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Saint Gregory the Theologian
Publish Date: 2021-05-30
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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:

  • PO Box 293

  • 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 following Holy Communion. Please see weekly updates from our ministry leaders for updates on each class. All are welcome to join us for Fellowship Hour after Divine Liturgy. 


Past Bulletins


A Word from Father Alex

Christos Anesti! Christ is Risen to our Parish Family!

I hope you, and yours, are doing well—and I’m very much looking forward to this Sunday, May 30, at our parish. As so many of us know, most of our COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted as of this Sunday (reflecting Gov. Baker’s lifting of most restrictions on May 29), which means more of a sense of normalcy at Saint Gregory. While I’d love to see you for worship, friendship, Fellowship Hour and Youth Religious Ed. classes this weekend, please do what is best for you and your family. We all have unique circumstances, health concerns and a great deal to consider. Our Face Book and You Tube streaming efforts will continue at Saint Gregory, for those planning to worship from home.

If you are joining us in person this Sunday, we will no longer be pre-registering for services. However, please do take the time to look over our updated COVID-19 recommendations and guidelines (included in the "Coming Events/Updates" section of this eBulletin). Following Holy Communion, Youth Religious Education classes will be offered both in person and via Zoom; we are asking our teachers and children to be masked while in our classrooms until the last day of classes, June 6.

And speaking of the 6th,
I hope all those comfortable doing so will join us in person for this special Sunday, 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.

Within the next several weeks, you’ll notice a new approach to our parish’s weekly emails. Instead of our usual weekly email, you’ll receive a streamlined eBlast with a link to our new Weekly eBulletin, calendar-at-a-glance, a run-down of major coming events, contact information and other parish highlights. Hard copy Sunday Weekly Bulletins will resume at Saint Gregory in early to mid-June. We hope all of these efforts are helpful to our parish family.

Please read on within this bulletin for information on the June 19/20 MBC weekend, June 21 General Assembly (new day than previously announced), June 25 Golf Tournament and more.
 
Finally, I offer my gratitude to our Parish Council members, parish staff and helpful, creative parishioner volunteers who have striven to keep our faithful safe yet still connected to worship and parish life since March of 2020. There are too many to name, here, but I’m grateful to you all. I know it was not an easy journey, and you strove nobly out of love and concern for neighbor—and for the glory of God. Further, many thanks are due those staff members and parishioners who worked so hard this week to put the pews back in place and give such a thorough cleaning to our Narthex, Nave and Sanctuary—great job!

Hoping to see you Sunday or at least very soon—and have a blessed, peaceful Memorial Day weekend,  

Fr. Alex

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Sunday Notes

EPISTLE READER: Phil LaFond. 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: Peter Botchis and T.J. Dimitriou. Contact Fr. Alex if your son is interested in Altar service--we'd love to grow this ministry.

HOMILY: Fr. Alex will offer a prayer for Memorial Day following a reflection on our journey through COVID-19. 

MEMORIALS: No memorials today.

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: Sponsored by the Vinton and Guinan Families. Please join us for Fellowship Hour in the hall today following Divine Liturgy. We are grateful for the opportunity to once again enjoy friendship and refreshments within our parish home!

WORSHIPPING FROM HOME: STREAMING AND INTERNET MINISTRY
ACCESS SERVICES VIA FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/saintgregorythetheologian

ACCESS SERVICES VIA YOU TUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgvnXFV6xK1Nhm8ID84jFNg

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Ministries, Programs & Events

ORTHROS & DIVINE LITURGY FOR SUNDAY, MAY 30 
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 we are asking our teachers and students to remain masked during class time through June 6, 2021, the last day of classes. 

WORSHIPPING FROM HOME/STREAMING MINISTRY DETEAILS
Access Services via Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/saintgregorythetheologian

Access Services via You Tube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgvnXFV6xK1Nhm8ID84jFNg

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

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. 

YOUTH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION LAST DAY OF CLASSES, JUNE 6
Last Sunday's High School Seniors Graduation Program was inspirational and truly unforgettable--congratulations to our high school, college and graduate school graduates for 2020 and 2021! We are so proud of you all. Looking ahead to June 6, this will be the last day of classes for all of our Youth Religious Education 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. 

ANTIDORON SERVERS MINISTRY, STARTS JUNE 6
This ministry will return to Saint Gregory on Sunday, June 6. Parents and/or interested servers may contact Fr. Alex directly. 

POSSIBLE PARISH DAY AT MBC, 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. 

PARISH GENERAL ASSEMBLY, JUNE 21 (NEW DATE)
Please save the date for this important meeting of our parish family. We'll gather via Zoom in the evening--time TBA. 

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!

METROPOLIS OF BOSTON SUMMER CAMPING MINISTRY, STARTS JULY 5
MBC is gearing up for five faith and fun-filled sessions this summer, beginning July 5. Visit the MBC site at your earliest convenience (space is limited) for all the details and registration information: 
REGISTER - METROPOLIS OF BOSTON CAMP

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 & Updates

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Seventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:1-10

On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.


Epistle Reading

Sunday of the Samaritan Woman
The Reading is from Acts of the Apostles 11:19-30

In those days, those apostles who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to none except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number that believed turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad; and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a large company was added to the Lord. So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul; and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church, and taught a large company of people; and in Antioch the disciples were for the first time called Christians. Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named Agabos stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world; and this took place in the days of Claudius. And the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brethren who lived in Judea, and they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Samaritan Woman
The Reading is from John 4:5-42

At that time, Jesus came to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there, and so Jesus, wearied as he was with his journey, sat down beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.

There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?" For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." The woman said to him, "Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep; where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, and his sons, and his cattle?" Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw."

Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come here." The woman answered him, "I have no husband." Jesus said to her, "You are right in saying, 'I have no husband'; for you have had five husbands, and he whom you now have is not your husband; this you said truly." The woman said to him, "Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain; and you say that Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship." Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for such the Father seeks to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." The woman said to him, "I know that the Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ); when he comes, he will show us all things." Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am he."

Just then his disciples came. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but none said, "What do you wish?" or, "Why are you talking with her?" So the woman left her water jar, and went away into the city and said to the people, "Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?" They went out of the city and were coming to him.

Meanwhile the disciples besought him, saying "Rabbi, eat." But he said to them, "I have food to eat of which you do not know." So the disciples said to one another, "Has anyone brought him food?" Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to accomplish his work. Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, then comes the harvest'? I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see how the fields are already white for harvest. He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. For here the saying holds true, 'One sows and another reaps.' I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor; others have labored, and you have entered into their labor."

Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman's testimony. "He told me all that I ever did." So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, "It is no longer because of your words that we believe, for we have heard ourselves, and we know that this is indeed Christ the Savior of the world."


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Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
May 30

Emilia, mother of Saint Basil the Great


Allsaint
May 30

Natalios the Martyr


Jcsamwom
May 30

Sunday of the Samaritan Woman

One of the most ancient cities of the Promised Land was Shechem, also called Sikima, located at the foot of Mount Gerazim. There the Israelites had heard the blessings in the days of Moses and Jesus of Navi. Near to this town, Jacob, who had come from Mesopotamia in the nineteenth century before Christ, bought a piece of land where there was a well. This well, preserved even until the time of Christ, was known as Jacob's Well. Later, before he died in Egypt, he left that piece of land as a special inheritance to his son Joseph (Gen. 49:22). This town, before it was taken into possession by Samaria, was also the leading city of the kingdom of the ten tribes. In the time of the Romans it was called Neapolis, and at present Nablus. It was the first city in Canaan visited by the Patriarch Abraham. Here also, Jesus of Navi (Joshua) addressed the tribes of Israel for the last time. Almost three hundred years later, all Israel assembled there to make Roboam (Rehoboam) king.

When our Lord Jesus Christ, then, came at midday to this city, which is also called Sychar (John 4:5), He was wearied from the journey and the heat, and He sat down at this well. After a little while the Samaritan woman mentioned in today's Gospel passage came to draw water. As she conversed at some length with the Lord and heard from Him secret things concerning herself, she believed in Him; through her many other Samaritans also believed.

Concerning the Samaritans we know the following: In the year 721 before Christ, Salmanasar (Shalmaneser), King of the Assyrians, took the ten tribes of the kingdom of Israel into captivity, and relocated all these people to Babylon and the land of the Medes. From there he gathered various nations and sent them to Samaria. These nations had been idolaters from before. Although they were later instructed in the Jewish faith and believed in the one God, they worshipped the idols also. Furthermore, they accepted only the Pentateuch of Moses, and rejected the other books of Holy Scripture. Nonetheless, they thought themselves to be descendants of Abraham and Jacob. Therefore, the pious Jews named these Judaizing and idolatrous peoples Samaritans, since they lived in Samaria, the former leading city of the Israelites, as well as in the other towns thereabout. The Jews rejected them as heathen and foreigners, and had no communion with them at all, as the Samaritan woman observed, "the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans" (John 4:9). Therefore, the name Samaritan is used derisively many times in the Gospel narrations. After the Ascension of the Lord, and the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the woman of Samaria was baptized by the holy Apostles and became a great preacher and Martyr of Christ; she was called Photine, and her feast is kept on February 26.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

The example of the good Samaritan shows that we must not abandon those in whom even the faintest amount of faith is still alive.
St. Ambrose of Milan
Two Books of St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, Concerning Repentance, Chapter 11

He shows that she is worthy to hear and not to be overlooked, and then He reveals Himself. For she, as soon as she had learnt who He was, would straightway hearken and attend to Him; ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 31 on John 3, 4th Century

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Archepiscopal Message

Homily for the Liturgy of Saints Constantine & Helen

05/21/2021

It is a fact that it was Saint Helen’s commitment to the Gospel that prepared her son, the Great Constantine, for his role in history. Like the Holy Virgin Mary, who was never truly the “wife” of Joseph (she was only his betrothed), Saint Helen was never the wife of Constantine’s father, the Caesar, Constantius.
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Metropolis of Boston News

Pastoral Visit of His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios - Sts. Anargyroi, Marlboro, MA

05/18/2021

On Sunday, May 16th, the Sts. Anargyroi Church of Malboro, MA welcomed His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios who presided over the Divine Liturgy.

2021 Metropolis of Boston St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival

05/12/2021

Click here to read more about the 2021 Metropolis of Boston St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival
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