St. Luke Church
Publish Date: 2026-11-15
Bulletin Contents
Hymns of the Day
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Memorial and Trisagion Prayers
Parish News
Did You Know?
Words from the Saints and our Fathers
Saints and Feasts
Wisdom of the Fathers
Diakonia Newsletter

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St. Luke Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (413) 525-4551
  • Street Address:

  • 400 Prospect Street

  • East Longmeadow, MA 01028
  • Mailing Address:

  • PO Box 381

  • East Longmeadow, MA 01028

Past Bulletins


Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Grave Mode

By Your Cross, O Christ our God, You destroyed death. You opened paradise to the thief. You transformed the lament of the Myrrh-bearing women, and You commanded the Apostles to proclaim You are risen, granting the world Your great mercy.

Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Narthex Press


Apolytikion for Martyrs Gouria, Shamuna, and Habib in the Plagal First Mode

Since Thou hast given us the miracles of Thy holy Martyrs as an invincible battlement, by their entreaties, scatter the counsels of the heathen, O Christ our God, and strengthen the faith of Orthodox Christians, since Thou alone art good and the Friend of man.

Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery


Dismissal Hymns for Saint Luke and Saint Nicholas in the Third Mode

Third Tone

O Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, intercede with our merciful God, that He may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

Fourth Tone

A model of faith and the image of gentleness, the example of your life has shown you forth to your sheep-fold to be a master of temperance. You obtained thus through being lowly, gifts from on high, and riches through poverty. Nicholas, our father and priest of priests, intercede with Christ our God that He may save our souls.


Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

Today, the most pure temple of the Savior, the precious bridal chamber and Virgin, the sacred treasure of God, enters the house of the Lord, bringing the grace of the Divine Spirit. The Angels of God praise her. She is the heavenly tabernacle.

Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Narthex Press




Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Second Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Mark 16:1-8

When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?" And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back - it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, He is not here; see the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter that He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him, as He told you." And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Grave Mode. Psalm 28.11,1.
The Lord will give strength to his people.
Verse: Bring to the Lord, O sons of God, bring to the Lord honor and glory.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 2:14-22.

Brethren, Christ is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Gospel Reading

8th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 10:25-37

At that time, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read?" And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." And he said to him, "You have answered right; do this, and you will live."

But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."



Memorial and Trisagion Prayers

Memorial and Trisagion Prayers

11/15/2026

There are no Memorials or Trisagions today.




Parish News

Parish News

11/15/2026

We welcome you to worship with us today.  Whether you are an Orthodox Christian or this is your first visit to an Orthodox Church, we are pleased to have you with us.  Holy Communion is offered to and received only by baptized and chrismated Orthodox Christians who have spiritually prepared to receive the Eucharist. All are invited to receive the blessed bread at the end of Liturgy and may ask for a special blessing. God bless you!

For the spiritual comfort and peace of all, please silence your cell phones.  Thank you!

1. PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS

We have a dedicated social media account. If you take a picture at a Service or Parish Event that you would like to share on social media, please send it to [email protected]

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE:

Today - 8th Sunday of Luke: Nativity Fast Begins

     We welcome Father Saba and Seminarian David who are here to perform our liturgy this Sunday.

SUNDAY SCHOOL - classes continue today

BIBLE STUDY - will resume in December

KNITTING MINISTRY - will meet again on Wednesday, November 18th @ 10:30.

HALL RENTAL MINISTRY - We are in the process of finding a person who would like to volunteer to head our rental ministry. If you have an interest in this opportunity and would like to find out more about the position, please call the church office at (413) 525-4551.

A message from our Parish Council president...

It will be here before you know it!!

Fall is such a busy time here at St. Luke's. The Ecclesiastical year begins, and with that many of our ministries that have taken a well-deserved break will be gearing up to get back into the swing of things. So take a look below at some events coming up.

 

TODAY:  St. Luke's General Assembly - in the fellowship hall after liturgy

November 22nd  - St. Luke's Harvest Dinner - tickets must be purchased by Tuesday, November 17th.

 

2. PHILOPTOCHOS MINISTRY

Philoptochos Announcements

Tree of Warmth

Our Tree of Warmth is in the Fellowship Hall! We are collecting NEW hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves (knitted, crocheted, or purchased) to help neighbors in need, honoring the memory of our beloved parishioner, Karen Louis.

St. Nicholas Artoclasia & Community Coffee Hour — Sunday, December 6

Philoptochos will offer an Artoclasia in celebration of the Feast Day of St. Nicholas, followed by a community coffee hour. All are welcome!

Fall Bulk Mailer — Important Deadlines

Please review your Fall Bulk Mailer and note the following deadlines:

  • Thanksgiving & Christmas Food Outreach: Food assistance and visits to shut-ins. Please see mailer for details.
  • 2026 Saint Luke Christmas Card: Deadline — Sunday, November 29, 2026 - (No names will be accepted after this date)
  • Christmas Poinsettia Sale: Deadline — Sunday, December 13, 2026.

Please review all forms carefully, as additional information may be required.

For questions, please see a Philoptochos Board Member following Divine Liturgy in the Fellowship Hall.

Thank you for your continued generosity and support of St. Luke Philoptochos!

 

3.  LIGHTHOUSE CLUBHOUSE 

Good morning everyone -

We're so happy to announce that the "Lighthouse Clubhouse" gift card tree is up!

"Lighthouse Clubhouse" in Springfield is a psycho-social rehabilitation program for adults with chronic mental illness. Most members live below the poverty level and do not have extra funds for anything other than the bare necessities.

This will be our 13th year that St. Luke parishioners and Philoptochos have opened their hearts and given these members a brighter Christmas. Over the past 12 years we've given 1096 gift cards totaling $22,920!!

Please come by the gift card tree on your way to coffee hour and take an ornament(s) and purchase a gift card from either Walmart or Target or give us the $20 and we will purchase it for you. Please return gift cards by December 20th.

Thank you for opening your hearts.

Joy, Peace, & Love,

Parris Ochsner & Dorsey Cokkinias                                                                                    

 

4. TASTE OF GREECE

We have 9 x 13 frozen pans of Spanakopita for $50. These pans are perfect for the upcoming holidays or entertaining. Please contace Lynne in the office or see Vicki LaRoche during coffee hour. We will continue to sell these until they are all sold.

Thank you,

Stephanie and Joanna

 

5. LOAVES & FISHES MINISTRY

Each month, the St. Luke Loaves & Fishes ministry prepares a meal that feeds 150-200 people at the Springfield Community Soup Kitchen. By putting our faith into action, our parishioners contribute in the practical way to live out our religious principles, such as the call to "love your neighbor as yourself" and to "feed the hungry" (Matthew 25:35).

Loaves & Fishes Community Soup Kitchen has provided prepared meals to people who are disadvantaged in Greater Springfield on a daily basis since it began in 1980. Lunch and supper are available seven days a week. Loaves & Fishes is a life sustaining service and essential to the health of people in need. Providing meals is not only a way to prevent malnutrition and improve health, but also a way to connect people to other essential services.

Our St. Luke parishioners donate monthly meals for approximately 150-200 guests to the soup kitchen during the third week of each month. The meals are delivered the third Friday of each month by parishioner Bill Sakel to the soup kitchen at the South Congregational Church in Springfield. 

Please take advantage of participating in this meaningful ministry. Also, a recipe book is available with suggestions for meals that feed a crowd. The recipe book will be in the Parish Hall on the easel where the signup board is, for all to use.

Springfield Rescue Mission: If you are interested in providing a dinner meal for the New Life Rehabilitation Program, please reach out to Julie at (413) 732-0808 ext. 220.

6. STEWARDSHIP

Theme: “Rise Up and Build” — Building up the body of Christ.

Stewardship packets have been sent out. If you haven't done so yet, please fill out the requested information and return it to the church in the enclosed envelope. Also, please let this be a reminder to fulfill any remaining 2025 pledges.

St. Luke’s parish runs on a financial stewardship giving basis and our church is here for us to meet all of our sacramental needs every day of every month of the year.






Words from the Saints and our Fathers

Words from the Saints

11/15/2026

A man tries to stand up, falls again, stands up again . . .  he fights.  God will not abandon such a one.

Saint Paisios the Athonite

 

 




Saints and Feasts

November 15

8th Sunday of Luke

November 15

Nativity Fast Begins

The Nativity Fast is one of four main fast periods throughout the ecclesiastical year. Beginning on November 15 and concluding on December 24, the Nativity Fast gives individuals the opportunity to prepare for the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior in the Flesh on December 25. By abstaining from certain food and drink, particularly from meat, fish, dairy products, olive oil, and wine, as well as focusing more deeply on prayer and almsgiving, we can find that the primary aim of fasting is to make us conscious of our dependence upon God.

November 15

Guria, Shamuna, and Habib, Martyrs and Confessors of Edessa

Of these most illustrious Martyrs of the city of Edessa in Syria, Guria and Shamuna contested during the reign of Diocletian, in 288; after many tortures, they were cast into prison, then beheaded. Saint Habib, a deacon, contested in the days of Licinius, in the year 316, and was burned alive; he was buried with Saints Guria and Shamuna. The three have one common feast, and it is always together that they are portrayed in icons and invoked by the faithful. On account of a renowned miracle they worked, they are invoked for help in marital difficulties. A certain Goth had come with the Roman army to Edessa and was quartered in the house of a pious widow named Sophia. The Goth asked Sophia for the hand of her daughter, Euphemia; after resisting for a long time, Sophia at last agreed. When it was time for the army to return home, Sophia made the Goth vow by the power in the holy Martyrs Shamuna, Guria, and Habib, to keep Euphemia as the apple of his eye. As he was nearing his home, however, the treacherous man revealed to Euphemia that he already had a wife. Euphemia was compelled to serve the Goths wife, who dealt with her mercilessly. After extreme sufferings, which included being sealed alive in a tomb and left there to die, Euphemia was miraculously conveyed to Edessa, to the very shrine of the holy Martyrs whose surety they had taken, and was reunited with her mother through their holy prayers.



Wisdom of the Fathers

When a man reveres God with all his heart and with faith, he receives through God's providence the power to control anger and desire; for it is desire and anger which are the cause of all evils.
St. Antony the Great
On the Character of Men no. 12, Philokalia Vol. 1 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg. 331, 4th century

'The Lord your God is one Lord' (cf. Deut. 6:4), revealed in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit: in the unbegotten Father; in the Son, who is begotten eternally, timelessly and impassibly as the Logos, and who through Himself anointed that which He assumed from us and so is called Christ; and in the Holy Spirit, who also comes forth from the Father, not begotten, but proceeding. This alone is God and alone is true God, the one Lord in a Trinity of Hypostases, undivided in nature, will, glory, power, energy, and all the characteristics of divinity. Him alone shall you love and Him alone shall you worship with all your mind and with all your heart and with all your strength.
St. Gregory Palamas
A New Testament Decalogue no. 1, Philokalia Vol. 4 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg. 323, 14th century



Diakonia Newsletter

Diakonia Newsletter

Read the latest Diakonia Newsletter for this Sunday

https://bulletinbuilder.org/diakonia-newsletter/2026-11-15?source=bulletin_web

November 15, 2026

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