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Saint Gregory the Theologian
Publish Date: 2021-04-18
Bulletin Contents
A Word from Father Alex
Sunday Notes
Ministries, Programs & Events
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Saints and Feasts
Wisdom of the Fathers
Archepiscopal Message
Ecumenical Patriarchate News
Metropolis of Boston 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

Greetings Saint Gregory Parish Family:

As we look toward Holy Week 2021 together, my mind keeps returning to last year’s Holy Week at my former parish. I remember worshipping alongside our chanter, Altar helper and videographer and being struck by how vacuous the church building seemed. Blessing twenty palms on Palm Sunday instead of three hundred was surreal; annointing three people instead of two hundred seemed so outlandish on Holy Wednesday. But in the end, it was still Holy Week, and Pascha still came. The prayers of our faithful worshipping from home was strong. In ways, the entire experience reminded our parish that God’s love is boundless and transcendent. We knew that even though we could not worship in the usual way, He was still visiting us, sanctifying us—our hearts were in it, and that was what mattered most. God was still with us despite it all.

I know the same was true at our beloved Saint Gregory in 2020, and here we are again about to enter Holy Week. This year will be unique as well, but we are able to do so much than last year. Rest assured that we will do everything possible to make Holy Week and Pascha as engaging and accessible as possible, from streaming our services to offering our children a thoughtful Holy Friday retreat via Zoom.     

Looking to this week’s events, we will offer PreSanctified Liturgy on Wed., April 14 and the Akathist Hymn on Fri., April 16. Both services will begin at 6 pm and both will be in person as well as streamed.

And this Sunday, April 18, is the 5th Sunday of Lent and dedicated to Saint Mary of Egypt. In lieu of a traditional homily, I will offer an overview of Holy Week services, highlighting the meaning behind our divine services and the powerful affect they can have on our lives. Youth Religious Education classes will meet in person and via Zoom, immediately following Holy Communion. Parents, please look for an email with further information from our teachers.

I’m so grateful for the presence of our beloved Fr. Manny Chris over the last few weeks. Father will join us whenever he can, and I know his love, prayerfulness and enthusiasm for our parish is appreciated by all.

Finally, I want to commend our Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical speakers who witnessed their Orthodox Faith so powerfully at last Sunday’s Zoom festival. While their rhetorical skills were impressive, what was most striking was their commitment to Christ’s Church and how they connected the tenets of Orthodoxy to the lives we live each day. Please see the announcement within this bulletin for more details on their accomplishments.

I look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday, whether in person or from afar.   

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Alex

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Sunday Notes

EPISTLE READER: 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.

ALTAR SERVERS: Greg Douvris and Spencer Riley. Contact Fr. Alex if your son is interested in Altar service--we'd love to grow this ministry.

MEMORIALS: No memorials today. 

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

PRESANCTIFIED LITURGY, APRIL 14
PreSanctified Liturgy represents an opportunity to receive Holy Communion during the week--spiritual food for us all during our Lenten journey. The service will begin at 6 pm and will be offered in person and via streaming. If you're joining us in person, please make sure to pre-register. 

AKATHIST HYMN, APRIL 16
Join us for this beautiful service celebraging the mystery of the Incarnation during this most holy time of year. The service begins at 6 pm, in person (see pre-registration link below) and streaming. 

ORTHROS & DIVINE LITURGY, APRIL 18
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); 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 50%. 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

MYRRHBEARING GIRLS FOR HOLY WEEK
Parents with girls (up to about age 10) interested in participating in our liturgical services as myrrhbearers on Holy Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and, of course, Friday are asked to contact Fr. Alex. This is a wonderful way to involve our children in the services of Holy Week. 

AGAPE SUNDAY READERS
So many of our faithful look forward to the brief but poignant service of Easter Sunday, the Agape Vespers. Within the service, we proclaim the Holy Gospel in as many languages as possible to show the universality of Christ's life-saving mission. If you, or your child, have reading knowledge of a language beyond English and Greek, please consider participating in the service. Contact Lou Zagami or Fr. Alex. 

LENTEN AND HOLY WEEK FLOWER DONATIONS
As we do indeed look toward Great Lent and Holy Week, donations are welcome and needed for the decoration of our sacred space during this Holy time. A host of icons will be decorated with flowers (Virgin and Child for the Salutations, the “Great Humility,” the Resurrection, etc.); other needs include the wreath for the Lord’s Cross, palms, laurel leaves, lilies and, of course, the adornment of the Kouvouklion (the wooden structure that houses the Epitaphios icon). Please contact Cathy Cooper to support these worthy efforts. 

SAINT GREOGORY PARISH BOOKSTORE
Parishioners are invited to visit our bookstore by appointment or otherwise receive assistance by contacting the Church Office. Cathy or Fr. Alex would be happy to help you find that encouraging book or meaningful gift for a loved one during these unique times.

WHAT'S NEW ON OUR WEBSITE?
Within our Youth Ministry pages, you'll now see two new resources under "Youth and Family Resources": "Saintly Lives" and "For Your Home." Both can be a resources for parents as they strive to bring the life of the Church into their homes.
Take a look today: Youth and Family Resources | Saint Gregory the Theologian

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.
General Office Hours/Cathy Cooper
By appointment: stgregorytheologian@earthlink.net

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

First Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Matthew 28:16-20

At that time, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age. Amen."

Epistle Reading

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 9:11-14

BRETHREN, when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
The Reading is from Mark 10:32-45

At that time, Jesus took his twelve disciples, and he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant of James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

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Saints and Feasts

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April 18

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

The memory of this Saint is celebrated on April 1, where her life is recorded. Since the end of the holy Forty Days is drawing nigh, it has been appointed for this day also, so that if we think it hard to practice a little abstinence forty days, we might be roused by the heroism of her who fasted in the wilderness forty-seven years; and also that the great loving-kindness of God, and His readiness to receive the repentant, might be demonstrated in very deed.

Allsaint
April 18

Holy Father John the Righteous, disciple of St. Gregory of Decapolis

This Saint took up the monastic life from his youth and became a disciple of Saint Gregory of Decapolis (see Nov. 20). After his elder, Saint Gregory, reposed (in the first half of the ninth century), he came to Jerusalem and finally reposed in peace in the Monastery of Saint Chariton.

Allsaint
April 18

Athanasia the Wonderworker of Aegina

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Wisdom of the Fathers

But let no man be troubled at the apostles being in such an imperfect state. For not yet was the cross accomplished, not yet the grace of the Spirit given. But if thou wouldest learn their virtue, notice them after these things, and thou wilt see them superior to every passion.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

For with this object He reveals their deficiencies, that after these things thou mightest know what manner of men they became by grace. ... No one shall sit on His right hand nor on His left.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

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Archepiscopal Message

Homily at the Fourth Salutations to the Theotokos

04/10/2021

How far we have come over this past year! From the grim days that we all faced twelve months ago, when the pandemic was spreading out of control. To this Spring, when the hope of the vaccines fills us with optimism for the future.
https://www.goarch.org/-/homily-clifton
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Ecumenical Patriarchate News

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation Established

04/12/2021

At the invitation of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America on Monday, April 5, 2021, Anthony J. Limberakis, MD, National Commander of the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Chair of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Board of Trustees offered an enlightening and informative presentation, including the attached PowerPoint slide deck (prepared by Foundation Trustee Aphrodite Skeadas, Communications Chair, and Archon John Mindala), to the Eparchial Synod regarding the establishment and current status of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation.
https://www.goarch.org/-/bartholomew-foundation
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Metropolis of Boston News

Pastoral Visit of His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios - St. George Cathedral in Springfield, MA

04/13/2021

https://boston.goarch.org/news/metropolis_news/2020/2566.html
On Sunday, April 11th, His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios visited the Saint George Cathedral of Springfield, MA.

The Holy Spirit in the World by The Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Clapsis

04/07/2021

https://boston.goarch.org/news/metropolis_news/2020/2562.html

The Holy Spirit in the World

The Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Clapsis

 

Coping with Pluralism

The increasing pluralism of modern societies and its implications for the self-understanding of the Christian identity are an issue that all Christian churches are currently facing.


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