Beloved Parishioners and Friends:

In anticipation of the Dormition of the Theotokos on August 15, I wish you a reflective and blessed feast. This is a solemn feast of the Orthodox Church, which commemorates the "fallings asleep" or the dormition of the Theotokos. 

As with the nativity of the Theotokos, her entrance into the temple and other events from her life, there is no canonical scripture in which her dormition is outlined. However, as vital as Holy Scripture is, the Orthodox Church believes that the Church produced Holy Scripture, not the other way around. Thus alongside canonical Biblical records, we also hold Holy Tradition, the Sacraments, Canon tradition, the lives of the Saints and the entire life of the Church up as authoritative. With these things in mind, Mary's dormition--and it's meaning for us all--is revered as a watershed spiritual event and one of the Twelve Great Feasts of the Church. We hold that she was "assumed" directly to the loving embrace of the Lord upon her death, enjoying a foretaste of the Kingdom and being spared the ravages of the grave. 

As His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros recently offered in a Paraklesis homily, her Dormition can be seen as a "small Pascha" at the end of this "small Lent". Her free-will acceptance of the Incarnation helped enable the ministry and life-saving mission of Christ; her death or dormition led to her "sleepless" role as intercessor to Christ on behalf of all of us. There is no death in her sleep. And her sleepless efforts, gifted to us day after day as we strive here on earth, help move us closer and closer to Communion with our Lord. 

If you can join us, even for a few minutes on the way to work or other obligations, this Sunday or on the feast itself to mark this profound moment in our spiritual lives, I warmly invite you to do so. There is a tremendous strength in us coming together in belief and prayer, in striving side by side to live the life we are called to live. Wherever the next several days find us, may we be united in prayer and dedication to holy action, covered, sheltered and moved by the loving prayers of our Holy Mother. 

God be with you, and yours,

Fr. Alex

HOMILY: "A Small Pascha"

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

ANTIDORON/MYRHHBEARERS SERVICE: Servers are welcome to participate in this ministry throughout the summer. To get involved, contact Fr. Alex. 

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

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SERVICES FOR AUGUST 14, 9TH 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 AUGUST 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 video 

PHILOPTOCHOS BACKPACK & SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE, AUG 14 - SEPTEMBER 11
Philoptochos is happy to announce our 4th Annual Backpack and School Supply Drive is officially underway. This drive is to benefit children within the Mansfield school district who may otherwise not have access to necessary school supplies. Last fall, thanks to the generosity of the Saint Gregory the Theologian community, we were able to fill 40 backpacks with supplies and still have additional paper, pens and notebooks to donate. We hope to meet that number again this year. There are three ways you can help:
1)  Purchase supplies and drop them off in the collection box in Narthex by the front door. See the supply list within the "Coming Events & News" section of this eBulletin. 
2)  Use the following links to order supplies from our Amazon Wish List or Target Wish List. The supplies will be shipped directly Philoptochos.
Amazon ink: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/149GH64FEWDEH?ref_=wl_share
Target link: https://www.target.com/gift-registry/gift/stanastasiaschoolsupplydrive
3)  Make a donation payable to St. Anastasia Philoptochos and we will purchase the supplies for you.
We thank you all for your continued generosity! Contact Ann Johnson with any questions: annjohnson0195@gmail.com. 

WEST SIDE BENEVOLENT CIRCLE SUMMER MEALS DRIVE, ENDS AUG 14
Many thanks to all those parishioners who have donated so generously to the West Side Free Meals collection this summer. This week, Fr. Alex was informed that West Side has almost enough of our assigned food products at this point, so our collection will continue until this Sunday and then conclude. Please bring donations of pasta, mac’n’cheese and pasta sauce Sunday, and we will cap the effort with a final delivery next week.

DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS, AUG 15
Join us for Orthros (8:30 am) and Divine Liturgy (9:30 am) on the 15th, as we mark this solemn feast of the Theotokos. All are welcome to join us for worship, unity in faith and friendship. 

PARISH POTLUCK AND GAME NIGHT, AUG 27
All parishioners are invited to join us for an evening of friendship and fun on the 27^th, 5 – 7:30. All are welcome, and indoor/outdoor games will be provided. Feel free to bring a favorite game from home, too. Please bring a dish to share, and contact Brian Kaufman (bvkaufman@gmail.com) or Phil LaFond (phil@lafonds.net) with questions or for further details. 

WELCOME BACK BBQ & MINISTRY CELEBRATION, SEP 11
Following Divine Liturgy, join us for BBQ (pulled pork, burgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs and more) and friendship in celebration of our parish ministries. We will sign up for Sunday School, GOYA (there will also be a GOYA meeting), Myhrrbearers Ministry, Altar Service and other youth ministries; representatives will also be on hand from Philoptochos as part of the fall membership drive. There will also be fun games and activities for our children (and those young at heart). Our younger children, middle and high schoolers are also invited to bring their school backpacks for a special blessing at the close of Divine Liturgy as well (each student will also receive beautiful gift!). Please bring a side or dessert to share with our parish family (no nuts, please).  Contact Karen Guinan for further details and to confirm your dish: karenguinan@gmail.com. 

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.

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.  

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.

MYRHHBEARERS/ANTIDORON SERVERS MINISTRY
Within the context of our fledling Myrrhbearers Ministry, our girls and young women are invited to hold Antidoro during Divine Liturgy, reading the Epislte and otherwise participate in the entire life of the Church. Please contact Fr. Alex to plan a date for an Epistle reading and/or Antidoro service. 

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.