Saint Gregory the Theologian
Publish Date: 2025-03-30
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

Organization Icon
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:

Last Sunday was a busy day at Saint Gregory--thank you for your participation in the parish General Assembly, which was a thoughtful and successful meeting. Before the meeting, I was moved to celebrate the Veneration of the Cross with you. The image of the Cross, raised high, was certainly an inspiration and encouragement on the Sunday of mid-Lent. 

This Sunday will be another vital one at our parish home. Together, we'll mark the fourth Sunday of Lent, dedicated to Saint John of the Ladder. He was a 6th/7th century monastic on Mt. Sinai and is most famous for composing a powerful spiritual work, The Ladder of Divine Ascent. 

Further, this is the Sunday of our parish Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival. Our Sunday Schoolers and their festival mentors have been working hard for this moment. Please join our children and me in the nave after having a quick bite at Fellowship Hour. The more support we show our children, the more encouraged they will be. 

In the hall after services, don't forget to pick up your tickets for the Palm Sunday Luncheon and order your Easter bread from our Philoptochos friends. Also, don’t forget that the Saturday of Lazarus event is April 12th. We'll enjoy Liturgy, breakfast and palm folding (thanks to GOYA for hosting).

Please read on within the eBulletin for much more. We need Myrrhbearers for Holy Friday night and readers for Agape Sunday, just for starters. Thanks for your support and engagement.

See you Sunday and God bless you, 

Fr. Alex

BACK TO TOP

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: Carla Saad.
Cap., Eleni LaFond. 

TODAY'S EPISTLE: Parish chanters.  

HOMILY: “Mid-Lent Reflection: How are You Doing?”

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: Sponsored by our Sunday School 1st – 2nd Grade Class. 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: 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

BACK TO TOP

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Seventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:1-10

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him." Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying and the napkin, which had been on His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that He must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.

Epistle Reading

Sunday of St. John Climacus
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 6:13-20

BRETHREN, when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore to himself, saying, "Surely I will bless you and multiply you." And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. Men indeed swear by a greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he interposed with an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God should prove false, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. John Climacus
The Reading is from Mark 9:17-31

At that time, a man came to Jesus kneeling and saying: "Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit; and wherever it seizes him it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able." And he answered them, "O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me." And they brought the boy to him; and when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, "How long has he had this?" And he said, "From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us." And Jesus said to him, "If you can! All things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!" And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again." And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, "He is dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?" And he said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting." They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he would not have any one know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him; and when he is killed, after three days he will rise."

BACK TO TOP

Saints and Feasts

March 30

Sunday of St. John Climacus

The memory of this Saint is celebrated on March 30, where his biography may be found. He is celebrated today because his book, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, is a sure guide to the ascetic life, written by a great man of prayer experienced in all forms of the monastic polity; it teaches the seeker after salvation how to lay a sound foundation for his struggles, how to detect and war against each of the passions, how to avoid the snares laid by the demons, and how to rise from the rudimental virtues to the heights of Godlike love and humility. It is held in such high esteem that it is universally read in its entirety in monasteries during the Great Fast.

March 30

John Climacus the Righteous, author of The Divine Ladder of Ascent

This Saint gave himself over to the ascetical life from his early youth. Experienced both in the solitary life of the hermit and in the communal life of cenobitic monasticism, he was appointed Abbot of the Monastery at Mount Sinai and wrote a book containing thirty homilies on virtue. Each homily deals with one virtue, and progressing from those that deal with holy and righteous activity (praxis) unto those that deal with divine vision (theoria), they raise a man up as though by means of steps unto the height of Heaven. For this cause his work is called "The Ladder of Divine Ascent." The day he was made Abbot of Sinai, the Prophet Moses was seen giving commands to those who served at table. Saint John reposed in 603, at eighty years of age. See also the Fourth Sunday of the Fast.

March 30

Sosthenes, Apollos, Cephas, Caesar, & Epaphroditos, the Apostles of the 70

BACK TO TOP

Wisdom of the Fathers

Seest thou how He now proceeds to lay beforehand in them the foundation of His doctrine about fasting? ... See, at any rate, how many blessings spring from them both. For he that is praying as he ought, and fasting, hath not many wants, and he that hath not many wants, cannot be covetous; ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 57 on Matthew 17,4,5. B#54, pp.355,356., 4th Century

... he that is not covetous, will be also more disposed for almsgiving. He that fasts is light, and winged, and prays with wakefulness, and quenches his wicked lusts, and propitiates God, and humbles his soul when lifted up. Therefore even the apostles were almost always fasting.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 57 on Matthew 17,4,5. B#54, pp.355,356., 4th Century

BACK TO TOP

Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR SUNDAY, MARCH 30TH, SUNDAY OF ST. JOHN CLIMACUS
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 30TH
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 our Friday evening services. Please see the sign-up form (FlowerNeedsDonationFormfor2025Final-0.pdf) and contact the church office to confirm your offering.

ORATORICAL FESTIVAL, THIS SUNDAY MARCH 30TH
Our Sunday School students have been busy researching, drafting and rehearsing their speeches. During Fellowship Hour, please come support our children as they witness their Orthodox Faith. Many thanks to our guest judges for joining us today: Jack Markis, Angelo Dardagiannopoulos and Marisa Dardagiannopoulos. We also are grateful to Festival Chair Brian Hess and our Sunday School teachers for their encouragement and support.

PHILOPTOCHOS UPDATES
***We will take pre-orders for Easter bread during Fellowship Hour this Sunday. Bread is being purchased from Sophia’s and is $15/loaf.
***The Tupperware sale will be extended through this Sunday's Fellowship Hour. Come see the remaining inventory and support Philoptochos with your purchase.
***The next general meeting will be April 6th following Sunday school.
***The Dignity Matters Drive continues until Easter. Please donate menstrual products, bras and underwear for homeless and disadvantaged women and girls in the Narthex bin. You may also purchase from our Amazon list (emailed to our parishioners) and have your donations shipped directly to Philoptochos.

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY & FELLOWSHIP, APRIL 6TH
Join Fr. Alex and friends for our next gathering following Divine Liturgy. We will continue our reading and discussion of Christ in the Psalms, focusing on pgs. 35 – 45. All men of our parish, and interested friends, are welcome.

GOYA GAME DAY, APRIL 6TH
GOYAns are invited to gather from 12 - 2 pm at the LaFond Home. Fr. Alex hopes all attendees will first attend Divine Liturgy and Sunday School. There will be a pasta lunch (please touch base with the LaFonds on any dietary restrictions) followed by some board games. If GOYAns have a great group game that you feel would be fun for all, please bring it. See you then! 

SATURDAY OF LAZARUS EVENT, APRIL 12TH
All Sunday School children, families and parishioners are warmly invited to join us for this much-anticipated day. We will celebate the Orthros and Divine Liturgy of Lazarus Sunday, enjoy a Communion breakfast and then fold palms. Thank you to Steve Christo and our GOYAns for sponsoring the breakfast. 

PALM SUNDAY LUNCHEON, APRIL 13TH
Join us for our Palm Sunday Luncheon, as we celebrate the Lord's triumphant entry into Jerusalem and break bread before Holy Week. See our flyer (Slide 1) and pick up your tickets this Sunday at Fellowship Hour. 

HOLY FRIDAY YOUTH RETREAT, APRIL 18TH
Please join us for the Holy Friday retreat. Children in grades K - 8 are encouraged to sign up and participate in activities related to our theme, “The Empty Tomb: 'He Has Risen! He Is Not Here'" (Mark 16:6). Children will be engaged in hands-on activities and lessons throughout the afternoon and participate in a service activity. Please fill out the google form to register your child by April 13, 2025 (Holy Friday Retreat Registration 2025). Contact Paula Hartigan-Patey if you have any questions: [email protected]

SUNDAY SCHOOL RETREAT HYGIENE KIT DONATIONS
Throughout March, please bring your donations for IOCC Hygiene Kits to the Narthex bin. Each year, we have a service component to our retreat, giving our children an opportunity to give "hands and feet" to their Orthodox Faith. Our flyer, which includes the complete list of needed items, is in the Narthex and has been emailed to our parishioners.

PARASCO SERVICE & ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
High schoolers and graduating high school seniors interested in participating in Orthodox service or enrichment programs are invited to apply for the Parasco Service and Enrichment Scholarship (applications due March 31st). High school seniors attending a college or university next fall are encouraged to apply for the Parasco Academic Scholarship (applications due April 28th). Application materials for both scholarships have been emailed to our parishioners.

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., 9 am - 1 pm; Wed., 1 - 4 pm; Thur., 9 am - 1 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, Wed., Thursday, & Friday: 1 - 3 pm; Tue.: 12:30 - 2 pm. Contact Gina: [email protected]; 508.337.9986.

BACK TO TOP

Calendar: Next Two Weeks

  • Saint Gregory Parish Calendar

    March 30 to April 13, 2025

    Sunday, March 30

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School

    11:15AM Parish Oratorical Festival

    11:15AM Knitting Ministry

    Wednesday, April 2

    9:00AM PreSanctified Liturgy

    Friday, April 4

    6:30PM Akathist Hymn

    Sunday, April 6

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School

    11:30AM Men's Prayer Group

    12:00PM GOYA Game Day

    Tuesday, April 8

    6:30PM Parish Council

    Wednesday, April 9

    6:00PM PreSanctified Liturgy

    Saturday, April 12

    Saturday of Lazarus

    8:45AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:45AM Breakfast and palm folding

    Sunday, April 13

    Palm Sunday

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Sunday School

    11:30AM Philoptochos Easter bread sale

    11:30AM Palm Sunday Luncheon

    6:00PM Bridegroom Service

BACK TO TOP

Coming Events & News

BACK TO TOP

BACK TO TOP

Archdiocese News

Gathered as One Body: Disability, Accessibility, and Inclusion in the Orthodox Church

03/18/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/gathered-as-one-body-disability-accessibility-and-inclusion-in-the-orthodox-church?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 Huffington Ecumenical Institute at Hellenic College Holy Cross invites you to GATHERED AS ONE BODY, a groundbreaking conference dedicated to fostering accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities within the Orthodox Church.


BACK TO TOP