A Word from Father Alex

Beloved Parishioners and Friends:

I hope this note finds you doing well and finding some way to stay cool in this oppressive heat. As I'm returning from vacation late this Saturday, I look forward to rejoining you this Sunday at Saint Gregory for worship and friendship, both of which I treasure alongside you.

God be with you and keep you until we gather again,

Fr. Alex

Sunday Notes

HOMILY: "Casting Out Demons" (Matt.9:27 - 35)

EPISTLE: Parishioners of all ages are invited to read the Epistle. Please contact Fr. Alex to choose a date.

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

TODAY'S ALTAR TEAM: For the summer, all Altar servers are invited to serve each Sunday (Teams Archangel Gabriel and Michael). Contact Fr. Alex 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 or feast day. The donation for flower sponsorships is $50. Please contact the Church Office to learn more or sponsor.

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: Join us after Divine Liturgy for refreshments and friendship. Fellowship Hour sponsorships are welcome this summer. 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

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Seventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:1-10

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him." Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying and the napkin, which had been on His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that He must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.

Epistle Reading

7th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 15:1-7

Brethren, we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him. For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached thee fell on me." For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Gospel Reading

7th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 9:27-35

At that time, as Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, "See that no one knows it." But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.

As they were going away, behold, a dumb demoniac was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, "Never was anything like this seen in Israel." But the Pharisees said, "He casts out demons by the prince of demons."

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.

Saints and Feasts

July 31

7th Sunday of Matthew

July 31

Forefeast of the Precious Cross

July 31

Dionysios the Righteous Martyr of Vatopaidi

Wisdom of the Fathers

He puts an end to the woman's fear ... He sets her right, in respect of her thinking to be hid ... He exhibits her faith to all, so as to provoke the rest also to emulation ...

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 31 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

And then at last He for His part lays His hand upon them, saying, "According to your faith be it unto you." And this He does to confirm their faith, and to show that they are participators in the good work ...

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 32 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR JULY 31, 7TH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW
We look forward to worshipping with you at Saint Gregory, whether in person or remotely: Orthros, 8:30 am; Divine Liturgy, 9:30 am. Sunday School classes are breaking for the summer and will resume in the fall of 2022. Please continue to bring your children to Saint Gregory throughout the summer--we never go "on vacation" from our Orthodox Faith.

STREAMING DETAILS/MEDIA CONNECTIONS FOR JULY 31
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 video

PARAKLESIS, TRANSFIGURATION AND DORMITION SERVICES
Our cycle of Small Paraklesis Services will be offered on the following evenings: Aug. 1,3,10 and 12, starting at 6 pm. Join us for these brief, poetic services during this period of fasting and preparation for the Feast of the Dormition on Aug. 15. Within this period, we will also celebrate the radiant Feast of the Transfiguration on Aug. 6. (Service times for the Transfiguration and Dormition services are at the usual Orthros and Liturgy times.)

WEST SIDE BENEVOLENT CIRCLE SUMMER MEALS OUTREACH, NOW - AUGUST
Last week, our second donation load was taken to West Side Benevolent Circle, totaling 175 items! The program is currently serving 110 Mansfield families and will continue through the end of August. To help us meet our goal for the summer, please continue to bring the following to Saint Gregory over the next several weeks: boxes of pasta, boxes of mac ‘n’ cheese and jars/cans of pasta. Many thanks to all who have supported this important local effort in combatting food insecurity for local children and families.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SUPPORT AND BUILD EVENT, THIS FALL
In other outreach news, Saint Gregory will be participating in the Old Colony Habitat for Humanity Build on Pike Ave. in Attleboro. In connection to a parish “build day” in the fall, we have a fundraising sponsorship goal of $2,500—this donation will actually help pay for the materials of the building project. If you would like to donate and/or express interest in joining us for the build day, please contact Fr. Alex at your earliest convenience.

SAINT GREGORY 27TH ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC, SEP 16
Looking to the fall, please save the date of the Saint Gregory 27th Annual Charity Golf Classic—Sep. 16, 2022. Our committee invites you to join us in support of Saint Gregory’s primary fundraising event of the year, helping us advance the holy mission of our parish. Visit our website to learn more, register and sponsor: Please contact Stephan Katinas with any questions: skatinas@comcast.net.

USHERING AND "RIDES TO CHURCH" MINISTRIES
This spring and summer, those interested in our Ushering Ministry are invited to contact George Dimitriou: 781-769-2085; Gdimitriou@yahoo.com. Offering yourself as an usher is a wonderful way to meet new people and helps create a welcoming environment at Saint Gregory. Throughout the coming months, we will also reinvigorate our efforts to provide rides to church for anyone who needs one. Once again, contact George Dimitriou if you could use a “lift” or would like to help drive.

METROPOLIS OF BOSTON CAMP REGISTRATION
For our youth camping ministry enthusiasts, it is time to register for MBC (Metropolis of Boston Camp) Summer 2022. Session 1 begins June 27, and several sessions have already filled up. Learn more and register today—this is a faith-building opportunity for our youth that will help our children stay connected to the Church over the summer and beyond.

LITURGICAL SINGING
This ministry engages musical leadership not only for Sunday liturgy but all the liturgical needs of the year, from Vespers services to Great Lent and Holy Week. Your time and talent is most welcome within our Liturgical Singing Ministry. Please contact Kathy Kalogeras to learn more: kalogeras1@earthlink.net.

STEWARDSHIP 2022
Many thanks to all our 2022 Stewards for standing behind Saint Gregory. Your support of our church—through your time, talent and treasure—is vital to the pursuit of our divine mission: the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If you have not yet had an opportunity to complete your 2022 Commitment Card yet, please visit our Stewardship page.

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
Join us in the hall for Fellowship Hour following Divine Liturgy after Sunday services. We are also welcoming sponsors for Sundays this summer. 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 Cooper or Fr. Alex would be happy to help you find that encouraging book, gift, informational pamphlet or other meaningful item you've been searching for.

WHAT'S NEW ON OUR WEBSITE?
Within our Youth Ministry pages, you'll soon see two new June 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.

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.

Calendar: Next Two Weeks

Saint Gregory Parish Calendar

July 31 to August 15, 2022

Sunday, July 31

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

Monday, August 1

6:00PM Paraklesis Service

Wednesday, August 3

6:00PM Paraklesis Service

Saturday, August 6

Holy Transfiguration

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

Sunday, August 7

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, August 9

6:30PM Parish Council

Wednesday, August 10

6:00PM Paraklesis Service

Friday, August 12

6:00PM Paraklesis Service

Sunday, August 14

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

Monday, August 15

Dormition of the Theotokos