Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral
Publish Date: 2025-03-30
Bulletin Contents
Today
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
This Week
Hymns of the Day
RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION AT STS CONSTANTINE AND HELEN CATHEDRAL IS DONE IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER:

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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

Sade L Frayer
office manager

[email protected] | 216 932-3300 ext 4

Services Schedule

SUNDAY SCHEDULE:

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

SATURDAYS (subject to change):

VESPERS: 5:00 p.m.

Past Bulletins


Today

TODAY

SUNDAY OF ST. JOHN CLIMACUS / FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
MATINS:                   8:15 a.m.
LITURGY:                  9:30 a.m.  
EPISTLE:                   Hebrews 6:13-20
GOSPEL:                    Mark 9:17-31
GREEK TEXT              p. 192  (black book)
ACOLYTES:                Team B
PROSFORA:              Georgia Christides
PANGARI:                 Team A: Costa Sarris, Renee Sadler, Dimitrios Kalafatis
ORTHODOX ED:         9:30 a.m. -  Classroom Learning
MEMORIAL:               40 Day Memorial: Emily Vedouras
LIBRARY:                  11:30 a.m. - Meeting  
COFFEE HOST:          Jack Ramsey & Anna Vedouras (coffee hour downstairs)
CLASSES:                   11:30 a.m. - Sr. Hellenic Dance Practice 
                                  Catechism w Fr. Tom 
                                   
STREAMING SERVICE:   youtube.com/stsconstantine


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Seventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:1-10

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him." Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying and the napkin, which had been on His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that He must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Grave Tone. Psalm 28.11,1.
The Lord will give strength to his people.
Verse: Bring to the Lord, O sons of God, bring to the Lord honor and glory.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 6:13-20.

BRETHREN, when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore to himself, saying, "Surely I will bless you and multiply you." And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. Men indeed swear by a greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he interposed with an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God should prove false, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. John Climacus
The Reading is from Mark 9:17-31

At that time, a man came to Jesus kneeling and saying: "Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit; and wherever it seizes him it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able." And he answered them, "O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me." And they brought the boy to him; and when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, "How long has he had this?" And he said, "From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us." And Jesus said to him, "If you can! All things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!" And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again." And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, "He is dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?" And he said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting." They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he would not have any one know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him; and when he is killed, after three days he will rise."

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Wisdom of the Fathers

Seest thou how He now proceeds to lay beforehand in them the foundation of His doctrine about fasting? ... See, at any rate, how many blessings spring from them both. For he that is praying as he ought, and fasting, hath not many wants, and he that hath not many wants, cannot be covetous; ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 57 on Matthew 17,4,5. B#54, pp.355,356., 4th Century

... he that is not covetous, will be also more disposed for almsgiving. He that fasts is light, and winged, and prays with wakefulness, and quenches his wicked lusts, and propitiates God, and humbles his soul when lifted up. Therefore even the apostles were almost always fasting.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 57 on Matthew 17,4,5. B#54, pp.355,356., 4th Century

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This Week

THIS COMING WEEK

Mon, Mar 31st        -  7:00 p.m. - Compline
                               - 7:30 p.m. - Gamblers Anonymous
Tues, Apr 1st          -  5:00 p.m. - Greek School: 3rd Grade
                                 - 6:30 p.m. - OPA Dance
Weds, Apr 2nd        -  9:30 a.m. - St. Makrina Bible study
                               - 6:00 p.m. - Presanctified Liturgy
                                 - 6:00 p.m. - Greek School: adult
                               - 7:00 p.m. - Potluck Supper
Thurs, Apr 3rd        -  9:00 a.m. - Philoptochos Baking
                               -  5:00 p.m. - Greek School: K-2nd Grade
Fri, Apr 4th             -  4:30 p.m. - Salutations Service
                                 -  5:00 p.m. - Fish Fry
Sat, Apr 5th             - 4:00 p.m. - Confessions
                               - 4:00 p.m. - Youth Chant Class
                                 - 5:00 p.m. - Vespers (& Confessions)
Sun, Apr 6th           - 8:15 a.m. - Matins
                                 - 9:30 a.m. - Liturgy
                                 - 9:30 a.m. - OE: Family Worship Sunday
                                 - 11:30 a.m. -  Sr. Hellenic Dancers
                                 - Catechism w Fr. Tom 


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.


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 Mar 30th:

Electronic Version of Divine Liturgy on Mar 30th:


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.


NOTE TO PARENTS

Just a reminder that common spaces around the church, particularly the coat room, are not meant to be used as play areas for children. We recently had some equipment damage due to rough play, and broken parts were left scattered on the floor. Additionally, there are heavy items stored in the coat room that can pose a serious risk of injury if treated inappropriately.

Please, for the safety and wellbeing of the entire Sts. Constantine community, keep an eye on your children after services and remind them that church property should not be treated as toys.


EASTER CARDS

During coffee hour this Sunday, our Orthodox Education students will be creating handmade Easter cards for Philoptochos In-Reach to send, with love, to our "shut-ins". 


ORTHODOX FORUM

Orthodox Forum has resumed! The topic of this Forum is the “Beatitudes in Modern Life”. We will use the Beatitudes in Matthew rather than in Luke, though individual presenters may choose to vary this.


This week, please join us at 11:30 am in the conference room, when Dean Peters will be talking about “The Life of St.Moses the Black”. See you at the Forum.


WANTED

A donor or donors who are willing to purchase and dye red eggs for Pascha. A total of 18 dozen eggs are needed.

Donations of pure olive oil for the vigil lamp on the holy altar.


PHILOPTOCHOS BAKING

Philoptochos baking has begun! Please mark your calendars and come help us bake for the fish frys and Easter. And watch for festival baking dates starting in May!

  • April 3
  • April 12

LIBRARY NEWS - BOOKSTORE NOW OPEN

Our Church Library is open. Applications for the 2025 Library scholarship are available in the Narthex and in the Library. Stop by after Liturgy on Sunday and pick up yours!


2025 EASTER BAKE SALE

The Sts. Constantine Helen Philoptochos Easter Bake Sale is now underway. Orders are due by April 6th. Pickup date is Sunday April 13th after Divine Liturgy. Make checks payable to Sts. Constantine & Helen Philoptochos; write ‘bake sale’ on the envelope and mail to Philoptochos Bake Sale, 3352 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118. Please note only pre-paid orders will be filled. Thank you for supporting the charitable work of Philoptochos!


LUMINARIES

We are preparing the 2025 Luminaries which will be used to line the Holy Friday Epitaphios procession route. Orders will be accepted this Sunday through Sunday, April 6th. Thank you in advance for your support.  For information about the luminaries please contact Maria Giannirakis (216-702-3075) or Anna Warren (216-287-6890).


2025 COFFEE HOSTS

Interested in hosting coffee hour? We have open dates this spring INCLUDING NEXT WEEK waiting for you! Help us keep our fellowship going. Visit our online sign-up and put your name down today: 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D48A5AD23A4F58-48824692-sunday#/


METALLINOS GUITAR WORKSHOP

You can't always get what you want, but if you have the urge to hear some music of the Rolling Stones, you're in luck. Please come to the next MGW session to be held on Tuesday, April 8 at 7 pm. We'll be studying Rolling Stones music done by musicians younger than the originals. The Stones' music will also be studied in our May session (TBA). Bring your guitar and join us, or just come to sit and listen.


PILGRIMAGE

Parishioners will be going to ST GREGORY PALAMAS MONASTERY on Wednesday, April 9. We attend a Presanctified LIturgy and have lunch with the monks. One group will meet at the Golden Gate Shopping Center and depart about 8:45 AM; returning about 4:00 PM. There is no cost for this, but we need to know (1) who is going- as part of a group or on their own- so that the monastery has a count for the meal and (2) who wishes to take part in a car pool. Please contact Fr Stephen ([email protected]) to let him know. 


SUNSHINE GROUP

Sunshine Lunch: Thursday, April 10 we will be going to  Geraci's at 29425 Chagrin Boulevard in Pepper Pike. Please bring $20 to cover a lenten buffet of pizza, pasta and salad. Let Maria Cashy know if you can attend no later than Sunday April 6 at [email protected] or 216-390-2294. Our next lunch is on May 8 with location tbd. All are welcome to join us!


EPITAPHION FLOWERS

Your help is needed to prepare the flowers for the Epitaphion on Holy Friday, April 18th beginning at 9-9:30am.  We will share a potluck luncheon. Come whenever you can and stay as long as you can.  No experience necessary!! Please bring a pair of clippers/scissors and a friend! Please call Sherie Steinberger (216-315-1102), Callie Sevastos (440-655-0095) or Laura Kappos (440-773-3555) with any questions. Donations for flowers would be greatly appreciated.


ST PHOTIOS AWARDS

The 2025 Metropolis of Pittsburgh St. Photios Awards Banquet will take place Saturday, May 3 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh-Cranberry. Each parish nominates two individuals to receive this award,  considering men and women who have served the community in previously unsung ways. The 2025 nominees from our parish are Dr Marjorie Moyar & George Stathopoulos. If you would like to join us in honoring them, banquet tickets can be reserved at https://www.pittsburgh.goarch.org/st-photios-awards-banquet. Deadline is April 15. 


GOYA / YOUNG ADULT ACTIVITIES

1) Sts. Constantine & Helen will provide $620 scholarships for all youth going to Camp Nazareth this summer! You will need a code prior to signing up to qualify. Contact either Fr. Stephen or Ted for more information. Camp registration will go live on Tuesday, April 8th @ 7:00 p.m. @ https://y2am.pittsburgh.goarch.org/summercamp. Camp does sell out, so please act fast!

2) GOYA Palm Folding will take place on Friday, April 11th. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall from 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Pizza and drinks will be provided, and each family is asked to bring a Lenten item to share. The sacrament of Holy Confession will also be available for your Lenten journey.

3) Young Adult Ministry (ages 21 - 35ish) will have its next event on Bright Wednesday, April 23rd. We will meet at the Kiwanis Pavilion in Elmwood Park (6363 Selig Dr, Independence, 44131) @ 6:00 p.m. Participants are each asked to each bring something to share. RSVP by Pascha Sunday at [email protected], or use the QR code on the youth bulletin board.

4) OCF (John Carroll) will have its final meeting on Bright Thursday, April 24th @ 7:00 p.m. @ Sittoo's (formerly Boaz). Fr. Christopher Moore will visit as a guest speaker. We will enjoy a meal and spiritual discussion. RSVP to Ted by Bright Wednesday, April 23rd.

5) The Metropolis Youth Office presents "Wonderfully Made", a 1-day youth retreat for students with moderate to intensive special needs. This will be hosted by St. Nicholas, Youngstown on Saturday, June 7th from 10:00 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. Registration is now open at https://y2am.pittsburgh.goarch.org/wonderfully-made. For more information, contact Alyssa Kyritsis at [email protected].


ST. MAKRINA ZOOM BIBLE STUDY

Saint Makrina Bible study will be starting a new book: "6 Hours, 7 Lessons -How Christ’s Lights Transcends Our Darkness" by Father Nicholas and Dr. Roxanne Louh. You do not have to attend every session. We meet every Wednesday via zoom from 9:30-11:00am. Please contact Toni Madden for the zoom link. The book can be purchased on Amazon. Please join us!

“During His darkest moments, Jesus uttered seven statements on the Cross that offer us tremendous wisdom in our own dark seasons—when we feel alone, forgotten, and unable to surrender, forgive, or let go of our mistakes. Christ’s final words direct us toward the light of His love and protection while giving us the guidance we need to find hope and healing.”


BOOK ZOOM GROUP

The next book we will read and discuss is: Living the Beatitudes: Perspectives From Orthodox Spirituality, written by Fr Thomas Fitzgerald, Th.D (of Blessed memory) former Dean and Prof at Holy Cross School of Theology and Presb Kyriaki Fitzgerald, M.Div., Ph.D, psychologist and adjunct prof at Holy Cross School of Theology. The authors teach us how to practice the Beatitudes and integrate them into our daily lives, to imitate Christ and to become His disciples.

We Zoom weekly on Thursday evenings at 7-8pm starting on May 1 for 8 weeks. If interested, contact Cynthia Terezis at [email protected] to be added to the Zoom email invite and to place an order for the book ($20) through the bookstore at the Church Library (also available at holycrossbookstore.com and Amazon).


SENIOR HELLENIC DANCERS

The Senior Greek Dancers are now practicing every Sunday after Liturgy. Please text or email the directors with questions, or contact Ted at 216 246-0546 / [email protected]


STEREA HELLAS SCHOLARSHIPS

It's that time of the year again when graduating senior high school students and college students can apply for the Sterea Hellas Foundation of Cleveland Scholarship as well as our Federation's Scholarship. Information for both scholarships are as follows:
 - Application Due Date for the Federation of Sterea Hellas’ Scholarship is to be postmarked no later than July 1st. https://federationofstereahellas.org/#scholarships
 - Application Due Date for the Sterea Hellas Foundation of Cleveland’s scholarship is to be postmarked no later than July 15th. Please click on the following link and note the REVISED application forms for 2025. https://nafpaktian.org/scholarships/


AHEPA SCHOLARSHIPS

The John M Manos, Cleveland, AHEPA Chapter #36 is offering college scholarships to graduating high school seniors of Greek descent. Applicants must be a resident of Cuyahoga, Lorain, Summit, Medina or Lake County. Scholarships are awarded upon merit. Contact Alex Rokakis for a scholarship application at [email protected]. Scholarship applications must be completed by May 3, 2025, and will be awarded no later than June 1, 2025.


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Grave Tone

By your cross you destroyed death, and opened paradise to the thief. You transformed the sorrow of the Myrrh-bearers, and commanded the apostles to proclaim that you have risen from the dead, Christ our God, granting to the world great mercy.

Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Cross Press


Apolytikion for Sun. of St. John Climacus in the Plagal 4th Tone

With the streams of thy tears, thou didst cultivate the barrenness of the desert; and by thy sighings from the depths,thou didst bear fruit a hundredfold in labours; and thou becamest a luminary, shining with miracles upon the world, O John our righteous Father. Intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.

Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery


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

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!"

Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Narthex Press


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