November 22
MBC Fall Camp Great Success
11/03/2020
Over the weekend of October 31st and November 1st, the Metropolis of Boston hosted its 3rd and 4th Fall Camp offering.
Saint Gregory the Theologian
Publish Date: 2020-11-22
Bulletin Contents
A Word from Father Alex
Sunday Notes
Ministries, Programs & Events
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:
- 2020-11-15
- Publish Date:
- 2020-11-08
- Publish Date:
- 2020-11-01
- Publish Date:
- 2020-10-25
- Publish Date:
- 2020-10-18
A Word from Father Alex
Fellow Parishioners & Friends:
I hope this note finds you well and preparing for a lovely Thanksgiving—the best it can be during these challenging times. Many of us will not be able to spend time with family members because of COVID-19 or at least will have our interactions limited; I wish you good strength, and I know this hurts. Remember, our hearts are strong and the Lord is with us. We can be together in spirit, even when we can’t be face to face. Our profound sense of “Thanksgiving” to God is real and will go on no matter what.
If you are able to join us this Saturday, Nov. 21, we will offer Orthros (8:45 am) and Divine Liturgy (9:30 am) for the Entrance of the Theotokos—don’t forget to sign up. And we also hope to worship with you on Sunday the 22nd, the 9th Sunday of Luke, whether on campus or from home. My homily, “Long Shadows, Dark Days,” will focus on the Nativity preparation period, which began on Nov. 15. Our Youth Religious Education Ministry will continue following Holy Communion; please see specific announcements within this Sunday Bulletin and from your child’s teachers for details on in-person and/or virtual class.
The Philoptochos Thanksgiving Dinner Drive wraps up this Sunday (see the food/funds donation box in the Narthex; thanks to our Religious Education students and GOYAns, too, for making cards!). GOYAns who would like to help with organizing and packaging food this Sunday should meet me in the Church after we give out Antidoro. Also, for Philoptochos supporters who have not yet picked up their pies and wine yet (and even Tupperware from last year), please contact the Church Office at your earliest convenience.
The GOYA Giving Tree, which will touch the lives of Mansfield families who could use a little help this Christmas, is “on”! The sign-up page link is within this bulletin and posted on our Facebook page. Please commit to this worthy project today and offer what you can during this holy time of year.
Many thanks to all those who participated in our Orthodox Life: “Eleven Stories” Zoom session last week. It was well-attended and a great conversation. Though at the end of our session we discussed a possible next gathering on a coming Sunday, we will need to shift gears to Wed, Dec. 2, 7 pm. A Zoom link and readings will be offered next week. We look forward to continuing the discussion.
Finally, Stewardship Sunday will be Dec. 6 at Saint Gregory! The official invitation, supporting materials and 2021 Commitment Card will soon be in the mail to all our Stewards. Please save the date and prepare for a wonderful in-person and virtual event.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Alex
Sunday Notes
EPISTLE READER: Matt Jumes. Our youth are especially encouraged to contact Fr. Alex to read on a coming Sunday, in person or remotely. Parents, please let Father know if your daughter or son might like to read.
HOMILY: "Long Shadows, Dark Days"
MEMORIALS: No memorials today.
ALTAR SERVERS: Chris and Peter Botchis. 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
Ministries, Programs & Events
ORTHROS, DIVINE LITURGY & SUNDAY SCHOOL, NOV 22
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
SUPPORT THE GIVING TREE THIS WEEK!
The GOYA Giving Tree, which will touch the lives of Mansfield families who could use a little help this Christmas, is “on”! The sign-up page link is within this bulletin and posted on our Facebook page. Please commit to this worthy project today and offer what you can during this holy time of year. Contact Stacey Mullert to learn more or with any questions: Staceymullert13@gmail.com.
PHILOPTOCHOS THANKSGIVING DINNER DRIVE ENDS, NOV 22
The Philoptochos Thanksgiving Dinner Drive wraps up this Sunday (see the food/funds donation box in the Narthex; thanks to our Religious Education students and GOYAns, too, for making cards!). GOYAns who would like to help with organizing and packaging food this Sunday should meet me in the Church after we give out Antidoro. Also, for Philoptochos supporters who have not yet picked up their pies and wine yet (and even Tupperware from last year), please contact the Church Office at your earliest convenience.
CARDS FOR THE THANKSGIVING DRIVE DUE, NOV 22
Many thanks to our youth for making cards, pictures poems and other notes of encouragement to include with the Thanksgiving Dinner packages--the last day to get them to Fr. Alex is Sunday, Nov. 22. They can be dropped at the office this week or brought by on Sunday. Please contact him with any questions.
ORTHODOX LIFE "ELEVEN STORIES," DEC 2, 7 PM
We had a great first meeting--thanks to all who participated. The series focuses 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 are giving 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 for the Dec. 2 session, and brief pre-reading activity, will be forwarded to our parish family next week.
SPECIAL JOY ACTIVITY AVAILABLE: "A PURPOSEFUL THANKSGIVING ACTION"
With the COVID situation, it certainly has been a challenge to bring our Saint Gregory JOY Ministry together for activities and outings. We all miss getting together. To help us stay connected during this time, we offer this simple Thanksgiving-oriented activity especially for our parish's younger children and their families. We can all do this activity within our families and stay connected to one another through our concern for others. Please share your stories--and even photos of your family at work on this project--with Fr. Alex. The activity description and steps to follow are right on our parish Facebook page. View it here anytime:
https://www.facebook.com/saintgregorythetheologian/posts/4055750134439204
PARISH COUNCIL LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY
While the Archdiocesan Uniform Parish Regulations require Parish Council elections be held in person, due to Covid-19 safety concerns the Metropolis is allowing parishes to forgo 2021 Parish Council elections. As discussed during our recent General Assembly, we are requesting permission from His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios to forgo 2021 Parish Council elections. At this time, one active member of the Parish Council does not plan to serve in 2021. If you have any interest in serving on the Parish Council, please contact Fr. Alex, Cathy Cooper, or any member of the Parish Council.
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
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, for 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 any one, for they were afraid.
Epistle Reading
9th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 2:14-22
Brethren, Christ is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Gospel Reading
9th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 12:16-21
The Lord said this parable: "The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought to himself, 'What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' And he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, 'Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.' But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." As he said these things, he cried out: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
Hymns of the Day
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Grave Mode
By Your Cross, O Christ our God, You destroyed death. You opened paradise to the thief. You transformed the lament of the Myrrh-bearing women, and You commanded the Apostles to proclaim You are risen, granting the world Your great mercy.
Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Entry of the Theotokos in the Fourth Mode
Today is the prelude of God's pleasure and the proclamation of man's salvation. The Virgin is clearly made manifest in the temple of God and foretells Christ to all. Let us also cry out to her with mighty voice, "Hail, fulfillment of the Creator's dispensation."
Saint Gregory the Theologian in the First Mode
Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode
Today, the most pure temple of the Savior, the precious bridal chamber and Virgin, the sacred treasure of God, enters the house of the Lord, bringing the grace of the Divine Spirit. The Angels of God praise her. She is the heavenly tabernacle.
Saints and Feasts
November 22
9th Sunday of Luke
November 22
Archippus the Apostle, Philemon the Apostle & his wife, Apphia, Onesimos the Disciple of Paul
Philemon, who was from Colossae, a city of Phrygia, was a man both wealthy and noble; Apphia was his wife. Archippus became Bishop of the Church in Colossae. All three were disciples of the Apostle Paul. Onesimus, who was formerly an unbeliever and slave of Philemon, stole certain of his vessels and fled to Rome. However, on finding him there, the Apostle Paul guided him onto the path of virtue and the knowledge of the truth, and sent him back to his master Philemon, to whom he wrote an epistle (this is one of the fourteen epistles of Saint Paul). In this epistle, Paul commended Onesimus to his master and reconciled the two. Onesimus was later made a bishop; in Greece he is honoured as the patron Saint of the imprisoned. All these Saints received their end by martyrdom, when they were stoned to death by the idolaters. Saint Onesimus is also commemorated on February 15.
Wisdom of the Fathers
I cannot be silent about the story of Hesychius the Horebite. He passed his life in complete negligence, without paying the least attention to his soul. Then he became extremely ill, and for an hour he left his body.
Ladder of Divine Ascent. Step 6: On Remembrance of Death, 6th Century
And when he came to himself, he begged us all to leave him immediately. And he built up the door of his cell, and he stayed in it for twelve years without ever uttering a word to anyone, and without eating anything but bread and water.
Ladder of Divine Ascent. Step 6: On Remembrance of Death, 6th Century
Metropolis of Boston News
11/03/2020
Archepiscopal Message
Archiepiscopal Encyclical: Inaugural National Philoptochos Sunday
11/12/2020
Ecumenical Patriarchate News
Communiqué from Ecumenical Patriarchate Regarding Upcoming Visit of Sec. of State Michael R. Pompeo
11/16/2020
We are pleased to announce that the Hon. Michael R. Pompeo, United States Secretary of State, will at his initiative visit the See of the Ecumenical Patriarchate this Tuesday, November 17, which is the source of joy and honor for the Mother Church of Constantinople.