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St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Christian Church
Publish Date: 2022-11-13
Bulletin Contents
St. Spyridon Parish News, Events, Activities and Announcements
Inserts and Fliers
Archdiocese News
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
Johnchry
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St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Christian Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (619) 297-4165
  • Fax:
  • (619) 297-4181
  • Street Address:

  • 3655 Park Boulevard

  • San Diego, CA 92103

Contact Information

Parish Priest Fr. Andrew S.

frandrew@stspyridon.org | 619-297-4165

Parish Office For General Office Information

office@stspyridon.org | 619-297-4165

Services Schedule

Sunday Services

Orthros/Matins: 8:30am

Divine Liturgy: 10:00am

Past Bulletins


St. Spyridon Parish News, Events, Activities and Announcements

This Sunday's Memorial

Eva Nicolaou - 40 years

Parish General Assembly Agenda and Community Christmas Card Form

The Agenda for the Fall General Assembly, scheduled for Sunday, November 20th, was mailed to your home, together with the Community Christmas Card form (both in one envelope) to be efficient and cost-effective. As in years past, you have the chance to include your family names in the beautiful Community Christmas Card. Please print your name(s) on the form that was mailed to you, clearly and exactly the way you wish it to appear, and then mail the form back to the office in the envelope provided. Your form must be received no later than Thursday, December 1, 2022. 

Blessed Veterans Day - November 11th

This Veterans Day, we salute our military men and women, past, present, and future, for their faithful dedication and service to our country. Our heartfelt gratitude to you all! May God bless you abundantly.

Parish Council Applications are Due Today!

The Church is looking for dedicated volunteers who would like to serve on the 2023-2025 Parish Council. The Parish Council is a perfect place to be a servant leader while representing the families within our community. The deadline to submit your application is today Friday, November 11th. Please submit your application via email at office@stspyridon.org. The application can be found in the Inserts & Fliers section below. The elections will be held on Sunday, November 20th.

See the attached application in the Inserts & Fliers section below.

Altar Boy Retreat This Saturday, November 12th

We will have an Altar Boy Retreat this Saturday, November 12th at 11:00 am, in the Church and then lunch will follow in the lower Education Building. For more information, please contact, Angel Gilpin at 858-457-2723.

The Feast Day of the Entrance of the Theotokos Into the Temple - Monday, November 21st

The divine services for the feast day of the Entrance of the holy Theotokos into the Temple are as follows - The Orthros/Preparatory service starts at 9:00 am and the Divine Liturgy follows at 10:00 am.

Project Mexico and Saint Innocent News 

We wanted to let you know about a wonderful opportunity with Project Mexico and St. Innocent Orphanage in Mexico! As Father Nicholas Andruchow, executive director of Saint Innocent/Project Mexico explained to us on Sunday, Project Mexico is an amazing organization that coordinates groups of volunteers to come to Baja California, Mexico. The great news is that St. Spyridon Youth Ministries is planning a Homebuilding Trip with Project Mexico THIS summer! St. Spyridon will be going to Project Mexico July 20th - 26th, 2023. Yes, almost a whole week! But in that time, our group will build homes for people who would otherwise not have a home; in just a week! What's even better, is that we live so close to Mexico, that we can drive, and not spend money on airfare! 

The work that is done by the volunteers is truly life-changing and we are excited to bring this opportunity to our community. We will organize fundraisers starting in January to help defray the cost for participants. But we need your help right now! If you and/or your children (ages 8 and up) are interested in getting more information about our trip, joining our group, or donating to our volunteers please complete this Interest Form. https://forms.gle/idCfspYPH3ckkWrx9 

Please complete the Interest Form by 11/20/22 to help us start planning. 

For more information, email Julie Dennis, youthministries@stspyridon.org or visit the Project Mexico website: https://www.projectmexico.org/summer-homebuilding

Unsure if you should join us? Watch this video to get a glimpse of the good works and life-changing experience of Project Mexico: https://youtu.be/BnzXpcLdaHc

Sincerely,

Julie Dennis
Youth Ministries Director
Cell. 619-940-5167
St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, San Diego
3655 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92103
 
“For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6). 

Red Covered Divine Liturgy Books are located in the Narthex

The red-covered Divine Liturgy books are available to you and located on the right side of the Narthex near the candles.

Stewardship Reminder

Dear Faithful Steward of Saint Spyridon GOC,

The Stewardship Committee is writing to thank you and to remind you that your financial assistance helps to support the many and varied ministries of Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church – Home of the Wonder Worker! 

We know that life gets hectic and sometimes complicated and that’s why we are reaching out to encourage and remind you that there is still time for you to join hands with all the other financial stewards of the parish, and make a difference by offering your financial support to your beloved parish.      

May the Lord continue to richly bless you and your family in all your honorable endeavors.

Again, thank you for your prayerful and thoughtful consideration!

Yours in Christ,

The Saint Spyridon Stewardship Committee:

John T. Kalas -Chairperson                   Fr. Andrew Scordalakis

December 2022 Shepherd Newsletter Deadline

Please email your submissions to Tina by this Monday, November 14th. Thank you! 

PHILOPTOCHOS CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON  Sunday, December 4th

Join us for a festive gathering as we ring in the Christmas season on Sunday, December 4th at Parc Bistro-Brasserie for $60 per person.  Reserve Online at www.anthousa.org   For more information, contact Marilyn Yeatts marilyny@san.rr.com.  Limited Seating  

HOLIDAY BAKE SALE  Sunday, December 18th 

The Holiday Bake Sale is our largest fundraiser of the year.  We need help with baking, packaging, and distribution.  Baking will take place from December 7th thru December 9th.  Please contact Vicky Mellos vasilico@aol.com  (858)259-9097 to sign up. Packaging of all baked goods starting at 9 am on Saturday, December 18th.  Order online at www.anthousa.org Please contact Anthea Billings to sign up antheabillings@yahoo.com  

ANGELS CHRISTMAS PARTY  Monday, December 19th 

Our Angels party is just around the corner!  Marian Dougenis and her team have a beautiful party planned for our Kids N Cancer guests. Our community has always generously supported this heartfelt event. Please reach out to Marian Dougenis (619) 520-3660 to volunteer or donate in any way.  

AGAPE MEALS

Philoptochos Provides meals to St. Spyridon community members in need following hospitalizations, the death of a family member, or the birth of a child.   Please reach out to Marian Dougenis (619) 520-3660 if you or someone you know is in need.

Dance and Choral School See's Candies Fundraiser

Give the sweet gift of Candy for the Holidays while supporting our Dance and Choral School! Perfect for those friends and family members who are hard to shop for! The fundraiser starts November 1st through December 2nd. Orders will be shipped directly to you and proceeds will go to the Dance and Choral School to help fund upcoming performances and dance activities. To order, go to HTTPS: / /TINYURL.COM/4XCBZKWW  

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Fliers section below.

Join Our Greek Dance Instructors Team - We Need You!

Greek Dance is up and running at St. Spyridon each Sunday! But we need your help. Right now, we ONLY have TWO Dance Instructors! Please consider joining our Dance Instructor Team! Do you love Greek Dance? Would you like to see this wonderful tradition passed down to the next generation? We would love to have you join us! We will train you and provide the music and dances. Instructor's Assistants are also needed! We practice each Sunday from 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. Contact stspyridondance@gmail.com or 619-940-5167 to help!

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Fliers section below.

2023 Epiphany Cross Dive Luncheon

Please join us on Sunday, January 8, 2023, for the 44th Annual Epiphany Cross Dive and Luncheon at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. Leon Balaban Honorees are Jim and Stella Pappas. Tickets MUST be purchased by January 3rd – Adults $65 and Children 12 and under $35.  Divers needed must be 7-12th grade and attend Divine Liturgy and stay for the luncheon - contact Bill Navrides at navridesfamily@gmail.com or (619) 992-6775 by December 15th.

Ancient Wisdom & Modern Coffee

Join us for our Adult Sunday School class (taught by Dn. Michael Kallas, MA, MDiv). We will be studying the Sunday Gospel Readings to learn how to hear scripture. Classes are scheduled for Sundays, November 27th and December 4th. We meet downstairs in the lower Education Building.

Upcoming Memorials for November

Sunday, November 20th - April (Brigid) Hoare - 1 year

Sunday, November 20th - Panyioti Limperis - 12 years

Sunday, November 27th - Antiopi Trompas - 40 days

 Sunday, November 27th - Dimitrios (Jim) Trompas - 25 years

Sunday, November 27th - Dionesia (Denise) Apostol - 1 year

Sunday, November 27th - Arthur Apostol - 8 years

Kids' Corner for Children Under Age 3

Located in the Education Building downstairs. Every Sunday after receiving Holy Communion, kids (age 3 and under) and parents can come and play, meet new friends and hang out with old friends! Toys for kids and coffee for parents are provided! 

Philoptochos Decorated Feast Day Icons

Philoptochos invites you and your family to commemorate a special Feast Day by offering a donation towards a beautifully decorated icon which will be displayed in the Narthex for all to venerate. To reserve your date, contact the office: (619) 297-4165, office@stspyridon.org.

A suggested donation of $75 (check or cash) payable to the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society is much appreciated.

Icons Available for the Month of November:

November 21st - The Entrance of the Theotokos Into the Temple

November 30th - Saint Andrew the First-Called Apostle

Icons Available for the Month of December:

December 4th - St. Barbara

December 6th - St. Nicholas

December 12th - St. Spyridon the Wonderworker

December 25th - The Holy Nativity of the Lord

Sunday Fellowship Sponsors are Needed

Many of the Sundays in November and December are available. Please consider sponsoring with your friends and family.  Let's keep it simple by providing cookies or donuts, fruit, and juice. To reserve your date contact Anne Zouvas at (619) 248-6644. Thank you for supporting this long-standing tradition of our church!

The Metropolis of San Francisco Stewardship Ministry Continues the Series - “Equipping and Enriching Parish Life”

Please join us on any or all of the Monday evenings: November 21st and December 19th at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, for a special presentation on “Revitalizing Parish Health & Achieving Operational Excellence: Examining Six Critical Areas of Parish Life.”

Over the past two years, our world has shifted. And while our Orthodox theology, worship, and ethos remain intact, many parishes have struggled to adopt – or define - the “new normal” for parish life and ministry involvement. To assist our parishes in their journeys, during this segment, our speakers will:

• Explore the new context and shifting landscape facing our parishes in the post-pandemic world (and “carry-over” opportunities that our parishes were already encountering).

• Identify the six most critical areas of parish life which are vital to revitalizing Parish Health and optimizing Operational Effectiveness.

• Share new tools and an emerging Orthodox ministry dedicated to helping parishes achieve transformational change.

For more information, please email metropolis@sanfran.goarch.org or call 415-753-3075.

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Fliers section below.

Give Back 0.5% From the “Amazon Smile” Foundation

We remind you to please participate in the AmazonSmile program.  When you shop on Amazon, the AmazonSmile Foundation will give back 0.5% of your purchase price to St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church.  That’s right, for every eligible/registered purchase you or someone else makes at AmazonSmile 0.5% will be donated back to your parish!!!

It's quick and easy to register by visiting AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com) and selecting “St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church” before you make your first purchase (be sure to select St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church - San Diego, California).    

For more information about AmazonSmile, go to http://smile.amazon.com/about 

We hope you’ll consider this easy way to support your beloved parish.  Everyone is eligible to participate so tell your friends and relatives and spread the word about this wonderful opportunity. 

Your Legacy and Your Church  

...to whom much is given; from them much more is required (Luke 12:48).  

Please remember to include your Saint Spyridon parish in your estate plan and bequest. 

downstairs

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Inserts and Fliers

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Archdiocese News

2023 Oratorical Festival Topic Tips & Resources Releases by Department of Religious Education

11/03/2022

The Department of Religious Education (DRE) is pleased to announce the release of the 2023 St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival Topic Tips & Resources. Formerly known as ‘Topic Tips’ just for the youth participants, this year, the DRE has expanded it to ‘Topic Tips & Resources’ for participants, parents, mentors, GOYA advisors, and religious educators.
https://www.goarch.org/-/oratorical-festival-topics-2023
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Eleventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:14-25

At that time, Jesus revealed himself to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. And he said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go." (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, "Follow me." Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!" The saying spread abroad among the brethren that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?" This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. First Mode. Psalm 48.3,1.
My mouth shall speak wisdom and the meditation of my heart shall bring forth understanding.
Verse: Hear this all you nations.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 7:26-28; 8:1-2.

Brethren, it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, unstained, separated from sinners, exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; he did this once for all when he offered up himself. Indeed, the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect for ever. Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the sanctuary and the true tent which is set up not by man but by the Lord.

Gospel Reading

8th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from 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."

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Wisdom of the Fathers

When a man reveres God with all his heart and with faith, he receives through God's providence the power to control anger and desire; for it is desire and anger which are the cause of all evils.
St. Antony the Great
On the Character of Men no. 12, Philokalia Vol. 1 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg. 331, 4th century

'The Lord your God is one Lord' (cf. Deut. 6:4), revealed in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit: in the unbegotten Father; in the Son, who is begotten eternally, timelessly and impassibly as the Logos, and who through Himself anointed that which He assumed from us and so is called Christ; and in the Holy Spirit, who also comes forth from the Father, not begotten, but proceeding. This alone is God and alone is true God, the one Lord in a Trinity of Hypostases, undivided in nature, will, glory, power, energy, and all the characteristics of divinity. Him alone shall you love and Him alone shall you worship with all your mind and with all your heart and with all your strength.
St. Gregory Palamas
A New Testament Decalogue no. 1, Philokalia Vol. 4 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg. 323, 14th century

The example of the good Samaritan shows that we must not abandon those in whom even the faintest amount of faith is still alive.
St. Ambrose of Milan
Two Books of St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, Concerning Repentance, Chapter 11

Gentleness, then, is to be mingled with severity; a sort of compound is to be made of both; so that subjects be neither exulcerated by too much asperity, nor relaxed by too greatkindness.
St. Gregory the Dialogist
On the Life of the Pastor. Chapter 6, 6th century

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode

Let us, the faithful, give praise and worship to the Word, coeternal with the Father and the Spirit and born of the Virgin for our salvation. Of his own will he mounted the cross in the flesh, suffered death, and raised the dead by his glorious resurrecti

Apolytikion for John Chrysostom, Abp. Of Constantinople in the Plagal Fourth Mode

The grace of your words illuminated the universe like a shining beacon. It amassed treasures of munificence in the world. It demonstrated the greatness of humility, teaching us by your own words; therefore, O Father John Chrysostom, intercede to Christ the Logos for the salvation of our souls.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

Today, the most pure temple of the Savior, the precious bridal chamber and Virgin, the sacred treasure of God, enters the house of the Lord, bringing the grace of the Divine Spirit. The Angels of God praise her. She is the heavenly tabernacle.
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Saints and Feasts

Johnchry
November 13

John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople

This greatest and most beloved of all Christian orators was born in Antioch the Great in the year 344 or 347; his pious parents were called Secundus and Anthusa. After his mother was widowed at the age of twenty, she devoted herself to bringing up John and his elder sister in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. John received his literary training under Anthragathius the philosopher, and Libanius the sophist, who was the greatest Greek scholar and rhetorician of his day. Libanius was a pagan, and when asked before his death whom he wished to have for his successor, he said, "John, had not the Christians stolen him from us." With such a training, and with such gifts as he had by nature, John had before him a brilliant career as a rhetorician. But through the good example of his godly mother Anthusa and of the holy Bishop Meletius of Antioch (see Feb. 12), by whom he was ordained reader about the year 370, he chose instead to dedicate himself to God. From the years 374 to 381 he lived the monastic life in the hermitages that were near Antioch. His extreme asceticism undermined his health, compelling him to return to Antioch, where Saint Meletius ordained him deacon about the year 381. Saint Meletius was called to Constantinople later that year to preside over the Second Ecumenical Council, during which he fell asleep in the Lord. In 386 Bishop Flavian ordained John presbyter of the Church of Antioch. Upon his elevation to the priesthood his career as a public preacher began, and his exceptional oratorical gifts were made manifest through his many sermons and commentaries. They are distinguished by their eloquence and the remarkable ease with which rich imagery and scriptural allusions are multiplied; by their depth of insight into the meaning of Scripture and the workings of God's providence; and, not least of all, by their earnestness and moral force, which issue from the heart of a blameless and guileless man who lived first what he preached to others. Because of his fame, he was chosen to succeed Saint Nectarius as Patriarch of Constantinople. He was taken away by stealth, to avoid the opposition of the people, and consecrated Patriarch of Constantinople on February 28, 398, by Theophilus, Patriarch of Alexandria, who was to prove his mortal enemy.

At that time the Emperor of the East was Arcadius, who had had Saint Arsenius the Great as his tutor (see May 8); Arcadius was a man of weak character, and much under the influence of his wife Eudoxia. The zealous and upright Chrysostom's unsparing censures of the lax morals in the imperial city stung the vain Eudoxia; through Theophilus' plottings and her collaboration, Saint John was banished to Pontus in 403. The people were in an uproar, and the following night an earthquake shook the city; this so frightened the Empress Eudoxia that she begged Arcadius to call Chrysostom back. While his return was triumphant, his reconciliation with the Empress did not last long. When she had a silver statue of herself erected in the forum before the Church of the Holy Wisdom (Saint Sophia) in September of 403, and had it dedicated with much unseemly revelry, Saint John thundered against her, and she could not forgive him. In June of 404 he was exiled to Cucusus, on the borders of Cilicia and Armenia. From here he exchanged letters with Pope Innocent of Rome, who sent bishops and priests to Constantinople requesting that a council be held. Saint John's enemies, dreading his return, prevailed upon the Emperor to see an insult in this, and had John taken to a more remote place of banishment called Pityus near the Caucasus. The journey was filled with bitter sufferings for the aged bishop, both because of the harshness of the elements and the cruelty of one of his 310 guards. He did not reach Pityus, but gave up his soul to the Lord near Comana in Pontus, at the chapel of the Martyr Basiliscus (see May 22), who had appeared to him shortly before, foretelling the day of his death, which came to pass on September 14, 407. His last words were "Glory be to God for all things." His holy relics were brought from Comana to Constantinople thirty-one years later by the Emperor Theodosius the Younger and Saint Pulcheria his sister, the children of Arcadius and Eudoxia, with fervent supplications that the sin of their parents against him be forgiven; this return of his holy relics is celebrated on January 27.

Saint John was surnamed Chrysostom ("Golden-mouth") because of his eloquence. He made exhaustive commentaries on the divine Scriptures and was the author of more works than any other Church Father, leaving us complete commentaries on the Book of Genesis, the Gospels of Saints Matthew and John, the Acts, and all the Epistles of Saint Paul. His extant works are 1,447 sermons and 240 epistles. Twenty-two teachers of the Church have written homilies of praise in his honour. Besides his feasts today and on January 27, he is celebrated as one of the Three Hierarchs on January 30, together with Saint Basil the Great and Saint Gregory the Theologian.

It should be noted that, because September 14 is the Exaltation of the Cross, the Saint's memory has been transferred to this day.

Philipapostle
November 14

Philip the Apostle

This Apostle, one of the Twelve, was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and was a compatriot of Andrew and Peter. He was instructed in the teachings of the Law, and devoted himself to the study of the prophetic books. Therefore, when the Lord Jesus called him to the dignity of apostleship, he immediately sought out and found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of Whom Moses in the Law and the Prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph" (John 1.45). Having preached Jesus the God-man throughout many parts of Asia Minor, and having suffered many things for His Name's sake, he was finally crucified upside down in Hierapolis of Phrygia.

Allsaint
November 15

Nativity Fast Begins

The Nativity Fast is one of four main fast periods throughout the ecclesiastical year. Beginning on November 15 and concluding on December 24, the Nativity Fast gives individuals the opportunity to prepare for the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior in the Flesh on December 25. By abstaining from certain food and drink, particularly from meat, fish, dairy products, olive oil, and wine, as well as focusing more deeply on prayer and almsgiving, we can find that the primary aim of fasting is to make us conscious of our dependence upon God.

Mattevng
November 16

Matthew the Apostle & Evangelist

This Apostle, who was also called Levi, was the son of Alphaeus and had Galilee as his homeland. A publican before being called by Christ, he became one of the Twelve Apostles, and an Evangelist. While still in Palestine, he wrote his Gospel first in Hebrew, being also the first of all to write the Gospel. When he is depicted in icons, there is portrayed next to him the likeness of a man, one of the symbolic living creatures mentioned by Ezekiel (1.10), which, as Saint Irenaeus writes, is a symbol of our Saviour's Incarnation.

Gregwonderjohnmercy
November 17

Gregory the Wonderworker & Bishop of Neo-Caesarea

Saint Gregory was born in Neocaesarea of Pontus to parents who were not Christians. He studied in Athens, in Alexandria, in Beirut, and finally for five years in Caesarea of Palestine under Origen, by whom he was also instructed in the Faith of Christ. Then, in the year 240, he became bishop of his own city, wherein he found only seventeen Christians. By the time the Saint reposed about the year 265, there were only seventeen unbelievers left there. Virtually the whole duration of his episcopacy was a time of continual, marvellous wonders worked by him. Because of this, he received the surname "Wonderworker"; even the enemies of the truth called him a second Moses (see Saint Basil the Great's On the Holy Spirit, ch. 29).

Platon
November 18

Plato the Great Martyr of Ancyra

Saint Plato contested in martyrdom in 266, when Agrippinus was proconsul. He was from the city of Ancyra in the province of Galatia.

Allsaint
November 19

Obadiah the Prophet

The Divine Scriptures do not tell us with any certainty when the Prophet Obadiah lived nor what was his homeland. Thus, some say that he is that Obadiah who was Ahab's steward, who, because of Jezebel's wrath, hid one hundred prophets in a cave and fed them with bread and water (III Kings 18:4), and that he later became a disciple of Elias the Prophet about 903 B.C. But others surmise from the words of the same prophetical book that he is somewhat later than Joel (celebrated on Oct. 19). He is also called Obdiu, or Abdiu, or Obadiah; his name means "servant of God." His book of prophecy, which consists of only one chapter, is ranked fourth among the minor Prophets.

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