A Word from Father Alex

Fellow Parishioners and Friends:

I hope this note finds you healthy and well. Of course, if you are not traveling this weekend, I hope you'll join us at Saint Gregory for worship and friendship.

This week I spent several days at the Saint Methodios Faith and Heritage Center, helping out with the Metropolis of Boston Summer Camp. Let me say what an inspiration it is to spend time with clergy, volunteer young adults and, of course, the campers in this peaceful and reflective setting. This holy space and the camping program, alike, are gems within our Metropolis and Archdiocese—worthy of our ongoing support and stewardship.

As we look toward next week, the fast for the Dormition of the Theotokos begins. This is a time of reflection, prayer and preparation, leading us from the start of the fast on Aug. 1 to the feast itself on Aug. 15. As part of this journey, we will offer the Small Paraklesis services over the next two weeks. Join us for these brief, poetic and moving services often as you can. Next week's service will be on Aug. 2, beginning at 6 pm.

Have a wonderful weekend, and God bless you, and yours,

Fr. Alex

Sunday Notes

ALTAR SERVERS: All servers welcome throughout the summer.

MYRRHBEARER: We will resume our Myrrhbearer schedule in the fall. If your daughter would like to serve on a coming Sunday this summer, please contact Fr. Alex to pick a date.

EPISTLE: Parish Chanters.

HOMILY: "Complete & Completed Victory" (Matthew 8:28 - 34; 9:1).

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

5th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 10:1-10

Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but it is not enlightened. For, being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law, that every one who has faith may be justified. Moses writes that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on the law shall live by it. But the righteousness based on faith says, Do not say in your heart, "Who will ascend into heaven?" (that is, to bring Christ down) or "Who will descend into the abyss?" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart (that is, the word of faith which we preach); because, if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For man believes with his heart and so is justified, and he confesses with his lips and so is saved.

Gospel Reading

5th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 8:28-34; 9:1

At that time, when Jesus came to the country of the Gergesenes, two demoniacs met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one would pass that way. And behold, they cried out, "What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?" Now a herd of many swine was feeding at some distance from them. And the demons begged him, "If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of swine." And he said to them, "Go." So they came out and went into the swine; and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and perished in the waters. The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, and what had happened to the demoniacs. And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighborhood. And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city.

Saints and Feasts

July 28

5th Sunday of Matthew

July 28

Prochoros, Nicanor, Timon, & Parmenas the Apostles of the 70

These Apostles of the Seventy are mentioned in Acts 6:5. Saint Prochoros became Bishop of Nicomedia and reposed in peace. Saint Nicanor was stoned to death in Jerusalem. Saint Timon became Bishop of Bostra in Arabia and ended his life in martyrdom by fire at the hands of the pagans. Saint Parmenas died in peace in Jerusalem.

July 28

Irene the Righteous of Chrysovalantou

Saint Irene, who was from Cappadocia, flourished in the ninth century. Because of her great beauty and virtue, she was brought to Constantinople as a prospective bride for the young Emperor Michael (842-867); however, as Saint Joannicius the Great foretold, it was God's will that she assume the monastic habit instead. She shone forth in great ascetical labours, and suffered many attacks from the demons; while yet a novice, she attained to the practice of Saint Arsenius the Great, of praying the whole night long with arms stretched out towards Heaven (see May 8). God showed forth great signs and wonders in her, and she became the Abbess of the Convent of Chrysovalantou. She was granted the gift of clairvoyance and knew the thoughts of all that came to her. She appeared in a vision to the king and rebuked him for unjustly imprisoning a nobleman who had been falsely accused. Through a sailor from Patmos to whom he had appeared, Saint John the Evangelist sent her fragrant and wondrous apples from Paradise. She reposed at the age of 103, still retaining the youthful beauty of her countenance. After her repose, marvelous healings beyond number have been wrought by her to the present day.

Wisdom of the Fathers

Now, should any one say, "And wherefore did Christ fulfill the devils' request, suffering them to depart into the herd of swine?" this would be our reply, that He did so, not as yielding to them, but as providing for many objects thereby.

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 28 on Matthew 8, 4th Century

Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR SUNDAY, JULY 28TH, FIFTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW
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, JULY 28TH
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"

ALTAR & MYRRHBEARER SERVICE THIS SUMMER
Throughout the summer, all Altar servers and Myrrhbearers are welcome to come serve whenever they are in church. Altar servers can come in as usual, and Myrrhbearers/parents are asked to contact Fr. Alex to pick a date for service. We’ll resume our regular schedules in the fall.

PHILOPTOCHOS UPDATES
**Our annual school supply drive is on! Starting this Sunday, 7/28 and continuing through 9/1, we be collecting school supplies to benefit the Mansfield and Attleboro public schools. Please place donated items into the designated bin located in the narthex. Our Amazon link details specific items that are needed. Please see Ann Johnson with questions.

**Our next general meeting will be a zoom meeting on Wednesday, 8/7, at 7pm. A zoom link will be shared.

SMALL PARAKLESIS SERVICES BEGIN AUGUST 2ND
Each year on August 1st, we begin the preparation period for the Feast of the Dormition of the
Theotokos on August 15TH. This is a solemn feast of the Church, marking the dormition or assumption of the Virgin Mary who, as our greatest saint, the Church believes was spared the ravages of the grave. As part of this time of abstention and prayer, we invite our faithful and friends to the Small Paraklesis services, which will be held on several evenings leading up to the feast.
Join us Aug. 2, 7, 9, & 12, beginning at 6 pm.

FESTIVAL NEEDS & UPDATES, AUG. 12TH - 24TH
***Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are welcome and needed throughout August and on the day of the festival. Contact Rich Vinton ([email protected]) or Karen Guinan ([email protected]) to sign up for a shift or learn more.
Volunteers needed:
Week of Aug. 12th: Assemble/cook pastitsio and spanakopita
Week of Aug. 19th: Chop vegetables
Day of Festival: Setup, serving, cleanup and traffic control

***Festival Yard Signs: Festival yard signs are now availabe and are meant to face the traffic on the sidewalks of your home. Please contact Rich or Karen if you would like one to display at your home.

***Yiayia’s Attic: For our “attic sale” during the festival, clean, gently used items are wanted: kitchenware, home decor, dishes, glasses, holiday decorations, yard decorations, handbags and costume jewelry. No linens or clothes, please. Text Paulette Vinton (781.413.6038) to make an appointment to drop off items.

SAINT GREGORY GOLF TOURNAMENT, OCT. 10TH
For 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!

PHILOPTOCHOS NATIONAL AGAPE AWARD
Recently, our Philoptochos members received some terrific news: the chapter will receive the national Philoptochos AGAPE Award at the 2024 Biennial Convention. The awards committee cited the “passion” with which our chapter engages the mission of Philoptochos and how members “are living and breathing examples of [the] convention’s theme: ‘Inspiring Women, Impacting the World.’” Our parish could not agree more, and we congratulate all the members of our Saint Anastasia Philoptochos!

TCI (THRIVING CONGREGATIONS INITIATIVE) UPDATE
Our third of four TCI Lilly Grant projects was recently completed in partnership with First Baptist Church, Mansfield. This $2,500 grant was utilized to renovate areas of the parish kitchen, improve safety issues, and purchase rugs, dehumidifiers, a refrigerator and freezer. These improvements will help First Baptist continue and enhance its vital Food and Friends Ministry in the years to come.

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]

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: Summer Office Hours are as follows: Monday, Thursday & Friday: 12:30 - 3 pm. Secretary Gina Drugas is available via email remotely on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Contact Gina: [email protected].

Calendar: Next Two Weeks

Saint Gregory Parish Calendar

July 28 to August 11, 2024

Sunday, July 28

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

Friday, August 2

6:00PM Paraklesis Service

Sunday, August 4

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

Wednesday, August 7

6:00PM Paraklesis Service

7:00PM Philoptochos Mtg (Zoom)

Friday, August 9

6:00PM Paraklesis Service

Sunday, August 11

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

Coming Events & News

Parish Festival: Aug 24th

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

The Black American Orthodox Experience on OCN, Season 2 Episode 10: Evangelism, the Nubian Church, Islam and Orthodoxy - Reflections from a Convert of 15 Years

07/16/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/the-black-american-orthodox-experience-on-ocn-season-2-episode-10-evangelism-the-nubian-church-islam-and-orthodoxy-reflections-from-a-convert-of-15-years?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

In this tenth episode of “The Black American Orthodox Experience” (season 2), a collaboration of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Orthodox Christian Network, Rev. Samuel Davis speaks with Maximus Scott about his conversion, his experience as a longtime convert, learning about the history of Black Orthodox Christians, and the misunderstandings that get in the way of effective evangelism.

Did You Know? Trisagion Service

07/16/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/dyk-trisagion?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

Did you know the Trisagion Service is a memorial service?

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

5th Sunday of Matthew

Prochoros, Nicanor, Timon, & Parmenas the Apostles of the 70

Irene the Righteous of Chrysovalantou

Wisdom of the Fathers

Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

Calendar: Next Two Weeks

Saint Gregory Parish Calendar

July 28 to August 11, 2024

Coming Events & News

Parish Festival: Aug 24th

Annual Golf Classic: Oct 10

Archdiocese News

The Black American Orthodox Experience on OCN, Season 2 Episode 10: Evangelism, the Nubian Church, Islam and Orthodoxy - Reflections from a Convert of 15 Years

07/16/2024

Did You Know? Trisagion Service

07/16/2024