Saint Gregory the Theologian
Publish Date: 2024-07-14
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

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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: 

Father Manny will be serving again this Sunday, July 14th, and I’ll rejoin you on July 21st. In the event of a pastoral emergency, please contact me on my mobile phone.

Please note that our drive for West Side Benevolent Circle’s summer Nourish to Flourish program will conclude this upcoming Friday, July 19th. With the school year ending and the tremendous need within the greater Mansfield area, this is a vital, timely drive. Please bring your donations to the collection box in the Narthex.

Our Shopping List:  
*Pasta/pasta sauce
*Boxes of mac ‘n’ cheese
*Ramen noodles

To help in our advertising efforts for our upcoming Festival, Rich Vinton and Karen Guinan have yard signs now available. These signs are meant to be displayed in our yards, exposed to the sidewalks and facing the street.  Please see either Rich or Karen this Sunday during fellowship hour to pick one up for your yard.

Have a wonderful weekend, and I’ll see you on the 21st.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Alex

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Sunday Notes

EPISTLE: John Chani. 

HOMILY: Offered by Fr. Manny.

ALTAR SERVICE: All servers welcome.

MEMORIAL: Father Michael Bird (10 years). Devoted husband of Presvytera Cathy, loving father of Cameron and Patty, and beloved grandfather of Alexander, Leonides, Michael, and Ava. May his 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 The Vinton Family in loving memory of Father Michael Bird.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

Third Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Mark 16:9-20

When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons. She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.

After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. After this He appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table and He upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw Him after He had risen. And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover."

So then the Lord Jesus, after He had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen.

Epistle Reading

Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the 4th Ecumenical Council
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to Titus 3:8-15

Titus, my son, the saying is sure. I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men. But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned.

When I send Artemas or Tychicos to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not to be unfruitful.

All who are with me send greeting to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the 4th Ecumenical Council
The Reading is from Matthew 5:14-19

The Lord said to his disciples, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

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Saints and Feasts

July 14

Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the 4th Ecumenical Council

On the Sunday that falls from the 13th to the 19th of the present month, we chant the Service to the 630 Holy and God-bearing Fathers who came together for the 4th Ecumenical Council who assembled in Chalcedon in 451, to condemn Eutyches, who taught that there was only one nature, the divine, in Christ after the Incarnation, and Dioscorus, Patriarch of Alexandria, who illegally received Eutyches back into communion and deposed Saint Flavian, Patriarch of Constantinople, who had excommunicated Eutyches.

In the Slavic tradition, on this Sunday, the Fathers of the first six Ecumenical Councils are all commemorated.

July 14

Aquila the Apostle among the 70

Saint Aquila, who was from Pontus of Asia Minor, was a Jew by race and a tent-maker by trade. In the year 52 he and his wife Priscilla were in Corinth when Saint Paul first came there. They gave him hospitality, and the Apostle remained with them for many days, himself working at the same trade as they (Acts 18:2-3). And having believed in Christ through Paul, they followed him from that time on, working together with him and suffering perils with him for the sake of the preaching of the Gospel, as he himself testifies concerning them in his Epistle to the Romans, saying: "Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my helpers in Christ Jesus: who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the nations" (Rom. 16:3-4). When and where they reposed is unknown.

July 14

Our Holy Father Joseph the Confessor, Archbishop of Thessalonica

Saint Joseph was the brother of Saint Theodore the Studite (see Nov. 11). He also is called Studite, especially when he is mentioned together with his brother. According to Codinus, both of them composed the canons of the Triodion during the reign of Leo the Armenian, while in the Church of Saint Romanus (see Nov. 18); he is not to be confused with Saint Joseph the Hymnographer (Apr. 3). When Saint Joseph became Archbishop of Thessalonica, he was exiled thrice because of his godly zeal for the holy icons, suffering many hardships, imprisonments in dark dungeons, hunger, thirst, and every tribulation, in the midst of which he departed unto eternal life in 833.

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Wisdom of the Fathers

The Lord says to His disciples, 'Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven' (Matt. 5:16). He does not say this to urge them to show off, but to urge them to organize their lives as is pleasing to God. Just as light effortlessly attracts people's gaze, so a way of life pleasing to God draws their minds along with their eyes. We do not praise the air which shares in the brilliance of the sunlight, but the sun which is the source of this brilliance and bestows it on us. Even if we do praise the air for its brightness, we praise the sun much more. So it is when someone makes the brilliance of the Sun of righteousness (Mal. 4:2) visible through his virtuous deeds. As soon as anyone looks at him, they are immediately led towards the glory of the Father in heaven of Christ, the Sun of righteousness.
St. Gregory Palamas
Homilies Vol. 1, Homily Ten para. 14; Saint Tikhon's Seminary Press pgs. 110-111, 14th century

Every work which does not have love as its beginning and root is nothing.
St. John Chrysostom
Unknown, 4th century

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Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR SUNDAY, JULY 14TH, SUNDAY OF THE HOLY FATHERS
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, JULY 14TH
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"

FESTIVAL NEEDS & UPDATES, AUG. 12TH - 24TH
Our parish festival is approaching on Aug. 24th. There are a host of needs and volunteer opportunities leading up to and day of the festival. Contact either Rich Vinton ([email protected]) or Karen Guinan ([email protected]) to sign up for a shift or learn more. 

Volunteers needed:
Week of Aug. 12th: Assemble/cook pastitsio and spanakopita
Week of Aug. 19th: Chop vegetables
Day of Festival: Setup, serving, cleanup and traffic control

***Yiayia’s Attic: For our “attic sale” during the festival, clean, gently used items are wanted: kitchenware, home decor, dishes, glasses, holiday decorations, yard decorations, handbags and costume jewelry. No linens or clothes, please. Text Paulette Vinton (781.413.6038) to make an appointment to drop off items.

NOURISH TO FLOURISH PASTA DRIVE CONCLUDES FRIDAY, JULY 19TH
Our food collection for West Side Benevolent Circle's "Nourish to Flourish" program has been extended through July 19th. Please bring any of the following items to the Narthex bin:
*Pasta/Pasta Sauce
*Boxes of Mac 'n' Cheese
*Ramen Noodles

SAINT GREGORY GOLF TOURNAMENT, OCT. 10TH
For a fun and dynamic change of pace, our 2024 tournament will be held at Top Golf in Canton, MA. The tournament page—along with registration and sponsorship information—is now available. Please save the date and plan to join us!

PHILOPTOCHOS NATIONAL AGAPE AWARD
Recently, our Philoptochos members received some terrific news: the chapter will receive the national Philoptochos AGAPE Award at the 2024 Biennial Convention. The awards committee cited the “passion” with which our chapter engages the mission of Philoptochos and how members “are living and breathing examples of [the] convention’s theme: ‘Inspiring Women, Impacting the World.’” Our parish could not agree more, and we congratulate all the members of our Saint Anastasia Philoptochos!

KOLIVA PREPARATION
At any given time of the year, our faithful will seek help in the preparation of Koliva for memorials. Fellow parishioner Gina Drugas is now offering this service, with a cost of $100 per Koliva plate. Please contact Gina to learn more and make arrangements: [email protected] 

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: [email protected]

RIDES TO CHURCH
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: [email protected]; 781.769.2085.

LOST & FOUND
When parishioners find items about the church, they leave them with the church office. You will find a mail tray labled for lost and found. If you have misplaced a small item, or found one, please stop by the office.

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.

Church Secretary: Summer Office Hours are as follows:  Monday, Thursday & Friday - 12:30p - 3p. Gina is available via email remotely on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Contact Church Secretary Gina Drugas: [email protected].  

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Calendar: Next Two Weeks

  • Saint Gregory Parish Calendar

    July 14 to July 28, 2024

    Sunday, July 14

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    Tuesday, July 16

    12:30PM Food & Friends Ministry

    6:30PM Parish Council

    Sunday, July 21

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    Sunday, July 28

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

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Coming Events & News

    Nourish to Flourish Drive: Now Through July 19th

    Nourish to Flourish Drive: Now Through July 19th

    Our drive has been extended. Now through July 19th, we are collecting dry pasta, ramen, and sauce to help provide meals for children in the Mansfield Area facing food insecurity over the summer months.

    Parish Festival: Aug 24th

    Parish Festival: Aug 24th

    Please mark your Calendars for our much anticipated festival! Share with friends, family and community!

    Annual Golf Classic: Oct 10

    Annual Golf Classic: Oct 10

    Join us for this annual fundraiser and community event on Oct. 10. No golfing expertise required to have a wonderful time with friends old and new.

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Archdiocese News

Juneteenth Ecumenical Prayer Service at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at World Trade Center (New York) June 19, 2024

06/17/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/juneteenth-2024-ecumenical-prayer-service?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss%3F_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_currentURL%3D%252Fnews%252Frecent-news%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_portletAjaxable%3Dtrue

With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at World Trade Center (New York) will host the first Juneteenth Ecumenical Prayer Service on June 19, 2024, at 12 p.m. ET.


Metropolitan Constantine of Denver Enthroned June 22, 2024

06/23/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/met-constantine-enthronement-pr?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss%3F_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_currentURL%3D%252Fnews%252Frecent-news%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_portletAjaxable%3Dtrue

DENVER- His Eminence Metropolitan Constantine of Denver was enthroned today, June 22, 2024 at the Assumption Cathedral in Denver, CO.


National Philoptochos Convention Begins with Liturgy, Delegate Reception

07/01/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/national-philoptochos-convention-begins-with-liturgy-delegate-reception?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss%3F_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_currentURL%3D%252Fnews%252Frecent-news%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_portletAjaxable%3Dtrue

National Philoptochos kicked off its business with thorough resolution discussions and budget reviews, laying the groundwork for a week of meaningful decision-making.


Opening of the 2024 Clergy-Laity Congress Leadership 100 Exhibit Hall

07/01/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/leadership-100-hall-open-clc-2024?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss%3F_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_currentURL%3D%252Fnews%252Frecent-news%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_portletAjaxable%3Dtrue

The sun shone warmly on faithful and clergy as they gathered outside the soon-to-be inaugurated Leadership 100 (L100) Exhibit Hall for the 2024 Clergy-Laity Congress. Friendly reunions and chatter continued on as hierarchs began to arrive and mingle with the crowd. Before long, it was time for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, together with the Patriarchal Representatives to the Congress, Their Eminences Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain and Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia, the hierarchs of the Holy Eparchial Synod, L100 Chairman Dimitrios Logothetis, and Executive Director Paulette Poulos. 


National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians Hold their Church Music Ministry Reception

07/01/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/national-forum-church-musicians-reception-clc-2024?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss%3F_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_currentURL%3D%252Fnews%252Frecent-news%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_portletAjaxable%3Dtrue

On Sunday, June 30th, 2024, The National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians held their Church Music Ministry Reception for friends and supporters of church music. The program, which took place in the center of the bright and breezy exhibition hall of the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina, included several performances, along with the presentation of awards to distinguished musicians.


Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church Marks Beginning of 2024 Clergy-Laity Congress

07/01/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/hierarchical-liturgy-clc-2024?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss%3F_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_currentURL%3D%252Fnews%252Frecent-news%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_portletAjaxable%3Dtrue

A truly holy ambiance of incense, soft lights emanating from the intricate stained glass, and painted clouds surrounding the "Platytera ton Ouranon" icon of the Virgin Mary greeted parishioners as they gathered in the beautiful Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in San Diego, California for a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy marking the beginning of the 2024 Clergy-Laity Congress.


Sunday Sermon Series: Second Sunday of Matthew July 7

07/08/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/sunday-sermon-7-7-24?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss%3F_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_currentURL%3D%252Fnews%252Frecent-news%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_portletAjaxable%3Dtrue

Find insights from the Department of Religious Education (DRE) about this week's Gospel reading, where we learn about Jesus calling His disciples to follow Him


2024 National YAL Conference in San Diego, California Concludes with Gala and Glendi on July 6 2024

07/08/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/yal-gala-glendi-24?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss%3F_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_currentURL%3D%252Fnews%252Frecent-news%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_portletAjaxable%3Dtrue

On July 6, the 2024 National YAL Conference in San Diego, California concluded with a gala, cocktail reception, and glendi celebration.


His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America Inspires at National YAL Conference

07/08/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/he-yal-24?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss%3F_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_currentURL%3D%252Fnews%252Frecent-news%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_portletAjaxable%3Dtrue

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America delivered an inspirational keynote address at the National Young Adult League (YAL) Conference, held at the Westin Gaslamp Quarter on July 5, 2024. The address, which centered on the crucial role of young adults in the Church and the importance of unity, was a highlight of the conference, drawing a large and enthusiastic audience.


Clergy-Laity Congress Plenary Session #2

07/07/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/clergy-laity-congress-plenary-session-2?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss%3F_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_currentURL%3D%252Fnews%252Frecent-news%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_portletAjaxable%3Dtrue

After a Doxology by Patriarchal Representatives Their Eminences Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain and Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, and the hierarchs of the Holy Eparchial Synod, the second session of the Clergy-Laity Congress Plenary was underway, on Thursday afternoon, July 4, 2024.


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