February 14
THE UNITY OF GOD’S CHURCH AND THE ORTHODOX CHURCH - Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Clapsis
02/04/2021
Read an article by the Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Clapsis published by Public Orthodoxy of Fordham University
Saint Gregory the Theologian
Publish Date: 2021-02-14
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:
- 2021-02-07
- Publish Date:
- 2021-01-31
- Publish Date:
- 2021-01-24
- Publish Date:
- 2021-01-17
- Publish Date:
- 2021-01-10
- Publish Date:
- 2021-01-03
A Word from Father Alex
Saint Gregory Parishioners & Friends:
Well, if no one’s reminded you yet—allow me: this Sunday is Valentine’s Day. Yes indeed. Better hustle over to Hallmark, hop on your favorite flower-delivery site or otherwise make plans to say “I love you” in a special way.
Of course, I’m having a little fun with you here. As much enjoyment as Valentine’s Day can bring, we understand that love is year-round. Love is spiritual and sacrificial. Love is the definition of our relationship with God. Love is all the things mentioned by Saint Paul in his First Letter to the Corinthians. And our greatest expression of our loving relationship with the Lord? That’s right, the Divine Liturgy.
With this uplifting reality in mind, I hope you will join us this Sunday, Feb. 14 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.
Looking to upcoming events, Orthodox Life: “Eleven Stories” will gather via Zoom on Wed., Feb. 17, 7 pm. Joining information and your pre-reading (Orthros Gospel #7) are within your Bulletin. All are welcome to join us for learning in the Faith and friendship. Our youth have some great events to look forward to as well—GOYA is planning a March Zoom Bible Study (details TBA), and there will be a wonderful HOPE/JOY Lenten Kick-Off and celebration of Saint Patrick on March 13th, 4 pm, also via Zoom (see the flyer in this Bulletin). This will be a great way for our younger children to reconnect, start their Lent off in a positive way and learn something about Saint Patrick and other Saints from the British Isles.
On a different ministry front, our parish website continues to improve and expand. I invite you to stay close to this “work in progress” and take advantage of all it has to offer. Several new items include an excellent Stewardship parishioner testimonial and the launch of my weekly “Check-In” videos. Your Bulletin holds the links to both new features.
Finally, I warmly invite you to learn all about and engage the recently launched Philoptochos “Agape Drive.” This represents a way for us all to offer financial support to this vital philanthropic ministry of our Church during these difficult times, when so many whom Philoptochos serves are in need. Read all about it in the pages to come.
Finally, finally, this week I was delighted to learn that the State of Massachusetts upped our maximum capacity of possible Church attendees to 40%. It feels like we’re getting somewhere!
Yours in the Lord,
Fr. Alex
Sunday Notes
EPISTLE READER: Kyri Stavros. 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: "Where God Dwells"
MEMORIAL: Manuel Alahouzos, Anka Tacheff, Evan Georgieff, Nomikos Patellis, Maria Popoff & Irene Patellis. May their memory be eternal!
TRISAGION: Stella Easland, 40 days. May her memory be eternal!
ALTAR SERVERS: Greg Douvris & Miles Kaufman. 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, Feb 14
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 up to 40%. 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
ORTHODOX LIFE: "ELEVEN STORIES" RESUMES, FEB 17
We look forward to study, growth in the faith and friendship in 2021. This week's Zoom gathering, starting at 7 pm, will focus on the 7th Orthros Gospel. The Zoom info and pre-reading link have been emailed to our parish family.
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 AGAPE DRIVE, THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY
Please donate in support of the many philanthropic efforts of our Saint Anastasia Philoptochos this month. We are able to collect funds through GivePlus or direct donations sent to the parish. Any funds donated will go directly to our budgeted philanthropic line items to help us meet our financial goals for the coming year. Thank you for your support of Philoptochos, as this ministry strives to serve those in need during these difficult times.
HOPE/JOY LENT/SAINT PATRICK EVENT, MARCH 13
We are planning a wonderful Lenten Kick-Off and celebration of Saint Patrick on March 13th, 4 pm, via Zoom (see the flyer in our Weekly Parish Bulletin Email). This will be a great way for our younger children to reconnect, start their Lent off in a positive way and learn something about Saint Patrick and other Saints from the British Isles. All HOPE (K - 2nd grade) and JOY (3 - 6th grade) are welcome to join. Don't forget to wear green!
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.
WHAT'S NEW ON OUR WEBSITE?
Have you seen our excellent Stewardship Parishioner Testimonials page yet? If you haven't, it's right within our Stewardship page, and it is a reminder of just how important our Saint Gregory home is to us all. Check it out the first testimonial today:
Parishioner Testimonials | St. Gregory the Theologian (saintgregorythetheologian.org)
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
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Matins Gospel Reading
Third Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Mark 16:9-20
When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.
After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.
Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table; and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover."
So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen.
Epistle Reading
Sunday of the Canaanite
The Reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 6:16-18; 7:1
Brethren, you are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will live in them and move among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."
Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God.
Gospel Reading
Sunday of the Canaanite
The Reading is from Matthew 15:21-28
At that time, Jesus went to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon." But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away, for she is crying after us." He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." And he answered, "It is not fair to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table." Then Jesus answered her, "O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire." And her daughter was healed instantly.
Hymns of the Day
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Third Mode
Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, for the Lord by His Might, has created a Dominion. He has conquered death by death, and become the first-born of the dead. He has delivered us from the depths of Hades, and has granted the world great mercy.
Apolytikion for Auxentios of the Mountain in the First Mode
Thou didst prove to be a citizen of the desert, an angel in the flesh, and a wonderworker, O Auxentius, our God-bearing Father. By fasting, vigil, and prayer thou didst obtain heavenly gifts, and thou healest the sick and the souls of them that have recourse to thee with faith. Glory to Him that hath given thee strength. Glory to Him that hath crowned thee. Glory to Him that worketh healings for all through thee.
Saint Gregory the Theologian in the First Mode
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
February 14
Abraham, Bishop of Carrhes in Mesopotamia
February 14
Sunday of the Canaanite
Wisdom of the Fathers
She had a great perfection of faith. She had no uncertainty about His divine majesty. She had no small measure of the virtue of patience. Yet the pitying Physician of the pitiful disdained her petitions. He kept her waiting for answer in order to demonstrate to us the perseverence of this woman that we can always imitate. She had the characteristics of constancy and humility. She willingly embraced the indignity she received, and even confirmed the Lord`s statement. This woman rightly signifies the faith and devotion of the Church gathered from the nations
Hom. I. 22, In Lent, Homilies on the Gospels, Bk. One, 216, 217.
He kept her waiting for an answer in order to declare that the minds of His disciples should also be merciful. As human beings they were ashamed of the clamor of the woman as she pursued them publicly, but He Himself knew the character of His mercy.
Hom. I. 22, In Lent, Homilies on the Gospels, Bk. One, 216