Saint Gregory the Theologian
Publish Date: 2025-03-23
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:

This Sunday, March 23, is the Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross. On the Third Sunday of Lent each year, the Church presents us with the Cross of our Lord to strengthen and encourage us at this midpoint of Lent. This moment also prepares us to venerate the Holy Cross during Holy Week, as we engage the Passion of the Christ. During Divine Liturgy this Sunday, we will kneel before the beautifully decorated Cross and raise high the sacrifice of our Lord. Flowers from the Cross will be given to our faithful, including our Sunday School children.

Following Divine Liturgy, we have our spring General Assembly. Please join us for this important meeting of our parish family. The Philoptochos Dignity Matters Drive launches this Sunday, and we will extend last week’s Tupperware sale through this weekend, as there is still a bit more inventory. Please support these Philoptochos efforts in the ways you can. Our Philoptochos is an impactful group of dedicated parishioners who touch the lives of God’s people locally, nationally and internationally.

As mentioned the last several weeks, we have many decorating needs throughout Lent, Holy Week and Easter. Please consider our flower donation form (in the Coming Events section of this eBulletin) and do what you can--I greatly appreciate your interest and generosity as we engage this holy season of the Church. 

Fr. Alex

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Sunday Notes

TODAY'S ALTAR SERVERS: Team Archangel Michael.
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: Sydney LaFond.
Cap., Eleni LaFond. 

TODAY'S EPISTLE: Ashleigh Cromack. 

HOMILY: “What Do You Carry?”

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: 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: 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

Sixth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:36-53

At that time, having risen from the dead, Jesus went up and stood among His disciples and said to them, "Peace be with you." But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit. And He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; handle Me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have." And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, He said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" They gave Him a piece of broiled fish [and some honeycomb], and He took it and ate before them. Then He said to them, "These are My words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about Me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled." Then He opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in His name in all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." Then He led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up His hands, He blessed them. While He blessed them, He parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the Temple blessing God.

Epistle Reading

Sunday of the Holy Cross
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6

BRETHREN, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee"; as he says also in another place, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek."

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Holy Cross
The Reading is from Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."

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Saints and Feasts

March 23

Sunday of the Holy Cross

With the help of God, we have almost reached the middle of the course of the Fast, where our strength has been worn down through abstinence, and the full difficulty of the labour set before us becomes apparent. Therefore our holy Mother, the Church of Christ, now brings to our help the all-holy Cross, the joy of the world, the strength of the faithful, the staff of the just, and the hope of sinners, so that by venerating it reverently, we might receive strength and grace to complete the divine struggle of the Fast.

March 23

The Holy Righteous Martyr Nicon and His 199 Disciples

Saint Nicon was from Neapolis (Naples) in Italy. His father was an idolater and his mother a Christian. At first he was a soldier, but later he went to the East, where he was baptized and in time became a bishop. After some years, he returned to the West and came to Sicily, where he and many of his disciples were put to death by beheading because they would not worship the idols.

March 23

Anatolios & Protoleon the Martyrs converted by the martyrdom of St. George

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Wisdom of the Fathers

The key to knowledge is the humility of Christ. The door of the Kingdom of Heaven is open, not to those who only know in their learned minds the mysteries of faith and the commandments of their Creator, but to those who have progressed far enough to live by them.
St. Bede the Venerable
Unknown, 8th century

To deny oneself means to give up one's bad habits; to root out of the heart all that ties us to the world; not to cherish bad thoughts and desires; to suppress every evil thought; to avoid occasions of sin; not to desire or to do anything out of self-love, but to do everything out of love for God. To deny oneself, according to St. Paul means "to be dead to sin. . . but alive to God."
St. Innocent of Alaska
The Lenten Spring, SVS Press, p. 147, 19th Century

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Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR SUNDAY, MARCH 23RD, SUNDAY OF THE HOLY CROSS
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, MARCH 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" 

LENTEN & HOLY WEEK FLOWER DONATIONS
With the approach of Great Lent, we are now accepting funds to decorate our holy space for our divine services. Immediate needs include the icon of Theotokos and Child for the Salutations services and the Holy Cross tray for mid-Lent. Please see the sign-up form (FlowerNeedsDonationFormfor2025Final-0.pdf) and contact the church office to confirm your offering.

SUNDAY SCHOOL RETREAT HYGIENE KIT DONATIONS
This month, please bring your donations for IOCC Hygiene Kits to the Narthex bin. Each year, we have a service component to our retreat, giving our children an opportunity to give "hands and feet" to their Orthodox Faith. Our flyer (IOCCHygieneKitDonationList-0.pdf) has the complete list of needed items, and thank you for your support. 

PARISH GENERAL ASSEMBLY, THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 23RD
Following Divine Liturgy, join us in the hall for our spring General Assembly. Generally, these meetings of our parish family occur only twice per year, and it is important for us to gather in reflection and planning for the sake of our mission: the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Agenda and Treasurer Report have been emailed to our parishioners.

PHILOPTOCHOS UPDATES
***The Dignity Matters Drive begins this Sunday and will run through Easter. We are collecting menstrual products, bras and underwear for homeless and disadvantaged women and girls. There will be a collection box in the Narthex for donated items, or you may purchase from our Amazon list (Amazon.com) and have your donations shipped directly to Philoptochos.
***Last Sunday’s Tupperware sale will be extended through this Sunday's Fellowship Hour. Come see the remaining inventory and support Philoptochos with your purchase.

IOCC PRESENTATION WITH LOU ZAGAMI, MARCH 28TH
Following the Salutations service, beginning at 6 pm, IOCC's Lou Zagami will offer a discussion-based presentation on IOCC's (International Orthodox Christian Charities) disaster relief efforts, with special emphasis on his recent field work in Los Angeles County. Join us for worship, the presentation and refreshments in the hall.

ORATORICAL FESTIVAL UPDATES, MARCH 30TH
Our parish festival is quickly approaching, and final preparations are being made. All participants must register online prior to the event on March 30th. Please use the following link to register at your earliest convenience: https://religioused.formstack.com/forms/sjcof_participant_1. Enter Parish Chairperson as Brian Hess and the email as [email protected]. Please contact Brian at this email if you have any questions.

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.

PARASCO ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP APPS., DUE APRIL 28TH
If you are a steward of St. Gregory, graduating high school this June, and plan to attend a college or university you are encouraged to apply for a scholarship that will be awarded to seniors. The application is available online (http://bit.ly/3nySVL8) and applications are due April 28th, 2025. For questions please email the scholarship committee: [email protected].

LENTEN RESOURCE
The Archdiocesan website features a helpful and inspiring Lenten resource: Great Lent, Holy Week, and Pascha in the Orthodox Church - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. This guide through Great Lent highlights the themes of each week of Lent and outlines the origin and purpose of our weekly Salutations services. Please visit the site each week of your own Lenten journey for guidance and inspiration.  

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

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., 9 am - 1 pm; Wed., 1 - 4 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 Secretary Gina Drugas: Monday, Wed., Thursday, & Friday: 1 - 3 pm; Tue.: 12:30 - 2 pm. Contact Gina: [email protected]; 508.337.9986.

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Calendar: Next Two Weeks

  • Saint Gregory Parish Calendar

    March 23 to April 6, 2025

    Sunday, March 23

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School

    11:15AM Tupperware sale

    11:15AM Parish General Assembly

    Tuesday, March 25

    Annunciation Liturgy canceled

    Wednesday, March 26

    9:00AM PreSanctified Liturgy

    Friday, March 28

    6:00PM Salutations Service

    7:30PM IOCC Presentation/Reception

    Sunday, March 30

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School

    11:15AM Parish Oratorical Festival

    11:15AM Knitting Ministry

    Wednesday, April 2

    6:00PM PreSanctified Liturgy

    Friday, April 4

    6:30PM Akathist Hymn

    Sunday, April 6

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School

    11:30AM Men's Prayer Group

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Coming Events & News

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Archdiocese News

Kids Sunday Sermon Series Launched by the Department of Religious Education (DRE)

03/10/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/ksss-1?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

The Department of Religious Education (DRE) is excited to introduce the Kids Sunday Sermon Series, an easy-to-download weekly sermon resource designed for children in grades K to 3 or older.


Gathered as One Body: Disability, Accessibility, and Inclusion in the Orthodox Church

03/18/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/gathered-as-one-body-disability-accessibility-and-inclusion-in-the-orthodox-church?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

The Huffington Ecumenical Institute at Hellenic College Holy Cross invites you to GATHERED AS ONE BODY, a groundbreaking conference dedicated to fostering accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities within the Orthodox Church.


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