Dearest Parishioners and Friends:

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday at our beloved parish home. If you can't join us in person, I hope you'll worship with us via Face Book or You Tube. Regarding our video capabilities, we're in the process of actualizing a significant upgrade, thanks to the great efforts of Rich O'Connor. I know that for years to come, this will be a significant pastoral service to our homebound parishioners, those in rehab and nursing facilities and anyone who cannot make it to services on a given Sunday. 

In the midst of all our wonderful Thanksgiving activity at Saint Gregory this month, we are also moving into the "joyful" Nativity Fast, beginning Nov. 15. Like the Great Lent period, this is a time of reflection, forgiveness, philanthropy, prayer and gratefulness for the coming of the Christ Child. It is a time to remember that all of the great impulses we feel this time of year to help others and reach out do not come out of thing air--but from the understanding that He is coming to make us all new. The humility of the Holy Child, the fact that he is "homeless" from His very birth, draws our attention to those who are "without," those who need to see the face of Christ and need our assistance, compassion and mercy. It is a time to consider others first, as our Lord has considered us. 

With these things in mind, I invite you to read on about the Feast of the Nativity. In addition, I hope you will consider engaging this beautiful fasting and preparation period as much as you can. Perhaps you have never tried to fast before, and fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays during this period would be a worthy first step; maybe you've never gone to Holy Confession, and this is your time; if it has been a while since you offered your heart and soul to someone in need, there is no better time than now. 

Anticipating the "Light that shines in the darkness" (John 1:5) and in thanksgiving for you all,

Fr. Alex

HOMILY: "Anticipating the Holy Child"

EPISTLE READER: 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 

TODAY'S ALTAR TEAM: Archangel Michael (M. Cromack & S. Riley); 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 NOV 14, 8TH 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 14
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 

2022 PARISH COUNCIL CANDIDATE FORMS, DUE NOV 14
For parishioners considering offering themselves for Parish Council in the coming year, Candidate Forms are due on the 14th and can be dropped at the Church Office of given to our Elections Committee Chairs, Steve Christo or Jack Griffin. We have five available "seats" in anticipation of our Dec. 12 Elections. 

CONGREGATIONAL SINGING PRACTICE, NOV 14
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 14th following services. Future practices include 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.

PHILOPTOCHOS THANKSGIVING DRIVE, CONTINUES NOV 14
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

CHRISTMAS "GIVING TREE" EFFORT, BEGINS NOV 14
As of this Sunday, the Christmas “Giving Tree” outreach effort is “on”!

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. 

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.