A Word from Father Alex

Fellow Parishioners and Friends:

Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!

I hope you enjoy this week's eBulletin for May 26, the Sunday of the Paralytic. The Gospel reading of the day will remind us of the healing grace of our Lord, as well as His presence in our lives during times of suffering and striving.

After Sunday School, I’ll meet with our 4^th/5^th Grade Sunday School class about the “Starting Over” Confession program. Mrs. Patey has been diligently working through our workbook, and I’ve been meeting with the children regularly. On June 2, we’ll recognize their progress and offer them some special gifts.

Read on for details about everything else happening at Saint Gregory, from the Sunday School end-of-year celebration on June 2 to the parish festival on August 24.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday,

Fr. Alex

Sunday Notes

EPISTLE: John Chani.

HOMILY: "Confession Is Reconciliation."

MYRRHBEARER:
May 26th: TBA.

ALTAR SERVICE: Team Archangel Michael (Matt Cromack, AJ Georgilas & Matthew Georgilas). Capt., Maria Salzillo.

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: 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:
St. Gregory the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church | Facebook

ACCESS SERVICES VIA YOU TUBE:
St. Gregory The Theologian Live - YouTube

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Fifth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:12-35

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.

Epistle Reading

Sunday of the Paralytic
The Reading is from Acts of the Apostles 9:32-42

In those days, as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints that lived at Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years and was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed." And immediately he rose. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. Now there was at Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him entreating him, "Please come to us without delay." So Peter rose and went with them. And when he had come, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping, and showing tunics and other garments which Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside and knelt down and prayed; then turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, rise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and lifted her up. Then calling the saints and widows he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Paralytic
The Reading is from John 5:1-15

At that time, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda which has five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water; for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and troubled the water; whoever stepped in first after the troubling of the water was healed of whatever disease he had. One man was there, who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew that he had been lying there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled, and while I am going another steps down before me." Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your pallet, and walk." And at once the man was healed, and he took up his pallet and walked.

Now that day was the sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, "It is the sabbath, it is not lawful for you to carry your pallet." But he answered them, "The man who healed me said to me, 'Take up your pallet, and walk.' "They asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, 'Take up your pallet, and walk'?" Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you." The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.

Saints and Feasts

May 26

Sunday of the Paralytic

Close to the Sheep's Gate in Jerusalem, there was a pool, which was called the Sheep's Pool. It had round about it five porches, that is, five sets of pillars supporting a domed roof. Under this roof there lay very many sick people with various maladies, awaiting the moving of the water. The first to step in after the troubling of the water was healed immediately of whatever malady he had.

It was there that the paralytic of today's Gospel way lying, tormented by his infirmity of thirty-eight years. When Christ beheld him, He asked him, "Wilt thou be made whole?" And he answered with a quiet and meek voice, "Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool." The Lord said unto him, "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." And straightaway the man was made whole and took up his bed. Walking in the presence of all, he departed rejoicing to his own house. According to the expounders of the Gospels, the Lord Jesus healed this paralytic during the days of the Passover, when He had gone to Jerusalem for the Feast, and dwelt there teaching and working miracles. According to Saint John the Evangelist, this miracle took place on the Sabbath.

May 26

Carpos and Alphaeus, Apostles of the 70

This holy Apostle was numbered with the Seventy, and ministered unto the holy Apostle Paul, journeying with him and conveying his epistles unto those to whom they were written. He became Bishop of Beroea in Thrace, where he endured great tribulations while bringing many of the heathen to holy Baptism, and also suffered martyrdom there. Saint Paul mentions him in II Timothy 4:13.

May 26

Alexandros the New Martyr of Thessaloniki

Wisdom of the Fathers

In that case [Matt 9:2] there was remission of sins, (for He said, "Thy sins be forgiven thee,") but in this, warning and threats to strengthen the man for the future; "Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto you."

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 37 on John 1, 4th Century

Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR SUNDAY, MAY 26TH SUNDAY OF THE PARALYTIC
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, MAY 26TH
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"

4TH/5TH GRADE CLASS CONFESSION PROGRAM, MAY 26TH
Students are asked to meet with Fr. Alex after Sunday School in the church for a brief meeting. We look forward to promoting our students from the program on June 2nd with a special recognition program.

COMING YOUTH EVENTS
Sunday School Ice Cream Social, June 2nd
The 2nd is our last day of Sunday School classes, and we’ll celebrate with our annual ice-cream social. Many thanks to our Sunday School leaders, teachers, families and, of course, students for another year of learning, spiritual growth and friendship.

Youth Ministry Recognitions, June 2nd
Before Holy Communion, we will highlight the service of our Myrrhbearers and Altar Servers. Then we’ll mark the completion of the “Starting Over” Confession Program by our 4^th/5^th Grade Sunday School class. Last but not least, we’ll recognize our parish’s newest Eagle Scout, Chris Mosely.

GOYA Relay for Life, June 8th
Visit our GOYA table during Fellowship Hour to learn how you can support our GOYAns, as they strive to support the good work of the American Cancer Society on the 8th. GOYAns are also asked to sign up for a two-hour time slot between 10 am and 10 pm (GOYAns should see Matt Cromack).

MBC COMMUNITY WEEKEND, JUNE 14 – 16th
See our flyer for details, and please share with friends and family. Faith-based sessions, swimming, boating, hiking, down time and worship are on the agenda. Come for a day, two or all three. Contact Stephanie LaFond to confirm and with questions: [email protected].

SAVE THE DATE OF OUR PARISH FESTIVAL, AUG. 24TH
We look forward to this fundraiser and community-building event. See our flyer, and plan to join us. Volunteer needs and other information will be available shortly after Pascha.

SAINT GREGORY GOLF TOURNAMENT, OCT. 10THFor a fun and dynamic change of pace, our 2024 tournament will be held at Top Golf in Canton, MA. The tournament page—along with registration and sponsorship information—is now available. Please save the date and plan to join us!

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: [email protected]

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 ([email protected]) 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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]; 781.769.2085.

LOST & FOUND
When parishioners find items about the church, they leave them with the church office. You will find a mail tray labled for lost and found. If you have misplaced a small item, or found one, please stop by the office.

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.

Church Secretary: Mon., Wed., Thur. and Fri., 8 - 11 am. On Tue., our secretary is available remotely, 8 - 11 am. Contact Church Secretary Gina Drugas: [email protected].

Calendar: Next Two Weeks

Saint Gregory Parish Calendar

May 26 to June 9, 2024

Sunday, May 26

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:30AM Sunday School classes

Sunday, June 2

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:30AM Last day of Sunday School

11:00AM Stewardship Parishioner Testimonial

11:15AM Sunday School/Youth Celebration

11:15AM Ice-Cream Social

Saturday, June 8

9:00AM GOYA Relay for Life

Sunday, June 9

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

11:15AM Nourish to Flourish Food Drive

11:15AM Philoptochos Mtg

5:00PM Metropolis Awards Event

Coming Events & News

Metropolis Ministry Awards: June 9

Come celebrate Dennis and Nancy Savas at Gillette Stadium. Reservations are due with the church office by May 22.

Community Weekend: June 14-16

Join us Father's Day weekend for spiritual reflection, sun, fun and great friendship at the Contoocook retreat center.

Parish Festival: Aug 24

Please mark your Calendars for our much anticipated festival! Share with friends, family and community!

Annual Golf Classic: Oct 10

Join us for this annual fundraiser and community event on Oct. 10. No golfing expertise required to have a wonderful time with friends old and new.

Archdiocese News

Sunday Sermon Series Sunday of the Paralytic May 26

05/20/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/sunday-sermon-series-sunday-of-the-paralytic-may-26?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss%3F_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_currentURL%3D%252Fnews%252Frecent-news%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_portletAjaxable%3Dtrue

This week, find insights about the upcoming Gospel reading, where we learn about a man with paralysis who needed healing. Why did he wait by the waters? What is the symbolism of this? In what ways did Jesus heal him? How do the Holy Sacraments of the Church adopt a holistic approach to healing?

Hellenic College Holy Cross 82nd Commencement Ceremony

05/19/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/hchc-82-commencement?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss%3F_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_currentURL%3D%252Fnews%252Frecent-news%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_portletAjaxable%3Dtrue

General Information

Services Schedule

Past Bulletins

A Word from Father Alex

Sunday Notes

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Epistle Reading

Gospel Reading

Saints and Feasts

Sunday of the Paralytic

Carpos and Alphaeus, Apostles of the 70

Alexandros the New Martyr of Thessaloniki

Wisdom of the Fathers

Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

Calendar: Next Two Weeks

Saint Gregory Parish Calendar

May 26 to June 9, 2024

Coming Events & News

Metropolis Ministry Awards: June 9

Community Weekend: June 14-16

Parish Festival: Aug 24

Annual Golf Classic: Oct 10

Archdiocese News

Sunday Sermon Series Sunday of the Paralytic May 26

05/20/2024

Hellenic College Holy Cross 82nd Commencement Ceremony

05/19/2024