Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral
Publish Date: 2025-03-09
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 ORTHODOXY / FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
Daylight Savings Begins
MATINS:                     8:15 a.m.
LITURGY:                   9:30 a.m.  
EPISTLE:                   Hebrews 11:24-26,32-40
GOSPEL:                    John 1:43-51 
GREEK TEXT              p. 186  (black book)
ACOLYTES:                ALL
PROSFORA:              Anna Tsagaris
PANGARI:                  Team B: Jason Berry, Jack Ramsey, George Stamatis
ORTHODOX ED:          9:30 a.m. -  Classroom Learning
LIBRARY GREETERS:  Koula Tsevdos & Cathy Bartzis  
COFFEE HOST:          Priscilla Callos
CLASSES:                     Catechism w Fr. Tom 
                                   11:30 a.m. - Sr. Hellenic Dance Practice
OTHER SERVICES:       5:00 p.m. - Pan Orthodox Vespers
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. Plagal 1st Tone. Psalm 11.7,1.
You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 12:1-10.

BRETHREN, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation which addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by him. For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers to discipline us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of Orthodoxy
The Reading is from John 1:43-51

At that time, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And he found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and he said to him, "We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these." And he said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man."

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Wisdom of the Fathers

For in a contest there is much labor needed--and after the contest victory falls to some, to others disgrace. Is the palm ever given or the crown granted before the course is finished? ... Therefore no one can receive a reward, unless he has striven lawfully; nor is the victory a glorious one, unless the contest also has been toilsome.
St. Ambrose of Milan
Chapter 15, Three Books on the Duties of the Clergy, 4th century

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This Week

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.


THIS COMING WEEK

Mon, Mar 10th         -  7:00 p.m. - Compline
                                - 7:30 p.m. - Gamblers Anonymous
Tues, Mar 11th        - 6:30 p.m. - OPA Dance
Weds, Mar 12th        - 9:30 a.m. - St. Makrina Bible study
Thurs, Mar 13th       - 9:30 a.m. - Philoptochos baking
                                - 7:30 p.m. - Zoom Book Discussion
Fri, Mar 14th            -  4:30 p.m. - Salutations Service
                                 -  5:00 p.m. - Fish Fry
Sat, Mar 15th           - 4:00 p.m. - Confessions
                                - 4:00 p.m. - Youth Chant Class
                                 - 5:00 p.m. - Vespers (& Confessions)
Sun, Mar 16th          - 8:15 a.m. - Matins
                                 - 9:30 a.m. - Liturgy
                                 - 9:30 a.m. - OE: Classroom Learning
                                 - 10:45 a.m. - 10 Year Memorial: Nicholas Terezis
                                 - 10:45 a.m. - 10 Year Memorial: Marsha Peters
                                 - 10:45 a.m. - 5 Year Memorial: Michael Tsironis
                                 - 10:45 a.m. - 9 Year Memorial: Guy Kyriakos Rodon
                                 - Catechism w Fr. Tom 


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 9th:

Electronic Version of Divine Liturgy on Mar 9th:


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

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 our lecturer will be Dr. George Tsagaris. See you at the Forum.


SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY

The Orthodox Christian Community of Greater Cleveland & Lorain will honor the Sunday of Orthodoxy on March 9, at 5:00 pm. This service of Great Vespers will be hosted by St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 6306 Broadview Rd, Parma. His Grace Irinej, Bishop of Washington-New York and Eastern America, the Serbian Orthodox Church, shall preside and offer the homily.

Each year, the Greater Cleveland Council of Orthodox Clergy (GCCOC) solicits donations to help underwrite this celebration of our Faith and to help our local ministries – St. Herman’s, St. Panteleimon, St. Mary of Egypt, and ZOE for Life! We humbly ask that you consider a contribution to the GCCOC; in return, you will be listed as a “Patron” within the handout at this special service. Please make checks payable to the “Greater Cleveland Council of Orthodox Clergy,” or simply the “GCCOC.” Checks can either be given to your parish priest, or they can be mailed no later than March 2 to GCCOC, c/o St. Innocent Orthodox Church, PO Box 38208, Olmsted Falls, Ohio 44138.


GREEK SCHOOL

There will be no Greek School for children or adults from 3/11/25 to 3/19/25.  Classes will resume on Thursday 20 March. These classes will be made up in June. Thank you for your understanding!


ILLNESS BOOK ZOOM GROUP

Our group is now reading The Theology of Illness, written by Jean-Claude Larchet, PhD. We Zoom weekly to read and discuss, on Thursday evenings at 7:30-8:30pm. If interested, contact Cynthia Terezis at [email protected] to be added to the Zoom email invite  and to place an order for the book ($18) through the bookstore at the Church Library. Book is also available at svspress.com and on Amazon.


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.”


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!

  • March 24
  • April 3
  • April 12

SUNSHINE GROUP

Sunshine Lunch: Our next event will be dinner at the Fish Fry!  We will meet on March 21 at church at 4:45 PM.  Tables will be reserved for the Sunshine Group.  Put it on your calendar so you can join us.  In April, we will head to Geraci's in Pepper Pike for a Lenten lunch.  More details to come.


GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

We invite you to join us for the 24th Annual Greek Independence Day Celebration! Saturday, March 22, 2025at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 2187 W. 14th Street, Cleveland, Ohio. Doxology -12 noon; Parade at 1:00 p.m. followed by festivities in the Banquet Hall. Enjoy Lenten food and snacks available for purchase in the Banquet Hall. Awards will be presented after the parade, including one for the best float.

For more information, please contact Emmanuel Ermidis at (216) 323-4092 or Eleni Papouras Jenks at (216) 965-8131. Please RSVP your group at no cost by Friday, March 14th. We look forward to celebrating with you!


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!


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!


SENIOR HELLENIC DANCERS

The Senior Greek Dancers will begin holding practices for an hour after OE as of March 9. Please text or email the directors with questions, or contact Ted at 216 246-0546 / [email protected]


JUNIOR HELLENIC DANCERS

Our Junior Hellenic Dancers will hold their next practice on Sunday March 16 in the Fellowship room after coffee hour (note new date!). Young people who turn seven in 2025 are welcome to join the Juniors group. Please feel free to text Elena Willis at 216-225-7469 or Chantel Covino at 216-618-8436 with any questions.


GOYA / YOUNG ADULT ACTIVITIES

1) Camp Nazareth will host a Young Adult Lenten Retreat the weekend of March 14th - 16th. Fr. Timothy Paproski will speak on, "Living the Liturgy." Registration is live at: https://tinyurl.com/2z7kjpyh. With any questions, contact: [email protected].

2) GOYA will visit St. Herman House on Saturday, March 22nd. This will be our Lenten service project. We will meet directly at their facility (4410 Franklin Blvd, Cleveland, 44113) at 5:00 p.m., and serve a meal. We typically feed 50 - 60 of our neighbors in need each time we visit! This typically lasts two hours or so. Contact Ted to sign up or with any questions.

3) GOYA is invited to a 1-day Metropolis volleyball tournament on Saturday, March 29th. The tournament will be hosted by St. John the Divine, Wheeling, WV. This is *not* an overnight event. Let Ted know if you are interested in participating so we can organize our team and carpools!

4) Registration for the 2025 GOYA Spring Retreat @ Camp Nazareth is now live: pittsburgh.goarch.org. The event will be April 4th - 6th. Nitsa Kambouroglos will speak on "Finding Strength in the Chaos (Psalm 46:10)." Camp Naz can and does sell out, so please reserve your spots quickly. Contact Fr. Stephen for parish scholarship codes, and Ted about the St. Cons carpool.

5) 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.


UNSUNG HEROES

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 is invited to name two living individuals to receive this award (no posthumous recipients). … consider men and women who have served the community in previously unsung ways, not choosing those who have already been honored for their Church service (such as Archons, St. Paul Medal recipients, or prior St. Photios awardees). Suggestions for this year's St Photios Award may be sent to [email protected] or to [email protected], ASAP.

Past Awardees:

  • 2024 - Heidi Peters & Clay White;
  • 2023 - Emily Scocos (+2023) & Mike Vasilakes (+2023);
  • 2022 - (2020)- Dick Warren & Irene Theodore (+2022);
  • 2019 - George Kappos & Chris Tartara;
  • 2018 - Elaine Joaquin & Mary Lambert;
  • 2017 - Anna Warren & Katherine Kartalis;
  • 2016 - Emily Miklis & James Huebner;
  • 2015 - Helen Carbon (+2018) & Paul Fikaris;
  • 2014 - Agnes Goss & Bill Mavrakis

2025 COFFEE HOSTS

Interested in hosting coffee hour? We have open dates in March and beyond 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#/


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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 40 Martyrs of Sebastia in the 1st Tone

The holy martyrs suffered painful tortures for Your sake, O Lord; be constrained by what they endured, and heal our every pain, we entreat You, as the only One who loves humanity.

Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Fr. Seraphim Dedes


Apolytikion for Sun. of Orthodoxy in the 2nd Tone

We worship Thine immaculate icon, O Good One, asking the forgiveness of our failings, O Christ our God; for of Thine own will Thou wast well-pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh, that Thou mightest deliver from slavery to the enemy those whom Thou hadst fashioned. Wherefore, we cry to Thee thankfully: Thou didst fill all things with joy, O our Saviour, when Thou camest to save the world.

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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