November 01
Saint Gregory the Theologian
Publish Date: 2020-11-01
Bulletin Contents
A Word from Father Alex
Sunday Notes
Parish Ministry, Program & Event Updates
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
Wisdom of the Fathers
Metropolis of Boston News
Archepiscopal Message
Ecumenical Patriarchate News
Saint Gregory the Theologian
General Information
- Phone:
- (508)337-9986
- Fax:
- (508)337-9987
- Street Address:
- 1007 West Street
- Mansfield, MA 02048
- Mailing Address:
- 1007 West Street
- 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. Please see weekly updates from our ministry leaders for updates on each class.
Past Bulletins
- Publish Date:
- 2020-10-25
- Publish Date:
- 2020-10-18
A Word from Father Alex
Dearest Parishioners & Friends:
I hope this note finds you, and yours, healthy and well. We’re slated to gain an extra hour of sleep this weekend—enjoy! It’s amazing how little “gifts” like this can help us catch up and refuel a bit, especially during these most unique times.
Of course, nothing helps us refuel—spiritually, emotionally and even physically—like the experience of worship. With this in mind, I once again invite you to join us this Sunday, Nov. 1, for worship and fellowship at your Saint Gregory parish home. Whether you join us on campus or from home, I look forward to worshipping with you. I'll also offer our youth, and all of us, a continuation of last week's homily about the vestments of clergy.
Our Youth Religious Education Ministry will continue following Holy Communion; please see specific announcements from your child’s teachers for details on in-person and/or virtual class.
Looking ahead, we’ll begin Orthodox Life “Eleven Stories” on Wed, Nov. 11, 7 pm via Zoom. I’ll announce a Zoom link and a brief pre-reading project for those interested. Please spread the word—this will be an approachable, engaging study, and no prior experience or expertise with Bible study is necessary.
And as we are entering November, I know the hearts and minds of so many of us turn to Thanksgiving, a season of gratitude and also a season of need and the consideration of those who may be food-insecure and enduring other hardships. To that end, please note that “Food & Friends” will gather for an outreach effort on Nov. 17, and we will also launch a Thanksgiving Dinner Drive for local veterans—and their families—via the good people at the Middlesex Sheriff’s Association. The food will be donated and collected at Saint Gregory and then delivered to the Sheriff’s Association early Thanksgiving week. Many thanks to Philoptochos for their support of and leadership within this effort—see the Philoptochos update within "Parish Ministry" section for all the details. We will also look forward to engaging our GOYAns on this project—more to come on this.
Finally, I want to thank all of the parishioners, local friends and, of course, our animal companions for making last Sunday’s Saint Modestos Pet Blessing Event a wonderful success. Our faithful participated in a brief service, we blessed the pets and then enjoyed some wonderful fellowship—predictably, it was a little crazy at times but what a truly beautiful moment we shared!
There’s much more to see within your Weekly Bulletin. Please read on and stay close to your Saint Gregory family.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Alex
Sunday Notes
EPISTLE READER: Lou Zagami. Contact Fr. Alex to read on a coming Sunday.
HOMILY: Fr. Alex will again discuss clergy vestments as "costume" and identity
MEMORIALS: No memorials today.
ALTAR SERVERS: Greg Douvris & Spencer Riley. Contact Fr. Alex if your son is interested in Altar service--we'd love to grow this ministry.
PRE-REGISTRATION: Thank you for your continued cooperation and patience with the pre-registration process. We will continue with this practice, for the well-being of our parish family, this month. Please register as space is limited.
Pre-register each week right here:
https://signup.com/group/52966497203
ACCESS SERVICES VIA FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/saintgregorythetheologian
ACCES SERVICES VIA YOU TUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgvnXFV6xK1Nhm8ID84jFNg
Parish Ministry, Program & Event Updates
PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS: OCT 31 & BEYOND
1) Pie and Wine Raffle Pick up will be Saturday, Oct. 31 in the church parking lot from 10-11. Please let us know if you are unable to get your pie (or wine) at that time. We have limited freezer space at the church.
2) Wine Raffle last call. The pull will be midday Friday so we will need all payment by then.
3) Thanksgiving Dinner Drive. Philoptochos is happy to announce its food drive benefiting the Middlesex Sheriff’s Association’s Thanksgiving meals project, providing fixings for a Thanksgiving meal for needy individuals. Fr Alex serves as chaplain to the Middlesex Sheriffs and we are happy to help support this ministry.
We will set up a collection box next to the food pantry box in the coat room. We are looking specifically for Thanksgiving sides (cans of peas, cans of corn, bags of stuffing, cranberry sauce, boxes of instant mashed potatoes, cans of Pillsbury or other rolls) and monetary donations for frozen turkeys and pies. There will be a collection envelope in the box, you can use gift plus or please see a Philoptochos member with any monetary donation. We will be collecting food and donations until Sunday November 22. As always, thank you so much for your support of all of our projects.
ORTHROS, DIVINE LITURGY & SUNDAY SCHOOL, NOV 1
We look forward to worshipping with you at Saint Gregory, whether in person or remotely. Orthros, 8:30 am; Divine Liturgy, 9:30 am. Youth Religious Education--in person/remote/or both--begins after Holy Communion or later in the afternoon; please see weekly announcement from your child's teacher. If you plan to worship with us in person, make sure to pre-register early in the week:
Pre-register each week right here:
https://signup.com/group/52966497203
Access Services via Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/saintgregorythetheologian
Access Services via You Tube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgvnXFV6xK1Nhm8ID84jFNg
ORTHODOX LIFE "ELEVEN STORIES," NOV 11, 7 PM
Join us for this special offering for adult parishioners and friends, for our education and inspiration. This and successive sessions will focus on the eleven Resurrectional Gospel readings of Orthros, which explore the glory of Christ's resurrection, as well as the faith, courage and steadfastness exemplified by figures like the Apostles and the Myrrh-bearers. In relation to the unique times we live in, we'll give special attention to the concept of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances--and how the presence of Christ in our lives makes all the different during moments of fear and anxiety. All are welcome to join us. A Zoom link and brief pre-reading activity will be announced soon.
FOOD & FRIENDS, NOV 17
Whether the effort will involve indoor service or "to go" meals, Saint Gregory will be engaged. Each meal our parish prepares and serves feeds about 50 people, and the total cost per event is about $150. Times TBA. Please contact Cathy Cooper to help out or make a donation: ccooper126@verizon.net
ENTRANCE OF THE THEOTOKOS, NOV 21
Join us for Orthros & Divine Liturgy in celebration of the Entrance of the Theotokos. Orthros, 8:30 am; Divine Liturgy, 9:30 am.
SHOPPING LIST FOR THE PHILOPTOCHOS THANKSGIVING DINNER DRIVE
*Frozen turkeys (15 lbs or more)
*Boxes/cans of instant stuffing
*Boxes of instant mashed potatoes
*Packets/jars of instant gravy or gravy
*Pillsbury rolls or similar bread product
*Cans of cranberry sauce
*Cans of peas
*Cans of corn
*Frozen pie
SUNSHINE COMMITTEE MINISTRY: WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
In coordination and support of the pastoral efforts of Fr. Alex, this ministry has been formed to communicate with parishioners who may be homebound, hospitalized, nursing facilities or otherwise unable to regularly make it to Saint Gregory. If you are aware of a parishioner who would welcome such communication and support, or if you would like to connect yourself, please contact the Church Office.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Fr. Alex
Tue (9 am - 1 pm), Wed (11 am - 3 pm) & Thur (9 am - 1 pm); or by appointment anytime.
In person or via Zoom. With the COVID situation please contact Father ahead of time to help keep our campus safe.
Cathy Cooper
By appointment: stgregorytheologian@earthlink.net
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Matins Gospel Reading
Tenth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:1-14
At that time, being raised from the dead, Jesus revealed himself 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; but 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. The 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
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.'"
Hymns of the Day
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Fourth Mode
The women disciples of the Lord heard from the angel, the joyful news of the Resurrection and the repeal of the sentence imposed upon our forefathers. With pride they said to the Apostles, "Death is vanquished, Christ our God is risen bestowing upon the world His great mercy."
Apolytikion for Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian in the Third Mode
Sainted Unmercenaries and Wonder Workers, regard our infirmities; freely you have received, freely share with us.
Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode
The protection of Christians unshameable, intercessor to our Holy Maker, unwavering, do not turn from the prayerful cries of those who are in sin; instead, come to us, for you are good; your loving help bring unto us, who are crying in faith to you: Hasten to intercession and speed now to supplication as a protection for all time, Theotokos, for those who honor you.
Saints and Feasts
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
By these words it is surely shown that in his [the rich man] daily feasting he had frequently sinned by his tongue, seeing that, while burning all over, he demanded to be cooled especially in his tongue. Again, that levity of conduct follows closely upon gluttony sacred authority testifies ... For the most part also edacity leads us even to lechery, because, when the belly is distended by repletion, the stings of lust are excited.
The Book of Pastoral Rule, Chapter XIX, 6th century
The man who has once chosen pleasure in this life, and has not cured his inconsiderateness by repentance, places the land of the good beyond his own reach; for he has dug against himself the yawning impassable abyss of a necessity that nothing can break through.
