A Word from Father Alex

Fellow Parishioners and Friends:

I look forward to seeing you this weekend at our parish h ome.

If you have time on Saturday (10/17), we will hold a clean-up day event at Saint Gregory. Help is needed outdoors with vines and other unwelcome growth, and then we will have a group working to organize part of the hall kitchen. We expect to work from 9 am until about noon. Come when you can.

Then we will look forward to worship, Sunday School and friendship on Sunday. After Sunday School, our GOYAns will be heading to Flint Farm for ice cream and their famous corn maze. Parents, if you can drive or support, please get in touch with Yvette Politis or me before Sunday.

Looking ahead, in addition to the HOPE/JOY Prayerful Pumpkin event on Oct. 25, don’t forget that the Saint Gregory Golf Tournament is coming our way Nov. 1, once again at Canton’s Top Golf. See the details within this eBulletin. If we all play, sponsor or otherwise support this will be another successful tournament in the books.

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: TBA.
Caps., Elena Salzillo and Sydney LaFond

TODAY'S NARTHEX TEAM:
Parish Council Member: Steve Christo.
Usher Member: Margarita Campbell.

HOMILY: “Salty Speech” (Colossians 4:5-11, 14 - 18).

EPISTLE: Brian Kaufman.

MEMORIAL: Nikolai Sandrikov (25 years). May his memory be eternal!

ALTAR FLOWERS: Offered by Mary Kostaras in loving memory of her mother, Romalea. 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: Sponsored by the Ramroopsingh Family in memory of Nikolai Sandrikov. 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

Ninth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:19-31

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in His side, I will not believe." Eight days later, His disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then He said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see My hands; and put out your hand, and place it in My side; do not be faithless, but believing." Thomas answered Him, "My Lord and My God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing, you may have life in His name.

Epistle Reading

Luke the Evangelist
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Colossians 4:5-11, 14-18

Brethren, conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer every one. Tychicos will tell you all about my affairs; he is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, and with him Onesimos, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of yourselves. They will tell you of everything that has taken place. Aristarchos my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions if he comes to you, receive him), and Jesus who is called Justos. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. Give my greetings to the brethren at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you read also the letter from Laodicea. And say to Archippos, "See that you fulfill the ministry which you have received in the Lord." I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my fetters. Grace be with you. Amen.

Gospel Reading

Luke the Evangelist
The Reading is from Luke 10:16-21

The Lord said to his disciples, "He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me." The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!" And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will."

Saints and Feasts

October 18

Luke the Evangelist

This Apostle was an Antiochean, a physician by trade, and a disciple and companion of Paul. He wrote his Gospel in Greek after Matthew and Mark, after which he wrote the Acts of the Apostles, and dedicated both works to Theophilus, who, according to some, was Governor of Achaia. He lived some eighty-six years and died in Achaia, perhaps in Patras, the capital of this district. His emblem is the calf, the third symbolical beast mentioned by Ezekiel (1:10), which is a symbol of Christ's sacrificial and priestly office, as Saint Irenaeus says.

October 18

Luke the Evangelist

October 18

Marinos the Martyr

Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, SUNDAY OF SAINT LUKE
We look forward to worshipping with you at Saint Gregory:
Orthros, 8:30 AM
Divine Liturgy, 9:30 AM
(Sunday School begins immediately following Holy Communion; all parishioners, visitors and friends are welcome to join us for Fellowship Hour in the hall following the service)

STREAMING DETAILS/MEDIA FOR THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18
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 OUTDOOR/INDOOR CLEAN-UP DAY, OCT. 17
All parishioners are invited to help with this clean-up effort aimed at our parish “yard” and indoor spaces as well. Specifically outside, we will focus on the removal of vines climbing up the back brick wall of the church. Inside the building, we need help cleaning and organizing spaces within our kitchen. Contact Lou Zagami to learn more and join the effort: 443.519.9420.

GOYA FLINT FARM OUTING, OCT. 18
After Sunday School, all GOYAns are invited to join us at Flint Farm for a fun corn maze and ice cream. Contact Yvette Politis to confirm and with any questions: [email protected].

HOPE/JOY PRAYERFUL PUMPKIN CARVING, OCT. 25
Following Sunday School on the 25^th, our HOPE/JOY children (grades 1 – 5) are invited to join us for messy, prayerful fun in the parish hall. We will carve our pumpkins, say the special pumpkin prayer together and get to take our creations home. Parents, please let Father know how many of your children are coming by Oct. 21, so we can have pumpkins for everyone.

ORTHODOX LIFE: MIRACLES OF CHRIST, NOV. 1
In connection to this year’s parish-wide theme focusing on the miracles of the Lord, our fall/winter
series will focus on the miracles of Jesus Christ—and His active presence in our lives today. All are welcome; no prior experience with Bible study is needed. Please meet Father in the Library during Fellowship Hour.

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, watching the Pats game (Dolphins) and more are on the agenda. Come join us and spend time, even if you will not be golfing. Our tournament website is now live and has been emailed to our parishioners. Visit the site to learn more, register and support.

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER WORKSHOP REFLECTIONS
Several weeks ago, our teachers joined Fr. Alex after Sunday School for a brief workshop. Together, we reflected on the first several weeks of class, exchanged ideas, went over youth safety protocols from the Archdiocese and brainstormed ways we could integrate our parish “Miracles of Christ” theme into our curriculum. It was wonderful to connect and spend time together. Many thanks to all our teachers for their dedication and faithful service.

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., 1 - 4 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 18 to November 1, 2026

Sunday, October 18

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:45AM Sunday School

11:30AM GOYA Flint Farm Outing

Wednesday, October 21

6:30PM Safety Committee mtg

Saturday, October 24

2:30PM GOYA Habitat raking & fire pit night

Sunday, October 25

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:45AM Sunday School

11:15AM Knitting Ministry

11:30AM HOPE/JOY Prayerful Pumpkin event

Wednesday, October 28

6:00PM Men's Bible Study BBQ

Sunday, November 1

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:45AM Sunday School