A Word from Father Alex

Fellow Parishioners and Friends:

This Sunday is our Parish Picnic and Ministries Celebration. I hope you will join us for worship (including the service for the Elevation of the Holy Cross), great food, friendship and fun at your parish home. It looks like the weather will not cooperate, but we'll have our "picnic" right in the hall.

If you would like to bring a main, side, dessert or other donation, please email me soon as possible.

This will be a great day to reconnect with Saint Gregory after summer travels and learn about everything coming our way in the 2026 – 27 church year.

See you soon and God bless you,

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: Joanna Papastathopoulos.
Caps., Elena Salzillo and Sydney LaFond

TODAY'S NARTHEX TEAM:
Parish Council Member: Brian Kaufman and Kristin Lewis.
Usher Member: Ella Steigler.

HOMILY: “That We Might Become Divine"

EPISTLE: Joan Maimonis.

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: In lieu of Fellowship Hour today, join us for the Parish Picnic and Ministry Celebration immediately following Divine Liturgy.

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

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

Sunday before Holy Cross
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 6:11-18

Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.

Gospel Reading

Sunday before Holy Cross
The Reading is from John 3:13-17

The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him."

Saints and Feasts

September 13

Sunday before Holy Cross

September 13

The Consecration of the Church of the Holy Resurrection (Holy Sepulchre)

The church that is honoured far above all others is that of the Holy Resurrection, which Saint Constantine the Great constructed at the place of Golgotha, where our Saviour was crucified and buried. For a long time this place had been purposely buried beneath the earth by the Jews and heathen; furthermore, during the reign of Hadrian (117-138), a temple dedicated to Aphrodite was built over the site so that this sacred place might be even further desecrated and fall into utter oblivion. It was here that the Cross was hidden. However, at the command of the pious Emperor Constantine, excavations were made and the tokens of the saving Passion were found. It was here, then, that the very great and magnificent temple named in honour of Christ God's Resurrection-the Anastasis-was built under the supervision of the blessed Helen, while Dracilian was Eparch of Palestine and Macarius was Archbishop of Jerusalem. It was the latter, also, who exalted the venerable Cross and performed the consecration of this temple in the year 336.

September 13

Forefeast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross

Wisdom of the Fathers

Our Redeemer and Maker, Who was Son of God before the ages, became Son of Man at the end of ages. Thus the One Who, through the power of His divinity, had created us to enjoy the happiness of everlasting life, might Himself restore us, through the weakness of our humanity, to recover the life we had lost.

St. Bede the Venerable

Homilies on the Gospels, 2.18. 7th Century. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol: John 1-10. Intervarsity Press, 2006, p. 126.

For since Nicodemus had said, "We know that Thou art a teacher come from God," on this very point He sets him right, all but saying, "Think Me not a teacher in such manner as were the many of the prophets who were of earth, for I have come from heaven (but) now. None of the prophets hath ascended up thither, but I dwell there."

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century

Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, SUNDAY BEFORE HOLY CROSS
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 9/20; Fellowship Hour follows Divine Liturgy)

STREAMING DETAILS/MEDIA FOR THIS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
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

PARISH PICNIC & MINISTRY CELEBRATION, TODAY
Immediately following Divine Liturgy and the Cross service, all are welcome to join us for the annual Parish Picnic and Ministry Celebration. Many thanks to Paul Sparrow for handling the grill—and to all our parishioners who have generously cooked, baked and otherwise prepared lovely dishes and supplies to share. We have toys and sporting goods pulled outside for our children, and we look forward to a beautiful afternoon together.

INSTANT CHURCH DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE, TODAY
During the picnic today, please see Steve Christo for assistance with our new parish Instant Church Directory. Further, we will soon offer on-site photos for you and your family for use in the directory. Beyond today, we can contact Steve Christo ([email protected]) or Fr. Alex with any questions.

SUNDAY SCHOOL RESUMES, SEP. 20
Our teachers are busy preparing for another year of learning, faith and friendship with our children. Parents, please register your children as soon as possible via the emailed registration link, or see a Sunday School leader at today's picnic. We pray our children have an inspirational 2026 – 27 school year at Saint Gregory.

PHILOPTOCHOS OPEN HOUSE, SEP. 27
Please join us for our annual open house after Divine Liturgy on the 27th. Stop by our informative tables on your way to Fellowship Hour to see what we have been up to and what we have in store for the rest of the year. Also, please make your way over to our membership table and sign up for the 2027 calendar year and grab a sweet treat. All are welcome to join our fun and welcoming group.

ORTHODOX LIFE: MIRACLES OF CHRIST, BEGINS SEP. 27
In connection to this year’s parish-wide theme focusing on the miracles of the Lord, Fr. Alex will lead us on a study of these scriptural narratives. Materials will be provided, and we will meet on select Sundays during Fellowship Hour. Coming meeting dates: Sep. 27, Oct. 11 and Oct. 28. All are welcome; no prior experience with Bible study is needed.

PROSFORA
Baking Prosfora is a great way to connect to the liturgical life of our parish, and we always need new bakers to support this ministry. Would you like to try and bake several for a coming Sunday or even lead a small group interested in learning about the process? Please contact Fr. Alex.

MOMMY & ME MINISTRY
Next month (September), we are planning to launch this ministry group for younger mothers to gather in faith, support and friendship. Interested? Please contact Greta Loukos.

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.

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

September 13 to September 27, 2026

Sunday, September 13

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

11:00AM Sunday School begins

11:30AM Parish Picnic & Ministry Celebration

Sunday, September 20

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:45AM 1st Day of Sunday School/Blessing

11:30AM Altar Server & Myrrhbearer Mtg

Sunday, September 27

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:45AM Sunday School

11:15AM Philanthropy Committee mtg

11:30AM Philoptochos Open House