Saint Gregory the Theologian
Publish Date: 2025-03-16
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:

I wish you a blessed second week of Lent. During these days of striving, we seek the Lord’s blessing and peace as we face life’s challenges, the ones we expect and the unexpected. Through it all we have God, and we have one another. By loving God, we learn to love one another better; through loving one another, we are reminded of God’s boundless love and grace for us all.

I hope you'll join us this Sunday at Saint Gregory. Following Divine Liturgy, we’ll have our much-anticipated Tupperware sale (for the benefit of Philoptochos) in the hall, and I’ll also offer a final session of Orthodoxy 101 before we adjourn for Holy Week and Pascha. I’ll focus on the importance of the Bible and the Saints within the Orthodox Faith. Come join me in the library.

Please read on in your eBulletin for information on Lenten and Holy Week flower donation opportunities, coming Lenten services, the HOPE/JOY Saint Patrick event on March 22nd and much more. 

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Alex

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Sunday Notes

TODAY'S ALTAR SERVERS: Team Archangel Gabriel.
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: Georgia Stavros.
Cap., Eleni LaFond. 

TODAY'S EPISTLE: Michael Lukas.

MEMORIAL: Joseph Guilbault (2yrs) & Andonea (3yrs) Guilbault; Cathy Sarados (10yrs) & George Sarados (8yrs) Sarados. May their memory be eternal!

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: Following Divine Liturgy, join us for refreshments and friendship in the parish hall. 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: Sponsored by Mary Kostaras in loving memory of her father, Athanasios Kostaras. 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

Fifth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:12-35

At that time, [Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home wondering at what had happened. That very day] two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. And He said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" and they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered Him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" And He said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered Him up to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. But we had hoped that He was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find His body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that He was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see." And He said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was not it necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into this glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself. So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained Him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So He went in to stay with them. When He was at table with them, He took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He opened to us the scriptures?" And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road and how He was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Epistle Reading

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3

IN THE BEGINNING, Thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end." But to what angel has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet?" Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?

Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
The Reading is from Mark 2:1-12

At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum and it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is a blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-he said to the paralytic-"I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"

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Saints and Feasts

March 16

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359.

His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers today.

March 16

Sabine the Martyr of Egypt

The holy Martyr Sabine was from Hermopolis in Egypt, and was known for his zeal and piety. During the persecution of Diocletian, he concealed himself with other Christians in a small dwelling outside the city. But when he was discovered, and professed his faith in Christ, he was taken before Arian the Governor, and after he had been tortured he was drowned in the river. Concerning Arian the Governor, See also December 14.

March 16

Christodulus the Wonderworker of Patmos

Saint Christodulus, who was from the region of Nicaea of Bithynia, was the son of Theodore and Anna, and was given the name John. He assumed the monastic habit in his youth and was renamed Christodulus ("slave of Christ" in Greek). At first, he lived the ascetical life in various places, then he received permission and monetary aid from the Emperor Alexis I Comnenus (reigned 1081-1118), and built on the island of Patmos a church and monastery named in honour of Saint John the Evangelist. These buildings stand to this day. However, when the Arabs attacked that place, he fled with his disciples and went to Euboia (Euripus), where also he completed the course of his life about the end of the eleventh century on the 16th of March. The disciples of this righteous man took his sacred incorrupt remains and transferred them to his own monastery, where they repose to this day for the sanctification of those who have recourse to them with faith.

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Wisdom of the Fathers

Take up your bed. Carry the very mat that once carried you. Change places, so that what was the proof of your sickness may now give testimony to your soundness. Your bed of pain becomes the sign of healing, its very weight the measure of the strength that has been restored to you.
St. Peter Chrysologus
Homily 50.6. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol. 2: Mark. Downers Grove: Intervarsity Press, 2005, p. 27.

Now Matthew indeed saith, that "they brought him," but the others, that they also broke up the roof, and let him down. And they put the sick man before Christ, saying nothing, but committing the whole to Him.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century

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Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR SUNDAY, MARCH 16TH, SUNDAY OF SAINT GREGORY OF PALAMAS
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, MARCH 16TH
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" 

LENTEN & HOLY WEEK FLOWER DONATIONS
With the approach of Great Lent, we are now accepting funds to decorate our holy space for our divine services. Immediate needs include the icon of Theotokos and Child for the Salutations services and the Holy Cross tray for mid-Lent. Please see the sign-up form (FlowerNeedsDonationFormfor2025-0.pdf) and contact the church office to confirm your offering.

TUPPERWARE SALE TO BENEFIT PHILOPTOCHOS, THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 16TH
This Sunday during Fellowship Hour, when Joan Maimonis will offer her inventory of brand-new Tupperware in a special “cash (or check) and carry” sale to benefit Philoptochos.

ORTHODOXY 101: “THE BIBLE & OUR SAINTS,” THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 16TH
Join Fr. Alex for this final session of Orthodoxy 101 during Fellowship Hour. We will wrap up our study of Introducing the Orthodox Church (begun last fall), reflect upon the place of scripture and the saints in our faith and make plans for post-Pascha sessions. All are welcome, and we will be focusing on pgs. 197-240 of our book.

MEN'S PRAYER GROUP & BIBLE STUDY, MARCH 19TH
Following PreSanctified Liturgy, we'll gather in the hall for study and friendship. Please read up to pg. 30 of Christ in the Psalms to prepare for our discussion. All men of our parish and interested friends are welcome.

HOPE/JOY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY EVENT, MARCH 22ND
hildren 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.

PARISH GENERAL ASSEMBLY, MARCH 23RD
Please save the date for this important meeting of our parish family. The agenda is available (Mar232025GAAgenda-0.pdf) and has been emailed to our Stewards. 

IOCC PRESENTATION WITH LOU ZAGAMI, MARCH 28TH
Following the Salutations service, beginning at 6 pm, IOCC's Lou Zagami will offer a discussion-based presentation on IOCC's (International Orthodox Christian Charities) disaster relief efforts, with special emphasis on his recent field work in Los Angeles County. Join us for worship, the presentation and refreshments in the hall.

ORATORICAL FESTIVAL UPDATES, MARCH 30TH
Our parish festival is quickly approaching, and final preparations are being made. All participants must register online prior to the event on March 30th. Please use the following link to register at your earliest convenience: https://religioused.formstack.com/forms/sjcof_participant_1. Enter Parish Chairperson as Brian Hess and the email as [email protected]. Please contact Brian at this email if you have any questions.

PARASCO SERVICE/ENRICHMENT SCHOLARSHIP APPS., DUE MARCH 31ST
High schoolers and graduating high school seniors interested in participating in Orthodox service or enrichment programs are invited to apply for this scholarship. The details and approved institutions are outlined here, and the application is due by March 31st. Please contact Fr. Alex with any questions.

PARASCO ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP APPS., DUE APRIL 28TH
If you are a steward of St. Gregory, graduating high school this June, and plan to attend a college or university you are encouraged to apply for a scholarship that will be awarded to seniors. The application is available online (http://bit.ly/3nySVL8) and applications are due April 28th, 2025. For questions please email the scholarship committee: [email protected].

LENTEN RESOURCE
The Archdiocesan website features a helpful and inspiring Lenten resource: Great Lent, Holy Week, and Pascha in the Orthodox Church - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. This guide through Great Lent highlights the themes of each week of Lent and outlines the origin and purpose of our weekly Salutations services. Please visit the site each week of your own Lenten journey for guidance and inspiration.  

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

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, Thursday, & Friday: 1 - 3 pm; Wednesday: 7:30 am - 11:30 am. Contact Gina: [email protected]; 508.337.9986.

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Calendar: Next Two Weeks

  • Saint Gregory Parish Calendar

    March 16 to March 30, 2025

    Sunday, March 16

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School

    11:15AM Orthodoxy 101: The Bible & Our Saints

    11:15AM Tupperware Sale

    Tuesday, March 18

    12:00PM Food & Friends Ministry

    Wednesday, March 19

    6:00PM PreSanctified Liturgy

    Friday, March 21

    6:30PM Salutations Service

    Saturday, March 22

    11:30AM HOPE/JOY St Patrick Party

    Sunday, March 23

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School

    11:15AM Tupperware sale

    11:15AM Parish General Assembly

    Tuesday, March 25

    Annunciation Liturgy canceled

    Wednesday, March 26

    9:00AM PreSanctified Liturgy

    Friday, March 28

    6:00PM Salutations Service

    7:30PM IOCC Presentation/Reception

    Sunday, March 30

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School

    11:15AM Parish Oratorical Festival

    11:15AM Knitting Ministry

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Coming Events & News

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Archdiocese News

Department of Religious Education’s (DRE)’s Kids Sunday Sermon Series: Rise and walk!

03/11/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/department-of-religious-education-s-dre-s-kids-sunday-sermon-series-rise-and-walk-?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

This week, teach our children about a man who couldn’t walk, so his friends helped him get to Jesus—even by making a hole in the roof! Jesus saw their faith, forgave the man’s sins, and made him walk again. Wow! Jesus can heal and forgive and wants us to have strong faith in Him!


Department of Religious Education (DRE)’s Sunday Sermon Series: Sunday of Saint Gregory Palamas

03/11/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/sss-3-16?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

This week, find insights about the upcoming Gospel reading, where we learn how Christ heals a man with paralysis. What did his friends do? Why did Christ choose to forgive his sins before physically healing him? What is the link between God and our healing? Why did people think it was blasphemous that Jesus forgave sins?


Kids Sunday Sermon Series Launched by the Department of Religious Education (DRE)

03/10/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/ksss-1?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 Department of Religious Education (DRE) is excited to introduce the Kids Sunday Sermon Series, an easy-to-download weekly sermon resource designed for children in grades K to 3 or older.


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