SAINT SPYRIDON

Hellenic Orthodox Church

THE NATIVITY OF THE THEOTOKOS

celebrated September 8

An Explanation of the Icon of the Birth of the Theotokos

by HIerodeacon Siloan Peponakis

Just as September in Byzantium was the first month of the ecclesiastical year and the first of this month was new years day and the beginning of the Indiction, so also is this feast and celebration, the Birth of the Mother of God, the first according to our recall and recreation, since, as Saint Gregory Palamas says: "This sacred feast and celebration that we are keeping is the first to commemorate our recall and recreation according to grace, for on it all things began to be made new, enduring precepts began to be brought in instead of temporary ones, the spirit instead of the letter, the truth instead of shadows." In this 16th century icon from the Monastery of Saint Katherine at Mount Sinai, the iconographer follows the apocryphal Protoevangelion of James to depict this great event of the Nativity. The figure of Saint Anna dominates as she sits half-seated on the bed, while on her left hand she supports her tilted head. From her expression we can speculate that she is immersed in thoughts regarding this paradoxical event, in other words, how she was able to be loosed of her barrenness.

In the upper left part of the composition....

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



John 3:13-17

The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him."

Sunday, September 8th - Nativity of the Theotokos

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

*** 1st Day of Sunday School!

***Registration for Parish Ministries after the Divine Liturgy

Friday, September 13th

Great Vespers at Holy Cross, Justice, IL—7:00 p.m.

Saturday, September 14th - Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross

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

Vespers -- 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, September 15th - Sunday after the Holy Cross

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

*** Sunday School

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Sunday, September 8th

1st Day of Sunday School/ Ministry Fair

Saturday, September 14th

1st Day of Byzantine Music Class

1st Altar Boy Meeting

1st Handmaidens Meeting

Wednesday, September 18th

1st Day of Cherubs

1st Day of GOYA

1st Day o f Iconography Class

Thursday, September 19th

Philoptochos BBQ—6 pm

Friday, September 20th

1st Day of Family Night

1st Day of Adult Greek School

MINISTRY REGISTRATION

Join us at the Back Pack Blessing to Register for our ministries. In addition, there will be ministry sign-up opportunities on the following dates:

Sunday September 8

Register after Divine Liturgy for the following

ministries:

PLUTARCHOS ACADEMY

SUNDAY SCHOOL

CHERUBS

FAMILY NIGHT

HANDMAIDENS/ALTAR BOYS

GOYA

YOUNG ADULTS

ATHLETICS

BYZANTINE MUSIC CLASS

BYZANTINE ICONOGRAPHY CLASS

FLOGA DANCE TROUPE

Altar Boy Meeting

Saturday, September 14

10:30 a.m - 11:30 a.m.

Handmaidens Meeting

Saturday, September 14

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 pm

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.

Attend one Paraklesis service during the first fifteen days of August.

We wish to thank the 287 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