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 and Friends:
I warmly invite you, and yours, to this Sunday's "Teaching" Divine Liturgy. Especially for our children but for all of us, this is an opportunity to learn more about what we do--and why--during Divine Liturgy, "the Work of the People."
There will be an interesting introduction to this educational worship experience read just before we start at 9:30 am. If at all possible, be there from the very beginning. This event will provide lots of good conversation during Sunday School classes this Sunday and in the weeks to come--and at your dining room table. The key is bringing it up with your family: the power of being at table with Christ, the beauty of our Sacramental parish family and the life-saving love and sacrifice of the Lord.
Enjoy your eBulletin. Within you'll find updates on everything coming our way at Saint Gregory, in addition to Sunday's readings, inspirational reflections on the Saints, Metropolis news and a great deal more.
Looking forward to worshipping with you, whether in person or from home,
Fr. Alex
MEMORIAL: Presbytera Emily Harakas, 2 years. May her memory be eternal!
COMING MEMORIALS: Oct. 17--Romalea Kostaras (10 yrs.) and Athanasios Kostaras (3 yrs.)
HOMILY: "The Hard Ones"
EPISTLE READER: Parish Chanters. 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: Kyri Stavros. 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. Congratulations to Co-Captains Greg Douvris, Miles Kaufman and TJ Theodorou. Contact Fr. Alex or Tom Moustakis if your son is interested in Altar service--we'd love to grow this ministry.
ALTAR FLOWERS: Please consider sponsoring Altar flowers on a coming Sunday. The donation for flower sponsorships is $50. Please contact the Church Office to learn more or sponsor.
FELLOWSHIP HOUR: Offered by the Harakas Family in loving memory of Presbytera Emily Harakas. 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
LITURGICAL SINGING PRACTICE, OCT 2
Join us at Saint Gregory, beginning at 10:30 am, for singing practice with our new green Divine Liturgy books. We had a substantial group remain with us for practice last Sunday for a very fruitful session. We look forward to Saturday and all are invited. Contact Kathy Kalogeras for details or to get involved: kathleenkalogeras@gmail.com.
SERVICES FOR OCT 3, 2ND SUNDAY OF LUKE & "TEACHING" DIVINE LITURGY
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. Also this Sunday, we will offer a “Teaching Divine Liturgy.” While our full Orthros and Divine Liturgy will be offered as always, during Divine Liturgy we will pause at key moments to explain what is happening in the service, why and what its implication is for our Sacramental lives.
STREAMING DETAILS/MEDIA CONNECTIONS FOR OCT 3
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
PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS & MTG., OCT 5
Congratulations to our newly-elected 2021 – 23 Philoptochos Board Members: Ann Johnson, President; Nicole Riley, Secretary; and Stephanie LaFond, Treasurer. We wish them all the best and thank all of our Philoptochos members for their dedication to uplifting God’s people and showing us all the face of Christ through their good works. In addition, all members are asked to join our Zoom meeting on Oct. 5, 7 pm (Login info will be emailed to the parish).
ORTHODOX LIFE: “OPENING THE DOOR,” CONTINUES OCT 13
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're looking 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. A simple dinner will be offered each evening (thanks to the Vinton family for sponsoring last week's pizza feast!). 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.
OKTOBERFEST EVENT, OCT 16
The much-anticipated Oktoberfest is coming soon! Authentic German cuisine, music, photo-ops, wonderful spirits, games and a wonderful opportunity for connecting with friends, old and new, are all on the agenda. Admission is only $30 with a $100 max per family. See the flyer in this eBulletin. Contact Karen Guinan for details and tickets: karenguinan@gmail.com. Or purchase tickets at Fellowship Hour this Sunday. The deadline for ticket purchases is Oct. 10; tickets will not be sold at the door.
ORTHODOXY 101, CONTINUES OCT 17
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!
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. See the flyer in this eBulletin. 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.
8:30AM Orthros (In Person/Online)
9:30AM "Teaching" Divine Liturgy (In Person/Online)
10:30AM Youth Rel Ed Classes
11:30AM Antidoron Servers Mtg.
7:00PM Philoptochos Mtg (Zoom)
8:30AM Orthros (In Person/Online)
9:30AM Divine Liturgy (In Person/Online)
10:30AM Youth Rel Ed Classes
6:30PM Parish Council
6:30PM Orthodox Life: Opening the Door
9:30AM Metropolis Clergy Laity (Weston)
10:00AM Liturgical Singing Practice
6:00PM Oktoberfest Event
8:30AM Orthros (In Person/Online)
9:30AM Divine Liturgy (In Person/Online)
10:30AM Youth Rel Ed Classes
10:30AM Orthodoxy 101
12:00PM Youth Hike
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.
Come join us for a night of German food, music, photo-ops, games and much more.
All our children, families and anyone interested are welcome to join us for an energizing fall hike!
Our younger children are invited to join us for faithful seasonal fun.
It's time to bring our furred, feathered and scaled friends for a blessing during this heart-warming event.
Recommendations & Guidelines Updated Aug 5, 2021
Recommendations & Guidelines Updated May 2021
Fourth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:1-12
On the first day of the week, at early dawn, the women went to the tomb, taking the spices which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel; and as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of man must be delivered in to the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise." And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told this to the apostles; but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.
But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home wondering at what had happened.
2nd Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 4:6-15
Brethren, it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For while we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.
Since we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, "I believed, and so I spoke," we too believe, and so we speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
2nd Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 6:31-36
The Lord said, "As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."
This Saint was from Athens, a learned man, and a member of the famous judicial court of Mars Hill (in Greek Aeros Pagos, hence the name Areopagite (see Acts 17:19-34). When Saint Paul preached in Athens, he was one of the first there to believe in Christ, and, according to some, became the first bishop of that city. Others say -- and this may be more probable--that he was the second Bishop of Athens, after Saint Hierotheus, whom Dionysios calls his friend and teacher "after Paul" (On the Divine Names, 3:2). With Saint Hierotheus he was also present at the Dormition of the most holy Theotokos; the Doxasticon of the Aposticha for the service of the Dormition is partly taken from a passage in Chapter III of On the Divine Names. According to ancient tradition, he received a martyr's end (according to some, in Athens itself) about the year 96.
In honor of the 200th year anniversary of Greek independence, the Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, will release a video the 25th of each month as part of the “Faith in Freedom” series. This series features the voices of various religious leaders speaking about the meaning of freedom in their faith tradition.
This week’s “How-to” Green Your Parish episode features Franchescha Duval “Greening your Parish – Creating a Parish Guide”:
It is announced that the scheduled visit of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the United States of America will take place from October 23 to November 3, within the framework of health and safety measures due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
For the first time, the leaders of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Roman Catholic Church, and the Anglican Communion have jointly warned of the urgency of environmental sustainability, its impact on poverty, and the importance of global cooperation.