Dearest Parishioners and Friends:

I am so looking forward to worship and friendship at our Saint Gregory parish home this Sunday. Every day at 1007 West is a good one, full of encouragement and Christ-centered activity, as far as I'm concerned. 

In addition to all the other events happening this Sunday, from Sunday School to the launch of the Philopochos Thanksgiving Meal Drive, we are looking forward to the Saint Modestos Pet Blessing Event. Saint Modestos is celebrated on Dec. 18 each year and was well-known for blessing cattle and other animals; he recognized them as vital aspects of God's creation, worthy of nurturing and blessing. What God made is good, and while we have a unique relationship with God, made in His Image and Likeness, our furred, feathered and scaly friends are very much a part of his amazing creation. 

With these things in mind, I hope you'll join me between 1 and 2 pm this Sunday, Nov. 7 for this blessing event, which will be held completely outdoors. While the actual blessing prayers will be said from 1 - 1:15, come anytime to have your pet blessed. We'll have some hot cocoa, cookies and event dog and cat treats available. In addition, our seminarian, Lee Morest, who is an excellent photographer, will be on hand to snap candids and portraits of you and your special "besties." 

Finally, if you'd like to help our on the 7th or be involved in some way (such as helping me with threats and set up), please let me know. I could use a hand, and it's always more fun to do things together. 

Don't forget to DVR the Pats (they'll do okay without you watching for a bit) and see you this Sunday,

Fr. Alex

HOMILY: Offered by Seminarian Lee Morest.

EPISTLE READER: Chris Botchis. 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.
Monthly Schedule: 
Nov. 14: Isabella Caradonna

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

TODAY'S ALTAR TEAM: Archangel Gabriel (C. Botchis, L. LaFond and M. Salzillo); 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

CONGREGATIONAL SINGING PRACTICE NOV 6
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 wonderful group has been making great progress in learning the new hymnal, and our next gathering is the 6th at 10 am. Future practices include Nov. 14 and Nov 21, following Divine Liturgy. Please contact Kathy Kalogeras (kathleenkalogeras@gmail.com) to learn more about coming practices and how you can be a part of this vital ministry of Saint Gregory.

SERVICES FOR NOV 7, 7TH 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. Parents, please note that when classes meet indoors both teachers and students are kindly asked to wear masks). 

STREAMING DETAILS/MEDIA CONNECTIONS FOR NOV 7
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 

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.

LAST DAY FOR PHILOPTOCHOS VETERANS DAY COLLECTION, NOV 7
This effort supplies our local Mansfield Veterans Office with warm winter coats and gift cards. Parishioners can make financial donations through the Vanco giving app (noting it as “Philoptochos Veterans Day”) or by giving funds to any board member by this Sunday. 

PHILOPTOCHOS THANKSGIVING DRIVE, BEGINS NOV 7
Father Alex's Thanksgiving Meal Drive collection begins now! Philoptochos has voted to donate $500.00 towards the purchase of turkeys and pies to help Father Alex donate 30  meals to the MIddlesex Sheriff's Association Meal Drive this November. Philoptochos will assist with the coordination of gathering other needed food items. A Target registry has been created and food purchased through the link below will be delivered directly to St. Gregory. Purchasing desired food items in a store and bringing it to St. Gregory's is also a welcomed option (see the Narthex donation bin). Food will be collected through Sunday 11/21. Target Link: https://www.target.com/gift-registry/gift/fralex-thanksgivingevent

The following donations are needed for each meal, in addition to turkeys:
2 boxes stuffing
2 boxes instant mashed potatoes
2 cans peas
2 cans corn
2 cans green beans
1 can cranberry sauce
2 packages/jars turkey gravy

ORTHODOX LIFE: “OPENING THE DOOR,” CONTINUES NOV 10
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. All reading material will be supplied. Our next meeting will be on the 10th, 6:30 - 8 pm (refreshments will be served). Contact Fr. Alex with any questions: alexanderchetsas@gmail.com.

ORTHODOXY 101, NOV 21
In addition to Orthodox Life: "Opening the Door" this fall, we are offering our faithful a straight forward, approachable introduction to Orthodoxy session on select Sundays, following Holy Communion. This is an ideal opportunity for those interested in coming into the Orthodox Faith or just wanting to learn more about the Church. Lou Zagami leads each session following Holy Communion in the classrooms area unless otherwise noted. Lou is also very willing to continue these discussions individually and/or in small group meetings in the weeks and months to come. Please contact him if you are interested: lzagami@comcast.net.

PHILOPTOCHOS BAKE SALE, NOV 21
Philoptochos is excited to announce that we will be holding our Annual Fall Bake Sale on Sunday, November 21^st. Once again, we are asking you to don your bakers’ caps and volunteer to bake your favorite goodies for our sale. Cakes, cookies, pies, pastries, candies, breads are needed--whatever you wish to contribute. Please contact Nicole Riley to sign up with your donation: nmresq412@gmail.com.

GOYA OUTREACH, GATHERING AND MORE, NOV 21
In preparation for the Thanksgiving Meal Drive which finishes on the 21st, our GOYAns are making Thanksgiving cards to accompany the meals. On the 21st after Sunday School, we'll help Fr. Alex package up the meals and then head to the Christo home for refreshments and relaxation. Please look for emails from Mr. and Mrs. Christo with all the details--see you then!

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY, DEC 5
We have slated this year's Stewardship Sunday event for the 5th. This will be a time for us to learn about the 2022 Stewardship Ministry Program, reflect on our ministries and celebrate our Stewards with a wonderful breakfast. More details to come soon. In addition, as we look toward the conclusion of our 2021 campaign, thanks to all of our Saint Gregory parishioners who have already committed and worked to fulfill their offerings of time, talent and treasure for this year. If you haven't had an opportunity to do so yet, now is an ideal time not only to commit 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)

PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS, DEC 12
Please consider engaging this opportunity to serve our parish through this dynamic ministry role. Candidate forms are in the Narthex and are due to the Church Office (C/O Elections Committee) by Nov. 14. Before submitting your form, please read the position description and qualifications sections of the form carefully. All candidates will be asked to attend a Metropolis training seminar before the elections. Contact the office with any questions.

PARISH GENERAL ASSEMBLY, DEC 12
In addition to our elections, we will hold our "fall" assembly on the 12th following services. Please make plans to join us for this important meeting our parish family. Those participating should be 2021 Stewards of Saint Gregory. Thank you in advance for your participation. 

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT, DEC 19
We are so excited to be presenting our Annual Christmas Pageant live in person on Sunday, December 19!  Last year we all pulled together to make the most of our virtual world, in our efforts to keep the tradition and holiday spirit alive at St. Gregory. We did the best we could, and our kids and families were amazing! This year we are back and can't wait to bring the spirit to our entire St. Gregory Parish. We invite all families who are comfortalbe doing so to engage your children with this beautiful event--we want all our children back and celebrating together as in past years, as much as possible. Please reach out to your child's Sunday School teacher, and let them know your child is excited to participate! We also need a few parents to help us out. Kindly let Joan Maimonas know if you can help or with any questions: 781.864. 0724. 

GOYA OFFICER NEWS AND THANKSGIVING OUTREACH
We had a wonderful first fall meeting on Oct. 24, and our full schedule of coming events will soon be announced. Meantime, we are looking forward to helping with the Thanksgiving Dinner Drive for the Middlesex Sheriff's Association effort this month. Contact Steve and Liz Christo to learn more about the Thanksgiving event and and get involved: stgregorygoya@gmail.com. Finally, we congratulate all of our newly elected officers for 2021 - 22: 

• President: TJ Dimitriou
• Vice President: Kyrie Stavros
• Secretary: Miles Kaufman
• Treasurer: Greg Douvris
• Jr Goya Vice President: Callie LaFond
• Social Media Director: Isabella CaraDonna

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

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. 

SAINT GREGORY PARISH BOOKSTORE
Parishioners are invited to visit our bookstore on Sundays or by appointment on weekdays by contacting the Church Office. Cathy or Fr. Alex would be happy to help you find that encouraging book, informational pamphlet or meaningful gift for a loved one that you are searching for. 

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.