Saint Gregory the Theologian
Publish Date: 2024-09-22
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

Beloved Parishioners and Friends:

I’m looking forward to seeing you this Sunday at Saint Gregory—it’s never the same at our parish home without you and yours.

Following Liturgy this Sunday, I’m excited to celebrate Philoptochos at the open house in our parish hall. Come visit with our Philoptochos sisters for a fall treat, membership information and news on coming events. I’ll also meet with our Altar servers and Myrrhbearers following Sunday School.

Looking to the 29th, I’ll restart Orthodoxy 101. Those interested in coming into the Orthodox Faith through Baptism or Chrismation are welcome to join, along with any parishioners and friends just interested in learning more about our treasured faith.

Finally, as of the writing of this note on Sep. 16, I’ve been stopping by a few farm stands in my travels and really thinking about the beginning of the Ecclesiastical New Year, which we celebrated on Sep. 1. As I recently mentioned during Liturgy, how can we mirror this local bounty in our spiritual lives? How can we offer up the first fruits of our lives to the Lord? How can we plant, today, the seeds of love, compassion and faith in our lives—and reap a great spiritual harvest in the years to come?

As the days get a bit cooler and the harvest continues, I will continue to think and pray on these items. I hope you will as well.

I hope you enjoy your eBulletin, and I’ll see you Sunday,

Fr. Alex 

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Sunday Notes

ALTAR SERVERS: Team Archangel Gabriel: Elliot Hess, Leland Hess & Linus LaFond. Capt., Mario Salzillo. Asst. Capt., Linus LaFond. 

MYRRHBEARER:
Sep. 22nd: Georgia Stavros
Sep. 29th: Ashleigh Cromack

EPISTLE: Frank Sousa. 

HOMILY: “Fish in the Sea."

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

Second Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Mark 16:1-8

When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. 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 - 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.

Epistle Reading

13th Sunday after Pentecost
The Reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 16:13-24

Brethren, be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. Now, brethren, you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints; I urge you to be subject to such men and to every fellow worker and laborer. I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicos, because they have made up for your absence; for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such men. The churches of Asia send greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. All the brethren send greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. If any one has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Gospel Reading

1st Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 5:1-11

At that time, as Jesus was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, he saw two boats by the lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." For he was astonished, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men." And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.

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Saints and Feasts

September 22

1st Sunday of Luke

September 22

Phocas the Martyr, Bishop of Sinope

This saint was known for the many miracles he worked and for his apostolic zeal in shepherding the flock of Sinope. He contested for the Faith during the reign of the Emperor Trajan, in the year 102, when he was burned to death in a bath-house. A homily in his honour was composed by Saint John Chrysostom. The translation of his holy relics is celebrated on July 23.

September 22

Phocas the Gardener

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Wisdom of the Fathers

For now they were well instructed beforehand...But mark both their faith and their obedience. For though they were in the midst of their work when they heard His command, they delayed not, they procrastinated not, they said not, "let us return home, and converse with our kinsfolk," but "they forsook all and followed."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 14 on Matthew 4, 4th Century

Because such is the obedience which Christ seeks of us, as that we delay not even a moment of time, though something absolutely most needful should vehemently press on us.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 14 on Matthew 4, 4th Century

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Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND, FIRST SUNDAY OF LUKE
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, SEPTEMBER 22ND
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"  

PHILOPTOCHOS OPEN HOUSE, SEPTEMBER 22ND
On your way to Fellowship Hour this Sunday, stop by our tables to see our calendar and philanthropic highlights. Our beautiful, new icon from winning the Agape Award this July will also be on display.  Then pick up a sweet treat at our sign-up table. Membership is $35 and covers both national and metropolis dues, while supporting all our ministry efforts.  All are welcome to join us, and there is no minimum number of meetings to attend. 

ORTHODOXY 101 FIRST SESSION, SEPTEMBER 29TH
Fr. Alex will continue his study on the basic aspects of Orthodox Christianity. This discussion-oriented program is for anyone looking to learn more about their faith or enter the Church through Baptism and/or Chrismation. Meetings will take place in the Parish Library after Divine Liturgy on Sep. 29th and Oct. 20th. November and December dates to follow.

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY & FELLOWSHIP MEETING, OCTOBER 6TH
All interested men of our parish are warmly invited to join Fr. Alex during Fellowship Hour. We will make plans for our first fall gatherings and discuss what kind of material that would be of interest. Meantime, please contact Fr. Alex to indicate your interest or with questions.

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.

HOPE/JOY PRAYERFUL PUMPKIN CARVING, OCTOBER 20TH
Our HOPE/JOY children (grades K - 5) are warmly invited to this seasonal event, featuring faith, fun and a pizza lunch. We'll gather in the hall after Sunday School or outside, weather permitting. More details to come soon, and please contact Fr. Alex to confirm or with questions. 

FALL BOOKSTORE RECOMMENDATIONS
Finally, our Saint Gregory Bookstore has some wonderful new offerings for the fall. Read all about them here, and visit the bookstore this Sunday.

YOUTH MINISTRY REFLECTIONS
Last Sunday, Sep. 15th, we resumed Sunday School classes. From a surprise visit from “Saint Gregory” in the classrooms and fun treats for all to our special blessing in the church and celebration of the Holy Cross, it was a wonderful day. In addition, our GOYAns held an election and planning meeting after Sunday School. We had a large, enthusiastic group, and everyone is looking forward to an exciting new year of worship, witness, friendship and outreach. 

ONLINE GIVING TRANSITION THIS FALL
Our parish will soon transition our online giving platform from Vanco to Servant Keeper. Among other benefits, the new platform will be more cost-effective for our parish and offer our parishioners and donors an easier and more flexible experience. For now, the Vanco platform is still in service, and as soon as the new platform is available we will share the news with our parish. Thank you for your assistance and patience with this important transition. 

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 Gina Drugas: Monday, Wednesday, & Thursdays: 1 - 3 pm; Fridays 7 am - 11 am. Gina is also available remotely via email or phone on Tuesdays, 8 am - 2 pm. Contact Gina: [email protected]; 508.337.9986.

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Calendar: Next Two Weeks

  • Saint Gregory Parish Calendar

    September 22 to October 6, 2024

    Sunday, September 22

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School

    11:00AM Philoptochos Open House

    11:30AM Altar/Myrrhbearer Mtg

    Sunday, September 29

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School

    11:30AM Orthodoxy 101

    Sunday, October 6

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School

    11:30AM Men's Bible Study Mtg

    11:30AM Philoptochos Veterans Drive

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Coming Events & News

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Archdiocese News

Applications Open for Certificate Program in Prison Ministry

09/16/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/ocpm-cert?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

Applications are now officially open for the Certificate Program in Prison Ministry (Spring 2025 Cohort). Through the partnership of Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) and St. Tikhon's Seminary, you are invited to experience the most comprehensive training in Orthodox prison ministry offered in the United States.


Archbishop Elpidophoros Visits HCHC for Convocation and the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

09/15/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/hchc-9-14?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

Yesterday, September 14, 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America visited HCHC, presiding over the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and attending a Legacy Luncheon and HCHC's Convocation.


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