A Word from Father Alex

Fellow Parishioners and Friends:

As I write this note, I’m working my way down to the IOCC conference in Asheville, NC. I’m thankful to Fr. Manny for covering me this coming Sunday—and for the opportunity to connect with other IOCC volunteers who offer so much for those in difficult straits

As I mentioned the last few weeks, we are working toward the beginning of the Nativity Fast on Nov. 15. This is a small, “joyous” fast that prepares us to approach the Nativity of the Lord on Dec. 25. I hope you’ll engage this opportunity to focus on worship, reflection and philanthropy as we anticipate the coming of the Holy Child on Dec. 25.

When you’re at Saint Gregory this weekend, please do what you can to support the Philoptochos Veterans Drive, as well as the Thanksgiving Dinner Drive. Guidance and lists of needed items for both efforts are within this week’s bulletins. The GOYA Giving Tree is about to start as well—yet another opportunity to mark our Christmas fast with thoughtful, prayerful giving.

I look forward to seeing you on Nov. 15 (don’t forget, this is also the day of our fall General Assembly). The agenda will be emailed to our parishioners by Thursday, Nov. 5.

God bless you and yours,

Fr. Alex

Sunday Notes

TODAY'S ALTAR SERVERS: All servers welcome
Altar Team Archangels Michael and Gabriel: Eliot Hess, Leland Hess, Linus LaFond (Asst. Cap.) and Mark Saad
Cap., Mario Salzillo

TODAY'S MYRRHBEARER: Sydney LaFond.
Caps., Elena Salzillo and Sydney LaFond

TODAY'S NARTHEX TEAM:
Parish Council Member: Brian Kaufman and Kristin Lewis.
Usher Member: Maria Orfanos.

HOMILY: Offered by Fr. Manny Chris.

EPISTLE: Parish Chanters.

ALTAR FLOWERS: Altar flower sponsorships are a wonderful way to remember a loved one or celebrate a family event. Contact the Church Office for details (sponsorships are $125).

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: Following Divine Liturgy, please join us in the hall for refreshments and friendship. All are welcome.

KOLIVA PREPARATION: Parishioners often ask for help in preparing Koliva and may contact Gina Drugas to order a plate for a memorial ($125 per Koliva).

STREAMING AND INTERNET MINISTRY:

ACCESS SERVICES VIA FACEBOOK:
St. Gregory the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church | Facebook

ACCESS SERVICES VIA YOU TUBE:
St. Gregory The Theologian Live - YouTube

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

First Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Matthew 28:16-20

At that time, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw Him they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age. Amen."

Epistle Reading

Synaxis of the Archangel Michael & the other Bodiless Powers: Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salaphiel, Jegudiel, & Barachiel
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 2:2-10

Brethren, if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his own will. For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. It has been testified somewhere, "What is man that thou art mindful of him, or the son of man, that thou carest for him? Thou didst make him for a little while lower than the angels, thou hast crowned him with glory and honor, putting everything in subjection under his feet." Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. But we see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for every one. For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through suffering.

Gospel Reading

7th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 8:41-56

At that time, there came to Jesus a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue; and falling at Jesus' feet he besought him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As he went, the people pressed round him. And a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years and had spent all her living upon physicians and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment; and immediately her flow of blood ceased. And Jesus said, "Who was it that touched me?" When all denied it, Peter and those who were with him said, "Master, the multitudes surround you and press upon you!" But Jesus said, "Some one touched me; for I perceive that power has gone forth from me." And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace." While he was still speaking, a man from the ruler's house came and said, "Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more." But Jesus on hearing this answered him, "Do not fear; only believe, and she shall be well." And when he came to the house, he permitted no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and bewailing her; but he said, "Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, "Child, arise." And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and he directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed; but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.

Saints and Feasts

November 08

7th Sunday of Luke

November 08

Synaxis of the Archangel Michael & the other Bodiless Powers: Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salaphiel, Jegudiel, & Barachiel

All the Angels, according to the Apostle Paul, are ministering spirits, - sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation - (Heb. 1:14). God set them as overseers of every nation and people, and guides to that which is profitable (Deut. 32:8); and while one Angel is appointed to oversee each nation as a whole, one is also appointed to protect each Christian individually. He commands them to guard them that hope on Him, that nothing should harm them, neither should any evil draw nigh to their dwelling (Ps. 90:10-12). In the Heavens they always behold the face of God, sending up to Him the thrice-holy hymn and interceding with Him in our behalf, seeing they rejoice over one sinner that repents (Esaias 6:2-3; Matt. 18:10; Luke 15:7). In a word, they have served God in so many ways for our benefit, that the pages of Holy Scripture are filled with the histories thereof. It is for these reasons that the Orthodox Catholic Church, wisely honouring these divine ministers, our protectors and guardians, celebrates today the present Synaxis that is, our coming together in assembly for their common feast to chant their praises, especially for the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, who are mentioned in the Scriptures by name. The name Michael means "Who is like God?" and Gabriel means "God is mighty." The number of Angels is not defined in the divine Scriptures, where Daniel says that thousands of thousands ministered before Him, and ten thousands of ten thousands attended upon Him -(Dan. 7:10). But all of them are divided into nine orders which are called Thrones, Cherubim, Seraphim, Dominions, Powers, Authorities, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels.

November 09

Nektarius the Wonderworker, Metropolitan of Pentapolis

Saint Nektarius was born in Selyvria of Thrace on October 1, 1846. After putting himself through school in Constantinople with much hard labour, he became a monk on Chios in 1876, receiving the monastic name of Lazarus; because of his virtue, a year later he was ordained deacon, receiving the new name of Nektarius. Under the patronage of Patriarch Sophronius of Alexandria, Nektarius went to Athens to study in 1882; completing his theological studies in 1885, he went to Alexandria, where Patriarch Sophronius ordained him priest on March 23, 1886 in the Cathedral of Saint Sabbas, and in August of the same year, in the Church of Saint Nicholas in Cairo, made him Archimandrite. Archimandrite Nektarius showed much zeal both for preaching the word of God, and for the beauty of God's house. He greatly beautified the Church of Saint Nicholas in Cairo, and years later, when Nektarius was in Athens, Saint Nicholas appeared to him in a dream, embracing him and telling him he was going to exalt him very high.

On January 15, 1889, in the same Church of Saint Nicholas, Nektarius was consecrated Metropolitan of the Pentapolis in eastern Libya, which was under the jurisdiction of Alexandria. Although Nektarius' swift ascent through the degrees of ecclesiastical office did not affect his modesty and childlike innocence, it aroused the envy of lesser men, who convinced the elderly Sophronius that Nektarius had it in his heart to become Patriarch. Since the people loved Nektarius, the Patriarch was troubled by the slanders. On May 3, 1890, Sophronius relieved Metropolitan Nektarius of his duties; in July of the same year, he commanded Nektarius to leave Egypt.

Without seeking to avenge or even to defend himself, the innocent Metropolitan left for Athens, where he found that accusations of immorality had arrived before him. Because his good name had been soiled, he was unable to find a position worthy of a bishop, and in February of 1891 accepted the position of provincial preacher in Euboia; then, in 1894, he was appointed dean of the Rizarios Ecclesiastical School in Athens. Through his eloquent sermons his unwearying labours to educate fitting men for the priesthood, his generous alms deeds despite his own poverty, and the holiness, meekness, and fatherly love that were manifest in him, he became a shining light and a spiritual guide to many. At the request of certain pious women, in 1904 he began the building of his convent of the Holy Trinity on the island of Aegina while yet dean of the Rizarios School; finding later that his presence there was needed, he took up his residence on Aegina in 1908, where he spent the last years of his life, devoting himself to the direction of his convent and to very intense prayer; he was sometimes seen lifted above the ground while rapt in prayer. He became the protector of all Aegina, through his prayers delivering the island from drought, healing the sick, and casting out demons. Here also he endured wicked slanders with singular patience, forgiving his false accusers and not seeking to avenge himself. Although he had already worked wonders in life, an innumerable multitude of miracles have been wrought after his repose in 1920 through his holy relics, which for many years remained incorrupt. There is hardly a malady that has not been cured through his prayers; but Saint Nektarius is especially renowned for his healings of cancer for sufferers in all parts of the world.

Wisdom of the Fathers

We advance toward humility by means of trials. He who rests on his virtue without suffering tribulation has the door of pride open before him.

St. Isaac of Syria

Homily 57, in Ascetical Homilies, p. 283, 7th century

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

Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR SUNDAY, NOV 8, 7th SUNDAY OF LUKE
We look forward to worshipping with you at Saint Gregory:
Orthros, 8:30 AM
Divine Liturgy, 9:30 AM
(Sunday School begins immediately following Holy Communion; all parishioners, visitors and friends are welcome to join us for Fellowship Hour in the hall following the service)

STREAMING DETAILS/MEDIA FOR SUNDAY, NOV. 8
Access Services via You Tube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgvnXFV6xK1Nhm8ID84jFNg

Access services and join our community on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/saintgregorythetheologian

Join our community on Instagram:
@saintgregorythetheologian

PHILOPTOCHOS VETERANS COAT DRIVE, THROUGH NOVEMBER
Please help us provide new, warm coats to veterans for the winter through our partnership with Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL). There are three ways we can help (thanks in advance!):
1) Purchase a warm coat at OSJL, leave the coat with OSJL and give the gift card to Philoptochos
2) Donate cash to Philoptochos, and we will do the shopping for you
3) Purchase Stop & Shop gift cards and donate them to Philoptochos

THANKSGIVING DINNER DRIVE, THROUGH NOV. 22
Please see our flyer for the complete list of items needed for this drive, serving local veterans and families in need this Thanksgiving season. We appreciate the prayerful giving of our parishioners during this season of fasting and preparation for the Nativity of the Lord.

PARISH GENERAL ASSEMBLY, NOV. 15 & ELECTIONS, DEC. 13
In addition to joining us at the assembly on Nov. 15, please consider serving on our Parish Council in the coming year: we have vacancies and look forward to welcoming new members. Nomination forms are in the Narthex today and have been emailed to our parish family. Forms are due back to the church office, a member of the elections committee or Fr. Alex by Nov. 22. Elections will be on Dec. 13.

FOOD & FRIENDS MINISTRY, NOV. 17
Parishioners are invited to join Dennis and Nancy Savas for this ongoing feeding ministry, in partnership with First Baptist Church of Mansfield. Contact Dennis to learn more and get involved: [email protected].

GOYA GIVING TREE, NOV. 22 – DEC. 6
Our GOYAns will once again lead us in holiday philanthropy with the “Giving Tree” effort, beginning Nov. 22. This year, our friends at West Side Benevolent Circle as asking for $25 Amazon cards for local children and families. Please visit the tree during Fellowship Hour, drop off your gift cards and learn more about this project. Thank you for supporting our children as they strive to put faith into practice.

ORTHODOX LIFE: “MIRACLES OF CHRIST,” NOV. 22
Following Divine Liturgy, please join Fr. Alex and friends in the library for our next session of Orthodox Life. We had wonderful turnouts for our first two fall sessions and look forward to our next gathering. No prior experience with Bible study is necessary—all welcome.

EMAIL CHANGES
Please be aware of the new email addresses for both Fr. Alex and Mirna Zelic, our parish office administrator:
Fr. Alex: [email protected]
Mirna: [email protected]

PROSFORA
Baking Prosfora is a great way to connect to the liturgical life of our parish, and we always need new bakers to support this ministry. Would you like to try and bake several for a coming Sunday or even lead a small group interested in learning about the process? Please contact Fr. Alex.

STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY 2026
Many thanks to all those Stewards who have already committed for 2026. If you have not yet had the opportunity, now would be a wonderful time. 2026 Stewardship materials are in the Narthex and available on our parish website's Stewardship page.

FELLOWSHIP HOUR SIGN-UP RESOURCES
All parishioners are invited to host Fellowship Hour on a coming Sunday. In addition to the sign-up poster in the hall, we can now easily learn more and sign up online. Fellowship Hour is a beloved, significant tradition at our parish that speaks to Christian fellowship and hospitality. Thanks in advance for your support, and contact Fellowship Hour Chair Margarita Campbell with any questions: [email protected]

RIDES TO CHURCH
George Dimitriou, our Driving Ministry chair, would be happy to help you or a loved one make it to Saint Gregory for worship and events. Contact George directly: [email protected]; 781.769.2085.

LOST & FOUND
When parishioners find items about the church, they leave them with the church office. You will find a mail tray labled for lost and found. If you have misplaced a small item, or found one, please stop by the office.

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Fr. Alex: Tue., 1 - 4 pm; Wed., 9 am - 1 pm; Thur., 9 am - 1 pm; or by appointment when convenient for our parishioners. Please note that on occasion, Fr. Alex may be seeing to a pastoral situation, visiting with another parishioner, attending a Metropolis event, or otherwise engaged in Church life during office hours.

CHURCH OFFICE ADMINSTRATOR
Mirna Zelic: Mon. - Thur. - 9:30 am - 1:30 pm, Fri. 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Contact Mirna: [email protected]; 508.337.9986.

Calendar: Next Two Weeks

Saint Gregory Parish Calendar

November 8 to November 22, 2026

Sunday, November 8

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:45AM Sunday School

Tuesday, November 10

6:30PM Parish Council

Friday, November 13

10:30AM Food & Friends Ministry

Sunday, November 15

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:45AM Sunday School

11:30AM General Assembly

Sunday, November 22

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:45AM Sunday School

Coming Events & News

Parish General Assembly: Nov. 15

Join us for this important meeting of our parish family. All 2026 Stewards are invited and encouraged to attend.

Thanksgiving Dinner Drive: Oct. 25 - Nov. 22

Please support this annual drive for local veterans and families.

Orthodox Life: "Miracles of Christ": Nov. 22

Join Fr. Alex and friends for this approachable study of Christ's miracles. All are welcome. Our next meeting is on Nov. 1, following Divine Liturgy.

Instant Directory Launch

Our new directory app is live and about to be pushed out to our parishioners. This flyer will be a helpful guide to taking it for a test drive!

Golf Tournament Sponsors

Many thanks to the sponsors of our successful 31st Annual Golf Classic on Nov. 1. We appreciate all who played and otherwise supported this vital fundraiser.

Bookstore News

There's a sale from our bookstore that's sure to make a great gift for all! Price reduction on t-shirts both adult and children sizes as well as the book: Heaven Meets Earth The holidays are approching so it's a wonderful time to purchase either-or both!

Parish Christmas Card

Please be part of our parish Christmas card, and extend your greetings to all our parishioner, community partners and friends.

Diakonia Newsletter

Read the latest Diakonia Newsletter for this Sunday

https://bulletinbuilder.org/diakonia-newsletter/2026-11-08?source=bulletin_web

November 8, 2026

General Information

Services Schedule

Past Bulletins