Sunday & Weekday Services
Orthros/Matins: 8:30 am
Divine Liturgy: 9:30 am
Youth Religious Education Ministry is currently offered Sundays in person and remotely following Holy Communion. Please see weekly updates from our ministry leaders for updates on each class. All are welcome to join us for Fellowship Hour after Divine Liturgy.
Dearest Parishioners & Friends:
If you are able to join us, and comfortable doing so, I look forward to seeing you at our Saint Gregory parish home this Sunday. Likewise, if you are worshipping via our online resources, we'll be together in spirit before the Lord's Holy Table. Saint Gregory is a remarkable house of worship, and we have a great deal to be thankful for--to invoke an idea from Saint John Chrysostom, as our homes are "little churches" so indeed is Saint Gregory our "little home"!
And speaking of the idea of home, many of our children began school this week. Especially for those who learn outside the home, this is always a week not only full of excitement and hope but sometimes anxiety as well, especially with the health concerns and restrictions that our children will be facing each day. It's a lot, each and every day. Please know I will be praying for them in the days and weeks to come, and that I am here for you as a resource for your family--or even just to talk.
In addition, below I offer you a simple prayer for our children as they approach their first day and early days of school. Feel free to modify it according to your child's learning environment and unique situation. The prayers of parents are strong and heard by God. Your prayers matter.
With much love in the Lord,
Fr. Alex
“Dear God, here are (names), ready for their first day at school. They have been counting the days. They are so thrilled. Be with them today when they go into unfamiliar rooms, when they see new faces (make them kind faces!), when they stand in the lunch line, when they are on the playground. Keep them close to You as they learn and grow and make friends. Protect them from harm. Watch over them on the way to and from school. And as they become part of a larger world, help me to let them go and gain experience that they will need to become a responsible part of Your creations. Amen.”
--From Fr. Anthony Coniaris' My Daily Orthodox Prayer Book
EPISTLE READER: Isabella Caradonna. Our youth are especially encouraged to contact Fr. Alex to read on a coming Sunday, in person or remotely. Parents, please let Father know if your daughter or son might like to read.
ALTAR SERVERS: All servers are welcome. We will start with our weekly schedule again soon. Contact Fr. Alex or Tom Moustakis if your son is interested in Altar service--we'd love to grow this ministry.
ANTIDORON SERVER: Georgia Stavros. Servers are welcome to participate in this ministry throughout the summer. To get involved, contact Kyri Stavros: kyri910@icloud.com
HOMILY: Offered by Fr. Manny Chris.
COMING MEMORIALS: Sep. 12: Peter (Panayioti) Moustakis, 1 year; Garrett (Gabriel) Haganey, 9 years. May their memory be eternal!
FELLOWSHIP HOUR: Please join us in the hall following Divine Liturgy for friendship and refreshments--all are welcome to join us. Fellowship Hour sponsorships are open to the entire parish family. Please contact the Church Office to schedule your special day, in memory of a loved one, in honor of a special occasion or just to enable wonderful fellowship at Saint Gregory.
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
STREAMING MINISTRY DETAILS/SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS
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 • Instagram photos and videos
SERVICES FOR SEP 5, 11TH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW
We look forward to worshipping with you at Saint Gregory, whether in person or remotely. Orthros, 8:30 am; Divine Liturgy, 9:30 am. Youth Religious Education classes will begin on Sep. 12--we hope all of our children will be a part of this wonderful ministry in 2021 - 22.
PHILOPTOCHOS BOARD PLEDGE, TODAY
Our Philoptochos 2021 - 23 Board of Directors will take their heartfelt pledge this Sunday following Divine Liturgy. We wish all our Philoptochos members a fruitful year of ministry--we are grateful for their prayerful, encouraging presence at Saint Gregory!
karenguinan@gmail.com
GARDEN CLUB MINISTRY WORKDAY, SEP 18
Calling at Saint Gregory parish green thumbs! In addition to our regular professional landscaping efforts, we have formed a ministry effort around beautifying and nurturing our expansive campus. Everything from weeding to flower planting is a possibility, and this will be a fantastic way to do something hands-on at our parish going forward. Our first work day for the fall will be the 18th, time TBD. Please contact Lou Zagami for details and to join us: Lzagami@comcast.net.
SUNDAY SCHOOL BLESSING/START OF CLASSES, SEP 19
Parents, please save the date for our first Sunday of classes at Saint Gregory. Before Holy Communion, Fr. Alex will bless our students and teachers for the new year. Our teachers and leaders have been planning and looking forward to another great year of faith, learning and fun with our children! An online registration link for Sunday School will soon be available.
ORTHODOXY 101, BEGINS SEP 19
In addition to Orthodox Life: "Opening the Door" this fall, we'll offer our faithful a straight forward, approachable introduction to Orthodoxy session on select Sundays, following Holy Communion. This will be an ideal opportunity for those interested in coming into the Orthodox Faith or just wanting to learn more about the Church. Lou Zagami will lead each session, and the introductory event will be presented to us all following Holy Communion on the 19th, with subsequent sessions taking place after Communion in our classroom area. We look forward to the start of this ministry effort on the 19th.
EAGLE SCOUT CAR WASH FUNDRAISER, SEP 19
Parishioner Miles Kaufman is pursuing his Eagle Scout project, which will be the creation of a beautiful icon stand and sound barrier within our Memorial Garden. Please help Miles fundraise for this worthy project on the 19th--bring your dirty car to Divine Liturgy, and leave with a sparkling clean car. A flyer and more details to follow, but please save the date!
ORTHODOXY 101, BEGINS SEP 19
All parishioners are warmly invited to join fellow parishioner Lou Zagami for an informal, fascinating educational series on select Sundays this fall and winter, following Holy Communion. Whether you or someone in your family is thinking about coming into the Orthodox Faith or you would just like to learn more, this program is for you. The first session will be the 19th and this introductory piece will be presented to the entire parish, in lieu of a homily. We thank Lou for his prayerful efforts and look forward to coming closer to our beloved Orthodox Faith.
MEMORIAL GARDEN BRICK ORDERS, DUE SEP 20
If you would like to add a memorial brick to our outdoor walkway this fall, please fill out the form in our Narthex and Church Office. The brick installer will add new inscribed bricks in October, and we need to confirm our order with him by the 20th. With the funds we raise, we would like to refurbish and install the iron fencing from our previous iconostation to frame the walkway, as well as add some outdoor icons and landscape features to update this wonderful area. Contact Cathy Cooper for further details and with questions: ccooper126@verizon.net.
ORTHODOX LIFE: “OPENING THE DOOR,” BEGINS SEP 29
Many of us have encountered the occult and other unconventional spiritual practices—and we may very well wonder what the Orthodox Church believes, have questions and wonder what guidance is before us. In this informal series, we’ll look at everything from the Neo-Pagan and “Teen Witch” movements of the last century, to practices like tarot card reading and channeling, to the “Charlie Charlie Challenge,” Ouija Boards and other phenomena that may lead us to unintentionally open certain spiritual “doors." All are welcome to join us, and no previous experience with Bible study is needed. We’ll plan to enjoy a simple pot luck or take out dinner each evening, if circumstances permit. Weather permitting, we may even be able to enjoy a session or two outdoors! All reading material will be supplied. Our first meeting will be the 29th, 6:30 - 8 pm. Contact Fr. Alex with any questions: alexanderchetsas@gmail.com
OCTOBERFEST COMMUNITY NIGHT, EARLY OCTOBER
In lieu of the originally planned Taverna Night (we will hopefully bring this to fruition in the spring) we are planning an easy, fun Octoberfest evening in early October with refreshments, games and fun for the entire parish. Date, time and specifics will soon be announced. Meantime, please contact Karen Guinan if you'd like to help out: karenguinan@gmail.com
STEWARDSHIP IN 2021--AN IDEAL TIME TO COMMIT AND ENACT GIVING
Many thanks to all of our Saint Gregory parishioners who have already committed for 2021. If you haven't had an opportunity to do so yet, with the "lean" nature of summer giving, now is an ideal time not only to commit for the year but also enact the financial aspect of your Stewardship. 2021 Commitment Cards can be completed online, and we can also give online via our website Stewardship Page: www.saintgregorythetheologian.org/stewardship/. GivePlus is another great option for parish giving: Home | St Gregory The Theologian Church (myvanco.com)
ANTIDORON SERVERS MINISTRY
In addition to reading the Epistle, this ministry is a great way for the girls and young women of our parish to actively engage our worship services. Please contact Kyri Stavros to learn more and/or confirm service dates.
FELLOWSHIP HOUR & SPONSORSHIPS
If you feel comfortable doing so, please join us in the hall for Fellowship Hour following Divine Liturgy after Sunday services. We are grateful for the opportunity to once again enjoy friendship and refreshments in our hall. In addition, all parishioners are invited to pick a special Sunday to sponsor Fellowship Hour this fall. Please sign up this Sunday during Fellowship Hour or simply contact the Church Office.
CONGREGATIONAL SINGING LEADERS
Singing leaders are needed to help our parish get familiar with our new hymnal, as well as lead congregational singing of the Divine Liturgy this summer and fall. Please contact Fr. Alex to learn more about coming practices and how you can be a part of this vital ministry of Saint Gregory.
SAINT GREGORY PARISH BOOKSTORE
Parishioners are invited to visit our bookstore by appointment or otherwise receive assistance by contacting the Church Office. Cathy or Fr. Alex would be happy to help you find that encouraging book or meaningful gift for a loved one. In addition, we expect our bookstore to open up with wonderful updated stock--and smiling faces--in the fall. We look forward to this wonderful renewal of this important ministry.
WHAT'S NEW ON OUR WEBSITE?
Within our Youth Ministry pages, you'll now see two new resources under "Youth and Family Resources": "Saintly Lives" and "For Your Home." Both can be a resources for parents as they strive to bring the life of the Church into their homes. New entries for May will soon be available.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Fr. Alex: Tue. (9 am – 1 pm), Wed. (11 am – 3 pm) & Thur (9 am – 1 pm); or by appointment when convenient for our faithful. Please note that on occasion, Fr. Alex may be seeing to a pastoral situation, visitingn with another parishioner, attending a Metropolis event or otherwise engaged in Church life during office hours. Cathy Cooper: by Appointment.
8:30AM Orthros (In Person/Online)
9:30AM Divine Liturgy (In Person/Online)
10:30AM Philoptochos Board Pledge
8:30AM Orthros (In Person/Online)
9:30AM Divine Liturgy (In Person/Online)
11:15AM "Welcome Back" BBQ
11:30AM GOYA Sign up
11:30AM Youth Rel Ed Sign Up
Elevation of the Cross
8:30AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy & Cross Service
6:30PM Parish Council
9:00AM Garden Club Work Day
8:30AM Orthros (In Person/Online)
9:30AM Divine Liturgy (In Person/Online)
10:30AM Blessing of Students
10:30AM Youth Rel Ed Classes
11:15AM Car Wash Fundraiser
Join us for wonderful food, friendship and an opportunity to sign up for our 2021 - 22 Youth Religious Education Ministries.
Come support this Eagle Scout project fundraiser.
Join us for our fall series "Opening the Door," which will focus on our Church's perception and response to unconventional spiritualities like Wicca, Neo-Pagan religions and occult practices.
Recommendations & Guidelines Updated Aug 5, 2021
Recommendations & Guidelines Updated May 2021
Eleventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:14-25
At that time, Jesus revealed himself to his disciples after he was raised from the dead, and he said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go." (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, "Follow me."
Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!" So, the word went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die; but Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?" This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.
11th Sunday of Matthew
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.
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."
According to the opinion of many Fathers of the Church, based on an ancient tradition, this is the Zacharias whom, as our Lord said, the Jews slew between the temple and the altar (Matt. 23:35), first, because even after the Virgin Mary gave birth, he continued to refer to her as virgin and number her among the virgins; second, because Zacharias' son John was not found during the slaughter of the Innocents, since the elderly Elizabeth had taken him and carefully hid him while he was yet an infant, in an unnamed place somewhere in the desert, where, according to the Evangelist, "the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel" (Luke 1:80). When the child was not found, his father was slain by Herod's command.
Our faithful are invited to submit the names of the living to be lifted up in prayer by Fr. Alex and our entire parish family. Please contact the Church Office or Father to add or remove names.
Please pray for the servants of God:
Nicole; Alexa; Tony; Amanda; Nicholas; Lea; Irene; Diana; Jeanne; Sam; Michael; Teddy; Annette; Johanna; Joyce; Elaine; Joseph; David; George; Elaine; Gia; Michelle; Kay; Maria; Andreas; Nicholas; Barbara; Timothy; Mark; Bonnie; Andrea; Marissa; Helen; Bessie; Peter; Gina; Christopher; Ginny; Stella; Dorothy; Jack; Dorothy; Ethel; Greg; Vesallie; Helen; Benjamin; Andonea; Diana