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Saint Gregory the Theologian
Publish Date: 2021-02-07
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
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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:

  • 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


A Word from Father Alex

Saint Gregory Parishioners & Friends:

I hope and pray all is well with you and that this week finds you healthy and feeling spiritually strong. What a journey life is—as the Lord leads, guides and protects us, what a blessing it is to have one another. We have so much to be thankful for when we consider our vibrant, loving Saint Gregory Church.

Speaking of our parish home, I hope you will join us this Sunday, Feb. 7 for worship, whether in person or from home. Please make sure to sign up if you’ll be with us in person. Following Holy Communion, Youth Religious Education classes for middle and high school will meet in-person and via Zoom after Holy Communion; our younger grades will meet via Zoom only at 1 pm.

This Sunday is also the long-awaited “Souper” Bowl Sunday event at Saint Gregory. Let’s use the momentum of this exciting day of football for the benefit of those who could use a little extra help. Please see the helpful giving links related to this event within your bulletin, which include donating to IOCC (via the IOCC link or GivePlus) and supporting "Our Daily Bread" (via food donations to Saint Gregory or the Amazon Wish List).

In adult education and enrichment updates, I must move our first Orthodox Life: “Eleven Stories” session to Feb. 17, 7 pm. Details on our readings and topic will soon follow. And here’s something new: at the wonderful suggestion of a parishioner, starting next week, I’ll begin offering weekly video “Check-Ins” that will be posted on social media and our website. These will be 2 or 3 minute short videos addressed to our parishioners of all ages, with the idea of creating some type of “face time” each week and doing a bit of teaching on aspects of our Orthodox Faith. Especially during these rather isolating times, I hope these are helpful and something you might enjoy.

In addition to our exemplary Youth Religious Education classes and efforts, we also have several excellent items for our youth this and next month. This year, MBC Winter Camp is going “on the road” and coming to several New England locations. There is a registration link within this bulletin, and I hope as many of our beloved young people as possible will register. Looking to March, we are tentatively planning an engaging Lenten Bible Study event for our GOYAns, as well as a celebration of Saint Patrick for our JOY children (both via Zoom). Dates, times and all the good details on both events are forthcoming.

Enjoy the big game this weekend and, again, let us also use this occasion to consider, help and pray for those who are struggling and facing difficult circumstances.

Fr. Alex

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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: "What's Your Talent?"

MEMORIALS: George Deligeorges, 40 days. May his memory be eternal!

ALTAR SERVERS: Miles Kaufman & Matt Jumes. 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

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Ministries, Programs & Events

ORTHROS & DIVINE LITURGY, Feb 7
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 classes continue this week following Holy Communion (in person and via Zoom for middle/high school) or at 1 pm (via Zoom only younger grades); parents, please see this week's emails from your child's teacher for details. If you plan to worship with us in person, make sure to pre-register early in the week
Please note that in accordinace with Gov. Baker's latest COVID-19 restrictions, Saint Gregory's maximum capacity limit is now 50 individuals. We thank you for your continued patience and understanding. 

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

"SOUPER BOWL" OF CARING, FEB 7
The effort is all about raising awareness of food insecurity and taking action on behalf of those who need our help. Please see the helpful giving links related to this event within your bulletin, which include donating to IOCC (via the IOCC link or GivePlus) and supporting "Our Daily Bread" (via food donations to Saint Gregory or the Amazon Wish List). Thank you for your support leading up to and on the 7th!

ORTHODOX LIFE: "ELEVEN STORIES" RESUMES, FEB 17 (MOVED FROM FEB 10)
We look forward to study, growth in the faith and friendship in 2021. Topics and readings for our forthcoming "Eleven Stories" sessions are forthcoming. Please save the date of the 17th, 7 pm via Zoom.

MBC WINTER CAMP, THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY
Our Metropolis camping ministry will take a different approach for Winter Camp 2021: throughout the month, camp will be "on the road" in several different New England locations. Register today as space is limited: WINTER CAMP 2021 - Metropolis of Boston Camp

PHILOPTOCHOS MEMBERSHIP DRIVE THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY
Our annual membership drive is underway. Annual dues for 2021 remain at $35 and includes membership in the National and Boston Metropolis Philoptochos as well as our own Saint Anastasia chapter. Our little chapter has achieved many great successes over the past few years--even during the Covid crisis--all due to the hard work and generosity of many of you. We are excited to continue this momentum through 2021 with all of you. While all members of Saint Gregory are welcome to attend and participate in all general Philoptochos meetings and events, only paid members are entitled to vote on elections, expenditures and certain other items. Please use the membership form link within your weekly parish email to become a member of continue your membership. Even if you believe your information is up to date, please fill out all the information requested.

FOOD & FRIENDS, MARCH 16
For the 16th, we are still limited to preparing the "to go" meals of the last several months, due to the COVID situation. In addition, to our usual meal effort in March, we also are offering an opportunity to contribute "Self Care Kits." If each Steward family could assemble at least one of these kits before March 16, we could have 100 or more to donate to the effort. Each kit would contain items such as deodorant, sanitary wipes, a reusable mask, a small hand sanitizer, socks and a few healthy snacks such as granola, dried fruit, crackers, etc. Since we all can't be as hands on with volunteering during these times, this is a great way to keep the whole family engaged. If you would like to learn more about the Self Care Kits," sponsor one of our events, such as the March 16 meal, make a donation of food items and/or join us in preparing and serving, contact Cathy Cooper: 781.799.5134; ccooper126@verizon.net.

NEW WEBSITE TEMPLATE
Our new website is up and running! If you visit this week, you may note that our parish calendar is updated and active, as well as a host of creative updates and new features. There is still a great deal of content to examine and update; this process will take months, so please be patient with us. Ideas or suggestions? Contact Fr. Alex or Webmaster John Tomarakos

NEW DIVINE LITURGY TEXTS DONATION OPPORTUNITY
As we look forward to a time when we will once again be able to sing together and utilize service books at Saint Gregory, the time has come to consider updated texts, reflecting the latest and official English translation of the Divine Liturgy. The Archdiocesan Dept. of Religious Education has updated hymnals and Divine Liturgy books our parish is interested in utilizing. Fr. Alex is still studying the options before us, but any parishioners interested in learning more about this undertaking and perhaps becoming financial sponsors of the news books are invited to contact Father. 
 
STEWARDSHIP IN 2021
We are all grateful for the moving, inspiring testimonials of both Chris Botches and Kathy Kalogeras (videos soon to be available to our parishioners), as well as the leadership of Stewardship Chair Phil LaFond on Stewardship Sunday in December. Many thanks to all of our Saint Gregory parishioners who have already committed for 2021--we're off to a great start! 2021 Commitment Cards have been mailed to all our Stewards and are available via the Church Office. You can also fill out yours, and give online, via our website Stewardship Page: ​www.saintgregorythetheologian.org/stewardship/. GivePlus is another great option for giving--see the GivePlus app within our weekly parish email. 

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

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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, 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.

Gospel Reading

16th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 25:14-30

The Lord said this parable: "A man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them; and he made five talents more. So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not winnow; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather where I have not winnowed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to every one who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth." As he said these things he cried out: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Mode

When You descended to death, O Immortal Life, then, the light of Your divinity destroyed Hades. When You raised the dead from the depths of darkness, all the heavenly powers cried out, "Glory to You our Christ, the Giver of Life."

Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Presentation in the First Mode

Hail Virgin Theotokos full of Grace, for Christ our God, the Sun of Righteousness, has dawned from you, granting light to those in darkness. And you, O Righteous Elder, rejoice, taking in your arms, the Deliverance of our souls, who grants us Resurrection.

Seasonal Kontakion in the First Mode

Your birth sanctified a Virgin's womb and properly blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and saved us O Christ our God, give peace to Your commonwealth in troubled times and strengthen those in authority, whom You love, as only the loving One.
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Saints and Feasts

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February 07

Afterfeast of the Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple

Mattevng
February 07

16th Sunday of Matthew

Allsaint
February 07

Parthenius, Bishop of Lampsacus

Saint Parthenius was born in Melitopolis on the Hellespont, the son of a deacon named Christopher. Because of the miracles that he wrought even as a young man, he was ordained a priest and then Bishop of Lampsacus in the days of Saint Constantine the Great, from whom he received great gifts and authority both to overturn the altars of the idols and to raise up a church to the glory of Christ. Working many miracles throughout his life, he reposed in peace an old man and full of days.

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Wisdom of the Fathers

There is an old saying: 'Excesses meet.' Too much fasting and too much eating come to the same end. Keeping too long a vigil brings the same disastrous cost as ... sluggishness... Too much self-denial brings weakness and induces the same condition as carelessness. Often I have seen men who would not be snared by gluttony fall, nevertheless, through immoderate fasting and tumble in weakness into the very urge which they had overcome. Unmeasured vigils and foolish denial of rest overcame those whom sleep could not overcome. Therefore, 'fortified to right and to left in the armor of justice,' as the apostle says (2 Cor. 6:7), life must be lived with due measure and, with discernment for a guide, the road must be traveled between the two kinds of excess so that in the end we may not allow ourselves to be diverted from the pathway of restraint which has been laid down for us nor fall through dangerous carelessness into the urgings of gluttony and self-indulgence.
St. John Cassian
Conferences, Conference Two: On Discernment no. 16; Paulist Press pg. 76, 5th century

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Metropolis of Boston News

THE UNITY OF GOD’S CHURCH AND THE ORTHODOX CHURCH - Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Clapsis

02/04/2021

http://boston.goarch.org/news/metropolis_news/2020/2530.html
Read an article by the Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Clapsis published by Public Orthodoxy of Fordham University

Fr. Alexander Orphanos Installed at Annunciation in Woburn, MA

02/02/2021

http://boston.goarch.org/news/metropolis_news/2020/2528.html
On January 31st, 2021, His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios visited the Annunciation parish of Woburn, MA and installed Fr. Alexander Orphanos as presiding priest.

Fr. Odisseys Drossos Installed at St. Nectarios in Roslindale, MA

01/26/2021

http://boston.goarch.org/news/metropolis_news/2020/2526.html
On January 24th, 2021, His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios visited the St. Nectarios parish of Roslindale, MA and installed Fr. Odisseys Drossos as presiding priest.
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