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St. Demetrios Church
Publish Date: 2025-03-02
Bulletin Contents
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Parish Announcements
Saints and Feasts
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

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St. Demetrios Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (440) 331-2246
  • Fax:
  • (440) 331-8407
  • Street Address:

  • 22909 Center Ridge Road

  • Rocky River, OH 44116
  • Mailing Address:

  • 22909 Center Ridge Road

  • Rocky River, OH 44116

Contact Information

Priest Fr. Andy Lentz


[email protected] | 440-331-2246 x1

Office Manager Eleni Papouras-Jenks


[email protected] | 440-331-2246 x2

Operations Manager Byron T. Spooner


[email protected] | 440-331-2246 x3

Services Schedule

Sundays 8:30 a.m. Orthros and 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy

Special weekday feastday services to be announced in the bulletin.

Past Bulletins


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 Letter to the Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4.

Brethren, salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for God is able to make him stand.

Gospel Reading

Forgiveness Sunday
The Reading is from Matthew 6:14-21

The Lord said, "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

"And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

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Parish Announcements

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

SUNDAY

3/2

8:20; 9:30 a.m.

 

6:00 p.m.

Orthros; Chrismation; Divine Liturgy; Sunday School

Forgiveness Vespers

MONDAY

3/3

6:00 p.m.

ΚαθαράΔευτέρα / Canon of St Andrew

TUESDAY

3 /4

5:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

Greek School  

Canon of St Andrew (continued)

WEDNESDAY

3/5

10:30 a.m.

6:00 p.m.

Bible Study

Pre-Sanctified Liturgy; Lenten meal; lecture

THURSDAY

3/6

10:30 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Prayer Group

Greek School

Canon of St. Andrew (concluded)

Choir practice

FRIDAY

3/7

6:00 p.m.

Salutations to the Theotokos

SATURDAY

3/8

8:20; 9:30 a.m.

Saturday of Souls Orthros; Divine Liturgy

SATURDAY OF SOULS

March 1 & 8, 8:20 a.m. Orthros; 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy. Please bring plates of Kollyva to the solea no later than 9:30 a.m.


CHRISMATION

Sun., March 2,  after Orthros, we welcome David O’Connor into the Orthodox church.

Coffee hour hosted by his family.


MISSION SUNDAY

March 2,   the 2nd basket will benefit Orthodox Christian Mission Center’s Missions around the world.


PHILOPTOCHOS BAKE SALE

Sun., March 2, during coffee hour in the hall. Tiropites, Spanakopites, Koulourakia, Kourambiedes, Baklava and more! Proceeds to benefit our charitable projects.  


LENTEN SERVICES

All of the following evening services begin at 6:00 p.m.

  • Forgiveness Vespers:  Sunday, March 2.

  • Canon of St. Andrew: Clean Monday, March 3;  Tue., March 4;    Thu., March 6.

  • Lenten Lecture Series: Pre-Sanctified Liturgy, followed by Potluck and a Guest Speaker on   

      Wednesdays, March 5, 19, 26, April 2, 9.  Readers welcome! Contact Fr. Andy for details.

    The guest speaker this week is Kirk Reis of St. Herman’s House; Potluck by Philoptochos.

  • Salutations to the Theotokos: Fridays, March 7, 14, 21, 28 and April 4. Those who are able to read before the icons of the Theotokos and Christ, or to decorate the icons, can contact the office.


PRAY THE PSALMS

Once again this year a group of parishioners will be reading the Psalms daily during Lent. This is something that you do on your own, but we have a schedule that we follow and we pray for everyone in our group who is reading with us. You can use your own Bible or buy a Psalter. It's about a 15-minute daily commitment during the 40 days of Lent. Please email Maggie ([email protected]) if you'd like to participate this year.


FRIENDS OF THE POOR

SERVING DINNER AT ST. HERMAN’S Volunteer to feed the homeless with your parish family:

~Philoptochos next service date:  Tue., March 11.    Contact Joanne Harootunian (440-353-0910)

~FOCUS Friends next service date: Sat.,  March 1.  Contact Christina Trillis (440) 665-1494 


HELLENIC DANCE

Sun., March 2 ,  Registration for the dance groups will open,   during coffee hour

Aeraki Dancers (ages 6-8)~ Kymata Dancers (ages 9-12)~Kyklonas Dancers (ages 13 & up)


PARISH YOUTH RETREAT

Sat., March 8, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. for grades 3-5. Join Sunday School to learn about the sacrament of Confession, with the opportunity to take confession at the end with area clergy. RSVP by 3/1 to Beth ([email protected])


SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY

March 9, 

~St. Demetrios Sunday School students are invited to bring a favorite icon from home to take part in our parish procession in the morning.

~5:00 p.m.  all Cleveland’s Orthodox faithful invited to the Pan-Orthodox Vespers, hosted at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 6306 Broadview Rd., Parma. Children welcome to bring their icons for the procession.  Homily by Bishop Irinej. 

 


FESTIVAL PREPARATIONS

starting at 9 a.m.  No previous experience necessary. Coffee & lunch to be provided. 

March 10-11: Pastitsio

 March 18-19 : Moussaka.


MOVIE MONDAY

March 10, 6:00 p.m. I Confess (1953; 1 hour & 35 min.) Alfred Hitchcock’s suspenseful film about a priest who faces suspicion for murder, but cannot break the seal of the confessional - even to prove his own innocence! Free & open to all.


ORATORICAL FESTIVAL

Sun., March 16, students (Grades 4-12) invited to participate. In addition to spoken presentations, there are also poetry, iconography, and essay competitions. Topics at https://www.pittsburgh.goarch.org/oratorical. If you are interested in participating, please email Beth Patterson, [email protected].


GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE

Sat., March 22, 1 p.m. Kick-off and return at Annunciation Church, 2187 W. 14th St., Cleveland. Hellenic organizations who plan to march and/or send a dance group should register by contacting Emmanuel Ermidis or Eleni Papouras-Jenks (440-331-2246 ext.2)


STEWARDSHIP

If you have not yet done so,please consider submitting your 2025 pledge commitment by March 15 to be listed and thanked in the April issue of The Epistle.

 If you would like to serve on the Stewardship Committee or have any ideas you would like to share, please call or email John Patterson at 216-630-6901, [email protected].


BOOK & BIBLE STUDY

Meeting on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Library. 

We have just begun reading From the Corner of East and Now  by Frederica Mathewes-Green. All welcome to join.


PRAYER GROUP

Thursdays at 10:30  a.m. in St Philothei Chapel. Contact Diakonissa Amy ([email protected] or 330-519-3100) to join, or to submit names for whom we can pray.

 


PARISH PICKLEBALL

Wednesdays in the Zapis Activity Center, 9-11 a.m.


EVENTS ELSEWHERE

BOUZOUKIA BENEFIT Fri., Feb. 28, 8p.m.-2 a.m. at Mars Bar, 15314 Madison Ave., Lakewood, featuring live music by The Meraklides. $25 at the door, Mezze included; cash bar.100% of proceeds to support the Metropolis of Pittsburgh Summer Camp at Camp Nazareth.  

HOPE & JOY RETREAT Sat., March 1, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Annunciation Church, 129 S. Union St., Akron. Children in grades K-6 will learn about key figures we encounter in the Resurrection thru crafts, service projects, and more. Lunch will be provided. Register at https://tinyurl.com/AkronHJ25

YOUNG ADULT SPRING RETREAT   March 14-16, at Camp Nazareth in Mercer, Penn. “Living the Liturgy” with Fr. Timothy Paproski. For ages 18-35. Httpw://tinyurl.com/2z7kjpyh

FISH FRIES Fridays, March 7- April 11.

  • Sts. Constantine and Helen, 3352 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland Heights.  5:00-7:30 p.m.
  • Annunciation, 2187 W. 14th St., Cleveland.  5:00-8:00 p.m.

GREEK  INDEPENDENCE GLENDI Sat., March 22, Tremont Cityside Ballroom, 2187 W. 14th St, Cleveland, hosted by the Pan-Ikarian Brotherhood. Dinner-Dance at  7:30 p.m. $60 pre-sale ONLY (until 3/17.) Dance only: $25 at the door, starting at 9:30 p.m.  Live music by STIGMA, featuring local Icarian violinists. For tickets call: (216) 513-2670 or  (440) 223-9380

 ANNUNCIATION FEASTDAY at Annunciation Church, 2187 W. 14th St., Cleveland

~Mon., March 24, 7 p.m. Vespers with Artoklasia, followed by coffee social.

~Tue., March 25, 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy. Plaki lunch to follow. $25/person. Call Stella Siakantris (440-554-7432) to purchase tickets.

 ‘THE CITY AS LITURGY’ March 29-30, tour of Washington D.C. Visit the Megiddo Mosaic at the Museum of the Bible, icons in the National Gallery, Byzantine collection at Dumbarton Oaks, and more! Tour led by Dr. Timothy Patitsas. $350 includes 2 days of transportation within the city, Lenten meals, and group admission to the museums, but does not include travel to Washington or hotel accommodations. For more info and to register by March 10 go to www.beautyfirstfilms.com

‘FINDING STRENGTH IN CHAOS’ April 4-6 at Camp Nazareth, Mercer, PA. GOYA Lenten retreat with keynote speaker Nitsa Kambouroglos. Register at y2am.pittsburgh.goarch.org/retreats

JOURNEY TO GREECE This AHEPA program is a cultural immersion initiative that enables high school seniors and college undergraduates to earn up to six college course credits, in collaboration with Webster University. Application at Ahepa.org/education   Register before April 30, 2025.

 IOCC REBUILD TEAM  June 15-21, help rebuild homes in eastern Tennessee damaged by Hurricane Helene. Volunteers must be 16 or older; no previous building experience is required. $100 will cover room & board, local transportation. Register at iocc.org/volunteer25

  ST. DEMETRIOS MISSION TRIP July 12-18, 2025 to the Blackfeet Nation in Browning, Montana. For more information, contact Jake Trotter ([email protected])


SCHOLARSHIPS

AHEPA District #11 BUCKEYE SCHOLARSHIP Open to graduating high school seniors and undergrad students whose parent/guardian is a member of AHEPA or Daughter of Penelope Buckeye District #11 for at least the last two years and a paid member for 2025; or if student is a member of Sons of Pericles or Maids of Athena. (Those who received a scholarship in the past are still eligible if still an undergraduate.) Applications at https://bsf.buckeyedistrict11.org/?page_id=327 Deadline is March 31, 2025.

John George Tsitsos Scholarship Fund  To cover all or part of annual tuition expenses for students  of Greek ethnicity or descent who are pursuing postgraduate degrees, including but not limited  to STEM, Medical Research, and Seminarians at Hellenic College/Holy Cross Seminary. Applications at www.ahepa.org/education

 Daughters of Penelope, Icarus Chapter  Available to high school seniors who plan to pursue an undergraduate degree, whose parents are members of Daughters of Penelope #321, AHEPA #389, or members in good standing of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church of Rocky River. Request the application at [email protected]  Submission due April 25, 2025.

  Joan Lambros Memorial Scholarship Available to women of St Demetrios who are studying any of the Sciences at the undergrad or graduate level. Request the application at  [email protected]    Submission due April 17, 2025.

GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE Various scholarships for undergrad and post-grad studies available at https://www.goarch.org/-/scholarships.  Deadline: May 16, 2025.

Sterea Hellas Foundation of Cleveland and Sterea Hellas Federation Scholarships  Available to graduating high school seniors who plan on continuing their education at the university level. 

•Application to the Federation of Sterea Hellas’ Scholarship at https://federationofstereahellas.org/#scholarships

Due date: July 1, 2025

•Application for the Sterea Hellas Foundation of Cleveland https://nafpaktian.org/scholarships/ REVISED for 2025.

Due Date: July 15, 2025


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Saints and Feasts

March 02

Forgiveness Sunday

The Holy Fathers have appointed the commemoration of Adam's exile from the Paradise of delight here, on the eve of the holy Forty-day Fast, demonstrating to us not by simple words, but by actual deeds, how beneficial fasting is for man, and how harmful and destructive are insatiety and the transgressing of the divine commandments. For the first commandment that God gave to man was that of fasting, which the first-fashioned received but did not keep; and not only did they not become gods, as they had imagined, but they lost even that blessed life which they had, and they fell into corruption and death, and transmitted these and innumerable other evils to all of mankind. The God-bearing Fathers set these things before us today, that by bringing to mind what we have fallen from, and what we have suffered because of the insatiety and disobedience of the first-fashioned, we might be diligent to return again to that ancient bliss and glory by means of fasting and obedience to all the divine commands. Taking occasion from today's Gospel (Matt. 6:14-21) to begin the Fast unencumbered by enmity, we also ask forgiveness this day, first from God, then from one another and all creation.

March 03

Eutropios, Kleonikos, Vasiliskos, Zenos, & Zoilis the Martyrs

The Martyrs, who were from Amasia, were fellow soldiers and kinsmen of Saint Theodore the Tyro (see below). They were betrayed to the Governor Asclepiodotus as Christians, during the reign of Diocletian (284-305). After many torments, Eutropius and Cleonicus were crucified; Basiliscus was not slain together with them, but was shut up in prison, in the hope that with time he might change his mind and sacrifice to the idols. He was beheaded on May 22; see also the account on that day.

March 04

Gerasimos the Righteous of Jordan

This Saint, who was from Lycia in Asia Minor, lived there for many years as a hermit, and then went to Palestine. There he built the great Lavra by the Jordan River, where a lion served him with great obedience and devotion. One day the lion came looking for Gerasimus that he might feed him, but his disciples took the lion to the place where they had buried the Saint shortly before. The lion fell at the Saint's grave and, after roaring with grief, died at that very place. Saint Gerasimus reposed in 475.

March 05

Konon the Gardener

This saint lived during the reign of emperor Decius in 251. He came from the town of Nazareth. He left his hometown and went to the city of Mandron, in the province of Pamphylia. There he stayed at a place called Karmela or Karmena cultivating a garden which he used to water and plant with various vegetables. From this garden he obtained what is necessary for life. He had such an upright and simple mind that, when he met those who wished to arrest him and saw that they greeted him, he also greeted in return from the bottom of his soul and heart. When they told him that governor Publius called the saint to go to him, the saint answered with simplicity: "What does the governor need me, since I am a Christian? Let him call those who think the way he does and have the same religion with him." So, the blessed man was tied and brought to the governor, who tried to move him to sacrifice to the idols. But the saint sighed from the bottom of his heart, cursed the tyrant and confirmed his faith in Christ with his confession, saying that it is not possible to be moved from it even though he might be tortured cruelly. So, for this reason they nailed his feet and made the saint run in front of the governor's coach. But the saint fainted in the street. Having fallen on his knees, he prayed and, thus, he commended his holy soul to the hands of God.

March 06

Finding the Precious Cross by St. Helen

The official feastday of the Elevation of the Holy Cross followed and is celebrated on September 14

March 07

The 7 Hieromartyrs of Cherson

These holy Bishops were sent to Cherson on the Black Sea by Hermon, Bishop of Jerusalem, in the days of Diocletian, about the year 300, to preach the Gospel. Ephraim and Basileus were sent first. Basileus raised to life the dead son of a local ruler, because of which many were baptized. Those who remained in their unbelief, however, dragged him through the streets until he died. Ephraim, refusing to offer sacrifice to idols, was beheaded. After them, Euguene, Agathodorus, Capito, and Elpitius were sent by the Bishop of Jerusalem as heralds of the Faith, but they also were slain by the ungodly. Last of all, the Bishop of Jerusalem sent Aetherius; he was drowned during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great.

March 08

First Saturday of Lent: The Commemoration of the Miracle of Kollyva wrought by Saint Theodore the Tyro

Julian the Apostate, knowing that the Christians purify themselves by fasting most of all during the first week of the Fast -- which is why we call it Clean Week -- planned to defile them especially at that time. Therefore he secretly commanded that during those days the markets be filled with foods that had been defiled with the blood of animals offered in sacrifice to idols. But by divine command the Martyr Theodore (see Feb. 17) appeared during sleep to Eudoxius, then Archbishop of Constantinople. The Saint revealed to him the tyrant's plan, then told him to call the faithful together immediately on Monday morning and prevent them from purchasing those foods, but rather to make kollyva to supply their needs. The bishop asked what kollyva might be, and the Saint answered, "Kollyva is what we call boiled wheat in Euchaita." Thus, the purpose of the Apostate was brought to nought, and the pious people who were preserved undefiled for the whole of Clean Week, rendered thanks to the Martyr on this Saturday, and celebrated his commemoration with kollyva. These things took place in 362. Wherefore, the Church keeps this commemoration each year to the glory of God and the honour of the Martyr.

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