Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2025-03-23
Bulletin Contents
Links
Memorials & Prayers
Updates
Calendar
Save the Date
Flyers
Hymns of the Day
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Saints and Feasts

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Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (760) 942-0920
  • Fax:
  • (760) 942-3603
  • Street Address:

  • 3459 Manchester Ave. #32

  • Cardiff-By-The-Sea, CA 92007

Contact Information

Proistamenos: Rev. Fr. Michael Sitaras


[email protected] | 760-942-0920

2nd Priest: Rev. Fr. Angelo Maginas


[email protected] | 760-942-0920

Parish Council President: Spiro Kailas


858-699-5953

Services Schedule

SUNDAYS

8:30AM  Orthros

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

 

WEEKDAYS/SATURDAYS

8:30AM  Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

 

Past Bulletins


Links

You may follow the text of the service on your smartphone using the Digital Chant Stand app, or follow online 

For the livestream on Facebook search for @stsconstantinehelenCardiff or use this link, facebook.com/stsconstantinehelenCardiff/.  You may also watch the livestream on our website, https://www.stsconstantinehelen.com/.

 

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Memorials & Prayers

Memorials

No memorials today.

Prayers

Peter and Lydia Chaconas, Patricia Karetas, Vasil Karounos, Litsa Mitchell, Marianne McDonald, Angele Lorio, Victoria Benzel, Daphne Triphon, George Gillespie, Becky Stathes Parks Snell, Mary Garbis,  Georgia Vourlitis, Katherine Rovos, Nora Paltadakis, Aphrodite Sacorafas, Cynthia Sacorafas, Susan Comitas, Helen Theofan, Nikki Cozakos, Desiree Plagis, Kelee Tsitsikaos, Michael L. Pappas, Vasillos Gavrilos, Emmanuel Stamos (Hatzimanolis), Maria Stamos (Hatzimanolis), Vassili Stamos (Hatizimanolis), Amalia Wadsworth, Paula Elliott, Alexandra Tzatzalos,  Maria Alexandrovna Pavlova, Ron Potts,  Espe Reyes, Nasia Ampelas, Connie Moulios, Chris Panagos, Harry Chris Karnazes, Mary Karnazes, Peter Stacy, Al Wadsworth, Carol Robinson, Derek Miller, Anelia Delcheva, Nancy Gilbert, Toula Panos, Zoey Lavdas, Sofia Osborne, Pamela Potts, Anastasia Proesel, and Venetia, Triantafilia, Angela Guarino, Shelby Shinkle, James Conigliaro, Michael Horgan, Despina Perakis, Yianni Perakis, George Theodosiou, Rosemarie  De Rosa, Pablo Rodriguez. If you would like to add someone to the prayer list, please contact the office.

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Updates

ANNOUNCEMENTS

EPISTLE READERS: Maria Goudamanis in Greek. Christy Goudamanis in English.

PROSFORON OFFERED BY:  Aimilia Mannasakis and Christine Dorudian .

SUNDAY SCHOOL:  Students (with their families) and teachers should come forward first for Communion, then proceed downstairs for Sunday School classes.

COMMUNION: The newly baptized/chrismated should come forward first.  Everyone else please wait until your row is called by the Parish Council.  If you wish to receive a blessing only, please come forward when your row is called for Communion and ask for a blessing when you approach the Priest.  Communion is offered to Orthodox Christians who are baptized/chrismated in the Orthodox faith, who are in good standing, and who are prepared to receive the Holy Gifts.  

FELLOWSHIP HOSTED BY:  Ahepa Hosting Greek Independence Day Celebration. Lenten Lunch will be provided! . Please join us in Pappas Hall after church.


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Calendar

  • This Week

    March 16 to April 6, 2025

    Sunday, March 16

    Prison Ministry Book Drive 3/16-4/21

    Sunday, March 23

    Veneration of the Holy Cross (Procession)

    8:30AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    11:15AM Memorial

    11:45AM Choir Rehearsal

    12:30PM Wellness Project Meeting - Church Conference Room

    12:30PM Greek Dance Ministry: Group practice for Greek Independence Day - Phillips Center

    Monday, March 24

    4:00PM Greek School - Children Lvl A

    4:00PM Greek School - Children Lvl B/C

    6:30PM Great Vespers

    6:30PM Greek School - Adult Beginners

    6:30PM Pacific Coast Harmony - Rehearsal

    7:00PM Scout Troop 2000 - Conference Room

    Tuesday, March 25

    Annunciation of the Theotokos/Greek Independence Day

    8:30AM Annunciation Orthros

    9:30AM Annunciation Divine Liturgy

    Wednesday, March 26

    6:30PM Presanctified Liturgy

    6:30PM Greek School - Adult Beginners

    7:00PM Scout Troop 2000 - Pappas Hall

    Thursday, March 27

    9:00AM Thursday Baking Group

    Friday, March 28

    Pappas Hall reserved for Greek Independence Day Luncheon setup

    10:00AM Schindler elevator battery install

    6:30PM Salutations Service #4

    Saturday, March 29

    12:30PM The Chosen Movie Outing Part 1 (Season 5 Episodes 1 and 2)

    4:00PM Philoptochos - Come Pray and Play - Phillips Center

    Sunday, March 30

    8:30AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    11:45AM Choir Rehearsal

    12:00PM Ahepa Sponsored Luncheon for Greek Independence Day - Pappas Hall

    Monday, March 31

    4:00PM Greek School - Children Lvl A

    4:00PM Greek School - Children Lvl B/C

    6:30PM Great Compline Service

    6:30PM Greek School - Adult Beginners

    6:30PM Pacific Coast Harmony - Rehearsal

    Tuesday, April 1

    9:00AM Silent Prayer

    10:30AM Bible Study with Fr Michael

    6:30PM Daughters of Penelope/AHEPA Meetings

    Wednesday, April 2

    8:30AM Grauer school visit

    12:00PM FOCUS Outreach Meal Prep & Delivery - Pappas Hall Kitchen

    6:30PM Presanctified Liturgy

    6:30PM Greek School - Adult Beginners

    7:00PM Scout Troop 2000 - Pappas Hall

    Thursday, April 3

    10:00AM Prime Timers outing @ Carlsbad Flower Fields

    Friday, April 4

    SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GOYA LENTEN RETREAT

    6:30PM Akathist Hymn

    Saturday, April 5

    2:00PM The Chosen Movie Outing Part 2 (Season 5 Episodes 3 through 5)

    6:00PM Men’s Group Shrimpfest - Pappas Hall Patio

    Sunday, April 6

    YOUTH SUNDAY

    8:30AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    11:00AM Memorial

    11:45AM Choir Rehearsal

    12:00PM Youth Prayer Beads Crafts - Pappas Hall

    12:30PM Hoops & Holy Week

    12:30PM Orthodoxy 101 - Holy Week & Paschal Tradition - Conference Room

    12:30PM Myrrhbearer Tea - After Liturgy

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Save the Date

  • Sun Mar 16 - Apr 21 Philoptochos Prison Ministry Book Drive!
  • Fri Apr 4 Akathist Hymn Service - 6:30 pm
  • Sat Apr 5 The Chosen Movie Theater Outing Part 2 (Season 5 Episodes 3 through 5) 2:15 pm 
  • Sat Apr 5 Men's Group Shimpfest - Pappas Hall Patio - 6:00 pm
  • Sun Apr 6 Hoops & Holy Week - After Liturgy - Outside on Basketball court 
  • Sun Apr 6 Myrrhbearer Tea - After Liturgy - Pappas Hall
  • Thu Apr 10 Young Adult Ministry - Game Night - Pappas Hall - 6:00 pm - Contact Eva Marie for more: (858) 353-5737
  • Fri Apr 11 Retreat #2 Lenten Lock In - GOYA (Overnight event) Starting at 5:00 pm *Deatils forthcoming
  • Sat Apr 12 Saturday of Lazarus: Orthros - 8:30 am Liturgy - 9:30 am
  • Sat Apr 12 Saturday of Lazarus - Pancakes and Palms (Breakfast hosted by Sunday School) Phillips center
  • Sat Apr 12 The Chosen - The Last Supper Movie Theater Outing Part 3 (Season 5 Episodes 6 through 8) 7:15 pm 
  • Sun Apr 13 Palm Sunday: Orthros - 8:30 am  Liturgy - 10:00 am Bridegroom Service - 6:30 pm
  • Sun Apr 13 Palm Sunday Luncheon - Pappas Hall - After Liturgy - 12:30 pm
  • Mon Apr 14 Holy Monday -  Bridegroom Service - 6:30 pm
  • Tue Apr 15 Holy Tuesday - Bridegroom Service - 6:30 pm
  • Wed Apr 16 Holy Wednesday: Presanctified Liturgy - 9:30 am - Holy Unction - 5:00 pm
  • Thu Apr 17 Holy Thursday: Vesperal Liturgy - 9:30 am - Twelve Gospels Service - 6:30 pm
  • Fri Apr 18 Holy Friday - Office closed
  • Fri Apr 18 Morning Hours -8:30 am-Removal From Cross -11:00 am -Lamentations -6:30 pm
  • Fri Apr 18 Lenten Retreat #3 - Following Royal Hours service, we will have activities along with a Lenten lunch!
  • Sat Apr 19 Holy Saturday - Liturgy - 9:30 am Pre Resurrection/ Pascha Service - 10:30 pm
  • Sun Apr 20 Easter Sunday - Agape Vespers - 11:00 am Agape Easter Picnic - 12:30 pm on the church grove
  • Wed Apr 23 Saint George - Orthros - 8:30 am Liturgy - 9:30 am
  • Fri Apr 25 Theotokos of the Life Giving Spring - Orthros - 8:30 am Liturgy - 9:30 am
  • Sun Apr 27 Dance & Choral ministry announces elections for 2025. You DO NOT have to have a current dancer or singer to sit on the board. Anyone interested in helping guide the ministry and shape its future is encouraged to complete an application for candidacy. All applications must be submitted NO later than April 15. Elections will be held on April 27, following liturgy. The new board will take over on June 1. If you are interested please submit your application: https://forms.gle/jP9mRESAPDRr1BvN8If you can't make the elections? Request an absentee ballot: [email protected]
  • Sun Apr 27 Philoptochos Kids n’ Cancer - Newport Country Club - 2:00 pm
  • Tue Apr 29 Bible Study w/ Fr. Michael Resumes - 10:30 am Via Zoom
  • Sun May 4 FESTIVAL KICKOFF MEETING - We are back! See you in Pappas Hall - After service
  • Sun May 4 DOP Dove Memorials
  • Mon May 5-7 2025 Clergy - Laity Assembly - Saint Nicholas Ranch
  • Sun May 18 Altar Boy Reunion
  • Sun May 18 Philoptochos Board Elections
  • Sat May 31 Taverna Night - Outside at church - 5:30 pm - Come for Greek music & dancing under the stars - Contact Dino for more [email protected]

SOME RECCURING MINISTRY MEETINGS & EVENTS:

  • BIBLE STUDY W/ FR MICHAEL: Tuesday's on Zoom - 10:30 am  (Unless canceled for a service or on break)
  • SILENT PRAYER: Every Tuesday in church - 9:30 am Contact John B for info (858) 480-6363
  • GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: Every third Sunday of the month - After Liturgy Contact George for more (760) 936-3042
  • FOCUS OUTREACH: Prep on the Sunday prior to the first Wednesday of every month -  Meal prep, packing, & delivery on the First Wednesday of the month. Contact Paulette A for how you can help (858) 333-1647
  • THURSDAY BAKING GROUP : Phillips Center Kitchen - 9:00 am Contact Toni for exact dates (619) 985-5509
  • YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY (YAL) *Ages 21-35: Contact Eva Marie for event dates (858) 353-5737 
  • GREEK SCHOOL: Classes for all ages & levels. Contact  Andreas or Dina for info (760) 331-7955 | (203) 988-6835
  • CARDIFF GREEK FESTIVAL:Contact Festival Chair Joe B or Tasia M for volunteer opportunities (619) 977-4725 | (760) 715-8217

 

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Flyers

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Sixth Mode

Angelic powers were above Thy tomb, and they that guarded Thee became as dead. And Mary stood by the grave seeking Thine immaculate Body. Thou hast despoiled Hades and wast not tried thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst grant us life. O Thou Who didst arise from the dead, Lord, glory be to Thee.

Apolytikion for Sun. of the Holy Cross in the First Mode

Save, O Lord, Thy people and bless Thine inheritance; grant Thou unto the faithful victory over adversaries. And by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve Thy commonwealth.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Eighth Mode

To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Sixth Mode. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6.

BRETHREN, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee"; as he says also in another place, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek."

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Holy Cross
The Reading is from Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."

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Wisdom of the Fathers

The key to knowledge is the humility of Christ. The door of the Kingdom of Heaven is open, not to those who only know in their learned minds the mysteries of faith and the commandments of their Creator, but to those who have progressed far enough to live by them.
St. Bede the Venerable
Unknown, 8th century

To deny oneself means to give up one's bad habits; to root out of the heart all that ties us to the world; not to cherish bad thoughts and desires; to suppress every evil thought; to avoid occasions of sin; not to desire or to do anything out of self-love, but to do everything out of love for God. To deny oneself, according to St. Paul means "to be dead to sin. . . but alive to God."
St. Innocent of Alaska
The Lenten Spring, SVS Press, p. 147, 19th Century

Nothing comes without effort. The help of God is always ready and always near, but is given only to those who seek and work, and only to those seekers who, after putting all their powers to the test, then cry out with their whole heart: "Lord, help us."
St. Theophan the Recluse
19th Century

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Saints and Feasts

March 23

Sunday of the Holy Cross

With the help of God, we have almost reached the middle of the course of the Fast, where our strength has been worn down through abstinence, and the full difficulty of the labour set before us becomes apparent. Therefore our holy Mother, the Church of Christ, now brings to our help the all-holy Cross, the joy of the world, the strength of the faithful, the staff of the just, and the hope of sinners, so that by venerating it reverently, we might receive strength and grace to complete the divine struggle of the Fast.

March 23

The Holy Righteous Martyr Nicon and His 199 Disciples

Saint Nicon was from Neapolis (Naples) in Italy. His father was an idolater and his mother a Christian. At first he was a soldier, but later he went to the East, where he was baptized and in time became a bishop. After some years, he returned to the West and came to Sicily, where he and many of his disciples were put to death by beheading because they would not worship the idols.

March 23

Anatolios & Protoleon the Martyrs converted by the martyrdom of St. George

March 23

Luke the New Martyr of Mytilene

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