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Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral
Publish Date: 2021-09-05
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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


Contact Information




Past Bulletins


Today

Sept 5, 2021

09/05/2021

ELEVENTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW

MATINS:                       - 8:15 a.m.
LITURGY:                     - 9:30 a.m.
               PROSFORA:   Sia Papouras
               PANGARI:      Team D: George E Loucas, Clay White, Gus Kallergis
               EPISTLE:        I Corinthians 9:2-12
               GOSPEL:        Matthew 18:23-35
               MEMORIAL:   8 year Memorial: Gus Nicoluzakis
               COFFEE HOUR 
will be held in the Fellowship Hall downstairs

STREAMING SERVICE:         youtube.com/stsconstantine


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Eleventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:14-25

At that time, Jesus revealed himself to his disciples after he was raised from the dead, and he said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go." (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, "Follow me."

Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!" So, the word went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die; but Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?" This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. 2nd Tone. Psalm 117.14,18.
The Lord is my strength and my song.
Verse: The Lord has chastened me sorely.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 9:2-12.

Brethren, you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. This is my defense to those who would examine me. Do we not have the right to our food and drink? Do we not have the right to be accompanied by a wife, as the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? Do I say this on human authority? Does not the law say the same? For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain." Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of a share in the crop. If we have sown spiritual good among you, is it too much if we reap your material benefits? If others share this rightful claim upon you, do not we still more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.


Gospel Reading

11th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 18:23-35

The Lord said this parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, 'Pay what you owe.' So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his lord delivered him to the torturers, till he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."


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Wisdom of the Fathers

When then you are minded to be revengeful, consider that against yourself are you revengeful, not against another; that you art binding up your own sins, not your neighbors ....
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 61 on Matthew 18, 4th Century

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This Week

THIS COMING WEEK

Mon, Sept 6th     - OFFICE CLOSED: Labor Day
                           -  7:30 p.m.  - Gamblers Anonymous
Weds, Sept 8th   - 9:30 a.m. - Liturgy (Nativity of Theotokos)
Sat, Sept 11th     - 5:00 p.m.   - Vespers
Sun, Sept 12th    8:15 a.m. - Matins
                            - 9:30 a.m. - Liturgy
                            - 10:45 a.m. - 40day Memorial: Dr Marinos Hionis
                            - 11:00 a.m. - Philoptochos Officers Oath


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 Sept 5th:

Electronic Version of Divine Liturgy on Sept 5th:


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.


SAXONBURG MONASTERY

On Saturday, Sept. 11, the Monastery of the Nativity of the Theotokos will honor its feast day with a service beginning at 9:00 AM. Anyone wishing to car pool to the celebration may contact Fr. Stephen at frstephen@stsconstantine.com or 216-932-3300 x6. 


NEW POLICIES AT CHURCH

Our updated attendance rules state that masks are recommended indoors. We are required to provide safe space in the church for parishioners who are more cautious. 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).

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. 

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!


FESTIVAL THANK YOU!

THANK YOU!


It was wonderful to have our live Festival back and the positive feedback from the general public was overwhelming.  We are incredibly grateful and would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who participated.

We did exceptionally well, grossing $299,000.  This was accomplished thru the generous help and support of our church community. Together, we made it the success that it was. Opa!


COFFEE HOSTS WANTED

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

  • Sept 26th (no memorials this day)
  • Oct 17th
  • Oct 24th
  • Nov 7th  (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

Philoptochos is holding a Sock and Belt Drive. All donations of socks and belts will help the children of Fairfax School.  Please place all items in the donation bin as you walk in the church and have all donations in by October 1, 2021. Thank you!

  

Save the New Date!

  • Oct. 14th Philoptochos annual Hearts and Wallets

Due to a conflict, we are pushing the date of our Hearts and Wallets Fundraiser back by two weeks. Please update your calendars accordingly.

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)  Our annual GOYA kickoff party will take place on Sunday, September 12th from 3:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. The Comber Family will host us, and we'll have plenty of food, friends, and fun! We will also discuss our plans and ideas for the upcoming year of GOYA. Kindly RSVP to Ted by Wed, Sept 8th

2)  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.

3)  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  with a talk by Fr. Nicholas Halkias of Holy Trinity, Canton. See you then!

4) The Metropolis is launching a new HOPE/JOY (kindergarten - 6th grade) ministry: The Parable Program!"Starting September 1...parishes will receive a video containing a lesson on a parable and a step-by-step explanation and demonstration on a craft project that ties into the parable." Interested families may contact Ted to get involved.

5) YES North America is hosting a special series for youth ages 16 -25 entitled "Let Yourself Be Interrupted." The group will meet via Zoom from 8pm - 9pm on the following Tuesdays: September 14th, 21st, and 28th. Each week will feature a different reflection and small discussion groups. To participate, you must register by Sunday, September 12th. Contact Ted for the link to get signed up.


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.


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)


HOME ASSISTANCE NEEDED

We have had a couple of inquiries lately looking for someone to provide home assistance for senior parishioners. If you are able to assist, or know of someone who might be suitable, please contact the office at (216) 932-3300 or by email to office@stsconstantine.com.


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 2nd Tone

When you descended into death, O life immortal, you destroyed Hades with the splendor of your divinity, and when you raised the dead from the depths of darkness, all the heavenly powers shouted: O giver of life, Christ our God, glory to you.

Apolytikion for Zacharias the Prophet in the 4th Tone

In the vesture of a priest, according to the Law of God, thou didst offer unto Him well-pleasing whole-burnt offerings, as it befitted a priest, O wise Zacharias. Thou wast a shining light, a seer of mysteries, bearing in thyself clearly the signs of grace; and in God's temple, O wise Prophet of Christ God, thou wast slain with the sword. Hence, with the Forerunner, make entreaty that our souls find salvation.

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

In your holy birth, Immaculate One, Joachim and Anna were rid of the shame of childlessness; Adam and Eve of the corruption of death. And so your people, free of the guilt of their sins, celebrate crying: "The barren one gives birth to the Theotokos, who nourishes our life."
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