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Saint Gregory the Theologian
Publish Date: 2024-03-10
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
Lastjudgement1
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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:

This Sunday, I’ll continue my multi-part sermon series focused on the major pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. I’ll move from prayer to the abstention and fasting traditions of Lent, focusing more on the spirit of the “law” than the letter.

This Sunday is also Philoptochos Sunday. Please join me in highlighting the vital work of our Philoptochos ministry at Saint Gregory and within the greater community. I look forward to offering a special prayer for their ministry after Divine Liturgy, alongside all of you.

In the days and weeks to come, I hope you’ll make the time to take our parish survey, outlined in this week’s hard-copy and
e-communications. This survey will help us understand the nature and health of parish life at Saint Gregory. Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Finally, please stop in and check out our bookstore offerings for Lent. Emily Hess has highlighted several wonderful offerings for the Lenten season, and I think you'll find something inspiring and encouraging for everyone in your life in our store. 

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Alex

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Sunday Notes

EPISTLE: Parish Chanters.

MYRHHBEARER SERVICE: 
March 10th: Isabella Cara Donna
March 17th: Sydney LaFond

TODAY'S ALTAR TEAM: Team Archangel Michael (Matthew Cromack, AJ Georgilas and Matthew Georgilas). Captain, Mario Salzillo.

FATHER'S HOMILY: Lenten Pillar 2: “Why and How We Fast.”

MEMORIALS: Artemisia Douvris (40 Days). May her memory be eternal!

ALTAR FLOWERS: Please consider sponsoring altar flowers for a coming Sunday. The donation for flower sponsorships is $75. Please contact Gina in the church office to learn more or sponsor. 

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: This week's fellowship hour is sponsored by Philoptochos in celebration of Philoptochos Sunday, and co-hosted by The Douvris Family in loving memory of Artemisia Douvris. All are welcome to join us following Divine Liturgy. This month and beyond, Fellowship Hour sponsors 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

Seventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:1-10

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him." Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying and the napkin, which had been on His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that He must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.

Epistle Reading

Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)
The Reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 8:8-13; 9:1-2

Brethren, food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. Only take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if any one sees you, a man of knowledge, at table in an idol's temple, might he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? And so by your knowledge this weak man is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of my brother's falling, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to fall.

Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

Gospel Reading

Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)
The Reading is from Matthew 25:31-46

The Lord said, "When the Son of man comes in his glory and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.' Then he will say to those at his left hand, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' Then he will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.' And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

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Saints and Feasts

Lastjudgement1
March 10

Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)

The foregoing two parables -- especially that of the Prodigal Son -- have presented to us God's extreme goodness and love for man. But lest certain persons, putting their confidence in this alone, live carelessly, squandering upon sin the time given them to work out their salvation, and death suddenly snatch them away, the most divine Fathers have appointed this day's feast commemorating Christ's impartial Second Coming, through which we bring to mind that God is not only the Friend of man, but also the most righteous Judge, Who recompenses to each according to his deeds.

It is the aim of the holy Fathers, through bringing to mind that fearful day, to rouse us from the slumber of carelessness unto the work of virtue, and to move us to love and compassion for our brethren. Besides this, even as on the coming Sunday of Cheese-fare we commemorate Adam's exile from the Paradise of delight -- which exile is the beginning of life as we know it now -- it is clear that today's is reckoned the last of all feasts, because on the last day of judgment, truly, everything of this world will come to an end.

All foods, except meat and meat products, are allowed during the week that follows this Sunday.

Allsaint
March 10

Quadratus the Martyr & his Companions

These Martyrs contested for piety's sake in Corinth during the reign of the Emperor Valerian (253-260).

Allsaint
March 10

Anastasia of Alexandria

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Wisdom of the Fathers

"Christian love is the 'possible impossibility' to see Christ in another man, whoever he is..."
Alexander Schmemann
Great Lent, 20th Century

So great was the honour and providential care which God bestowed upon man that He brought the entire sensible world into being before him and for his sake. The kingdom of heaven was prepared for him from the foundation of the world (cf. Matt. 25:34); God first took counsel concerning him, and then he was fashioned by God's hand and according to the image of God (cf. Gen. 1:26-27). God did not form the whole man from matter and from the elements of this sensible world, as He did the other animals. He formed only man's body from these materials; but man's soul He took from things supercelestial or, rather, it came from God Himself when mysteriously He breathed life into man (cf. Gen. 2:7).
St. Gregory Palamas
Topics of Natural and Theological Science no. 24, The Philokalia Vol. 4 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg. 356, 14th century

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Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR SUNDAY, MARCH 10TH, JUDGMENT SUNDAY
We look forward to worshipping with you at Saint Gregory: 
Orthros, 8:30 am
Divine Liturgy, 9:30 am
Each week, Sunday School classes begin immediately after Holy Communion. All are warmly invited to join us for refreshments and fellowhip after Divine Liturgy. 

STREAMING DETAILS/MEDIA CONNECTIONS FOR TODAY, MARCH 10TH
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

PARISH SURVEY, NOW THROUGH MARCH 22ND
Our parish survey (the Effective Parish Assessment) is now available and open to all our parishioners. This is a professional survey offered by Orthodox Ministry Services (OMS) and supported by our archdiocese and metropolis. Please take the survey today. It will be available until March 22. Fr. Alex and your Parish Council thank all our parishioners for making the time for this important effort.

SOUL SATURDAYS, MARCH 9TH & 23RD
Soul Saturdays span the two Saturday before Lent and the first Saturday of Lent. As we have a sacrament on March 16th, we will just have services on the 9th and 23rd. There is a listing form for our departed loved ones in the Narthex, and names may also be emailed to Fr. Alex or Gina in the church office (please do so by the Friday before the service). If you would like to offer a small koliva for the 9th or 23rd, please contact Father. 

PHILOPTOCHOS SUNDAY, MARCH 10TH
This Sunday, following Divine Liturgy, we will highlight the vital work of Philoptochos and offer a special prayer for their ongoing ministry. Philoptochos members will host Fellowship Hour after services.

4TH/5TH GRADE CONFESSION PROGRAM, MARCH 10TH
After Sunday School, our Sunday School 4th/5th grade stdudents are asked to join Fr. Alex in the church for our next session. Our boys and girls are making great progress in their understanding of the Sacrament of Confession, and Father loves spending time with them. Thanks to our teachers and parents for making this program a reality. 

"CHURCH WORD" OF THE WEEK, MARCH 10TH
The word solea literally means “bottom” or a “base”—and likely had its origins in referring to the bottom of a shoe (who knew?).As a “church word,” a solea is a raised platform in worship space from which readings might be done or other important liturgical functions. For us, the solea is the raised platform that leads to the “beautiful gates” and Altar sanctuary. We’ll share more interesting church words in the weeks to come. 

PHILOPTOCHOS DIGNITY MATTERS DRIVE, MARCH 10TH - APRIL 7TH
Please support Philoptochos' drive for Dignity Matters, a non-profit organization supporting women and girls who are homeless and disadvantaged. Now through the 7th, we can help in three ways: 
*** Purchase and drop off needed items in the Narthex
*** Purchase items via Amazon for direct shipment to Saint Gregory   
*** Make a financial donation to Philoptochos and we will purchase items for you. Make your offering through Vanco, mail a check to the church or give funds to any Philoptochos member

GOYA DANCE EVENT, MARCH 16TH
The evening will begin with camp-style worship and inspirational words from Kim Thomas of Habitat for Humanity—and then it’s time for food, dancing, music and fun in the hall. Please see the event flyer for more information. 

ORTHODOXY 101 CONT., MARCH 17TH
Join Fr. Alex after Divine Liturgy for our next session of Orthodox Life. Whether you’ve joined us in the past or not, all are welcome (we can catch you up if you’re new). Participants who have Introducing the Orthodox Church are asked to read from pgs. 93 - 109 for the 17th. Contact Father for further details or to receive your copy of our book.

PARASCO SERVICE & ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS SCHOLARSHIP, APPS. DUE MARCH 31ST
Through the generosity of the Parasco Family, our parish will offer a new scholarship opportunity beginning this spring: The Parasco Family Service & Enrichment Programs Scholarship. High schoolers (including those approaching their summer after graduation) are invited to apply for this award, which will offer financial support for Orthodox Christian enrichment or service programs. Approved programs are CrossRoad Institute, IOCC Service Trips, Orthodox Youth Mission Team, and Project Mexico; other programs will need to be approved by Fr. Alex. Learn more by viewing our flyer, and you can apply here. The deadline for application for 2024 is March 31st.

ORATORICAL FESTIVAL, APRIL 7TH
Following Divine Liturgy on Sunday, April 7th, we will be having our St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival. We're hoping to have many of our youth share their talents and insights with us!
All participants will need to register here prior to the event. If you have any questions, please contact Brian Hess at bhess0529@gmail.com

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BUILD, APRIL 13TH
As part of our Thriving Congregations Initiative (TCI) grants, we will once again participate in a house build—this time in Norton, MA on the 13th. We will have room for about twenty volunteers. Please contact Fr. Alex or Gina, in the church office, to learn more or reserve your spot for the day. See our flyer for further details. 

SAINT GREGORY BOOKSTORE LENTEN OFFERINGS
With Great Lent approaching on March 18th, we have wonderful offerings related to the upcoming Lenten season. These featured books are available now (some in very limited quantities), and our flyer offers more details and lists even more offerings. Visit the bookstore today:
-The Lenten Spring, by Fr. Thomas Hopko
-Great Lent: Journey to Pascha, by Fr. Alexander Schmemann
-Fasting Food, by Katie Mantzarides
-Food, Faith and Fasting: A Sacred Journey to Better Health, by Rita Madden

NEW KNITTING MINISTRY
Calling all knitters and crocheters in the Saint Gregory Parish: We are looking to start a group that meets once a month to create items such as baby blankets and hats. This would be to benefit our own parishioners as well as those in area hospitals, shelters, and veterans homes that are in need. Contact Kristin Lewis  (kristinblewis@gmail.com) if interested and provide proposed times/days to meet. 

FELLOWSHIP HOUR SIGN-UP RESOURCES
All parishioners are invited to host Fellowship Hour on a coming Sunday. 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

ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEM
Parishioners who would like to try out our 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.

RIDES TO CHURCH THIS WINTER
George Dimitriou, our Driving Ministry chair, would be happy to help you or a loved one make it to Saint Gregory for worship and events. Contact George directly: gdimitriou@yahoo.com; 781.769.2085.

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 are most welcome within our Liturgical Singing Ministry. Please contact Kathy Kalogeras to learn more: kalogeras1@earthlink.net. 

MYRHHBEARERS MINISTRY
Within the context of our fledgling Myrrhbearers Ministry, our girls, and young women are invited to hold Antidoro during Divine Liturgy, read the Epistle, 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 see a new February "Saintly Lives" entry, focusing on Saint Theodore the Recruit (celebrated Feb. 17). Check it out today and share with family and friends.  

PARISH LIBRARY
Along with our bookstore, the Parish Library (just across the hall from the store) is a tremendous resource for our parishioners seeking to learn more about the faith. Within, we can find thoughtful books on the sacraments written from a pastoral perspective, many writings from the Church Fathers, books on prayer, and much more. Please take a look at the volumes adorning the shelves when you can and ask Fr. Alex for guidance on what you might like to borrow any time. Further, these shelves are in great need of refreshing and organization. Likewise, please check with Father if you might like to help with this project—or even become our librarian!

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Fr. Alex: Tue. & Thur., 9 am - 1 pm. Wed., 1 - 4 pm; or by appointment when convenient for our parishioners. Please note that on occasion, Fr. Alex may be seeing to a pastoral situation, visiting with another parishioner, attending a Metropolis event, or otherwise engaged in Church life during office hours.
General Church Office Needs: Gina Drugas is in the office Mon - Fri from 8 am - 11 am. If you need Support outside of these hours, please email Gina at stgregorytheologian@earthlink.net.
Email is monitored throughout the day outside of normal office hours. 

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Calendar: Next Two Weeks

  • Saint Gregory Parish Calendar

    March 10 to March 25, 2024

    Sunday, March 10

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School classes

    11:00AM Philoptochos Sunday

    11:30AM Dignity Matters Drive

    Tuesday, March 12

    6:30PM Parish Council

    Saturday, March 16

    No Soul Saturday Service

    Sunday, March 17

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School classes

    11:30AM Philoptochos Mtg (hybrid)

    11:30AM Dignity Matters Drive

    Wednesday, March 20

    6:00PM PreSanctified Liturgy

    Friday, March 22

    6:30PM Salutations Service

    Saturday, March 23

    Soul Saturday

    8:45AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy & Memorial

    Sunday, March 24

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School classes

    11:30AM Myrrhbearer/Altar Server Mtg

    11:30AM Dignity Matters Drive

    Monday, March 25

    Annunciation of the Theotokos

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Coming Events & News

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Archdiocese News

DID YOU KNOW? Department of Religious Education (DRE) MEATFARE WEEK

03/04/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/did-you-know-department-of-religious-education-dre-meatfare-week?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

Meatfare Week begins after the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, and is the last week before Pascha we are permitted to eat meat. Wednesday is still a strict fast, and wine and oil are permitted on Friday. This week leads up to Meatfare Sunday, which is also called Judgement Sunday.


Metropolitan Methodios Welcomes GOYAns From Chicago to the Metropolis of Boston

03/04/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/metropolitan-methodios-welcomes-goyans-from-chicago-to-the-metropolis-of-boston?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

On Friday, March 1, His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios welcomed a group of 20 Goyans and their parish priest, Fr. Sotirios Malamis, from the Holy Ascension of Our Lord, Greek Orthodox Church in Lincolnshire, IL.  The Chicago youth group is visiting the Metropolis of Boston and Hellenic College Holy Cross for four days. 


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