A Word from Father Alex

Fellow Parishioners and Friends:

I am looking forward to seeing you this Sunday, Aug. 16 at Saint Gregory.

It’s hard to believe we have entered mid-August and that fall is around the corner. Where does the time go? Perhaps this is a good “time” to take it slow and not rush toward the days of school schedules, practices and myriad activities. If you are remaining local this weekend, please join us for Dormition Services (Aug. 15) and, of course, Orthros and Divine Liturgy on the 16^th.

A blessed Dormition to you and yours,

Fr. Alex

Sunday Notes

TODAY'S ALTAR SERVERS: All servers welcome
Altar Team Archangels Michael and Gabriel: Eliot Hess, Leland Hess, Linus LaFond (Asst. Cap.) and Mark Saad
Cap., Mario Salzillo

TODAY'S MYRRHBEARER: TBA.
Caps., Elena Salzillo and Sydney LaFond

TODAY'S NARTHEX TEAM:
Parish Council Member: Lou Douvris & Kristin Lewis.
Usher Member: Ella Steigler.

HOMILY: “True Blue and Mother of Us All.”

EPISTLE: Parish Chanters

ALTAR FLOWERS: Altar flower sponsorships are a wonderful way to remember a loved one or celebrate a family event. Contact the Church Office for details (sponsorships are $125).

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: This month and beyond, Fellowship Hour sponsors are welcome and needed. Sign up in the hall this weekend or use our SignUpGenius link.

KOLIVA PREPARATION: Parishioners often ask for help in preparing Koliva and may contact Gina Drugas to order a plate for a memorial ($125 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

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

11th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 9:2-12

Brethren, you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. This is my defense to those who would examine me. Do we not have the right to our food and drink? Do we not have the right to be accompanied by a wife, as the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? Do I say this on human authority? Does not the law say the same? For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain." Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of a share in the crop. If we have sown spiritual good among you, is it too much if we reap your material benefits? If others share this rightful claim upon you, do not we still more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.

Gospel Reading

11th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 18:23-35

The Lord said this parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, 'Pay what you owe.' So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his lord delivered him to the torturers, till he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."

Saints and Feasts

August 16

11th Sunday of Matthew

August 16

Translation of the Image of Our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ

When the fame of our Lord Jesus Christ came to Abgar, the ruler of Edessa, who was suffering from leprosy, Abgar sent a messenger named Ananias, through him asking the Savior to heal him of his disease, while bidding Ananias bring back a depiction of Him. When Ananias came to Jerusalem, and was unable to capture the likeness of our Lord, He, the Knower of hearts, asked for water, and having washed His immaculate and divine face, wiped it dry with a certain cloth, which He gave to Ananias to take to Abgar; the form of the Lord's face had been wondrously printed upon the cloth. As soon as Abgar received the cloth, which is called the Holy Napkin (Mandylion), he reverenced it with joy, and was healed of his leprosy; only his forehead remained afflicted. After the Lord's Death, Resurrection, and Ascension, the Apostle Thaddaeus (see Aug. 21) came to Edessa, and when he had baptized Abgar and all his men, Abgar's remaining leprosy also was healed. Abgar had the holy image of our Savior fixed to a board and placed at the city gate, commanding that all who entered the city reverence it as they passed through. Abgar's grandson, however, returned to the worship of the idols, and the Bishop of Edessa learned of his intention to replace the Holy Napkin with an idol. Since the place where it stood above the city gate was a rounded hollow, he set a burning lamp before the Holy Napkin, put a tile facing it, then bricked up the place and smoothed it over, so that the holy icon made without hands was no longer to be seen, and the ungodly ruler gave no further thought to it.

With the passage of time, the hidden icon was forgotten, until the year 615, when Chosroes II, King of Persia, was assaulting the cities of Asia, and besieged Edessa. The Bishop of Edessa, Eulabius, instructed by a divine revelation, opened the sealed chamber above the city gate and found the Holy Napkin complete and incorrupt, the lamp burning, and the tile bearing upon itself an identical copy of the image that was on the Holy Napkin. The Persians had built a huge fire outside the city wall; when the Bishop approached with the Holy Napkin, a violent wind fell upon the fire, turning it back upon the Persians, who fled in defeat. The Holy Napkin remained in Edessa, even after the Arabs conquered it, until the year 944, when it was brought with honor and triumph to Constantinople in the reign of Romanus I, when Theophylact was Ecumenical Patriarch. The Holy Napkin was enshrined in the Church of the most holy Theotokos called the Pharos. This is the translation that is celebrated today.

August 16

Diomedes the Physician & Martyr of Tarsus

The holy Martyr Diomedes was from Tarsus in Cilicia, a physician who treated bodies with his healing art and souls with his piety. In the days of the Emperor Diocletian, about the year 288, Diomedes left Tarsus and came to Nicaea, where he benefited many both as a physician and as a preacher of the Faith. He was accused to Diocletian, who sent men to fetch him. When they arrived, although finding that he had already given up his soul to the Lord, they cut off his head to take it to the Emperor, and because of their inhumanity were stricken with blindness. When Diocletian saw the Saint's head, he commanded them to take it back and put it on the body in its place; when they had done so, they received their sight again. Saint Diomedes is one of the Holy Unmercenaries.

Wisdom of the Fathers

Do we forgive our neighbors their trespasses? God also forgives us in His mercy. Do we refuse to forgive? God, too, will refuse to forgive us. As we treat our neighbors, so also does God treat us. The forgiveness, then, of your sins or unforgiveness, and hence also your salvation or destruction, depend on you yourself, man. For without forgiveness of sins there is no salvation.

St. Tikhon of Zadonsk

Unknown, 18th century

Wherefore then did He not do this, nor forgive the debt before the account? Desiring to teach him, from how many obligations He is delivering him, that in this way at least he might become more mild towards his fellow servant .... He gave more than he asked, remission and forgiveness of the entire debt.

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 61 on Matthew 18, 4th Century

Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR SUNDAY, August 16, 11TH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW
We look forward to worshipping with you at Saint Gregory:
Orthros, 8:30 AM
Divine Liturgy, 9:30 AM
(Sunday School classes are on break until the fall; Fellowship Hour follows Divine Liturgy)

STREAMING DETAILS/MEDIA FOR THIS SUNDAY, August 16
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

DORMITION SERVICES, AUG. 15
On the 15th, we will offer Orthros and Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Dormition. Please join us for this solemn feast as we recognize the role of the Theotokos in the life-saving mission of Jesus Christ.

FESTIVAL OUTREACH BOXES: TAKE ONE TODAY
Our parish offered 24 boxes of food to families in need during last weekend’s festival. Attendees were free to come pick up a box in the Narthex or share it with another person, no questions asked. We now invite parishioners to bring a box to a neighbor, colleague or other person who might need a little help. There is no need to check in with anyone—please receive a box today with our prayers and love.

PHILOPTOCHOS BACK-TO-SCHOOL DRIVE, ALL MONTH
Throughout August, please bring school backpacks (boys and girls, all ages), crayons, rulers, pens, pencils and other school supplies to Saint Gregory. They can be dropped off in the Narthex donation bin. Just in time for the new school year, they will be shared with local helping agencies for distribution.

PARISH PICNIC & MINISTRY CELEBRATION, SEP. 13
As we look forward to fall and a new year of youth and adult ministries at Saint Gregory. We’ll kick it all off on the 13^th with our annual picnic. Sunday School leaders will be on hand to register our children (classes begin Sep. 20), and we can learn all about our fall ministry happenings. 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.

SUNDAY SCHOOL RESUMES, SEP. 20
Our teachers are busy preparing for another year of learning, faith and friendship with our children. Our students are encouraged to attend Divine Liturgy on Sep. 13 as well, when Fr. Alex will celebrate the Feast of the Cross and bless our students for the new school year. A registration link will soon be shared with our families. We pray our children have an inspirational 2026 – 27 school year at Saint Gregory.

INSTANT CHURCH DIRECTORY NOW ACTIVE
Our parishioners have received an invitation email from our program administrators with instructions on how to access your/your family's profile. Just follow the directions in the email, and you will soon be able to edit and personalize your profile. See the helpful flyer in the eBulletin and weekly email. Contact Fr. Alex or Steve Christo ([email protected]) with any questions.

GOYA OFFICERS & UPDATES
After another year of learning, fun and growth in the Faith, our GOYAns met on June 7 and elected officers and leaders for the coming year:
President: Ashleigh Cromack
Vice President: Mario Salzillo
Fellowship Chair: Leland Hess
Philanthropy Chair: Linus Lafond
Jr. GOYA President: Sidney Lafond
Congratulations to them all! We are working to plan a few summer activities and will be in touch with our families soon. Contact Yvette Politis to learn more about GOYA: [email protected].

HELPING OUT AT SAINT GREGORY THIS SUMMER
Have time to lend this summer for organizational, cleanup and creative projects at Saint Gregory? There is always plenty to do and many possibilities at our parish home. Please contact Fr. Alex if you can offer your time and talent.

MOMMY & ME MINISTRY
For some time parents have been talking about a ministry group for younger mothers to gather in faith, support and friendship. Interested? We are planning an organizational meeting for mid-June. Please contact Greta Loukos: [email protected]

MAKING PROSFORA FOR SUNDAY LITURGY
Interested in making prosphora? Don't know where to start? The following link contains an annotated recipe that will help even a novice baker have success: https://tinyurl.com/mb73wtwe. Please feel free to reach out to Stephanie LaFond with any questions, and contact Fr. Alex if you would like to bake a loaf (or more) for a coming Sunday.

STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY 2026
Many thanks to all those Stewards who have already committed for 2026. If you have not yet had the opportunity, now would be a wonderful time. 2026 Stewardship materials are in the Narthex and available on our parish website's Stewardship page.

OUR PARISH LIBRARY IN 2026
Last summer, one of our loving parishioners worked diligently to revitalize our library area with Fr. Alex. The space is now nicely organized and cleaned—and the shelves arranged by subject area (prayer, pastoral theology, history, etc.). We still need a librarian to manage borrowing and the ongoing maintenance of this beautiful space. Would you like to engage this ministry for 2026? Please contact Father if interested.

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., 11 am - 3 pm; Wed., 9 am - 1 pm; Thur., 9 am - 1 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 Office Adminstrator Mirna Zelic:
Mon. - Fri. - 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Contact Mirna: [email protected]; 508.337.9986.

Calendar: Next Two Weeks

Saint Gregory Parish Calendar

August 16 to August 30, 2026

Sunday, August 16

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

Sunday, August 23

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

Sunday, August 30

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

Coming Events & News

Instant Directory Launch

Our new directory app is live and about to be pushed out to our parishioners. This flyer will be a helpful guide to taking it for a test drive!

Diakonia Newsletter

Read the latest Diakonia Newsletter for this Sunday

https://bulletinbuilder.org/diakonia-newsletter/2026-08-16?source=bulletin_web

August 16, 2026

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

11th Sunday of Matthew

Translation of the Image of Our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ

Diomedes the Physician & Martyr of Tarsus

Wisdom of the Fathers

Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

Calendar: Next Two Weeks

Saint Gregory Parish Calendar

August 16 to August 30, 2026

Coming Events & News

Instant Directory Launch

Diakonia Newsletter