Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral
Publish Date: 2025-03-23
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 THE HOLY CROSS / THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
MATINS:                     8:15 a.m.
LITURGY:                   9:30 a.m.  
EPISTLE:                   Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6
GOSPEL:                    Mark 8:34-38; 9:1
GREEK TEXT              p. 190  (black book)
ACOLYTES:                ALL 
PROSFORA:              Maria Misthos
PANGARI:                  Team D:  Bill Chevako, Maria Misthos, Angelo Savakis, William Raybuck
ORTHODOX ED:          9:30 a.m. -  Classroom Learning
LIBRARY GREETERS:  Rosemarie Paliebois & Vasiliki Nolidis 
COFFEE HOST:          Helen Demore (coffee hour returns downstairs)
CLASSES:                     Catechism w Fr. Tom 
                                   St Herman Presentation - 11:00 a.m. 
                                   11:30 a.m. - Sr. Hellenic Dance Practice
STREAMING SERVICE:   youtube.com/stsconstantine


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Sixth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:36-53

At that time, having risen from the dead, Jesus went up and stood among His disciples and said to them, "Peace be with you." But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit. And He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; handle Me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have." And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, He said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" They gave Him a piece of broiled fish [and some honeycomb], and He took it and ate before them. Then He said to them, "These are My words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about Me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled." Then He opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in His name in all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." Then He led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up His hands, He blessed them. While He blessed them, He parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the Temple blessing God.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal 2nd Tone. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6.

BRETHREN, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee"; as he says also in another place, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek."

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Holy Cross
The Reading is from Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."

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Wisdom of the Fathers

The key to knowledge is the humility of Christ. The door of the Kingdom of Heaven is open, not to those who only know in their learned minds the mysteries of faith and the commandments of their Creator, but to those who have progressed far enough to live by them.
St. Bede the Venerable
Unknown, 8th 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 24th         -  9:00 a.m. - Philoptochos Baking
                                 -  7:00 p.m. - Vespers at Annunciation (NO Compline today)
                                - 7:30 p.m. - Gamblers Anonymous
Tues, Mar 25th        -  9:30 a.m. - Annunciation Liturgy & luncheon
                                 -  5:00 p.m. - Greek School: 3rd Grade
                                 - 6:30 p.m. - OPA Dance
Weds, Mar 26th        - 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, Mar 27th       -  5:00 p.m. - Greek School: K-2nd Grade
                                - 7:00 p.m. - OCF Meeting (John Carroll)
                                 - 7:30 p.m. - Zoom Book Discussion
Fri, Mar 28th            -  4:30 p.m. - Salutations Service
                                 -  5:00 p.m. - Fish Fry
Sat, Mar 29th           - 4:00 p.m. - Confessions
                                - 4:00 p.m. - Youth Chant Class
                                 - 5:00 p.m. - Vespers (& Confessions)
Sun, Mar 30th          - 8:15 a.m. - Matins
                                 - 9:30 a.m. - Liturgy
                                 - 9:30 a.m. - OE: Classroom Learning
                                 - 10:45 a.m. -  40 Day Memorial: Emily Vedouras
                                 - 11:30 a.m. -  Sr. Hellenic Dancers
                                 - 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 23rd:

Electronic Version of Divine Liturgy on Mar 23rd:


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.


WELCOME

Kirk Ries, the director of St Herman House FOCUS NA, is visiting us today and will be updating us on the ministry there. 


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 Dr. Cynthia Terizis will be talking about “The Beatitude:  Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth”. See you at the Forum.


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!


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.


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).


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. 


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

We have finished our discussion of The Theology of Illness. We are taking a break for Lent and Easter and will resume Thursday May 1. Stay tuned for the title of our next book. In the meantime, St Vladimir Seminary is offering an online course on Tuesday evenings in April “From Sorrow to Joy: An Orthodox Christian Approach to Suffering, Illness and Grief” with Dr. Sarah Byrne-Martelli, the author of Memory Eternal: Living With Grief as Orthodox Christians. see https://www.online.svots.edu/ for more info and to register.


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

2025 COFFEE HOSTS

Interested in hosting coffee hour? We have open dates this spring 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#/


GOYA / YOUNG ADULT ACTIVITIES

1) OCF (John Carroll) will have its next meeting on Thursday, March 27th @ 7:00 p.m. @ Sittoo's (formerly Boaz). We will enjoy a meal and spiritual discussion. RSVP to Ted by Wednesday, March 26th.

2) 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!

3) Young Adults (18 - 35ish) are invited to "Orthodoxy on Tap" on Saturday, March 29th at Buena Vista Cafe (1305 Buena Vista Ave NE, Warren, 44483). Fr. Peter Spiro will talk about human trafficking and how we can make a difference. For more information or to RSVP, contact Fr. Demetri Constantine at: [email protected].

4) GOYA will be hosting the Potluck supper after the Presanctified Liturgy on Wednesday, April 2nd. Each family is asked to bring a Lenten item to share with the community. Contact Ted with any questions.

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.


SENIOR HELLENIC DANCERS

The Senior Greek Dancers will hold their next practice TODAY, Sunday March 23rd. 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 Plagal 2nd Tone

The angelic powers appeared at your tomb, and those guarding it became as dead. Mary stood at your grave seeking your pure body. But you stripped the power of Hades, yet were not touched by corruption. You met the virgin and granted her life. O Lord, who

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


Apolytikion for Sun. of the Holy Cross in the 1st Tone

Save, O Lord, Thy people and bless Thine inheritance; grant Thou unto the faithful victory over adversaries. And by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve Thy commonwealth.

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


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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