Saint Gregory the Theologian
Publish Date: 2025-02-23
Bulletin Contents
A Word from Father Alex
Sunday Notes
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Saints and Feasts
Wisdom of the Fathers
Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates
Calendar: Next Two Weeks
Coming Events & News
Metropolis of Boston News
Archdiocese News

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Saint Gregory the Theologian

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (508)337-9986
  • Fax:
  • (508)337-9987
  • Street Address:

  • 1007 West Street

  • Mansfield, MA 02048
  • Mailing Address:

  • PO Box 293

  • Mansfield, MA 02048

Services Schedule

Sunday & Weekday Services
Orthros/Matins: 8:30 am
Divine Liturgy: 9:30 am

Youth Religious Education Ministry is currently offered Sundays in person and remotely following Holy Communion. Please see weekly updates from our ministry leaders for updates on each class. All are welcome to join us for Fellowship Hour after Divine Liturgy. 

Past Bulletins


A Word from Father Alex

Beloved Parishioners and Friends:

If you can join us on Feb. 22nd, this will be our first Soul Saturday as we approach Lent. Listing forms are in the Narthex, and you can also email me your names. We do have a koliva for the 22nd, but do let me know if you'd like to prepare one for March 1 or 8. 

This Sunday is Godparent Sunday! I hope our children, and as many of us as possible, will invite their Godparents to Divine Liturgy on this special day. Together, we will pray over the powerful bond between Godparents and Godchildren and also celebrate these relationships. We also will have witness pins available to help mark this special occasion.

Likewise, just after the Gospel (make sure to come on time if you can) I’ll offer a homily on “Guardian Angels and Godparents.” At our baptisms, we ask God to bless every child (or adult) with a Guardian Angel, and we know that our Godparents are spiritual guardians as well. We’ll spend time thinking about these connections, and how the divine meets the human in Godparenting relationships.

This Sunday is also the long-awaited Philoptochos Cookie Walk. Please visit the cookie table in the hall, load up on those delicious cookies and support the good work of our Philoptochos.

Read on in your eBulletin for further details on coming services and events like “Souper” Bowl Sunday on March 2nd and the Saint Patrick’s Day HOPE/JOY event on March 22nd.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday,

Fr. Alex

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Sunday Notes

TODAY'S ALTAR SERVERS: Team Archangel Gabriel.
Parish Altar Team Members
Altar Team Archangel Michael: Matthew Cromack, AJ Georgilas (Asst. Cap.) and Matthew Georgilas
Altar Team Archangel Gabriel: Eliot Hess, Leland Hess, Linus LaFond (Asst. Cap.) and Mark Saad
Cap., Mario Salzillo

TODAY'S MYRRHBEARER: Elena Salzillo.
Cap., Eleni LaFond.

YOUTH HOMILY: “Guardian Angels and Godparents.”

TODAY'S EPISTLE: Eleni LaFond.

MEMORIAL: Pauline Douvris, 40 days. May her memory be eternal!

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: Sponsored by the Douvris-Guinan Family in loving memory of Pauline Douvris. Following Divine Liturgy, join us for refreshments and friendship in the parish hall. This month and beyond, Fellowship Hour sponsors are welcome and needed. Please sign up in the hall this weekend or use our SignUpGenius link. 

ALTAR FLOWERS: Sponsored by the Douvris-Guinan Family in loving memory of Pauline Douvris. Please consider sponsoring altar flowers for a coming Sunday. The donation for flower sponsorships is $75. Please contact Gina in the church office to learn more or sponsor. 

KOLIVA PREPARATION: Parishioners often ask for help in preparing Koliva and may contact Gina Drugas to order a plate for a memorial ($100 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

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Second Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Mark 16:1-8

When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?" And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back - it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, He is not here; see the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter that He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him, as He told you." And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Epistle Reading

Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)
The Reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 8:8-13; 9:1-2

Brethren, food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. Only take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if any one sees you, a man of knowledge, at table in an idol's temple, might he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? And so by your knowledge this weak man is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of my brother's falling, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to fall.

Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

Gospel Reading

Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)
The Reading is from Matthew 25:31-46

The Lord said, "When the Son of man comes in his glory and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.' Then he will say to those at his left hand, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' Then he will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.' And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

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Saints and Feasts

February 23

Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)

The foregoing two parables -- especially that of the Prodigal Son -- have presented to us God's extreme goodness and love for man. But lest certain persons, putting their confidence in this alone, live carelessly, squandering upon sin the time given them to work out their salvation, and death suddenly snatch them away, the most divine Fathers have appointed this day's feast commemorating Christ's impartial Second Coming, through which we bring to mind that God is not only the Friend of man, but also the most righteous Judge, Who recompenses to each according to his deeds.

It is the aim of the holy Fathers, through bringing to mind that fearful day, to rouse us from the slumber of carelessness unto the work of virtue, and to move us to love and compassion for our brethren. Besides this, even as on the coming Sunday of Cheese-fare we commemorate Adam's exile from the Paradise of delight -- which exile is the beginning of life as we know it now -- it is clear that today's is reckoned the last of all feasts, because on the last day of judgment, truly, everything of this world will come to an end.

All foods, except meat and meat products, are allowed during the week that follows this Sunday.

February 23

Polycarp the Holy Martyr & Bishop of Smyrna

This apostolic and prophetic man, and model of faith and truth, was a disciple of John the Evangelist, successor of Bucolus (Feb. 6), and teacher of Irenaeus (Aug. 23). He was an old man and full of days when the fifth persecution was raised against the Christians under Marcus Aurelius. When his pursuers, sent by the ruler, found Polycarp, he commanded that they be given something to eat and drink, then asked them to give him an hour to pray; he stood and prayed, full of grace, for two hours, so that his captors repented that they had come against so venerable a man. He was brought by the Proconsul of Smyrna into the stadium and was commanded, "Swear by the fortune of Caesar; repent, and say, 'Away with the atheists.'" By atheists, the Proconsul meant the Christians. But Polycarp, gazing at the heathen in the stadium, waved his hand towards them and said, "Away with the atheists." When the Proconsul urged him to blaspheme against Christ, he said: "I have been serving Christ for eighty-six years, and He has wronged me in nothing; how can I blaspheme my King Who has saved me?" But the tyrant became enraged at these words and commanded that he be cast into the fire, and thus he gloriously expired about the year 163. As Eusebius says, "Polycarp everywhere taught what he had also learned from the Apostles, which also the Church has handed down; and this alone is true" (Eccl. Hist., Book IV, ch. 14,15).

February 23

Proterios, Archbishop of Alexandria

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Wisdom of the Fathers

"Christian love is the 'possible impossibility' to see Christ in another man, whoever he is..."
Alexander Schmemann
Great Lent, 20th Century

So great was the honour and providential care which God bestowed upon man that He brought the entire sensible world into being before him and for his sake. The kingdom of heaven was prepared for him from the foundation of the world (cf. Matt. 25:34); God first took counsel concerning him, and then he was fashioned by God's hand and according to the image of God (cf. Gen. 1:26-27). God did not form the whole man from matter and from the elements of this sensible world, as He did the other animals. He formed only man's body from these materials; but man's soul He took from things supercelestial or, rather, it came from God Himself when mysteriously He breathed life into man (cf. Gen. 2:7).
St. Gregory Palamas
Topics of Natural and Theological Science no. 24, The Philokalia Vol. 4 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg. 356, 14th century

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Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD, JUDGMENT SUNDAY
We look forward to worshipping with you at Saint Gregory: 
Orthros, 8:30 am
Divine Liturgy, 9:30 am
Each week, Sunday School classes begin immediately after Holy Communion. All are warmly invited to join us for refreshments and fellowhip after Divine Liturgy. 

STREAMING DETAILS/MEDIA FOR THIS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD
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" 

SOUL SATURDAYS, FEBRUARY 22ND; MARCH 1ST & 8TH
Join us for any or all of our services, and please let Fr. Alex know if you are able to bring koliva. List of names (just first names needed) may be emailed to Father, dropped off at the office or brought on the days of the services. Listing forms are available in the Narthex for your convenience. Names need only be listed once to be read at all three Soul Saturday memorials. 

GODPARENT SUNDAY, THIS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD
The bond between Godparents and Godchildren is a strong one—and one that lasts for a lifetime. Godparents lead their Godchildren in faith and personal spirituality; likewise, Godchildren enrich and inspire the lives of Godparents. This is a relationship worth celebrating. This Sunday, we have witness pins for everyone, and Fr. Alex and Fr. Manny will lead us in a special prayer for our Godparents and Godchildren before Holy Communion.

PHILOPTOCHOS COOKIE WALK, THIS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD
During Fellowship Hour, our table will be filled with a variety of cookies for purchase. Take a delicious walk along the table, selecting a 1/2 dozen, dozen or more treats, knowing that the money raised will go directly to local charities and service programs. See you in the hall, and bring your sweet tooth!    

“SOUPER” BOWL SUNDAY & GOYA OUTING, MARCH 2ND
Please bring non-perishable food donations to church next Sunday, along with some funds for the “Souper” Pot. After Sunday School, all GOYAns are invited to join Mr. Christo for a trip to Mansfield Food Pantry. We will drop off the loving donations we have collected for the Souper Bowl and spend time with the dedicated staff at the pantry.

TUPPERWARE SALE, MARCH 16TH
Joan Maimonis will offer a Tupperware “cash and carry” sale to benefit the Philoptochos. Peak through her expansive inventory for great items to take home that day. Many thanks to Joan for sponsoring this wonderful event. 

ORTHODOXY 101: “THE BIBLE & OUR SAINTS,” MARCH 16TH
Join Fr. Alex for this final session of Orthodoxy 101 during Fellowship Hour. We will wrap up our study of Introducing the Orthodox Church (begun last fall), reflect upon the place of scripture and the saints in our faith and make plans for post-Pascha sessions. All are welcome, and we will be focusing on pgs. 197-240 of our book.

HOPE/JOY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY EVENT, MARCH 22ND
Children grades K - 6th are invited to join us for learning, enrichment and lots of fun. We will take a look at the real-life story of Saint Patrick, enjoy a pizza lunch, decorate cookies and much more. See our flyer and save the date.

PARISH GENERAL ASSEMBLY, MARCH 23RD
Please save the date for this important meeting of our parish family. An agenda will soon be available and emailed to our Stewards.

SAINT GREGORY ORATORICAL FESTIVAL, MARCH 30TH
Plans are being made for our parish festival, and many thanks to Brian Hess for once again serving as chair for this exciting youth event. Topics and materials will be shared with our Sunday School classes this week. Parents, please save the date and encourage your children to participate fully.

PARASCO SERVICE/ENRICHMENT SCHOLARSHIP APPS., DUE MARCH 31ST
High schoolers and graduating high school seniors interested in participating in Orthodox service or enrichment programs are invited to apply for this scholarship. The details and approved institutions are outlined here, and the application is due by March 31st. Please contact Fr. Alex with any questions.

STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY 2025 
As we move into the new year, we hope and pray God will help us embrace parish giving with renewed enthusiasm and commitment. With this year’s theme in mind (“Your Own of Your Own”), may we all discover the love and dedication to offer our heartfelt gifts to the Lord’s church. Visit the Stewardship pages of our parish website to learn more about Stewardship and to access our 2025 materials:
Stewardship Program 2025 | Saint Gregory the Theologian

2025 PARISH COUNCIL OFFICERS
Congratulations to our 2025 Parish Council officers: Steve Drugas, President; Lou Douvris, Vice President; Phil LaFond, Treasurer; Joe Cara Donna III, Assistant Treasurer; Kristin Lewis, Secretary; and Frank Sousa, Assistant Secretary. We wish our entire Parish Council a spiritually fruitful year of service at our parish home.

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 Brian Kaufman 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. & Thur., 9 am - 1 pm. Wed., 1 - 4 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 Secretary Gina Drugas: Monday, Thursday, & Friday: 1 - 3 pm; Wednesday: 7:30 am - 11:30 am. Contact Gina: [email protected]; 508.337.9986.

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Calendar: Next Two Weeks

  • Saint Gregory Parish Calendar

    February 23 to March 9, 2025

    Sunday, February 23

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School

    11:15AM Philoptochos Cookie Walk

    11:15AM Godparent Sunday event

    11:15AM Knitting Ministry

    Saturday, March 1

    2nd Soul Saturday

    8:45AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy & Memorial

    Sunday, March 2

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School

    10:45AM OCF Visit

    Sunday, March 9

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School

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Coming Events & News

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Archdiocese News

Empowering Voices: The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese’s Girl Delegates to the United Nations

02/11/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/empowering-voices-the-greek-orthodox-archdiocese-s-girl-delegates-to-the-united-nations?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss%3F_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_currentURL%3D%252Fnews%252Frecent-news%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_portletAjaxable%3Dtrue

In the rich history of the Greek Orthodox Church in America (GOA), the role of girls is both vibrant and multifaceted. And in today’s increasingly interconnected world, the importance of youth engagement in global discussions cannot be overstated. The Girl Delegate Program to the United Nations (UN) stands as a beacon of empowerment, providing young women with the opportunity to represent their faith and culture in the international arena.


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