITY SCHEDULE

Tuesday, August 11th

Parish Council Meeting - 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 12th

Floga Practice - 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 13th

Food Distribution- 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

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.

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

We are excited to share the 2025 Annual Impact Report for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago! This year's report stands as a powerful testament to what is possible when our six states, fifty-eight parishes, and two monastic communities walk together in faith, generosity, and purpose. From record-breaking sacramental growth to our fifth consecutive year of clean financial audits, the report showcases a vibrant spiritual family guided by a clear vision.

Inside the report, you will find inspiring stories from across our parishes. Read about how our youth and Philoptochos chapters mobilized to serve over 800,000 meals to neighbors in need. See how our new regional vicariate system is strengthening parish leadership. And learn how a transformational $2.9 million legacy gift is securing our mission for generations to come.

The report was designed to allow you to dive deep into our milestones or skim the highlights, so we invite you to explore the incredible impact your stewardship and support has made!

Saint Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church

12307 S. Ridgeland Avenue, Palos Heights, IL 60463

708.385.2311