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Saint Gregory the Theologian
Publish Date: 2021-05-09
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
Thomsund
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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

Christos Anesti! Christ is Risen!

Thank you to all our parishioners for the wonderful, moving Holy Week and Pascha—and, of course, Pascha is not finished: the Church is “in” Pascha at this point, and we will continue to bask in the light of the Resurrection for weeks to come (until the Ascension on June 10). I look forward to singing the glorious hymn of the Resurrection with you this Sunday and beyond; may “Christ is Risen” echo through our hearts and minds each day, informing our thoughts and actions.

I also want to thank everyone who offered so much in service to our parish home throughout Great Lent, Holy Week and Pascha. From those who read and chanted, to those who lovingly decorated and cleaned, to those who donated and gave, to those who mentored and taught … your faithful diakonia (a service of pure love) was greatly appreciated. Further, I’m deeply grateful to Fr. Manny Chris for his prayerful presence, faithful service and love for our parish during this most holy time.

With all these things in mind, I hope you can join us for services this Sunday, May 9. This is the Sunday of Saint Thomas. The famous Gospel reading (John 20:19 – 31) focuses on “doubting” Thomas, and we are all called to see ourselves as a kind of Thomas, someone who needs God to meet him where he is, who struggles with belief, who is trying to figure out his relationship with God. Following Holy Communion, Youth Religious Education classes will continue, in person and via Zoom.  

Congratulations to Isabella Caradonna and Miles Kaufman, who will be participating in the district final for the Oratorical Festival this Saturday. The event will be held at Saint Catherine’s Church in Braintree, 9 am – 12 pm. Please keep both Isabella and Miles in your prayers, as they witness to their Orthodox Faith along with colleagues from other local parishes. All of our participants at the Saint Gregory festival were amazing; I know Isabella and Miles will represent all of them and our entire parish wonderfully.  

Finally, I would be very happy to come offer Holy Communion and Holy Unction to our faithful who were not able to join us during Holy Week and our Pascha services. Please contact me directly, and we’ll make a day and time that work well for you or your loved one.

Again, Christ is Risen!

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: Matt Jumes and Miles Kaufman. Contact Fr. Alex if your son is interested in Altar service--we'd love to grow this ministry.

FATHER'S SERMON: "What I Need"

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

ORATORICAL FESTIVAL DISTRICT FINAL, MAY 8
Congratulations to Isabella Caradonna and Miles Kaufman, who will be participating in the district final for the Oratorical Festival this Saturday. The event will be held at Saint Catherine’s Church in Braintree, 9 am – 12 pm. Please keep both Isabella and Miles in your prayers, as they witness to their Orthodox Faith along with colleagues from other local parishes. All of our participants at the Saint Gregory festival were amazing; I know Isabella and Miles will represent all of them and our entire parish wonderfully.  

ORTHROS & DIVINE LITURGY OF PALM SUNDAY, MAY 9
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

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
For our complete listing of Holy Week and Pascha services, see our parish website homepage: 
Welcome to Our Parish Website | Saint Gregory the Theologian

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. New entries for May will soon be available. 

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

Thomas Sunday
The Reading is from Acts of the Apostles 5:12-20

In those days, many signs and wonders were done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high honor. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and pallets, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed. But the high priest rose up and all who were with him, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the common prison. But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out and said, "Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life."

Gospel Reading

Thomas Sunday
The Reading is from John 20:19-31

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them: "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them: "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him: "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them: "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe."

Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said: "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

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Saints and Feasts

Thomsund
May 09

Thomas Sunday

Though the doors were shut at the dwelling where the disciples were gathered for fear of the Jews on the evening of the Sunday after the Passover, our Saviour wondrously entered and stood in their midst, and greeted them with His customary words, "Peace be unto you." Then He showed unto them His hands and feet and side; furthermore, in their presence, He took some fish and a honeycomb and ate before them, and thus assured them of His bodily Resurrection. But Thomas, who was not then present with the others, did not believe their testimony concerning Christ's Resurrection, but said in a decisive manner, "Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe." Wherefore after eight days, that is, on this day, when the disciples were again gathered together and Thomas was with them, the Lord Jesus came while the doors were shut, as He did formerly. Standing in their midst, He said, "Peace be unto you"; then He said to Thomas, "Bring hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and bring hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not unbelieving, but believing."

And Thomas, beholding and examining carefully the hands and side of the Master, cried out with faith, "My Lord and my God." Thus he clearly proclaimed the two natures - human and divine - of the God-man (Luke 24:36-49; John 20:19-29).

This day is called Antipascha (meaning "in the stead of Pascha," not "in opposition to Pascha") because with this day, the first Sunday after Pascha, the Church consecrates every Sunday of the year to the commemoration of Pascha, that is, the Resurrection.

Isaiah
May 09

The Holy Prophet Esaias (Isaiah)

The Prophet Esaias, the son of Amos, was descended from a royal tribe. He prophesied in the days of Ozias (who is also called Azarias), Joatham, Ahaz, and Hezekias, Kings of Judah. About 681 B.C, in the reign of Manasses, the son and successor of the most pious Hezekias, when this Prophet was censuring Manasses' impiety and lawlessness, he was sawn asunder with a wooden saw, and thus received a martyr's end.

Of all the Prophets, he is called the most eloquent because of the beauty and loftiness of his words. His book of prophecy, divided into sixty-six chapters, is ranked first among the greater Prophets. The Fifth Ode of the Psalter, "Out of the night my spirit waketh at dawn unto Thee, O God . . ." is taken from his book. It was this holy Prophet who foretold that a Virgin would conceive in the womb (7:14); that not an ambassador, nor an angel, but the Lord Himself would save fallen man (63:9); that the Messiah would suffer, bearing our sins (ch. 53). His name means "Yah is helper."

Christopher2
May 09

Christopher the Martyr of Lycea

Saint Christopher was at first named Reprobus. Seeing the Christians persecuted, he rebuked the tyrants for their cruelty. Soldiers were sent to bring him to appear before the ruler; but he converted them to Christ, and with them was baptized, receiving the name Christopher. After he appeared before the ruler, he was imprisoned and two harlots were sent to seduce him, but he converted them also, and encouraged them in their martyrdom. He was subjected to torments and finally beheaded in the days of Decius. Many marvellous and mythical things are said about him out of ignorance and superstition, one of which is that it is impossible for one to die suddenly from some unexpected cause on the day on which one looks at the Saint's icon. This is the origin of that proverb that is quoted in various quarters: "If on Christopher thou shouldst gaze, thou shalt safely wend life's ways." The etymology of his name, which means "Christ-bearer," has undoubtedly moved iconographers to depict him carrying the infant Jesus on his shoulders; it is completely erro-neous, however, to depict him, as some uninformed iconographers do, having the head of a dog, because of a statement in his life that he was dog-faced, by which is meant only that his countenance was exceedingly frightful to look upon.

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Wisdom of the Fathers

For great is the dignity of the priests. ... And hold them very exceedingly in honor; for you indeed care about your own affairs, and if you order them well, you give no account for others; ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 86, 4th Century

... but the priest even if he rightly order his own life, if he have not an anxious care for yours and that of all those around him, will depart with the wicked into hell; and often when not betrayed by his own conduct, he perishes by yours, if he have not rightly performed all his part.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 86, 4th Century

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Archepiscopal Message

Homily for the Divine Liturgy of the First Resurrection

05/01/2021

We observe silence and interior stillness in the presence of this profound mystery, the Sabbath of Rest, of our Lord in the Tomb. The Church is muted and even in some, no lights are on, except on the Holy Altar.
https://www.goarch.org/-/holy-saturday-1
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Ecumenical Patriarchate News

Message of Ecumenical Patriarchate on Saint George Feastday 2021

05/03/2021

We congratulate Your much beloved Eminence and the clergy and laity who surround you, and we greet you with a brotherly kiss and bless you from the depths of our Patriarchal heart, beseeching our God Who is worshipped in Trinity, through the intercessions of His Holy Trophy-Bearer and the prayers of the most sacred Ecumenical Throne, that He might watch over, protect, and sanctify you all, preserving you in His love.
https://www.goarch.org/-/st-george-feastday-ep
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Metropolis of Boston News

Holy Week 2021 - His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios

05/04/2021

https://boston.goarch.org/news/metropolis_news/2021/2698.html
Read more about Holy Week 2021 with His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios

Archiepiscopal Encyclical on the Feast of Great and Holy Pascha

05/01/2021

https://boston.goarch.org/news/metropolis_news/2021/2694.html
https://www.goarch.org/-/pascha-encyclical
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