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Saint Gregory the Theologian
Publish Date: 2021-10-24
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Gadarene
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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

Dearest Parishioners and Friends:

Last week in my Sunday homily, I addressed something central to our life at Saint Gregory: a sense of belonging.
Throughout this week, I've been thinking about that phrase, that idea, especially in context of COVID-19. How many of us, at this point, feel comfortable worshipping and participating in ministry efforts and events on our campus? How many are still unable to join us or have unique health concerns (personally or familial) that make it difficult to come? How many of us really only feel comfortable joining us for remote or outdoor events?

From personal conversatons I've had with many of our faithful, I think the answer to the latter question is quite a few. With this in mind, I worry about that sense of belonging among our faithful currently worshipping remotely and participating in what they can, as far as outoodr events and similar offerings. Similarly, I worry about those regularlly on campus, who might feel lonely and isolated from other members of our parish. We're all part of this church family, the Body of Christ. It's very important you know this and that we will get through these difficult times. It's also vital for our children and young adults to know this. 

God is good; He knows what we need. He unites us, spiritually, even when we can't be together. Knowing this, I also invite you to let me know how I might help you feel more connected. Sometimes, at least for me, the obvious is hard to see. Conversation about your spiritual life--and that of our community--is always worthwhile. 

Meantime, looking to this coming week, in addition to remote worship options (Face Book and You Tube), the Oct. 27 Orthodox Life: "Opening the Door" will be offered via Zoom--and if your child would like to participate in the HOPE/JOY Prayerful Pumpkin Carving activity, I can share the directions for the carving and even save a pumpkin for you to carve at home. 

God bless you and keep you, and please know that you are all in my prayers,

Fr. Alex

 
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Sunday Notes

HOMILY: "Among the Tombs"

EPISTLE READER: John Tomarakos. 
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.
Monthly Schedule: 

ANTIDORON SERVER: Isabella Caradonna. Servers are welcome to participate in this ministry throughout the summer. To get involved, contact Kyri Stavros: kyri910@icloud.com 

TODAY'S ALTAR TEAM: Archangel Gabriel (Chris Botchis, Linus LaFond & Mario Salzillo); Co-Captains Greg Douvris, Miles Kaufman and TJ Theodorou. Contact Fr. Alex or Tom Moustakis if your son is interested in Altar service--we'd love to grow this ministry.

ALTAR FLOWERS: Please consider sponsoring Altar flowers on a coming Sunday. The donation for flower sponsorships is $50. Please contact the Church Office to learn more or sponsor. 

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: Please join us in the hall following Divine Liturgy for friendship and refreshments--all are welcome to join us. Fellowship Hour sponsorships are open to the entire parish family. Please contact the Church Office to schedule your special day, in memory of a loved one, in honor of a special occasion or just to enable wonderful fellowship at Saint Gregory.

WORSHIPPING FROM HOME: STREAMING AND INTERNET MINISTRY
ACCESS SERVICES VIA FACEBOOK:
St. Gregory the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church | Facebook

ACCESS SERVICES VIA YOU TUBE:
St. Gregory The Theologian Live - YouTube

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Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR OCT 24, 6TH SUNDAY OF LUKE
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 are back in session and will begin after Holy Communion. Parents, please note that when classes meet indoors both teachers and students are kindly asked to wear masks). 

STREAMING DETAILS/MEDIA CONNECTIONS FOR OCT 24
Access Services via You Tube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgvnXFV6xK1Nhm8ID84jFNg
Access Services and join our community on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/saintgregorythetheologian
Join our community on Instagram
@saintgregorythetheologian • Instagram photos and videos
 

HOPE & JOY PRAYERFUL PUMPKIN CARVING, OCT 24
This fun, faithful event is especially for our JOY (g. K - 2) and JOY (g. 3 - 6) children (siblings welcome too!). Today following Divine Liturgy and Sunday School classes, please join us in the hall for seasonal fun with a spiritual message. Pumpkins, candles and limited carving tools will be supplied (parents, please bring some tools from home if you can and plan to help you child(ren) with the carving. A pizza lunch will be offered! It's not too late to confirm. Contact Fr. Alex to reserve your family’s pumpkin: alexanderchetsas@gmail.com

PHILOPTOCHOS VETERANS DAY COLLECTION NOW UNDERWAY

As of this week, the Philoptochos Veterans Day Collection is “on” and will run until Nov. 7. This effort supplies our local Mansfield Veterans Office with warm winter coats and gift cards. Parishioners can make financial donations through the Vanco giving app (noting it as “Philoptochos Veterans Day”) or by giving funds to any board member. 

ORTHODOX LIFE: “OPENING THE DOOR,” CONTINUES OCT 27
Many of us have encountered the occult and other unconventional spiritual practices—and we may very well wonder what the Orthodox Church believes, have questions and wonder what guidance is before us. In this informal series, we're looking at everything from the Neo-Pagan and “Teen Witch” movements of the last century, to practices like tarot card reading and channeling, to the “Charlie Charlie Challenge,” Ouija Boards and other phenomena that may lead us to unintentionally open certain spiritual “doors." All are welcome to join us, and no previous experience with Bible study is needed. All reading material will be supplied. Our next meeting will be on the 27th, 6:30 - 8 pm (refreshments will be served). Contact Fr. Alex with any questions: alexanderchetsas@gmail.com.

ORTHODOXY 101, OCT 31
In addition to Orthodox Life: "Opening the Door" this fall, we are offering our faithful a straight forward, approachable introduction to Orthodoxy session on select Sundays, following Holy Communion. This is an ideal opportunity for those interested in coming into the Orthodox Faith or just wanting to learn more about the Church. Lou Zagami leads each session following Holy Communion in the classrooms area unless otherwise noted. Lou is also very willing to continue these discussions individually and/or in small group meetings in the weeks and months to come. Please contact him if you are interested: lzagami@comcast.net.

PHILOPTOCHOS ZOOM MTG., NOV 2
All Philoptochos members are warmly invited to our next virtual gathering on the 7th, beginning at 7 pm. A Zoom link will be emailed to our parishioners ahead of the meeting. 

SAINT MODESTOS PET BLESSING, NOV 7
It's time, once again, to invoke God's blessing upon His beautiful creation! 
The beautiful prayer service will be held from 1 – 1:15 pm, but come any time between 1 and 2 pm. A wonderful photographer will be on hand to capture the moment for you and your special friends. All parishioners and friends from the greater community are welcome. Event is “weather-permitting” & please make sure to pick up after your pet. Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you! Contact Fr. Alex Chetsas: alexanderchetsas@gmail.com; 508.337.9986.

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY, DEC 5
We have slated this year's Stewardship Sunday event for the 5th. This will be a time for us to learn about the 2022 Stewardship Ministry Program, reflect on our ministries and celebrate our Stewards with a wonderful breakfast. More details to come soon. In addition, as we look toward the conclusion of our 2021 campaign, thanks to all of our Saint Gregory parishioners who have already committed and worked to fulfill their offerings of time, talent and treasure for this year. If you haven't had an opportunity to do so yet, now is an ideal time not only to commit but also enact the financial aspect of your Stewardship. 2021 Commitment Cards can be completed online, and we can also give online via our website Stewardship Page: www.saintgregorythetheologian.org/stewardship/. GivePlus is another great option for parish giving: Home | St Gregory The Theologian Church (myvanco.com)

PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS, DEC 12
Please consider engaging this opportunity to serve our parish through this dynamic ministry role. Candidate forms are in the Narthex and are due to the Church Office (C/O Elections Committee) by Nov. 14. Before submitting your form, please read the position description and qualifications sections of the form carefully. All candidates will be asked to attend a Metropolis training seminar before the elections. Contact the office with any questions.

ALTAR SERVER NEWS
We are excited to announce that Co-Captains Greg Douvris, TJ Dimitirou and Miles Kaufman will lead the following Altar teams in 2021 - 22:  

Archangel Michael
Matthew Cromack
Spencer Riley

Archangel Gabriel
Chris Botches
Mario Salzillo
Linus LaFond

ANTIDORON SERVERS MINISTRY
In addition to reading the Epistle, this ministry is a great way for the girls and young women of our parish to actively engage our worship services. Please contact Kyri Stavros to learn more and/or confirm service dates. 

FELLOWSHIP HOUR & SPONSORSHIPS
If you feel comfortable doing so, please join us in the hall for Fellowship Hour following Divine Liturgy after Sunday services. We are grateful for the opportunity to once again enjoy friendship and refreshments in our hall. In addition, all parishioners are invited to pick a special Sunday to sponsor Fellowship Hour this fall. Please sign up this Sunday during Fellowship Hour or simply contact the Church Office. 

CONGREGATIONAL SINGING LEADERS
Singing leaders are needed to help our parish get familiar with our new hymnal, as well as lead congregational singing of the Divine Liturgy this summer and fall. Please contact Kathy Kalogeras (kathleenkalogeras@gmail.com) to learn more about coming practices and how you can be a part of this vital ministry of Saint Gregory. 

SAINT GREGORY PARISH BOOKSTORE
Parishioners are invited to visit our bookstore on Sundays or by appointment on weekdays by contacting the Church Office. Cathy or Fr. Alex would be happy to help you find that encouraging book, informational pamphlet or meaningful gift for a loved one that you are searching for. 

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. 

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Fr. Alex: Tue. (9 am – 1 pm), Wed. (11 am – 3 pm) & Thur (9 am – 1 pm); or by appointment when convenient for our faithful. Please note that on occasion, Fr. Alex may be seeing to a pastoral situation, visitingn with another parishioner, attending a Metropolis event or otherwise engaged in Church life during office hours. Cathy Cooper: by Appointment. 

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Calendar: Next Two Weeks

  • Saint Gregory Parish Calendar

    October 24 to November 7, 2021

    Sunday, October 24

    8:30AM Orthros (In Person/Online)

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy (In Person/Online)

    10:30AM Youth Rel Ed Classes

    11:15AM HOPE/JOY Prayerful Pumpkin Carving

    Wednesday, October 27

    6:30PM Orthodox Life: Opening the Door

    Sunday, October 31

    8:30AM Orthros (In Person/Online)

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy (In Person/Online)

    10:30AM Orthodoxy 101

    10:30AM Youth Rel Ed Classes

    Tuesday, November 2

    7:00PM Philoptochos Mtg

    Sunday, November 7

    8:30AM Orthros (In Person/Online)

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy (In Person/Online)

    10:30AM Youth Rel Ed Classes

    1:00PM Pet Blessing Event

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Coming Events & News

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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

6th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 9:6-11

Brethren, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. As it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever." He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.


Gospel Reading

6th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 8:26-39

At that time, as Jesus arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, there met him a man from the city who had demons; for a long time he had worn no clothes and he lived not in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him, and said with a loud voice, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beseech you, do not torment me." For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him; he was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters, but he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the desert.) Jesus then asked him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Legion"; for many demons had entered him. And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside; and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them leave. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. When the herdsmen saw what happened, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country. Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. And those who had seen it told them how he who had been possessed with demons was healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gadarenes asked him to depart from them; for they were seized with great fear; so he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but he sent him away, saying, "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.


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Saints and Feasts

Gadarene
October 24

6th Sunday of Luke


Allsaint
October 24

Arethas the Great Martyr & Syncletiki and her two daughters

These Martyrs contested for piety's sake in the year 524 in Najran, a city of Arabia Felix (present-day Yemen). When Dhu Nuwas, ruler of the Himyarite tribe in south Arabia, and a Judaizer, took power, he sought to blot out Christianity, especially at Najran, a Christian city. Against the counsels of Arethas, chief man of Najran, the city surrendered to Dhu Nuwas, who immediately broke the word he had given and sought to compel the city to renounce Christ. Led by Saint Arethas, hundreds of martyrs, including women, children, and babes, valiantly withstood his threats, and were beheaded and burned. After the men had been slain, all the free-born Christian women of Najran were brought before the tyrant and commanded to abjure Christ or die; yet they rebuked the persecutor with such boldness that he said even the men had not insulted him so contemptuously. So great was their faith that not one woman was found to deny Christ in all Najran, although some of them suffered torments more bitter than most of the men. In alliance with Byzantium, the Ethiopian King Elesbaan liberated Najran from Dhu Nuwas soon after and raised up churches in honour of the Martyrs. Najran became a place of pilgrimage until the rise of Islam a century later. At the end of his life King Elesbaan, who was also called Caleb, retired into solitude as a hermit; he sent his crown to Jerusalem as an offering to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. He also is commemorated on this day as a saint. Saint Arethas' name in Arabic, Harith, means "plowman, tiller," much the same as "George" does in Greek.


Allsaint
October 24

Sebastiane the Martyr


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Wisdom of the Fathers

For if we, going about on the earth which is familiar and well known to us, being encompassed with a body, when we are journeying in a strange road, know not which way to go unless we have some one to lead us; how should the soul, being rent away from the body, and having gone out from all her accustomed region, know where to walk without one to show her the way?
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 28 on Matthew 8, 4th Century

Some say, 'Why do they [demons] possess people?' I answer those who wish to have this explained that the reason of these things is very deep. Somewhere one of His saints addressed God by saying, 'Your judgments are a vast abyss.' As long as we bear this in mind, we will perhaps not miss the mark.
St. Cyril of Alexandria
Commentary on Luke, Homily 44. (Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture; vol 3: Luke, Intervarsity Press)

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Metropolis of Boston News

Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos Conference at the Clergy Laity Assembly

10/20/2021

The Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos hosted the Biennial Philoptochos Conference in


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Archdiocese News

Great Vespers with Rassophoria, Stavrophoria, and Tonsure

10/20/2021

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America: Great Vespers with Rassophoria, Stavrophoria, and Tonsure.
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Ecumenical Patriarchate News

Livestream of Ecumenical Patriarch's Honorary Degree Conferral

10/18/2021

Notre Dame University President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. will confer an honorary degree on His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I.
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