A Word from Father Alex

Fellow Parishioners:

A blessed Great Lent to you and yours! I hope this first week of Lent has, thus far, been encouraging and spiritually invigorating. Remember, this is not a time of privation in our lives but the opposite: we empty ourselves of that which is destructive and invite the Holy Spirit to fill us with compassion, hope, courage and love.

I hope you'll join us this Sunday for the Sunday of Orthodoxy--this is a feast of the church when we highlight the triumph of icons. For us, icons are windows to Heaven, a source of guidance and inspiration as we strive to approach a full relationship with our God. With these things in mind, please encourage your children to bring an icon from home for the procession following Holy Communion. Likewise, we are all invited to bring an icon to church and join the procession.

Please read on in your eBulletin for information on Lenten and Holy Week flower donation opportunities, coming Lenten services, the HOPE/JOY Saint Patrick event on March 22^nd and much more.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Alex

Sunday Notes

TODAY'S ALTAR SERVERS: Team Archangel Michael.
Parish Altar Team Members
Altar Team Archangel Michael: Matthew Cromack, AJ Georgilas (Asst. Cap.) and Matthew Georgilas
Altar Team Archangel Gabriel: Eliot Hess, Leland Hess, Linus LaFond (Asst. Cap.) and Mark Saad
Cap., Mario Salzillo

TODAY'S MYRRHBEARER: Audrey Sweten.
Cap., Eleni LaFond.

TODAY'S EPISTLE: Kathy Kalogeras.

MEMORIAL: Helen Spiliakos (40 days). May her memory be eternal!

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: Sponsored by Maria Orfanos in loving memory of Helen Spiliakos. Following Divine Liturgy, join us for refreshments and friendship in the parish hall. This month and beyond, Fellowship Hour sponsors are welcome and needed. Please sign up in the hall this weekend or use our SignUpGenius link.

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.

KOLIVA PREPARATION: Parishioners often ask for help in preparing Koliva and may contact Gina Drugas to order a plate for a memorial ($100 per Koliva).

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

Fourth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:1-12

On the first day of the week at early dawn, the women went to the tomb, taking spices, which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel; and as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how He told you, while He was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise." And they remembered His words and returning from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told this to the Apostles; but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But 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.

Epistle Reading

The Holy Forty Martyrs of Sebastia
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 12:1-10

BRETHREN, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation which addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by him. For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers to discipline us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of Orthodoxy
The Reading is from John 1:43-51

At that time, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And he found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and he said to him, "We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these." And he said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man."

Saints and Feasts

March 09

Sunday of Orthodoxy

For more than one hundred years the Church of Christ was troubled by the persecution of the Iconoclasts of evil belief, beginning in the reign of Leo the Isaurian (717-741) and ending in the reign of Theophilus (829-842). After Theophilus's death, his widow the Empress Theodora (celebrated Feb. 11), together with the Patriarch Methodius (June 14), established Orthodoxy anew. This ever-memorable Queen venerated the icon of the Mother of God in the presence of the Patriarch Methodius and the other confessors and righteous men, and openly cried out these holy words: "If anyone does not offer relative worship to the holy icons, not adoring them as though they were gods, but venerating them out of love as images of the archetype, let him be anathema." Then with common prayer and fasting during the whole first week of the Forty-day Fast, she asked God's forgiveness for her husband. After this, on the first Sunday of the Fast, she and her son, Michael the Emperor, made a procession with all the clergy and people and restored the holy icons, and again adorned the Church of Christ with them. This is the holy deed that all we the Orthodox commemorate today, and we call this radiant and venerable day the Sunday of Orthodoxy, that is, the triumph of true doctrine over heresy.

March 09

The Holy Forty Martyrs of Sebastia

These holy Martyrs, who came from various lands, were all soldiers under the same general. Taken into custody for their faith in Christ, and at first interrogated by cruel means, they were then stripped of their clothing and cast onto the frozen lake which is at Sebastia of Pontus, at a time when the harsh and freezing weather was at its worst. They endured the whole night naked in such circumstances, encouraging one another to be patient until the end. He that guarded them, named Aglaius, who was commanded to receive any of them that might deny Christ, had a vision in which he saw heavenly powers distributing crowns to all of the Martyrs, except one, who soon after abandoned the contest. Seeing this, Aglaius professed himself a Christian and joined the Martyrs on the lake, and the number of forty remained complete. In the morning, when they were almost dead from the cold, they were cast into fire, after which their remains were thrown into the river. Thus they finished the good course of martyrdom in 320, during the reign of Licinius. These are their names: Acacius, Aetius, Aglaius, Alexander, Angus, Athanasius, Candidus, Chudion, Claudius, Cyril, Cyrion, Dometian, Domnus, Ecdicius, Elias, Eunoicus, Eutyches, Eutychius, Flavius, Gaius, Gorgonius, Helianus, Heraclius, Hesychius, John, Lysimachus, Meliton, Nicholas, Philoctemon, Priscus, Sacerdon, Severian, Sisinius, Smaragdus, Theodulus, Theophilus, Valens, Valerius, Vivianus, and Xanthias.

March 09

Caesarios the Righteous

Wisdom of the Fathers

For in a contest there is much labor needed--and after the contest victory falls to some, to others disgrace. Is the palm ever given or the crown granted before the course is finished? ... Therefore no one can receive a reward, unless he has striven lawfully; nor is the victory a glorious one, unless the contest also has been toilsome.

St. Ambrose of Milan

Chapter 15, Three Books on the Duties of the Clergy, 4th century

Moses... was himself saved by means of wood and water before the Law was given, when he was exposed to the Nile's currents, hidden away in an Ark (Exod. 2:3-10). And by means of wood and water he saved the people of Israel, revealing the Cross by the wood, Holy Baptism by water (Exod. 14:15-31). Paul, who had looked upon the mysteries, says openly, 'They were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud' (I Cor. 10:2). He also bears witness that, even before the events concerning the sea and his staff, Moses willingly endured Christ's Cross, 'Esteeming', he says, 'the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt' (Heb. 11:26). For the Cross is the reproach of Christ from the standpoint of foolish men. As Paul himself says of Christ, 'He endured the cross, despising the shame' (Heb. 12:2).

St. Gregory Palamas

Homilies Vol. 1, Homily Eleven para. 14; Saint Tikhon's Seminary Press pg. 123, 14th century

Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR SUNDAY, MARCH 9TH, SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY
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 FOR THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 9TH
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"

LENTEN & HOLY WEEK FLOWER DONATIONS
With the approach of Great Lent, we are now accepting funds to decorate our holy space for our divine services. Immediate needs include the icon of Theotokos and Child for the Salutations services and the Holy Cross tray for mid-Lent. Please see the sign-up form (FlowerNeedsDonationFormfor2025-0.pdf) and contact the church office to confirm your offering.

“SOUPER” GRATITUDE
Last week’s “Souper” Bowl Sunday pot collection totaled $709 in loving gifts! The funds will soon be mailed to IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) in support of its ongoing disaster relief efforts locally, nationally and internationally. Our GOYAns wish to thank all the parishioners for their generosity.

TUPPERWARE SALE TO BENEFIT PHILOPTOCHOS, MARCH 16TH
Mark your calendars for Sunday the 16^th, when Joan Maimonis will offer her inventory of brand-new Tupperware in a special “cash (or check) and carry” sale to benefit Philoptochos.

ORTHODOXY 101: “THE BIBLE & OUR SAINTS,” MARCH 16TH
Join Fr. Alex for this final session of Orthodoxy 101 during Fellowship Hour. We will wrap up our study of Introducing the Orthodox Church (begun last fall), reflect upon the place of scripture and the saints in our faith and make plans for post-Pascha sessions. All are welcome, and we will be focusing on pgs. 197-240 of our book.

HOPE/JOY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY EVENT, MARCH 22ND
hildren grades K - 6th are invited to join us for learning, enrichment and lots of fun. We will take a look at the real-life story of Saint Patrick, enjoy a pizza lunch, decorate cookies and much more. See our flyer and save the date.

PARISH GENERAL ASSEMBLY, MARCH 23RD
Please save the date for this important meeting of our parish family. An agenda will soon be available and emailed to our Stewards.

IOCC PRESENTATION WITH LOU ZAGAMI, MARCH 28TH
Following the Salutations service, beginning at 6 pm, IOCC's Lou Zagami will offer a discussion-based presentation on IOCC's (International Orthodox Christian Charities) disaster relief efforts, with special emphasis on his recent field work in Los Angeles County. Join us for worship, the presentation and refreshments in the hall.

SAINT GREGORY ORATORICAL FESTIVAL, MARCH 30TH
Plans are being made for our parish festival, and many thanks to Brian Hess for once again serving as chair for this exciting youth event. Topics and materials will be shared with our Sunday School classes this week. Parents, please save the date and encourage your children to participate fully.

PARASCO SERVICE/ENRICHMENT SCHOLARSHIP APPS., DUE MARCH 31ST
High schoolers and graduating high school seniors interested in participating in Orthodox service or enrichment programs are invited to apply for this scholarship. The details and approved institutions are outlined here, and the application is due by March 31st. Please contact Fr. Alex with any questions.

STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY 2025
As we move into the new year, we hope and pray God will help us embrace parish giving with renewed enthusiasm and commitment. With this year’s theme in mind (“Your Own of Your Own”), may we all discover the love and dedication to offer our heartfelt gifts to the Lord’s church. Visit the Stewardship pages of our parish website to learn more about Stewardship and to access our 2025 materials:
Stewardship Program 2025 | Saint Gregory the Theologian

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 Gina Drugas: Monday, Thursday, & Friday: 1 - 3 pm; Wednesday: 7:30 am - 11:30 am. Contact Gina: [email protected]; 508.337.9986.

Calendar: Next Two Weeks

Saint Gregory Parish Calendar

March 9 to March 23, 2025

Sunday, March 9

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:30AM Sunday School

11:00AM Sunday of Orthodoxy icon procession

Tuesday, March 11

6:30PM Parish Council

Wednesday, March 12

6:00PM PreSanctified Liturgy

Friday, March 14

6:30PM Salutations Service

Sunday, March 16

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:30AM Sunday School

11:15AM Orthodoxy 101: The Bible & Our Saints

11:15AM Tupperware Sale

Tuesday, March 18

12:00PM Food & Friends Ministry

Wednesday, March 19

6:00PM PreSanctified Liturgy

Friday, March 21

6:30PM Salutations Service

Saturday, March 22

11:30AM HOPE/JOY St Patrick Party

Sunday, March 23

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:30AM Sunday School

11:15AM Tupperware sale

11:15AM Parish General Assembly