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Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral
Publish Date: 2023-05-21
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Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (216) 932-3300
  • Street Address:

  • 3352 Mayfield Road

  • Cleveland Heights, OH 44118


Contact Information




Services Schedule

SUNDAY SCHEDULE:

MATINS: 8:15 am
LITURGY: 9:30 am

SATURDAYS (subject to change):

VESPERS: 5:00 p.m.


Past Bulletins


Today

May 21, 2023

05/21/2023

SUNDAY OF THE BLIND MAN / STS CONSTANTINE AND HELEN NAMEDAY

MATINS:  8:15 a.m.
LITURGY: 9:30 a.m. 
EPISTLE: Acts 16:16-34
GOSPEL: John 9:1-38
GREEK TEXT p. 78 
TRADITION: we do not kneel in church from Pascha thru Pentecost
PASCHAL DIALOGUE: (end of Liturgy):
   Priest: Christos anesti!
     Congregation: Alithos anesti!
   Priest: Christ is Risen!
    Congregation: Truly He is Risen!
   Priest: Christos anesti!
    Congregation: Alithos anesti!
   Priest: Glory to His holy Resurrection on the third day!
    Congregation: We worship His Resurrection on the third day!
ACOLYTES: ALL
PROSFORA: Georgia Christides
PANGARI: Team D:  William Chevako, George E Loucas, Maria Misthos
MEMORIAL10:45 a.m. - 40 Day Memorial: Stanley Theodosion
NAMEDAY LUNCHEON: 11:00 a.m.

STREAMING SERVICE:   youtube.com/stsconstantine


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Eighth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:11-18

At that time, Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb, and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus has lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him." Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, "Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, "Rabboni," which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, "Do not touch Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God." Mary Magdalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and she told them that He had said these things to her.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal 4th Tone. Psalm 18.4,1.
Their voice has gone out into all the earth.
Verse: The heavens declare the glory of God.

The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 26:1, 12-20.

IN THOSE DAYS, King Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak for yourself." Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense: "I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining round me and those who journeyed with me. And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It hurts you to kick against the goads.' And I said, 'Who are you, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand upon your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you to serve and bear witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from the people and from the Gentiles-to whom I send you to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.' "Wherefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those at Damascus, then at Jerusalem and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God and perform deeds worthy of their repentance."


Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Blind Man
The Reading is from John 9:1-38

At that time, as Jesus passed by, he saw a man blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him. We must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day; night comes, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." As he said this, he spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man's eyes with the clay, saying to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar, said, "Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?" Some said, "It is he"; others said, "No, but he is like him." He said, "I am the man." They said to him, "Then how were your eyes opened?" He answered, "The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, 'Go to Siloam and wash'; so I went and washed and received my sight." They said to him, "Where is he?" He said, "I do not know."

They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. The Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, "He put clay on my eyes and I washed, and I see." Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the sabbath." But others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?" There was a division among them. So they again said to the blind man, "What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?" He said, "He is a prophet."

The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight, and asked them, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?" His parents answered, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age, he will speak for himself." His parents said this because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess him to be Christ he was to be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, "He is of age, ask him."

So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, "Give God the praise; we know that this man is a sinner." He answered, "Whether he is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I know, that though I was blind, now I see." They said to him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" He answered them, "I have told you already and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you too want to become his disciples?" And they reviled him, saying, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from." The man answered, "Why, this is a marvel! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." They answered him, "You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?" And they cast him out.

Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, "Do you believe in the Son of man?" He answered, "And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?" Jesus said to him, "You have seen him, and it is he who speaks to you." He said, "Lord, I believe"; and he worshiped him.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

The work of God is, after all, the forming of man. He did this by an outward action, as Scripture says, 'And the Lord took clay from earth, and formed man.' Notice here too how the Lord spit on the earth, and made clay and smeared it on his eyes, showing how the ancient creation was made. He was making clear to those who can understand, that this was the [same] hand of God through which man was formed from clay.
St. Irenaeus
Against Heresies. 5.15.2. Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol: John 1-10. Intervarsity Press, 2006, p. 324.

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This Week

THIS COMING WEEK

Mon, May 22nd        - 9:00 a.m. - Festival Baking
                                - OFFICE CLOSED

                                - 7:30 p.m. - Gamblers Anonymous
Tues, May 23rd        - 6:30 p.m. - OPA Dance
Thurs, May 25th      - 9:30 a..m. - Liturgy (Ascension)
Sat, May 27th          - 9:00 a.m. - Prophet Elias Cemetery
                                  (Hillcrest Memorial Park)

                                - NO VESPERS
Sun, May 28th          - 8:15 a.m. - Matins
                                - 9:30 a.m. - Liturgy
                                - 10:45 a.m. - 40 Day Memorial: Despina Kontodimopoulos
                                - 1:00 p.m. - Knollwood Cemetery
Mon, May 29th        
- 10:00 a.m. - St Theodosius Cemetery 
                                - 1:00 p.m. - Lake View Cemetery


WELCOME VISITORS!

We’re happy you’ve joined us today. Please sign our guestbook and introduce yourself to one of our greeters or anyone wearing a nametag. We’re here to answer your questions and make your visit to our church meaningful and enjoyable.


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.


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 May. 21st:

Electronic Version of Divine Liturgy on May. 21st:


NAMEDAY CELEBRATION

The feast of our patrons Saints Constantine & Helen, will be celebrated on May 20-21. There will be a Vespers service at 7:00 PM on Saturday, May 20, followed by a reception at 8:30 p.m.; then on Sunday May 21 we will have Matins at 8:15 AM and Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon at 11:30 a.m.

St. Constantine was the Roman Emperor who ended the persecution of Christians, declared himself a Christian, convened the 1st Ecumenical Council, established a new capital free of pagan influence, worked to reconcile disputes in the Church and near the end of his life was baptized.

St. Helen, his mother, influenced him in his view of Christianity and endeavored to build churches at many of the sacred sites of Christ's life.

May their prayers bring us many blessings.


NAMEDAY LUNCHEON

Please join us for a luncheon celebrating Sts. Constantine & Helen Nameday and honoring HS and College Graduates on Sunday, May 21, 2023 following the Divine Liturgy.

$15 ticket—in advance or at the door. To purchase tickets contact: Marguarite Stephanopoulos—917-459-7533/ mstephanopoulos1@gmail.com.


ST HERMAN GOLF CLASSIC

The 10th Annual St. Herman Golf Classic will take place Monday, June 26th at the Tanglewood Club. If you would like to play and/or be a sponsor, please contact Dick Warren (216-287-6886) or sign up electronically at www.sainthermans.org/golf. Details are on the bulletin board. 


SUNSHINE GROUP

Sunshine Group--our next lunch will be on Thursday, June 15 at Ho Wah Chinese Restaurant on Cedar Road at La Place in Beachwood.  Let Maria Cashy know if you can attend: 216-390-2294. or mcashy@aol.com.  Looking forward to seeing you all there!  Note--there will be no scheduled luncheon for July due to the festival!


FESTIVAL BAKING

Please help us prepare for our beloved Greek festival - don’t forget it comes early this year! We are grateful for any amount of time you can give us. Baking preparation begins starting at 9:00 a.m. on the following date:

  • May 22nd - Dolmathes
  • May 29th - Memorial Day weekend: No Baking
  • June 5th - Spanokopita

ORTHODOX FORUM

We have now completed the Spring session of the Forum. Thank you to all who participated (presenting and/or attending), we enjoyed the conversations and learned more about Orthodoxy. We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Summer and look forwards to welcoming you back in the Fall


MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

We have a custom of praying at our loved ones' graves on Memorial Day weekend. Please note that this year's schedule is different than it has been in the past.

  • Saturday May 27, 9:00-9:30 AM  - Prophet Elias Cemetery (Hillcrest Memorial Park)
  • Sunday, May 28, 1:00-2:00 PM  - Knollwood Cemetery
  • Monday, May 29, 10:00 -11:30 AM  - St. Theodosius Cemetery
  • Monday, May 29, 1:00-3:00 PM  - Lake View Cemetery

Lake View Cemetery is quite large and we have an established pattern for visiting the various sections. If you have questions, please contact Fr Stephen at frstephen@stsconstantine.com no later than Sunday, May 28.

Other cemeteries can be visited upon request.


ANNUNCIATION GREEK FESTIVAL

The 51st annual Annunciation Greek Orthodox Greek Festival will be held Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday May 26th , 27th , 28th and 29th , 2023 at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church located at 2187 West 14th Street, Cleveland, Ohio in Tremont. TCome and enjoy a taste of Greek food and wine, beer, music, culture, dancing and entertainment for the whole family at this year’s Tremont Greek Fest…OPA! We also will be offering tours of the beautiful, historic Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, also known as the Mother Church of Cleveland, which was built in 1912. 

For more information about the 2023 Tremont Greek Fest go to tremontgreekfest.com/ or annunciationcleveland.net


ORTHODOX EDUCATION

  • May 21st - Last Day of OE Classes / Sts C&H Feast Day luncheon / Graduate Recognition
  • May 25th - Ascension
  • May 29th - registration deadline for Vacation Church School

If there are any questions, please email orthodox_education@stsconstantine.com.


GOYA / YOUNG ADULT ACTIVITIES

1)  GOYA is invited to a Metropolis Sand Volleyball Tournament on Saturday, June 3rd hosted by St. Paul, North Royalton. Come see and compete with all your friends from camp and the tournaments! To participate, RSVP to Ted by Sunday, May 14th. Contact him with any questions too.

2) St. Kyranna Young Adult Cooking Class (ages 21 - 35ish) will have its next meeting on Friday, June 9th @ 6:30 p.m. Presvytera Kassiani Callos will teach us how to make galettes (rustic French tarts). Pizza and drinks will be provided; participants are encouraged to bring a bottle of wine and their favorite board games. Kindly RSVP to Ted by Monday, June 5th.

3) GOYA will have elections at its next meeting on Sunday, June 11th. GOYAns interested in running for office should let Ted know in advance of the meeting. 

4) GOYA will be participating in a service project on Friday, June 16th from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Literacy Cooperative, a group that helps students learn to read, will be visiting Sts. Constantine & Helen, and they need our help to prepare materials for needy families. Plan on attending and helping out!


VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL

We are happy to offer a half day program for students in grades Kindergarten through 6 on June 12th-16th , 9 am-noon.  We have an enriched program which will discuss the miracles of Christ, teach hymns, provide a service activity and much more!  The cost is $50/child (for assistance please reach out to Fr Stephen).  To register (by June 1st) or if you have questions, please e-mail us at orthodox_education@stsconstantine.com


OPA DANCE

We have restarted OPA after a long hiatus, and invite all to join us for dancing and parea.  We meet every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.


JUNIOR DANCERS

Junior Greek Dancers meet on Sundays for one hour after OE through June 4th. After June 4th practices will switch to Mondays and Wednesdays 6-7:30pm until the festival. Practices will tentatively take place in the Fellowship room. Typically, junior dancers must be turning 8 the year of the festival, but we are open to welcoming younger dancers that are able to learn the dances.
Please contact Elena Willis at 216-225-7469 or erepidonis@hotmail.com with any questions! We look forward to seeing you!


SENIOR DANCERS

The Senior Hellenic Dancers have begun their 2023 practices. Practice sessions will begin after OE classes and will last one hour. There will be no practices on May 21st (Sts. Constantine & Helen Day). To join the group, you must be 13 by December 31st, 2023. See Pres. Christina Callos or Ted with any questions.


LECTURE SERIES

St. Luke the Evangelist Antiochian Orthodox Church Presents a free public lecture series: “I Believe…” A series of four presentations that explore the foundational statement of the Christian faith as given in the Nicene Creed. The final presentation by Fr. Matthew Thurman, is at 7:00 p.m. on the following date:

  • June 1, 2023: “Baptism, Resurrection, the Last Things”

All sessions will be held in person at: St. Luke the Evangelist Antiochian Orthodox Church, 18046 Chillicothe Rd. Bainbridge, OH 44023. For more information:
Email info@stluke.us or call (440) 384-3285


2023 COFFEE HOSTS WANTED

Open coffee hour dates are available from the end of May onwards.  Please call the church office or send an email to  office@stsconstantine.com to ask about your preferred day. 


SPIRITUAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

Evening Prayer Sessions  

The Faith In Action group has Evening Prayer Sessions Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday of each week at 8:30pm (EST) for all those interested.
Zoom link: https://cwru.zoom.us/j/8671878236?pwd=ajgvNWRwQ3NQcmlSZTc4MmFWRU4wdz09
Meeting ID: 867 187 8236 Passcode: Jesus
One tap mobile: +13126266799,,8671878236# US (Chicago) +16465588656,,8671878236# US (New York).


ST. MAKRINA ZOOM BIBLE STUDY

Invites all to join us every Wednesday, from 9:30-11am. Our next book to read and discuss is: Open and Unafraid: The Psalms as a Guide to Life, by WD Taylor.
Contact Toni Madden at tmadden722@gmail.com for the Zoom link. We encourage you to join us!


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Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion of Great and Holy Pascha in the Plagal 1st Tone

Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life.

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 Constantine and Helen in the Plagal 4th Tone

Having seen the image of Thy Cross in Heaven, and like Paul, having received the call not from men, Thine apostle among kings entrusted the commonwealth to Thy hand, O Lord. Keep us always in peace, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, O only Friend of man.

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 Plagal 4th Tone

Though You went down into the tomb, You destroyed Hades' power, and You rose the victor, Christ God, saying to the myrrh-bearing women, "Hail!" and granting peace to Your disciples, You who raise up the fallen.
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