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Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral
Publish Date: 2021-12-26
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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

Dec 26, 2021

12/26/2021

SUNDAY AFTER NATIVITY
MATINS:                             - 8:15 a.m.
LITURGY:                            - 9:30 a.m.
               ACOLYTES:          ALL
              PROSFORA:          Cynthia Asimakopoulos
               PANGARI:           Team D: George E Loucas, Clay White, Gus Kallergis
               EPISTLE:            Galatians 1:11-19
               GOSPEL:             Matthew 2:13-23
               GREEK TEXT:       p. 214
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 1:11-19.

Brethren, I would have you know that the gospel which was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother.


Gospel Reading

Sunday after Nativity
The Reading is from Matthew 2:13-23

When the wise men departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." And he rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, "Out of Egypt have I called my son."

Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: "A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more." But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." And he rose and took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaos reigned over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, "He shall be called a Nazarene."


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Wisdom of the Fathers

At His birth [He] is laid in a manger, and abides in an inn, and takes a mother of low estate; teaching us to think no such thing a disgrace, and from the first outset trampling under foot the haughtiness of man, and bidding us give ourselves up to virtue only. For why do you pride yourself on your country, when I am commanding thee to be a stranger to the whole world?
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 9 on Matthew 2, 4th Century

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This Week

THIS COMING WEEK

Mon, Dec 27th     9:30 a.m. - Liturgy (St. Stephen) 
                             
- 7:30 p.m.  - Gamblers Anonymous
Sat, Jan 1st          9:30 a.m. - Liturgy (St. Basil) 
Sun, Jan 2nd        - 8:15 a.m.  - Matins
                            - 9:30 a.m.  - Liturgy 
                             
- 10:45 a.m. - Vasilopita Celebration

 


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 Dec 26th:

Electronic Version of Divine Liturgy on Dec 26th:


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.


VASILOPITA

The 2022 Vasilopita celebration will take place on Sunday January 2nd at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy. The community's Vasilopita (St. Basil's Bread) will be cut, the leaders of the various ministries in our community will receive a piece of the bread on behalf of the ministry, all the congregation will receive a piece, a collection on behalf of St. Basil's Academy will take place.

The proceeds of the Vasilopita collection go to the St. Basil's Academy in Garrison, New York. This organization serves the youth of our Archdiocese, both orphans and children from distressed families. We hope that you will support St. Basil's and honor the Vasilopita celebration by your presence.


HOUSE BLESSINGS

 By now you should have received the schedule for house blessings in 2022. 

(1) If you have pledged for the year 2021 or 2022, you will get a visit, unless you call the office to say otherwise. 
(2) No offense taken if you choose to cancel. Please take no offense that Fr. Stephen will come with a mask on. 
(3) Please call with special requests, such as "before 3:00 PM" or "after 6:30 PM." 

GOYA / YOUNG ADULT ACTIVITIES

 1) GOYA Athletics Online Registration is now online! All GOYAns, potential adult chaperones, and coaches must register with the Metropolis online to participate in the 2022 tournaments. Registration is available at pittsburgh.goarch.org. Contact Ted with any questions.

2) FOCUS is looking for young adults to participate in a new outreach program, "YAL In Your Backyard." From the website: "This National Service Project pairs local YAL chapters across the nation with FOCUS North America to provide essential toiletries and necessities to the most needy." For more information or to get involved, contact Ted.

3) Our next GOYA meeting will be Sunday, January 9th @ 11:30 a.m. This will be our last meeting before tournament season begins. See you then!

4) Camp Nazareth is now accepting applications from all young adults (ages 18+) to serve as staff for in-person summer camp 2022! The deadline to apply is Tuesday, February 8th. You can start your application process at: https://y2am.pittsburgh.goarch.org/campstaff. Questions may go to Marina Papafil, the Metropolis CMC, at: camp@pittsburgh.goarch.org.


ORTHODOX EDUCATION UPDATED NEWS

As part of our response to the Omicron variant outbreak,  Orthodox Education classes have been cancelled through January 9th. If there are any questions, about this decision please email Maria Sikoutris at  orthodox_education@stsconstantine.com.


ADULT GREEK CLASSES

Adult Greek classes are taking a  Christmas break through New Year's.  If there are any questions, please email Maria Sikoutris at orthodox_education@stsconstantine.com.


OCW WINTER MINI-RETREAT

Orthodox Christian Women presents Our Annual Winter Mini-Retreat on Saturday, January 22, 2022 from 9:30 am to Noon at St. Thomas Orthodox Church, 555 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd., Fairlawn OH 44333. Our Speaker will be Fr. Martin Johnson from Butler, PA, on the topic “Race, Life, People & Faith: Addressing the Racial Divide”. This is a free event ~~ Everyone Welcome!


COFFEE HOSTS WANTED

 Out of an abundance of caution during this most recent covid outbreak, the Parish Council has decided to cancel all coffee hours from now through Jan 16th.  However, you can still reserve dates later in the year. Please send an email to office@stsconstantine.com or call the church office to book your preferred day.


ORTHODOX FORUM

Due to scheduled community activities the Orthodox Forum will not meet again this year, please join us again in January.


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)


CHIAN CONVENTION

We are proud to announce that the 65 th National Chian Convention will be taking place in Cleveland in November 2022! In order to make this event a success, we need your help. If you are interested in volunteering for the 2022 convention, please call or text: Kelli Almiroudis 216-798-6150 or  Despina Matheos 440-309-6752


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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 Afterfeast of the Nativity in the 4th Tone

Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, hath shined the light of knowledge upon the world; for thereby they that worshipped the stars were instructed by a star to worship Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee, the Dayspring from on high. O Lord, glory be to Thee.

Apolytikion for Sun. after Nativity in the 2nd Tone

O Joseph, proclaim the wonders to David, the ancestor of God. Thou hast seen a Virgin great with child; thou hast given glory with the shepherds; thou hast worshipped with the Magi; and thou hast been instructed through an Angel. Entreat Christ God to save our souls.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 3rd Tone

On this day the Virgin beareth the Transcendent in essence; * to the Unapproachable, * the earth doth offer a small cave; * Angels join in choir with shepherds * in giving glory; * with a star the Magi travel upon their journey; * for our sakes is born a young Child, * He that existed * before the ages as God.
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