A Word from Father Alex

Beloved Parishioners and Friends:

This Sunday is dedicated to the Veneration of the Holy Cross. On the Third Sunday of Lent each year, the Church presents us with the Cross of our Lord to strengthen and encourage us at this midpoint of Lent.

This moment also prepares us to venerate the Holy Cross during Holy Week, as we engage the Passion of the Christ. During Divine Liturgy this Sunday, we will kneel before the beautifully decorated Cross and raise high the sacrifice of our Lord. Flowers from the Cross will be given to our faithful, including our Sunday School children.

Of course, this Sunday is also our Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival. I can’t wait to see our beloved children witness their Orthodox Faith, drawing on all of their God-given gifts. And those gifts are many and diverse.

Read on within your eBulletin for details on coming services, flower donation needs, the Philoptochos Easter Bread Pre-Sale (which begins this weekend) and much more.

I this week of your Lenten journey finds you refreshed and hopeful,

Fr. Alex

Sunday Notes

EPISTLE: John Chani.

MYRHHBEARER SERVICE:
April 7th: Elena Salzillo.
April 14th : Ana Drugas.

TODAY'S ALTAR TEAM: Team Archangel Michael (Matthew Cromack, AJ Georgilas and Matthew Georgilas). Captain, Mario Salzillo.

MEMORIAL: Robert Alexander Duro (40 days) May his memory be eternal!

ALTAR FLOWERS: Please consider sponsoring altar flowers for a coming Sunday. The donation for flower sponsorships is $75. Please contact Gina in the church office to learn more or sponsor.

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: This week's fellowship hour is sponsored by the Lewis-Walters family, in loving memory of Robert Duro. All are welcome to join us following Divine Liturgy. This month and beyond, Fellowship Hour sponsors are welcome and needed. Please sign up in the hall this weekend or use our new SignUpGenius link.

WORSHIPPING FROM HOME: STREAMING AND INTERNET MINISTRY:

ACCESS SERVICES VIA FACEBOOK:
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ACCESS SERVICES VIA YOU TUBE:
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Eleventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:14-25

At that time, Jesus revealed himself to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. And he said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go." (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, "Follow me." Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!" The saying spread abroad among the brethren that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?" This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.

Epistle Reading

Sunday of the Holy Cross
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6

BRETHREN, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee"; as he says also in another place, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek."

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Holy Cross
The Reading is from Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."

Saints and Feasts

April 07

Sunday of the Holy Cross

With the help of God, we have almost reached the middle of the course of the Fast, where our strength has been worn down through abstinence, and the full difficulty of the labour set before us becomes apparent. Therefore our holy Mother, the Church of Christ, now brings to our help the all-holy Cross, the joy of the world, the strength of the faithful, the staff of the just, and the hope of sinners, so that by venerating it reverently, we might receive strength and grace to complete the divine struggle of the Fast.

April 07

Calliopus and Akylina the Martyrs

The holy Martyr Calliopius was from Perga in Pamphylia, brought up in piety by his godly mother Theocleia. When the persecution of Maximian broke out, Saint Calliopius presented himself of his own accord before the Governor Maximus in Pompeiopolis of Galatia. After he had suffered many torments, his mother visited him in prison and encouraged him in his martyrdom. After this, his thrice-blessed mother, upon learning that he was to be crucified on Holy and Great Thursday, bribed the tyrants to defer it one day, that he might imitate the Lord's Crucifixion on the same day that He suffered it. The holy Martyr Calliopius received the crown of martyrdom on Holy and Great Friday in the year 304, being crucified upside down.

April 07

Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow and Enlightener of North America

Born in 1865 in the region of Pskov, our Father among the Saints Tikhon was tonsured a monk in 1891 and ordained to the priesthood in the same year. In 1897 he was consecrated Bishop of Lublin, and a year later appointed Bishop of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, with his see extending to all of North America from 1900 onwards. He did much to unite the Orthodox Christians of a great many ethnic backgrounds in North America, so that there was indeed one flock under one shepherd. In 1907 he was made Archbishop of Yaroslavl and Rostov, and in 1913, Archbishop of Lithuania.

In 1917, when he was Metropolitan of Moscow, he was elected to be the first Patriarch of Russia in over 200 years, in times that could not have been more difficult. After the Revolution of 1917, the persecution of the Russian Church by the atheist government grew more bold and more fierce with every year. By nature a meek and peace-loving man, Tikhon sought to determine, while giving only to God that which is God's, what could be given to Caesar to preserve peace and avoid the shedding of blood. At his departure on the feast of the Annunciation in 1925, Saint Tikhon made the sign of the Cross thrice, pronouncing the words, "Glory to Thee, O God!" Because of the many unspeakable sufferings he endures as Patriarch, he is honoured as a Confessor.

Note: St. Tikhon's repose was on the Feast of the Annunciation according to the Old Calendar (March 25), but on the New Calendar his repose falls on April 7.

Wisdom of the Fathers

The key to knowledge is the humility of Christ. The door of the Kingdom of Heaven is open, not to those who only know in their learned minds the mysteries of faith and the commandments of their Creator, but to those who have progressed far enough to live by them.

St. Bede the Venerable

Unknown, 8th century

To deny oneself means to give up one's bad habits; to root out of the heart all that ties us to the world; not to cherish bad thoughts and desires; to suppress every evil thought; to avoid occasions of sin; not to desire or to do anything out of self-love, but to do everything out of love for God. To deny oneself, according to St. Paul means "to be dead to sin. . . but alive to God."

St. Innocent of Alaska

The Lenten Spring, SVS Press, p. 147, 19th Century

Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR SUNDAY, APRIL 7TH, SUNDAY OF THE HOLY CROSS
We look forward to worshipping with you at Saint Gregory:
Orthros, 8:30 am
Divine Liturgy, 9:30 am
Each week, Sunday School classes begin immediately after Holy Communion. All are warmly invited to join us for refreshments and fellowhip after Divine Liturgy.

STREAMING DETAILS/MEDIA CONNECTIONS FOR TODAY, APRIL 7TH
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"

ORATORICAL FESTIVAL, THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 7TH
This Sunday following Divine Liturgy and a little break, please join us back in the church for this wonderful event. Under the guidance of their caring teachers, our children have spent a great deal of time researching their topics, brainstorming, organizing their speech and practicing. We also wish to thank our guest judges joining us today: Angelos and Marisa Dardagiannopoulos (St. Philip, Nashua) and Jack Markis (St. Demetrios, Weston).

PHILOPTOCHOS EASTER BREAD PRE-ORDERS BEGIN THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 7TH
During Fellowship Hour, pre-order your Easter bread with friends from Philoptochos. Pre-ordered breads may be picked up during the actual sale on Palm Sunday, April 28th.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BUILD, APRIL 13TH
For those committed to the 13th, an informational email will soon be sent out. Our build day in Norton will be an integral aspect of our parish's Lenten journey, and we thank all of our participants.

TCI SEMINAR AT SAINT GREGORY, APRIL 20TH
Our parish has once again been asked to host a local TCI seminar, and we need your help. The seminar will run from 9 am – 3 pm, and assistance is needed with hospitality, lunch, technological support and more. Please contact Fr. Alex to learn more and join our team for the 20th.

PARASCO ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS, DUE APRIL 28TH
If you are a steward of St. Gregory, graduating high school this June, and plan to attend a college or university, you are encouraged to apply for a scholarship that will be awarded to seniors. The application is now available (due April 28, 2024). Please contact the Scholarship Committee with any questions: stgregoryscholarship@gmail.com.

SUNDAY SCHOOL HOLY FRIDAY RETREAT, MAY 3RD
Students K – 8th grade are invited to join us, 12 – 2:45 pm, for this year’s retreat: “Love Through the Crucifixion.” High schoolers are also very welcome to help lead activities. The day’s agenda will include time with Fr. Alex, meaningful sessions, snack time, and the assembly of IOCC health kits. Please support our Sunday School’s drive for health kit items, and register your child for the retreat at your earliest convenience. Contact Paula Hartigan Patey for further information or to help out: pch588@gmail.com.

MYRRHBEARERS FOR HOLY FRIDAY, MAY 3RD
Girls grades 1 – 6 are invited to serve as myrrhbearers for the Holy Friday afternoon and evening service. Parents are kindly asked to contact Fr. Alex with questions or to confirm.

LENTEN, HOLY WEEK AND PASCHA FLOWER DONATIONS
During this holy season, there a host of donation opportunities, from decorating the “sweet kissing” icon of Christ and the Theotokos to flowers for the Kouvouklion. There is a donation form in the Narthex, and please check in with the church office with any questions. Karen Guinan will be leading our decorating efforts this year and would welcome your help: karenguinan@gmail.com. Many thanks to all those who have donated thus far!

KOLIVA PREPARATION
At any given time of the year, our faithful will seek help in the preparation of Koliva for memorials. Fellow parishioner Gina Drugas is now offering this service, with a cost of $100 per Koliva plate. Please contact Gina to learn more and make arrangements: gina.drugas2@gmail.com

SAINT GREGORY BOOKSTORE LENTEN OFFERINGS
With Great Lent here, we have wonderful offerings related to the upcoming Lenten season. These featured books are available now (some in very limited quantities), and our flyer offers more details and lists even more offerings. Visit the bookstore today:

-The Lenten Spring, by Fr. Thomas Hopko
-Great Lent: Journey to Pascha, by Fr. Alexander Schmemann
-Fasting Food, by Katie Mantzarides
-Food, Faith and Fasting: A Sacred Journey to Better Health, by Rita Madden

SAINT GREGORY APPAREL
It is not too late to order Saint Gregory t-shirts and other items, such as sweatshirts and totes. Please contact Stephanie LaFond: steph@lafonds.net.

NEW KNITTING MINISTRY
Calling all knitters and crocheters in the Saint Gregory Parish: We are looking to start a group that meets once a month to create items such as baby blankets and hats. This would be to benefit our own parishioners as well as those in area hospitals, shelters, and veterans homes that are in need. Contact Kristin Lewis (kristinblewis@gmail.com) if interested and provide proposed times/days to meet.

FELLOWSHIP HOUR SIGN-UP RESOURCES
All parishioners are invited to host Fellowship Hour on a coming Sunday. 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

ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEM
Parishioners who would like to try out our 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.

RIDES TO CHURCH
George Dimitriou, our Driving Ministry chair, would be happy to help you or a loved one make it to Saint Gregory for worship and events. Contact George directly: gdimitriou@yahoo.com; 781.769.2085.

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 are most welcome within our Liturgical Singing Ministry. Please contact Kathy Kalogeras to learn more: kalogeras1@earthlink.net.

MYRHHBEARERS MINISTRY
Within the context of our fledgling Myrrhbearers Ministry, our girls, and young women are invited to hold Antidoro during Divine Liturgy, read the Epistle, 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.

PARISH LIBRARY
Along with our bookstore, the Parish Library (just across the hall from the store) is a tremendous resource for our parishioners seeking to learn more about the faith. Within, we can find thoughtful books on the sacraments written from a pastoral perspective, many writings from the Church Fathers, books on prayer, and much more. Please take a look at the volumes adorning the shelves when you can and ask Fr. Alex for guidance on what you might like to borrow any time. Further, these shelves are in great need of refreshing and organization. Likewise, please check with Father if you might like to help with this project—or even become our librarian!

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Fr. Alex: Tue. & Thur., 9 am - 1 pm. Wed., 1 - 4 pm; or by appointment when convenient for our parishioners. Please note that on occasion, Fr. Alex may be seeing to a pastoral situation, visiting with another parishioner, attending a Metropolis event, or otherwise engaged in Church life during office hours.
General Church Office Needs: Gina Drugas is in the office Mon - Fri from 8 am - 11 am. If you need Support outside of these hours, please email Gina at stgregorytheologian@earthlink.net.
Email is monitored throughout the day outside of normal office hours.

Calendar: Next Two Weeks

Saint Gregory Parish Calendar

April 7 to April 21, 2024

Sunday, April 7

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:30AM Sunday School classes

11:30AM Philoptochos Easter Bread Pre-Sale

11:30AM Dignity Matters Drive

Tuesday, April 9

6:30PM Parish Council

Wednesday, April 10

6:00PM PreSanctified Liturgy

Friday, April 12

6:30PM Salutations Service

Sunday, April 14

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:30AM Sunday School classes

11:30AM 4th/5th Grade Confession Program

11:30AM Philoptochos Easter Bread Pre-Sale

Wednesday, April 17

6:00PM PreSanctified Liturgy

Friday, April 19

6:30PM Salutations Service

Sunday, April 21

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:30AM Sunday School classes

11:30AM Orthodoxy 101

11:30AM Philoptochos Easter Bread Pre-Sale