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Saint Gregory the Theologian
Publish Date: 2021-05-23
Bulletin Contents
A Word from Father Alex
Sunday Notes
Ministries, Programs & Events
Coming Events
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Saints and Feasts
Wisdom of the Fathers
Archepiscopal Message
Ecumenical Patriarchate News
Metropolis of Boston News
Jcparal1
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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!

I hope you, and yours, are well as we continue to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord—this is a wonderful time of year, and I hope and pray you feel changed, heartened and refreshed in the wake of Pascha.

Speaking of change, in fact, many of us have been following the State’s announcements concerning the lifting of most of the COVID-19 restrictions on May 29. This is an exciting time, but it is also one that deserves our continued attention for the safety of all and respect for the many different circumstances of our parishioners. Your Parish Council and I have met on this subject and will begin to prepare our campus for the end of COVID restrictions; our current COVID safety directives will remain for this Sunday, May 23. Starting next Sunday, May 30, we will lift our directives in accordance with State guidance.  We will, however, continue to ask our Youth Religious Education students and teachers to remain masked during class at Saint Gregory for the remaining Sundays of the school year: May 23, May 30 and June 6.

For this final Sunday before restrictions lift, May 23, please do pre-register if you plan to attend Orthros and/or Divine Liturgy in person, and be prepared to wear a mask at Saint Gregory. Both services will also be streamed via You Tube and Face Book (thank you to Rich O’Connor for enabling this ministry!).After Divine Liturgy, our Middle and High School classes will remain with us in the Church, and Dr. George Stavros will lead the High School Seniors Graduation Program, recognizing our seniors from 2021—and 2020. We look forward to this heart-warming moment for our beloved youth. Following the program, we will be able to have a simple Fellowship Hour (just coffee/beverages; all will need to remain seated throughout) in the hall, with something special for our graduates. Regular Fellowship Hour will resume on May 30.

Looking further ahead, the last day of Youth Religious Education classes will be June 6. I hope all those comfortable doing so will join us in person, as we mark the close of another year of learning, spiritual growth and friendship. This will be a beautiful opportunity to enjoy one last day of class time before summer with teachers and friends, and some special treats will be available for our students. I’m really looking forward to this moment with our parish family.

Please read on within this bulletin for details on a host of other events coming our way, from the Philoptochos meeting on May 25 to the annual Saint Gregory Golf Tournament on June 25 (see the registration/sponsor flyer within this bulletin).

Finally, for those who haven’t heard yet, Steve and Liz Christo are Saint Gregory’s Metropolis Award Honorees for 2021! This tremendous, Christ-centered couple will be honored at the hybrid Metropolis Awards Event on June 13, and we are so grateful to them, and their family, for their years of faithful service to our parish. As part of the awards event, the Metropolis is sponsoring an outreach effort to help feed those in need and first responders—please consider making a donation in celebration of Steve and Liz. See details within this bulletin.   

Again, Christ is Risen! And I know that in regard to the heartening “opening up” news above, each of us has unique needs and circumstances, along with those of our families. Approach our services and events at Saint Gregory in your own time and in a way that is good for you. You have my full support and love—and I’m here for you, along with our Parish Council, to discuss any concerns and needs.

With much anticipation and excitement for the future,

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.

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.

HOMILY: In lieu of a homily we will enjoy the High School Seniors Graduation Program. Congratulations to all of our high school seniors (2020 and 2021), as well as our college graduates!

MEMORIALS: No memorials today.

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: Please join us for a simple Fellowship Hour (drinks only) in the hall today following Divine Liturgy. We are grateful for the opportunity to once again enjoy friendship and refreshments within our parish home!

PRE-REGISTRATION: Thank you for your continued cooperation and patience with the pre-registration process. We will continue with this practice for one final week before discontinuing the process. 

Pre-register for May 23 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 FOR SUNDAY, MAY 23
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 note that our middle and high school classes will remain in Church this Sunday after Holy Communion for the graduation program. If you plan to worship with us in person, make sure to pre-register early in the week.

Pre-register for May 23 here (our last Sunday of pre-registration):
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

YOUTH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION END-OF-YEAR EVENTS, MAY 23 (TODAY!) & JUNE 6
This Sunday, May 23, we will celebrate our high school seniors, from both 2021 and 2020, with an in-person presentation and remote program following Divine Liturgy. Our middle and high school classes will remain in the Church after Holy Communion for this imporant event. Congratulations to all our high school graduates as well as our college graduates! Looking ahead to June 6, this will be the last day of classes for all of our children: time for reflection on the school year, recognition and—of course!—ice cream are on the docket! We look forward to recognizing all of our students and celebrating another year of learning and spiritual growth for our youth. 

FELLOWSHIP HOUR, TODAY
If you feel comfortable doing so, please join us for a simple Fellowship Hour following Divine Liturgy (just drinks). We are grateful for the opportunity to once again enjoy friendship and refreshments in our hall!

PHILOPTOCHOS GENERAL MTG., MAY 25
Join us via Zoom for planning and fellowship, beginning at 7 pm. See the parish Weekly Bulletin email for login details. Christ is Risen to all our members and our Saint Gregory family!

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND CEMETERY VISITS, MAY 31
Fr. Alex will be happy to meet our faithful to offer memorials for loved ones asleep in the Lord. Please contact him directly to meet on the 31st or another convenient time for your family. 

PARISH GENERAL ASSEMBLY, JUNE 6
Please save the date for this important meeting of our parish family. We'll gather via Zoom in the evening--time TBA. 

POSSIBLE PARISH "FAMILY DAY" AT THE CAMP, JUNE 19 & 20
We are currently gauging interesting in having a relaxed family day at the Saint Methodios Faith and Heritage Center. Please see the Weekly Bulletin email for details, and let us know if you are interested in rejoining this beloved parish event. 

SAINT GREGORY GOLF TOURNAMENT, JUNE 25
Join us for this annual fundraiser for Saint Gregory at Wentworth Hills, Plainville, MA. Event fees include a grab and go breakfast, steak-tip lunch, golf cart and more. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are also available. Our flyer, with complete details and contact information, has been emailed to our parish, posted on our website (along with online donation options) and is available within the eBulletin. Please spread the word and support our beloved parish!

NEW STEWARDSHIP TESTIMONIAL NOW LIVE
Please take a few minutes to watch and listen to some of your fellow Stewards talk about what Saint Gregory means to them. We have recently posted the video of Kathy Kalogeras' talk that she gave on Stewardship Sunday last December. In it, she talks about how Saint Gregory is an extension of her family, and how grateful she is for the many forms of religious education that her family has received, as well as the opportunities they have had to give back to our St. Gregory Family. The video is just 6 minutes and is well worth the time to watch: 
http://saintgregorythetheologian.org/stewardship/parishioner-testimonials.html

If you are interested in sharing your own story of what St. Gregory means to you, please contact Phil LaFond (phil@lafonds.net) or Fr. Alex

MEMORIAL GARDEN EFFORT
If you would like to add a memorial brick to our outdoor walkway this spring/summer, please fill out the form attached to our Weekly Bulletin email and return it to the office with your payment. With the funds we raise, we would like to refurbish and install the iron fencing from our previous iconostation to frame the walkway, as well as add some outdoor icons and landscape features to update this wonderful area. Contact Cathy Cooper: ccooper126@verizon.net. 

SAINT GREGORY 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
Many thanks to all of our Saint Gregory parishioners who have already committed for 2021. 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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Coming Events

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Fifth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:13-35

At that time, two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but him they did not see." And he said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?" And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Epistle Reading

Sunday of the Paralytic
The Reading is from Acts of the Apostles 9:32-42

In those days, as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints that lived at Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years and was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed." And immediately he rose. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. Now there was at Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him entreating him, "Please come to us without delay." So Peter rose and went with them. And when he had come, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping, and showing tunics and other garments which Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside and knelt down and prayed; then turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, rise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and lifted her up. Then calling the saints and widows he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Paralytic
The Reading is from John 5:1-15

At that time, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda which has five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water; for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and troubled the water; whoever stepped in first after the troubling of the water was healed of whatever disease he had. One man was there, who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew that he had been lying there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled, and while I am going another steps down before me." Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your pallet, and walk." And at once the man was healed, and he took up his pallet and walked.

Now that day was the sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, "It is the sabbath, it is not lawful for you to carry your pallet." But he answered them, "The man who healed me said to me, 'Take up your pallet, and walk.' "They asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, 'Take up your pallet, and walk'?" Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you." The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.

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Saints and Feasts

Jcparal1
May 23

Sunday of the Paralytic

Close to the Sheep's Gate in Jerusalem, there was a pool, which was called the Sheep's Pool. It had round about it five porches, that is, five sets of pillars supporting a domed roof. Under this roof there lay very many sick people with various maladies, awaiting the moving of the water. The first to step in after the troubling of the water was healed immediately of whatever malady he had.

It was there that the paralytic of today's Gospel way lying, tormented by his infirmity of thirty-eight years. When Christ beheld him, He asked him, "Wilt thou be made whole?" And he answered with a quiet and meek voice, "Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool." The Lord said unto him, "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." And straightaway the man was made whole and took up his bed. Walking in the presence of all, he departed rejoicing to his own house. According to the expounders of the Gospels, the Lord Jesus healed this paralytic during the days of the Passover, when He had gone to Jerusalem for the Feast, and dwelt there teaching and working miracles. According to Saint John the Evangelist, this miracle took place on the Sabbath.

Allsaint
May 23

Michael the Confessor, Bishop of Synnada

This Saint was from Synnada in Phrygia of Asia Minor. In Constantinople he met Saint Theophylact (see Mar. 8); the holy Patriarch Tarasius, learning that Michael and Theophylact desired to become monks, sent them to a monastery on the Black Sea. Because of their great virtue, Saint Tarasius afterwards compelled them to accept consecration, Theophylact as Bishop of Nicomedia, and Michael as Bishop of his native Synnada. Because Saint Michael fearlessly confessed the veneration of the holy icons, he was banished by the Iconoclast Emperor Leo V the Armenian, who reigned from 813 to 820. After being driven from one place to another, in many hardships and bitter pains, Saint Michael died in exile.

Allsaint
May 23

Mary the Myrrhbearer & wife of Cleopas

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Wisdom of the Fathers

In that case [Matt 9:2] there was remission of sins, (for He said, "Thy sins be forgiven thee,") but in this, warning and threats to strengthen the man for the future; "Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto you."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 37 on John 1, 4th Century

Great is the profit of the divine Scriptures, and all-sufficient is the aid which comes from them ... For the divine oracles are a treasury of all manner of medicines, so that whether it be needful to quench pride, to lull desire to sleep, to tread under foot the love of money, ... from them one may find abundant resource.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 37 on John 5, 4th Century

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Metropolis of Boston News

2021 Metropolis of Boston St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival

05/12/2021

https://boston.goarch.org/news/metropolis_news/2021/2705.html
Click here to read more about the 2021 Metropolis of Boston St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival
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