SAINT SPYRIDON

Hellenic Orthodox Church

8th Sunday of Luke

By: St. Theophan the Recluse

To the man who asked how to be saved, the Lord on his part offered a question: "What is written in the law? how readest thou?" By this He showed that to resolve all perplexity one must turn to the word of God. And so that there will not be such perplexity at all it is best to always read Divine Scripture attentively, with discernment and sympathy, applying it to your own life, and fulfilling in your own thoughts what relates to thoughts, in your own feelings and dispositions what relates to the senses, and in your deeds what relates to deeds. One who hearkens to the word of God gathers bright understanding of all that is in him, what is near to him, and what is above him; he clarifies his obligations in all aspects of life, and holy rules, like valuable pearls, are strung onto the thread of his conscience, which then precisely and definitely indicate how and when to act so that he please the Lord. He tames the passions—something reading the word of God always acts to assuage. No matter what passion troubles you, begin to read the word of God and the passion will become quieter and quieter, and at last it will be entirely calmed. He who enriches himself through knowledge of the word of God is overshadowed by the pillar of cloud which guided the Israelites in the desert.

EPISTLE READING

Ephesians 2:14-22

Brethren, Christ is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

 GOSPEL READING

Luke 10:25-37

At that time, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read?" And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." And he said to him, "You have answered right; do this, and you will live."

But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

WORSHIP SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday, November 15th

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

Memorials: †8 yr Eleftheria Marinoglou-Marinos,

†9 yr Evangelos Marinoglou-Marinos

Monday, November 16th- St. Matthew the Apostle

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

Tuesday, November 17th

Gregory the Wonderworker & Bishop of Neo-Caesarea

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

Wednesday, November 18th

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

Thursday, November 19th

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

Friday. November 20th

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

Saturday, November 21st

The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

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

Vespers, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, November 22nd

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

   COMMUNITY SCHEDULE

Sunday, November 15th

Nativity Psalter Group Begins

Sunday School, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Family Night Bowling at Palos Lanes Bowling,

11025 SW Hwy, Palos Hills, 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Philoptochos Theater Outing, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Monday, November 16th

Archangels Academy Preschool, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Spanakopites Baking, 9:00 a.m.

Plutarchos Greek School, 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Bible Study, 5:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.

Philoptochos Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

JOY Basketball, 6:40 p.m. - 7:40 p.m.

Tuesday, November 17th

Archangels Academy Preschool, 9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 18th

Archangels Academy Preschool, 9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.

Cherubs Todler Playgroup, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Iconography Class, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

JR. GOYA, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

SR. GOYA at Xando Cafe , 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Thursday, November 19th

Archangels Academy Preschool, 9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.

Koulouria Baking, 9:00 a.m.

Food Distribution, 1:00 p.m.—2:00 p.m.

YAL Friends Giving, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Paradosis Dance Troupe, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Friday, November 20th

Archangels Academy Preschool, 9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.

Plutarchos Greek School, 4:30 p.m.—6:30 p.m.

Adult Greek School, 6:45 p.m.— 8:15 p.m.

Wonderworkers Dance Practice, 6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

Floga Dance Practice, 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, November 22nd

Sunday School, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

PTA Bake Sale following the Divine Liturgy

Altar Boy Meeting, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Handmaidens Meeting, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

We wish to thank the 290 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