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Saint Gregory the Theologian
Publish Date: 2022-09-04
Bulletin Contents
A Word from Father Alex
Sunday Notes
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Saints and Feasts
Wisdom of the Fathers
Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates
Calendar: Next Two Weeks
Coming Events & News
Metropolis of Boston News
Archdiocese News
Moses
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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

Beloved Parishioners and Friends:

While the days are still quite warm, there seems to be something different in the air. The mornings have been cool, the evenings temperate--the sun has begun to hug the horizon just a bit. We are moving toward fall. 

This is indeed a beautiful time of year. As we enjoy the late summer and early fall harvest from farmstands and grocers around our homes, our minds turn to the bounty of nature. All of Creation is stunning evidence of God's creative power, of His energies at work. Further, while it is good to give thanks and utilize what has been given to us, perhpas this time of year should also give us pause to consdier our roles as stewards of Creation. 

This Sunday, I will offer a homily focused on Genesis, specifically 2 - 9, focusing on our relationship with the rest of Creation from the Garden to the post-flood Covenant. I'll pose questions about our role in relation to, for example, animals--how can we work toward regaining our original relationship to them, not as a threat but as stewards, exercising peaceful dominion over the rest of Creation? How can a renewed understanding of our relationship with the natural world help us move back, closer and closer, to the Garden, toward spiritual paradise? 

I hope the words I'll share will be of help to you, as we try to find our way to God in this world, day by day, taking nothing for granted--striving to  toward salvation in the world but not complacently becoming a people "of the age," as our Orthodox Faith cautions. 

As always, I'll look forward to worshipping with you, and yours, at our beloved parish home. 

In Christ,

Fr. Alex

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Sunday Notes

HOMILY: "Stewards of the Natural World."

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 this Sunday, 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 fall. 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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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

First Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Matthew 28:16-20

At that time, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw Him they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age. Amen."

Epistle Reading

12th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 15:1-11

Brethren, I would remind you in what terms I preached to you the gospel, which you received, in which you stand, by which you are saved, if you hold it fast -- unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God which is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

Gospel Reading

12th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 19:16-26

At that time, a young man came up to Jesus, kneeling and saying, "Good Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?" And he said to him, "Why do you call me good? One there is who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments." He said to him, "Which?" And Jesus said, "You shall not kill, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and You shall love your neighbor as yourself." The young man said to him, "All these I have observed; what do I still lack?" Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.

And Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." When the disciples heard this they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?" But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

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Saints and Feasts

Moses
September 04

Moses the Prophet & Godseer

The Prophet Moses-whose name means "one who draws forth," or "is drawn from," that is, from the water-was the pinnacle of the lovers of wisdom, the supremely wise lawgiver, the most ancient historian of all. He was of the tribe of Levi, the son of Amram and Jochabed (Num. 26:59). He was born in Egypt in the seventeenth century before Christ. While yet a babe of three months, he was placed in a basket made of papyrus and covered with pitch, and cast into the streams of the Nile for fear of Pharaoh's decree to the mid-wives of the Hebrews, that all the male children of the Hebrews be put to death. He was taken up from the river by Pharaoh's daughter, became her adopted son, and was reared and dwelt in the King's palace for forty years. Afterward, when he was some sixty years old, he fled to Madian, where, on Mount Horeb, he saw the vision of the burning bush. Thus he was ordained by God to lead Israel and bring it out of the land of Egypt. He led Israel through the Red Sea as it were dry land and governed the people for forty years. He wrought many signs and wonders, and wrote the first five books of the Old Testament, which are called the Pentateuch. When he reached the land of Moab, he ascended Mount Nabau, on the peak called Phasga, and there, by divine command, he reposed in the sixteenth century before Christ, having lived for some 120 years. The first two Odes of the Old Testament, "Let us sing to the Lord" and "Attend, O heaven, and I will speak," were written by him. Of these hymns, the first was chanted by the shore of the Red Sea as soon as the Israelites had crossed it; the second, in the land of Moab, a few days before his repose. The Holy High Priest Aaron was the elder brother of the Holy Prophet Moses. He was appointed by God to serve as the spokesman of Moses before the people, and also before Pharaoh, in Egypt. Afterwards, in the wilderness, he was called to the ministry of the high priesthood, as narrated in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers in the Old Testament. The name Aaron means "enlightened."

Mgenthroned1
September 04

12th Sunday of Matthew

Allsaint
September 04

Babylas the Holy Martyr

Saint Babylas was the twelfth Bishop of Antioch, being the successor of Zebinus (or Zebinas); he was beheaded during the reign of Decius, in the year 250, and at his own request was buried in the chains with which he was bound. The Emperor Gallus (reigned 351-354) built a church in his honour at Daphne, a suburb of Antioch, to put an end to the demonic oracles at the nearby temple of Apollo. When Julian the Apostate came in 362 to consult the oracle about his campaign against the Persians, the oracle (that is, the demon within it) remained dumb until at last, answering Julian's many sacrifices and supplications, it told him, "The dead prevent me from speaking." It told Julian to dig up the bones and move them. Julian, then, in the words of Saint John Chrysostom, "leaving all the other dead, moved only that Martyr." He commanded the Christians to take away Saint Babylas' bones, which they did with great solemnity and triumph. When this had been done, a thunderbolt fell from heaven destroying with fire the shrine of Apollo, which Julian did not dare rebuild. Saint John Chrysostom preached a sermon on this within a generation after.

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Wisdom of the Fathers

Rise from love of the world and love of pleasure. Put care aside, strip your mind, refuse your body. Prayer, after all, is a turning away from the world, visible and invisible. What have I in heaven? Nothing except simply to cling always to You in undistracted prayer. Wealth pleases some, glory others, possessions others, but what I want is to cling to God and to put the hopes of my dispassion in Him (cf. Ps. 72:25, 28).
St. John Climacus
Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 28: On Prayer; Paulist Press pg. 277, 6th century

Spiritual delight is not enjoyment found in things that exists outside the soul.
St. Isaac of Syria
Unknown, 7th century

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Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR SEPTEMBER 4, 12TH 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 will resume on Sep. 18. Please register your children here for another year of learning and growth in the Orthodox Faith. 

STREAMING DETAILS/MEDIA CONNECTIONS FOR SEPTEMBER 4
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 

LAST DAY FOR PHILOPTOCHOS BACKPACK & SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE, SEP 4
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. 

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). See our flyer or contact Karen Guinan for further details and to confirm your dish: karenguinan@gmail.com. 

MOUNT ATHOS EXHIBITION, SEP 13
On Sep 13, beginning at 1 pm, there will be a remarkable exhibit about Mount Athos at the Maliotis Cultural Center (Brookline, MA). Join His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, representatives from Mount Athos and clergy and laity from our Metropolis for an inspiring, educational and thought-provoking afternoon and evening. View the flyer for further details and contact information. 

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.

SAINT GREGORY PARISH BOOKSTORE FALL RE-OPENING, SEP 18
We look forward to re-opening our newly updated store on the 18th! One of the new udpated includes an expanded children''s section. With fall fast approaching, now is the perfect time for you (and your little ones) to curl up with a good book. Our bookstore is open on Sundays after Divine Liturgy, and we have a variety of titles for readers of all ages. Explore selections in topics ranging from prayer guides to the lives of the saints. There is truly something for everyone! Come and see…

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.  . 

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. 

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. (1 pm – 5 pm), Wed. (9 am – 1 pm) & Thur (9 am – 1 pm); or by appointment when convenient for our parishioners. 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: Tue. (9 am - 1 pm) and 

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Calendar: Next Two Weeks

  • Saint Gregory Parish Calendar

    September 4 to September 18, 2022

    Sunday, September 4

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    11:30AM Philoptochos Membership Drive begins

    11:30AM Backpack & School Supply donations for Philoptochos

    Sunday, September 11

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    11:30AM Blessing of School Backpacks--bring your child's school backpack to Saint Gregory

    11:30AM Welcome Back BBQ/Ministry Celebration

    11:30AM GOYA Mtg

    Tuesday, September 13

    1:00PM Mount Athos Exhibition (@Hellenic College)

    6:30PM Parish Council

    Wednesday, September 14

    Elevation of the Cross

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    Friday, September 16

    7:30AM Saint Gregory Golf Tournament

    Sunday, September 18

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM 1st Day of Sunday School/blessing of our children

    11:30AM Altar Server Mtg

    11:30AM Philoptochos Mtg (hybrid)

    11:30AM Myrrhbearers Mtg

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Coming Events & News

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Archdiocese News

Continuing Education Retreat from Center for Family Care

08/30/2022

Director of the Archdiocesan Center for Family Care, Fr. Alex Goussetis, meets quarterly with group of Metropolis of Pittsburgh clergyman for fellowship that includes continuing education focused on personal development and refining their pastoral identities and roles as parish priests.
https://www.goarch.org/-/continuing-ed-cfc-2022
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