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:
If you are in town and comfortable doing so this long weekend, come join us at your Saint Gregory parish home for worship, Sunday School classes and friendship. We are all invited to Fellowship Hour after services--and, don't forget, Sunday is the last day to purchase tickets for the Oktoberfest event, slated for Oct. 16.
I look forward to seeing you Sunday--and if you're worshipping remotely, we'll be together spiritually, through the grace of our Lord. Speaking of remote connections, feel free to view and share my latest Weekly Check-in (this one encouraging us to check-in with our children and young adults).
Lastly, inspired by this beautiful fall weather, I'll leave you with several lines below from my favorite poet, John Keats.
Yours,
Fr. Alex
From "To Autumn"
COMING MEMORIALS: Oct. 17--Romalea Kostaras (10 yrs.) and Athanasios Kostaras (3 yrs.)
HOMILY: Offered by Fr. Manny Chris.
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.
Schedule:
Oct. 17: John Tomarakos
ANTIDORON SERVER: TBA. 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 on Sunday, Oct. 17. 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: 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 OCT 10, 3RD SUNDAY OF LUKE
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 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
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.
METROPOLIS OF BOSTON CLERGY LAITY, OCT 16
All parishioners are welcome to join us at Saint Demetrios Church, Weston, MA, for this vital gathering of the Metropolis of Boston. The program begins at 9:30 and will conclude by mid-afternoon. Suggested donation per attendee is $25. If you would like to attend, please contact Fr. Alex at your earliest convenience.
LITURGICAL SINGING PRACTICE, OCT 16
Join us at Saint Gregory, beginning at 10 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.
OKTOBERFEST EVENT, OCT 16
The much-anticipated Oktoberfest is coming on the 16th, 6 - 10 pm. 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
The Parish Youth Hike to Rocky Narrows is slated for next Sunday, Oct. 17. Bring your good shoes, supplies and a lunch to eat at “King Philip’s Overlook.” We’ll hike from the Forest St. trailhead in Sherborn at 12:30 pm; as parking is limited, we’ll also have carpooling available from Medfield State Hospital from 12:15 – 12:45 pm. Saint Gregory children, parents, families and parishioners are invited for this fall adventure. Contact Fr. Alex with questions or if you're planning to join us.
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
ALTAR SERVER NEWS
We are excited to announce that Co-Captains Greg Douvris, TJ Dimitirou and Miles Kaufman will lead the following Altar teams in 2021 - 22:
Archangel Michael
Matthew Cromack
Spencer Riley
Archangel Gabriel
Chris Botches
Mario Salzillo
Linus LaFond
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 Youth Rel Ed Classes
6:30PM Parish Council
6:30PM Orthodox Life: Opening the Door
9:30AM Metropolis Clergy Laity (Weston)
4:30PM 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
8:30AM Orthros (In Person/Online)
9:30AM Divine Liturgy (In Person/Online)
10:30AM Youth Rel Ed Classes
11:15AM HOPE/JOY Prayerful Pumpkin Carving
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
Fifth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:13-35
At that time, two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but him they did not see." And he said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?" And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
3rd Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 6:1-10
Brethren, working together with him, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, "At the acceptable time I have listened to you, and helped you on the day of salvation." Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in any one's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, tumults, labors, watching, hunger; by purity, knowledge, forbearance, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
3rd Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 7:11-16
At that time, Jesus went to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a large crowd from the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." And he came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all; and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and "God has visited his people!"
The Martyrs Eulampius and Eulampia were from Nicomedia, and contested for Christ during the reign of Maximian, in the year 296.
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.