Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral
Publish Date: 2024-12-15
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

ELEVENTH SUNDAY OF LUKE    
MATINS:                      8:15 a.m.
LITURGY:                    9:30 a.m.  
EPISTLE:                     II Timothy 1:8-18  
GOSPEL:                      Luke 14:16-24  
 GREEK TEXT:               p. 160 (black book) 
ACOLYTES:                  Team B
PROSFORA:                Paula Kappos 
PANGARI:                  Team B: Jason Berry, Eftihia Nunes, George Stamatis
ORTHODOX ED:          9:30 a.m. -  Classroom Learning: Clergy: Grades 4-6, 7-8
LIBRARY GREETERS:  Rosemarie Paliobeis & Rita Pressman
COFFEE HOUR:           coffee only, downstairs 
CLASSES:                    11:30 a.m. - Catechism w Fr. Tom
PHILOPTOCHOS:        11:30 a.m. -  Zelma George giftwrapping  
GOYA:                         11:30 a.m. -  Girls/Boys Basketball 

STREAMING SERVICE:   youtube.com/stsconstantine


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Third Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Mark 16:9-20

When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons. She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.

After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. After this He appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table and He upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw Him after He had risen. And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover."

So then the Lord Jesus, after He had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Grave Tone. Psalm 115.5,3 (116.15,12).
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
Verse: What shall I render to the Lord for all that he has given me?

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy 1:8-18.

TIMOTHY, my son, do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel in the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not in virtue of our works but in virtue of his own purpose and the grace which he gave us in Christ Jesus ages ago, and now has manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. For this gospel I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, and therefore I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus; guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.

You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, and among them Phygelos and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphoros, for he often refreshed me; he was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me eagerly and found me - may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesos.

Gospel Reading

11th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 14:16-24

The Lord said this parable: "A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time of the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, 'Come; for all is now ready.' But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I must go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.' And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and there is still room.' And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet. For many are called, but few are chosen.'"

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Wisdom of the Fathers

What was the nature of the invitation? God the Father has prepared in Christ for the inhabitants of earth those gifts which are bestowed upon the world through Him, even the forgiveness of sins, the cleansing away of all defilement, the communion of the Holy Spirit, the glorious adoption of sons, and the kingdom of the heavens.
St. Cyril of Alexandria
Translation courtesy of "The Orthodox New Testament" Volume 1, 4th Century

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This Week

THIS COMING WEEK

Mon, Dec 16th              - 6:30 p.m. - Boys Basketball
                                     - 7:30 p.m. - Gamblers Anonymous
Tues, Dec 17th               - 5:00 p.m. - Greek School: 3rd Grade
                                     - 6:30 p.m. - Girls Basketball
                                     - 6:30 p.m. - OPA Dance
Weds, Dec 18th           - 9:30 a.m. - St. Makrina Bible study
                                     - 6:00 p.m. - Greek School: adult
Thurs, Dec 19th            -  5:00 p.m. - Greek School: K-2nd Grade
                                    -  7:30 p.m. - Zoom Book Discussion 
Fri, Dec 20th                - 7:00 a.m. - Liturgy (St. Ignatios, special time)
Sat, Dec 21st                 -  9:00 a.m. - Holiday Baking
                                     - 10:00 a.m. - Nativity Pageant Practice
                                     - 5:00 p.m. - Vespers (& Confessions)
Sun, Dec 22nd               - 8:15 a.m. - Matins
                                     - 9:30 a.m. - Liturgy
                                     - 9:30 a.m. - Orthodox Education: Classroom Learning
                                     - 10:45 a.m. -  40-day Blessing: Meredith Pasiadis
                                     - 11:30 a.m. - 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 Dec 15th:

Electronic Version of Divine Liturgy on Dec 15th:


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

The Orthodox Forum will not meet today, because our philoptochos needs the conference room. Please join us again next Sunday (12/22) 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.


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!


HOLIDAY BAKING

Philoptochos holiday baking has started. Please save the following days and come and help us: 

  • December 21

We start at 9 a.m.


ZELMA GEORGE GIFT WRAPPING AND PARTY

This year Philoptochos will provide Christmas gifts for over 100 children living in the Zelma George Family Center. We are still accepting monetary donations which can be sent to the church with checks made out to Philoptochos ("toy collection" on the envelope and in the memo line).  Gift wrapping happens TODAY, December 15th and the party at Zelma George will be Friday, December 20th.  For more information, please contact Maria Giannirakis or Anna Warren about the toys and Kathy Sarris about the party.


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. 


JUNIOR HELLENIC DANCERS

The Junior Hellenic Dancers next practice will be 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) GOYA will join Philoptochos for our parish's annual visit to Zelma George Family Shelter. Gift wrapping will take place here at Church on Sunday, December 15th. For our visit, we will meet here at Church on Friday, December 20th @ 6:00 p.m. to pick up the gifts, and then the actual event at Zelma George will begin at 7:00 p.m. This will be GOYA's winter service project. See Ted or a member of Philoptochos for more information.

3)  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.

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.”


GRIEF ZOOM BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP

Zoom Group Discussion: An Orthodox Perspective on Death. We will read and discuss chapters written by Orthodox authors: Metropolitan Kallistos Ware, Jean-Claude Larchet and Archimandrite Maximos Constas. We Zoom weekly on Thursday evenings at 7:30-8:30pm October 24 through Dec 19. If interested, contact Cynthia Terezis at [email protected] to be added to the Zoom email invite and to receive the chapter readings. Feel free to join us when you are available, as weekly attendance is not mandatory!


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal 4th Tone

You descended from on high, O merciful Lord, and accepted the three-day burial in order to free us from our passions. Glory to you, O Lord, our life and our resurrection.

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


Apolytikion for 11th Sun. of Luke in the 2nd Tone

By faith didst Thou justify the Forefathers, when through them Thou didst betroth Thyself aforetime to the Church from among the nations. The Saints boast in glory that from their seed there is a glorious fruit, even she that bare Thee seedlessly. By their prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.

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


Apolytikion for Hieromartyr Eleutherios and Anthia in the 4th Tone

Being comely adorned in thy sacred priestly robes and newly drenched with the streams of thy pure and sanctified blood, thou didst soar aloft to stand before thy Master, Christ; hence never cease to intercede for those honouring with faith thy mighty and blessed contest, thou overthrower of Satan, O wise and blessed Eleutherius.

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


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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