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Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral
Publish Date: 2021-07-25
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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

July 25, 2021

07/25/2021

FIFTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW
MATINS:               8:15 a.m.
LITURGY:             9:30 a.m.
     PROSFORA:     Maria Sikoutris
     PANGARI:        Team B: Marguarite Stephanopoulos, Jason Berry, Costa Sarris
     EPISTLE:          Galatians 4:22-27 
     GOSPEL:          Matthew 8:28-34; 9:1 
                               (GREEK TEXT p.102, black book)
    COFFEE HOUR: hosted by St. Macrina Bible Study
    40 DAY MEMORIAL: for Dr. Earnest Poulos

STREAMING SERVICE:         youtube.com/stsconstantine

 


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Fifth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:13-35

At that time, two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but him they did not see." And he said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?" And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. 4th Tone. Psalm 67.35,26.
God is wonderful among his saints.
Verse: Bless God in the congregations.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 4:22-27.

Brethren, Abraham had two sons, one by a slave and one by a free woman. But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, the son of the free woman through promise. Now this is an allegory: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. For it is written, "Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and shout, you who are not in travail; for the children of the desolate one are many more than the children of her that is married."


Gospel Reading

5th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 8:28-34; 9:1

At that time, when Jesus came to the country of the Gergesenes, two demoniacs met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one would pass that way. And behold, they cried out, "What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?" Now a herd of many swine was feeding at some distance from them. And the demons begged him, "If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of swine." And he said to them, "Go." So they came out and went into the swine; and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and perished in the waters. The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, and what had happened to the demoniacs. And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighborhood. And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

Now, should any one say, "And wherefore did Christ fulfill the devils' request, suffering them to depart into the herd of swine?" this would be our reply, that He did so, not as yielding to them, but as providing for many objects thereby.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 28 on Matthew 8, 4th Century

One, to teach them that are delivered from those wicked tyrants, how great the malice of their insidious enemies: another, that all might learn, how not even against swine are they bold, except He allow them; a third, that they would have treated those men more grievously than the swine, unless even in their calamity they had enjoyed much of God's providential care. For that they hate us more than the brutes is surely evident to every man.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 28 on Matthew 8, 4th Century

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This Week

THIS COMING WEEK

Mon, July 26th     - 8:30 a.m. -  Festival baking: Koulourakia 
                             - 7:30 p.m.  - Gamblers Anonymous
Tues, July 27th    9:30 a.m. - Liturgy (St. Panteleimon)
Weds, July 28th   9:30 a.m. - Liturgy (St. Irene Chrysovalantou)
Sat, July 24th      - 5:00 p.m. - Vespers
Sun, July 25th     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 July 25:

Electronic Version of Divine Liturgy on July 25:


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.


FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We are excited to bring back our great Greek Festival – Live and in-person, with music & dancing. We are anxious to get back to normal and celebrate as a church and community. We look forward to a good and safe summer, and hope our festival adds to a healthy return to life as we knew it. 

The Festival will be held Thursday, August 19th thru Sunday, August 22nd. 

To make this all happen, we will need volunteers to fill over 600 shifts throughout the weekend. We ask that you find the time to volunteer with at least one shift, if not several.

Please be generous with your time!


You can sign up to volunteer three ways:

  • on line with SignUp Genius:

            Go to stsconstantine.com. Click on Volunteer for the Festival

  • in Church:

            on sheets in the Cathedral Center or on the bulletin boards

  • contact Marguarite Stephanopoulos

            at mstephanopoulos1@gmail.com or 917-459-7533.


DANCE PRACTICE

Practices for our Senior Hellenic Dancers are on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 6:00-7:30 pm. 


Tithe.ly Giving App

Tithe.ly is an online giving tool that makes it simple to safely/securely give to our church anywhere at any time. You can download the Tithe.ly giving app onto your phone, or click the green "Give Now" button on the church website. Your gift goes directly to the church. Plus, you can track all your gifts, setup recurring donations, and more!


COFFEE HOSTS WANTED

We appreciate the response to our call for coffee hour hosts! However, there are still upcoming open dates:

  • Sept 5th
  • Sept 12th
  • Sept 26th
  • Oct 17th
  • Oct 24th (and beyond)

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


PHILOPTOCHOS

To become a Philoptochos member or renew your old membership, you can pick up a form in the office or visit the website: stsconstantine.com/ministries/philoptochos/ 

For more updates on the work of Philoptochos, you can visit the Saints Constantine & Helen Philoptochos Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/375405554026.


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)  St. Innocent Church in Olmsted Falls will be hosting a regional young adult event (ages 21 - 35ish) on Saturday, August 28th, from 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mother Magdalena will be speaking on "Healthy Relationships in a Broken World." Vespers and a meal will follow.  

3)  New altar boys are being accepted this fall. Boys must

1) be 10 years old or older,

2) willing to commit to regular attendance and

3) attend an orientation on Saturday, Sept 18th from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Names should be given to Ted Cherpas (tcherpas@stsconstantine.com) by September 15th.

4) St. Elias Church in Akron will be hosting a regional young adult event (ages 21 - 35ish) on Saturday, September 18th. Vespers will be followed by a potluck supper and a talk by a TBD guest speaker. See you then!


NEW BENCHES

The Sts. Constantine and Helen community would like to extend its thanks to the members of Scout Troop #22 and particularly the Skubas family for building and installing two new benches and barrel planters outside the Mayfield entrance to the church.


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)


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; this week’s upcoming dates are included in the bulletin calendar. Check your email or contact the Church office for the full version.


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. 
 

ASSEMBLY OF BISHOPS MENTAL HEALTH TASK FORCE

We invite all clergy and laypeople (18+) to participate in the Assembly of Bishops Mental Health Needs Assessment. The survey can be found on their websiteIt is designed to inform us in prioritizing our next steps in creating mental health resources that resonate with our faithful. Any questions may be directed to: ministries@assemblyofbishops.org.


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 4th Tone

The joyful news of your resurrection was told to the women disciples of the Lord by the angel. Having thrown off the ancestral curse, and boasting, they told the apostles: death has been vanquished, Christ our God. is risen, bestowing on the world great mercy.

Apolytikion for Dormition of St. Anna in the 4th Tone

O Godly-minded Anna, thou didst give birth unto God's pure Mother who conceived Him Who is our Life. Wherefore, thou hast now passed with joy to thy heavenly rest, wherein is the abode of them that rejoice in glory; and thou askest forgiveness of sins for them that honour thee with love, O ever-blessed one.

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 2nd Tone

We celebrate now the mem'ry of Christ's ancestors, while asking their help with faith, that we may all be saved from all manner of tribulation as we fervently cry aloud: Be thou with us, O Lord our God, Whose pleasure it was to glorify them both.
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