Saint Gregory the Theologian
Publish Date: 2025-04-06
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:

In the wake of last Sunday’s amazing Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival, I’m looking forward to another weekend of worship, friendship and enrichment at our parish home. Please join us at Saint Gregory this Sunday, and bring family and friends.

As usual on the first Sunday of the month, I’ll ask our Sunday School teachers and students to sit up front for a close-up view of Divine Liturgy. I will also share a youth homily with our beloved children, “No One Like You,” to help remind them that when God made them, He broke the mold—and that He has a special plan for each of them throughout life. Please come on time to Liturgy, so your children hear these important messages.

Following Divine Liturgy our Men’s Bible Study friends will meet in the church, and Philoptochos will hold a general meeting in the library. Philoptochos will also take Easter bread orders during Fellowship Hour, and tickets for the Palm Sunday Luncheon will also be available. GOYAns will gather at the LaFond home from 12 – 2 pm for lunch and board games.

Also, don’t forget that the Saturday of Lazarus event is April 12th. We'll enjoy Liturgy, a terrific youth homily from Fr. Manny, Communion breakfast and palm folding (thanks to GOYA for hosting).

Finally, we still have quite a few flower donation needs for Holy Week and Pascha. Please contact Gina, in the church office, or me this week. The donation list is within this eBulletin and in the Narthex. Many thanks for your support.

See you Sunday and God bless you, 

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: TBD.
Cap., Eleni LaFond. 

TODAY'S EPISTLE: John Chani  

HOMILY: “No One Like You."

MEMORIAL: Presbyteros Pete Lawdis (50 yrs.); Cecelia Ann Zaharias (18 yrs.). May their memory be eternal!

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: Sponsored by the Lawdis and Zaharias Families in loving memory of Presbyteros Pete Lawdis and Cecelia Ann Zaharias. 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

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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

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 9:11-14

BRETHREN, when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
The Reading is from Mark 10:32-45

At that time, Jesus took his twelve disciples, and he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant of James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

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Saints and Feasts

April 06

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

The memory of this Saint is celebrated on April 1, where her life is recorded. Since the end of the holy Forty Days is drawing nigh, it has been appointed for this day also, so that if we think it hard to practice a little abstinence forty days, we might be roused by the heroism of her who fasted in the wilderness forty-seven years; and also that the great loving-kindness of God, and His readiness to receive the repentant, might be demonstrated in very deed.

April 06

Eutychius, Patriarch of Constantinople

Born in Theia Kome of Phrygia, Eutychius was the son of illustrious parents, from whom he received a pious upbringing. He studied in Constantinople, and became a monk in a certain monastery of Amasia. In 552 he was chosen Patriarch of New Rome, but was exiled in 565 as a result of the machinations of the Origenists. In 577 he was restored to his throne and reposed on April 6, 582.

April 06

120 Martyrs of Persia

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Wisdom of the Fathers

Before He humbled Himself, only the angels knew him. After He humbled Himself, all human nature knew Him. You see how His humbling of Himself did not make Him have less but produced countless benefits, countless deeds of virtue, and made His glory shine forth with greater brightness? God wants for nothing and has need of nothing. Yet, when He humbled Himself, He produced such great good, increased His household, and extended His kingdom. Why, then, are you afraid that you will become less if you humble yourself?
St. John Chrysostom
On the Incomprehensible Nature of God. 8.46-47. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol: Mark. Intervarsity Press, 2005, p. 143.

But let no man be troubled at the apostles being in such an imperfect state. For not yet was the cross accomplished, not yet the grace of the Spirit given. But if thou wouldest learn their virtue, notice them after these things, and thou wilt see them superior to every passion.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

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Ministries, Programs & Parish Updates

SERVICES FOR SUNDAY, APRIL 6TH, SUNDAY OF ST. MARY OF EGYPT
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, APRIL 6TH
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" 

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY & FELLOWSHIP, THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 6TH
Join Fr. Alex and friends today in the church following Divine Liturgy. We will continue our reading and discussion of Christ in the Psalms, focusing on pgs. 35 – 46. All men of our parish, and interested friends, are welcome.

PALM SUNDAY LUNCHEON TICKETS AVAILABLE THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 6TH
Tickets for the April 13th Palm Sunday Luncheon will be on sale this Sunday during Fellowship Hour. Please bring family and friends to Saint Gregory on this holy day for worship, friendship and the luncheon as we embark on our Holy Week journey. 

PHILOPTOCHOS MEETING THIS SUNDAY AND MORE
***This Sunday after Sunday School, join us in the library for our general meeting.
***This Sunday during Fellowship Hour, we will take pre-orders for Easter bread. Bread is being purchased from Sophia’s and is $15/loaf.
***The Dignity Matters Drive continues until Easter. Menstrual products, bras and underwear can be dropped in the Narthex bin, or ship your donations directly to church usng our Amazon list (emailed to our parishioners).

GOYA GAME DAY, THIS SUNDAY APRIL 6TH
GOYAns are invited to gather from 12 - 2 pm at the LaFond Home. There will be a pasta lunch, 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! 

ORATORICAL FESTIVAL REFLECTIONS
Last Sunday’s Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival was a vibrant, inspiring event for our children and entire parish family. Congratulations to Mario Salzillo (Junior Division) and Georgia Stavros (Senior Division) who will continue on to the Metropolis of Boston festival on May 10th. Many thanks to Festival Chair Brian Hess, our judges, teachers and supportive volunteers for their efforts. 

Next Steps in the Oratorical Festival: St. Gregory has been asked to host the Metropolis festival on May 10th. Please contact Fr. Alex if you can help with hospitality and other support. 

LENTEN & HOLY WEEK FLOWER DONATIONS
As we move toward Holy Week, we still have several important decorating needs that have not yet been supported, including the Bridegroom icon and Resurrection icon. Please see the sign-up form in the Narthex and contact the church office this week to confirm your offering.

PARASCO ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP
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 have been emailed to our parishioners.

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 Saturday, 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.

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.

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Calendar: Next Two Weeks

  • Saint Gregory Parish Calendar

    April 6 to April 20, 2025

    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

    Monday, April 14

    6:00PM Bridegroom Service

    Tuesday, April 15

    6:00PM Bridegroom Service

    Wednesday, April 16

    5:30PM Holy Unction

    Thursday, April 17

    9:30AM Vesperal Liturgy

    6:00PM Passion of the Lord

    Friday, April 18

    9:00AM Royal Hours

    10:30AM Kouvouklion decoration

    12:00PM Holy Friday Youth Retreat

    3:00PM Descent from the Cross

    6:00PM Lamentations

    Saturday, April 19

    9:00AM Vesperal Liturgy

    11:15PM Resurrection Service

    Sunday, April 20

    Holy Pascha

    1:15AM Parish pot luck meal

    11:00AM Agape Vespers

    12:00PM Easter Egg Hunt

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Coming Events & News

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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.


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