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Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral
Publish Date: 2021-08-01
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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

Aug 1, 2021

08/01/2021

SIXTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW
MATINS:               8:15 a.m.
LITURGY:             9:30 a.m.
     PANGARI:        Team C: Costa Tsatiris, George Stamatis, Bill Chevako
     EPISTLE:         Romans 12:6-14 
     GOSPEL:          Matthew 9:1-8 
                               (GREEK TEXT p.104, black book)
    COFFEE HOUR: Hosted by Dena Magoulias
    MEMORIAL: Dr. Marinos Hionis

STREAMING SERVICE:         youtube.com/stsconstantine

 


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Sixth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:36-53

At that time, Jesus, having risen from the dead, stood in the midst of his disciples and said to them, "Peace to you." But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit. And he said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? See my hands and feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have." And when he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate before them.

Then he said to them, "These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled. Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city, until you are clothed with power from on high."

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and they returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.


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 St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 12:6-14.

Brethren, having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.


Gospel Reading

6th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 9:1-8

At that time, getting into a boat Jesus crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, they brought to him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say 'Rise and walk?' But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" he then said to the paralytic -- "Rise, take up your bed and go home." And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

He puts an end to the woman's fear ... He sets her right, in respect of her thinking to be hid ... He exhibits her faith to all, so as to provoke the rest also to emulation ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 31 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

In this case indeed He discloses also another sign, and that no small one, of His own Godhead, and of His equality in honor with the Father. For whereas they said, "To unbind sins pertains to God only," He not only unbinds sins, but also before this He makes another kind of display in a thing which pertained to God only; the publishing the secrets in the heart. For neither had they uttered what they were thinking.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

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This Week

THIS COMING WEEK

Mon, Aug 2nd      - 8:30 a.m. -  Festival baking: Koulourakia 
                            - 7:00 p.m. - Supplication Service                              -                                 - 7:30 p.m.  - Gamblers Anonymous
Weds, Aug 4th     7:00 p.m. - Supplication Service
Fri, Aug 6th         - 9:30 a.m. - Liturgy (Transfiguration)
Sat, Aug 7th        - 5:00 p.m. - Vespers
Sun, Aug 8th        - 8:15 a.m. - Matins
                             - 9:30 a.m. - Liturgy
                             - 10:45 a.m. - 6 yr Memorial: Caryn Cherpas


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 Aug 1:

Electronic Version of Divine Liturgy on Aug 1:


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

ARE YOU ONE OF THE 42?


So far, only 42 parishioners have signed up to work at the festival. If you are one of the 42, thank you. If you have not signed up, could you please do so soon? You can sign up at stsconstantine.com by clicking on Volunteer for the Festival, or on the sign up sheets at Church. We need volunteers for over 300 shifts. Please don't wait to be asked. This is OUR festival, so
WE ALL need to volunteer.

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 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.


GOYA / YOUNG ADULT ACTIVITIES

1)  Online registration for all 2021-2022 youth ministry programs (HOPE/JOY, GOYA, young adults) will go live on Monday, August 2nd. Families interested in participating are encouraged to sign up to receive communications for the next ministry/school year. Contact Ted for the links or with any questions. Register by Sunday, September 5th.

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!


ORTHODOX EDUCATION UPDATED NEWS

Upcoming Events:

Sunday, September 12th will be in-person registration for both Greek School and Orthodox Education classes. New registrants for preschool, please register by this date. Registration forms will be sent out soon.

Sunday, September 19th will be the first day of Orthodox Education in-person classes.

Saturday, September 25th will be the first day of Greek School classes for 1st-6th grades at 10 am. The following Saturday, the Preschool/Kindergarten Greek classes will begin at 9am - 10 am. If there are any questions, please email Maria Sikoutris at orthodox_education@stsconstantine.com.


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. 
 

2021 METROPOLIS ASSEMBLY

Our 2021 Metropolis Clergy-Laity, Philoptochos, and Youth Worker Assembly will take place September 23-25, 2021 hosted by St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church of Canton, Ohio.

To register for the event, visit: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?
llr=bq6isscab&oeidk=a07eibf3f4vd717096c

Please register as soon as possible, before September 16. Your registration is separate from reserving your loding for the Assembly.

Lodging is available via the Hampton Inn & Suites and Home2Suites Canton.


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.


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.


UGANDAN CHILDREN'S FUND

A Good Night for a Good Cause will be held in support of the St. Nicholas Uganda Children's Fund from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 12, 2021, at

St. Nicholas Orthodox Church
9650 Johnnycake Ridge Rd.
Mentor, OH 44060

Please join us at a Silent Auction to raise money to provide for the education, health, and welfare of Ugandan children, teens, and young adults. Bidding ends at 8:00p.m. Handmade Ugandan Crafts will be available for purchase.  Questions? Call Peggy: 440 255-0071 or visit www.Ugandachildrensfund.org


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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

Apolytikion for Proodos of the Holy Cross in the 1st Tone

Save, O Lord, Thy people and bless Thine inheritance; grant Thou unto the faithful victory over adversaries. And by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve Thy commonwealth.

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 4th Tone

Lifted up on the Cross by Your free will, Christ God, grant mercies to the new commonwealth that bears Your name. Gladden our faithful rulers by Your power, giving them victories over their adversaries. May Your alliance be for them a weapon for peace, an invincible standard.
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