|
SAINT SPYRIDON
Hellenic Orthodox Church
| | |
St. Luke the Evangelist
The Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, was a native of Syrian Antioch, a companion of the holy Apostle Paul (Phil.1:24, 2 Tim. 4:10-11), and a physician enlightened in the Greek medical arts. Hearing about Christ, Luke arrived in Palestine and fervently accepted the preaching of salvation from the Lord Himself. As one of the Seventy Apostles, Saint Luke was sent by the Lord with the others to preach the Kingdom of Heaven during the Savior’s earthly life (Luke 10:1-3). After the Resurrection, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to Saints Luke and Cleopas on the road to Emmaus.
Luke accompanied Saint Paul on his second missionary journey, and from that time they were inseparable. When Paul’s coworkers had forsaken him, only Luke remained to assist him in his ministry (2 Tim. 4:10-11). After the martyric death of the First-Ranked Apostles Peter and Paul, Saint Luke left Rome to preach in Achaia, Libya, Egypt and the Thebaid. He ended his life by suffering martyrdom in the city of Thebes. He wrote his Gospel with great accuracy. Similarly, he also authored the Acts of the Apostles.
It is the tradition of the Church that Saint Luke was the first iconographer and that he painted an image of the Holy Mother of God in her earthly lifetime. The All Holy Virgin praised this representation and said, “May the grace of Him who was born of me be upon this image.” Saint Luke afterwards painted other images of the All Holy Virgin and of the Apostles, giving rise in the Church to the devout and holy tradition of veneration of the icons of Christ and of His Saints. For this reason, Saint Luke is honored as the patron of iconographers.
| | |
EPISTLE READING
St. Paul's Letter to the Colossians 4:5-11, 14-18
Brethren, conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer every one. Tychicos will tell you all about my affairs; he is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, and with him Onesimos, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of yourselves. They will tell you of everything that has taken place. Aristarchos my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions if he comes to you, receive him), and Jesus who is called Justos. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. Give my greetings to the brethren at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you read also the letter from Laodicea. And say to Archippos, "See that you fulfill the ministry which you have received in the Lord." I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my fetters. Grace be with you. Amen.
GOSPEL READING
Luke 10:16-21
The Lord said to his disciples, "He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me." The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!" And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will."
| | |
WORSHIP SERVICE SCHEDULE
Sunday, October 18th - St. Luke the Evangelist
Orthros & Divine Liturgy, 8:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Memorials: †3 yr Stavroula Theohari, †2 yr Georgia Kariofilas,
†11 yr Demetrios Manikas, †15 yr Maria Lalios,
†44 yr Eleni Xasapis
Tuesday, October 20th
St. Gerasimos of Kefalonia
Orthros & Divine Liturgy, Holy Cross, Justice, IL
8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Christiakini Philoxenia Luncheon to follow
Friday, October 23rd
1st Hour & Divine Liturgy, 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Sunday, October 25th
Orthros & Divine Liturgy, 8:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
COMMUNITY SCHEDULE
Sunday, October 18th
Sunday School 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Monday, October 19th
Archangels Academy Preschool, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Plutarchos Greek School, 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Bible Study, 5:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.
Tuesday, October 20th
Archangels Academy Preschool, 9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 21st
Archangels Academy Preschool, 9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.
Cherubs, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 22nd
Archangels Academy Preschool, 9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.
Food Distribution, 1:00 p.m.—2:00 p.m.
Chicago Bears Fundraiser,
X’s & O’s Sports Lounge & Grill of Palos Height, 6:30 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
Paradosis Dance Troup, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday, October 23rd
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.
Fall Fest Family Night, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 24th
Sunday School, 10:30 a.m.—11:30 a.m.
| |
CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO REGISTER ONLINE TO OUR MINISTRIES AND PROGRAMS | | ARCHANGEL ACADEMY PRESCHOOL | | |
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.
| | |
We wish to thank the 286 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!
| | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER VOICE NEWSLETTER | | |
Saint Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church
12307 S. Ridgeland Avenue, Palos Heights, IL 60463
708.385.2311
| | | | |
