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.
Parishioners and Friends:
I wish you a happy, safe and restful 4th of July weekend. Of course, if you are remaining local I hope you'll join us at Saint Gregory for worship and fellowship. If you are traveling, please be careful and travel safely--and come back to us soon.
In addition and as in last week's note, I ask you to please stay close to the spiritual and communal endeavors of Saint Gregory this summer: bringing pasta for West Side, helping out with the July 12 Mansfield Family Fun Night, bringing items for the Savers fundraiser and engaging everything else you see outlined in your eBulletin and other parish communications. They all represent ways for you to give "hands and feet" to your faith.
Also, as we move through the summer, I will be working with our ministry leaders to plan our 2022 - 23 ministry and events calendar. I'm "all ears" to your ideas, so please contact me any time this summer with suggestions for ministries or even topics of concern you would like the Church to engage.
As an example, wiith the host of emails, texts and other communications I received in the wake of last week's Supreme Court Decision, one idea I had was an Orthodox Life series in the fall focusing on vital contemporary moral issues facing the Church. It would be great to hear if you think this would be helpful and spiritually fulfilling for our parish. Again, please let me know your thoughts on this idea or anything else on your mind.
I really need your energy and fresh perspective--talking to you can help me think in new ways about parish life, youth ministry, liturgical issues ... everything.
Again, happy 4th and looking forward to seeing you soon,
Fr. Alex
HOMILY: Offered by Seminarian Lee Morest.
EPISTLE: Lou Zagami. Parishioners of all ages are invited to read the Epistle. Please contact Fr. Alex to choose a date.
ANTIDORON SERVICE: Servers are welcome to participate in this ministry throughout the summer. To get involved, contact Kyri Stavros: kyri910@icloud.com
Coming Schedule:
July 10: Elena Salzillo
TODAY'S ALTAR TEAM: For the summer, all Altar servers are invited to serve each Sunday (Teams Archangel Gabriel and Michael). Contact Fr. Alex 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 or feast day. The donation for flower sponsorships is $50. Please contact the Church Office to learn more or sponsor.
FELLOWSHIP HOUR: Join us after Divine Liturgy for refreshments and friendship. Fellowship Hour sponsorships are welcome this summer. 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
Third Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Mark 16:9-20
When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.
After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.
Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table; and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover."
So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen.
3rd Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 5:1-10
Brethren, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have obtained access by faith to this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us. While we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Why, one will hardly die for a righteous man -- though perhaps for a good man one will dare even to die. But God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we are now justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.
3rd Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 6:22-33
The Lord said, "The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is not sound, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear? For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well."
The Martyr Hyacinth, who was from Caesarea of Cappadocia, was the chamberlain of the Emperor Trajan. On being constrained by the Emperor to partake of the sacrifices offered to idols and not wishing to do so, he was shut up in prison without food, where he gave up his spirit to God in the year 108.
Saint Anatolius was a priest from Alexandria, who had been ordained deacon and perhaps also priest by Saint Cyril, Archbishop of Alexandria. In 449, at the Robber Council of Ephesus, Saint Cyril's infamous successor, the violent Dioscorus, unlawfully deposed Flavian, the Patriarch of Constantinople and opponent of the Monophysite Eutyches; Flavian, from the beatings which he received, died soon after. Dioscorus, thinking that the priest Anatolius would support him, consecrated him Patriarch of Constantinople in Saint Flavian's stead. After he had been consecrated by Dioscorus-who at that time had not yet been deposed-Anatolius united with the Orthodox; before the Council of Chalcedon in 451, he held a council of the Bishops in Constantinople, at which the Orthodox "Tome" of Pope Leo (see Feb. 18), which Dioscorus had not allowed to be read at the Robber Council, was read and approved; and at the Council of Chalcedon in 451, he condemned Nestorius, Eutyches, and, for his unlawful actions, Dioscorus. Saint Anatolius reposed in the year 458. Some ascribe to this Anatolius the hymns of Vespers and the Praises in the Octoechos that are labeled Anatolian Stichera; but others (which may be more correct), to another with the same name, who was from the Monastery of Studium, and a disciple of Saint Theodore the Studite, whose epistle to this Anatolius is still extant.
SERVICES FOR JULY 3, 3RD SUNDAY OF MATTHEW
We look forward to worshipping with you at Saint Gregory, whether in person or remotely: Orthros, 8:30 am; Divine Liturgy, 9:30 am. Sunday School classes are breaking for the summer and will resume in the fall of 2022. Please continue to bring your children to Saint Gregory throughout the summer--we never go "on vacation" from our Orthodox Faith.
STREAMING DETAILS/MEDIA CONNECTIONS FOR JULY 3
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 video
SAVERS FUNDRAISER, NOW - END OF JULY
From now until the end of July, Saint Gregory is partnering with Savers for a fundraiser. Please bring your gently used clothing, curtains and books to Saint Gregory at your earliest convenience. Contact Karen Guinan (karenguinan@gmail.com) to arrange your dropoff details, and thanks for your support.
WEST SIDE BENEVOLENT CIRCLE SUMMER MEALS OUTREACH, NOW - AUGUST
Our parish is supporting West Side Benevolent Circle’s Free Summer Meals program. The program offers children eighteen years and younger three nutritious breakfast and lunch meals per week throughout the summer. We can help in two ways:
#1: Bring boxes of pasta, boxes of mac ‘n’ cheese and bottles/cans of pasta sauce to Saint Gregory (our goal is 150 units of each; if you would like to make a financial donation, we will shop for you).
#2: Help prepare or distribute food on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this summer. Sign up here at your earliest convenience (slots are filling up quickly).
View and share our flyer. Contact Stacey Mullert (staceymullert13@gmail.com) or Fr. Alex with any questions.
MANSFIELD FAMILY FUN NIGHT, JULY 12
This fundraiser and vibrant community event is quickly approaching, and many hands are needed to staff our booth. Please contact Karen Guinan to confirm your availability and learn how you can help: karenguinan@gmail.com.
SAINT GREGORY 27TH ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC, SEP 16
Looking to the fall, please save the date of the Saint Gregory 27th Annual Charity Golf Classic—Sep. 16, 2022. Our committee invites you to join us in support of Saint Gregory’s primary fundraising event of the year, helping us advance the holy mission of our parish. Visit our website to learn more, register and sponsor: Please contact Stephan Katinas with any questions: skatinas@comcast.net.
USHERING AND "RIDES TO CHURCH" MINISTRIES
This spring and summer, those interested in our Ushering Ministry are invited to contact George Dimitriou: 781-769-2085; Gdimitriou@yahoo.com. Offering yourself as an usher is a wonderful way to meet new people and helps create a welcoming environment at Saint Gregory. Throughout the coming months, we will also reinvigorate our efforts to provide rides to church for anyone who needs one. Once again, contact George Dimitriou if you could use a “lift” or would like to help drive.
METROPOLIS OF BOSTON CAMP REGISTRATION
For our youth camping ministry enthusiasts, it is time to register for MBC (Metropolis of Boston Camp) Summer 2022. Session 1 begins June 27, and several sessions have already filled up. Learn more and register today—this is a faith-building opportunity for our youth that will help our children stay connected to the Church over the summer and beyond.
LITURGICAL SINGING
This ministry engages musical leadership not only for Sunday liturgy but all the liturgical needs of the year, from Vespers services to Great Lent and Holy Week. Your time and talent is most welcome within our Liturgical Singing Ministry. Please contact Kathy Kalogeras to learn more: kalogeras1@earthlink.net.
STEWARDSHIP 2022
Many thanks to all our 2022 Stewards for standing behind Saint Gregory. Your support of our church—through your time, talent and treasure—is vital to the pursuit of our divine mission: the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If you have not yet had an opportunity to complete your 2022 Commitment Card yet, please visit our Stewardship page.
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
Join us in the hall for Fellowship Hour following Divine Liturgy after Sunday services. We are also welcoming sponsors for Sundays this summer. Please sign up this Sunday during Fellowship Hour or simply contact the Church Office.
SAINT GREGORY PARISH BOOKSTORE
Parishioners are invited to visit our bookstore on Sundays or by appointment on weekdays by contacting the Church Office. Cathy Cooper or Fr. Alex would be happy to help you find that encouraging book, gift, informational pamphlet or other meaningful item you've been searching for.
WHAT'S NEW ON OUR WEBSITE?
Within our Youth Ministry pages, you'll soon see two new June 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.
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.
8:30AM Orthros (In Person/Online)
9:30AM Divine Liturgy (In Person/Online)
8:30AM Orthros (In Person/Online)
9:30AM Divine Liturgy (In Person/Online)
5:00PM Mansfield Family Fun Night
8:30AM Orthros (In Person/Online)
9:30AM Divine Liturgy (In Person/Online)
We can support the children of Mansfield by helping West Side supply free breakfast and lunch meals to children 18 and younger.
Save the date of our annual golf tournament, a great day of fellowship and an important fundraising and charity event for our parish.
Read all about the wonderful, heartfelt endeavors of Philoptochos in 2021--all of which were supported by our parish family.
The Town of Mansfield's Mandate Announcement and Supplemental Package
Recommendations & Guidelines Updated Aug 2021
Recommendations & Guidelines Updated May 2021
Over 700 clergy and laity gathered at the Metropolis of Boston 36th Annual Ministry Awards Celebration on Sunday, June 12th, 2022 at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA. The Master of Ceremony for the evening was Peter Eliopoulos, an Emmy Award winning reporter for WCVB- NewsCenter5.