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Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral
Publish Date: 2023-12-24
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

December 24, 2023

12/24/2023

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:   ALL
PROSFORA:  Katina Nicolacakis    
PANGARI:    Team C: Costa Sarris, Angelo Savakis, George Stamatis
ORTHODOX ED: Christmas Eve / Nativity Pageant (at Vespers)
COFFEE HOUR: coffee only, downstairs
STREAMING SERVICE:   youtube.com/stsconstantine

CHRISTMAS EVE Vespers: 5:30 PM (see below)


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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. 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

The Lord has given us a sign 'as deep as Sheol and as high as heaven', such as we should not have dared to hope for. How could we have expected to see a Virgin with Child, and to see in this Child a 'God with us' (Isaiah 7: 11 & 14) Who would descend into the depths of the earth to seek for the lost sheep, meaning the creature He had fashioned, and then ascend again to present to His Father humanity thus regained?
Irenaeus of Lyons
Against Heresies, III, 19.3 (SC 211, p. 380), 130-208

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This Week

THIS COMING WEEK

 

Mon, Dec 25th         - CHRISTMAS DAY
                                  - 10:00 a.m. - Liturgy
                                  - 7:30 p.m. - Gamblers Anonymous
                                  - Office Closed for Holidays
Tues, Dec 26th         -  Office Closed for Holidays
Weds, Dec 27th       - 7:00 a.m. - Liturgy (St. Stephen)
                                  - Office Closed for Holidays
Sat, Dec 30th          - 5:00 p.m. - Vespers (& Confessions)
Sun, Dec 31st          - 8:15 a.m. - Matins
                                  - 9:30 a.m. - Liturgy
                                  - 5:30 p.m. - Vespers
                                  - 5:30 p.m. - Orthodox Education: Family Worship Sunday / Student Church Learning


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 Dec. 24th:

Electronic Version of Divine Liturgy on Dec. 24th:


ORTHODOX FORUM

Last Sunday we concluded the Fall session of the Orthodox Forum. Please join us again at the end of January for the Spring session. See you then!


CHRISTMAS SERVICES 2023

“Holidays” is a term derived from “holy days.” To Orthodox Christians, Christmas and worship are inseparable, and we honor the feast with services on various days. Tradition deems the dates of Dec. 20-24 as “Pre-feasts” of Christmas, and the dates of Dec. 26-31 to be its extensions.

There are three remaining Liturgies associated with the feast:  Dec. 25, 27 & 31. These are the times in which Orthodox Christians may receive Holy Communion.

The schedule is as follows:

  • Sun. Dec. 24, 5:30 PM - Christmas Eve Vespers (Bible readings & hymns about Christmas; NOT a Communion service). An Orthodox Education program & a reception will follow.
  • Mon. Dec. 25, 10:00 AM - Liturgy of Christmas Day. (Please note the 10:00 AM start)
  • Wed. December 27, 9:30 AM - Liturgy (3rd Day of Christmas & feast of St. Stephen).
  • Sun. Dec. 31, 9:30 AM - “Leave-taking” of Christmas Liturgy

 


2024 COFFEE HOSTS WANTED

Thank you to those who have responded to our request for coffee hosts. We now have only the following dates to cover for the weeks ahead (yes, we are scheduling into 2024!):

  • Jan 21st
  • Feb 11th
  • Feb 18th

Please email office@stsconstantine.com or call Sade in the church office at 216 932-3300 to ask about your preferred day. 


PROSFORO BAKERS NEEDED!

Do you like to bake?  We need you to help us provide the weekly prosforo for liturgy.  The number of times you would like to bake is up to you (typically 3-4 times a year). Maria Misthos can provide you the recipe and a tutorial!  She is currently organizing next year’s schedule. Please e-mail her at mmisthos@mindspring.com if you are interested or have any questions.  


STEWARDSHIP

Our parish strives "To lead people to God through Orthodox Christianity and to provide ways for them live and share God's love."  It does so in good days and in bad. Any financial help that you might offer is, as always, deeply appreciated.


PHILOPTOCHOS GIVING GARLAND

Winter is here! Please help Philoptohos keep the students at Fairfax Elementary School warm. Choose a gift tag hanging on the Philoptochos Giving Garland in the lobby and purchase a hat and gloves set for a child ages K-5th grade. Drop it off in the brown donation box in the lobby by Sunday January 7th. No need to wrap them.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!


NATIONAL HELLENIC SOCIETY

The National Hellenic Society's Heritage Greece Program is a complementary, 2-week cultural immersion odyssey for accomplished Greek American college students who share their experiences with a peer group of exceptional students from the American College of Greece (ACG) in Athens, Greece or the American College of Thessaloniki (ACT) in Thessaloniki, Greece. The Heritage Greece Program® goal is to connect the participants with their faith, heritage, roots, and Greek identity. For more information, visit www.hellenicsociety.org


GOYA / YOUNG ADULT ACTIVITIES

1) Greek Heritage Night with the Cleveland Cavaliers is back! Wednesday, January 17th will be the primary "Greek Night." The first 500 people to purchase tickets for this game will also receive an exclusive two-sided Cavs/Greek Heritage Scarf. The December 29th Bucks @ Cavs game is not the primary night, but still offers a discounted opportunity to watch Giannis and the Cavs. Order your tickets at: https://cavaliers.group/greek.

2) St. Kyranna Cooking Class will have its next meeting on Saturday, January 20th. Tom & Toni Madden will co-host. Great Vespers will be at 5:00 p.m. with class immediately following. Participants are asked to bring a bottle of wine and their favorite board game(s). Kindly RSVP to Ted by Monday, January 15th.

3) St. George Antiochian Church (2587 W 14th Street, Cleveland) will host a Pre-Lenten Young Adult Retreat February 23rd - 25th, 2024. Fr. John Ojami, Fr. Mark Hagan, and Fr. John Chagnon will be speaking on, "Developing Spiritual Maturity." Register today at https://www.eventcreate.com/e/pre-lenten-yam

4) 2024 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.

5) The Metropolis of Pittsburgh offers a NEW youth ministry: A "Wonderfully Made" day retreat for those with moderate to intensive special needs (ages kindergarten through 35). The event will be on Saturday, February 10th at St. Nicholas Church (220 N. Walnut St., Youngstown, 44503). Registration is now live at: https://y2am.pittsburgh.goarch.org/wonderfully-made. Contact Alyssa Kyritsis with any questions.

 


GREEK SCHOOL

Greek School will be taking a holiday break beginning on December 17. We will start again on January 8th for the adults and on January 4th for the kids.  


OPA DANCE

OPA dance will be taking a holiday break this coming week - no gathering on Dec. 26th. We will be back on January 2nd. 


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).


Merry Christmas!


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 4th Tone

The joyful news of your resurrection was told to the women disciples of the Lord by the angel. Having thrown off the ancestral curse, and boasting, they told the apostles: death has been vanquished, Christ our God. is risen, bestowing on the world great mercy.

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


Apolytikion for Eve of Nativity in the 4th Tone

As the fruit of David's seed, Mary was registered of old with the Elder Joseph in the little town of Bethlehem, when she conceived with a seedless and pure conception. Behold, the time was come that she should bear her Child, but no place was found within the inn for them; yet the cave proved a delightful palace for the pure Lady and Queen of all. 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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