Saint Gregory the Theologian
Publish Date: 2025-01-26
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 hope this note finds you healthy and well.

In light of the joyous Feast of Saint Gregory, our patron saint, on Jan. 25th, I’m looking forward to seeing you Sunday—and the celebration will continue. Following Divine Liturgy, our Parish Council is hosting us to a celebratory name-day breakfast. I’ve seen the menu, and you won’t be disappointed. Most importantly, we’ll have a chance to greet one another and raise up the name of our amazing patron saint.

Also, after services I encourage you to take some time and see the progress of our icon mural installation. As I write this note, the installers from Byzantine Artworks are getting close to finishing their work.

God bless you, and read on within your eBulletin for information on everything from the Philoptochos Cookie Walk and “Souper” Bowl Sunday event on Feb. 9th to Godparent Sunday on Feb. 23rd.

From worship and education to enrichment and friendship, there’s always something wonderful happening at Saint Gregory—and you’re a part of it all.   

Yours in Christ,

 Fr. Alex

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Sunday Notes

TODAY'S ALTAR SERVERS: Team Archangel Michael.
Parish Altar Team Members
Altar Team Archangel Michael: Matthew Cromack, AJ Georgilas (Asst. Cap.) and Matthew Georgilas
Altar Team Archangel Gabriel: Eliot Hess, Leland Hess, Linus LaFond (Asst. Cap.) and Mark Saad
Cap., Mario Salzillo

TODAY'S MYRRHBEARER: Audrey Sweten.
Cap., Eleni LaFond.

HOMILY: "Short of Stature."

TODAY'S EPISTLE: Phil LaFond.

MEMORIAL: Cynthia Sparrow (1 yr.); Steve Theodorakis (1 yr.); and Roburt Duro (1 yr.). May their memory be eternal!

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: In lieu of Fellowship Hour, join us in the hall for the Saint Gregory feast-day breakfast, sponsored by our Parish Council with contributions from the Sparrow Family in loving memory of Cynthia Sparrow and Steve Theodorakis. This month and beyond, Fellowship Hour sponsors are welcome and needed. Please sign up in the hall this weekend or use our SignUpGenius link. 

ALTAR FLOWERS: Our feast-day icon decoration was sponsored by Dennis and Nancy Savas. 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).

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

15th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to Timothy 4:9-15

Timothy, my son, the saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and suffer reproach, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Till I come, attend to the public reading of scripture, to preaching, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the council of elders laid their hands upon you. Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress.

Gospel Reading

15th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 19:1-10

At that time, Jesus was passing through Jericho. And there was a man named Zacchaios; he was a chief collector, and rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaios, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today." So he made haste and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." And Zacchaios stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost."

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Saints and Feasts

January 26

15th Sunday of Luke

January 26

Xenophon & his Companions

This Saint, a wealthy nobleman of Constantinople, was filled with piety toward God. He had two sons, Arcadius and John, whom he sent to Beirut to study law. But they were shipwrecked during their voyage; barely saved, they forsook all things and departed for Palestine. Saint Xenophon and his wife Mary, ignorant of what had happened, went in search of their sons. On finding them in Jerusalem, dressed in the habit of monks, they also took up the monastic life. And thus, having completed their lives in holiness, they departed for the Lord about the beginning of the sixth century. Saint Xenophon and his sons reposed at Saint Sabbas Monastery, and Mary at the Monastery of Saint Theodosius.

January 26

Symeon the Elder of Mount Sinai

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Wisdom of the Fathers

For Christ's presence is like that of some life-giving, scented balsam which restores health, enriches life and gives savor to the soul, the thoughts, the words of a man. In brief, distance from Christ means corruption and death, and closeness to Him means salvation and life.
Bishop Nikolai Velimirovic
Prolog, 4 February

Christ is the salvation that comes, and Zacchaeus is the house to which He comes.
Bishop Nikolai Velimirovic
Prolog, 4 February

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Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR SUNDAY, JANUARY 26TH, 15TH 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 FOR THIS SUNDAY, JANUARY 26TH
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" 

PARISH FEAST DAY EVENTS: JANUARY 24TH - 26TH
Each year our parish feast day is January 25th. This is a time to give thanks for Saint Gregory the Theologian, to reflect on his importance as a leader of the ancient Church and to learn more about his God-inspired teachings. This is also an occasion to welcome local clergy and parishioners to our parish to celebrate with us. With these things in mind, please save these dates and spread the word to family and friends:
***January 24th, 6 pm: Great Vespers & Reception
***January 25th: Orthros & Divine Liturgy (usual times)
***January 26th: Regular Sunday services and feast-day brunch    

PHILOPTOCHOS COOKIE WALK, FEBRUARY 9TH
The annual Cookie Walk is on for the 9th. We are preparing to fill our table with a wide variety of cookies for purchase; during Fellowship Hour, we will "walk" along the cookie-filled table, selecting a 1/2 dozen, dozen, or more, treats, knowing that the money raised will go directly to local charities and service programs. Philoptochos members are asked to donate home-made cookies—from simple to fancy, classic to gourmet and comfort to unique. Contact Ann Johnson to confirm your donation.                 

“SOUPER” BOWL SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH
This nationwide event gives us an opportunity to reflect on the needs of those in the greater community—and to take action. Led by our GOYAns, we can help in two ways, and thank you for your support:
***Now until February 9th: Bring non-perishable food donations to the Narthex bin (see the needed donations list emailed to us and in the Narthex)
***On February 9th: Bring funds to Divine Liturgy for the donation pot (will be offered for IOCC)

GODPARENT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD
Our Sunday Schoolers are busy writing invitations to their Godparents for this special day, and we can all participate. Please make an effort to bring your Godchild or Godparent to Divine Liturgy. Fr. Alex will lead us in a special prayer for Godparents, and every one will receive a witness pin to remember this day of hope and faith at Saint Gregory.

HOPE/JOY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY EVENT, MARCH 22ND
Children grades K - 6th are invited to join us for learning, enrichment and lots of fun. We will take a look at the real-life story of Saint Patrick, enjoy a pizza lunch, decorate cookies and much more. See our flyer and save the date.

SAINT GREGORY ORATORICAL FESTIVAL, MARCH 30TH
Plans are being made for our parish festival, and many thanks to Brian Hess for once again serving as chair for this exciting youth event. Topics and materials will be shared with our Sunday School classes this week. Parents, please save the date and encourage your children to participate fully.

STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY 2025 
As we move into the new year, we hope and pray God will help us embrace parish giving with renewed enthusiasm and commitment. With this year’s theme in mind (“Your Own of Your Own”), may we all discover the love and dedication to offer our heartfelt gifts to the Lord’s church. Visit the Stewardship pages of our parish website to learn more about Stewardship and to access our 2025 materials:
Stewardship Program 2025 | Saint Gregory the Theologian

2025 PARISH COUNCIL OFFICERS
Congratulations to our 2025 Parish Council officers: Steve Drugas, President; Lou Douvris, Vice President; Phil LaFond, Treasurer; Joe Cara Donna III, Assistant Treasurer; Kristin Lewis, Secretary; and Frank Sousa, Assistant Secretary. We wish our entire Parish Council a spiritually fruitful year of service at our parish home.

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 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

    January 26 to February 9, 2025

    Sunday, January 26

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School

    11:30AM Parish Name Day Brunch

    Sunday, February 2

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School

    Sunday, February 9

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School

    11:15AM "Souper" Bowl Sunday Event

    11:30AM GOYA Outing to Mansfield Food Pantry

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Coming Events & News

    "Souper" Bowl Sunday: Feb. 9

    "Souper" Bowl Sunday: Feb. 9

    We look forward to participating in this national, interfaith event on the 9th. Check out the flyer to see how you can help support friends in need: locally, nationally and even internationally.

    HOPE/JOY St. Patrick's Day Event: March 22

    HOPE/JOY St. Patrick's Day Event: March 22

    Our young children (grades K - 6) are invited to this wonderful celebration of Saint Patrick, including a pizza lunch, cookie decorating and more.

    Servant Keeper Online Giving Set Up

    Servant Keeper Online Giving Set Up

    Please see the attached PDF on how to set up your weekly donations through Servant Keeper's online giving platform.

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Archdiocese News

Delegation from Antioch Visits Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Seeks Support for Rebuilding Efforts After Earthquake Destruction

01/11/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/delegation-from-antioch-visits-ecumenical-patriarch-bartholomew-seeks-support-for-rebuilding-efforts-after-earthquake-destruction?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

Istanbul—A delegation representing the Greek Orthodox community of Antioch visited His Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew today to convey their heartfelt gratitude to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for their unwavering support of earthquake survivors in the region. The delegation also sought further assistance for the reconstruction of the Orthodox churches that were devastated by the disaster.


Archbishop Elpidophoros Presents the Medal of St. Paul in Washington, DC

01/20/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/archbishop-elpidophoros-presents-the-medal-of-st.-paul-in-washington-dc?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

Following his presence at the Divine Liturgy at at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church of Silver Springs, MD this morning, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America attended a reception held in his honor at the St. Regis Hotel.


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