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St. Spyridon Church
Publish Date: 2020-11-09
Bulletin Contents
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
Saint Spyridon Calendar
Coming Events
Wisdom of the Fathers
Daily Announcements
Allsaint
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St. Spyridon Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (708)385-2311
  • Fax:
  • (708) 385-0166
  • Street Address:

  • 12307 S. Ridgeland

  • Palos Heights, IL 60463
  • Mailing Address:

  • 12307 S. Ridgeland

  • Palos Heights, IL 60463

Contact Information

Parish Priest Fr. Tilemahos Alikakos


office@Saint-Spyridon.net | 708-385-2311

Services Schedule

Sunday Orthros - 8:00 a.m. followed by the Divine Liturgy

Saturday Vespers - 6:00 p.m.

Past Bulletins


Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Nektarius the Wonderworker, Metropolitan of Pentapolis
The Reading is from John 10:1-9

The Lord said to the Jews who had come to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber; but he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens; the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers." This figure Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So Jesus again said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers; but the sheep did not heed them. I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture."

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Grave Mode. Psalm 149.5,1.
The saints shall rejoice in glory.
Verse: Sing to the Lord a new song.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 5:8-19.

Brethren, walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is a shame even to speak of the things that they do in secret; but when anything is exposed by the light it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it is said, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light." Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart.

Gospel Reading

Nektarius the Wonderworker, Metropolitan of Pentapolis
The Reading is from Matthew 4:25, 5:1-12

At that time, great crowds followed Jesus from Galilee and the Decapolis and Jerusalem and Judea and from beyond the Jordan. Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven."

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Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion for Nectarius the Wonderworker in the First Mode

The offspring of Selyvria and the guardian of Aegina, the true friend of virtue who didst appear in the last years, O Nectarius, we faithful honour thee as a godly servant of Christ, for thou pourest forth healings of every kind for those who piously cry out: Glory to Christ Who hath glorified thee. Glory to Him Who hath made thee wondrous. Glory to Him Who worketh healings for all through thee.

Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery


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.

Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Narthex Press


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Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
November 09

Theoktisti of the Isle of Lesbos

Nektario
November 09

Nektarius the Wonderworker, Metropolitan of Pentapolis

Saint Nektarius was born in Selyvria of Thrace on October 1, 1846. After putting himself through school in Constantinople with much hard labour, he became a monk on Chios in 1876, receiving the monastic name of Lazarus; because of his virtue, a year later he was ordained deacon, receiving the new name of Nektarius. Under the patronage of Patriarch Sophronius of Alexandria, Nektarius went to Athens to study in 1882; completing his theological studies in 1885, he went to Alexandria, where Patriarch Sophronius ordained him priest on March 23, 1886 in the Cathedral of Saint Sabbas, and in August of the same year, in the Church of Saint Nicholas in Cairo, made him Archimandrite. Archimandrite Nektarius showed much zeal both for preaching the word of God, and for the beauty of God's house. He greatly beautified the Church of Saint Nicholas in Cairo, and years later, when Nektarius was in Athens, Saint Nicholas appeared to him in a dream, embracing him and telling him he was going to exalt him very high.

On January 15, 1889, in the same Church of Saint Nicholas, Nektarius was consecrated Metropolitan of the Pentapolis in eastern Libya, which was under the jurisdiction of Alexandria. Although Nektarius' swift ascent through the degrees of ecclesiastical office did not affect his modesty and childlike innocence, it aroused the envy of lesser men, who convinced the elderly Sophronius that Nektarius had it in his heart to become Patriarch. Since the people loved Nektarius, the Patriarch was troubled by the slanders. On May 3, 1890, Sophronius relieved Metropolitan Nektarius of his duties; in July of the same year, he commanded Nektarius to leave Egypt.

Without seeking to avenge or even to defend himself, the innocent Metropolitan left for Athens, where he found that accusations of immorality had arrived before him. Because his good name had been soiled, he was unable to find a position worthy of a bishop, and in February of 1891 accepted the position of provincial preacher in Euboia; then, in 1894, he was appointed dean of the Rizarios Ecclesiastical School in Athens. Through his eloquent sermons his unwearying labours to educate fitting men for the priesthood, his generous alms deeds despite his own poverty, and the holiness, meekness, and fatherly love that were manifest in him, he became a shining light and a spiritual guide to many. At the request of certain pious women, in 1904 he began the building of his convent of the Holy Trinity on the island of Aegina while yet dean of the Rizarios School; finding later that his presence there was needed, he took up his residence on Aegina in 1908, where he spent the last years of his life, devoting himself to the direction of his convent and to very intense prayer; he was sometimes seen lifted above the ground while rapt in prayer. He became the protector of all Aegina, through his prayers delivering the island from drought, healing the sick, and casting out demons. Here also he endured wicked slanders with singular patience, forgiving his false accusers and not seeking to avenge himself. Although he had already worked wonders in life, an innumerable multitude of miracles have been wrought after his repose in 1920 through his holy relics, which for many years remained incorrupt. There is hardly a malady that has not been cured through his prayers; but Saint Nektarius is especially renowned for his healings of cancer for sufferers in all parts of the world.

Allsaint
November 09

Onesiphorus and Porphyrius of Ephesus

During the persecution of Diocletian and Maximian, about the year 290, Saints Onesiphorus and Porphyrius were betrayed as Christians to the persecutors. After many torments through which they stood fast in confessing their faith, they were bound by the feet to wild horses and dragged to death.

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Saint Spyridon Calendar

  • Saint Spyridon Calendar

    November 9 to November 24, 2020

    Monday, November 9

    Nektarius the Wonderworker, Metropolitan of Pentapolis

    8:00AM St. Nektarios, Orthros & Divine Liturgy

    9:00AM Church Office Open

    9:00AM Archangels Academy

    4:30PM Greek School Online

    7:00PM Bible Study

    Tuesday, November 10

    ARSENIOS OF CAPPADOCIA

    9:00AM Church Office Open

    9:00AM Archangels Academy

    7:00PM Parish Council

    Wednesday, November 11

    Fasting Day

    Menas of Egypt

    8:30AM 1st Hour & Divine Liturgy

    9:00AM Church Office Open

    9:00AM Archangels Academy

    Thursday, November 12

    John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria

    9:00AM Church Office Open

    9:00AM Archangels Academy

    10:00AM Bible Study in Greek

    7:00PM Vespers at St. John Chrysostom Monastery

    Friday, November 13

    Fasting Day

    John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople

    7:00AM Divine Liturgy at St. John Chrysostom Monastery

    9:00AM Church Office Open

    9:00AM Archangels Academy

    4:30PM Greek School Online

    6:00PM Paraklesis

    Saturday, November 14

    Philip the Apostle

    8:30AM 1st Hour & Divine Liturgy

    12:00PM Bethania

    6:00PM Vespers

    Sunday, November 15

    Guria, Shamuna, and Habib, Martyrs and Confessors of Edessa

    8:00AM Orthros & Divine Liturgy

    Monday, November 16

    Matthew the Apostle & Evangelist

    8:30AM Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross

    9:00AM Church Office Open

    9:00AM Archangels Academy

    4:30PM Greek School Online

    7:00PM Bible Study

    Tuesday, November 17

    Gregory the Wonderworker & Bishop of Neo-Caesarea

    8:30AM Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross

    9:00AM Church Office Open

    9:00AM Archangels Academy

    11:00AM Bible Study in Greek

    Wednesday, November 18

    Fasting Day

    Plato the Great Martyr of Ancyra

    8:30AM Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross

    9:00AM Church Office Open

    9:00AM Archangels Academy

    Thursday, November 19

    Obadiah the Prophet

    8:30AM Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross

    9:00AM Church Office Open

    9:00AM Archangels Academy

    Friday, November 20

    Gregory the Righteous of Decapolis

    Fasting Day

    8:30AM Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross

    9:00AM Church Office Open

    9:00AM Archangels Academy

    4:30PM Greek School Online

    6:00PM Paraklesis

    Saturday, November 21

    The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

    8:00AM Entrance of Theotokos - Orthros & Liturgy

    10:00AM TAKE & BAKE - Philoptochos Fundraiser

    6:00PM Vespers

    Sunday, November 22

    Archippus the Apostle, Philemon the Apostle & his wife, Apphia, Onesimos the Disciple of Paul

    8:00AM Orthros & Divine Liturgy

    3:00PM wedding SM

    Monday, November 23

    Amphilochius, Bishop of Iconium

    8:30AM Divine Liturgy at Sts. Constantine & Helen

    9:00AM Church Office Open

    4:30PM Greek School Online

    7:00PM Bible Study

    Tuesday, November 24

    Peter, Archbishop of Alexandria

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Coming Events

    Stewardship 2020

    Stewardship 2020

    Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.” (2 Corinthians 9:10) Notice the connection the Apostle Paul makes between increasing your store of seed and enlarging the harvest of your righteousness. When we are equipped with enough resources to give generously, our capacity to produce a greater effect is increased. Paul makes a holy assumption here that, as God supplies, the Corinthians by the time of his writing would use the blessings appropriately—that is, for righteous works, such as funding the mission and work of the church. Join us in practicing the Apostle Paul’s generous assumption as we give to the Lord with what he has given us.. You can offer your donations by mail or on-line through our parish website which is now featuring Tithe.ly as one of its donation platforms. Everyone’s assistance is greatly appreciated. We thank the 300 Stewards who have already committed their stewardship for 2020. Stewardship materials are available on our website.

    Advent 2020 - Forty Day Liturgy

    Advent 2020 - Forty Day Liturgy

    Dear Faithful, I am pleased to announce that the Southside Parishes of Assumption (Homer Glen), Holy Cross (Justice), Sts. Constantine & Helen (Palos Hills), St. Nicholas (Oak Lawn), All Saints (Joliet), and St. Spyridon (Palos Heights), will be celebrating the 'Sarantaleitourgo' - Forty Days of the Divine Liturgy in preparation for Christmas. During these Liturgies we pray for the health of our loved ones and for the repose of those who have fallen asleep. You may offer your prayer list either in person or electronically by November 15, 2020. Every week we will rotate among the southside parishes according to the attached schedule. There is Liturgy at every parish on Sundays and major holidays. At St. Spyridon, we will continue to also have Liturgy every Saturday, as well as on major holidays, according to the parish schedule available at www.Saint-Spyridon.net.

    Philoptochos Take & Bake

    Philoptochos Take & Bake

    Let St. Spyridon Philoptochos help you with your holiday planning with our delicious ready to bake Greek delicacies. Spanakopita (six servings - frozen) - $30 Pastichio (1/2 sheet - frozen) - $30 All orders must be received by: Monday Nov. 9th with payment. Online Orders: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/take-bake-tickets-125826820407 Or Pay by check or cash at St. Spyridon Church Office – (Order Form attached) Pick up date: Saturday Nov. 21st, 10 am – 2 pm Make all checks payable to : St. Spyridon Philoptochos Questions? Please email Helen Sotiropoulos at lenamontreal@aol.com Cell – 815-370-2111

    Food Pick Up

    Food Pick Up

    Every Thursday, 1pm-2pm, our Food Pantry is open to the public for curbside pick up of non-perishable food. Please call the church office when you arrive to pick up food.

    PTA Cookbook

    PTA Cookbook

    Please share your recipes with the PTA and they will transform them into a Parish Cookbook for a PTA fundraiser. Send in your recipes at spyridonpta@gmail.com. Deadline for Recipes is February 28, 2021

    Christmas Greek Pastries To-Go

    Christmas Greek Pastries To-Go

    Dear Faithful, Due to the current situation with Covid-19, St. Spyridon has cancelled the Annual Christmas Craft Show... but don't despair! Our popular Greek Pastries are here for you! We have a limited, but still fabulous menu. Your favorite Greek Pastries will be ready for pick-up on Saturday, December 5, 2020. Place your order TODAY! To order online, visit http://www.saint-spyridon.net/philoptochos-christmas-pastries-to-go-.html or directly to our order platform: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christmas-greek-pastries-to-go-tickets-126173651789?fbclid=IwAR1RiE1WD-2P0AS9epjnu8kYBcMFdcpMyEIR7fQz1p1eafLVxvEa7uwSogI

    November 2020 Voice

    November 2020 Voice

    The Voice is our monthly newsletter. If you wish to receive a hard copy please contact the church office.

    Sunday Bulletin

    Sunday Bulletin

    Weekly Bulletin of Saint Spyridon

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Wisdom of the Fathers

We should zealously cultivate watchfulness, my brethren; and when - our minds purified in Jesus Christ - we are exalted by the vision it confers, we should review our sins and our former life, so that shattered and humbled at the thought of them we may never lose the help of Jesus Christ our God in the invisible battle. If because of pride, self-esteem or self-love we are deprived of Jesus' help, we shall lose that purity of heart through which God is known to man. For, as the Beatitude states, purity of heart is the ground for the vision of God (cf. Matt. 5:8).
St. Hesychios the Priest
On Watchfulness and Holiness no. 52, Philokalia Vol. 1 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg. 171

When the faithful man, who always pays strict attention to the commandments of God, performs all that the divine commandments enjoin and directs his mind toward their sublimity, that is, to a conduct and purity that are above reproach, he will discover his own limitations. He will find that he is weak and lacks the power to attain to the height of the commandments, indeed that he is very poor, that is, unworthy to receive God and give Him thanks and glory, since he has as yet failed to attain any good of his own. One who thus reasons with himself in the perception of his soul will indeed mourn with that sorrow which is truly most blessed, which will receive comfort and make the soul meek (cf. Matt. 5:5).
St. Symeon the New Theologian
Discourses: II The Beatitudes no. 7, Paulist Press pg 52, 11th century

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Daily Announcements

Saint_spyridon_background

ATTENDING DIVINE SERVICES

We continue to have limitations on church attendance as mandated by the State of Illinois and CDC guidelines.  As of now, masks are required when attending church and those who belong to vulnerable groups are encouraged to stay home.  Our Sunday services are streamed on our Parish YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC68WCiYHUYSTCqlelnAWLvQ.

¨ Please visit the sign-up link to reserve your spots for services: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0f4caaaa22a1ff2-saint

¨ Take the time to assist family members who are not familiar with the reservation platform. You can also call the church office during office hours to make your reservation.  Please do not call/text Fr. Tilemahos or Parish Council members for reservations.  Also note that scheduled services, availability and reservations may be adjusted at any time. 

¨ Please note that we have made the community center available for the faithful to watch the streamed service and then receive Holy Communion and Antidoron. If you sign up for attending the streamed service you will enter through the east entrance of the community center. Safety protocols will be observed at all times.

¨ Please note that we also have Liturgy every Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. It is a great option for all the faithful now that our schedules are starting to get busier or for when Sunday services are filled.

¨ Furthermore, families that wish to celebrate memorials are encouraged to hold them on the Saturday Liturgies. Not only is it more appropriate to hold memorial services on Saturdays which is the day of the week dedicated to the departed, but it also allows more of our faithful to sign-up for the limited spots on Sunday worship. If you are holding a memorial on a Sunday, please notify the church office at least two weeks prior in order to accommodate your guests.

¨ If you sign-up for a Sunday service and it turns out that you are not able to come, please delete your reservation as soon as possible so that others may take your spot. Please be mindful to come to all the services that you reserve.

¨ I wish to thank our chanters Angelo and Alexia, our Parish Council members, and our church custodians for giving the additional time and effort needed to hold all our services.

¨ I also wish to commend you for your attendance in all our worship services and for your fervor, patience, and understanding during these difficult times.

FULL SERVICE SCHEDULE: http://www.saint-spyridon.net/service-schedule.html

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