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Saint Gregory the Theologian
Publish Date: 2023-04-30
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
Jameszebedee
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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

Fellow Parishioners and Friends: 

Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen! 

I hope you enjoy this week's eBulletin for April 30, the Sunday of the Myrrhbearing Women. In light of our own Myrrhbearers' Ministry at Saint Gregory, I'll offer our youth--and entire congregation--a homily about the Myrrhbearing Women, while highlighting the good work of our dedicated girls and young women. May the unduanted courage and faith of these holy women of scripture continue to guide and inspire our youth.

Also, for our parents and students, don't forget that applications for the Parasco High School Seniors Scholarships are due this Sunday. These scholarships present a way for our parish to support our young adults, as they prepare to leave high school and engage the next phase of their academic lives. 

Finally, for our college students who are starting their finals in the days and weeks to come, we wish them well and offer prayers for their health and spiritual peace! We love them all and look forwrad to seeing them at Saint Gregory in the weeks and months to come. 

Looking forwrad to seeing you Sunday,

Fr. Alex

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Sunday Notes

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

TODAY'S ANTIDORON/MYRHHBEARERS SERVICE: Marianna Kalogeras. 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: Team Archangel Gabriel: Eliot and Leiland Hess; Linus LaFond. Altar Captain: Chris Botchis; Spencer Riley: Assistant Captain. 

HOMILY: "Undaunted: The Myrrhbearing Women."

MEMORIALS: Fokion Kalogeras, 9 yrs.; Maria Kalogera, 7 yrs.; James Osborne, 6 yrs.; and Leonidas Chetsas, 6 yrs. May their memory be eternal!

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 Kalogeras Family. All are welcome to join us in the hall for friendship and refreshments following Divine Liturgy. 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

Fourth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:1-12

On the first day of the week at early dawn, the women went to the tomb, taking spices, which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel; and as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how He told you, while He was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise." And they remembered His words and returning from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told this to the Apostles; but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home wondering at what had happened.

Epistle Reading

Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women
The Reading is from Acts of the Apostles 6:1-7

In those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the body of the disciples and said, "it is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." And what they said pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochoros, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaos, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands upon them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women
The Reading is from Mark 15:43-47; 16:1-8

At that time, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. And Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. And he bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud, and laid him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.

And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?" And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back; for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you." And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

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Saints and Feasts

Jameszebedee
April 30

James the Apostle and brother of St. John the Theologian

James was one of the Twelve, like his brother John (celebrated on Sept. 26), whom the Lord called "Sons of Thunder," because they became great preachers and because of their profound theology. It was the Saint's boldness in preaching the Gospel that Herod Agrippa, the son of Aristobulus and grandson of Herod the Great, could not endure, and so he took him into custody during the days of the Passover, and slew him with the sword (Acts 12: 1-2); and thus he drank the cup of which the Saviour had spoken to him prophetically (Matt. 20:23). As for Herod, the following year he went down to Caesarea, and, as the Acts of the Apostles records: "Upon a set day, Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration" to the elders of Tyre and Sidon; and the flatterers that surrounded him "gave a shout, saying, 'it is the voice of a god, and not of a man.' And immediately an Angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory; and like his grandfather (see Dec. 29) "he was eaten of worms and gave up the spirit" (Acts 12:21-23)

Allsaint
April 30

Argyra the New Martyr

Allsaint
April 30

Clement the Hymnographer

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Wisdom of the Fathers

They [the women] had followed Him ministering to Him, and were present even unto the time of the dangers. Wherefore also they saw all; how He cried, how He gave up the ghost, how the rocks were rent, and all the rest.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 88 on Matthew 27, 4th Century

And these [the women] first see Jesus; and the sex that was most condemned, this first enjoys the sight of the blessings, this most shows its courage. And when the disciples had fled, these were present.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 88 on Matthew 27, 4th Century

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Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR TODAY, APRIL 30, SUNDAY OF THE MYRRHBEARING WOMEN
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, immediately following Holy Communion. 

STREAMING DETAILS/MEDIA CONNECTIONS FOR TODAY, APRIL 30
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 

PARASCO SCHOLARSHIP FOR GRADUATING SENIORS,  APPS. DUE TODAY, APRIL 30
If your family is a Steward of Saint Gregory, you are graduating high school this June and are planning on attending a college or university, you are encouraged to apply for a scholarship that will be awarded to seniors. Applications are in the High School classroom or online: http://bit.ly/3nySVL8. Applications are due by 4.30.23. Contact our committee with questions: stgregoryscholarship@gmail.com.

PHILOPTOCHOS UPDATES, TODAY, APRIL 30 & BEYOND
***Please join Philoptochos for fun and fellowship on Saturday, May 13, 11am - 1pm. We will be hosting a Color Street Nail party! Color Street is a “no dry time” nail sticker that comes in a variety of colors and designs. They are made from nail polish and are removable with standard nail polish remover. They can applied over acrylic nails as well. Cost is $10.00 per nail set. All ages are welcome. A brunch buffet will be served. Email Ann Johnson at (annjohnson0195@gmail.com), or sign up at the Philoptochos table during Fellowship Hour TODAY, April 30. 
***We will be sponsoring a special “thank you” Fellowship Hour on May 14, the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman. This is an opportunity for Philoptochos to thank our parish for its support of ministry efforts and events throughout the year.    
***In addition, Philoptochos Board Elections are upon us. Current members, please indicate your interest in running for the Executive Board for the 2023-25 term to Liz Christo. An email, requesting submissions, was emailed to you for your convenience.

THRIVING CONGREGATIONS SEMINAR, MAY 6
Thriving Congregations Initiative, May 6. This calendar event noted above is a seminar our entire parish is invited to—just let Fr. Alex know if you would like to attend. “TCI” is an initiative of the Metropolis of Boston, striving to help all of our Metropolis churches not only survive but thrive in every way. The seminar is one of several that have taken place, and it will run from 9:30 am to 3 pm (St. George, Centerville, MA). As part of the initiative, our parish has been offered two Lilly Endowment grants, each for $2,500. One effort will be based around discussions and activities for our young adults, and the other will be in connection to Mansfield Food Pantry.

SUNDAY SCHOOL EVENTS--SAVE THESE DATES, MAY 7 & BEYOND
With our Sunday School year drawing to its close, we look forward to our final events, as well as celebrating our ministry and marking the accomplishments of our youth:
***May 7 & June 4: Students/Teachers sit up front for Divine Liturgy
***May 21: High School Graduation Recognition & Scholarship Event
***June 4: Last Day of Sunday School & Ice Cream Social

PARISH GENERAL ASSEMBLY, MAY 21
Please save the date of this important meeting of our parish family, immediately following Divine Liturgy. 

METROPOLIS AWARDS BANQUET, JUNE 11
This year’s Metropolis Awards Banquet will be held June 11, once again at Gillette Stadium. The event is designed to highlight the dedicated, faithful and loving service of the clergy and laity of the Metropolis of Boston. Typically, as many as 800 local parishioners attend. Reservation details will soon be announced.

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

    April 30 to May 14, 2023

    Sunday, April 30

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School classes

    Saturday, May 6

    9:30AM TCI Seminar (@St. George, Centerville)

    Sunday, May 7

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School classes

    Tuesday, May 9

    6:30PM Parish Council

    Saturday, May 13

    11:00AM Philoptochos Nail Party

    Sunday, May 14

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School classes

    10:30AM Philoptochos "Thank You" Fellowship Hour

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Coming Events & News

    Metropolis Ministry Awards: June 11

    Metropolis Ministry Awards: June 11

    Join fellow parishioners from across the Metropolis of Boston as we come together at Gillette Stadium to celebrate the dedicated service of clergy and laity. Reservation information will soon be available.

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