Aug 9, 2020
08/09/2020
TENTH SUNDAY of MATTHEW
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PROSFORA: Maria Misthos
EPISTLE READING: 1 Corinthians 4:9-16
GOSPEL: Matthew 17:14-23 (Greek text, p. 112, black books)
LITURGY: 9:30 a.m.
TENTH SUNDAY of MATTHEW
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PROSFORA: Maria Misthos
EPISTLE READING: 1 Corinthians 4:9-16
GOSPEL: Matthew 17:14-23 (Greek text, p. 112, black books)
LITURGY: 9:30 a.m.
Tenth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:1-14
At that time, being raised from the dead, Jesus revealed himself to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat; but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish. The disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.
When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
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 First Letter to the Corinthians 4:9-16.
Brethren, God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are ill-clad and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become, and are now, as the refuse of the world, the off-scouring of all things. I do not write this to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me.
10th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 17:14-23
At that time, a man came up to Jesus and kneeling before him said, "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; for often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him." And Jesus answered, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me." And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move hence to yonder place,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. But this kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting." As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day."
Thurs, Aug 20th - - 9:30 a.m. - Liturgy (Prophet Samuel)
Sat, Aug 22nd - 5:00 p.m. - Vespers
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.
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.
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 must 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. You are also able to make offerings online or by using a mobile app. See the Tithe.ly announcement for more details.
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.
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.
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!
We welcome your help for this year's Drive-Thru Food Festival. Responsibilities this year are quite different from past festivals.
You are welcome to sign up for multiple shifts and roles if you are available. There are three main areas that will need volunteers.
8/17 thru 8/19:
- Prepackaging condiments and utensils
- Cup and package pastry
8/20 thru 8/23:
- Pack & deliver orders in the Cathedral Center during Festival
Go to the Church website www.stsconstantine.com and click on the “Volunteer” tab. That will take you to the SignUpGenius link where you can sign up for as many shifts as you can.
We look forward to celebrating the Festival with our community in this new way. Your help will make it a success.
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.
5. Make a Tithe.Ly donation from our website button. You can add a note with any special candle request.
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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St. Herman's Dinner Bags
St. Herman's is not serving dinner inside the house because of the social distancing requirements. As a result, they have been handing out to-go bagged dinners. We will be assembling 90 dinner bags for St. Herman's on Sunday August 30 at 1 p.m. It generally takes less than one hour. If you are interested in bringing food for the bags and/or helping to assemble bags, please please contact Peter Poulos at peter.poulos@case.edu. We do follow social distancing and require face coverings during the assembly process.
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)
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.
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
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.
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
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Fr. Seraphim Dedes
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