Let Us Remember in Prayer: Those who are ill or convalescing. May our Lord Jesus Christ, the Physician and Healer of souls and bodies, grant them peace and good health for many blessed years.
Please let Fr. Lewis know if anyone should be added or taken away from this prayer list.

Byzantine Catholic Inquiry Classes: Thank you so much for all of your hard work and study, it has been a great eight weeks. We will continue with another adult education class in January.

Dormition Fast: Another minor fast is that which precedes the Feast of the Dormition of Our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary on Tuesday, August 15th. The traditional fast is a strict fast with mitigations on Sundays and Feast days. The Metropolia identifies this as a penitential season with observance of the fast being optional; however, we all continue to fast from meat on Fridays.
Similar to how we bless fruit on the Feast of Transfiguration, we will bless flowers on the Feast of the Dormition, as well as the following Sunday.

Parish Maintenance and Financial Status: Our new freezer has arrived. We are only waiting for a plumber to switch the water line so the ice machine can be moved so the freezer can ascend its new perch in our kitchen. So far four families have donated towards the project. If anyone would still like to contribute to this project and further offset the cost they are welcomed to. Thank you so much to those who have donated, May God continue to bless you and your families for your upkeep of His house.

83rd Annual Pilgrimage in Honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help: Every year the Sisters of the Order of Saint Basil the Great hold a pilgrimage on their grounds in Uniontown, PA to honor Our Lady of Perpetual Help. This is a very spiritual weekend where all who attend can participate in the many liturgical services offered as well as see old friends and make new ones. There are accommodations available on the grounds with newly renovated pilgrim halls. Camping via RV or tent is also available with full shower facilities. Fr. Lewis will again be attending this year’s pilgrimage and our Divine Liturgy schedule will not be altered from its normal time.

Parish Directory and Family Photography: I am very excited to offer everyone an opportunity to get a free professional photograph as well as a parish directory. These directories are free, however, those interested in getting family photographs may purchase from their packages. But it would be really great if we can get every possible parishioner and family member photographed for a comprehensive parish directory. The photo sessions will be on Sept. 24 & 25. More coming soon…

Congratulations! Michael and Emily on the birth of their first child, Camile Marie Sophia! The Rite of Christian Initiation will be held during the Sunday Divine Liturgy on August 27th. May God grant many years to Camile as she enters enlightenment!

Slavic American Festival: The 43rd Annual Slavic American Festival sponsored by Epiphany of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church in Annandale, VA will be on Sunday, September 10th from 12 noon till 6 PM. Festival includes traditional Slavic foods, childrens events, rummage sale, silent auction, religious folk art, farm market, Polka dance lessons, bake sale, and more.

Saint Gregory’s Slavic Food Festival:

Update, August 13, 2017

Next Saturday, August 19, will be our second kolácsi baking, from 9 a.m. until about 4 p.m. Arrive and leave as needed. Most help is needed between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Making and baking will begin with special fillings – raspberry, apricot, poppyseed and lekvar (prune) and finish up with nuts.
If you have pre-ordered any type of kolácsi, you may pick them up next Sunday, fresh, the day after baking. The cost is $ 14 each, regardless of filling. Payment is due at pick-up. See Sue or Ellie.
Food Festival November 4. Please, if possible, plan to give our parish 1 to 3 hours of your time.
Thank you for monetary donations to St. Gregory s festival fund. Even though we buy our supplies and ingredients wholesale, your donations allow us to lower our expenses even more.
The profits from our Food Festival are used to help pay for our parish’s insurance premiums. Net Festival proceeds do not cover the entire amount of these premiums, but do help lower the impact on our parish. Thank you for your generosity.
Kolácsi: Saturdays August 19 and September 9
Holupki: Friday, October 20 and Saturday, October 21
Haluški: Tuesday, October 31 and Wednesday, November 1