Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

You descended from on high, O compassionate One, and condescended to be buried for three days, so that from the passions You might set us free. Our life and resurrection, O Lord, glory be to You.

Ἐξ ὕψους κατῆλθες ὁ εὔσπλαγχνος, ταφὴν καταδέξω τριήμερον, ἵνα ἡμᾶς ἐλευθερώσῃς τῶν παθῶν. Ἡ ζωὴ καὶ ἡ Ἀνάστασις ἡμῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι.

Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Dormition in the First Mode

In giving birth you retained your virginity, and in dormition you did not forsake the world, O Theotokos. You were translated unto life, being the Mother of Life. And thus by virtue of your intercessions you deliver our souls from death.

Εν τή Γεννήσει τήν παρθενίαν εφύλαξας, έν τή Κοιμήσει τόν κόσμον ού κατέλιπες Θεοτόκε, Μετέστης πρός τήν ζωήν, μήτηρ υπάρχουσα τής ζωής, καί ταίς πρεσβείαις ταίς σαίς λυτρουμένη, εκ θανάτου τάς ψυχάς ημών.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

Neither the grave nor death could contain the Theotokos, the unshakable hope, ever vigilant in intercession and protection. As Mother of life, He who dwelt in the ever-virginal womb transposed her to life.

Τήν εν πρεσβείαις ακοίμητον Θεοτόκον, καί προστασίαις αμετάθετον ελπίδα, τάφος καί νέκρωσις ουκ εκράτησεν, ως γάρ ζωής Μητέρα, πρός τήν ζωήν μετέστησεν, ο μήτραν οικήσας αειπάρθενον.

Services and Sacraments

SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2021 – 9^TH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW

Memorial: GEORGE ATHANASIOS TSALLIS - 40 Days

Coffee Hour Sponsor

May his memory be eternal!

SERVICES THIS WEEK

We strongly encourage those who will not be attending church to participate in services through our website at https://www.stcons.org/video-streaming

Sunday, July 22th - 9^th SUNDAY OF MATTHEW – Orthros 8:45 am, Divine Liturgy 10:00 am If you wish to follow along with the text, please use the link listed below: https://www.agesinitiatives.com/dcs/public/dcs/p/s/2021/08/22/li/gr-en/se.m08.d30.li.pdf

No additional services this week.

LIGHT A CANDLE AND SAY A PRAYER: When you are not able to attend church, you can purchase a candle from our church website (home page or video-streaming page), which be lit before the following service or a service that you specify. Please give specific names, living or deceased, that you would like Father to remember in prayer. Father will light candles one hour before each service. For Sunday services, please place candle orders prior to 8:00 am Sunday morning.

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

Ryan, Anna, Patricia, Juliana, John, Lou, Paul, Zacharias, Connie, Vanessa (Vasiliki), Jake, Maegan, Irene, Michael, Barbara, Lisa, Pat, Christopher, Jonathan, Alexandra, Tracy, Dianna, Lazarus, Betty, Catherine, Susan, Evelyn, Gregg, Peter, Stella, Ann Marie, Vasilios, Carol, George, Demetri, Steve, Molly, Maria, Elizabeth, Evans, Katherine, Mike, Mary, Margaret, Angela, Connie, Bill, Carrie, Vito, Pete, Amalia, Stephanie, Lisa, Jacob, Anastasia, Rima, Kylie, Effie, Nicholas, and Maria.

Names may be added to the prayer list by request. If you would like to add someone to the prayer list, or if someone should be removed from the list, please contact the church office at stcons2@gmail.com

Saints and Feasts

August 22

9th Sunday of Matthew

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal Fourth Mode. Psalm 75.11,1.
Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 3:9-17.

Brethren, we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another man is building upon it. Let each man take care how he builds upon it. For no other foundation can any one lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any one builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw - each man's work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If any one destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and that temple you are.

Προκείμενον. Plagal Fourth Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 75.11,1.
Εὔξασθε καὶ ἀπόδοτε Κυρίῳ τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν.
Στίχ. Γνωστὸς ἐν τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ ὁ Θεός, ἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ μέγα τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Κορινθίους α' 3:9-17.

Ἀδελφοί, Θεοῦ γάρ ἐσμεν συνεργοί· θεοῦ γεώργιον, θεοῦ οἰκοδομή ἐστε. Κατὰ τὴν χάριν τοῦ θεοῦ τὴν δοθεῖσάν μοι, ὡς σοφὸς ἀρχιτέκτων θεμέλιον τέθεικα, ἄλλος δὲ ἐποικοδομεῖ. Ἕκαστος δὲ βλεπέτω πῶς ἐποικοδομεῖ. Θεμέλιον γὰρ ἄλλον οὐδεὶς δύναται θεῖναι παρὰ τὸν κείμενον, ὅς ἐστιν Ἰησοῦς Χριστός. Εἰ δέ τις ἐποικοδομεῖ ἐπὶ τὸν θεμέλιον τοῦτον χρυσόν, ἄργυρον, λίθους τιμίους, ξύλα, χόρτον, καλάμην, ἑκάστου τὸ ἔργον φανερὸν γενήσεται· ἡ γὰρ ἡμέρα δηλώσει, ὅτι ἐν πυρὶ ἀποκαλύπτεται· καὶ ἑκάστου τὸ ἔργον ὁποῖόν ἐστιν τὸ πῦρ δοκιμάσει. Εἴ τινος τὸ ἔργον μένει ὃ ἐποικοδόμησεν, μισθὸν λήψεται. Εἴ τινος τὸ ἔργον κατακαήσεται, ζημιωθήσεται· αὐτὸς δὲ σωθήσεται, οὕτως δὲ ὡς διὰ πυρός. Οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ναὸς θεοῦ ἐστε, καὶ τὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ θεοῦ οἰκεῖ ἐν ὑμῖν; Εἴ τις τὸν ναὸν τοῦ θεοῦ φθείρει, φθερεῖ τοῦτον ὁ θεός· ὁ γὰρ ναὸς τοῦ θεοῦ ἅγιός ἐστιν, οἵτινές ἐστε ὑμεῖς.

Gospel Reading

9th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 14:22-34

At that time, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. But immediately he spoke to them, saying "Take heart, it is I; have no fear."

And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they entered the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret.

9th Sunday of Matthew
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 14:22-34

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἠνάγκασεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς τοὺς μαθητὰς ἐμβῆναι εἰς τὸ πλοῖον καὶ προάγειν αὐτὸν εἰς τὸ πέραν, ἕως οὗ ἀπολύσῃ τοὺς ὄχλους. Καὶ ἀπολύσας τοὺς ὄχλους ἀνέβη εἰς τὸ ὄρος κατ᾽ ἰδίαν προσεύξασθαι. ὀψίας δὲ γενομένης μόνος ἦν ἐκεῖ. Τὸ δὲ πλοῖον ἤδη σταδίους πολλοὺς ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς ἀπεῖχεν, βασανιζόμενον ὑπὸ τῶν κυμάτων, ἦν γὰρ ἐναντίος ὁ ἄνεμος. Τετάρτῃ δὲ φυλακῇ τῆς νυκτὸς ἦλθεν πρὸς αὐτοὺς περιπατῶν ἐπὶ τὴν θάλασσαν. Οἱ δὲ μαθηταὶ ἰδόντες αὐτὸν ἐπὶ τῆς θαλάσσης περιπατοῦντα ἐταράχθησαν λέγοντες ὅτι Φάντασμά ἐστιν, καὶ ἀπὸ τοῦ φόβου ἔκραξαν. Εὐθὺς δὲ ἐλάλησεν [ὁ ᾽Ιησοῦς] αὐτοῖς λέγων, Θαρσεῖτε, ἐγώ εἰμι· μὴ φοβεῖσθε. Ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ αὐτῷ ὁ Πέτρος εἶπεν, Κύριε, εἰ σὺ εἶ, κέλευσόν με ἐλθεῖν πρὸς σὲ ἐπὶ τὰ ὕδατα· ὁ δὲ εἶπεν, ᾽Ελθέ. καὶ καταβὰς ἀπὸ τοῦ πλοίου ὁ Πέτρος περιεπάτησεν ἐπὶ τὰ ὕδατα καὶ ἦλθεν πρὸς τὸν ᾽Ιησοῦν. Βλέπων δὲ τὸν ἄνεμον ἐφοβήθη, καὶ ἀρξάμενος καταποντίζεσθαι ἔκραξεν λέγων, Κύριε, σῶσόν με. Εὐθέως δὲ ὁ ᾽Ιησοῦς ἐκτείνας τὴν χεῖρα ἐπελάβετο αὐτοῦ καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ, ᾽Ολιγόπιστε, εἰς τί ἐδίστασας; καὶ ἀναβάντων αὐτῶν εἰς τὸ πλοῖον ἐκόπασεν ὁ ἄνεμος. Οἱ δὲ ἐν τῷ πλοίῳ προσεκύνησαν αὐτῷ λέγοντες, ᾽Αληθῶς Θεοῦ υἱὸς εἶ. Καὶ διαπεράσαντες ἦλθον ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν εἰς Γεννησαρέτ.

Parish News and Updates

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

PARISH FAMILY “HAPPY TO SEE YOU!” BRUNCH: Let’s start the new Ecclesiastical year together on Sunday, September 12th! Join us in the Hellenic Cultural after the Divine Liturgy for Brunch with Chicken and Waffles, Tater-tot Bar, and Ice Cream Sundaes!!! No reserved seating, Donations for St. Cons’ Children’s Ministries are welcome.

FIRST DAY OF SUNDAY SCHOOL! Our Sunday School program will kick off on September 12^th! Online registrations are open now. Please register your children , ages 4 – 18, online at: https://forms.gle/4KzidE8L32BoPFGJ9 Classes will be in person at the church for the first time since March 2020, and our Sunday School team all excited to be getting back together. Please plan to involve your children in our Sunday School program. We are also in need of parent or other adult volunteers – if you are interested in helping out, please contact Frances at fmarinos@comcast.net

CHOIR NEWS: Our Choir will begin regular rehearsals starting Wednesday, September 1^st at 7:00 pm, and will begin singing for Divine Liturgy services on Sunday, September 12^th. Those interested in joining, should contact Choir Director Maritsa Kalasz at madiaskalasz@gmail.com. The annual Choir picnic will be held on Saturday, August 29^th. Choir members please reach out to Maritsa and let her know what you dish, etc. you will be bringing to share.

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MEETING: This Wednesday, August 23, at 7:00 pm, on the ZOOM platform. Zoom link is: https://zoom.us/j/7345256789, Meeting ID: 734 525 6789 If you have trouble connecting, or are in need of more information, contact: stcons2@gmail.com

ADULT BIBLE STUDY: Our Adult Bible Study will begin meeting on Tuesday evenings, starting Tuesday, September 14^th. We are planning to continue meeting virtually on the ZOOM platform. If you would like to stay informed about Bible Study activity, contact the church office at 734.525.6789.

GOLF OUTING: Please join the St. Cons. Men’s Club for their 9^th Annual John Koinis Feed the Needy Golf Outing. The Outing and Banquet will be held at 9:00 A.M. on September 11, 2021 at Fellows Creek Golf Club in Canton. Last year the Feed the Needy Program provided Thanksgiving dinners to 118 needy families and 314 individuals in Westland and Livonia. Funds also help support several St. Cons. Church related events. If you need sponsorship or registration information contact Jeff Zeh at (484) 868-8736 or at jzeh@comcast.net. Registration and sponsor forms are also available at the Church Office.

NEWS AND NOTICES

ICONOGRAPHY – WE CAN MEET THE CHALLENGE! Saints Constantine and Helen has received a $25,000 Challenge Match grant from the AHEPA Omega Detroit Chapter 371! At this time, all icons for Phase One of our Iconography project have received sponsorship commitments, but we are still in need of general donations of any amount to complete our project fundraising. All donations the church receives, up to $25,000 will be matched dollar for dollar by AHEPA. These donations provide support for Icon installation, travel, and other associated project fees. Help us meet the AHEPA Iconography challenge with a donation of any amount, today. Please put “Iconography Match” on the memo line of your contribution check.

SUMMER SURVIVAL BOARD: Many thanks to those who have already contributed to our Summer Survival board! Saints Constantine and Helen has received $15,500 in donations and pledges. If you have pledged to contribute by writing your name on the Summer Survival board, please be sure to complete your pledge donation before the end of August. We appreciate your support!

NATIVITY GREEK FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER NEEDS: Nativity has asked us to help with their festival. They were a big help to us during our first festival and we should support them if we can. The specific jobs and times are below. If you can volunteer for one of these, please reach out directly to Georgia at Nativity (georgiardh@sbcglobal.net)

Friday, August 27 from 4 pm to 9 pm in our parking lot (1 person – male)
Saturday, August 28 from 3 to 9 in the parking lot (1 person – male)
Sunday, August 29 from 1 to 5 in the parking lot (1 person – male)
Thursday, August 26 6 pm until 10 pm in the dining room washing trays and cleaning tables.
Friday, August 27 from 5 until 10 pm In the dining room cleaning tables and washing trays.
Saturday, August 28 from 11 am until 4 pm in the dining room cleaning tables and washing trays.
Sunday, August 29 1 pm until 7 pm in the dining room washing trays and cleaning tables.
Sunday the 29th starting at 6 pm – tearing down

GREECE WILDFIRE RELIEF FUND: As you are most likely aware, Greece is currently being ravaged by wildfires. The Archdiocese has set up a fund to provide aid. If you would like to make a donation, there is a link below. There will be a special collection tray at the Sunday Divine Liturgy service as well, the same day on which we celebrate the feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos.
GOARCH donation page:
https://www.goarch.org/greecefiresdonate
Youtube video:
https://youtu.be/MlN-5lmFJK0
GoFundMe donation page:
https://gofund.me/291b0813

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: During the month of August, church office hours will be reduced. If you need to visit the office, please call first to be sure that the building is open. Phone messages and emails will be monitored, so please leave a message, and we will get back with you as soon as possible. As always, if there is an urgent need or emergency situation, call Fr. Teodor on his cell at 248.330.3177.

ST CONS GREEK FESTIVAL COMMITTEE: Our indoor Greek Festival will be back in February of 2022 – better than ever! We are putting together the event planning committee now, and we need you! If you are interested in helping to plan and organize the Saints Constantine and Helen GREEKFEST 2022, please contact Mark Chuey at markchuey@aol.com

MEMORIAL SERVICES: Koliva that has been prepared for memorial services can now be distributed to parishioners at the end of service. We are also again able to accept Coffee Hour Sponsors, for those having a memorial or other special day in church. Requested sponsorship donation is $150, and the HCC will set up a table with cloth and coffee, etc. for your family. Paximadia and koulourakia may also be distributed at the coffee hour. Please call the church office to schedule memorials and coffee hour sponsorships in a timely manner so we can include the information in the bulletin. On the day of the service, please bring a list of family names you would like Father to remember in prayer.

REMEMBER THE CHURCH IN YOUR WILL: You’ve supported the church your whole life, remembering us in your estate plan will help the church when you’re gone. Consult your estate planner or contact the Church office for information. We are grateful to our parishioners who have left bequests to the church in the last few years: Thomas Goffas, Irene Barbas, Anthony Keros, Kris Merikas, John and Alice Koinis, Joan Keker, Katherine Socol, Ted and Demetra Monolidis, Zoe Kokenakes, Peter and Eileen Lekas. Their loving legacy made a big difference! May their memory be eternal.

Non-Orthodox Visitors Please Note: Holy Communion is offered to Orthodox Christians who have properly prepared themselves. Visitors are welcome to receive the Antidoron (Blessed Bread), which is distributed at the end of the Divine Liturgy.

Wisdom of the Fathers

So absolutely nothing does it avail to be near Christ, if not being near Him by faith .... Signifying therefore that not the assault of the wind, but his want of faith had wrought his overthrow, He said, "Wherefore did you doubt, O you of little faith?"

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 50 on Matthew 14, 4th Century

So that if his faith had not been weak, he would have stood easily against the wind also. And for this reason, you see, even when He had caught hold of Him, He suffers the wind to blow, showing that no hurt comes thereby, when faith is steadfast.