Saint Gregory the Theologian
Publish Date: 2024-11-03
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:

The calendar page is about to turn to November and winter (though it doesn't feel like it, as I write this on a warm Oct. 31st). This also means we are working toward the beginning of the Nativity Fast on Nov. 15th. This is a small, “joyous” fast that prepares us to approach the Nativity of the Lord on Dec. 25th.

It is a time of abstention from meat and other foods we avoid during general fasting times but, most importantly, a time to remove ourselves from selfishness, anger, gossip and other destructive spiritual traps.

It is also a time to attend services more frequently, to increase our personal prayer life, to reflect, to approach Holy Confession and to take action on behalf of those in need. Regarding the latter, we can support our Philoptochos’ fall service efforts, like the Veterans Drive and soon-to-begin One Warm Coat effort. We can also contribute to the Thanksgiving Dinner Drive and tend to our neighbors on our own, in quiet but profound ways.

As we look toward the 15th, I pray this Nativity Fast is transformative for you and our entire parish. Let’s journey toward it together, day by day, prayer by prayer.

I look forward to seeing you this weekend for worship, Sunday School, Orthodoxy 101 and more.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Alex 

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Sunday Notes

ALTAR SERVERS: Team Archangel Gabriel: Eliot Hess, Leland Hess, Linus LaFond (Asst. Cap.) and Mark Saad. Cap., Mario Salzillo. 

MYRRHBEARERS: Cap., Eleni LaFond.
3rd: Sidney LaFond.
10th: Raisia Georgilias.

EPISTLE: George Stavros.

MEMORIAL: Mary Drakoukis, 40 days. May her memory be eternal!

HOMILY: “Lazaros, the Rich Man and Winter Lent.”

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 Fady Saad and family. 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

Eighth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:11-18

At that time, Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb, and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus has lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him." Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, "Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, "Rabboni," which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, "Do not touch Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God." Mary Magdalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and she told them that He had said these things to her.

Epistle Reading

19th Sunday after Pentecost
The Reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 11:31-33; 12:1-9

Brethren, the God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed for ever, knows that I do not lie. At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas guarded the city of Damascus in order to seize me, but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped his hands.

I must boast; there is nothing to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven -- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into Paradise --whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows -- and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. Though if I wish to boast, I shall not be a fool, for I shall be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. And to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I besought the Lord about this, that it should leave me; but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Gospel Reading

5th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 16:19-31

The Lord said, "There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazaros, full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazaros in his bosom. And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazaros to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.' But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazaros in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' But Abraham said, 'They have Moses, and the prophets; let them hear them.' And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if some one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to them, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead.'"

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Saints and Feasts

November 03

5th Sunday of Luke

November 03

Acepsimas the Bishop, Joseph the Presbyter, & Aeithalas the Deacon, Martyrs of Persia

Saint Acepsimas, a bishop, Saint Joseph, a presbyter, and Saint Aeithalas, a deacon, suffered exceedingly cruel torments and martyrdom during the reign of Sapor II, King of Persia (325-379). See also April 17.

November 03

Dedication of the Temple of the Holy Great Martyr George in Lydda

The consecration of the Church of Saint George in Lydda of Palestine took place during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great. See also April 23.

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Wisdom of the Fathers

By these words it is surely shown that in his [the rich man] daily feasting he had frequently sinned by his tongue, seeing that, while burning all over, he demanded to be cooled especially in his tongue. Again, that levity of conduct follows closely upon gluttony sacred authority testifies ... For the most part also edacity leads us even to lechery, because, when the belly is distended by repletion, the stings of lust are excited.
St. Gregory the Dialogist
The Book of Pastoral Rule, Chapter XIX, 6th century

The man who has once chosen pleasure in this life, and has not cured his inconsiderateness by repentance, places the land of the good beyond his own reach; for he has dug against himself the yawning impassable abyss of a necessity that nothing can break through.
St. Gregory of Nyssa

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Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD, FIFTH 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, NOVEMBER 3RD
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"  

NATIVITY PAGEANT REHEARSAL, NOVEMBER 3RD
Our pageant is slated for Dec. 15th, and it’s time to start getting organized! Mr. Kaufman invites all interested Sunday School students and parents to meet in the library today following classes. Parents may also contact Brian to learn more: [email protected].

ORTHODOXY 101, NOVEMBER 3RD
Several weeks ago, we had a wonderful group for our session focusing on the role of the Theotokos and all the Saints in our lives. Whenever we feel alone, we know God is with us and the entire Church, visible and invisible. Our next meeting on Nov. 3 will focus on what we believe about death and eternal life (pgs. 139 – 161 of Introducing the Orthodox Church). Please join Lee Morest during Fellowship Hour. 

2024 CHRISTMAS CARDS SIGN UP, NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 7TH
It is that time of year again! From now until December 7th, we will be accepting sign ups for our annual Christmas Card. This is a great way to let your parish family and friends know you are thinking of them all during the holiday season. Please see our flyer for more details and donation information. 

PHILOPTOCHOS VETERANS DRIVE, NOW THROUGH NOVEMBER 3RD
Your offerings of monetary and gift-card donations will be accepted for the Mansfield Office of Veterans Services until Nov. 10th. See a Philoptochos member or contact Ann Johnson to donate: [email protected].

THANKSGIVING DINNER DRIVE, NOW THROUGH NOVEMBER 24TH
For the fourth year, we'll offer a Thanksgiving Dinner Drive for veterans served by the Middlesex Sheriff’s Association, along with local families (Mansfield/Attleboro area). See and share our flyer with family and friends: Thanksgiving Drive Flyer. Until the 24th, we welcome the following food items for drop off in the Narthex, as well as financial donations to purchase food (contact Fr. Alex regarding donations): 
Our goal is 30 dinners: Boxes of stuffing and instant potatoes | Canned cranberry sauce, green beans, peas and corn | Frozen pies | Frozen turkeys (will be collected closer to the 24th).

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY FRIENDSGIVING, NOVEMBER 13TH
After our fruitful planning meeting several weeks ago, we look forward to our first regular gathering on the 13th, 6 – 8 pm. In thanksgiving for our new ministry, we’ll enjoy a potluck meal, reflection and friendship. The evening’s study theme will soon be announced and shared. Please contact Father with your potluck offering of a main/side/dessert.

PARISH GENERAL ASSEMBLY, NOVEMBER 17TH
Please save the date of this important meeting of our parish family, immediately following Divine Liturgy. All committed 2024 Stewards are welcome and encouraged to attend.The agenda will soon be shared with our Stewards. 2024 Stewardship materials are available in the Narthex and within the Stewardship page of our parish website: Stewardship Program 2024 | Saint Gregory the Theologian.

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.

SERVANT KEEPER GIVING PLATFORM NOW ACTIVE
Our parish has now completed the transition from Vanco to the Servant Keeper giving app. Please see our Stewardship and general Giving pages for all online giving with Servant Keeper. Please note that we are still working to delete some of the former links and references to Vanco within our website; this will take some time, and thanks for your patience. Contact Gina Drugas with any questions.

FALL STEWARDSHIP STATEMENTS NOW AVAILABLE
As always, we are so grateful to all our Stewards for their offerings of time, talent and treasure. Fall statements (sealed hard copies) are now available in the Narthex, and we will soon mail them home to those who have not been able to pick them up from Saint Gregory. Please examine yours carefully, and contact Gina in the church office with any questions.

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

    November 3 to November 17, 2024

    Sunday, November 3

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School

    11:30AM Thanksgiving Dinner Drive

    11:30AM S. School Teacher Workshop

    11:30AM Philoptochos Veterans Drive

    Sunday, November 10

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School/Pageant rehearsal

    11:30AM Philoptochos Veterans Drive (last day)

    11:30AM Thanksgiving Dinner Drive

    11:30AM Philoptochos Mtg

    Tuesday, November 12

    6:30PM Parish Council

    Wednesday, November 13

    6:30PM Men's Bible Study "Friendsgiving"

    Sunday, November 17

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School/Pageant rehearsal

    11:30AM Parish General Assembly

    11:30AM Thanksgiving Dinner Drive

    11:30AM Philoptochos One Warm Coat Drive

    11:30AM GOYA Giving Tree

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Coming Events & News

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Archdiocese News

Metropolis of Boston Camp (MBC) Hosts Annual Fall Camp

10/28/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/mbc-fall-camp?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 Metropolis of Boston Camp (MBC) hosted its annual Fall Camp program from Saturday, October 12 to Monday, October 14 at the St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center Contoocook, NH. With over 200 campers and young adult staff, the program was the largest Fall Camp in MBC history.


The Orthodox Observer Interviews Fr. Philip Zymaris

10/28/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/interview-with-fr.-philip-zymaris?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 recently had the pleasure of sitting down with one of Holy Cross’s professors, the Rev. Dr. Philip Zymaris. We talked about his teaching and research at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology.


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