Saint Gregory the Theologian
Publish Date: 2024-09-29
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:

In the wake of last Sunday’s Philoptochos Open House and other wonderful activities, I’m excited for this Sunday, Sep. 29th. Worship, Sunday School and friendship await.

Further, this Sunday marks Fr. Manny’s 20th anniversary of ordination to the diaconate (to the day and at Saint Gregory), and he will lead services and offer a homily. In addition, we’ll have nice treats during Fellowship Hour to help celebrate Father’s fruitful ministry. Congratulations to Father, Presv. Lia and the entire family.

Read on your eBulletin for news on a host of other great parish happenings coming our way, from the Golf Tournament on Oct. 10th to the HOPE/JOY Prayerful Pumpkin Carving on Oct. 20th and the Saint Modestos Pet Blessing on Oct. 26th. Read on and enjoy.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Alex 

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Sunday Notes

ALTAR SERVERS: Team Archangel Michael: Matthew Cromack, AJ Georgilas (Asst. Cap.) and Matthew Georgilas. Cap., Mario Salzillo. 

MYRRHBEARERS: Cap., Eleni LaFond.
Sep. 29th: Ashleigh Cromack
Oct. 6th: Isabella Cara Donna
13th: Nomiki Steeves
20th: Krysta Johnson
27th: Audrey Sweten

EPISTLE:
Sep. 29th: Brian Kaufman
Oct. 13th: Ana Drugas

HOMILY: Offered by Fr. Manny Chris.

MEMORIAL: Irene Poniaros, 10 years. 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 the Kaufman Family in loving memory of Irene Poniaros. 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

14th Sunday after Pentecost
The Reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 1:21-24; 2:1-4

Brethren, it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has commissioned us; he has put his seal upon us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

But I call God to witness against me - it was to spare you that I refrained from coming to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith; we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith. For I made up my mind not to make you another painful visit. For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained? And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all. For I wrote you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.

Gospel Reading

2nd Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 6:31-36

The Lord said, "As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."

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Saints and Feasts

September 29

2nd Sunday of Luke

September 29

Cyriacus the Hermit of Palestine

This Saint was born in Corinth in 448. He went to Palestine to the Lavra of Euthymius the Great, but because of his youth was sent by Saint Euthymius to Saint Gerasimus; after the death of Saint Gerasimus he returned to the Lavra of Saint Euthymius. Later he took on a more rigorous life of asceticism in the wilderness of Natoufa, where there was nothing to eat except the exceedingly bitter wild herb called squills, which, however, through his prayers, God made sweet for him and his disciple. He lived 107 years and reposed in the year 555.

September 29

Martyr Petronius

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Wisdom of the Fathers

There are three things that impel us towards what is holy: natural instincts, angelic powers and probity of intention. Natural instincts impel us when, for example, we do to others what we would wish them to do to us (cf. Luke 6:31), or when we see someone suffering deprivation or in need and naturally feel compassion. Angelic powers impel us when, being ourselves impelled to something worthwhile, we find we are providentially helped and guided. We are impelled by probity of intention when, discriminating between good and evil, we choose the good.
St. Maximos the Confessor
Second Century on Love no. 32, Philokalia Vol. 2 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg. 71, 7th 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, SEPTEMBER 29TH, SECOND 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 29TH
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"  

ORTHODOXY 101 FIRST SESSION, THIS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH
Join Fr. Alex in the Library following Sunday School for this approachable and discussion-oriented program. It is designed for those interested in learning more about their Orthodox Faith and those seeking to enter the Church through Baptism and/or Chrismation.

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. 

SAINT MODESTOS PET BLESSING, OCT. 26TH
Join us at Saint Gregory for our fourth annual pet-blessing event, dedicated to Saint Modestos, who was well-known for blessing cattle and celebrating the glory of God’s creation. The brief blessing service will begin at join at 11 am, and Fr. Alex will continue to bless pets—furry, feathery and even scaly—until 12 pm. Refreshments, pet portraits by a professional photographer and friendship are on the agenda.

ONLINE GIVING TRANSITION THIS FALL
Our parish is in the process of moving our online giving platform from Vanco to Servant Keeper, which will offer our Stewards improved services and benefits. While the Vanco platform is still available until the end of the month, we encourage our parishioners to begin utilizing the new Servant Keeper option, which is now activated and available. Please see the flyer in the Narthex for guidance in using the new platform, along with the helpful documents in the "Coming Events" section of this eBulletin. For a personal tutorial, parishioners are also welcome to contact Steve Drugas or visit with visit with him this Sunday during Fellowship Hour.

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

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 29 to October 13, 2024

    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

    Tuesday, October 8

    6:30PM Parish Council

    Thursday, October 10

    6:00PM St. Gregory Golf Classic

    Sunday, October 13

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School

    11:30AM Philoptochos Veterans Drive

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Coming Events & News

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Archdiocese News

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.


Archbishop Elpidophoros Homily on the First Sunday of Luke - 2024

09/22/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/archbishop-elpidophoros-homily-on-the-first-sunday-of-luke-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

I am so very pleased to be with you again, this marvelous and dynamic community of the Slavic Orthodox Vicariate in America. You are an example of great faith, and there is in today’s Gospel Reading a wonderful example of faith. I speak, of course, of Saint Peter, the Chief of the Apostles, and perhaps the most richly depicted Disciple in all Four Holy Gospels.


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