Dearest Parishioners and Friends:

It was so heart-warming to bless our children last Sunday and see them go off to classes for the first time since last May. It was wonderful to offer so many of them Holy Communion in our holy house and then see them outdoors in the sun, learning, sharing and growing with their classmates and teachers. May God bless their new school year at Saint Gregory and in their regular academic settings!

My family and I were also very grateful and touched to receive the wonderful cake and flowers at Fellowship Hour, marking our first anniversary at the parish. As I'm not too swift with anniversaries and the like, this was not only much appreciated but also an unexpected surprise. Thank you to our Parish Council and other wonderful parishioners who lovingly took care of all those details for us. It's a very happy thing to be part of the Saint Gregory parish family. 

Last but not least, I want to commend and recognize all of the amazing work done on the grounds of our parish over the last several weeks. From members of our Parish Council, to individual parishioners doing some heavy work when they were able, to last Saturday's Garden Club Fall Clean Up gathering, a great deal of progress was made. Many thanks to them all for sharing their muscles, energy and, of course, creativity.

Looking forward to worship, Orthodoxy 101 and good friendship this Sunday,

Fr. Alex

TODAY'S TRISAGION: Andrea (Andreani) Elliot, 14 years. May her memory be eternal!

YOUTH HOMILY: "The Colors of the Seasons, the Colors of our Church"

EPISTLE READER: Eleni LaFond. 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.

ANTIDORON SERVER: Callie LaFond. Servers are welcome to participate in this ministry throughout the summer. To get involved, contact Kyri Stavros: kyri910@icloud.com 

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.

ALTAR FLOWERS: Offered by the Guinan Family in loving memory of Andrea Elliot. The donation for flower sponsorships is $50. Please contact the Church Office to learn more or sponsor. 

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: Offered by the Stavros Family in celebration of Maria and Steve's marriage. 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

SERVICES FOR SEP 26, THE FALLING ASLEEP OF SAINT JOHN THE EVANGELIST
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 are back in session and will begin after Holy Communion.

STREAMING DETAILS/MEDIA CONNECTIONS FOR SEP 26
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

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES, SEP 26
Welcome back, students and families! This Sunday after Holy Communion, class will meet outside, weather permitting. If we must meet in the classrooms, students and teachers are kindly asked to mask for everyone's safety. Before Holy Communion, Fr. Alex will offer our children a special homily on seasonal colors and the colors of our Church celebrations. An online registration link for Sunday School has been forwarded within our Weekly eBlast--please register at your earliest convenience. 

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 today, with subsequent sessions taking place after Communion in our classroom area. We look forward to the start of this ministry effort! 

ALTAR SERVER MTG., SEP 26
All servers are invited to meet with Fr. Alex in the church following Sunday School for training and discussion of fun fellowship events this fall. 

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
This fun, festive event is coming our way, with authentic German food, spirits, music, games and more. This is a parish-wide event with something for everyone, including our children. Tickets are $30 each/$100 max for families. Tickets are on sale during Fellowship Hour, or contact the Church Office of Karen Guinan: karenguinan@gmail.com

PARISH YOUTH & FAMILY HIKE, OCT 17
Join us for a beautiful 1 hour hike at Rocky Narrows in Sherborn, which features the picturesque King Philip’s Overlook. Following Divine Liturgy, we can change clothes at Saint Gregory and then head to the Forest St. Parking Lot in Sherborn (space is limited/we can also carpool from Medfield State Hospital—45 Hospital Rd., Medfield). The trail is very doable for all ages. Please bring good hiking shoes, water, lunch (the outlook is a great lunch spot) and whatever your family needs. More details to follow. Questions or planning to join us? Contact Fr. Alex: alexanderchetsas@gmail.com

HOPE & JOY PRAYERFUL PUMPKIN CARVING, OCT 24
This fun, faithful event is especiall for our JOY (g. K - 12) and JOY (g. 3 - 6) children (siblings welcome too!). On the 24th, following Divine Liturgy and Sunday School classes, we will host a “Prayerful Pumpkin Carving Event,” full of seasonal fun and with a spiritual message. Pumpkins, candles and limited carving tools will be supplied (parents, please bring some tools from home if you can and plan to help you child(ren) with the carving. If weather permits, we will carve outside. A pizza lunch will be offered! Contact Fr. Alex with your drink or dessert offering—and to reserve your family’s pumpkin: alexanderchetsas@gmail.com

SAINT MODESTOS PET BLESSING, NOV 7
It's time, once again, to invoke God's blessing upon His beautiful creation! The beautiful prayer service will be held from 1 – 1:15 pm, but come any time between 1 and 2 pm. A wonderful photographer will be on hand to capture the moment for you and your special friends. All parishioners and friends from the greater community are welcome. Event is “weather-permitting” & please make sure to pick up after your pet. Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you! Contact Fr. Alex Chetsas: alexanderchetsas@gmail.com; 508.337.9986

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.