A Word from Father Alex

Fellow Parishioners and Friends:

The calendar page is turning to November and winter (and it’s starting to feel like it, as I write this on a chilly Oct. 26). This also means we are working toward the beginning of the Nativity Fast on Nov. 15. This is a small, “joyous” fast that prepares us to approach the Nativity of the Lord on Dec. 25.

Within the tradition of the Church, it is a time of abstention from meat and other foods but, most importantly, a time to remove ourselves from selfishness, anger, gossip and other destructive spiritual traps.

It is also a time to attend services more frequently, to increase our personal prayer life, to reflect, to approach Holy Confession and to take action on behalf of those in need. Regarding the latter, we can support our Philoptochos’ fall Veterans Drive, as well as contribute to the Thanksgiving Dinner Drive. Of course, we can—and should--tend to our neighbors and community members in own, quiet way.

As we look toward the 15th, I pray this Nativity Fast is transformative for you and our entire parish. Let’s journey toward it together, day by day, prayer by prayer.

I look forward to seeing you this weekend for worship, Sunday School, Orthodox Life and more,

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 and Sophia Saad.
Caps., Elena Salzillo and Sydney LaFond

TODAY'S NARTHEX TEAM:
Parish Council Member: Lou Douvris.
Usher Member: Ella Steigler.

HOMILY: “A Great Chasm” (Luke 16:19 – 31).

EPISTLE: Stephanie LaFond.

Memorial: Anthony Kounelas, 1 year. May his memory be eternal!

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: Sponsored by the Kounelas Family in loving memory of Anthony Kounelas. 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

Eleventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:14-25

At that time, Jesus revealed himself to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. And he said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go." (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, "Follow me." Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!" The saying spread abroad among the brethren that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?" This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.

Epistle Reading

Cosmas and Damian the Holy Unmercenaries of Asia, and their mother Theodota
The Reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 12:27-31; 13:1-8

Brethren, you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, then healers, helpers, administrators, speakers in various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.

Gospel Reading

5th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 16:19-31

The Lord said, "There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazaros, full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazaros in his bosom. And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazaros to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.' But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazaros in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' But Abraham said, 'They have Moses, and the prophets; let them hear them.' And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if some one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to them, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead.'"

Saints and Feasts

November 01

5th Sunday of Luke

November 01

Cosmas and Damian the Holy Unmercenaries of Asia, and their mother Theodota

These Saints were from Asia (that is, Asia Minor). After the death of their father, their Christ-loving mother Theodota reared them in piety and in all manner of virtue, and had them instructed in every science, especially that of medicine. This became their vocation, and they went about healing every illness and malady, bestowing healing freely on both men and beasts alike; because of this, they are called "Unmercenaries." And thus, having completed the course of their life, they reposed in peace.

November 01

David the Righteous of Evia

Wisdom of the Fathers

The things that have come into being have received from the Creator their proper place, their beginning and, in some cases, their end. But there is no boundary to virtue. The psalmist says, 'I have seen the end the end of all perfection, but Your commandment is very broad and is without limit' (Ps. 118:96). Now if it is true...that love never fails (I Cor. 13:8),... then love has no boundary, and both in the present age and in the future age we will never cease to progress in it, as we add light to light.

St. John Climacus

Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 26: On Discernment; Paulist Press pgs. 250-251, 6th century

...every tree is known by its own fruit. So also is love known by its own fruit and the love of which Christianity speaks is known by its own fruit - revealing that it has in itself the truth of the eternal. All other love, whether humanly speaking it withers early and is altered or lovingly preserves itself for a round of time - such love is still transient; it merely blossoms. This is precisely its weakness and tragedy, whether it blossoms for an hour or for seventy years - it merely blossoms; but Christian love is eternal.

Soren Kierkegaard

Works of Love, Chapter 1; Harper Torchbooks pg. 25, 19th century

Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR SUNDAY, NOV 1, FIFTH 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 SUNDAY, NOV. 1
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

ORTHODOX LIFE: “MIRACLES OF CHRIST,” TODAY
Following Divine Liturgy, please join Fr. Alex and friends in the library for our next session of Orthodox Life. Today, we’ll focus on the raising of Lazarus, and how that miracle impacted Martha, Mary and all those gathered on that day so long ago. No prior experience with Bible study is necessary—all welcome. Please grab some refreshments and join us.

SAINT GREGORY GOLF CLASSIC, TODAY
Beginning at 4:00 pm, golfing, a Tex-Mex dinner, friendship, the Pats game (Dolphins) and more are on the agenda for the 31^st annual “Classic.” Come join us and spend time, even if you will not be golfing. If you would like to sponsor the event or make a general donation, visit the tournament site (emailed to our parishioners) or see Lou Zagami or Stephan Katinas at the event.

PARISH GENERAL ASSEMBLY, NOV. 15
In addition to joining us at the assembly, please consider serving on our Parish Council in the coming year: we have vacancies and look forward to welcoming new members. Nomination forms are in the Narthex today and have been emailed to our parish family. Forms are due back to the church office, a member of the elections committee or Fr. Alex by Nov. 22.

PHILOPTOCHOS VETERANS COAT DRIVE, THROUGH NOVEMBER
Please help us provide new, warm coats to veterans for the winter through our partnership with Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL). There are three ways we can help (thanks in advance!):
1) Purchase a warm coat at OSJL, leave the coat with OSJL and give the gift card to Philoptochos
2) Donate cash to Philoptochos, and we will do the shopping for you
3) Purchase Stop & Shop gift cards and donate them to Philoptochos

FR. ALEX AT IOCC CONFERENCE UNTIL NOV. 10
Fr. Alex will be away from the parish from the evening of Nov. 1 – Nov. 10 for an International Orthodox Christian Charities conference in Asheville, NC. Fr. Manny will serve Orthros and Divine Liturgy on Sunday, Nov. 8. Please contact the Church Office or Fr. Alex is a pastoral emergency should arise.

MINISTRY EVENT REFLECTIONS
Last Sunday, our HOPE/JOY children enjoyed the fun and faithful Prayerful Pumpkin Carving event. A good time was had by all. Special thanks to Kristin Lewis, Bill Lewis and Lee Morest for helping out our children and parents. Further, last Wednesday our Men’s Bible Study group met at Fr. Alex’s for study, dinner and time at the fire pit. It was great to connect and enjoy wonderful company and a beautiful night. Thanks to all for making ministry and community happen at Saint Gregory.

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

November 1 to November 15, 2026

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

Tuesday, November 10

6:30PM Parish Council

Friday, November 13

10:30AM Food & Friends Ministry

Sunday, November 15

8:30AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:45AM Sunday School

11:30AM General Assembly