SUNDAY of THE PARALYTIC / MOTHER'S DAY
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PROSFORA: Demos Ioannou
EPISTLE READING: Acts of the Apostles 9:32-42
GOSPEL: John 5:1-15 (Greek text, p. 68, black books)
LITURGY: 9:30 a.m.
MEMORIAL: Michael Tsironis (40 days)
MEMORIAL: Our mothers, grandmothers & godmothers, offered by Philoptochos
Fifth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:13-35
At that time, two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but him they did not see." And he said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?" And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Prokeimenon. 3rd Tone. Psalm 46.6,1.
Sing praises to our God, sing praises.
Verse: Clap your hands, all you nations.
The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 9:32-42.
In those days, as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints that lived at Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years and was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed." And immediately he rose. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. Now there was at Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him entreating him, "Please come to us without delay." So Peter rose and went with them. And when he had come, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping, and showing tunics and other garments which Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside and knelt down and prayed; then turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, rise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and lifted her up. Then calling the saints and widows he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.
Sunday of the Paralytic
The Reading is from John 5:1-15
At that time, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda which has five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water; for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and troubled the water; whoever stepped in first after the troubling of the water was healed of whatever disease he had. One man was there, who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew that he had been lying there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled, and while I am going another steps down before me." Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your pallet, and walk." And at once the man was healed, and he took up his pallet and walked.
Now that day was the sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, "It is the sabbath, it is not lawful for you to carry your pallet." But he answered them, "The man who healed me said to me, 'Take up your pallet, and walk.' "They asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, 'Take up your pallet, and walk'?" Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you." The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.
SUNDAY OF THE SAMARITAN WOMAN - May 17th
9:30 a.m. – Liturgy
Live streaming of our services will be available on both Facebook and YouTube. Please note that we have been experiencing some recent technical difficulties with our streaming capabilities; we are working with our internet provider to resolve this issue as quickly as possible and are hopeful we can provide you with the best viewing experience possible again soon.
We have worked hard to make improvements to lighting, sound, and video quality as we strive to bring the church into the homes of our community during this unusual time. Our pages/channels are listed here. Please join, like, subscribe, and follow for future services.
(1) You can find, like, and subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/stsconstantine
(2) the new Facebook page is located at https://www.facebook.com/stsconstantineCLE/live/ Look for the live stream on that page on Sunday mornings.
(3) As a member, you may also see the live stream automatically on your own Facebook feed on Sunday mornings (if you follow the group).
You can utilize the AGES Initiatives Daily Services website for accompanying texts or assistance in singing or reading the hymns: http://www.agesinitiatives.com/dcs/public/dcs/servicesindex.html
You may also replace the litanies of petitions by saying "Lord, have mercy" three times, and replace the Priest's exclamations or blessings with "Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God have mercy on us and save us. Amen."
We are exploring other ways of bringing the service to you while you are confined at home. We do send updates out via email as they occur. If you haven't gotten an email from us lately, it may be because we don't have an current email address for you. You can contact the office at office@stsconstantine.com or by phone at (216) 932-3300 to keep your contact information up to date.
Parishioners can also take advantage of the following online aids:
- Spend time at the appropriate moments to participate in the services via video. You can find online services at https://www.goarch.org/live-broadcasts
- Those with newer AppleTV devices, Roku, or Amazon Fire can find the Archdiocesan channel: https://www.goarch.org/tv
- Utilize the Archdiocesan Online Chapel for texts of services, daily readings, and lives of the Saints: https://www.goarch.org/chapel
- There are many edifying bible studies and educational podcasts available via Ancient Faith Ministries (https://www.ancientfaith.com/ ) or Orthodox Christian Network ( http://myocn.net )
- Fr. Stavros Akrotirianakis offers a wonderful daily message through his “Prayer Team” ministry. Sign up using the following link: https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin
FAITH IN ACTION - Activities for May 2020
Prayer Team
Our team has been holding evening prayers via Zoom every other night at 8 p.m. If you are interested in participating, you should either email pmp17@case.edu or text (216) 288-1972 ahead of time to receive the link. You will need to provide your name and email address to receive the Zoom invite.
You can join the prayer team and keep others in your daily prayers. (Prayer Requests - If you have any prayer requests for our prayer team, or if you have questions about other activities, please send them to peter.poulos@case.edu).
Bible Study
We will have a Zoom Bible study on Wed. May 27 from 8 to 8:30 p.m. We will discuss Daniel Chapter 3, and the story of the three youths in the furnace: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
If you would like a zoom invite, send an email to peter.poulos@case.edu
Faith In Action
St. Herman's is currently not serving dinner inside the house because of the social distancing requirements. As a result, they have been handing out to-go bagged dinners for those in need.
For the month of May, we are looking to coordinate a group of 8 people to help assemble these bagged sandwich dinners. Each dinner needs about 80 assembled bags. This group can meet at the Church gym to assemble these bags in a safe and socially distanced manner.
If you are interested in helping, please let us know as soon as possible. We would ask each person to possibly contribute part of the meal - e.g., someone brings the bread, someone brings the water, etc.
A Call to Action
Sign up for Instacart and have frozen dinner meals delivered to St. Herman's. You can have Instacart pick up the meals from the Dave's Market located in Ohio City. Even if it is just one dinner meal, it helps. I know the men of St. Herman's would appreciate the meal, whether it be beef, chicken or vegetarian. If you have any questions, please let us know: Peter and Denise Poulos
Zelma George Shelter
The Salvation Army Zelma George Family Shelter needs our help! The Shelter is part of the Salvation Army's Harbor Light Complex in downtown Cleveland. Unfortunately, several staff members of the Complex have been infected with COVID-19. Therefore the families are essentially limited to staying in their single rooms most of the time. We are purchasing arts and crafts supplies for the kids. If you are interested in donating money for the supplies, please contact Peter Poulos at peter.poulos@case.edu.
REMEMBER - we are the Church. And we haven’t gone anywhere.
“Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 2:18)
Philoptochos is still sponsoring Memorials for Father’s Day to honor our Fathers, Grandfathers and Godfathers who have departed. Everyone is invited to submit the names of their loved ones who are no longer with us.
Father will read the Fathers’ names on June 21, 2020. If you would like to make a donation to the Philoptochos, it would be greatly appreciated.
You may submit names/checks for
to:
Melissa Manos
3356 Lansmere Road
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
Or
Sts Constantine and Helen Cathedral
3352 Mayfield Rd
Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118
Attn: Philoptochos Mother’s/Father’s Day Memorials
Please write Father’s Day Memorial in the memo area of your check.
If you have any questions about the Memorials please contact:
Anne Mitchell at mitchell.matt1@gmail.com/ or text to 440 465-6014
Thank you so much!
National Philoptochos Responds to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Realizing the critical food insecurity that would increase as a result from unemployment due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, in March, the National Philoptochos Executive Board approved immediate disbursements to two food distribution organizations:
$25,000 to Feeding America
$25,000 to Meals on Wheels America
In addition, a COVID-19 Emergency Drive was established to provide funding for social service requests resulting from the economic crisis. The drive has received overwhelming support from Philoptochos metropolises, chapters and stewards. To date, $93,515 has been contributed to the drive. Thanks go to our faithful and generous sponsors, as well as to Arlene Siavelis Kehl, Chair of the 2020 Convention Sponsorship Committee, for contacting the sponsors and securing the transfer of these funds.
For more updates on the work of Philoptochos, you can visit the Philoptochos, Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Community, Cleveland Ohio Facebook page.
All Orthodox Education activities have been suspended until further notice. E-ministry will continue to greatest degree possible. Contact Maria at orthodox_education@stsconstantine.com with any questions or suggestions.
All in-person youth ministry has been suspended until further notice. E-ministry will continue to greatest degree possible. Contact Ted at tcherpas@stsconstantine.com with any questions or suggestions.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has announced the creation of the “Greek Orthodox Archdiocese COVID-19 Relief Fund” as an important part of its efforts to support those around the country who have been impacted by the current pandemic. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros stated:
“During this desperate time, we believe it is our responsibility to provide, in addition to our spiritual care, material support for our brothers and sisters who are facing unexpected financial hardship. We are committed to helping people in their daily lives, and are grateful to those who will join our cause.”
Those facing an economic or financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and in need of emergency help with expenses such as rent, mortgage, utilities, food, childcare, medical, funeral or other daily costs, may apply to the COVID-19 Relief Fund, which has been privately funded, through the GOARCH website: https://www.goarch.org/covid19relief
Those who wish to contribute to the Fund may do so at www.goarch.org/covid19/donate.
Further information on the creation of this program is available online:
Coffee Hosting: For the time being, coffee hours are being cancelled but you can still get on the calendar. Sign up now for hosting coffee when at last we are able to resume, and keep this beautiful tradition of our church going strong.
Here are the dates we currently have open:
Host coffee in memory of your loved ones or in honor of your family's birthdays, anniversary, or namedays. See Christina Callos to sign up for your Sunday or email: ctcallos@gmail.com
Each week the deadline for entries for the Sunday bulletin will be Wednesday by Noon. Any submissions after that will be included in the bulletin for the following week.
Candles are one way to express our prayers and our presence in worship. During the crisis, you may make a request to light a candle several different ways:
(1) coming to the church during regular office hours and purchasing a candle to take with you or leaving the candle (lit or not) in the candle stands
(2) making an email request to office@stsconstantine.com, no later than 3:00 pm on a day of regular business hours
(3) calling the church office during regular hours, M-F, 10:00 am-4:00 pm
(4) making a request thru the Facebook live stream during a service. This is an honor system in which we trust that you will make a monetary gift for your candle.
This parish strives "To lead people to God thorugh Orthodox Christianity and to provide ways for them live and share God's love." It does so in good days and in difficult ones, such as we now expeience. Our doors may be closed to the general public, but we endeavor to spread the "good news" as best we can. Any financial help that you might offer is deeply apprciated.
1) Join the "Search the Scriptures" live call-in show hosted by Dr. Jeannie Constantinou, Professor at the University of San Diego on Monday evenings from 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Link: ancientfaith.com/radio/live. Call in to the show: 1 (855) 237-2346.
3) Join ""The Whole Counsel of God" online Bible study hosted by Father Stephen de Young on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Link for live stream: facebook.com/TheWholeCounselOfGod/ Podcast Link: ancientfaith.com/podcasts/wholecounsel
4) Join "3 Men & a Bible" livestream show Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Fr. Panagiotis Boznos, Nick Lionas, and Steve Christoforou meet every week to discuss the Sunday Gospel and Epistle readings. Link: goarch.zoom.us/j/249935036
Christ is risen! ....and we're still at home. We hope you're staying healthy and safe. By now, we've all been encouraged to exercise or clean house; but here are some other things you can do to pass the time:
- Journal Daily: Journaling is a great way to express your thoughts and experiences in a healthy way. Write down your thoughts and fears or a few things you’re grateful for to help you center yourself.
- Practice Mindfulness: The world is a scary place right now, and tensions are high. Instead of scrolling through social media, take a break and focus. Short meditation or prayer sessions can help you relieve stress and calm down from feeling overwhelmed.
- Check Books off your To-Read List: It can be difficult to find time for quiet reading during the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but now is the perfect time to immerse yourself in a book that may have been gathering dust as an escape from the pressures of the outside world.
- Take an Online Course: Lots of educational institutions and hobbyists are offering online classes for free right now, so take advantage of them! If you’ve always wanted to explore a particular subject or you’re looking to bolster your resume, now is the time to learn something new.
By keeping your mind and body active and engaged, you can help shed the stress of being stuck at home while also improving your skills, your space, and yourself.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Cross Press
Your Apostle among the Rulers, St. Constantine, who once beheld in the sky the image of Your Cross, and who like Paul received his calling not from man, once entrusted the Ruling City into Your hand. We entreat You to restore it in peace forever, at the intercession of the Theotokos, O Lord who loves humanity. (Copyright Fr. Seraphim Dedes, used by permission. All rights reserved)
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Narthex Press