TODAY
SUNDAY OF THE PARALYTIC
GOSPEL: John 5:1-15
GREEK TEXT p. 68
STREAMING SERVICE: youtube.com/stsconstantine
SUNDAY SCHEDULE:
MATINS: 8:15 am
LITURGY: 9:30 am
SATURDAYS (subject to change):
VESPERS: 5:00 p.m.
SUNDAY OF THE PARALYTIC
Fifth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:12-35
At that time, [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. That very day] two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. And He said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" and they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered Him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" And He said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered Him up to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. But we had hoped that He was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find His body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that He was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see." And He said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was not it necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into this glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself. So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained Him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So He went in to stay with them. When He was at table with them, He took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He opened to us the scriptures?" And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road and how He was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Prokeimenon. 3rd Tone. Psalm 46.6,1.
Sing praises to our God, sing praises.
Verse: Clap your hands, all you nations.
The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 9:32-42.
In those days, as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints that lived at Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years and was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed." And immediately he rose. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. Now there was at Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him entreating him, "Please come to us without delay." So Peter rose and went with them. And when he had come, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping, and showing tunics and other garments which Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside and knelt down and prayed; then turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, rise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and lifted her up. Then calling the saints and widows he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.
Sunday of the Paralytic
The Reading is from John 5:1-15
At that time, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda which has five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water; for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and troubled the water; whoever stepped in first after the troubling of the water was healed of whatever disease he had. One man was there, who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew that he had been lying there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled, and while I am going another steps down before me." Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your pallet, and walk." And at once the man was healed, and he took up his pallet and walked.
Now that day was the sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, "It is the sabbath, it is not lawful for you to carry your pallet." But he answered them, "The man who healed me said to me, 'Take up your pallet, and walk.' "They asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, 'Take up your pallet, and walk'?" Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you." The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.
Those wishing to follow the livestreamed services with a written text may do so using the links below.
Electronic Version of Orthros (Matins) on May 11th:
Electronic Version of Divine Liturgy on May 11th:
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.
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.
Volunteer for Festival Baking!
Festival baking has begun. We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals to help with baking for our upcoming Festival! To make it easier for everyone to participate, we've added evening, Saturday, and Sunday shifts—perfect for those who work weekdays.
It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with others, contribute to the community, and enjoy a delicious meal prepared by Chef George Stathopoulos. Come be part of the fun—we can’t do it without you! Full schedule available in lobby
We will be holding a general meeting for the 2025 Festival on Thursday, May 15 at 7:00 PM in the Conference Room. Everyone is welcome to attend! At this meeting, we’ll discuss current festival activities and brainstorm new ideas. We encourage your participation and fresh perspectives.
The 2025 Festival will take place from Thursday, July 24 to Sunday, July 27.
If you're unable to attend but still want to get involved, please reach out to Clay White at [email protected] or Marguarite at [email protected].
We look forward to seeing you there!
Please join St. Makrina Bible Study! We will begin reading the book- "Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis.
“Lewis discusses that everyone is curious about: right and wrong, human nature, morality, marriage, sins, forgiveness, faith, hope, generosity, and kindness.”
We meet every Wednesday from 9:30-11am over Zoom. You do not have to attend every session and can contribute to the discussions as much or as little as you wish. The book can be purchased through Amazon. Please contact Toni Madden at [email protected] for the Zoom link. We would love for you to join us!
The Philoptochos General Meeting will be on Sunday May 18th after church in the conference room. We will conduct elections for the new officers and board members. All who would like to vote in the election, please renew your memberships. Please come to hear about all the exciting events upcoming in 2025!
We are reading Living the Beatitudes: Perspectives From Orthodox Spirituality, written by Fr Thomas Fitzgerald, Th.D (of Blessed memory) former Dean and Prof at Holy Cross School of Theology and Presb Kyriaki Fitzgerald, M.Div., Ph.D, psychologist and adjunct prof at Holy Cross School of Theology. The authors teach us how to practice the Beatitudes and integrate them into our daily lives, to imitate Christ and to become His disciples.
We Zoom weekly on Thursday evenings at 7-8pm starting on May 1 for 8 weeks. If interested, contact Cynthia Terezis at [email protected] to be added to the Zoom email invite and to place an order for the book ($20) through the bookstore at the Church Library (also available at holycrossbookstore.com and Amazon).
Applications for the 2025 Library scholarship must be returned *on paper* to the Library committee by May 18th.
Join us in celebrating Sts. Constantine and Helen Nameday on Wednesday, May 21
Liturgy: 10:00 AM
Luncheon: To follow the Liturgy
Cost: $25 per luncheon ticket
For tickets or more information, please contact Marguarite at
917-459-7533 or via email at [email protected].
On Tuesday, May 20 the nameday Vespers service will take place at 7:00 PM; a reception will follow.
Thank you to everyone who purchased luminaries which lined the path for our Holy Friday Epitaphios procession. Close to $3,000 was raised to help provide scholarships for OE students attending Camp Nazareth. A SPECIAL THANK YOU to those who helped organize and set up the luminaries.
Sunshine Group: The next luncheon will be at Crostata in Highland Heights. Crostatas is located at 558 Bishop Road. Please bring $20/pp for lunch. Lunch is Thursday, June 12 at 12:30--Please note the time! Please let Maria Cashy know if you can make it at 216-390-3394 or [email protected]. I hope you will all attend!
On Thursday, July 10, we will have a Christmas in July party at the church. More details to follow.
1) Sts. Constantine & Helen will provide $620 scholarships for all youth going to Camp Nazareth this summer! You will need a code prior to signing up to qualify. Contact either Fr. Stephen or Ted for more information. Camp registration is now live at https://y2am.pittsburgh.goarch.org/summercamp. Camp does sell out, so please act fast!
2) GOYA will join Philoptochos for a special "Mother's Day" visit to Zelma George Family Shelter on Friday, May 16th @ 6:00 p.m. This will be very similar to the annual Christmas Party. Please see Ted Cherpas or Kathy Sarris for more details.
3) GOYA is invited to a Metropolis Sand Volleyball Tournament on Saturday, May 31st hosted by St. Paul, North Royalton. Come and compete with all your friends from Camp Nazareth and the tournaments! To participate, RSVP to Ted ASAP. We need at least 6 GOYAns and another adult to send a team. Contact him with any questions too.
4) The Metropolis Youth Office presents "Wonderfully Made", a 1-day youth retreat for students with moderate to intensive special needs. This will be hosted by St. Nicholas, Youngstown on Saturday, June 7th from 10:00 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. Registration is now open at https://y2am.pittsburgh.goarch.org/wonderfully-made. For more information, contact Alyssa Kyritsis at [email protected].
5) GOYA is joining FOCUS for its annual backpack drive. You can participate by volunteering to fill a backpack for a student in need right here in Cleveland. The packing list includes items like pencils, folders, and index cards. The deadline to have everything collected is Sunday, August 3rd. Please see Ted to get involved.
If you are a college student or young adult, we invite you to join the Kefi Dancers and perform at our festival. The first 3 practices will be May 19, 21, 28, 6:30-8:00. June and July practices to be determined.
Graduating? – Join us for our annual graduate luncheon on Sunday, June 1st. Please send us the graduate’s name, photo, school graduating from, future plans, focus of studies and any interesting information you want to share. We will honor all the graduates at the luncheon and the graduates will also be featured in the next edition of the Koinonia. Send all information to Maria Misthos at [email protected] by May 18th.
We have open coffee hour dates coming up for the end of the month, into June and July. 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#/
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/
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Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Cross Press
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Narthex Press