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.
Beloved Parishioners and Friends:
A blessed Feast of the Transfiguration to you. We'll be offering Orthros and Liturgy, as well as the blessing of the grapes, for this great feast on Saturday, Aug. 6--please come join us, even for a little while, if you can. Likewise, I'd love to see you at our parish home for Sunday worship on the 7th.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Alex
Blessing of Grapes/Harvest at the Transfiguration
O Lord our God Jesus Christ, You said to Your disciples: ”Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you shall receive, and it will come to you,” we humbly beseech You, bless and sanctify the fruits which your faithful servants have brought today to Your church. May these fruits when eaten preserve the life and health of all those present here, as well as of those absent. May these blessed fruits be an effective medicine for those who are sick and ailing, and may they be a protection against the assaults of enemy for those who keep them in their homes; and may those who partake of them enjoy the fullness of Your goodness and blessing. For You are the God of peace, love and mercy, O Lover of mankind, and we render glory to You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen.
HOMILY: "The First Fruits"
EPISTLE: 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
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
Eighth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:11-18
At that time, Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb, and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus has lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him." Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, "Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, "Rabboni," which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, "Do not touch Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God." Mary Magdalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and she told them that He had said these things to her.
8th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 1:10-17
Brethren, I appeal to you by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brethren. What I mean is that each one of you says, "I belong to Paul," or "I belong to Apollos," or "I belong to Cephas," or "I belong to Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispos and Gaius; lest any one should say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any one else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
8th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 14:14-22
At that time, Jesus saw a great throng; and he had compassion on them, and healed their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a lonely place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves." Jesus said, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat." They said to him, "We have only five loaves here and two fish." And he said, "Bring them here to me." Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass; and taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke and gave the loaves to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Then he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.
SERVICES FOR AUGUST 7, 8TH 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 AUGUST 7
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
PARAKLESIS & DORMITION SERVICES, AUG 10, 12 & 15
The remaining Small Paraklesis Services will be offered on Aug. 10 and 12, starting at 6 pm. Join us for these brief, poetic services during this period of fasting and preparation for the Feast of the Dormition on Aug. 15. Within this period, we will also celebrate the radiant Feast of the Transfiguration on Aug. 6. (Service times for the Transfiguration and Dormition services are at the usual Orthros and Liturgy times.)
PARISH POTLUCK AND GAME NIGHT, AUG 27
All parishioners are invited to join us for an evening of friendship and fun on the 27th, 5 – 7:30. All are welcome, and indoor/outdoor games will be provided. Feel free to bring a favorite game from home, too. Please bring a dish to share, and contact Brian Kaufman (bvkaufman@gmail.com) or Phil LaFond (phil@lafonds.net) with questions or for further details.
PHILOPTOCHOS BACKPACK & SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE, NOW - SEPTEMBER 11
Philoptochos is happy to announce our 4th Annual Backpack and School Supply Drive is officially underway. This drive is to benefit children within the Mansfield school district who may otherwise not have access to necessary school supplies. Last fall, thanks to the generosity of the Saint Gregory the Theologian community, we were able to fill 40 backpacks with supplies and still have additional paper, pens and notebooks to donate. We hope to meet that number again this year. There are three ways you can help:
1) Purchase supplies and drop them off in the collection box in Narthex by the front door. See the supply list within the "Coming Events & News" section of this eBulletin.
2) Use the following links to order supplies from our Amazon Wish List or Target Wish List. The supplies will be shipped directly Philoptochos.
Amazon ink: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/149GH64FEWDEH?ref_=wl_share
Target link: https://www.target.com/gift-registry/gift/stanastasiaschoolsupplydrive
3) Make a donation payable to St. Anastasia Philoptochos and we will purchase the supplies for you.
We thank you all for your continued generosity! Contact Ann Johnson with any questions: annjohnson0195@gmail.com.
WEST SIDE BENEVOLENT CIRCLE SUMMER MEALS OUTREACH, NOW - AUGUST
Last week, our second donation load was taken to West Side Benevolent Circle, totaling 175 items! The program is currently serving 110 Mansfield families and will continue through the end of August. To help us meet our goal for the summer, please continue to bring the following to Saint Gregory over the next several weeks: boxes of pasta, boxes of mac ‘n’ cheese and jars/cans of pasta. Many thanks to all who have supported this important local effort in combatting food insecurity for local children and families.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SUPPORT AND BUILD EVENT, THIS FALL
In other outreach news, Saint Gregory will be participating in the Old Colony Habitat for Humanity Build on Pike Ave. in Attleboro. In connection to a parish “build day” in the fall, we have a fundraising sponsorship goal of $2,500—this donation will actually help pay for the materials of the building project. If you would like to donate and/or express interest in joining us for the build day, please contact Fr. Alex at your earliest convenience.
WELCOME BACK BBQ & MINISTRY CELEBRATION, SEP 11
Come worship with us on the 11th, and then remain for a parish BBQ (pulled pork, burgers, dogs and more) in celebration of our parish ministries. We'll sign up for Sunday School, GOYA, Altar and other youth ministries--there will also be fun games and activities for our children (and those young at heart). Please bring a side or dessert to share with our parish family (no nuts, please!). Contact Karen Guinan for further details and to confirm your food offering: 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
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
6:30PM Parish Council
6:00PM Paraklesis Service
6:00PM Paraklesis Service
8:30AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
11:30AM Last day for West Side pasta donations
11:30AM Backpack & School Supply donations for Philoptochos
Dormition of the Theotokos
8:30AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
8:30AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
11:30AM Backpack & School Supply donations for Philoptochos
We can support the children of Mansfield by helping West Side supply free breakfast and lunch meals to children 18 and younger.
View the list of needed school supplies in support of the Philoptochos Backpack & School Supply Drive in support of Mansfield children and families.
Come join us for worship, a delicious BBQ, youth ministry sign ups, games, sports and fun at your Saint Gregory home!
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
The 46th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America concluded yesterday, July 7, 2022, after a packed final Plenary Session, during which various institutional organizations shared their progress and their vision for the next 100 years.