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.
I am so looking forward to worship and friendship this Sunday, Sep 12, at Saint Gregory. Of course, the “Welcome Home” BBQ, games and other activities will also be amazing. This will be a tremendous opportunity to come together in Christ and celebrate the start of the new ecclesiastical year and our beloved ministries.
However, we know life is complex, full of greys, bitter with the sweet. While this Sunday is a day of celebration, it is also just one day after the poignant 20 year commemoration of the attacks of Sep 11, 2001. Along with the beloved parish family members to be remembered within our scheduled memorial, we will also remember all those lost on that most unforgettable day.
Like so many Americans, I lost a childhood friend that day; like all of us, I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when the news broke. I was a graduate student at our seminary, and I had just settled down to a leisurely breakfast with my little girl. Brandy called from work in Boston and told me to put on the news—we couldn’t believe what we were seeing … none of us could. The world was turned upside down.
After breathing a sigh of relief when Brandy made it home from work, we took our little one to a secluded park on the north shore, near my childhood home, to search for peace, for calm, for some sort of grounding. We held one another close, and my wife and I contemplated the tremendous loss of life. We prayed God would be with all those who lost their family and friends on that day.
Almost twenty years later, the things we did that day are what most of us are still doing—and it’s exactly what we should be doing: staying close and giving thanks for life, remembering those who were lost and acting on their behalf and invoking the great compassion of our Lord upon those who mourn so deeply, whose loss no doubt is still raw. We know that in so many ways their world is still upside down.
As we gather in worship this Sunday, I know our prayers will be strong, that they matter and will be heard by God. May the lives of all those lost be eternal; may the family members and friends of those so brutally taken from us be comforted; may we never take the sweet gift of life given to us by God for granted.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Alex
MEMORIALS: Sep. 12: Peter (Panayioti) Moustakis, 1 year; Garrett (Gabriel) Haganey, 9 years. The victims of the 9/11/01 attacks. May their memory be eternal!
EPISTLE READER: TBA. 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: TBA. Servers are welcome to participate in this ministry throughout the summer. To get involved, contact Kyri Stavros: kyri910@icloud.com
HOMILY: "A Change in the Air"
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
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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:
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@saintgregorythetheologian • Instagram photos and videos
SERVICES FOR SEP 12, THE SUNDAY BEFORE THE CROSS
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. 19--we hope all of our children will be a part of this wonderful ministry in 2021 - 22.
"WELCOME BACK" Liturgy, BBQ & SUNDAY SCHOOL SIGN UP, SEP 12
We look forward to worship and friendship this Sunday--and the BBQ following Divine Liturgy! This outdoor event will provide an opportunity to enjoy great company and food (hamburgers, hotdogs, veggie burgers and pulled pork!), as well as a chance to sign up for Sunday School and GOYA for 2021 – 22. There will also be games and activities for our children (and those young at heart). Please bring a side or dessert if you are able, and you can confirm with Karen Guinan: karenguinan@gmail.com
GARDEN CLUB FALL CLEAN UP DAY, 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 event will be a fall clean up effort on the 18th, time TBD. Please contact Lou Zagami for details: 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 has been forwarded within our Weekly eBlast.
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!
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.
ORTHODOXY 101, BEGINS SEP 26
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 26th, with subsequent sessions taking place after Communion in our classroom area. We look forward to the start of this ministry effort!
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
"TEACHING" DIVINE LITURGY, OCT 3
The worship experience can be greatly enhanced when we understand exactly what is happening during our services and for what reason. With these things in mind, we'll offer and education and enriching teaching Divine Liturgy on the 3rd. During key parts of the service, we will pause and listen to thoughtful explanations and reflections on that specific moment in the service. Parents, please make sure to have your children to Saint Gregory right on time for this rare educational faith-building opportunity.
OCTOBERFEST COMMUNITY NIGHT, OCT 16
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. 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)
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 Fall Clean Up 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
12:00PM Food & Friends
8:30AM Orthros (In Person/Online)
9:30AM Divine Liturgy (In Person/Online)
10:30AM Youth Rel Ed Classes
10:30AM Orthodoxy 101 Intro
11:15AM Altar Server Mtg
1:15PM Liturgical Singing Practice
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
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 worshipped 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 of the Son and of 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."
Sunday before Holy Cross
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 6:11-18
Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
Sunday before Holy Cross
The Reading is from John 3:13-17
The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him."
This saint was a bishop in Italy. Fleeing from the persecution of Diocletian in 298, he came to Bithynia, where he went from place to place converting many from the idols to the true God. Because of this, one day as he was celebrating the Divine Liturgy in the Church of the Archangels, they who worshipped wood and stones fell upon him and beat him to death with staves and stones.
On September 1, 2021, Heirarchs from around the world gathered at the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the Divine Liturgy celebrating the Indiction and the Ecclesiastical New Year as well as the Synaxis of the Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne.
The Feast of the Indiction, the solemn day of prayers for the natural environment, finds once again humanity confronted with intense weather conditions due to mounting climate change, with devastating floods and fires across the globe, as well as with the Coronavirus pandemic and its socioeconomic consequences.
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; the Victims of the Sep 11, 2001 Attacks