FOURTH SUNDAY of MATTHEW

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EPISTLE READING: Galatians 5:22-26; 6:1-2
GOSPEL: Matthew 8:5-13 (Greek text, p. 100, black books)

LITURGY: 9:30 a.m. 

WEDS, 07/08 - 9:30 a.m. - Liturgy  (St. Prokopios)

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.

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 light a candle several different ways:

1.  come to the church during office hours  (M-F, 9:00 – 5:00) and purchase a candle to take with you or leave the candle, lit or not, in the candle stands  

2. 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. 

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.

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.

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 

ST. HERMAN HOUSE VIRTUAL GOLF CLASSIC AND AUCTION

During this difficult time, St. Herman's House continues the vital work of serving the needy in our Cleveland community by providing meals, clothing, shelter, and understanding to those who need it most.  Last year the proceeds from the Golf Classic made up ~20% of the St. Herman House operating budget.  

Although there will be no Golf Classic this year, the mission of St. Herman's continues and we hope you will support these efforts by doing the following:

1. Be a Virtual Golfer or Sponsor by sending your check made out to St. Herman House FOCUS Cleveland, PO Box 932612, Cleveland, OH 44193 or donating online at www.focusnorthamerica.org/golf2020

2. Attend our Virtual Auction at 32auctions.com/StHermansGolfClassic. Bidding begins Sunday, July 12 and ends July 16 at 8:30pm. Lots of great items available!

For more information please contact Kirk at golfsthermans@focusna.org

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!

FAITH IN ACTION - Upcoming Activities

Bible Study

Don't miss out on upcoming Zoom Bible Study meetings. If you would like an invite or more information, send an email to peter.poulos@case.edu.

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Prayer Team

You can join the prayer team and keep others in your daily 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. 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

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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.

Thank you and keep the faith!

“Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”  (James 2:18)

Greek Festival 2020

– Coming this August as a drive-thru! – 

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” — Hippocrates

Our beloved Greek Festival has always been about sharing culture and friendship, as well great food, with our neighbors in the nearby communities. While we can’t cure the virus, we do have big plans to bring you the best of our traditional foods during the Greek Festival weekend – as a drive-thru.

From Thursday, August 20 through Sunday, August 23, we will provide many of your favorites, including gyros, souvlaki and baklava, while you sit safely in your car for drive-thru pickup.

Please check back for more information as we get closer to the event. Details about hours of operation and how to order will come soon. We look forward to celebrating with you in August! OPA!

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.

Virtual Greek Film Festival  -  July 10-20

After a long spring, we’re all ready to have fun and be entertained, even while social distancing. That's why the Hellenic Film Society USA is proud to announce the Greek Film Expo on Demand—A Virtual Film Festival. We'll be streaming ten terrific Greek films for audiences to enjoy at home on any device.

The Hellenic Film Society USA is a non-profit organization rooted in the belief that Greek cinema should be part of the American cultural landscape. These award-winning films include several US premieres, all with English subtitles, will be of interest to all audiences; but especially Greek-Americans. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our virtual film festival, please visit hellenicfilmusa.org/ or call 917-710-3027.

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.