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.
Parishioners and Friends:
I wish you a wonderful November and hope you can join us this Sunday, Nov. 6 at Saint Gregory.
Following worship, Sunday School, we will have our Fall Parish General Assembly. Please remain with us if you are able for this important meeting of our parish family. In addition to the consideration of next year's budget, we will enjoy ministry reflections, a Saint Gregory Fund report from a representative from Mayflower Advisors and a host of other vital reports. The agenda is within the "Coming Events and News" section of this eBullein.
Also this Sunday, our Sunday School children are encouraged to sit up front (Baptismal Font side) with their teachers during Divine Liturgy. This will help our children and teachers bond, as well as give them a great vantage point from which to engage Divine Liturgy. They will enjoy a special youth homily just before Holy Communion.
Finally, our November/December Mustard Seed newsletter is now published and ready (also within the "Coming Events/News" section). As you will see, there are many wonderful worship events, activities and ministries coming our way, from the Philoptochos Bake Sale on Nov. 20 to the Sunday School Christmas Pageant on Dec. 18.
Looking forward to seeing you and thank you for being part of Saint Gregory,
Fr. Alex
HOMILY: Special homily for our Sunday School children.
EPISTLE: Sidney LaFond. Parishioners of all ages are invited to read the Epistle. Please contact Fr. Alex to choose a date.
TODAY'S ANTIDORON/MYRHHBEARERS SERVICE: Raisa Georgilas. 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 Michael (Matthew Cromack, AJ and Matthew Georgilas and Mario Salzillo). Altar Captain: Chris Botchis; Spencer Riley: Assistant Captain.
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: 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
Tenth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:1-14
At that time, Jesus revealed Himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and He revealed Himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas, called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach, yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there with fish lying on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask Him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after He was raised from the dead. .
7th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 2:16-20
Brethren, knowing that a man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law, because by works of the law shall no one be justified. But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we ourselves were found to be sinners, is Christ then an agent of sin? Certainly not! But if I build up again those things which I tore down, then I prove myself a transgressor. For I through the law died to the law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
7th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 8:41-56
At that time, there came to Jesus a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue; and falling at Jesus' feet he besought him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As he went, the people pressed round him. And a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years and had spent all her living upon physicians and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment; and immediately her flow of blood ceased. And Jesus said, "Who was it that touched me?" When all denied it, Peter and those who were with him said, "Master, the multitudes surround you and press upon you!" But Jesus said, "Some one touched me; for I perceive that power has gone forth from me." And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace." While he was still speaking, a man from the ruler's house came and said, "Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more." But Jesus on hearing this answered him, "Do not fear; only believe, and she shall be well." And when he came to the house, he permitted no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and bewailing her; but he said, "Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, "Child, arise." And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and he directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed; but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.
Saint Paul was from Thessalonica. He became the secretary of Alexander, Patriarch of Constantinople (see Aug. 30), a deacon, and then the successor of Saint Alexander in about 337. Because of his virtue, his eloquence in teaching, and his zeal for Orthodoxy, the Arians hated and feared him. When the Arian Emperor Constantius, who was in Antioch, learned of Paul's election, he exiled Paul and proclaimed the Arian Eusebius Patriarch. Saint Paul went to Rome, where he found Saint Athanasius the Great also in exile. Provided with letters by Pope Julius, Paul returned to Constantinople, and after the death of Eusebius in 342, ascended again his rightful throne; the Arians meanwhile elected Macedonius, because he rejected the Son's con-substantiality with the Father (and the divinity of the Holy Spirit besides). When Constantius, yet at Antioch, learned of Paul's return, he sent troops to Constantinople to drive Paul out. The Saint returned to Rome, where Saint Athanasius also was again in exile. Constans, Emperor of the West, Constantius' brother, but Orthodox, wrote to Constantius that if Athanasius and Paul were not allowed to return to their sees, he would come with troops to restore them him-self. So Paul again returned to his throne. After the death of Constans, however, Constantius had Paul deposed. Because of the love of the people for Saint Paul, Philip the Prefect, who was sent for him, was compelled to arrest him secretly to avoid a sedition. Paul was banished to Cucusus, on the borders of Cilicia and Armenia; a town through which his most illustrious successor, Saint John Chrysostom would also pass on his way to Comana in his last exile. In Cucusus, about the year 350, as Saint Paul was celebrating the Divine Liturgy in the little house where he was a prisoner, the Arians strangled him with his own omophorion, so much did they fear him even in exile. His holy relics were brought back to Constantinople with honour by the Emperor Theodosius the Great.
SERVICES FOR NOVEMBER 6, THE 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. 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 NOVEMBER 6
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
SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENTS SITTING "UP FRONT," NOV 6
Parents are lovingly reminded to have their children sit in the front pews of the church today (Baptismal Font side). This will give them a wonderful vantage point for experiencing the Divine Liturgy and help build a sense of community among our children and teachers.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY, NOV 6
All parishioners are encouraged to join us immediately following Divine Liturgy. These gatherings of our Steward Parishioners represent important moments to reflect on parish life and further the ministries and programs of our parish. Please see the agenda in the "Coming Events" section of this eBulletin.
GOYA GIVING TREE BEGINS, NOV 6
Thanks to the good efforts of Mrs. Mullert and our GOYAns, the "Giving Tree" is set up and wish lists are now available. Come receive your list during Fellowship Hour over the next several weeks, or utilize our our SignUpGenius option: St. Gregory's Giving Tree: Giving Tree 2022 (signupgenius.com). Many thanks for your support of families served by West Side Benevolent Circle during this season of giving and compassion. View and share our flyer!
SAINT GREGORY PARISH BOOKSTORE OPEN, NOV 6
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…
THANKSGIVING DRIVE FOR LOCAL VETERANS, NOV 6 - NOV 20
For the third year, our parish will sponsor a drive for Thanksgiving dinner items for the Middlesex Sheriff’s
Association. The dinners are delivered to the families of veterans in the greater Boston area. See our fyer here. As of Nov. 6, we will welcome the following food items for drop off in the Narthex, as well as financial donations to purchase food (contact Fr. Alex).
***Our goal is 25 dinners: Boxes of stuffing and instant potatoes | Canned cranberry sauce, green beans, peas and corn | frozen turkeys (will be collected closer to the 20th).
ORTHODOX LIFE, NOV 13
Join us for our third session of Orthodox Life: "Contemporary Moral Issues" during Fellowship Hour. This adult educational series explores the Orthodox Church’s perspective on the most pressing social and moral issues of our time. The Nov. 13 discussion, led by Fr. Alex, will focus on pastoral issues surrounding the distribution of Holy Communion during times of health crisis, with special attention to the recent COVID situation. Grab a coffee and head to the Middle School classroom.
PARISH COUNCIL CANDIDATE FORMS, DUE NOV 13
Our Parish Elections Day, for Parish Council and Board of Auditors, is slated for Dec. 4. Candidate Forms for Parish Council are now available in the Narthex, and Fr. Alex can also email you one. The due date for the completed Candidate Form is Nov. 13; they can be dropped off in the Church Office or emailed to Father. Regarding the Board of Elections, please let Fr. Alex know if you would be willing to serve (three Parishioner Stewards will be elected for this committee at the General Assembly).
PHILOPTOCHOS THANKSGIVING BAKE SALE, NOV 20
Our annual bake sale is Sunday, November 20. Pick up a delicious baked good, or two, to share at your Thanksgiving table! (Or you can enjoy it before then, if you can’t wait!).
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.
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 are in 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.
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 Thanksgiving Drive begins
11:30AM Parish General Assembly
11:30AM GOYA Giving Tree begins
6:30PM Parish Council
8:30AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
10:30AM Sunday School classes
11:30AM Thanksgiving Drive cont.
11:30AM Orthodox Life: Contemporary Moral Issues
11:30AM GOYA Giving Tree cont.
9:00AM Thriving Congregations Seminar
8:30AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
10:30AM Sunday School classes
11:15AM Sunday School Open House
11:30AM Thanksgiving Drive ends
11:30AM Philoptochos Bake Sale
11:30AM GOYA Giving Tree cont.
3:00PM Interfaith Thanksgiving Service (2nd Cong. Church, Attleboro)
View the agenda for our important assembly, and please make plans to join us.
Receive your "Wish List" at Fellowship Hour or use the SignUpGenius link within the flyer. Thank you for your support of local families during the holiday season!
Please help support the family's of local veterans served the Middlesex County Sheriff's Association. Food and financial donations are welcome and appreciated.
Enjoy our latest newsletter, highlighting worship events like our Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Vesperal Liturgy and vital fundraising efforts such as the Nov. 20 Philoptochos Bake Sale. Enjoy!
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Cordially Invites you to Celebrate the Nameday of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America - Wednesday, November 2, 2022.