Saint Gregory the Theologian
Publish Date: 2024-12-15
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 Friends in Christ,

This Sunday is our annual Nativity Pageant! I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time, and I’m sure you feel the same way. Each year our children share the joy and hope of Christ’s Nativity with us, through a moving, creative and thoughtful presentation of the birth narrative. I thank Brian Kaufman, pageant director, our Sunday School leader, parents and, of course, our children for their loving efforts.

After the pageant, we'll also enjoy the Christmas potluck in the hall. Sign up here to confirm your dish: CHURCH: St Gregory Christmas Potluck 

In addition, our Stewardship Ministry Committee will also launch our 2025 campaign during the potluck. We look forward to taking in  the hopeful, enthusiastic message of our new 2025 Stewardship campaign theme: “Your Own of Your Own.”

Anticipating His Incarnation,

Fr. Alex

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Sunday Notes

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

MYRRHBEARERS: Cap., Eleni LaFond.
Dec. 15th: Elena Salzillo.
Dec. 22nd: Georgia Stavros. 

EPISTLE: John Chani.

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. 

KOLIVA PREPARATION: Parishioners often ask for help in preparing Koliva and may contact Gina Drugas to order a plate for a memorial ($100 per Koliva).

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: Today we will have our parish Christmas potluck! 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

Eleutherios the Hieromartyr, Bishop of Illyricum, and his mother Anthia
The Reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy 1:8-18

TIMOTHY, my son, do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel in the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not in virtue of our works but in virtue of his own purpose and the grace which he gave us in Christ Jesus ages ago, and now has manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. For this gospel I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, and therefore I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus; guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.

You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, and among them Phygelos and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphoros, for he often refreshed me; he was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me eagerly and found me - may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesos.

Gospel Reading

11th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 14:16-24

The Lord said this parable: "A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time of the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, 'Come; for all is now ready.' But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I must go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.' And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and there is still room.' And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet. For many are called, but few are chosen.'"

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Saints and Feasts

December 15

11th Sunday of Luke

On the Sunday that occurs on or immediately after the eleventh of this month, we commemorate Christ's forefathers according to the flesh, both those that came before the Law, and those that lived after the giving of the Law.

Special commemoration is made of the Patriarch Abraham, to whom the promise was first given, when God said to him, "In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed" (Gen. 22:18). This promise was given some two thousand years before Christ, when Abraham was seventy-five years of age. God called him and commanded him to forsake his country, parents, and kinsmen, and to depart to the land of the Canaanites. When he arrived there, God told him, "I will give this land to thy seed" (Gen. 12:7); for this cause, that land was called the "Promised Land," which later became the country of the Hebrew people, and which is also called Palestine by the historians. There, after the passage of twenty-four years, Abraham received God's law concerning circumcision. In the one hundredth year of his life, when Sarah was in her ninetieth year, they became the parents of Isaac. Having lived 175 years altogether, he reposed in peace, a venerable elder full of days.

December 15

Eleutherios the Hieromartyr, Bishop of Illyricum, and his mother Anthia

This Saint had Rome as his homeland. Having been orphaned of his father from childhood, he was taken by his mother Anthia to Anicetus, the Bishop of Rome (some call him Anencletus, or Anacletus), by whom he was instructed in the sacred letters (that is, the divine Scriptures). Though still very young in years, he was made Bishop of Illyricum by reason of his surpassing virtue, and by his teachings he converted many unbelievers to Christ. However, during a most harsh persecution that was raised against the Christians under Hadrian (reigned 117-138), the Saint was arrested by the tyrants. Enduring many torments for Christ, he was finally put to death by two soldiers about the year 126. As for his Christ-loving mother Anthia, while embracing the remains of her son and kissing them with maternal affection, she was also beheaded.

December 15

The Martyr Susannah the Deaconess

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Wisdom of the Fathers

What was the nature of the invitation? God the Father has prepared in Christ for the inhabitants of earth those gifts which are bestowed upon the world through Him, even the forgiveness of sins, the cleansing away of all defilement, the communion of the Holy Spirit, the glorious adoption of sons, and the kingdom of the heavens.
St. Cyril of Alexandria
Translation courtesy of "The Orthodox New Testament" Volume 1, 4th Century

Come, O faithful, Let us enjoy the Master's hospitality, The banquet of immortality. In the upper chamber with uplifted minds Let us receive the exalted words of the Word Whom we magnify.
Last Ode of the Compline Canon

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Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15TH, THE 11TH 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, DECEMBER 15TH
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 WARM COAT DRIVE CONCLUDES, THIS SUNDAY DECEMBER 15TH
The One Warm Coat Drive continues through December 15th. Please bring new and/or clean,
gently-used coats (child – adult sizes) to the Narthex bin. Thank you for your support of this important effort.  

NATIVITY PAGEANT, THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15TH
This Sunday, following Holy Communion, we will enjoy our annual Nativity Pageant. We are grateful to Brian Kaufman for leading this effort: his direction, mentorship and kindness have been truly impactful in the lives of our children. Likewise, we thank all of the parents and parishioners who have supported and helped
out — and of course our children. Let us open the manger of our hearts as our youth reveal the true message of this holy season.

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY, THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15TH
During the potluck, Stewardship Chair Phil LaFond will launch our 2025 Stewardship Ministry campaign, sharing insights in the year’s theme and sharing gratitude for the dedicated Stewards of Saint Gregory. We look forward to finishing our 2024 year with enthusiasm and to another wonderful year of sharing our time, talent and treasure in 2025. Visit the Stewardship pages of our parish website to learn more about Stewardship and access convenient giving options: Stewardship Program 2024 | Saint Gregory the Theologian

PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS, THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15TH
This Sunday we will prayerfully confirm our Parish Council candidates: Steve Christo, Steve Drugas, Phil LaFond, Greta Loukos, George Psilakis and Lou Zagami. We thank these dedicated Stewards for their time and service, along with those ongoing and outgoing members. Once our elections are ratified by His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, we will pick a Sunday to hold the Parish Council pledge. Congratulations to 2025 candidates!

CHRISTMAS POTLUCK, THIS SUNDAY DECEMBER 15TH
Following services and the pageant, join us for a celebratory Lenten potluck in the hall. Help is needed with set up and clean up, and of course we hope our parishioners will offer main and side dishes, desserts and drinks. Learn more and sign up here: CHURCH: St Gregory Christmas Potluck

POINSETTIAS NEEDED
As each year, Fr. Alex would love to adorn our solea with poinsettia plants for the Nativity of the Lord. If you can offer a plant (or two!) in time for December 22nd, please let Father or Gina Drugas know, and bring it by at your convenience.

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

    December 15 to December 29, 2024

    Sunday, December 15

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School

    11:30AM Philoptochos One Warm Coat Drive

    11:30AM Parish Pot Luck

    11:30AM Nativity Pageant

    11:30AM Stewardship Sunday

    11:30AM Parish Elections

    Sunday, December 22

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School

    Tuesday, December 24

    Eve of the Nativity

    5:00PM Vesperal Liturgy

    Wednesday, December 25

    Nativity of the Lord

    8:45AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    Sunday, December 29

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM No Sunday School

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Coming Events & News

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Archdiocese News

Department of Religious Education (DRE)’s Did You Know?: Nativity Fast

11/14/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/department-of-religious-education-dre-s-did-you-know-nativity-fast?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

Did you know that the Nativity Fast prepares us to experience the true meaning of Christmas? 


Holy Eparchial Synod Communique - December 1, 2024

12/02/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/holy-eparchial-synod-communique-december-1-2024?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

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided over a special session of the Holy Eparchial Synod today, which convened via teleconference following a venerable Patriarchal edict.


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