A Word from Father Alex

Hello Saint Gregory!

A blessed Resurrection and "Kali Anastasi" to you and yours. Holy Week will be here before we know it, and I'm really looking forward to it.

This Sunday, dedicated to Saint Mary of Egypt, we'll enjoy our beautiful, timeless worship, Sunday School classes, Orthodoxy 101 and much more at our parish home. In the hall during Fellowship Hour, don't forget to order your Easter Bread from Philoptochos friends and pick up your tickets for the Palm Sunday luncheon.

Our entire Holy Week schedule of services--from the Saturday of Lazarus Event and the Holy Friday Youth Retreat to the Holy Saturday Night "Anastasia" service and parish potluck--is posted within the "Calendar" section of this eBulletin and has been emailed to our parish. I hope and pray you'll worship with us and enjoy our learning and fellowship events as often as possible during this sacred period. This is a time of transformation before the Cross of the Lord, spiritual refreshment, hope and salvation for us. Let's engage this moment as a parish family.

See you at church and a blessed fifth week of Lent to you,

Fr. Alex

Sunday Notes

EPISTLE: Brian Hess.

MYRHHBEARER SERVICE:
April 21st: Sidney LaFond
April 28th: Callie LaFond

TODAY'S ALTAR TEAM: Team Archangel Gabriel (Elliot Hess, Leland Hess and Linus LaFond). Captain, Mario Salzillo.

HOMILY: "Lenten Check-In: How Are We Doing?"

ALTAR FLOWERS: Please consider sponsoring altar flowers for a coming Sunday. The donation for flower sponsorships is $75. Please contact Gina in the church office to learn more or sponsor.

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: This week's fellowship hour is sponsored by the Ouzonidis-Varetimos Family. All are welcome to join us following Divine Liturgy. This month and beyond, Fellowship Hour sponsors are welcome and needed. Please sign up in the hall this weekend or use our new SignUpGenius link.

WORSHIPPING FROM HOME: 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

Second Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Mark 16:1-8

When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?" And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back - it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, He is not here; see the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter that He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him, as He told you." And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Epistle Reading

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 9:11-14

BRETHREN, when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
The Reading is from Mark 10:32-45

At that time, Jesus took his twelve disciples, and he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant of James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Saints and Feasts

April 21

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

The memory of this Saint is celebrated on April 1, where her life is recorded. Since the end of the holy Forty Days is drawing nigh, it has been appointed for this day also, so that if we think it hard to practice a little abstinence forty days, we might be roused by the heroism of her who fasted in the wilderness forty-seven years; and also that the great loving-kindness of God, and His readiness to receive the repentant, might be demonstrated in very deed.

April 21

The Holy Hieromartyr Januarius and Those With Him

These Martyrs contested for piety's sake in Campania of Italy, during the reign of Diocletian (284-305), when Timothy was Proconsul. Saint Januarius was the Bishop of Benevento in Campania; he was arrested and taken to Nola, where he was cast into a burning furnace, from which he came forth unharmed; at Puteoli, together with Proculus, Sosius, and Faustus the deacons, Desiderius, reader of the Church of Benevento, and Eurychius and Acutius, nobles from Puteoli, he was cast to wild beasts, which as they came near the Saints, fell affectionately at their feet. Finally they were all beheaded, about the year 305.

April 21

Beuno, Abbot of Clynnog

Wisdom of the Fathers

Before He humbled Himself, only the angels knew him. After He humbled Himself, all human nature knew Him. You see how His humbling of Himself did not make Him have less but produced countless benefits, countless deeds of virtue, and made His glory shine forth with greater brightness? God wants for nothing and has need of nothing. Yet, when He humbled Himself, He produced such great good, increased His household, and extended His kingdom. Why, then, are you afraid that you will become less if you humble yourself?

St. John Chrysostom

On the Incomprehensible Nature of God. 8.46-47. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol: Mark. Intervarsity Press, 2005, p. 143.

But let no man be troubled at the apostles being in such an imperfect state. For not yet was the cross accomplished, not yet the grace of the Spirit given. But if thou wouldest learn their virtue, notice them after these things, and thou wilt see them superior to every passion.

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR SUNDAY, APRIL 21st, SUNDAY OF SAINT MARY OF EGYPT
We look forward to worshipping with you at Saint Gregory:
Orthros, 8:30 am
Divine Liturgy, 9:30 am
Each week, Sunday School classes begin immediately after Holy Communion. All are warmly invited to join us for refreshments and fellowhip after Divine Liturgy.

STREAMING DETAILS/MEDIA CONNECTIONS FOR TODAY, APRIL 21st
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"

ORTHODOXY 101, APRIL 21ST
Our last session before Holy Week will take place after Liturgy, this Sunday, the 21st in the library. Participants are asked to read pgs. 111 - 137 of Introducing the Orthodox Church beforehand.

PHILOPTOCHOS UPDATES & EASTER BREAD PRE-SALE, APRIL 21ST
***Easter Bread: Sunday the 21st will be the final day pre-order your Easter bread with friends from Philoptochos during Fellowship Hour. Pre-ordered breads can be picked up on Palm Sunday, April 28th.
***April 23^rd Meeting: All members are invited to the next general meeting on the 23^rd at 7 pm (hybrid).
***Dignity Matters Drive. Your incredibly generous offerings filled several Dignity Matters bins and provided much needed supplies to the local chapter. Many thanks to all who donated.
We are grateful for the ongoing support of our parish for all Philoptochos events and drives. A blessed Pascha to our parish family!

SATURDAY OF LAZARUS EVENT, APRIL 27TH
Join us for Orthros and Divine Liturgy, followed by palm folding and a Communion breakfast sponsored by our GOYAns. Fr. Manny will offer our children a special youth homily. Bring the entire family for this beautiful day at Saint Gregory. View and share our flyer.

PALM SUNDAY LUNCHEON, APRIL 28TH
Join us for a wonderful luncheon following Divine Liturgy. Tickets will be on sale during Fellowship Hour, and make your reservations by April 24th. See our flyer for all the details and reservation information.

PARASCO ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS, DUE APRIL 28TH
If you are a steward of St. Gregory, graduating high school this June, and plan to attend a college or university, you are encouraged to apply for a scholarship that will be awarded to seniors. The application is now available (due April 28, 2024). Please contact the Scholarship Committee with any questions: stgregoryscholarship@gmail.com.

SUNDAY SCHOOL HOLY FRIDAY RETREAT, MAY 3RD
Students K – 8th grade are invited to join us, 12 – 2:45 pm, for this year’s retreat: “Love Through the Crucifixion.” High schoolers are also very welcome to help lead activities. The day’s agenda will include time with Fr. Alex, meaningful sessions, snack time, and the assembly of IOCC health kits. Please support our Sunday School’s drive for health kit items, and register your child for the retreat at your earliest convenience. Contact Paula Hartigan Patey for further information or to help out: pch588@gmail.com.

MYRRHBEARERS FOR HOLY FRIDAY, MAY 3RD
Girls grades 1 – 6 are invited to serve as myrrhbearers for the Holy Friday afternoon and evening services. Parents are kindly asked to contact Fr. Alex with questions or to confirm.

RESURRECTION SERVICE POTLUCK, MAY 5TH
Following the Resurrection service in the early hours of May 5th, join us in the hall for a wonderful potluck. Sign up here with your favorite dish.

AGAPE SUNDAY READERS & EASTER EGG HUNT, MAY 5TH
Those interested in reading the Epistle on Holy Wednesday or the Gospel in a foreign language at the Agape Service may contact Lou Zagami: lzagami@iocc.org (Lou is also recruiting Epistle readers for the Holy Wednesday Unction Service). Our younger children are invited to an Easter Egg hunt right after the Agape Service—just bring your basket and get ready for fun!

SAINT GREGORY GOLF TOURNAMENT, OCT. 10THFor a fun and dynamic change of pace, our 2024 tournament will be held at Top Golf in Canton, MA. The tournament page—along with registration and sponsorship information—is now available. Please save the date and plan to join us!

LENTEN, HOLY WEEK AND PASCHA FLOWER DONATIONS
There is a donation form in the Narthex, and please check in with the church office with any questions. Karen Guinan will be leading our decorating efforts this year and would welcome your help: karenguinan@gmail.com. Many thanks to all those who have donated thus far!

CAN DONATION BIN REMINDER
Many thanks to all who have been donating using the parking lot bin. Please do avoid donating non-refundable plastic bottles and glass. We appreciate your attention to these requests and your ongoing generosity.

KOLIVA PREPARATION
At any given time of the year, our faithful will seek help in the preparation of Koliva for memorials. Fellow parishioner Gina Drugas is now offering this service, with a cost of $100 per Koliva plate. Please contact Gina to learn more and make arrangements: gina.drugas2@gmail.com

SAINT GREGORY APPAREL
It is not too late to order Saint Gregory t-shirts and other items, such as sweatshirts and totes. Please contact Stephanie LaFond: steph@lafonds.net.

NEW KNITTING MINISTRY
Calling all knitters and crocheters in the Saint Gregory Parish: We are looking to start a group that meets once a month to create items such as baby blankets and hats. This would be to benefit our own parishioners as well as those in area hospitals, shelters, and veterans homes that are in need. Contact Kristin Lewis (kristinblewis@gmail.com) if interested and provide proposed times/days to meet.

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 Brian Kaufman with any questions: bvkaufman@gmail.com

ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEM
Parishioners who would like to try out our Assistive Listening System are welcome to use the receivers on our Narthex Welcome Table. The receivers are easy to use: just place the ear device on your ear, and turn on the “on/volume” on top of the receiver.

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: gdimitriou@yahoo.com; 781.769.2085.

LITURGICAL SINGING
This ministry engages musical leadership not only for Sunday liturgy but all the liturgical needs of the year, from Vespers services to Great Lent and Holy Week. Your time and talent are most welcome within our Liturgical Singing Ministry. Please contact Kathy Kalogeras to learn more: kalogeras1@earthlink.net.

MYRHHBEARERS MINISTRY
Within the context of our fledgling Myrrhbearers Ministry, our girls, and young women are invited to hold Antidoro during Divine Liturgy, read the Epistle, and otherwise participate in the entire life of the Church. Please contact Eleni LaFond to pick a date for Antidoro service and Fr. Alex to plan a date for an Epistle reading.

PARISH LIBRARY
Along with our bookstore, the Parish Library (just across the hall from the store) is a tremendous resource for our parishioners seeking to learn more about the faith. Within, we can find thoughtful books on the sacraments written from a pastoral perspective, many writings from the Church Fathers, books on prayer, and much more. Please take a look at the volumes adorning the shelves when you can and ask Fr. Alex for guidance on what you might like to borrow any time. Further, these shelves are in great need of refreshing and organization. Likewise, please check with Father if you might like to help with this project—or even become our librarian!

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Fr. Alex: Tue. & Thur., 9 am - 1 pm. Wed., 1 - 4 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.
General Church Office Needs: Gina Drugas is in the office Mon - Fri from 8 am - 11 am. If you need Support outside of these hours, please email Gina at stgregorytheologian@earthlink.net.
Email is monitored throughout the day outside of normal office hours.

Calendar: Next Two Weeks

Saint Gregory Parish Calendar

April 21 to May 5, 2024

Sunday, April 21

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:30AM Sunday School classes

11:30AM Orthodoxy 101

11:30AM Philoptochos Easter Bread Pre-Sale

Tuesday, April 23

7:00PM Philoptochos Mtg (hybrid)

Wednesday, April 24

6:00PM PreSanctified Liturgy

Saturday, April 27

Saturday of Lazarus

8:45AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:45AM Breakfast and palm folding

Sunday, April 28

Palm Sunday

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:30AM Sunday School classes

11:30AM Palm Sunday Luncheon

11:30AM Philoptochos Easter Bread Sale

6:00PM No Bridegroom Service (Father traveling)

Monday, April 29

6:00PM No Bridegroom Service (Father traveling)

Tuesday, April 30

6:00PM No Bridegroom Service (Father traveling)

Wednesday, May 1

5:30PM Holy Unction

Thursday, May 2

9:30AM Vesperal Liturgy

6:00PM Passion of the Lord

Friday, May 3

9:00AM Royal Hours

12:30PM Youth Retreat

3:00PM Descent from the Cross

6:00PM Lamentations

Saturday, May 4

9:30AM Vesperal Liturgy

11:15PM Resurrection Service (potluck to follow)

Sunday, May 5

Holy Pascha/Easter

11:00AM Agape Vespers

12:00PM Easter Egg Hunt