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PROSFORA: Maria Misthos
EPISTLE READING: Romans 2:10-16
GOSPEL: Matthew 4:18-23 (Greek text, p. 96, black books)
LITURGY: 9:30 a.m.
MEMORIAL: Emmanuel Papadopoulos (40 days) and Elaine Cherpas (40 days); and for our decesased fathers, grandfathers and godfathers (sponsored by Philoptochos)
Second Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Mark 16:1-8
When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?" And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back, for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you." And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to any one, for they were afraid.
Prokeimenon. 1st Tone. 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 Letter to the Romans 2:10-16.
Brethren, glory and honor and peace for every one who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality. All who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. When Gentiles who have not the law do by nature what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or perhaps excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.
2nd Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 4:18-23
At that time, as Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left their boat and their father, and followed him. And he went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.
WED, 6/24 - 9:30 a.m. - Liturgy (Birth of John the Baptist)
We are taking another “baby step” toward a more normal church life. We are not yet returning to the way things were; we do not plan to keep these conditions forever. The COVID-19 statistics are going up and down; we will adapt to the changes all around us. The underlying principle is that our personal freedom to worship is limited by our responsibility to those around us.
1. Anyone with any symptoms of any illness (COVID-19 or otherwise) must stay home and is encouraged to watch the services by means of live streaming. Those over 65 may attend, but they are advised of their higher risk.
2. No need to pre-register to attend; however, social distancing will be enforced. Families that live together may sit together, but 6 feet between groups. In the church, please occupy the area in an available pew that has GREEN tape. Please do not stand or sit where there is RED tape. If the church fills, then late-comers will be encouraged to watch the live stream in the Cathedral Center and may receive Holy Communion at the end of the service.
3. Everyone over the age of 10 years old must wear a mask and it must be worn properly covering the nose and mouth. If you do not bring one, a mask will be given you at church. Reusable masks are available for purchase from Philoptochos (10 dollars cash, check to Philoptochos or email IOU to ctcallos@gmail.com).
4. Someone will take your temperature when you enter. Someone will take your name and contact information. The purpose is to notify others in case someone with COVID-19 is diagnosed after the fact.
5. Offerings may be made by cash or in an envelope or credit card. We will be unable to make change. By July 1, you will also be able to make offerings online and using a mobile app. Details will be coming soon.
6. Everyone entering the church must acknowledge that no environment is free from risk, and that he/she assumes responsibility for their personal safety.
7. Holy Communion will be offered in the manner practiced among the Slavic Orthodox Churches - you will come forward with arms crossed over your chest, open your mouth wide and tip your head back. The priest will pour the Holy Communion into your mouth without touching your lips. Do not close your mouth on the spoon.
8. We are not yet ready for coffee hour or social gatherings after church. This may change in the upcoming weeks.
Reusable, reversible, washable cloth masks made by our own Philoptochos ladies are available for sale in the church lobby! Masks have a gentle nose clip for proper fit, and a side opening to add extra filtering if one chooses. Make checks payable to Philoptochos or purchase with $10.00 cash (sorry, we cannot make change at this time). For more information, email Christina at ctcallos@gmail.com.
The Orthodox Christian tradition presents many opportunities for worship outside of Sunday morning services, especially Liturgies on the feast days of beloved saints. Our parish has always offered a fair number of weekday services, but in light of the current crisis, the number will increase to at least one Liturgy per week in addition to the Sunday service. . As the restrictions on Sunday attendance are loosening up, those with special concerns may consider attending a weekday service, where the typical attendance is in the range of 10-20.
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) come to the church during regular office hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00 – 5:00) and purchase a candle to take with you or leave the candle, lit or not, in the candle stands
(2) make an email request to office@stsconstantine.com, no later than 3:00 pm on a day of regular business hours
(3) call the church office during regular hours
(4) make a request through 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.
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
If you haven't gotten an email from us lately, perhaps we don't have an current email address for you. Please 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
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
Love Thy Neighbor Webinar
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc. was proud to participate in the "Love Thy Neighbor" webinar series hosted by the Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations. You can watch the entire Zoom discussion on YouTube here.
For more updates on the work of Philoptochos, you can visit the Philoptochos, Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Community, Cleveland Ohio Facebook page.
FAITH IN ACTION - Upcoming Activities
Prayer Team
You can join the prayer team and keep others in your daily prayers. If you have any requests for our prayer team, or if you have questions about other activities, please send them to peter.poulos@case.edu.
Our team has been holding evening prayers via Zoom every other night at 8 p.m. These last about 15 minutes from 8:30 to 8:45 p.m. every other evening. You can participate either by just listening and/or volunteering to read a section of those prayers. If you are interested, 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.
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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.
We need volunteers to bring food and/or assemble dinner bags on Sunday July 5 at 1 p.m. at the Church. It usually takes about one hour to assemble the 90 bags. We do follow social distancing and face coverings during the assembly process.
If you are interested in participating and/or donating food for the bags, 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.
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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. 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)
GOMoP Virtual Summer Camp: CAMP IS NOT CANCELED. We always say that Camp feels like heaven; but it's not a baseball field, a pool, a gaga ball pit, a cabin, a bunk, a pavilion, it's in the Body of Christ, in His Church, gathering as His youth to work on and discover our faith. Each day Virtual Campers will still be gathered by grade & age for some of the best parts of camp: worship fit for Virtual Camp, activities, reimagined Orthodox Life, discussion groups, Evening Activities, & Cabin talk. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to deepen your faith and your friendships from camp. Check out our website including a sample schedule and our social media accounts: GOMOP_Y2AM on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to see more about the fun that's coming.
GOYA Registration is extended to Friday, June 26th. Sign up today! https://y2am.pittsburgh.goarch.org/en/summercamp
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.
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.
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
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:
Church & Community, a Historic Perspective
NHS Talks Stories will be a mini-series of panel presentations focusing on the history of the Greek Orthodox Church and the Greek American Community as seen through the eyes of individuals with unique perspectives and insights. The series will be recorded, archived and shared with the National Hellenic Museum and available on the NHS Talks Series website.
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: Holy Cross Press