Saint Gregory the Theologian
Publish Date: 2024-08-25
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: 

As of the writing of this greeting, our parish is preparing for the Aug. 24th Parish Festival. This is not only an important fundraising opportunity for our parish but, most importantly, an opportunity to offer hospitality and friendship to the greater community.

Please spread the word to family, friends and colleagues from work—and make sure to join us.

Also, save the date of Sep. 8th for our annual parish picnic and ministry celebration. Sunday School teachers will be on hand to greet our children, and our GOYAns will hold their fall leadership meeting. A list of donation requests is within your eBulletin—please contact me directly if you can help out.  

Finally, our first day of Sunday School classes will be Sep. 15th. Register your children here or see one of our Sunday School leaders at the Sep. 8th picnic. We can’t wait for another year of learning, spiritual growth and fun.

God bless you and have a wonderful weekend,

Fr. Alex

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Sunday Notes

ALTAR SERVERS: All servers welcome throughout the summer. 

MYRRHBEARER: Catherine Georgilas.

EPISTLE: Phil LaFond.

HOMILY: “Helping Our Children Walk on Water."

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: 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

Ninth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:19-31

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in His side, I will not believe." Eight days later, His disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then He said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see My hands; and put out your hand, and place it in My side; do not be faithless, but believing." Thomas answered Him, "My Lord and My God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing, you may have life in His name.

Epistle Reading

9th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 3:9-17

Brethren, we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another man is building upon it. Let each man take care how he builds upon it. For no other foundation can any one lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any one builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw - each man's work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If any one destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and that temple you are.

Gospel Reading

9th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 14:22-34

At that time, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. But immediately he spoke to them, saying "Take heart, it is I; have no fear."

And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they entered the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret.

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Saints and Feasts

August 25

9th Sunday of Matthew

August 25

Return of the Body of Bartholomew the Glorious Apostle

Concerning the Apostle Bartholomew, see June 11

August 25

Titus the Apostle of the 70

Saint Titus was a Greek by race, and an idolater. But having believed in Christ through the Apostle Paul, he became Paul's disciple and follower and labored with him greatly in the preaching of the Gospel. When Paul ordained him Bishop of Crete, he later wrote to him the Epistle which bears his name. Having shepherded in an apostolic manner the flock that had been entrusted to him, and being full of days, he reposed in peace, some ninety-four years of age.

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Wisdom of the Fathers

The principle and source of the virtues is a good disposition of the will, that is to say, an aspiration for goodness and beauty. God is the source and ground of all supernal goodness. Thus the principle of goodness and beauty is faith or, rather, it is Christ, the rock of faith, who is principle and foundation of all virtues. On this rock we stand and on this foundation we build every good thing (cf. I Cor. 3:11).
St. Gregory of Sinai
On Commandments and Doctrines no. 83, Philokalia Vol. 3 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg. 228, 14th century

Christ did not command the winds to cease at that time, but Himself stretched forth His hand and took hold of Peter, because here faith was required of him. When we do not do our part, divine (grace) slows and stands still.. . . it was not the wind that did Peter harm; his lack of faith sank him. Where faith is fruitfu, firm and strong, none of the evils that may befall us can do us any harm.
St. John Chrysostom
The Gospel Commentary edited by Hieromonk German Ciuba, 2002, 4th Century

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Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR SUNDAY, AUGUST 24TH, NINTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW
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 THIS SUNDAY, AUGUST 24TH
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"  

MANY THANKS TO OUR FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS
As of the writing of this bulletin we are looking forward to our Aug. 24th Greek Festival—we hope and pray for a wonderful day of hospitality, friendship and community building. Chairs Rich Vinton and Karen Guinan wish to thank all of our volunteers and supporters for their dedicated and loving efforts. This important event would not have been possible without you!

2025 ECCLESIASTICAL CALENDARS SPONSORSHIPS, BY AUGUST 28TH
Every year, our parishioners and families are presented with the opportunity to sponsor the upcoming Ecclesiastical Calendars. If you or your family would like to sponsor the 2025 calendars, please contact Gina Drugas ([email protected]; 508.337.9986) by August 28th.

PHILOPTOCHOS SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE, NOW - SEPTEMBER 1ST
Through the 1st, Philoptochos is collecting school supplies to benefit the Mansfield and Attleboro public schools. Please place donated items into the designated bin located in the narthex. Our Amazon link details specific items that are needed. Please see Ann Johnson with questions. 

FALL PICNIC AND MINISTRY CELEBRATION, SEPTEMBER 8TH
As we look forward to fall and a new year of youth and adult ministries at Saint Gregory, we will enjoy our annual celebratory picnic on the 8th, immediately following Divine Liturgy. Our Sunday School leaders will be on hand to register our children (classes begin Sep. 15th), and our GOYAns will hold a leadership meeting with Mr. Christo. If you can bring a main, side, dessert or drink item, please contact Fr. Alex. We need the following: Hamburger/hotdog buns; potato/macaroni salad; veggie platter; fruit platter/salad; other side ideas; water, juice and soda; desserts. Other "mains" are very much welcome too. 

SUNDAY SCHOOL RESUMES, SEPTEMBER 15TH
Our teachers are busy preparing for another year of learning, faith and friendship with our children. Before Holy Communion on the 15th, Fr. Alex will bless our children and teachers and give them beautiful basil to take home. Register your children here or sign up at the Sep. 8th picnic.

SAINT GREGORY GOLF TOURNAMENT, OCTOBER 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.

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY & FELLOWSHIP THIS FALL
Over the past few years, several parishioners have expressed interest in forming a men’s Bible study, which would also provide an opportunity for friendship and mutual support. This could be a breakfast-oriented group (before work), late afternoon, evening or whatever is convenient for our parishioners. Fr. Alex would like to hear from those interested and then make plans to meet. Please contact Father directly.

A LOVING REMINDER: ENTERING & LEAVING THE NAVE 
When entering the nave for worship, please make every effort to come in via the side aisles. Likewise, if you need to step out for a while, try to use the side aisles. The center aisle is largely for vital moments within our services: returning from receiving Holy Communion, processions, censing the faithful, departing after Antidoron, etc. Of course, we always realize there will be exceptional moments, but we ask our faithful to keep this request in mind.

ALTAR & MYRRHBEARER SERVICE THIS SUMMER
Throughout the summer, all Altar servers and Myrrhbearers are welcome to come serve whenever they are in church. Altar servers can come in as usual, and Myrrhbearers/parents are asked to contact Fr. Alex to pick a date for service. We’ll resume our regular schedules in the fall. 

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: 12:30 - 3 pm. Secretary Gina Drugas is available via email remotely on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Contact Gina: [email protected].  

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Calendar: Next Two Weeks

  • Saint Gregory Parish Calendar

    August 25 to September 8, 2024

    Sunday, August 25

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    Sunday, September 1

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    Sunday, September 8

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    11:30AM Parish Picnic & Ministry Celebration

    11:30AM GOYA Mtg

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Coming Events & News

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Archdiocese News

Metropolis of Boston Commences 2024 Kosmos Project: A Cultural Camp Exchange Program

07/29/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/metropolis-of-boston-commences-2024-kosmos-project-a-cultural-camp-exchange-program?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 Metropolitan Methodios and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston are pleased to commence the 2024 Kosmos Project: A Cultural Camp Exchange Program.


Cappella Romana Publishing Releases First Complete English Language Collection of Byzantine Chant for the Divine Liturgy

08/13/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/cappella-romana-publishing-releases-first-complete-english-language-collection-of-byzantine-chant-for-the-divine-liturgy?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

Now available from Cappella Romana Publishing is Samuel Herron’s The Divine Liturgy, the first complete English-language collection of all of the hymns for the Eucharistic service of the Orthodox Church, composed in Byzantine notation and employing the official translation of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, in one volume.


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