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Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral
Publish Date: 2021-06-06
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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

June 6, 2021

06/06/2021

SUNDAY OF THE BLIND MAN

MATINS:                8:15 am
LITURGY:              9:30 a.m.
     PROSFORA:     Paula Kappos
     PANGARI:        Team C: Costa Tsatiris, George Stamatis, Bill Chevako 
     EPISTLE:          Acts 16:16-34 
     GOSPEL:          John 9:1-38 (GREEK TEXT p. 78, black book)


 


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Eighth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:11-18

At that time, Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him." Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, "Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God." Mary Magdalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that He had said these things to her.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal 1st Tone. Psalm 11.7,1.
You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.

The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 16:16-34.

IN THOSE DAYS, as we apostles were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by soothsaying. She followed Paul and us, crying, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation." And this she did for many days. But Paul was annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, "I charge you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out that very hour. But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the market place before the rulers; and when they had brought them to the magistrates they said, "These men are Jews and they are disturbing our city. They advocate customs which it is not lawful for us Romans to accept or practice." The crowd joined in attacking them; and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely. Having received this charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and every one's fetters were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here." And he called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out and said, "Men, what must I do to be saved?" And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their wounds, and he was baptized at once, with all his family. Then he brought them up into his house, and set food before them; and he rejoiced with all his household that he had believed in God.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Blind Man
The Reading is from John 9:1-38

At that time, as Jesus passed by, he saw a man blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him. We must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day; night comes, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." As he said this, he spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man's eyes with the clay, saying to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar, said, "Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?" Some said, "It is he"; others said, "No, but he is like him." He said, "I am the man." They said to him, "Then how were your eyes opened?" He answered, "The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, 'Go to Siloam and wash'; so I went and washed and received my sight." They said to him, "Where is he?" He said, "I do not know."

They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. The Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, "He put clay on my eyes and I washed, and I see." Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the sabbath." But others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?" There was a division among them. So they again said to the blind man, "What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?" He said, "He is a prophet."

The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight, and asked them, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?" His parents answered, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age, he will speak for himself." His parents said this because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess him to be Christ he was to be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, "He is of age, ask him."

So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, "Give God the praise; we know that this man is a sinner." He answered, "Whether he is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I know, that though I was blind, now I see." They said to him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" He answered them, "I have told you already and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you too want to become his disciples?" And they reviled him, saying, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from." The man answered, "Why, this is a marvel! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." They answered him, "You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?" And they cast him out.

Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, "Do you believe in the Son of man?" He answered, "And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?" Jesus said to him, "You have seen him, and it is he who speaks to you." He said, "Lord, I believe"; and he worshiped him.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

The work of God is, after all, the forming of man. He did this by an outward action, as Scripture says, 'And the Lord took clay from earth, and formed man.' Notice here too how the Lord spit on the earth, and made clay and smeared it on his eyes, showing how the ancient creation was made. He was making clear to those who can understand, that this was the [same] hand of God through which man was formed from clay.
St. Irenaeus
Against Heresies. 5.15.2. Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol: John 1-10. Intervarsity Press, 2006, p. 324.

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This Week

THIS COMING WEEK

Mon, June 7th     - Vacation Church School begins
                            - 7:30 p.m.  - Gamblers Anonymous
Thurs, June 10th - 9:30 a.m.  - Liturgy: Ascension
Fri,  June 11th     - 9:30 a.m. - Liturgy: St. Luke the Physician 
                            - 7:30 p.m.  - Gamblers Anonymous 
Sat, June 12th     - 5:00 p.m. - Vespers
Sun, June 13th    - 8:15 a.m. - Matins
                            - 9:30 a.m. - Liturgy 


NEW POLICIES AT CHURCH

We are delighted to announce that the conditions are improving and restrictions in the Cathedral are being lifted. 
 
As far as worship is concerned, we are required to provide safe space in the church for parishioners who are not yet vaccinated or otherwise immunocompromised. For now, those spaces will be the four pews in the back of the church on the right side (near the icon of Christ blessing the children) and the balcony. In these two areas, parishioners should wear masks and be socially distanced. In the rest of the church, there are no restrictions. 
 
For the time being, Holy Communion will be offered as it has been for the last year- the faithful are asked to not close their mouth on the spoon. 
 
Below is a link to the official announcement of His Eminence Metropolitan Savas. 
 
St. John Chrysostom used to say, “Glory to God in all things.” We say, “Amen.”
 

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.


LIVE STREAMING SERVICE

We thank you for your patience while we deal with technical issues impacting the live streaming of our services. The service is now working. Please visit, subscribe, & bookmark our channel at YouTube.com/stsconstantine.


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 June 6:

Electronic Version of Divine Liturgy on June 6:


ST. HERMAN HOUSE ON-LINE AUCTION

The St. Herman House On-Line Auction begins Sunday, June 6th at 8:00 am, closes Monday, June 14 at 9:00 pm, and is open to everyone. Many exciting prizes including vacation homes, boat rides, restaurants, desserts, golf foursomes and much more.  To view the auction items and place a bid, please visit:

https://www.32auctions.com/StHermansGolfClassic2021


2021 GREEK FESTIVAL

We have decided to bring back our great Greek Festival – Live and in-person, with music & dancing. Most of your favorites will be back as you’ve come to know them., from August 19th-22nd. There will be a few modifications, to avoid crowding:
·  No activities in the Fellowship Hall or upstairs, except Dining Room
·  No flea market.
The baking schedule is out now; check your email or contact the Church office if you didn't get one.


FAITH IN ACTION - Upcoming Activities

Bible Study

Online Bible Study sessions are currently being scheduled. If you are interested in an invite, or for current dates and topics, please email dtsengas@yahoo.com.

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Prayer Team

We will be holding prayer sessions every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday of each week at 8:30pm (EST) for all those who are able to participate. Dean Tsengas will be leading the evening prayer sessions on Zoom. Contact him at dtsengas@yahoo.com for the Zoom link.

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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)


ST HERMAN'S FUNDRAISER

ST. HERMAN HOUSE
GOLF CLASSIC


The St. Herman's Golf Classic is back! The 8th Annual St. Herman Golf Classic will take place Monday, June 14th at the Tanglewood Club. If you would like to play and/or be a sponsor, please contact Dick Warren (216-287-6886) or sign up electronically at www.sainthermans.org/golf. Details are on the bulletin board. 


GOYA / YOUNG ADULT ACTIVITIES

1)  GOYA is joining FOCUS for its annual backpack drive. You can participate by volunteering to fill a backpack for a less fortunate student right here in Cleveland! The packing list includes items like pencils, folders, and index cards. The deadline to have everything collected is Saturday, July 31st. Please see Ted to get involved or with any questions.

2) All young adults (ages 21 - 35ish) are invited to a potluck fellowship at Annunciation, Akron on Friday, June 18th @ 6:00 p.m. Participants are asked to bring a fasting-friendly dish to share. Fr. Nicholas Manuel will lead a discussion on how technology has affected us during the pandemic. RSVP to Fr. Nick at nmanuel@annunciationakron.org

3) Orthodoxy on Tap will have its next young adult event (ages 21 - 35ish) on Friday, June 25th @ 7:00 p.m. This will be an in-person event at the Kiwanis Pavilion (6363 Selig Dr, Independence). Our guest speaker is still TBA, but kindly RSVP by Wednesday, June 23rd to gorealcleveland@gmail.com.

4) OCF (college student ministry) will have its 1st "summer meeting" on Thursday, July 1st @ 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. This will be an opportunity for us to reconnect at a time when few people are on campus and we don't normally see each other.  Contact Ted for the link to join the call.


ORTHODOX EDUCATION UPDATED NEWS

GRADUATION LUNCHEON

Thank you very much to Maro and Jimmy Sarris' Freshly's Restaurant for catering and bringing delicious food to the Orthodox Education Graduation Luncheon last Sunday.

Upcoming Class Events:

Mon, June 7th  - Vacation Church School begins

Contact Maria at orthodox_education@stsconstantine.com with any questions or comments.


COFFEE HOSTS WANTED

God willing and with your help, the Sunday coffee hours will continue. The socialization that goes with coffee hours has been missed. However, willing hosts for the coffee hours are needed for most of June, all of July and August - and beyond!

Please call the church office or write to office@stsconstantine.com to volunteer. All local regulations regarding food service must be respected.


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Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion of Great and Holy Pascha in the Plagal 1st Tone

Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life.

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

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 4th Tone

Though You went down into the tomb, You destroyed Hades' power, and You rose the victor, Christ God, saying to the myrrh-bearing women, "Hail!" and granting peace to Your disciples, You who raise up the fallen.
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