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.
Fellow Parishioners and Friends:
As we continue our spiritual journey toward the Dormition of the Theotokos on Aug. 15, I hope you’ll join us this weekend for worship and friendship at Saint Gregory, as well as for our remaining Paraklesis services on Aug. 9 and 12. These brief Paraklesis services help us contemplate the mystery of the Incarnation and affirm the Theotokos as “mother of us all.”
As I mentioned in last week’s message, our parish festival is approaching on Aug. 24. Within your eBulletin you’ll find a list of volunteer opportunities for the coming weeks and the day of the festival itself. Please take a look at your calendar and offer your time and talent as you can. All the contact information you need is right there for you. This will not only be a fundraiser for our parish but, importantly, an opportunity to offer hospitality and connect with the greater community.
Finally, please save the date of Sep. 8 for our annual parish picnic and ministry celebration. Sunday School teachers will be on hand to greet our children, and our GOYAns will hold their fall leadership meeting. This will also be an occasion for us to break bread (and burgers) with friends old and new, as we celebrate a new ecclesiastical year of ministries and programs at our parish. Again, save the date and let me know if you can offer a main, side dish or any other item you like (thanks to Joe Cara Donna and Paul Sparrow for handling the grill). A list of our donation needs is within your eBulletin.
See you in Church and have a wonderful weekend,
Fr. Alex
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: Offered by Father Manny Chris.
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
Seventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:1-10
On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him." Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying and the napkin, which had been on His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that He must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.
7th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 15:1-7
Brethren, we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him. For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached thee fell on me." For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
7th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 9:27-35
At that time, as Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, "See that no one knows it." But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.
As they were going away, behold, a dumb demoniac was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, "Never was anything like this seen in Israel." But the Pharisees said, "He casts out demons by the prince of demons."
And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.
This Martyr was from Catania in Sicily and contested during the reign of Diocletian. He presented himself of his own accord to Calvisianus the Governor, who put him to exceedingly harsh torments. As Euplus was on the rack, Calvisianus commanded him to worship Mars, Apollo, and Aesculapius; he answered he worshipped the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He was beheaded in the year 304.
SERVICES FOR SUNDAY, AUGUST 11TH, SEVENTH 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 THIS SUNDAY, AUGUST 11TH
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"
PHILOPTOCHOS SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE, NOW - SEP. 1ST
Through the 1st, Philoptochos is 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.
SMALL PARAKLESIS SERVICES, AUG. 9TH & AUG. 12TH
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 the 9th and 12th, beginning at 6 pm.
FESTIVAL NEEDS & UPDATES, AUG. 12TH - 24TH
***Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are needed over the next two weeks 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:
August 12th - 14th: Assemble/cook pastitsio and spanakopita, 10am - 4pm
August 21st - 23rd: Chop vegetables, 10 am - 4 pm
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.
FALL PICNIC AND MINISTRY CELEBRATION, SEP. 8TH
As we look forward to fall and a new year of youth and adult ministries at Saint Gregory, we will enjoy our annual celebratory picnic on the 8th, immediately following Divine Liturgy. Our Sunday School leaders will be on hand to register our children (classes begin Sep. 15th), and our GOYAns will hold a leadership meeting with Mr. Christo. If you can bring a main, side, dessert or drink item, please contact Fr. Alex. We need the following: Hamburger/hotdog buns; potato/macaroni salad; veggie platter; fruit platter/salad; other side ideas; water, juice and soda; desserts. Other "mains" are very much welcome too.
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!
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.
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].
8:30AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
10:00AM Festival Food Prep
6:00PM Paraklesis Service
10:00AM Festival Food Prep
6:30PM Parish Council
10:00AM Festival Food Prep
Dormition of the Theotokos
9:30AM Divine Liturgy (No Orthros)
8:30AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
10:00AM Festival Food Prep
10:00AM Festival Food Prep
10:00AM Festival Food Prep
12:00PM Parish Festival
8:30AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
Please mark your Calendars for our much anticipated festival! Share with friends, family and community!
Join us for this annual event. Sunday School teachers will be present to greet our children, and bring the whole family for great food, friendship and outdoor games.
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.
His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston are pleased to commence the 2024 Kosmos Project: A Cultural Camp Exchange Program.