September 13, 2020
09/13/2020
SUNDAY BEFORE HOLY CROSS
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PROSFORA: Helen Primbas
EPISTLE READING: Galatians 6:11-18
GOSPEL: John 3:13-17 (Greek text, p. 204, black books)
LITURGY: 9:30 a.m.
Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral
Publish Date: 2020-09-13
Bulletin Contents
Today
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
This Week
Hymns of the Day
RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION AT STS CONSTANTINE AND HELEN CATHEDRAL IS DONE IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER:
Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral
General Information
- Phone:
- (216) 932-3300
- Fax:
- (216) 932-0825
- Email:
- office@stsconstantine.com
- Street Address:
- 3352 Mayfield Road
- Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
- Mailing Address:
- 3352 Mayfield Road
- Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Past Bulletins
- Publish Date:
- 2020-09-20
- Publish Date:
- 2020-09-06
- Publish Date:
- 2020-08-30
- Publish Date:
- 2020-08-09
- Publish Date:
- 2020-06-28
- Publish Date:
- 2020-06-21
Today
09/13/2020
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Matins Gospel Reading
Third Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Mark 16:9-20
When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.
After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.
Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table; and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover."
So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen.
Epistle Reading
Prokeimenon. Plagal 2nd Tone. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 6:11-18.
Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
Gospel Reading
Sunday before Holy Cross
The Reading is from John 3:13-17
The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him."
Wisdom of the Fathers
For since Nicodemus had said, "We know that Thou art a teacher come from God," on this very point He sets him right, all but saying, "Think Me not a teacher in such manner as were the many of the prophets who were of earth, for I have come from heaven (but) now. None of the prophets hath ascended up thither, but I dwell there."
Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century
For not in heaven only is He, but everywhere, and He fills all things; but yet He speaks according to the infirmity of His hearer, desiring to lead him up little by little ... For after having spoken of the very great benefaction that had come to man by Baptism, He proceeds to mention another benefaction, which was the cause of this, and not inferior to it; namely, that by the Cross ...
Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century
This Week
THIS COMING WEEK
Mon, September 14th - 8:00 p.m. - Gamblers Anonymous
Sat, September 19th - 5:00 p.m. - Vespers
FEAST OF THE HOLY CROSS
The celebration and procession of the Holy Cross will take place on Sunday, Sept. 13th. There will be no services here on Sept. 14th.
LIVESTREAM SERVICES
We have closed our livestreaming service on Facebook in favor of using YouTube for all future livestreaming of services. To continue participating with our livestream services, please visit, subscribe, and bookmark our channel at http://YouTube.com/stsconstantine.
Parish Assembly Meeting
Dear Parishioners:
In the course of dealing with COVID-19 issues, we never scheduled a spring Parish (General) Assembly. We now have scheduled an Assembly for Sunday Sept. 13th, immediately following services. The meeting will be on the computer app known as ZOOM. This unusual form of meeting has been approved by the Metropolis of Pittsburgh, given the fact that the agenda is of a routine nature (no purchase of property, no new debt, etc.), but is necessary for the proper functioning of the church.
Below is the ZOOM information. It is possible to listen to the meeting by calling one of the telephone numbers listed below, but the best way to actively participate will be using the ZOOM service from a computer or a smartphone. It looks more complicated than it actually is. Questions or concerns may be sent to the Parish Council President, George Stamatis (Georgestam@aol.com) or Fr Stephen (frstephen@stsconstantine.com).
We would deeply appreciate your virtual presence at our meeting. Staying connected to one another in our common pursuit of spiritual growth is important.
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Topic: General Assembly Meeting
Time: Sep 13, 2020 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
*please note the new time*
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 880 2662 1431
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Tithe.ly Giving App
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.
STEWARDSHIP
Our parish strives "To lead people to God through Orthodox Christianity and to provide ways for them live and share God's love." It does so in good days and in bad, such as we now experience. Church attendance may be difficult or impossible for you, but we endeavor to spread the "good news" as best we can. Any financial help that you might offer is deeply appreciated.
Virtual Retreat
Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral invites you to a
Virtual Retreat
Saturday October 3, 2020 - 10am-12pm
Speaker: Reverend Dr. Nicholas Louh - “Finding Christ in the Crisis”. Registration is Free. If you wish to donate to defray expenses, please make checks out and send to:
Sts. Constantine and Helen
3352 Mayfield Rd
Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118
Please write “retreat” in the memo line. To register please visit this link: https://forms.gle/s5yW63tMAMqHGPdZ9
RE-OPENING
As you know, COVID-19 statistics continue to go up and down; and we are adapting to the changes around us as best we can. As the State of Ohio continues to go down in cases, Cuyahoga County has remained at Level 2. This allows us to return to the Green Phase of our re-opening.
This means that while masks and social distancing requirements are still in place, parishioners of any age are once again welcome to return to services. That's some good news we can all be grateful for.
WEEKDAY SERVICES
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.
GOYA / YOUNG ADULT ACTIVITIES
1) St. Matthew Antiochian Orthodox Church, North Royalton is hosting an outdoor young adult (ages 18 - 35ish) welcome party today, Sunday Sept. 13th, at 5:00 p.m. There will be food, volleyball, and a tour of the new facility with Fr. Andrew. To RSVP or for details, call Samuel Harmon at: 216-598-9230.
2) Online registration for 2020-2021 youth ministry programs (HOPE/JOY, GOYA, Young Adults) are now live. Interested families should sign up by September 30th. Email Ted Cherpas tcherpas@stscosntantine.com for the links or with any questions.
3) Our annual GOYA kickoff party will take place on Sunday, September 20th from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. This will be an outdoor event, hosted by the Comber family. We will discuss plans and ideas for the upcoming year. Kindly RSVP to Ted at tcherpas@stsconstantine.com.
4) GOYA is volunteering to do yard work for parishioners as a new community outreach project. Contact Ted at tcherpas@stsconstantine.com to coordinate the visit of 2 - 3 GOYAns to do basic jobs (e.g. weeding, raking leaves, etc.). As this is an outreach ministry, there is no fee.
5) Orthodoxy on Tap for young adults (ages 21 - 35ish) will have an online meeting on Saturday, October 3rd at 3:30 p.m. Our guest speaker will be Bojan Teodosijevic of the "Bible Illustrated" YouTube channel, and Bojan will be calling in from Serbia! RSVP to Ted at gorealcleveland@gmail.com.
ORTHODOX EDUCATION UPDATED NEWS
This evening, September 13th, we will be hosting two Zoom meetings: Any PreK-5th grade parent or student who would like to meet their teacher can come to the 6:30pm meeting. The second, for 6th-12th grades to meet their teachers, follows at 7:30pm. This will also prepare them for the speaker Fr. Dimitris Moraitis, who will be on Zoom with us on September 20th at 2:30 pm; a second meeting that evening is TBA. Any questions for Fr. Dimitri can be offered at this evening's meeting to help him prepare. Parents of younger children can attend and pass on the information at their children's level.
Fr. Dimitri will speak on the miracles at St. Paraskevi Shrine; specifically on September 20th on the blind man who received his sight. This man who received his sight may also be called in to talk with students and parents. Parents, please check your e-mails for the zoom invites.
Future zoom events:
October 4th -- Speaker Fr. Chris Shadid, Director of Antiochian Village
October 18th -- or week thereof (tentative) Papa Ephraim Abbot of St. Nilus Island Skete in Alaska
Contact Maria at orthodox_education@stsconstantine.com with any questions or suggestions.
FAITH IN ACTION
FAITH IN ACTION - Upcoming Activities
Bible Study
You can join us for 30 minutes for Bible Study - all are welcome. If you are interested in an invite, or for current dates and topics, please email 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
As a change of pace for the St. Herman's community, instead of assembling sandwich dinner bags, we are going to raise money to buy Guy's pizza from the downtown Cleveland store and then deliver it to St. Herman's for a dinner meal on September 26th. As part of the meal, we also want to buy styrofoam containers, chocolate bars, and a small water bottle. We can then caravan the supplies to St. Herman's to arrive by 4:45 P.M. with the pizza (hot out of the oven) so that Carl Cook from St. Herman's can assemble the styrofoam meal package to be handed out.
If you are interested in donating money for the food and/or helping to purchase any of the food, please contact us at peter.poulos@case.edu.
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Zelma George Family Shelter
If you are interested in supporting the families of the Zelma George Family Shelter, please email peter.poulos@case.edu to discuss volunteer opportunities.
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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)
CANDLE OFFERINGS
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.
REUSABLE MASKS
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.
Hymns of the Day
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal 1st Tone
Let us, the faithful, give praise and worship to the Word, coeternal with the Father and the Spirit and born of the Virgin for our salvation. Of his own will he mounted the cross in the flesh, suffered death, and raised the dead by his glorious resurrecti
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Cross Press
Apolytikion for Forefeast of the Exaltation in the 2nd Tone
We offer Thee in mediation the life-giving Cross which, of Thy goodness, Thou hast given unto us, the unworthy, O Lord. Save Thy hierarchs and Thy flock, and grant Thou peace through the Theotokos, O only friend of man.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Apolytikion for Temple of the Resurrection in the 4th Tone
Thou hast shown the earthly beauty of the holy tabernacle of Thy glory to be like unto the splendour of the heavenly firmament, O Lord. Strengthen it for ever and ever, and accept our prayers which we unceasingly offer therein unto Thee, through the Theotokos, O Thou Who art the Life and Resurrection of all.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Seasonal Kontakion in the 4th Tone
The Church is shown to be a many-lighted heaven that doth shine a guiding light upon all them that do believe; wherein while standing we cry aloud: Do Thou Thyself now establish this house, O Lord.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery