Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the First Mode

The stone had been secured with a seal by the Judeans, * and a guard of soldiers was watching Your immaculate body. * You rose on the third day, O Lord * and Savior, granting life unto the world. * For this reason were the powers of heaven crying out to You, O Life-giver: * Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ; * glory to Your eternal rule; * glory to Your dispensation, only One who loves mankind.

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος ὑπὸ τῶν Ἰουδαίων, καὶ στρατιωτῶν φυλασσόντων τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα, ἀνέστης τριήμερος Σωτήρ, δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τὴν ζωήν. Διὰ τοῦτο αἱ Δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν ἐβόων σοι Ζωοδότα· Δόξα τῇ ἀναστάσει σου Χριστέ, δόξα τῇ Βασιλείᾳ σου, δόξα τῇ οἰκονομίᾳ σου, μόνε Φιλάνθρωπε.

Apolytikion for Ephraim the Syrian in the Plagal Fourth Mode

With the streams of thy tears, thou didst cultivate the barrenness of the desert; and by thy sighings from the depths,thou didst bear fruit a hundredfold in labours; and thou becamest a luminary, shining with miracles upon the world, O Ephraim our righteous Father. Intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.

Ταίς τών δακρύων σου ροαίς, τής ερήμου τό άγονον εγεώργησας, καί τοίς εκ βάθους στεναγμοίς, εις εκατόν τούς πόνους εκαρποφόρησας, καί γέγονας φωστήρ, τή οικουμένη λάμπων τοίς θαύμασι, Εφραίμ Πατήρ ημών, Όσιε, Πρέσβευε Χριστώ τώ Θεώ, σωθήναι τάς ψυχάς ημών.

Seasonal Kontakion in the First Mode

Your birth sanctified a Virgin's womb and properly blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and saved us O Christ our God, give peace to Your commonwealth in troubled times and strengthen those in authority, whom You love, as only the loving One.

Ὁ μήτραν παρθενικὴν ἁγιάσας τῶ τόκω σου, καὶ χείρας τοῦ Συμεὼν εὐλογήσας ὡς ἔπρεπε, προφθάσας καὶ νὺν ἔσωσας ἡμᾶς Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός. Ἀλλ' εἰρήνευσον ἐν πολέμοις τὸ πολίτευμα, καὶ κραταίωσον Βασιλεῖς οὓς ἠγάπησας, ὁ μόνος φιλάνθρωπος.

Services and Sacraments

January 28, 2024 – 15^th Sunday of Luke

Memorial:

GEORGE BISBIKIS – 40 Days

Coffee Hour Sponsor

May his memory be eternal!

Services This Week

Tuesday, January 30 – FEAST DAY – THREE HIERARCHS ST BASIL THE GREAT, ST GREGORY THE THEOLOGIAN, ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, Orthros 8:45 am, Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Saints Constantine and Helen Church

Friday, February 2 – PRESENTATION OF JESUS TO THE TEMPLE, Orthros 8:45 am, Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Saints Constantine and Helen Church

VIDEO ARCHIVE: Previously recorded Sunday Divine Liturgy services are archived and available on our website! Go to https://www.stcons.org/video-streaming and you can click on the service you would like to view.

LIGHT A CANDLE AND SAY A PRAYER: When you are not able to attend church, you can purchase a candle from our church website (home page or video-streaming page), which will be lit before the following service or a service that you specify. Please give specific names, living or deceased, that you would like Father to remember in prayer. Father will light candles one hour before each service. For Sunday services, please place candle orders prior to 8:00 am Sunday morning.

GOYA Weekly Prayer

PRAYER FOR A CLOSER RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD: Cleanse my mind and my heart, Lord Jesus. Renew a steadfast spirit within me and draw me close to you. I know your Spirit dwells within me, and even when you feel far away, I know you are with me. Remind my soul of this truth, in Jesus' name, amen.”

PLEASE PRAY FOR: Michael, Theodoros, Georgia, Niko, Maria, Sevasti, Meriam, George, Gene, Pete, Lazaros, Bill, Katy, John, Nick, Christopher, George, David, Marcos, Evangelia, Lela, Doris, Dawn, Panagioti, Nanette, Joanna, Suzanne, Lambrine, Nick, Fotini, Niki, George, Matthew, Tom, Stefanos, Georgia, Leonidas, Gus, Connie, Maria, Brenda, Panagiota, Nicholas, Vicki, Susan, Tom, Thomas, Jim, Gloria, Evans, Phyllis, Marti, Marty, Janet, John, Paul, Zacharias, Vanessa (Vasiliki), Jake, Maegan, Irene, Lisa, Pat, Jonathan, Tracy, Dianna, Betty, Catherine, Susan, Evelyn, Gregg, Peter, Angela, Bill, Carrie, Vito, Pete, Amalia, Stephanie, Lisa, Anastasia, Kylie, Effie, Nicholas, and Maria. If you would like to add a name to the prayer list, or if there is a name that should be removed from the prayer list, please contact the church office at stcons2@gmail.com

Saints and Feasts

January 28

Theodosius of Totma

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. First Mode. Psalm 32.22,1.
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to Timothy 4:9-15.

Timothy, my son, the saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and suffer reproach, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Till I come, attend to the public reading of scripture, to preaching, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the council of elders laid their hands upon you. Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress.

Προκείμενον. First Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 32.22,1.
Γένοιτο, Κύριε, τὸ ἔλεός σου ἐφ' ἡμᾶς.
Στίχ. Ἀγαλλιᾶσθε δίκαιοι ἐν Κυρίῳ

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Τιμόθεον α' 4:9-15.

Τέκνον Τιμόθεε, πιστὸς ὁ λόγος καὶ πάσης ἀποδοχῆς ἄξιος. Εἰς τοῦτο γὰρ καὶ κοπιῶμεν καὶ ὀνειδιζόμεθα, ὅτι ἠλπίκαμεν ἐπὶ θεῷ ζῶντι, ὅς ἐστιν σωτὴρ πάντων ἀνθρώπων, μάλιστα πιστῶν. Παράγγελλε ταῦτα καὶ δίδασκε. Μηδείς σου τῆς νεότητος καταφρονείτω, ἀλλὰ τύπος γίνου τῶν πιστῶν ἐν λόγῳ, ἐν ἀναστροφῇ, ἐν ἀγάπῃ, ἐν πνεύματι, ἐν πίστει, ἐν ἁγνείᾳ. Ἕως ἔρχομαι, πρόσεχε τῇ ἀναγνώσει, τῇ παρακλήσει, τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ. Μὴ ἀμέλει τοῦ ἐν σοὶ χαρίσματος, ὃ ἐδόθη σοι διὰ προφητείας μετὰ ἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν τοῦ πρεσβυτερίου. Ταῦτα μελέτα, ἐν τούτοις ἴσθι, ἵνα σου ἡ προκοπὴ φανερὰ ᾖ ἐν πᾶσιν.

Gospel Reading

15th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 19:1-10

At that time, Jesus was passing through Jericho. And there was a man named Zacchaios; he was a chief collector, and rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaios, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today." So he made haste and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." And Zacchaios stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost."

15th Sunday of Luke
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 19:1-10

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, διήρχετο τὴν ῾Ιεριχώ· καὶ ἰδοὺ ἀνὴρ ὀνόματι καλούμενος Ζακχαῖος, καὶ αὐτὸς ἦν ἀρχιτελώνης, καὶ οὗτος ἦν πλούσιος, καὶ ἐζήτει ἰδεῖν τὸν ᾿Ιησοῦν τίς ἐστι, καὶ οὐκ ἠδύνατο ἀπὸ τοῦ ὄχλου, ὅτι τῇ ἡλικίᾳ μικρὸς ἦν. καὶ προδραμὼν ἔμπροσθεν ἀνέβη ἐπὶ συκομορέαν, ἵνα ἴδῃ αὐτόν, ὅτι ἐκείνης ἤμελλε διέρχεσθαι. καὶ ὡς ἦλθεν ἐπὶ τὸν τόπον, ἀναβλέψας ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἶδεν αὐτὸν καὶ εἶπε πρὸς αὐτόν· Ζακχαῖε, σπεύσας κατάβηθι· σήμερον γὰρ ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ σου δεῖ με μεῖναι. καὶ σπεύσας κατέβη, καὶ ὑπεδέξατο αὐτὸν χαίρων. καὶ ἰδόντες πάντες διεγόγγυζον λέγοντες ὅτι παρὰ ἁμαρτωλῷ ἀνδρὶ εἰσῆλθε καταλῦσαι. σταθεὶς δὲ Ζακχαῖος εἶπε πρὸς τὸν Κύριον· ἰδοὺ τὰ ἡμίση τῶν ὑπαρχόντων μου, Κύριε, δίδωμι τοῖς πτωχοῖς, καὶ εἴ τινός τι ἐσυκοφάντησα, ἀποδίδωμι τετραπλοῦν. εἶπε δὲ πρὸς αὐτὸν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ὅτι σήμερον σωτηρία τῷ οἴκῳ τούτῳ ἐγένετο, καθότι καὶ αὐτὸς υἱὸς ᾿Αβραάμ ἐστιν. ἦλθε γὰρ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ζητῆσαι καὶ σῶσαι τὸ ἀπολωλός.

Parish News and Updates

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES:

ADULT BIBLE STUDY: Adult Bible Study will continue this week, Tuesday January 30th at 7:00 pm on the ZOOM platform. We will continue our study of the Book of Matthew. ZOOM LINK is: https://zoom.us/j/7345256789, Meeting ID: 734 525 6789. No preregistration is needed. All adults are welcome to join.

HOPE and JOY CELEBRATE LOVE! Our HOPE and JOY groups and their families will be meeting after church next Sunday, February 4^th. All kids, ages 4 – 12 and their families are invited to join us for lunch, crafts, stories, and lots of fun! Please RSVP by 1/28/24 at the kids’ coffee hour table or by email to: lpace918@gmail.com or zmiller2872@gmail.com GOYA volunteer help is needed. If interested, RSVP to one of the emails listed above.

“SUPER" SWEETS AND SNACKS SALE: Once again, our Moms’ Group will be holding a Bake/Snack sale on Sunday, February 11^th. Just in time for Superbowl Sunday and Valentines Day, our Moms will be selling sweet and salty snacks! If you can help by making/bringing items to sell, such as cookies, cupcakes, chip and dips, snack mix, etc. please contact Corrin at cstamatakos@gmail.com or Tracy at tracym522@gmail.com

GOYA SUPERBOWL PARTY: On February 11^th, the Theodorou family will host our GOYA members for their February meeting AND to watch the Super Bowl! The meeting will start at 5:30 sharp! The Super Bowl starts at 6:30 and we will stay through the end of the half-time show (around 8:30) RSVPs are requested.

TLC TACO LOVE: Who doesn’t love a taco? And what better way to celebrate Valentines Day than with a Taco Tuesday TLC luncheon on Tuesday, February 13^th? All ages are welcome to join us at noon for a tasty lunch and great conversation! RSVP to Caryl Lowes at cvlowes@gmail.com or 734.751.3683.

SAVE THE DATES! ST CONS’ GREEK FEST! Our GreekFest 2024 will be held February 24^TH and 25^TH in the Hellenic Cultural Center! From specialty Greek cocktails and updated food selections to a vibrant “Plaka” Greek marketplace and live Greek music and dancing, every corner of our Hellenic Cultural Center will offer a fresh slice of Greece.

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO MAKE GREEKFEST A SUCCESS!

SHOW YOUR FAMILY SUPPORT AND BUY A PROGRAM AD: This year, our parish families can purchase a ¼ page ad in the GreekFest Program Book for $150, or a 2-line listing (Name and Greeting) for $75. Forms are available at the church office and at Sunday Coffee Hour.

PUT OUT A LAWN SIGN: Help us to spread the word!We have GreekFest lawn signs available in the church office, pick one up on your way to coffee hour to place on your front lawn at home or at a local business.

CALLING ALL BAKERS: We need help with homemade Greek pastry donations to sell at GreekFest. If you are able to make Bakalava, Diples, Galatoboureko (rolls), Kourambiethes, Melomacarona, Koulourakia, or Karithopita please contact Carol at: 248-471-4369.

NIMBLE FINGERS NEEDED! We will be gathering to roll stuffed grape leaves on Wednesday, February 21^st in the Hellenic Cultural Center. If you can help, please talk to Pam Avdoulos, or contact the church office.

JOIN THE FUN AND VOLUNTEER: There are many volunteers needed the days of the festival in all areas - from food service, sales, bussing table, to parking lot attendants; and prior to the festival for set up, food preparation, Marketplace pricing and inventory, etc. etc. “It takes a village” to make our Festival a Success! Please complete a volunteer form, available in the church office or at Sunday Coffee Hour to let us know about your availability and work schedule preferences.

NEWS AND NOTICES:

ANNUAL HOME BLESSINGS: Father Teodor will be available for home blessings throughout the month of February. This is a beautiful and very important tradition of our church; every Orthodox Christian should have their home blessed annually. Please call the office to schedule your home blessing for the new year.

STEWARDSHIP CARDS: Have you completed your 2024 Stewardship Commitment card yet? You are not considered members in good standing for Saints Constantine and Helen for the year 2024 until you turn in a completed pledge card. You can turn them in at the Pangari, in the church office, or when the basket is passed in church. The cards were sent out right after the New Year with the church calendars. Pledge cards are also available at the Pangari and at the church office. Unfortunately, we do not have extra calendars to give out this year.

ORATORICAL FESTIVAL: The St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival for our parish will be held on Sunday, April 7^TH. The festival centers around faith, education, and fellowship. It is a national program where Orthodox youth, grades 7 – 12, present speeches discussing the Greek Orthodox faith and the Church. Youth can also earn cash awards at the parish level and scholarship awards if they make it to the Nationals. Our own Nicole Petrutiu won the Senior Division National competition in 2023! For more information, https://www.goarch.org/oratorical, or any 7^th grade – 12^th grade Sunday School teacher.

SERVICES AND SACRAMENTS:

Funeral: 1/26/24 JAMES DRAKOS

May his memory be eternal!

Wisdom of the Fathers

For Christ's presence is like that of some life-giving, scented balsam which restores health, enriches life and gives savor to the soul, the thoughts, the words of a man. In brief, distance from Christ means corruption and death, and closeness to Him means salvation and life.

Bishop Nikolai Velimirovic

Prolog, 4 February

Christ is the salvation that comes, and Zacchaeus is the house to which He comes.