A Word from Father Alex

Beloved Parishioners and Friends:

Last week was a wonderful one at Saint Gregory, from our beautiful worship and Sunday School classes, to Fellowship Hour and the fun GOYA outing to Flint Farm.

There’s more waiting for us at church this weekend. Following Divine Liturgy, we’ll have our HOPE/JOY Prayerful Pumpkin carving event. All our younger children are invited to participate (please let me know if you’re coming, so I can make sure we have enough pumpkins and carving tools).

On the 28^th, we’re having a Men’s Bible Study bbq/fire pit at my home, beginning at 6 pm. We’ll offer several devotionals about the coming Nativity season and enjoy a simple meal and good discussion. I hope all the men of our parish will join—and, again, let me know if you’re coming a few days ahead of time.

Looking ahead, 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.

Read on within your eBulletin for a host of other updates on Saint Gregory happenings.

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: Joe Cara Donna and George Psilakis.
Usher Member: Maria Orfanos.

HOMILY: “Clothed and In His Right Mind” (Luke 8:26-39).

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: 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

Tenth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:1-14

At that time, Jesus revealed Himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and He revealed Himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas, called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach, yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there with fish lying on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask Him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after He was raised from the dead. .

Epistle Reading

21st Sunday after Pentecost
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

6th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 8:26-39

At that time, as Jesus arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, there met him a man from the city who had demons; for a long time he had worn no clothes and he lived not in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him, and said with a loud voice, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beseech you, do not torment me." For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him; he was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters, but he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the desert.) Jesus then asked him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Legion"; for many demons had entered him. And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside; and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them leave. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. When the herdsmen saw what happened, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country. Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. And those who had seen it told them how he who had been possessed with demons was healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gadarenes asked him to depart from them; for they were seized with great fear; so he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but he sent him away, saying, "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.

Saints and Feasts

October 25

6th Sunday of Luke

October 25

The Holy Martyrs Marcian and Martyrius the Notaries

These Martyrs were disciples of Saint Paul the Confessor (see Nov. 6). Martyrius was a subdeacon, Marcian a chanter and reader. They were beheaded by the Arians in the year 346. Miracles were wrought at their tomb, and demons were cast out; Saint John Chrysostom began the building of the church in their honour in Constantinople, and it was completed by patriarch Sisinius.

October 25

Tabitha, who was raised from the dead by Peter the Apostle

Wisdom of the Fathers

For if we, going about on the earth which is familiar and well known to us, being encompassed with a body, when we are journeying in a strange road, know not which way to go unless we have some one to lead us; how should the soul, being rent away from the body, and having gone out from all her accustomed region, know where to walk without one to show her the way?

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 28 on Matthew 8, 4th Century

Some say, 'Why do they [demons] possess people?' I answer those who wish to have this explained that the reason of these things is very deep. Somewhere one of His saints addressed God by saying, 'Your judgments are a vast abyss.' As long as we bear this in mind, we will perhaps not miss the mark.

St. Cyril of Alexandria

Commentary on Luke, Homily 44. (Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture; vol 3: Luke, Intervarsity Press)

Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, SIXTH SUNDAY OF 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 25
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

HOPE/JOY PRAYERFUL PUMPKIN CARVING, TODAY
Following Sunday School, our HOPE/JOY children (grades K – 5; sibling welcome too) 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. During Fellowship Hour, special tables will be set up for the project. Parents, we please sit with your children and help them with the knives and carving tools.

2026 THANKSGIVING DINNER DRIVE, BEGINS OCT. 28
For the sixth year, in partnership with the Middlesex Sheriff’s Association, we'll offer a Thanksgiving Dinner Drive for local veterans and in support of local families served by the Attleboro Area Interfaith Collaborative. This philanthropic effort is a vital aspect of our preparation for the Nativity of the Lord and in keeping with the hope of the holiday season. Share our flyer (emailed to us and in the Narthex) with family and friends. Until Nov. 22, we welcome the following food items for drop off in the Narthex, as well as financial donations to purchase food (contact Fr. Alex regarding donations):
Boxes of stuffing and instant potatoes | Canned cranberry sauce, green beans, peas and corn | Instant and bottled gravy | Frozen pies | Frozen turkeys (will be collected closer to the 23rd).

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY BBQ/FIRE PIT, OCT. 28
As a follow up to our study night earlier this month, we’ll say goodbye to October with a bbq/fire pit night at Fr. Alex’s house on the 28^th. All men of our parish are invited. Father will be ready to receive us by 6 pm. Several members of our group will offer brief devotionals on the coming Nativity season, and then we’ll enjoy a simple dinner and a fire (weather permitting). So plans can be made, please let Fr. Alex know if you will be attending by Oct. 27. See you then!

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.

PARISH GENERAL ASSEMBLLY, NOV. 15
All 2026 Stewards are encouraged to participate in this vital parish meeting. In addition, please consider serving on our Parish Council in the coming year: we have vacancies and look forward to welcoming new members. Nomination forms will soon be available in advance of the Dec. 13 elections.

FOOD AND FRIENDS PROGRAM, MONTH OF NOVEMBER
As a nonprofit partner in the Stop & Shop Bloomin’ 4 Good Program, St. Gregory will receive $1 for every specially marked $11.99 Bloomin’ 4 Good bouquet sold during November 2026 at the Stop & Shop at 377 Chauncy Street, Mansfield MA . Please support this program with a bouquet during this wonderful time of thanks.

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 25 to November 8, 2026

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

11:30AM Orthodox Life: "Miracles of Christ"

Sunday, November 8

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:45AM Sunday School