A Word from Father Alex

Fellow Parishioners and Friends:

I hope and pray this note finds you, and yours, healthy and well. And I look forward to seeing you this weekend at our parish home.

This Sunday is the first Sunday of the month, so parents, please have your children sit up front with their classmates and teachers for this event. I’ll offer a special youth homily before Holy Communion, focusing on what’s “new” each and every time we attend Divine Liturgy.

Our new Mommy and Me Ministry will meet for an organizational meeting after Divine Liturgy. Please see Greta Loukos in the hall for this casual meeting time.

Also during Fellowship Hour, our Sunday School teachers will have a brief workshop with Fr. Alex. Teacher’s please join Father in the library after you gather some refreshments for yourself.

Also, don’t forget that the Saint Gregory Golf Tournament is coming our way Nov. 1. See the details within the eBulletin. If we all play, sponsor or otherwise support this will be another successful tournament in the books.

And read on within your eBulletin for a host of other updates on Saint Gregory happenings, including the Men’s Bible Study on Oct. 7 and GOYA Flint Farm outing on Oct. 18.

Hoping to see you this weekend,

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: Carla Saad and Sophia Hannafin.
Caps., Elena Salzillo and Sydney LaFond

TODAY'S NARTHEX TEAM:
Parish Council Member: Lou Douvris and Greta Loukos.
Usher Member: Maria Orfanos.

HOMILY: “What's New at Diving Liturgy?"

EPISTLE: Phil LaFond.

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: Following Divine Liturgy, please join us in the hall for refreshments and friendship. All are welcome.

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

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.

Epistle Reading

18th Sunday after Pentecost
The Reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 9:6-11

Brethren, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. As it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever." He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

Gospel Reading

2nd Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 6:31-36

The Lord said, "As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."

Saints and Feasts

October 04

2nd Sunday of Luke

October 04

Hierotheus, Bishop of Athens

According to some, Hierotheus, like Saint Dionysius, was a member of the court of Mars Hill. Having first been instructed in the Faith of Christ by Paul, he became Bishop of Athens. He, in turn, initiated the divine Dionysius more perfectly into the mysteries of Christ; the latter, on his part, elaborated more clearly and distinctly Hierotheus' concise and summary teachings concerning the Faith. He too was brought miraculously by the power of the Holy Spirit to be present at the Dormition of the Theotokos, when, together with the sacred Apostles, he became a leader of the divine hymnody. "He was wholly transported, wholly outside himself and was so deeply absorbed in communion with the sacred things he celebrated in hymnology, that to all who heard him and saw him and knew him, and yet knew him not, he seemed to be inspired of God, a divine hymnographer," as Dionysius says (On the Divine Names, 3:2). Having lived in a manner pleasing to God, he reposed in the Lord.

October 04

Domnina the Martyr and her daughters

Wisdom of the Fathers

There are three things that impel us towards what is holy: natural instincts, angelic powers and probity of intention. Natural instincts impel us when, for example, we do to others what we would wish them to do to us (cf. Luke 6:31), or when we see someone suffering deprivation or in need and naturally feel compassion. Angelic powers impel us when, being ourselves impelled to something worthwhile, we find we are providentially helped and guided. We are impelled by probity of intention when, discriminating between good and evil, we choose the good.

St. Maximos the Confessor

Second Century on Love no. 32, Philokalia Vol. 2 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg. 71, 7th century

Every work which does not have love as its beginning and root is nothing.

St. John Chrysostom

Unknown, 4th century

Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2ND SUNDAY OF LUKE
We look forward to worshipping with you at Saint Gregory:
Orthros, 8:30 AM
Divine Liturgy, 9:30 AM
- Sunday School Teacher Workshop
- Mommy & Me Ministry
- Knitting Ministry
- Men’s Prayer Group, Oct. 7

STREAMING DETAILS/MEDIA FOR THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4
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 TEACHER WORKSHOP, TODAY
All Sunday School teachers and assistants are warmly invited to join Fr. Alex after Sunday School for a brief workshop. We will check in on how the new year is going, look over updated guidelines from the Archdiocesan youth protection program and talk about incorporating the miracles of our Lord (our parish theme) into lesson plans. Teachers and all interested: please grab some refreshments in the hall, and then meet Fr. Alex in the library for our session.

MOMMY & ME MINISTRY, TODAY
If you are a mom of babies, toddlers or young children (pre-Sunday School age) our new Mommy & Me group will get together today after Divine Liturgy. This will be a fun way to get to know other moms at Saint Gregory and, of course, for our little ones to play together. Please meet Greta Loukos in the hall following services, so we can discuss our interests and how we might grow this new ministry.

MEN’S PRAYER GROUP & BIBLE STUDY, OCT. 7
Please join us for a potluck dinner, study and friendship on the 7^th, beginning at 6:30 pm. All men of our parish are more than welcome. Contact Fr. Alex to confirm your main or side dish offering (meatless, please, as this is a Wednesday fasting day—thanks!).

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 Zagami to learn more and join the effort: 443.519.9420.

ORTHODOX LIFE: MIRACLES OF CHRIST, OCT. 11 & 28
We were sorry to cancel our first planned session last Sunday, due to the weather. However, Fr. Alex will be ready to start us off on Oct. 11. In connection to this year’s parish-wide theme focusing on the miracles of the Lord, Fr. Alex will lead us in a study of these scriptural narratives. All are welcome; no prior experience with Bible study is needed. Please meet Father in the Library during Fellowship Hour. The topic will be the Miracle at Cana in Galilee.

GOYA FLINT FARM OUTING, OCT. 18
With last weekend’s rainy weather, we postponed our planned trip to Flint Farm. Instead, Father led an Orthodox Life session with our GOYAns last Sunday after Sunday School classes. Now we are looking forward to Oct. 18 for our second try at Flint Farm. A fun corn maze, ice cream and friendship are on the agenda. See you then!

ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC, NOV. 1
This year's tournament will once again be at Canton's Top Golf. Casual golfing, a Tex-Mex dinner, friendship and more are on the agenda. Learn more, support and register here

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.

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 Margarita Campbell 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

October 4 to October 18, 2026

Sunday, October 4

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:45AM Sunday School

11:30AM Sunday School Teacher Workshop

Wednesday, October 7

6:30PM Men's Bible Study

Sunday, October 11

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:45AM Sunday School

Tuesday, October 13

6:30PM Parish Council

Saturday, October 17

9:00AM Parish Grounds Clean-Up Day

Sunday, October 18

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:45AM Sunday School