This Sunday's Memorials
Mary Ann Stylianides - 40 days
Marina Pegas - 1 year
Emmanuel Pegas - 4 years
As a reminder: The pews on the front right side of the church, as you enter the church are reserved for the family/families who are having a Memorial Service for their loved ones. Thus, please allow one pew per Memorial family on any given Sunday. Thank you for your understanding.
Parish Hall Roofing Renovation Continues
In preparation for the Solar System Installation approved at the Spring 2025 General Assembly, the roofing on the Parish Hall is being replaced in the flat areas above the three areas that include the Youth Room, the Philoptochos Room, and the front entry foyer. The work commenced on September 8th and is expected to take three weeks to complete.
Church Parking
We respectfully ask that you please adhere to these guidelines when using the church parking lot:
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping to keep our parking area safe and accessible for all parishioners.
Church Office Email Addresses
For Bulletins, Memorials, and Icon Decoration: email Jadranka at [email protected]. For Sacraments, Calendar, and Newsletter: email Soula at [email protected]. For Stewardship, Donations Processing, and Facilities: email Christine at [email protected].
Philoptochos Decorated Icons
Commemorate a Feast Day by offering a decorated icon to be venerated in the Narthex. The suggested donation is $85 to: Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society. Call the church office at 619-297-4165 to reserve.
Icons available:
10/23: St. James the Apostle
10/26: St. Demetrios the Myrrh-Streamer
Fellowship and Coffee Hour
Tomorrow at 12:30 pm, we will be kicking off the new youth group school year for kids in Transitional Kindergarten through 5th grade. Meet in the St. Spyridon Hall to bake and decorate cupcakes, have lunch, and play games in the Youth Room. Parents and siblings welcome! Preschool kids are welcome with parent help. If you have a child in TK-5th grade and are not on our email list, email [email protected]
See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section below.
GOYA Hike
Annie’s Slot Canyon hike and picnic! Tomorrow! 8:30 am - 11:30 am. We hope to see you bright and early for this fun hike! We will meet at the San Elijo Park & Ride on Manchester Ave. at 8:30 am. Bring water and a picnic breakfast! GOYA Youth Group is for 6th-12th graders. Email [email protected] for more information.
See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section below.
Saturday, October 3, Educational Building.
Below you’ll find some questions to help you with your interview. Keep it short and sweet. Memories should include special events and milestones, involving the whole community. Here are some ideas:
18th Hellenic Fairways Golf Tournament
Come out and join us on Friday, October 30th at Willowbrook Golf Course in Lakeside. Registration and putting contest at 11:00 am, followed by 12:00 noon shotgun start. Everyone is welcome! Golfers, non-golfers, beginners to advanced. No handicap needed. Golf cart, swag bag, box lunch, photos, dinner, raffle, and fun all for $150.00. Dinner-only option is $50.00. 100% of net proceeds benefit St. Spyridon’s Dance and Choral groups. Sponsorships available. Please contact Rhad Brown at [email protected] or 619-573-2304 if interested. Registration closes on 10/12/26.
AHEPA OXI Day Celebration - Saturday, October 24th
Schedule of practices for dance groups for Sunday, September 27th:
Ta Spyridonakia: 12:15 to 12:45 pm, Youth Room
Youth Choir: 12:30 to 1:10 pm; High School Girls Group: 1:10 to 1:25 pm, Choir Loft
Lunch break for Helios/Pelagos/Choir participants: 12:10 to 12:20 pm, Youth Room
Helios: 1:15 to 2:15 pm, Youth Room
Pelagos: 1:30 to 3:00 pm, Church Hall
Parea (High School Grads/Adults) dance group will meet on Sunday, September 20th at 6:00 pm in the Church Hall.
FDF Info Meeting:
The Greek Dance and Choral School Board will host an information session this Sunday 9/27 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm in Room #2 in the upstairs Education Building. All are welcome! For more information, please email [email protected]
Registration forms for all classes are now available: https://forms.gle/mqH8xKeVTobXG9Ca8
Tuition link: https://tuition-dance-and-choral-school.square.site/ for all dance groups and classes is now available for the 2026-2027 school year and is due by 10/1/2026.
For more information, please email [email protected].
Little Angels Playgroup
Next playgroup is October 7th from 9:45-11:00am. This is for babies and toddlers and parents! We play, sing songs, and do fun activities in our St. Spyridon Playroom (Lower Education Building). If you have any questions, please contact Julie Dennis, Youth Ministries Director, at [email protected]
Upcoming Memorials in October
10/4: Rose Sissons - 3 years
10/11: Fr. Michael Makridis - 40 years
10/11: Presv. Eve Makridis-Gamble - 2 years
10/18: John Demos - 40 days
10/18: Athanasios Nicolaou - 31 years
10/25: Kalliopi Christakos - 6 months
10/25: Sarantos Christakos - 8 years
Men’s Ministry
Meets on the 4th Thursday of each month in the Church Hall at 6:30 pm. We invite every man—young and old—to join us as we grow stronger in faith, love, and responsibility. During our meetings, we share specific Scripture and teachings from the Church Fathers, connecting the topics we discuss to how we should live in the world today. Our goal is to strengthen ourselves as: men, fathers, husbands, brothers, and, above all, how to better serve our Lord and our church community.
Each month, we average around 30 participants, with ages ranging from 18 to 90 - and we always welcome new faces. We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting! Questions? Contact: John Georges - jhgeorges58@gmail.
Young At Heart Seniors
Our next YAH Seniors fellowship is Tuesday, October 13th, at 11 a.m. We’ll have lunch at 11:30, followed by our guest speaker, John Tastad, Bereavement Specialist from Sharp Medical. This presentation is open to all St. Spyridon parishioners. If you want to attend our October 17th day trip to the St. Nicholas Greek Festival in Temecula, please contact Connie Pappas at 484-553-8791 by October4 th . Tickets are $10.
Pilgrimage to Constantinople - Save the Date
From Monday, October 19 through Friday, October 23, 2026, the faithful are invited to join His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America as he leads a historic pilgrimage commemorating the 35th anniversary of the enthronement of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Joined by National Commander Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis and the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Plans for this special pilgrimage are currently being finalized, with additional details to be announced in the coming weeks.
See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section below.
Join the Metropolis of San Francisco Family Wellness Ministry for Eight Dates, a relationship series based on the book by Drs. John and Julie Gottman.
When: Thursdays at 6:30 PM (Pacific) via Zoom
Dates: September 10 – December 10.
Topics: Trust, Conflict, Intimacy, Family, Spirituality, and more!
Open to all couples—married or not—who want to improve communication and connection. Register today: familywellnessministry.org/eight-dates
See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section below.
Metropolis Young Adult Fall Retreat: “Food as Medicine”
Registration is now open for the 2026 Metropolis Young Adult Fall Retreat, taking place October 22–25, 2026, at St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center in Dunlap, California. Orthodox young adults ages 18–35 from all Orthodox jurisdictions—including those who are new to Orthodoxy or simply exploring the Orthodox faith—are warmly invited to join us for a weekend of prayer, fellowship, hiking, meaningful discussion, service, and spiritual renewal in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains. Register here: https://sanfran.goarch.org/events/2026-metropolis-young-adult-fall-retreat-food-as-medicine?date=2026-10-22
See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section below.
The Nursery and Cry Room
A nursery and cry room is available in the Narthex behind the candle box, offering a quiet space (with toys, books, changing table) for parents with young children. The room is equipped with both video and audio, allowing you to follow the Divine Liturgy. For assistance, please speak with a member of the Narthex Team.
Agape Meals
...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.
September 26
Saturday, September 26
This Sunday, September 27
Open Now
Friday, October 30
October 4, November 1, December 6
October 19-23, 2026
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Starts Thursday, September 10th
October 22 - 25, 2026
Sixth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:36-53
At that time, having risen from the dead, Jesus went up and stood among His disciples and said to them, "Peace be with you." But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit. And He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; handle Me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have." And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, He said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" They gave Him a piece of broiled fish [and some honeycomb], and He took it and ate before them. Then He said to them, "These are My words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about Me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled." Then He opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in His name in all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." Then He led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up His hands, He blessed them. While He blessed them, He parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the Temple blessing God.
Prokeimenon. Plagal Fourth Mode. Psalm 75.11,1.
Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.
The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 6:16-18; 7:1.
Brethren, you are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will live in them and move among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."
Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God.
1st Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 5:1-11
At that time, as Jesus was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, he saw two boats by the lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." For he was astonished, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men." And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.
Read the latest Diakonia Newsletter for this Sunday
https://bulletinbuilder.org/diakonia-newsletter/2026-09-27?source=bulletin_web
September 27, 2026
Orthodox Volunteer Corps (OVC) is a year-long immersive program for young adults ages 21-29 to serve with our most vulnerable neighbors. Corps Members live in community with other young adults, explore topics of the faith and leadership, and root themselves in the Church. Housing, transportation, and food are 100% covered. OVC began programming in Pittsburgh in fall 2022 with 6 participants, expanded to Boston in 2024, and by 2026 had over 100 participants across four programs.
OVC is now pleased to announce expansion to a third city: Phoenix, Arizona, beginning in Fall 2027.
Applications are now open for the 2027-28 full-time program. Learn more at orthodoxvolunteercorps.org/.
The post Orthodox Volunteer Corps announces Phoenix expansion appeared first on Orthodox Observer.
Orthodox Volunteer Corps (OVC) is a year-long immersive program for young adults ages 21-29 to serve with our most vulnerable neighbors. Corps Members live in community with other young adults, explore topics of the faith […]
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The National Philoptochos Society was honored to welcome Domna Michailidou, Greece’s Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, and Consul Petros Doritzas to the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy (PCOP) on Monday, September 21, as world leaders gathered in New York for the United Nations General Assembly. The Minister was accompanied by her aides, Katerina Fountotou and Maria Billia.
The visit opened with an in-depth discussion of Philoptochos’s expansive philanthropic work at the local, national, and international levels. Leadership presented an overview of the organization’s programs and ministries, reflecting nearly a century of service to those in need.
Caregiver support emerged as a central focus of the conversation. As strengthening and supporting the family is among Minister Michailidou’s foremost priorities, the discussion explored the challenges caregivers face and how communities can better support them. The meeting also looked toward new horizons, considering how Philoptochos can expand its reach and support those in need in Greece and beyond.
“It was such an honor to welcome Minister Michailidou to the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy during this important week, when the eyes of the world are on New York. Her steadfast dedication to families and caregivers speaks to the very heart of our mission, and our conversation opened new horizons for how Philoptochos can extend its love and service to those in need in Greece and beyond. We are deeply grateful for her visit and look forward, with great hope, to all that lies ahead,” said Anita Kartalopoulos, National Philoptochos Vice President
Following the meeting, guests gathered for a luncheon at the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy, where fellowship and continued conversation filled the air.
Also in attendance were His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos, Spiritual Advisor to the National Philoptochos; Anita Kartalopoulos, National Philoptochos First Vice President; Chrissy Orginos-Zografos, National Philoptochos Protocol Officer and Aid to Greece and Cyprus Committee Chair; Paulette Geanacopoulos, Director of Social Services; and Elizabeth Douglass, Administrative Assistant.
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc. is the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. With over 90 years of experience, Philoptochos has served communities in need through fundraising and charitable programs. The Society includes more than 400 active chapters nationwide. Learn more at www.philoptochos.org.
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The National Philoptochos Society was honored to welcome Domna Michailidou, Greece’s Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, and Consul Petros Doritzas to the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy (PCOP) on Monday, September 21, as world leaders […]
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The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is pleased to announce the 2026 Archbishop Elpidophoros Nameday Gala will take place on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Pier 60 in Manhattan.
This year, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros has dedicated the celebration to honoring the life and ministry of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, inviting the faithful of the Archdiocese to come together in gratitude for a life devoted to Christ, His Church, and the people of God.
Reflecting on the decision to dedicate this year’s Nameday Gala to his predecessor, Archbishop Elpidophoros said:
“Archbishop Demetrios has given his entire life to the service of Christ and His Church. His nearly twenty years as Archbishop of America represent only one chapter in a remarkable ministry that has touched the lives of countless people, in Greece, here in America, and throughout the world. His service as Archbishop, his scholarship and teaching, his pastoral care, and his witness on behalf of the Church have left an enduring mark on our Archdiocese. I believe it is important for our entire Archdiocese to come together to honor him, to express our gratitude for his service, and to celebrate the legacy of faith, wisdom, and love that he has given to our Church. I am honored that this year’s Nameday celebration will provide an opportunity for all of us to express our love and gratitude to His Eminence.”
The Archbishop’s Nameday Gala will also continue its important charitable mission. Proceeds from the 2026 celebration will benefit the Archdiocesan Youth Summer Camp Scholarship Fund, helping children from across the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America attend summer camp regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
The scholarship fund has become an important and growing part of the Archdiocese’s ministry to young people. In 2024, 275 young people received scholarship assistance to attend Greek Orthodox summer camps. In 2025, that number increased to 310 scholarships, with an even greater number of the Archdiocese’s Metropolises participating in the grant program. This continued year-over-year growth demonstrates both the need for this ministry and the tangible difference the generosity of the faithful is making in the lives of young Orthodox Christians.
As the Archdiocese gathers to honor Archbishop Demetrios, it will also look toward the future by investing in the next generation of the Church.
Join us on November 2 at Pier 60 in Manhattan as we celebrate the Nameday of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, honor the life and ministry of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, and help make the transformative experience of Orthodox summer camp available to even more children throughout the Archdiocese.
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The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is pleased to announce the 2026 Archbishop Elpidophoros Nameday Gala will take place on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Pier 60 in Manhattan. This year, His […]
The post This year’s Archbishop Elpidophoros Nameday Gala will honor Archbishop Demetrios appeared first on Orthodox Observer.
NEW YORK — His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America welcomed Greece’s Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, Domna Michailidou, to the Archdiocese headquarters in Manhattan on Monday, Sept. 21. Their conversation ranged from the life of the Church and the Greek-American community to elder care, disability and inclusion, and to what institutions in Greece and the United States can learn from one another.
Minister Michailidou is in New York as heads of state, ministers and diplomats gather for the high-level week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Their previous meeting took place at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens on Dec. 4, 2025, during a public symposium on For the Life of the World: Toward a Social Ethos of the Orthodox Church, a volume examining contemporary social questions through the theological and ethical tradition of the Orthodox Church.
During Monday’s meeting, Archbishop Elpidophoros shared impressions from his recent visit to Anchorage, Alaska, where on Saturday, Sept. 19, he consecrated Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church. Holy Transfiguration is the northernmost parish of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the only Greek Orthodox parish in Alaska, home to a remarkably diverse Orthodox community.
The Archbishop and Minister Michailidou then turned to challenges increasingly shared by Greece and the Greek-American community, above all, how a society cares for a growing elderly population. They discussed the Archdiocese’s experience in elder care, including through St. Michael’s Home in Yonkers, N.Y., an Archdiocesan elder-care facility whose mission is to preserve the independence and dignity of older adults.
Their conversation also addressed the inclusion of people with physical disabilities and autistic people in the life of the Church and of society, as well as the pressures faced by families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. They discussed accessibility, participation and the ability of communities to support the caregivers, most often family members, who bear so much of the burden on their own. The Archbishop and the Minister agreed that the Archdiocese and Greece’s public institutions have much to learn from each other’s experience and innovations, and they committed to a regular exchange of information and practices.
> Read more: Voices rise across jurisdictions for ordination of men with disabilities
His Eminence congratulated the Minister on her work and presented her with an icon of Christ the True Vine, an image he often invokes to speak of the unity of the Church. Before leaving, Minister Michailidou invited him to make an official visit to the ministry on his next trip to Greece.
Later Monday, Minister Michailidou was scheduled to visit the A. Fantis School, the parochial school of the Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helen in Brooklyn Heights. Founded in 1963, the Greek Orthodox school serves students from preschool through eighth grade, pairing a rigorous academic program with Greek language, Hellenic studies and formation in the Orthodox faith. In 2024, A. Fantis was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, becoming the first Greek Orthodox parochial school to receive the distinction.
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NEW YORK — His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America welcomed Greece’s Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, Domna Michailidou, to the Archdiocese headquarters in Manhattan on Monday, Sept. 21. Their conversation ranged from the life […]
The post Archbishop Elpidophoros and Greek minister Domna Michailidou discuss elder care, disability and inclusion appeared first on Orthodox Observer.
The Hymn of Saint Spyridon
At the first of the Synods, you appeared as a champion, * and Wonderworker, our God-bearing Father Spyridon. * Wherefore, you addressed the dead one in the grave, * and a serpent you changed to gold. * And while chanting * in service your sacred prayers, * you joined the angels concelebrating, most holy one.* Glory to Christ who glorified you, * glory to Him who crowned you, * glory to the One who works through You, * healings for everyone.
Τής Συνόδου τής πρώτης ανεδείχθης υπέρμαχος, * καί Θαυματουργός Θεοφόρε Σπυρίδων πατήρ ημών. * διό νεκρά σύ έν τάφω προσφωνείς, * καί όφιν είς χρυσούν μετέβαλες. * καί έν τώ μέλπειν τάς αγίας σου ευχάς, * Αγγέλους έσχες συλλειτουργούντας σοι Ιερώτατε, * Δόξα τώ σέ δοξάσαντι Χριστώ * δόξα τώ σέ στεφανώσαντι. * δόξα τώ ενεργόυντι, διά σου πάσιν ιάματα.
These Martyrs contested for the Faith during the reign of Diocletian, in the year 288. Saint Callistratus was arrested as a Christian, and after being tormented, was enclosed in a sack and cast into the sea. The sack burst, and the Saint came to dry land safe and sound. Forty-nine soldiers, seeing this, also confessed Christ, and with him were cast into prison, then beheaded.
Saint Chariton was born in the city of Iconium during the reign of Aurelian, about the year 274. He was arrested, tortured, and condemned to death because of his Christian Faith, but finally set free by imperial edict. He came to Palestine, where he took up the ascetic life. He also brought many Jews and pagans to the Faith. Having dwelt in the desert of Judea for many years, and established several monasteries throughout the region, he reposed in peace.
This Saint was born in Corinth in 448. He went to Palestine to the Lavra of Euthymius the Great, but because of his youth was sent by Saint Euthymius to Saint Gerasimus; after the death of Saint Gerasimus he returned to the Lavra of Saint Euthymius. Later he took on a more rigorous life of asceticism in the wilderness of Natoufa, where there was nothing to eat except the exceedingly bitter wild herb called squills, which, however, through his prayers, God made sweet for him and his disciple. He lived 107 years and reposed in the year 555.
This Saint, a Parthian by race, was the son of Anak. He was born about the year 240 and was taught the Faith of Christ in Caesarea of Cappadocia. He entered the service of Tiridates, King of Armenia, but when discovered to be a Christian, he was subjected to many horrible torments at the King's hands, then was cast into a pit of mire with poisonous serpents and left to die. By the power of God, however, he abode there unharmed for fourteen years, his needs provided by a certain widow, until he was made known by revelation and set free. He converted to piety innumerable multitudes of Armenians, including Tiridates himself, and was consecrated bishop by Leontius, Archbishop of Caesarea, to shepherd the vast flock he had gained for Christ. He spent the last part of his life in retirement in the ascetical discipline, and reposed in peace about the year 325. Saint Gregory is honoured as the Illuminator of Armenia.
The Feast of the Protection commemorates the appearance of the most holy Theotokos in the Church of Blachernae in Constantinople in the tenth century, as recorded in the life of Saint Andrew the Fool for Christ's sake. While the multitudes of the faithful were gathered in church, Epiphanius, the friend of Saint Andrew, through the Saint's prayers, beheld the Virgin Mary above the faithful and spreading out her veil over them, signifying her unceasing protection of all Christians. Because of this we keep a yearly feast of gratitude, imploring our Lady never to cease sheltering us in her mighty prayers.
The Feast is celebrated on October 1. In the 1950s, the Church of Greece began to observe the Feast on October 28.
Saint Justina who was from Damascus, lived in virginity for the sake of Christ. Saint Cyprian, who was from Antioch, began as an initiate of magic and worshipper of the demons. A certain foolish young man who had been smitten with Justina's beauty hired Cyprian to draw her to love him; when Cyprian had wed every demonic device he knew, and had failed, being repulsed by the power of Christ Whom Justina invoked, he understood the weakness of the demons and came to know the truth. Delivered from demonic delusion, he came to Christ and burned all his books of magic, was baptized, and later ascended the episcopal throne in his country. Later, he and Justina were arrested by the Count of Damascus, and having endured many torments at his hands, they were sent finally to Diocletian in Nicomedia, where they were beheaded about the year 304.
This Saint was from Athens, a learned man, and a member of the famous judicial court of Mars Hill (in Greek Aeros Pagos, hence the name Areopagite (see Acts 17:19-34). When Saint Paul preached in Athens, he was one of the first there to believe in Christ, and, according to some, became the first bishop of that city. Others say -- and this may be more probable--that he was the second Bishop of Athens, after Saint Hierotheus, whom Dionysios calls his friend and teacher "after Paul" (On the Divine Names, 3:2). With Saint Hierotheus he was also present at the Dormition of the most holy Theotokos; the Doxasticon of the Aposticha for the service of the Dormition is partly taken from a passage in Chapter III of On the Divine Names. According to ancient tradition, he received a martyr's end (according to some, in Athens itself) about the year 96.