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:
As the summer wanes (but hopefullly not too quickly), our minds begin to move toward the fall--a lovely time in our area but also one that we often associate with a great deal of hustle and bustle. It's back to school time, getting our ducks in a row time and prioritizing becomes a real challenge. It can be a stressful time, and it's easy to unintentionally neglect time with our families and forget to give attention to our spiritual lives.
To help us along the way, as we try to stay focused on what's eternal, our dedication to God, the Gospel and relationships, I would like to offer the following parish theme for the ecclesiastical year of 2022 - 23: "Faith and Works." This concept comes right from James 2:26 and reminds us of the importance of not just professing our faith but also bringing it to life through holy action: "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."
I will ask our ministry and program leaders to keep this theme close to their heart as they plan programs and events; I will focus on the theme within homilies, Orthodox Life series presentations and other endeavors; and I hope you will use it as a kind of compass and reference point as you plan your day and strive to prioritize all of your many responsibilities in life. We can ask ourselves questions like, "How does what I'm focusing on right now speak to my relationship with Jesus Christ--and with His people?"; "Am I merely offering lip service to what happen during Divine Liturgy each week, or can I identify concrete steps I am taking, each day, to bring life to these noble professions of faith?" And as we discern our honest answers, we can do somethig about them, take action and put our faithful findings to work.
This theme will also be integral to revealing the centrality and importance of our parish's philanthropic and social action endeavors throughout the year, from our fall Habitat for Humanity support to the many holy "works" of Philoptochos. From household to household, ministry event to ministry event and outreach effort to outreach effort, this theme can help remind us of why we are doing what we are doing. It can be a helpmeet in keeping us on track.
I'll share more as the weeks move on toward fall, and please feel free to share ideas or suggestions with me on how we can make this theme a day-to-day, concrete reality at Saint Gregory.
Finally, as I know several our of college students will soon be preparing for departure, and many other young adults for other endeavors and "next steps" in their lives, we wish them all well and will keep them in our collective prayers. Saint Gregory will always be their parish home; this will always be a place where they are remembered, loved and welcomed.
God be with you and see you soon,
Fr. Alex
HOMILY: "A Fool for Christ or Just a Fool?"
EPISTLE: Parishioners of all ages are invited to read the Epistle. Please contact Fr. Alex to choose a date.
ANTIDORON/MYRHHBEARERS SERVICE: Servers are welcome to participate in this ministry throughout the summer. To get involved, contact Fr. Alex.
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. As we look to the fall, congratulations to Chris Botchis and Spencer Riley for being appionted Altar Captain (Chris) and Assistant Captain (Spencer). We know both of these exemplary young men will be a tremendous help to Fr. Alex and positive spiritual mentor for their teammates.
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
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Tenth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:1-14
At that time, Jesus revealed Himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and He revealed Himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas, called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach, yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there with fish lying on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask Him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after He was raised from the dead. .
10th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 4:9-16
Brethren, God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are ill-clad and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become, and are now, as the refuse of the world, the off-scouring of all things. I do not write this to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me.
10th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 17:14-23
At that time, a man came up to Jesus and kneeling before him said, "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; for often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him." And Jesus answered, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me." And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move hence to yonder place,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. But this kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting." As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day."
The Apostle Thaddaeus was from Edessa, a Jew by race. When he came to Jerusalem, he became a disciple of Christ, and after His Ascension he returned to Edessa. There he catechized and baptized Abgar (see Aug. 16). Having preached in Mesopotamia, he ended his life in martyrdom. Though some call him one of the Twelve, whom Matthew calls "Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus" (Matt. 10:3), Eusebius says that he is one of the Seventy: "After [Christ's] Resurrection from the dead, and His ascent into Heaven, Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles, inspired by God, sent Thaddaeus, one of the seventy disciples of Christ, to Edessa as a preacher and evangelist of Christ's teaching" (Eccl. Hist. 1: 13).
The Martyrs were from Edessa of Macedonia. Bassa was the wife of a certain Valerian, a priest of the idols, to whom she bore three sons and raised them in piety. She was betrayed with her sons to the proconsul by her own husband; each of her sons was tormented before her and beheaded. For refusing to worship the idols, she was imprisoned, cast into water and then fire, was stoned, and remaining unharmed, was brought to the temple to worship the idols. Laying hold upon the idol of Zeus, she overturned it and broke it to pieces. After being preserved through further torments, she was beheaded, about the year 290, in the reign of Maximian.
SERVICES FOR AUGUST 21, 10TH 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 21
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
PHILOPTOCHOS BACKPACK & SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE, CONTINUTES TO SEPTEMBER 4
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.
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.
WELCOME BACK BBQ & MINISTRY CELEBRATION, SEP 11
Following Divine Liturgy, join us for BBQ (pulled pork, burgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs and more) and friendship in celebration of our parish ministries. We will sign up for Sunday School, GOYA (there will also be a GOYA meeting), Myhrrbearers Ministry, Altar Service and other youth ministries; representatives will also be on hand from Philoptochos as part of the fall membership drive. There will also be fun games and activities for our children (and those young at heart). Our younger children, middle and high schoolers are also invited to bring their school backpacks for a special blessing at the close of Divine Liturgy as well (each student will also receive beautiful gift!). 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 dish: 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.
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.
2023 ECCLESIASTICAL CALENDAR SPONSORSHIP
It is time to begin preparing for 2023 ecclesiastical calendars, which so many parishioners enjoy and utilize each year. If you would care to sponsor the calendar, the bottom flap can be personalized with your greeting. The sponsorship donation is $300, and please contact Cathy Cooper for further details.
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.
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.
MYRHHBEARERS/ANTIDORON SERVERS MINISTRY
Within the context of our fledling Myrrhbearers Ministry, our girls and young women are invited to hold Antidoro during Divine Liturgy, reading the Epislte and otherwise participate in the entire life of the Church. Please contact Fr. Alex to plan a date for an Epistle reading and/or Antidoro service.
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
11:30AM Backpack & School Supply donations for Philoptochos
5:00PM Parish Potluck and Game Night
8:30AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
11:30AM Backpack & School Supply donations for Philoptochos
8:30AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
11:30AM Philoptochos Membership Drive begins
11:30AM Backpack & School Supply donations for Philoptochos
Before the busy times of fall are upon us, come join us for a parish potluck, games (indoor/outdoor) and wonderful friendship at Saint Gregory.
Come join us for worship, a delicious BBQ, youth ministry sign ups, games, sports and fun at your Saint Gregory home!
Join His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros in celebration of this magnificent exhibition, sponsored by the Mount Athos Foundation of America and the Mount Athos Center.
Save the date of our annual golf tournament, a great day of fellowship and an important fundraising and charity event for our parish.
View the list of needed school supplies in support of the Philoptochos Backpack & School Supply Drive in support of Mansfield children and families.
Bring your beloved pets to Saint Gregory for this heart-warming event, reminding us that God's holy Creation is worthy of appreciation and blessing.
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
Boston— A groundbreaking new text with a foreword by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America has been published by Rev. Dr. Eugen J. Pentiuc, the Archbishop Demetrios Professor of Biblical Studies and Christian Origins at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology.