Bp. Spyridon Makes First-Ever Hierarchal Visit to Growing Wisconsin Parish

PORTAGE, WI — On Saturday, August 9/22, 2026, the feast of the Holy Apostle Matthias, His Grace Bp. Spyridon made a hierarchal visit to St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco Orthodox Church in Portage, Wisconsin. The visit marked the first time a hierarch had visited the young and growing parish.

Bp. Spyridon celebrated the Divine Liturgy with the parish community, joined 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 St. John Parish; Protodeacon Alexander Kichakov, Cleric of Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral; and Deacon Matthew Swiggum, Cleric of St. John Parish.

Following the Divine Liturgy, Bp. Spyridon addressed the faithful with a sermon on the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. His visit provided an opportunity for parishioners to receive the blessing and pastoral encouragement of their diocesan hierarch while celebrating the feast together with clergy from throughout the diocese.

After the kissing of the cross and the thanksgiving prayers following Holy Communion, the clergy and faithful continued their fellowship in the parish hall. The parish sisterhood prepared a Lenten meal for those gathered, providing an opportunity for the community to spend additional time together following the services.

The visit was particularly significant for St. John Parish as its first-ever hierarchal visitation, highlighting the continued growth of the young community and its place within the wider diocesan family.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Chicago hierarchs gathered to welcome Bp. Spyridon.