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Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral
Publish Date: 2021-03-14
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:

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Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (216) 932-3300
  • Fax:
  • (216) 932-0825
  • Street Address:

  • 3352 Mayfield Road

  • Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
  • Mailing Address:

  • 3352 Mayfield Road

  • Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

Past Bulletins


Today

March 7, 2021

03/07/2021

FORGIVENESS SUNDAY (CHEESEFARE SUNDAY)

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LITURGY: 9:30 a.m.
PROSFORA: Nellie Baltazzi
PANGARI: Team C: Costa Tsatiris, George Stamatis, Bill Chevako
EPISTLE READING: Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4
GOSPEL: Matthew 6:14-21 (GREEK TEXT p. 182, black book)
MEMORIAL: Nik Fotinos (1 yr)
Loving husband of Patricia (nee Hand) formerly LaRue; beloved son of Maria and Antonios (deceased); dear stepfather of Steven LaRue (Danielle); dearest brother of Cathy Ikimis; dear uncle of Lee Ikimis


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Seventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:1-10

On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal 4th Tone. Psalm 75.11,1.
Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4.

Brethren, salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for God is able to make him stand.

Gospel Reading

Forgiveness Sunday
The Reading is from Matthew 6:14-21

The Lord said, "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

"And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

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Wisdom of the Fathers

Henceforward then we must be free from our listlessness; "for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed."[*] You see how he puts the Resurrection now close by them. For as the time advances, he means, the season of our present life is wasting away, and that of the life to come waxes nearer. If then thou be prepared, and hast done all whatsoever He hath commanded, the day is salvation to thee...Yes, for the day is calling us to battle-array, and to the fight. Yet fear not at hearing of array and arms. For in the case of the visible suit of armor, to put it on is a heavy and abhorred task. But here it is desirable, and worth being prayed for. For it is of Light the arms are! Hence they will set thee forth brighter than the sunbeam, and giving out a great glistening, and they place thee in security: for they are arms, and glittering do they make thee: for arms of light are they!...It is the deadly kind of passions then that he is for extinguishing, lust, namely, and anger. Wherefore it is not themselves only, but even the sources of them that he removes. For there is nothing that so kindles lust, and inflames wrath, as drunkenness, and sitting long at the wine...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 25 on Romans 13, 4th Century

Here it were well to sigh aloud, and to wail bitterly: for not only do we imitate the hypocrites, but we have even surpassed them.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 20 on Matthew 6, 4th Century

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This Week

THIS COMING WEEK

Mon, Mar 15th    - 7:00 p.m.   - Compline
                           - 7:30 p.m.    - Gamblers Anonymous
Weds, Mar 17th  - 9:30 a.m.   -  Presanctified Liturgy
Fri, Mar 19th       - 7:00 p.m.   - Salutations Service
                           - 7:30 p.m.    - Gamblers Anonymous
Sat, Mar 20th      - 9:30 a.m.   -  Liturgy (Sat of Souls)
                           - 5:00 p.m.   - Vespers  (& Confessions)
Sun, Mar 21st     - 8:15 a.m.   - Matins
                           - 9:30 a.m.   - Liturgy 


ONLINE TEXTS OF SERVICES

Those wishing to follow the livestreamed services with a written text may do so using the links below.
Electronic Version of Orthros (Matins) on Mar. 14:
www.agesinitiatives.com/dcs/public/dcs/p/s/2021/03/14/ma/gr-en/se.m03.d14.ma.pdf
Electronic Version of Divine Liturgy on Mar. 14:
www.agesinitiatives.com/dcs/public/dcs/p/s/2021/03/14/li/gr-en/se.m03.d14.li.pdf


VISITORS & SACRAMENTS

Everyone is welcome in the Orthodox Church & may receive the blessed bread (antidoron) at the end of the service, but only practicing Orthodox Christians may receive the sacrament of Holy Communion.


SATURDAYS OF THE SOUL

March 6th, 13th & 20th are designated as Saturdays of the Souls, in which prayers are offered for our departed loved ones. Lists with their names (baptismal names) should be brought to church by 9:30 am on those days. Trays of kolyva are welcome - those wishing to distribute their kollyva to others should bring it already in bags. 

Kolyva symbolizes the resurrection. "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain." (John 12:24, OSB)


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. 


CHRISTIAN LIFE LECTURE SERIES

His Eminence Metropolitan Savas and the Metropolis of Pittsburgh Religious Education Commission are excited to share a new lecture series called "Cultivating the Fundamentals of the Christian Life" with you.

We are blessed to kick off our series with Fr. Stephen Freeman - an outstanding Orthodox priest, writer, blogger, speaker, and educator - who will present "The Mystery of the Sabbath - Keeping it Holy" on Tuesday March 23rd from 7-8:30PM, via Zoom. Advanced registration can be found here: tinyurl.com/KeepingItHoly


OCW LENTEN RETREAT

Orthodox Christian Women present their Annual Lenten Retreat:
“7: The Seven Statements Jesus Makes at the Cross”


Everyone is welcome to this Free Event on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. Held online via Zoom - Fr. Nicholas Louh, the Senior Priest of St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church in Jacksonville, FL, will be speaking on each statement that Jesus made from the cross.

Join Zoom Meeting here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88689404866?
pwd=b0N4L3hLV1Vtc0JoaGhiMW1QMFJ3dz09

Meeting ID: 886 8940 4866
Passcode: 677098


FAMILY LENTEN RETREAT

The Metropolis is offering a "Family Lenten Retreat" via Zoom on Saturday, April 17th from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon. The keynote address will be offered by Fr. Alex Goussetis of the Archdiocese Center for Family Care. Registration is at: tinyurl.com/GOMoP-FamilyRetreat. Questions may be directed to Ted or to Fr. Joe DiStefano at: frjdistefano@yahoo.com.


NEW DIRECTORY FOR 2021!

We are in the process of updating our church directory for 2021 that will be sent to all parishioners in the Spring.

If you have any contact information (addresses, telephone numbers, emails etc.) that you would like to update or reconfirm, please send an email to office@stsconstantine.com or call Sade, the office manager, at (216) 932-3300.

All submissions are to be received no later than March 31, 2021.


PHILOPTOCHOS

Many thanks to those of you who have been lifelong members of Philoptochos, and a warm welcome to all the new parishioners who have just joined us! If you have not already done so, please join Philoptochos as we start our 2021 year.  Forms are now available in the church office or online at  http://stsconstantine.com/outreach/philoptochos/ 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

Bible Study

Zoom Evening Prayers: Zoom in and participate in Evening Prayers with other parishioners held from 8:30 to 8:50 p.m. every Tuesday, Thursday, & Sunday. It is a great way to have fellowship during these challenging times. For a zoom invite, please email peter.poulos@case.edu.

Zoom Bible Study: Zoom in and participate in Bible Study with other parishioners held from 8:30 to 9 p.m. once every few weeks (usually on Thursdays). It is a great way to have fellowship during these challenging times. For a zoom invite, please email peter.poulos@case.edu.

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Prayer Team

If you are interested in joining the prayer team to keep others in your daily prayers, 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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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)


GOYA / YOUNG ADULT ACTIVITIES

1)   OCF (college student ministry) will offer a new program called "Spiritual Wake-Up" beginning Tuesday, March 16th. This virtual ministry via Zoom & text message will facilitate prayer, fellowship, and service for college students between the ages of 18 - 25. Registration is required to participate. Sign up at ocf.net, and contact Ted with any questions.


2)   Camp Nazareth will host its next young adult retreat the weekend of March 26th - 28th via Zoom. The theme will be: "Adam, where are you?" Questions may be directed either to Ted or to youngadultretreats@gmail.com.


3)   Orthodoxy on Tap will have its next young adult event (ages 21 - 35ish) on Thursday, April 8th @ 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. The guest speaker will be Christian Gonzalez, the young adult ministry coordinator of the Archdiocese. RSVP by Wednesday, April 7th to gorealcleveland@gmail.com. 


4)  The OCA is hosting a virtual teen retreat the afternoon of Saturday, April 17th from 12:00 noon - 3:00 p.m., and then 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. There is no fee to participate. The times of this event do not overlap with the Metropolis family retreat on the same day. Registration is available online, and must be done prior to April 16th. Contact Ted for the link to sign up and with any questions. 

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2021 ORATORICAL FESTIVAL

Now in its 37th year, the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival is a speaking program for Junior High and High School Students in our parishes. Each year, approximately 800 young people from grades 7-9, and 10-12, research from one of the approved topics, develop a short speech, and then deliver it at a parish Oratorical Festival. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros approved the topics for 2021, which were released in September. Our 4th-12th graders will be speaking after services TODAY, March 14th; contact Maria at orthodox_education@stsconstantine.com with any questions.


ORTHODOX EDUCATION UPDATED NEWS

Orthodox Education  is resuming in-person classes. The same safety protocols that have been in place this school year, will be in effect now.

Upcoming Class Events:

Sun, March 14th - Oratorical Festival (4th-12th graders)
Sun, March 21st - Speaker Anthony Ruggerio, Youth Director in Oklahoma City - 8:00 p.m.
Sun, March 28th - Greek Program, 12:30 pm

Parents are encouraged to check their email for up to the minute announcements of classes.  Contact Maria at orthodox_education@stsconstantine.com with any questions or comments.

 


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, & bookmark our channel at YouTube.com/stsconstantine.


LOST AND FOUND

With recent increases in attendance at the church, we have once again begun collecting forgotten possessions. Hats, umbrellas, masks, toys, and more are filling our unclaimed basket. Please, contact the office if you think we might have something of yours!


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Grave Tone

By your cross you destroyed death, and opened paradise to the thief. You transformed the sorrow of the Myrrh-bearers, and commanded the apostles to proclaim that you have risen from the dead, Christ our God, granting to the world great mercy.

Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Cross Press


Apolytikion for the Church in the Plagal 4th Tone

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)


Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal 2nd Tone

O Master, Prudence, Guide of Wisdom, Instruction to the foolish and Defender of the poor, strengthen my heart and grant it discernment. Give me words, Word of the Father, for behold, I shall not keep my lips from crying out to You, "O Merciful One, have mercy on me who has fallen."

Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Narthex Press


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