Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

George the Great Martyr and Triumphant
The Reading is from Luke 21:12-19

The Lord said to his disciples, "Beware of men who will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. This will be a time for you to bear testimony. Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death; you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives."

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Grave Mode. Psalm 63.11,1.
The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord.
Verse: Oh God, hear my cry.

The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 12:1-11.

About that time, Herod the king laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword; and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. So Peter was kept in prison; but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the Church.

The very night when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison; and behold, an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands. And the angel said to him, "Wrap your mantle around you and follow me." And he went out and followed him; he did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened to them of its own accord, and they went out and passed on through one street; and immediately the angel left him. And Peter came to himself, and said, "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting."

Gospel Reading

Renewal Monday
The Reading is from John 1:18-28

No one has ever seen God; the only-begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known.

And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" He confessed, he did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ." And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the prophet?" And he answered, "No." They said to him then, "Who are you? let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" He said, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord,' as the prophet Isaiah said."

Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, "Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?" John answered them, "I baptize with water; but among you stands one whom you do not know, even he who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie." This took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion of Great and Holy Pascha in the Plagal First Mode

Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life.

Hypakoe of Great and Holy Pascha in the Fourth Mode

When they who were with Mary came, anticipating the dawn, and found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre, they heard from the Angel: Why seek ye among the dead, as though He were mortal man, Him Who abideth in everlasting light? Behold the grave-clothes. Go quickly and proclaim to the world that the Lord is risen, and hath put death to death. For He is the Son of God, Who saveth the race of men.

Apolytikion for Great Martyr George in the Fourth Mode

Liberator of captives, defender of the poor, physician of the sick, and champion of kings, O trophy-bearer, Great Martyr George, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Though You went down into the tomb, You destroyed Hades' power, and You rose the victor, Christ God, saying to the myrrh-bearing women, "Hail!" and granting peace to Your disciples, You who raise up the fallen.

Saints and Feasts

May 03

Renewal Monday

May 03

George the Great Martyr and Triumphant

George, this truly great and glorious Martyr of Christ, was born of a father from Cappadocia and a mother from Palestine. Being a military tribune, or chiliarch (that is, a commander of a thousand troops), he was illustrious in battle and highly honoured for his courage. When he learned that the Emperor Diocletian was preparing a persecution of the Christians, Saint George presented himself publicly before the Emperor and denounced him. When threats and promises could not move him from his steadfast confession, he was put to unheard-of tortures, which he endured with great bravery, overcoming them by his faith and love towards Christ. By the wondrous signs that took place in his contest, he guided many to the knowledge of the truth, including Queen Alexandra, wife of Diocletian, and was finally beheaded in 296 in Nicomedia.

His sacred remains were taken by his servant from Nicomedia to Palestine, to a town called Lydda, the homeland of his mother, and then were finally transferred to the church which was raised up in his name. (The translation of the Saint's holy relics to the church in Lydda is commemorated on November 3; Saint Alexandra the Queen, on April 21.)

If April 23 falls on or before Great and Holy Pascha, the Feast of St. George is translated to Bright Monday.

May 03

The Holy Martyrs Timothy and Maura

The holy Martyrs Timothy and Maura were husband and wife. Timothy was from Penapeis in the Thebaid, a reader in the Church, and had been married to Maura only twenty days when he was betrayed to Arian, the Governor of the Thebaid, as a teacher of the Christians. Arian commanded Timothy to surrender his sacred books, which he refused to do, comparing it to a father's giving up his children to death. For this answer, heated iron spits were thrust through his ears. As he was being put to other tortures, Arian summoned Maura, hoping that she would persuade her husband to worship the idols, but she confessed herself a Christian. The hair of her head was pulled out, her fingers were cut off, then she was lowered into a cauldron of boiling water, but remained unharmed. Finally husband and wife were crucified facing each other, and after nine days, received their martyric end, during the reign of Diocletian (284-305).

Saint Spyridon Calendar

Saint Spyridon Calendar

May 3 to May 11, 2021

Monday, May 3

The Holy Martyrs Timothy and Maura

8:00AM St. George - Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, May 4

Saint Pelagia of Tarsus

8:00AM Sts. Raphael, Nicholas & Irene

9:00AM Church Office Open

9:00AM Archangels Academy

Wednesday, May 5

Fasting Day

Irene the Great Martyr

9:00AM Church Office Open

9:00AM Archangels Academy

Thursday, May 6

Job the Prophet

9:00AM Church Office Open

9:00AM Archangels Academy

Friday, May 7

Fasting Day

Commemoration of the Precious Cross that appeared in the sky over Jerusalem in 351 A.D.

9:00AM Church Office Open

9:00AM Archangels Academy

4:30PM Greek School

Saturday, May 8

John the Apostle, Evangelist, & Theologian

6:00PM Vespers

Sunday, May 9

The Holy Prophet Esaias (Isaiah)

8:00AM Orthros & Divine Liturgy

Monday, May 10

Simon the Zealot & Apostle

9:00AM Church Office Open

9:00AM Archangels Academy

4:30PM Greek School

7:00PM Bible Study

Tuesday, May 11

Methodius & Cyril, Equal-to-the Apostles Illuminators of the Slavs

Coming Events

Stewardship 2021

In the Creed we recite during every Divine Liturgy, we say, “…And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures…” God’s ultimate sacrifice of His Only Begotten Son is our constant reminder of his unwavering love for us. We must acknowledge this love by our prayers, our conduct, and our deeds. Tithing, sacrificial giving, or proportional giving is but one of the many expressions of worship through which we can demonstrate our commitment to Our Lord’s word. Compassionate stewardship is an attitude and a way of life. https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/1390651

Philoptochos Scholarship

The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society of St. Spyridon, Palos Heights offers a $1,000 scholarship to one high school senior OR college student who is a member of our parish. This is a competitive scholarship based on need and merit with the award winner to be selected upon recommendation by the Scholarship Committee. Applicants must be accepted into an accredited college, university or vocational program OR currently attending an accredited college, university or vocational program. APPLICATION & ALL REQUIRED INFORMATION MUST BE SUBMITTED TO CHURCH OFFICE BY JUNE 15, 2021 Download the application at: http://nebula.wsimg.com/1992141ef4e88656fd560b19dde15f51?AccessKeyId=2C76C7C685C924A52032&disposition=0&alloworigin=1

Golf Outing - June 8, 2021

Join us for Saint Spyridon's 24th Annual Golf Outing at the Odyssey Country Club in Tinley Park on Tuesday, June 8th, 2021. Registration and Sponsorship forms are at: http://nebula.wsimg.com/f6c9e881bced8384dabab6e4ca50b8d8?AccessKeyId=2C76C7C685C924A52032&disposition=0&alloworigin=1. All proceeds from the Golf Outing benefit the Saint Spyridon building fund.

April 2021 Voice

The Voice is the monthly publication of Saint Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church. Hard copies are available at church and by mail upon request. Consider becoming an advertiser on the Voice by contacting the church office. Ad costs range from $100-$250 annually. All the ministries displayed in the VOICE are made possible by the generosity of our dedicated Saint Spyridon Stewards. Consider becoming a Steward of Saint Spyridon or invite a friend or family member to join our parish family. Please visit our website for more details. www.Saint-Spyridon.net

Camp Kalokairaki

Join us this summer for a five-day immersive Greek language camp for students in K - 6th grade. Every day we will focus on a different region of Greece, its local customs, traditions, music, foods, and stories as well as its Orthodox religious sites. Our "itinerary" will include Thessaloniki/Mainland Greece, Kerkyra/Eptanisa, Peloponissos/Crete, the Aegean Islands, and Cyprus. Daily activities will include crafts, music, and gym time dedicated to teaching students about traditional Greek children's games. Camp is limited to 40 students. To register, students must have completed Kindergarten in the 2020-2021 school year. For more information please email Presvytera Georgia at yeoryia@att.net. Registration through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/camp-kalokairaki-registration-146515049457

Plutarchos Registration 2021-22

With great anticipation and excitement, we are happy to announce that Plutarchos Academy registration is now open for the 2021-2022 School Year! Full in-person classes will be offered for grades K-6th (unless school closures are mandated). Online classes are offered to students that have graduated 6th grade. Registration is open for everyone on a first come, first serve basis. Current Saint Spyridon Greek School families and Parish Stewards take priority. Application deadline is May 28, 2021. Space is limited and you are encouraged to register as soon as possible. A $100 non-refundable application fee per family is due when the application forms are submitted to the Church office.. The application fee will be applied to tuition once enrolled. Make checks payable to St. Spyridon Church (Memo: Plutarchos Academy). http://www.plutarchosacademy.org/uploads/1/3/3/5/133566670/plutarchos_2021-22_application_form.pdf

Archangels Academy Summer Camp

Archangels Academy's Summer Camp will take place on June 7th-11th and June 14th-18th for children between the ages of 3 and 6 years old. Space is limited to 20 participants and registration is $100/week. Please call the church office (708) 385-2311 to make your reservation by May 28th.

Wisdom of the Fathers

What then shall we answer to the most mighty of voice, Esaias, when he says, "I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne high and lifted up" (Isa. 6:1); and to John himself testifying of Him, that "he said these things when he had seen His glory"? (c. 12:41)

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 15 on John 1, 4th Century

What also to Ezekiel? For he too beheld Him sitting above the Cherubim.(Ezek. 1 and 10) What to Daniel? For he too saith, "The Ancient of days did sit" (Dan. 7:9) What to Moses himself, saying, "Show me Thy Glory, that I may see Thee so as to know Thee." (Ex. 33:13, partly from LXX.)

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 15 on John 1, 4th Century

Daily Announcements

ATTENDING CHURCH SERVICES

Please call the church office or visit the sign-up link to reserve your spots for the Divine Services in the church or in the community center:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0f4caaaa22a1ff2-saint

You can also sign up for Sunday School classes on the same link.

All services are streamed on the Parish YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC68WCiYHUYSTCqlelnAWLvQ

Please subscribe to the channel to receive notifications of services

DONATE TO OUR SAINT SPYRIDON PARISH

We invite you to become a steward of Saint Spyridon or to offer a donation toward our parish ministries by visiting our website and donating on-line at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0f4caaaa22a1ff2-saint

General Information

Contact Information

Services Schedule

Past Bulletins

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Epistle Reading

Gospel Reading

Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion of Great and Holy Pascha in the Plagal First Mode

Hypakoe of Great and Holy Pascha in the Fourth Mode

Apolytikion for Great Martyr George in the Fourth Mode

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Saints and Feasts

Renewal Monday

George the Great Martyr and Triumphant

The Holy Martyrs Timothy and Maura

Saint Spyridon Calendar

Saint Spyridon Calendar

May 3 to May 11, 2021

Coming Events

Stewardship 2021

Philoptochos Scholarship

Golf Outing - June 8, 2021

April 2021 Voice

Camp Kalokairaki

Plutarchos Registration 2021-22

Archangels Academy Summer Camp

Wisdom of the Fathers

Daily Announcements