Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral
Publish Date: 2024-12-22
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


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 BEFORE NATIVITY   
MATINS:                      8:15 a.m.
LITURGY:                    9:30 a.m.  
EPISTLE:                     Hebrews 11:9-10, 32-40
GOSPEL:                      Matthew 1:1-25  
 GREEK TEXT:               p. 208  (black book) 
ACOLYTES:                  Team A
PROSFORA:                Christina Callos
PANGARI:                  Team C: Bill Chevako, Tom Parras, Marguarite Stephanopoulos 
ORTHODOX ED:          9:30 a.m. -  Classroom Learning
BLESSING:                   40-day Blessing: Meredith Pasiadis
LIBRARY GREETERS:  Mary Paliobeis & Renee Sadler 
COFFEE HOUR:           coffee only, downstairs 
CLASSES:                    11:30 a.m. - Catechism w Fr. Tom
                                   11:30 a.m. -  Jr. Greek Dancers  
                                   11:30 a.m. -  Parenting Book Club

STREAMING SERVICE:   youtube.com/stsconstantine


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Fourth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:1-12

On the first day of the week at early dawn, the women went to the tomb, taking spices, which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel; and as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how He told you, while He was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise." And they remembered His words and returning from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told this to the Apostles; but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home wondering at what had happened.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. 4th Tone. Daniel 3.26,27.
Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers.
Verse: For you are just in all you have done.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 11:9-10; 32-40.

BRETHREN, by faith Abraham sojourned in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city which has foundation, whose builder and maker is God.

And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets - who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated - of whom the world was not worthy - wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Gospel Reading

Sunday before Nativity
The Reading is from Matthew 1:1-25

The book of the Genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Aram, and Aram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king.

And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa, and Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amon, and Amon the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.

And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Salathiel, and Salathiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.

So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel" (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus.

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Wisdom of the Fathers

Pray, my brethren, to the Mother of God when the storm of enmity and malice bursts forth in your house. She, Who is all-merciful and all-powerful, can easily pacify the hearts of men. Peace and love proceed from the one God, as from their Source, and Our Lady - in God, as the Mother of Christ the Peace, is zealous, and prays for the peace of the whole world, and above all - of all Christians.
St. John of Kronstadt
My Life in Christ: Part 1, Holy Trinity Monastery pg. 179, 19th century

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This Week

THIS COMING WEEK

 

Mon, Dec 23rd         - 7:30 p.m. - Gamblers Anonymous
Tues, Dec 24th         - Christmas Eve
                                 - 9:30 a.m. - Royal Hours
                                 - 5:30 p.m. - Vespers & Liturgy
                                - Orthodox Education: Nativity Pageant
Weds, Dec 25th       - Christmas Day
                                 - 10:00 a.m. - Liturgy
Thurs, Dec 26th       - Office Closed for Holidays
                                 - 7:30 p.m. - Zoom Book Discussion
Fri, Dec 27th            - Office Closed for Holidays
                                 - 9:30 a.m. - Liturgy (St. Stephen)
Sat, Dec 28th           - 5:00 p.m. - Vespers (& Confessions)
Sun, Dec 29th          - 8:15 a.m. - Matins
                                 - 9:30 a.m. - Liturgy
                                 - 9:30 a.m. - OE: Family Worship Sunday / Church Learning
                                 - 10:45 a.m. - 1 Year Memorial: Mike Vasilakes


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 Dec 22nd:

Electronic Version of Divine Liturgy on Dec 22nd:


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.


ORTHODOX FORUM

Please join us today at 11:30 am in the conference room, when Dean Peters will be discussing “The Prophet Isaiah and the Composer Handel”. See you at the Forum.


TRADITION

In Orthodox Christian Tradition there is no fasting from Dec 25 thru Jan 4, inclusive. 


CHRISTMAS OBSERVED

The office will be closed December 26th and 27th. There will be no Greek school from Tuesday, December 24th through January 2nd. GOYA Basketball will be on break from December 22 through January 4th.


CHURCH EMAILS

Our weekly bulletin contains announcements and links of interest to the Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Community. If you are not receiving our bulletin in your email and would like to, you can sign up for it here: https://stsconstantine.com/news/mailing-list


WANTED: SOCIAL WORKER

St Herman House is looking for a new case manager - who should be a licensed social worker.  This position is key to the success of its residents and they would love to have someone in place by the end of the year.  For more information: https://www.orthodoxjobs.com/postings/2024/case-manager-focus-cleveland


2025 COFFEE HOSTS

Interested in hosting coffee hour? We have openings in January and February waiting for you! Help us keep our fellowship going. Visit our online sign-up:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D48A5AD23A4F58-48824692-sunday#/


SUNSHINE GROUP

Sunshiners--Please join us for a wonderful New Year's lunch on January 9 at 1:00 pm at Cheesecake Factory, 24265 Cedar Rd. in Lyndhurst. Please let Maria Cashy know if you can make it at 216-390-2294 or email at [email protected] with any questions.  All are welcome to join us.  


METALLINOS GUITAR WORKSHOP

Our first session of the new year will be on Tuesday, January 14 at 7 pm. Bring an instrument, or just come and listen. All are welcome. 


LIBRARY/BOOKSTORE NOW OPEN

Our Church Library is open after Liturgy! Come and See our new bookstore. Looking for a book or icon? Let us know and we can order it for you!


JUNIOR HELLENIC DANCERS

The Junior Hellenic Dancers next practice will be TODAY, Sunday, December 22nd starting at 11:45 a.m. (after coffee hour).  New dancers are welcome and encouraged to join.  New dancers will need to be turning 7 during the year of the festival.  Please feel free to text Elena Willis at 216-225-7469 or Chantel Covino at 216-618-8436 with any questions and one of us will get back to you.


GOYA / YOUNG ADULT ACTIVITIES

1) Online registration for GOYA basketball 2025 is now live! All GOYAns, chaperones, and coaches must register with the Metropolis to participate in the 2025 tournament weekends. (Note: spectators do *not* need to register). The "early bird" deadline is Wednesday, January 1st. Go to https://y2am.pittsburgh.goarch.org/basketball to sign up, and see Ted with any questions.

2) St. Kyranna Cooking Class will have its next meeting on Saturday, January 11th @ 6:00 p.m. Our host will be Gabrielle Labrozzi, and our theme will be "Gnocchi" Participants are encouraged to also attend Great Vespers beforehand @ 5:00 p.m. Kindly RSVP to Ted by Monday, January 6th.

3)  GOYA will have a special meeting on Sunday, January 12th @ 11:30 a.m. in the alcove. With Dr. Maria Misthos, we will go over this year's Oratorical topics.

4) OCF (John Carroll) will have its next meeting on Thursday, January 30th @ 7:00 p.m. @ Boaz. We will enjoy a meal and spiritual discussion. RSVP to Ted by Monday, January 27th.

5)  2025 Summer Camp @ Camp Nazareth staff applications will go live on January 1st!  This is a wonderful way to "give back" and support our camp program. The Metropolis receives lots of applications, so candidates are encouraged to apply early. For more information, visit: y2am.pittsburgh.goarch.org/campstaff.


ORTHODOX EXCHANGE STUDENT

AFS Intercultural Programs USA is seeking a host family for a Greek Orthodox exchange student: "Meet Sofia, a curious, hardworking, and creative student. When she's not busy diving into books, she enjoys staying active through aqua aerobics and Greek folklore dancing but also is a big foodie. She's very excited to share her culture with a family like you!" Contact Jessica Andres at [email protected] for more information.


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.”


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 1st Tone

Although the stone was sealed by the Jews, and the soldiers guarded Your most pure body, You arose on the third day, O Savior, giving life to the world. For this reason, the heavenly powers cried out to you, O Giver of Life: Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Your kingdom! Glory to Your dispensation, only Lover of Mankind!

Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America


Apolytikion for Forefeast of the Nativity in the 4th Tone

Be thou ready, Bethlehem, Eden hath opened unto all. Ephratha, prepare thyself, for now, behold, the Tree of life hath blossomed forth in the cave from the Holy Virgin. Her womb hath proved a true spiritual Paradise, wherein the divine and saving Tree is found, and as we eat thereof we shall all live, and shall not die as did Adam. For Christ is born now to raise the image that had fallen aforetime.

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


Apolytikion for Sun. before Nativity in the 2nd Tone

Great are the achievements of faith! In the fountain of flame, as by the water of rest, the Three Holy Children rejoiced. And the Prophet Daniel proved a shepherd of lions as of sheep. By their prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls.

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 3rd Tone

On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to * God the Word ineffably, * Who was before all the ages. * Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing * the gladsome tidings; * with the Angels and the shepherds now glorify Him * Who is willing to be gazed on * as a young Child Who * before the ages is God.

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


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