SS. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral
8000 Madison Street, Merrillville, IN 46410
(219) 769-2481


Church Office Hours:
Monday thru Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Dionysios the Areopagite Priest Martyr
Sunday, October 3

Orthros: 8:00 am
Divine Liturgy: 9:00 am
Memorials: 10:15 am

 Reservations are no longer needed to attend worship services. However, masks and social distancing protocols are still in effect for those not vaccinated. For those fully vaccinated, masks and social distancing are recommended but not required.

It is recommended that children wear masks when possible. Please note the designated areas for seating in the church.
Orthros Gospel: Luke 24:1-12

Liturgy Epistle: 2 Corinthians 4:16-15

Liturgy Gospel: Luke 6:31-36
The Lord said, "As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again.

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."



Sunday's Events:

🍁 Sunday School

🍁 Coffeehour in the Great Hall

🍁 Winter Coat Drive Continues

🍁 Pillow and Blanket Drive begins

We’re called to point people to Christ...

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return...
(Luke 6:35)

When you succeed at a task, don’t you want a reward?

When you do well, don’t you want recognition?

Most of us feel cheated when we don’t receive anything for our trouble.

And we feel overlooked when we don’t get credit for what we’ve done.

It’s pretty common.
 
But it’s not what Christ calls us towards...

In this week’s Gospel reading, the Lord challenges us to rethink how we approach reward and recognition.

He says that we may want recognition for loving our friends and family.

But that’s easy!

Because even sinners love people who love them back.

Instead of this, Christ challenges us to love those who hate us.

To love our enemies.

And not to seek credit for it!

But to simply love, as God loves.

St. Paul tells us something similar in this week’s epistle, when he challenges us to shine the Light of Christ in our lives.

We are called to point, not to our achievements, but to God’s achievements.

We are called to point, not to our strength, but to our weakness.

Because that is what shows the strength of God in us.

We have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us.
(1 Corinthians 4:7)

As Christians, we’re not called to seek rewards for our good deeds.

And we’re not called to shine the spotlight on ourselves.

We’re called to point people to Christ...


Peace,
Steve

https://mailchi.mp/goarch/how-to-start-and-keep-a-prayer-rule-1678210?e=1c42745ef8




Give to Your Church On-Line!

 Light a candle (red, votive or white)
All candles must be paid for before they will be lit!
Make your Tray Offering
Give your Stewardship
Give Names for Commemoration
Give to the Building Repair Fund
Memorials (in lieu of flowers)
Helping Hand donation
Food Pantry donation
General Fund
 
Thank you!

See the Sunday Bulletin for details on these events!
November 5, 6 and 7
Fall Mini Food Fest and Raffle
It's not too late to get your raffle tickets in!
The MAIN DRAWING will take place
on Saturday, November 6.

Ticket Sales are lagging this year, so please get your tickets in or ask the church office for more to sell!

THE 5th AND FINAL
EARLY BIRD DRAWING FOR $200
IS ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10
Monday, October 4
6:30 pm Youth Programs Night! Youth groups this year are:

HOPE (Pre-K through 2nd grades)

JOY (3rd through 5th grades)

Jr. GOYA (6th through 8th grades)

GOYA (9th through 12th grades)

All youth are invited and encouraged to participate in these life-changing ministries


Wednesday, October 6
Cathedral Hellenic Dance Practice
6:00-7:00 pm Junior Group
7:00-8:00 pm Senior Group


 Friday, October 8
9 am JC Closet -- get all of your donations in by Wednesday!


Saturday, October 9
9-11 am Greek School Classes


Sunday, October 10
5th and Final Early Bird Drawing for $200


Monday, October 11
6:00 pm October Philoptochos Meeting
Sunday, October 17
4:00 - 7:00 pm GOYA's new "Trunk or Treat" Event! See below


Sunday, October 24
Family Pumpkin Patch Outing & Hayride


Sunday, October 31
11:00 am General Assembly

This is a new event sponsored by our GOYA.
These two photos are just examples of how you could decorate your car and participate for our kids -- nothing scary or witchy!!
The more trunks, the more fun for everyone!
Consider being a participant and enjoy a beautiful afternoon with your church family!
This film is in Greek with English subtitles. See the Sunday Bulletin for more information.
Christ’s Golden Rule is taking one’s neighbor upon oneself just as the Good Samaritan had compassion on the wounded Jew, a supposed enemy, and interrupted his own journey in order to help him.

Jesus Himself is the supreme model of the Good Samaritan seeking to bind and heal humanity’s wounds, and suffering persecution in the process. He voluntarily submitted to abuse, insults, beatings, betrayal and crucifixion by those whom He came to help! From the Cross He prayed to God: “Father, forgive them! They know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

Christ lived out His own teaching about love: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). Thus Christian morality is anchored, not merely on the principle of fairness, but much more on the principle of outgoing, sacrificial love.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Join the The St. Iakovos Retreat Center in celebrating it's 15th Anniversary
The St. Iakovos Retreat Center is home of the Metropolis' Fanari Camp, ministry retreats, and special events!
If you would like to become a part of the Retreat Center’s legacy and support its mission, consider ordering a personalized brick!

Honor your family, business, association or provide a lasting tribute or memorial for a loved one.

Go to www.gosirc.org to personalize your brick now!