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.
Beloved Parishioners and Friends:
Last Sunday's time and presentation with Dr. Despina Prassas, of Providence College, was amazing. I was so grateful for her presence at worship, the time she spent at breakfast with the girls and young women of our Myrrhbearers Ministry and, of course, her theological and spiritual insights during the presentation. She drew our hearts and minds to Christ's special interest and consideration of the most marginalized people of his time, including women, shepherds and Samaritans. She showed us the power and significance of Holy Scripture raising the lives of these people up as examples of how ordinary people can have extraordinary encounters with God--and how this can not only change them but all of us.
If you can join us at Saint Gregory this Sunday, Oct. 2, I will be excited to see you for worship, Sunday School and Fellowship Hour. As always, we will come together in prayer and hope in our Lord, around His Holy Table.
Until we gather, let us please pray fervently for those terribly impacted by Hurricane Ian in Florida and throughout the Southeast. God be with them all and those dear to them.
Please read on within your eBulletin and stay connected to our beloved parish home in the weeks and months to come.
God be with you, sustain you and protect you,
Fr. Alex
HOMILY: "On the Margins"
EPISTLE: Chris Botchis. Parishioners of all ages are invited to read the Epistle. Please contact Fr. Alex to choose a date.
TODAY'S MEMORIALS: Georgette (10 yrs) and Anthony Panagacos (35 yrs), beloved parents of Paulette Vinton; Andrea Elliot (15 yrs), beloved daughter of Pauline Douvris and sister of Cheryl Vozzella and Karen Guinan. May their memory be eternal!
UPCCOMING MEMORIALS:
Oct. 9: James Christo (2 yrs). Beloved father of Steve Christo.
TODAY'S ANTIDORON/MYRHHBEARERS SERVICE: Callie LaFond. Servers are welcome to participate in this ministry throughout the summer. To get involved, contact Eleni LaFond or Fr. Alex.
TODAY'S ALTAR TEAM: Archangel Gabriel (Eliot Hess, Leland Hess and Linus LaFond). Altar Captain: Chris Botchis; Spencer Riley: Assistant Captain.
ALTAR FLOWERS: Sponsored by the Guinan and Vinton families, in memory of Georgette and Anthony Panagacos and Andrea Elliot. 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: Sponsored by Vinton and Guinan families, in memory of Georgette and Anthony Panagacos and Andrea Elliot. Fellowship Hour sponsorships are welcome and needed. Please sign up in the hall this weekend or 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
Fifth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:13-35
At that time, [Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home wondering at what had happened. That very day] 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 not it necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into this 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.
2nd 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.
2nd Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 6:31-36
The Lord said, "As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."
Saint Justina who was from Damascus, lived in virginity for the sake of Christ. Saint Cyprian, who was from Antioch, began as an initiate of magic and worshipper of the demons. A certain foolish young man who had been smitten with Justina's beauty hired Cyprian to draw her to love him; when Cyprian had wed every demonic device he knew, and had failed, being repulsed by the power of Christ Whom Justina invoked, he understood the weakness of the demons and came to know the truth. Delivered from demonic delusion, he came to Christ and burned all his books of magic, was baptized, and later ascended the episcopal throne in his country. Later, he and Justina were arrested by the Count of Damascus, and having endured many torments at his hands, they were sent finally to Diocletian in Nicomedia, where they were beheaded about the year 304.
SERVICES FOR OCTOBER 2, 2nd 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. Sunday School classes have begun. If you have not already, please register your children here for another year of learning and growth in the Orthodox Faith.
STREAMING DETAILS/MEDIA CONNECTIONS FOR OCTOBER 2
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
IMPORTANT 2022 STEWARDSHIP UPDATE AND REMINDER
Our Stewardship Ministry Committee is grateful for the support and generosity expressed thus far in 2022. As we look toward the end of this year’s campaign and begin planning for 2023, this would be a wonderful time to complete a 2022 Commitment Card and/or fulfill your existing commitment. Commitment Cards in are the Narthex, and they can also be filled out electronically within the Stewardship pages of our website. Online giving options are also available there for convenient and instant commitment fulfillment.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES CONTINUE, OCT 2
Our teachers are excited and enthusiastic about this new year of learning and faith. Last Sunday, we had our first day of classes after a blessing from Fr. Alex and Fr. Manny--now we are off and running! If you have not yet had an opportunity to do so, please register your child, or children, for Sunday School at your earliest convenience, and contact Dionne Katinas (dionnekatinas@comcast.net) with questions or to learn more about our ministry.
SAINT GREGORY PARISH BOOKSTORE OPEN, OCT 2
We are so happy to have our bookstore open and staffed on Sundays once again. One of the new udpated includes an expanded children''s section. With fall fast approaching, now is the perfect time for you (and your little ones) to curl up with a good book. Our bookstore is open on Sundays after Divine Liturgy, and we have a variety of titles for readers of all ages. Explore selections in topics ranging from prayer guides to the lives of the saints. There is truly something for everyone! Come and see…
PHILOPTOCHOS MEMBERSHIP AND VETERANS' DRIVES, THIS MONTH
***The Philoptochos Membership Drive is “on” this month through the end of the year.
Please consider joining this friendly, energetic group of women—and spreading the news to family and friends. The dues will remain at $35.00, with greater contributions gratefully accepted.
Checks can be made out to the St. Anastasia Philoptochos and given to any board member. Payments can also be made through Vanco with the designation “Philoptochos.”
***In addition, the Philoptochos Veterans' Coat and Gift Card Drive to benefit the local Mansfield Veterans' Affairs Office has begun and will run through Oct. 30. Monetary donations will be accepted through the end of October and will be used to purchase winter coats and gift cards for the Veterans' Office. As with the Membership Drive above, checks or Vanco payments are gratefully accepted. Many thanks for your support.
Contact Ann Johnson for further details about Philoptochos and any coming events: annjohnson0195@gmail.com.
SAINT MODESTOS PET BLESSING, OCT 15
All furry, feathery and scaley friends are welcome to come receive a blessing, from 11 am – 12 pm. Local animal helping organizations are being invited to participate, as well as friends from local houses of worship. The general public is warmly invited to join us—please spread the word to friends, colleagues and neighbors. Our talented seminarian, Lee Morest, will once again be on hand to photograph the event and capture portraits of our pets. Few and share the flyer here.
ORTHODOX LIFE, OCT 16 & 30
Join us in October and November for “Contemporary Moral Issues.” This series will explore the Or[1]thodox Church’s perspective and teaching on the most pressing social and moral issues of our time, from the sanctity of life to capital punishment. Join Fr. Alex during Fellowship Hour for an informal, discussion-oriented presentation, utilizing Fr. Stanley Harakas’ Contemporary Moral Issues. Contact Father for further details.
The HOPE (K – 2nd)/JOY (3rd – 5th) PRAYERFUL PUMPKIN CARVING, OCT 23
Join us after Sunday School for this special event. A pizza lunch will be offered, and please bring a pumpkin from home, as well as carving tools, if you have them. Parents, please be ready to carve with your children to make sure they stay safe. This seasonal event with a faithful message is one not to miss. Contact Fr. Alex with any questions.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SUPPORT AND BUILD EVENT, LATE FALL/NOV
We are awaiting news on our Habitat for Humanity build day, which will likely be in October or November. The build site is on Pike Ave. in Attleboro and represents a life-changing opportunity for a local family. Donations in support of the event, which are part of our build-day commitment, are needed; likewise, we welcome volunteers to work on site during the build day. Please contact Fr. Alex to donate and/or express interest in the build day.
NEW PLASTIC BOTTLE AND CAN FUNDRAISER
This fall, we launched a fund-raising effort utilizing the new drop-off bin in the parking lot. As of now, you can bring your deposit-stamped plastic bottles and cans to drop off at the shed, and our parish will trade them in for donations on a monthly basis. No glass, please—and do make sure to rinse your donations before dropping them through the window in the bin.
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.
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.
MYRHHBEARERS MINISTRY
Within the context of our fledling Myrrhbearers Ministry, our girls and young women are invited to hold Antidoro during Divine Liturgy, read the Epislte and otherwise participate in the entire life of the Church. Please contact Eleni LaFond to pick a date for Antidoro service and Fr. Alex to plan a date for an Epistle reading.
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.
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. (1 pm – 5 pm), Wed. (9 am – 1 pm) & Thur (9 am – 1 pm); or by appointment when convenient for our parishioners. 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: Tue. (9 am - 1 pm) and
8:30AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
10:30AM Sunday School classes
11:30AM GOYA Mtg.
8:30AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
10:30AM Sunday School classes
6:30PM Parish Council
11:00AM Pet Blessing
8:30AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
10:30AM Sunday School classes
11:30AM Orthodox Life: Contemporary Moral Issues
This monthly graph story serves as a top-level indicator concerning the financial trends of our parish. This month's graph utilizes data from August 2022.
Bring your beloved pets to Saint Gregory for this heart-warming event, reminding us that God's holy Creation is worthy of appreciation and blessing.
Join us for seasonal fun with a spiritual meaning at this excellent family event.
This graph indicates significant trends in Stewardship participation and financial giving, highlighting some of the profound difficulties of the last two years but also reminding us of the dedication of our Stewards.
Enjoy this encouraging, inviting fall greeting from Parish Council President Karen Guinan.
View the list of needed school supplies in support of the Philoptochos Backpack & School Supply Drive in support of Mansfield children and families.
The Town of Mansfield's Mandate Announcement and Supplemental Package
Recommendations & Guidelines Updated Aug 2021
International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) announced today that with support from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, IOCC will provide immediate assistance to people in Ukraine displaced by the conflict and receiving aid through six dioceses of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.