On Saturday, August 9/22, 2026, the feast of the Apostle Matthias, His Grace Bishop Spyridon made a hierarchal visit to the St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco parish in Portage, Wisconsin. This was the first ever hierarchal visit to this thriving young community. His Grace was joined at the Divine Liturgy by:

Archpriest Gregory Joyce, Secretary of the Diocesan Council

Igumen Arseny (Manko), Rector of St. Olga Parish in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Priest Artemii Makartetskyi, Cleric of Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral in Des Plaines, Illinois

Priest Job Considine, Rector of the St. John Parish

Protodeacon Alexander Kichakov, Cleric of Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral in Des Plaines, Illinois

Deacon Matthew Swiggum, Cleric of St. John Parish

Following the Liturgy Bishop Spyridon addressed the faithful with a sermon on the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Following the kissing of the cross and the thanksgiving prayers following Holy Communion, the clergy and the faithful gathered in the parish hall for a Lenten meal prepared by the parish sisterhood, and to continue the fellowship begun at the Divine Liturgy.