Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral
Publish Date: 2026-08-16
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:
Diakonia Newsletter

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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

08/16/2026

ELEVENTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW
MATINS:             8:15 am
LITURGY:           9:30 am
EPISTLE:            I Corinthians 9:2-12
GOSPEL:             Matthew 18:23-35
GREEK TEXT:      p. 114
ACOLYTES:        ALL
PROSFORA:       Anna Tsagaris
PANGARI:         Team A: Renee Sadler, Tom Parras, George Stamatis
MEMORIALS:    40 Day Memorial: In loving memory of Efthimia Philiou, beloved wife of 72 years to Nondas, loving mother of Jeany, Mary (John), Susie (Angelo); grandmother of Greg (Nina), Alaina (Greg), John (Nelle), Kristin (Ryan), Anthony, Alicia; great-grandmother of Zachary, Eleni, Theodore, Nikolaos and Johnny.
                         4 year Memorial: Marrion Demore
                         11 Year Memorial: Caryn Cherpas
                         Library Members Memorial
COFFEE HOSTS: The Cherpas family, the Demore family, the Philiou family, and the Library group 
EVENTS:           Orthodoxy 101 w Fr. Tom 
 
STREAMING SERVICE:   youtube.com/stsconstantine



Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. 2nd Tone. Psalm 117.14,18.
The Lord is my strength and my song.
Verse: The Lord has chastened me sorely.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 9:2-12.

Brethren, you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. This is my defense to those who would examine me. Do we not have the right to our food and drink? Do we not have the right to be accompanied by a wife, as the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? Do I say this on human authority? Does not the law say the same? For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain." Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of a share in the crop. If we have sown spiritual good among you, is it too much if we reap your material benefits? If others share this rightful claim upon you, do not we still more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.

Gospel Reading

11th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 18:23-35

The Lord said this parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, 'Pay what you owe.' So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his lord delivered him to the torturers, till he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."



Wisdom of the Fathers

Do we forgive our neighbors their trespasses? God also forgives us in His mercy. Do we refuse to forgive? God, too, will refuse to forgive us. As we treat our neighbors, so also does God treat us. The forgiveness, then, of your sins or unforgiveness, and hence also your salvation or destruction, depend on you yourself, man. For without forgiveness of sins there is no salvation.
St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
Unknown, 18th century



This Week

THIS COMING WEEK

Mon, Aug 17th         -  7:30 p.m. - Gamblers Anonymous
Tues, Aug 18th        -  6:30 p.m. - Opa Dance
Weds, Aug 19th      -  9:30 a.m. - St. Makrina Bible study
Sat, Aug 22nd        -  5:00 p.m. - Vespers  (& Confessions)
Sun, Aug 23rd        -  8:15 a.m. - Matins
                                -  9:30 a.m. - Liturgy     
 -  12:00 p.m. - Dancers Recognition Event (gym)
 -  12:30 p.m. - Philoptochos Meeting (downstairs)
                                - Catechism w Fr. Tom
Mon. Aug 24th       - OFFICE CLOSED ALL WEEK


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 Aug 16th:

Electronic Version of Divine Liturgy on Aug 16th:


WELCOME

New to the area? At this time of the year we see newcomers arriving for school, medical residency and for new jobs. We want to include you in parish communications! Please send your contact info to [email protected]. To be enrolled in our parish email correspondence, please go this link to register: https://stsconstantine.com/news/mailing-list


BACK TO SCHOOL DRIVE

Philoptochos is sponsoring a Back to School Supply Drive for Oxford and Fairfax Schools from August 2 through August 16. Donations can be dropped off in the brown box or delivered directly to Philoptochos by August 16, 2026.

Requested donations include new boys' and girls' cotton briefs in small, medium, and large sizes, as well as new leggings or joggers (sweatpants) in children's or young adult sizes. School supply donations are also needed, including #2 pencils, pencil pouches, colored pencils, crayons, markers, erasers, highlighters, two-pocket folders, and scissors.

For questions or to order items directly from Amazon, please contact Kathy Sarris at [email protected] or text 440-832-0892.


SUNSHINE GROUP

Sunshiner Group:  Our August lunch is Thursday, August 20 at 12:30 PM at 56 Kitchen.  56 Kitchen is in the Eastgate Shopping Center on SOM Center Road in Mayfield Heights.  Please bring $20/pp.  We will have a private room with a limited but very nice menu to select from.   Please let Maria Cashy know if you can attend at 216-390-2294 or [email protected] no later than Friday, August 14.  Please Note:  This is the 3rd Thursday of the month.  We are having fun this year, so please join us!


CALLING ALL SINGLES

Orthodox Christian Singles is having a beach day and cookout at beautiful Mentor Headlands Beach at 9601 Headland Rd. Mentor, Ohio, on Saturday, August 22nd at 1:00pm.  Plead bring a side or dessert to share and get ready to swim and eat!  Please RSVP to Victoria Thorp at (440)732-1401 by Thursday, August 20.  Hope to see you there!


DEVELOPING A LOVING RELATIONSHIP WITH The HOLY TRINITY

COME and SEE!  (John 1:39) LEARN about ME! The SCH Library Group is hosting a Mini-Retreat Series, Saturdays in September: 12 & 19
 - 9:30-10am light breakfast refreshments
 - 10am-noon discussion and reflections
To Register: contact Cynthia Terezis at [email protected] ($10 covers both sessions)


5K WALK/RUN TO BENEFIT IOCC

Join us for a family-friendly 5K walk/run to support the humanitarian work of IOCC! All ages and abilities welcome. Make your steps count and impact the lives of people in need. The IOCC run/walk will take place on Saturday, September 12th in the MetroParks (Rocky River). Check In 9:00 am, Opening Prayer/Photo 9:45 am, Walk/Run 10:00 am. Fellowship and refreshments immediately to follow. Race start and parking at Rockcliff Springs Parking Lot, 18833 Rockcliff Dr, Rocky River, OH 44116

Individuals $25 • Families $70. Register online at iocc.org/Cleveland. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Sophia Kayafas 440-525-6914


ORTHODOX EDUCATION NEWS

Registration is now open for the 2026-2027 Orthodox Education school year! Using the new National Sunday School Curriculum, developed by The Department of Religious Education (DRE) of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, your children will grow in their faith, build friendships, and learn about Christ's love in a welcoming and age-appropriate environment. Please register your children, from Preschool (age 4) through High School here: https://forms.gle/XaiS57FyW54hZJqA8

Little Saints will continue this year on the second Sunday of each month for parishioners ages 40 days to 3 years. This program brings our youngest parishioners (and their parents) together once per month for a story, a snack, and spiritual nourishment. Registration is not required for Little Saints. 

OE and Little Saints will begin Sunday, September 13th.


2026 COFFEE HOSTS WANTED

We have open coffee hour dates in both August and September. If you would like to host, please contact Sade in the office at 216 932-3300 or add your name on Sign Up Genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F054EACA62BA0F49-62422249-sunday#/


CHIOS SOCIETY ANNUAL PICNIC

Chios Society of Cleveland chapter #7 presents their 2026 Annual Family Picnic. To be held at St. Sava Pavilion, 2151 W. Wallings Rd in Broadview Hts on Saturday, Sept 19 from 11:00 - 4:00 p.m. Bring your family and friends and enjoy an afternoon of great food, fellowship, and fun for all ages as we celebreate our Chian heritage and community together. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children. available on SignUp Genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E48A9AE28A0FBC70-64621591-chios. For more information, contact Dimitri Kalafatis at 216 990-1992 or by email at [email protected]


BOOK ZOOM GROUP

The Zoom Book Group will return on Thurs. evenings from 7:30-8:30 pm, starting Sept 24 and running for 8 weeks. They will be reading The Orthodox Way, written by Metropolitan Kallistos Ware of Diokleia (of Blessed Memory), a renowned theologian, scholar, teacher, writer and lecturer at Oxford University.

All are welcome to join us as we continue our journeys of faith & growth to discover & experience the Holy Trinity. If interested, contact Cynthis Terezis at [email protected]. Books can be purchased ($20) at the Church Library Bookstore or on Amazon.


EASTERN ORTHODOX WOMEN'S GUILD

As we close out the year and get ready to begin a New Church Year, the EOWG is also in full gear to reunite our friends from our neighboring Orthodox churches and make new friends who join us along with opportunities to deepen our faith.

In order to further unite the Orthodox Churches of Greater Cleveland and to continue to grow in Christ as One Church, the month of August has been declared our 'Membership Drive' month. Please consider joining our ministry and come to our FIRST meeting in September - and bring a friend!
Happening Saturday, Septemeber 26 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 6822 Broadview Rd. in Parma. See Katherine Kartalis with any questions.


COLLIS LECTURE

On Sunday, September 27 at 2 PM at the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Annual Collis Lecture: "Are Pictures Worth More than Words? Ancient Greek Painters as Storytellers" will be presented by Mark Stansbury-O'Donnell, Professor Emeritus at University of St. Thomas.  For FREE preferred seating tickets to the lecture, please visit: https://ticketing.clevelandart.org/18989/19046?promoapplied=true. 
To purchase tickets to the Hellenic Preservation Society reception immediately following the lecture: https://buy.stripe.com/4gMaEX4TLc9Z8iacy8aVa1g.


MEN WHO COOK

Save the date for the 4th annual  Men Who Cook on  Saturday  October 3rd! Our talented parishioners and friends will create samples of their signature dishes to see which of our chefs win the Golden Spoon awards. All proceeds  will benefit the charities of the Philoptochos.


GOYA / YOUNG ADULT ACTIVITIES

The Metropolis of Detroit formally invites you to our newly revamped metropolis level Greek dance workshop, aptly called: "Xoros". The mission of  XOROS is to bring Orthodox Christians together in a spirit of joy, unity, and fellowship through the shared experience of Hellenic dance, music, language, and cultural traditions. It will take place at Annunciation GOC in Dayton, OH on October 9 -11, 2026. We have the full details on our website which can be accessed here: https://www.detroit.goarch.org/xoros


FALL RETREAT

Please join Saints Constantine and Helen Saint Makrina Bible Study for a Fall Retreat on October 17, 2026 from 9 AM to 3 PM. Our speaker is Elissa Bjeletich Davis, an Orthodox author, podcaster and speaker. The topic is “Light Streams In” - In turbulent times, how are Christians to engage with this modern world? We look to Saint Porphyrios who teaches us to let Christ’s light stream into the darkness, and challenges us to radiate light.
Tickets are $15 which includes breakfast and lunch ($20 after 10/10).
Please contact Toni Madden at [email protected] for more information, or visit https://pci.jotform.com/form/262124886813159 to register.


ST. MAKRINA ZOOM BIBLE STUDY

Saint Makrina Bible Study will be returning to the book "Let Us be Attentive - Refections on the Sunday and Feastday Scripture Readings of the Orthodox Church". Please join us. We try to align our readings with the church calendar. 
You can participate as much or as little as you’d like. We meet every Wednesday at 9:30 am over Zoom. You do not have to attend every session and can participate in the discussions as much or as little as you wish. We would love to have you! Contact Toni Madden [email protected] for the zoom link.   


PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS

Philoptochos’ monthly food drive continues for the Orthodox ministry, St Mary of Egypt, located on State Road in Cleveland. People in need can visit twice weekly to receive needed food supplies. 

This is an ongoing collection. Please place all donations of boxed and canned goods (no glass containers please) in the Philoptochos collection box, located underneath the electronic message board. Thank you in advance for helping those in need. 


CHURCH COMMUNICATIONS

Our weekly bulletin contains announcements and links of interest to the Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Community.  If you are not receiving our bulletin or other church notices in your email and would like to, you can sign up for it here: 

                                          https://stsconstantine.com/news/mailing-list




Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 2nd Tone

When you descended into death, O life immortal, you destroyed Hades with the splendor of your divinity, and when you raised the dead from the depths of darkness, all the heavenly powers shouted: O giver of life, Christ our God, glory to you.

Apolytikion for Holy Napkin 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 wast Thou 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.

Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Dormition in the 1st Tone

You gave birth yet preserved your virginity. You fell asleep in death yet did not desert the world, O Theotokos. You were transported to life, as you are Mother of Life and, by virtue of your intercessions, deliver our souls from death.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 2nd Tone

Neither the grave nor death could contain the Theotokos, the unshakable hope, ever vigilant in intercession and protection. As Mother of life, He who dwelt in the ever-virginal womb transposed her to life.




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August 16, 2026

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