A Word from Father Alex

Fellow Parishioners and Friends:

Last Sunday was wonderful at Saint Gregory. I was overjoyed to see so many of our children present for worship and the Parish Picnic and Ministry Celebration that followed. The rain kept us inside, but we’ll pull out some sporting goods and toys for our youth this Sunday if weather permits.

Of course, this Sunday is the first day of Sunday School classes for 2026 – 27. Before Holy Communion, Fr. Alex will bless our children for the new year. We are grateful for our Sunday School leaders, teachers and mentors who offer their time and talent to shepherd our children.

Finally, as of the writing of this note on Sep. 15, I’ve been stopping by a few farm stands in my travels and really thinking about the beginning of the Ecclesiastical New Year, which we celebrated on Sep. 1. As I recently mentioned during Liturgy early in the month, how can we mirror this local bounty in our spiritual lives? How can we offer up the first fruits of our lives to the Lord? How can we plant, today, the seeds of love, compassion and faith in our lives—and reap a great spiritual harvest in the years to come?

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

TODAY'S NARTHEX TEAM:
Parish Council Member: Steve Christo.
Usher Member: Ella Steigler.

HOMILY: “Ashamed" (Mark 8:34-38; 9:1)

EPISTLE: Yvette Politis.

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

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

Sunday after Holy Cross
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 2:16-20

Brethren, knowing that a man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law, because by works of the law shall no one be justified. But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we ourselves were found to be sinners, is Christ then an agent of sin? Certainly not! But if I build up again those things which I tore down, then I prove myself a transgressor. For I through the law died to the law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Gospel Reading

Sunday after Holy Cross
The Reading is from Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."

Saints and Feasts

September 20

Sunday after Holy Cross

September 20

Eustathius the Great Martyr, his wife and two children

The holy Martyr Eustathius before his baptism was an illustrious Roman general named Placidas in the days of the Emperor Trajan. While hunting in the country one day, he was converted to the Faith of Christ through the apparition of an uncommonly majestic stag, between whose antlers he saw the Cross of Christ, and through which the Lord spoke to him with a human voice. Upon returning home, he learned that his wife Tatiana had also had a vision in which she was instructed to become a Christian. They sought out the Bishop of the Christians and were baptized, Placidas receiving the name Eustathius, and Tatiana the name Theopiste; their two sons were baptized Agapius and Theopistus. The family was then subjected to such trials as Job endured. Their servants died, all their goods were stolen, and on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem they were scattered abroad, each not even knowing if the others were still alive. By the providence of God, they were united again after many years, and returned to Rome in glory. Nevertheless, when they refused to sacrifice to the idols-a public sacrifice from which no Roman general could be absent-the Emperor Hadrian, who had succeeded Trajan, had them put into a large bronze device in the shape of a bull, which was heated with fire until they died. When their holy bodies were removed, they were found to be without harm. They suffered martyrdom about the year 126.

September 20

Our Righteous Father Eustathius, Archbishop of Thessolonica

Wisdom of the Fathers

The key to knowledge is the humility of Christ. The door of the Kingdom of Heaven is open, not to those who only know in their learned minds the mysteries of faith and the commandments of their Creator, but to those who have progressed far enough to live by them.

St. Bede the Venerable

Unknown, 8th century

To deny oneself means to give up one's bad habits; to root out of the heart all that ties us to the world; not to cherish bad thoughts and desires; to suppress every evil thought; to avoid occasions of sin; not to desire or to do anything out of self-love, but to do everything out of love for God. To deny oneself, according to St. Paul means "to be dead to sin. . . but alive to God."

St. Innocent of Alaska

The Lenten Spring, SVS Press, p. 147, 19th Century

Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, SUNDAY AFTER 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 20
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

SUNDAY SCHOOL RESUMES, TODAY
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 today. We pray our children have an inspirational 2026 – 27 school year at Saint Gregory.

INSTANT CHURCH DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE, TODAY
As with last week, during Fellowship Hour today, we will have an Instant Church Directory table setup to assist parishioners with the new online directory. Further, we will offer on-site photos for you and your family for use in the directory in the weeks to come. Contact Steve Christo ([email protected]) or Fr. Alex with any questions.

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.

PARISH OUTDOOR CLEAN-UP DAY, OCT. 17
All parishioners are invited to help with this clean-up effort aimed at our parish “yard.” Specifically, we will focus on the removal of vines climbing up the back brick wall of the church. Contact Lou Douvris to learn more and join the effort: 443.519.9420.

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.

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 20 to October 4, 2026

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

Sunday, October 4

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:45AM Sunday School

11:30AM Sunday School Teacher Workshop