EIGHTH SUNDAY of MATTHEW
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PROSFORA: Georgia Christides
EPISTLE READING: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17
GOSPEL: Matthew 14:14-22  (Greek text, p. 108, black books)
LITURGY: 9:30 a.m. 

Sadly, we are required to take one step backwards in our reopening process at church.

The Metropolis of Pittsburgh links its policies to those of local authorities. Until recently, Ohio had one standard for the entire state, but now it has a county-by-county color coding system. Under this system, Cuyahoga County is at red alert status, the 3rd highest of the 4 levels.

This means that we must return to the mid-level restrictions of the Metropolis of Pittsburgh. Until further notice we will limit the number of people in the church proper to 25, allowing for an additional 25 people in the Cathedral Center. Those in the Center will be able to watch a projection of the live-stream and to receive Holy Communion. Also, parishioners over the age of 65 should worship at home, using our live streaming service.

The state reviews its color-coded statuses on a weekly basis. A map is available at coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/public-health-advisory-system/ We hope for better news soon.

No one is happy with this situation, but our short-term sacrifices are meant to protect the long-term health of all. Feel free to address questions to Fr Stephen at frstephen@stsconstantine.com.

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 should stay home.

2. 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. Soon, you will also be able to make offerings online and using a mobile app. Details will be available shortly.

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. There will be no coffee hour or social gatherings after church.

The July 2020 issue of the Koinonia is here!

The Koinonia (the Greek word for ‘community’) is our parish newsletter, published several times throughout the year under the direction of Marguarite Stephanopoulos and our office staff. Visit our website link to view the most recent copy online. 

For More Information, or to submit an article or other content:  Contact Marguarite or our Church office. Phone: 216-932-3300

The Orthodox Christian tradition presents many opportunities for worship outside of Sunday morning services, especially Liturgies on the feast days of beloved saints. 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. 

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.

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. 

Tithe.ly is an online giving tool that makes it simple to safely/securely give to your church. You can download the Tithe.ly app onto your phone, or click "give online" from their website. Your gift goes directly to the church. 

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)

As you know, we are doing a limited version of the Festival in drive-through format this year. However, there is still plenty to be done to get ready for even this scaled-down approach!

We will be cupping baklava and pastries for sampler boxes on both Aug. 13th & 14th. If you are interested in volunteering your time (and your hands), please contact Aggie Goss by phone at (440) 526-6313, or by email to aggiegoss@yahoo.com for time and details.

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. Thurs-Sat we will be open from 4:00 - 9:00 pm; Sunday from noon til 7:00.

We look forward to celebrating with you in August! OPA!

While we are pleased to be able to bring you a limited version of our Festival this August, we would like to remind you that we are NOT holding a flea market and CANNOT accept any donations of unwanted goods at this time. Please hold on to them for next year!

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 

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.

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.

The Archdiocese Clergy-Laity Congress will be held online on Sept. 9 & 10, beginning each day at 12:00 noon. We are entitled to 4 delegates- priest, PC President or designated PC member and 2 delegates elected at large at a Parish Assembly. 

Among the major issues: (1) the ongoing need to ensure complete transparency and accountability of the Archdiocese; (2) the Archdiocese budget; (3) the restructuring of the Archdiocese pension program. 

Anyone interested in being considered as a delegate should speak to Parish Council President George Stamatis.