SERVICES FOR MARCH 19, THE SUNDAY OF THE HOLY CROSS
We look forward to worshipping with you at Saint Gregory: Orthros, 8:30 am; Divine Liturgy, 9:30 am. Sunday School classes will be in session this weekend. 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 MARCH 19
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
BLESSING OF THE SAINT PATRICK ICON, MARCH 19
This summer, John and Robin Karagounis commissioned a hand-painted icon of Saint Patrick—and donated it to our parish. We are incredibly grateful to the Karagounis family for their thoughtfulness and generosity. During Divine Liturgy on the 19th, we will bless the icon and present it to our parishioners, especially our youth. We have already found a prominent place in the Narthex for the icon, and we know it will be an integral aspect of our worship life and educational efforts for years to come.
ORTHODOX LIFE: "LIVING THE GREAT COMMISSION," CONT. MARCH 19 & 26
Following Divine Liturgy, join Lee in the Middle School Classroom for the continuation of this timely series, focusing on the Great Commission of our Lord. This exhortation from the Gospel of Matthew is read at each baptism, not only to confirm the importance of the respective baptism but also to encourage those present in spreading the Gospel of Christ. Explore these ideas, and more, with Lee on the 19th and 26th.
PHILOPTOCHOS DIGNITY MATTERS COLLECTION, MARCH 19
Through March, Philoptochos is collecting items for Dignity Matters, a non-profit organization that supplies feminine hygiene products, bras and underwear to women and girls who are homeless or disadvantaged. A bin is available in the Narthex and an Amazon wish list will be shared. Monetary donations are also appreciated.
FOURTH WEEK OF LENT SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS, MARCH 22 & BEYOND
There are a host of Lenten services this week and coming weekend. Please join us as often as you can, even if you cannot stay the whole time.
Fourth Week of Lent:
March 22, 6 pm, PreSanctified Liturgy. These weekly Lenten services offer an opportunity to receive Holy Communion, strengthening us through the forty days. March 26, 4th Sunday of Lent—Sunday of Saint John of the Ladder. The fourth Sunday of Great Lent is dedicated to the memory of Saint John of the Ladder, a 6th - 7th century monastic from Mt. Sinai who authored “The Ladder of Divine Ascent.”
LENTEN, HOLY WEEK & PASCHA FLOWER DONATIONS
Great Lent is here, and there are a host of flower and related decorating needs from now all the way through Pascha/Easter Sunday. A donation opportunity list is in the Narthex and also available here. Please drop off your donation form at the Church Office or see Fr. Alex or Maria Sweten. Immediate needs include the adorning of the “Sweet Kissing” icon for Friday night Salutations and the tray for the Sunday of the Holy Cross.
NEW FELLOWSHIP HOUR SIGN-UP RESOURCES
All parishioners are invited to host Fellowship Hour on a coming Sunday this winter and spring. In addition to the sign-up poster in the hall, we can now easily learn more and sign up online. Fellowship Hour is a beloved, significant tradition at our parish that speaks to Christian fellowship and hospitality. Thanks in advance for your support, and contact Fellowship Hour Chair Brian Kaufman with any questions: bvkaufman@gmail.com
STEWARDSHIP 2023 & TESTIMONIAL VIDEO
As we move into the new year, we now kindly ask our Stewards to read over our 2023 materials package and prayerfully complete and return 2023 Commitment Cards at their earliest convenience. This not only helps us plan for and support our parish ministries but is a visible symbol of our Eucharistic community: united in worship and dedication to the Gospel. The Stewardship pages of our parish website have been updated with our 2023 materials, and please contact Phil LaFond with any questions (phil@lafonds.net). View the Stewardship Sunday testimonial video here.
NEW ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEM
Parishioners who would like to try out our new Assistive Listening System are welcome to use the receivers on our Narthex Welcome Table. The receivers are easy to use: just place the ear device on your ear, and turn on the “on/volume” on top of the receiver.
USHERING AND "RIDES TO CHURCH" MINISTRIES
This winter and spring, 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. We have also been re-initiating 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.
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. General Church Office Needs: as we are currently short staffed, please call the Church Office (508.337.9986) and leave a message. Father or another ministry leader will get back with you shortly. Thanks for your patience.
On March 13, 2023, representing His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, His Grace Bishop Apostolos of Medeia attended the reception offered in honor of the 10th Anniversary of the election of His Holiness Pope Francis at the Apostolic Nunciature to the United States of America in Washington, DC.
LENTEN, HOLY WEEK & PASCHAL ESSENTIALS FOR THE FAITHFUL AVAILABLE ON ORTHODOX MARKETPLACE
Follow along to Lenten services with the Akathist Hymn and Holy Week through Easter services books.
In November 2022, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America welcomed Carrie Frederick Frost, PhD; Kyra P. Limberakis, MTS; and Archons Cary J. Limberakis, DMD, and George E. Demacopoulos, PhD, to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese for a candid discussion on expanding the participation of women in the Church.