Publish-header
Saint Gregory the Theologian
Publish Date: 2023-03-12
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
Symeonnewspious
Organization Icon
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:

I look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday, March 12, the 2nd Sunday of Lent. Each year, the 2nd Sunday of Lent is dedicated to St. Gregory Palamas, a 14th century saint who taught that those with a "pure heart" can attain a level of prayerfulness that bridges the human and divine. 

His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios will also make a pastoral visit on the 12th. We look forward to worshipping with His Eminence and also enjoying time with him during Fellowship Hour. Please come on time to Divine Liturgy, so we can greet His Eminence with a full church. 

I hope and pray your Lenten journey is fruitful and inspirational,

Fr. Alex

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Sunday Notes

EPISTLE: Peter Maimonas. Parishioners of all ages are invited to read the Epistle. Please contact Fr. Alex to choose a date.

TODAY'S ANTIDORON/MYRHHBEARERS SERVICE: Kalotina Vallas. Servers are welcome to participate in this ministry throughout the winter and spring. To get involved, contact Eleni LaFond or Fr. Alex. 

TODAY'S ALTAR TEAM: Both Teams Archangel Gabriel and Michael invited to serve. Altar Captain: Chris Botchis; Spencer Riley: Assistant Captain. 

MEMORIALS: Stephen Makos (1 yr.), Anna Makos (17 yrs.) & Odysseus Makos (38 yrs.).

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: Sponsored by the LaFond and Gagne Families. Join us in the hall for friendship and refreshments. Fellowship Hour sponsorships are welcome and needed. Please sign up in the hall this weekend or use our new SignUpGenius link. 

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

Sixth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:36-53

At that time, having risen from the dead, Jesus went up and stood among His disciples and said to them, "Peace be with you." But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit. And He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; handle Me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have." And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, He said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" They gave Him a piece of broiled fish [and some honeycomb], and He took it and ate before them. Then He said to them, "These are My words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about Me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled." Then He opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in His name in all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." Then He led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up His hands, He blessed them. While He blessed them, He parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the Temple blessing God.

Epistle Reading

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3

IN THE BEGINNING, Thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end." But to what angel has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet?" Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?

Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
The Reading is from Mark 2:1-12

At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum and it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is a blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-he said to the paralytic-"I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"

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Saints and Feasts

Symeonnewspious
March 12

Symeon the New Theologian

Saint Symeon became a monk of the Studite Monastery as a young man, under the guidance of the elder Symeon the Pious. Afterwards he struggled at the Monastery of Saint Mamas in Constantinople, of which he became abbot. After enduring many trials and afflictions in his life of piety, he reposed in 1022. Marvelling at the heights of prayer and holiness to which he attained, and the loftiness of the teachings of his life and writings, the church calls him "the New Theologian." Only to two others, John the Evangelist and Gregory, Patriarch of Constantinople, has the church given the name "Theologian." Saint Symeon reposed on March 12, but since this always falls in the Great Fast, his feast is kept today.

Allsaint
March 12

Paul Aurelian, Bishop of Brittany

Allsaint
March 12

Phineas, grandson of Prophet Aaron

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Wisdom of the Fathers

Take up your bed. Carry the very mat that once carried you. Change places, so that what was the proof of your sickness may now give testimony to your soundness. Your bed of pain becomes the sign of healing, its very weight the measure of the strength that has been restored to you.
St. Peter Chrysologus
Homily 50.6. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol. 2: Mark. Downers Grove: Intervarsity Press, 2005, p. 27.

Now Matthew indeed saith, that "they brought him," but the others, that they also broke up the roof, and let him down. And they put the sick man before Christ, saying nothing, but committing the whole to Him.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century

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Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

"MEMORY LANE" VIDEO EVENT, MARCH 10
A wonderful video from the 90s has been discovered, featuring footage of our beloved campus from the earliest days of parish use, as well as interviews with parishioners. We are all warmly invited to come to the Salutations Service on the 10th, beginning at 6:30pm, after which we will enjoy some light Lenten refreshments in the hall and enjoy the video. This is a wonderful opportunity to invite family and friends to church, especially those who may not have joined us for a while.

SERVICES FOR MARCH 12, THE SUNDAY OF SAINT GREGORY PALAMAS
We look forward to worshipping with you at Saint Gregory: Orthros, 8:30 am; Divine Liturgy, 9:30 am. Sunday School classes will be in session this weekend. If you have not already, please register your children here for another year of learning and growth in the Orthodox Faith. 

STREAMING DETAILS/MEDIA CONNECTIONS FOR MARCH 12
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 DIGNITY MATTERS COLLECTION & SIGN UP TABLE, MARCH 12
Through March, Philoptochos is collecting items for Dignity Matters, a non-profit organization that supplies feminine hygiene products, bras and underwear to women and girls who are homeless or disadvantaged. A bin is available in the Narthex and an Amazon wish list will be shared. Monetary donations are also appreciated. 

THIRD WEEK OF LENT SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS, MARCH 15 & BEYOND
There are a host of services of the next few weeks that usher us in to our forty-day Lenten journey. Please join us as often as you can, even if you cannot stay the whole time. 
Third Week of Lent:
March 15, 6 pm, PreSanctified Liturgy. These weekly Lenten services offer an opportunity to receive Holy Communion, strengthening us through the forty days. March 17, 6:30 pm, 3rd Salutations to the Theotokos. March 19, 3rd Sunday of Lent—Sunday of the Holy Cross. 

BLESSING OF THE SAINT PATRICK ICION, MARCH 19
This summer, John and Robin Karagounis commissioned a hand-painted icon of Saint Patrick—and donated it to our parish. We are incredibly grateful to the Karagounis family for their thoughtfulness and generosity. Following Divine Liturgy on the 19th, we will bless the icon and present it to our parishioners, especially our youth. We have already found a prominent place in the Narthex for the icon, and we know it will be an integral aspect of our worship life and educational efforts for years to come. 

ORTHODOX LIFE: "LIVING THE GREAT COMMISSION," CONT. MARCH 19
Our winter/spring Orthodox Life series will be “Living the Great Commission” and will focus on concrete actions we can take to answer the Great Commission of our Lord. Join Lee Morest during Fellowship Hour, and all are welcome.

LENTEN, HOLY WEEK & PASCHA FLOWER DONATIONS
Great Lent is here, and there are a host of flower and related decorating needs from now all the way through Pascha/Easter Sunday. A donation opportunity list is in the Narthex and also available here. Please drop off your donation form at the Church Office or see Fr. Alex or Maria Sweten. Immediate needs include the adorning of the “Sweet Kissing” icon for Friday night Salutations and the tray for the Sunday of the Holy Cross.

NEW FELLOWSHIP HOUR SIGN-UP RESOURCES
All parishioners are invited to host Fellowship Hour on a coming Sunday this winter and spring. In addition to the sign-up poster in the hall, we can now easily learn more and sign up online. Fellowship Hour is a beloved, significant tradition at our parish that speaks to Christian fellowship and hospitality. Thanks in advance for your support, and contact Fellowship Hour Chair Brian Kaufman with any questions: bvkaufman@gmail.com

STEWARDSHIP 2023 & TESTIMONIAL VIDEO
As we move into the new year, we now kindly ask our Stewards to read over our 2023 materials package and prayerfully complete and return 2023 Commitment Cards at their earliest convenience. This not only helps us plan for and support our parish ministries but is a visible symbol of our Eucharistic community: united in worship and dedication to the Gospel. The Stewardship pages of our parish website have been updated with our 2023 materials, and please contact Phil LaFond with any questions (phil@lafonds.net). View the Stewardship Sunday testimonial video here. 

NEW ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEM
Parishioners who would like to try out our new Assistive Listening System are welcome to use the receivers on our Narthex Welcome Table. The receivers are easy to use: just place the ear device on your ear, and turn on the “on/volume” on top of the receiver.

USHERING AND "RIDES TO CHURCH" MINISTRIES
This winter and spring, 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. We have also been re-initiating 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. 

MYRHHBEARERS MINISTRY
Within the context of our fledling Myrrhbearers Ministry, our girls and young women are invited to hold Antidoro during Divine Liturgy, read the Epislte and otherwise participate in the entire life of the Church. Please contact Eleni LaFond to pick a date for Antidoro service and Fr. Alex to plan a date for an Epistle reading. 

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. General Church Office Needs: as we are currently short staffed, please call the Church Office (508.337.9986) and leave a message. Father or another ministry leader will get back with you shortly. Thanks for your patience. 

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Calendar: Next Two Weeks

  • Saint Gregory Parish Calendar

    March 12 to March 26, 2023

    Sunday, March 12

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Hierarchical Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School classes

    11:30AM Philoptochos Dignity Matters Collection

    Tuesday, March 14

    6:30PM Parish Council

    Wednesday, March 15

    6:00PM PreSanctified Liturgy

    Friday, March 17

    6:30PM Salutations

    Sunday, March 19

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School classes

    11:00AM Blessing of Saint Patrick Icon

    11:30AM Philoptochos Hybrid Mtg

    11:30AM Philoptochos Dignity Matters Collection

    Tuesday, March 21

    11:00AM Food & Friends

    Wednesday, March 22

    6:00PM PreSanctified Liturgy

    Sunday, March 26

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School classes

    11:30AM Myrrhbearers Mtg

    11:30AM Philoptochos Dignity Matters Collection

    11:30AM Altar Servers Mtg

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Coming Events & News

    Lent, Holy Week & Pascha: Flower Donation Form

    Lent, Holy Week & Pascha: Flower Donation Form

    From now until Pascha, there are a host of needs and opportunities surrounding flower donations. Please peruse our list for remaining items. Thank you for your generosity.

    Late Jan - March Mustard Seed

    Late Jan - March Mustard Seed

    Enjoy our latest newsletter, keeping us all up to date on happenings at Saint Gregory, as well as giving us good spiritual food to reflect upon.

    October Financial Trends Update

    October Financial Trends Update

    Our Parish Council offers these financial updates monthly, so our parishioners can be fully aware of financial and Stewardship trends within Saint Gregory.

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