St. Luke Church
Publish Date: 2026-10-25
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 Fourth Mode

The women disciples of the Lord heard from the angel, the joyful news of the Resurrection and the repeal of the sentence imposed upon our forefathers. With pride they said to the Apostles, "Death is vanquished, Christ our God is risen bestowing upon the world His great mercy."

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


Apolytikion for Martyrs Marcian and Martyrius in the Fourth Mode

Thy Martyrs, O Lord, in their courageous contest for Thee received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since they possessed Thy strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

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


Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

The protection of Christians unshameable, intercessor to our Holy Maker, unwavering, do not turn from the prayerful cries of those who are in sin; instead, come to us, for you are good; your loving help bring unto us, who are crying in faith to you: Hasten to intercession and speed now to supplication as a protection for all time, Theotokos, for those who honor you.

Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Department of Religious Education




Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Tenth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:1-14

At that time, Jesus revealed Himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and He revealed Himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas, called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach, yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there with fish lying on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask Him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after He was raised from the dead. .

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 103.24,1.
O Lord, how manifold are your works. You have made all things in wisdom.
Verse: Bless the Lord, O my soul.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 2:16-20.

Brethren, knowing that a man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law, because by works of the law shall no one be justified. But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we ourselves were found to be sinners, is Christ then an agent of sin? Certainly not! But if I build up again those things which I tore down, then I prove myself a transgressor. For I through the law died to the law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Gospel Reading

6th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 8:26-39

At that time, as Jesus arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, there met him a man from the city who had demons; for a long time he had worn no clothes and he lived not in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him, and said with a loud voice, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beseech you, do not torment me." For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him; he was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters, but he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the desert.) Jesus then asked him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Legion"; for many demons had entered him. And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside; and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them leave. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. When the herdsmen saw what happened, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country. Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. And those who had seen it told them how he who had been possessed with demons was healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gadarenes asked him to depart from them; for they were seized with great fear; so he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but he sent him away, saying, "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.



Memorial and Trisagion Prayers

Memorial and Trisagion Prayers

10/25/2026

Today, a 25 year Trisagion will be chanted for Thomas Poulos, husband of Mary, father of Angela (James), and grandfather of Christina and Steven. May his memory be eternal.




Parish News

Parish News

10/25/2026

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 - 6th Sunday of Luke

SUNDAY SCHOOL - classes continue today

Saint Dimitrios the Myrrh-streamer -- Monday, October 26; Orthros @ 8:30 am and Divine Liturgy @ 9: 30 am

BIBLE STUDY - continues on Tuesday, October 27th with the Gospel of John.

GREEK DANCING LESSONS FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS

OPACIZE: Greek Music, Dance & Fellowship!

Come join St. Luke's "Opa-cize", a fun new ministry filled with Greek culture, music, fellowship, and a little exercise!

We’ll gather Sundays after Coffee Hour - today and Nov. 1st to enjoy Greek music and enjoy traditional Greek dances as a church community. Beginners and seasoned dancers are all welcome—no experience necessary, just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to have some fun!

Whether you know every step or have never danced a Greek dance before, "Opa-cize" is a wonderful way to connect with one another, and prepare for our upcoming 50th Gala celebration. No performances, no costumes, just a little extra excitement to get those dancing shoes ready!

Come for the music. Stay for the fellowship. Dance for the fun!

Connect with Roula Kofides or Christine Coulouras for more details

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.

***50th Anniversary Gala Update.

Gala table reservations are being accepted now. Cash or checks will be accepted. TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATION!!!

We look forward to celebrating this special milestone with our St. Luke’s family and friends!

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.

November 1 - Philoptochos Artoclasia

November 7 - St. Luke's 50th Anniversary Dinner Dance

                 14 - Grateful & Gathering Day of Scrapbooking @ St. Luke's

                 15 - St. Luke's General Assembly

                 22 - St. Luke's Harvest Dinner

 

2. PHILOPTOCHOS MINISTRY

Philoptochos Announcements

Day of Scrapbooking — November 14

Join us for our “Grateful & Gathering” Day of Scrapbooking on Saturday, November 14, at St. Luke. Limited seating is available! Please see the flyer for details, registration, and pricing.

Raffle Basket Donations Needed

Philoptochos is collecting baskets, new or gently used items, gift cards, and gift certificates for our themed raffle baskets. If you are tag-sale shopping, please keep an eye out for baskets! Donations are welcome through Saturday, October 31, 2026. Thank you for supporting our ministry!

Fall Bulk Mailer — Important Deadlines

Our Fall Bulk Mailer has been sent! Please review the forms and campaign details carefully and note these important dates:

  • Thanksgiving & Christmas Food Outreach: Please see the bulk mailer for details about food support and visits to shut-ins.
  • 2026 Saint Luke Christmas Card — Deadline: Sunday, November 29, 2026. This early deadline ensures compliance with nonprofit mailing requirements.
  • Christmas Poinsettia Sale — Deadline: Sunday, December 13, 2026.

Please review each form carefully, as some may require additional information.

Artoclasia — Sunday, November 1

Philoptochos will offer an Artoclasia service on Sunday, November 1, in honor of National Philoptochos Sunday. Artoclasia is a beautiful Greek Orthodox tradition in which blessed bread, wheat, wine, and oil are offered in prayer and thanksgiving, asking God’s blessing and protection upon our parish, our families, and those we love.

Please complete the Artoclasia form with the names of your living loved ones to be remembered during the service. Sharing their names is a meaningful way to offer prayers of thanksgiving, health, and blessing as we celebrate National Philoptochos Sunday together.

Following the service, please join us for a coffee hour sponsored by the Philoptochos Ministry.

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. TASTE OF GREECE

On behalf of the Taste of Greece committee, thank you to everyone that volunteered, baked all of our wonderful pastries, our kitchen staff, and all that made it a true success.

With sincere gratitude,

Stephanie and Joanna

 

4. 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.

5. 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

10/25/2026

A man who craves esteem cannot be rid of the causes of grief

Saint Isaac the Syrian

 

 




Saints and Feasts

October 25

6th Sunday of Luke

October 25

The Holy Martyrs Marcian and Martyrius the Notaries

These Martyrs were disciples of Saint Paul the Confessor (see Nov. 6). Martyrius was a subdeacon, Marcian a chanter and reader. They were beheaded by the Arians in the year 346. Miracles were wrought at their tomb, and demons were cast out; Saint John Chrysostom began the building of the church in their honour in Constantinople, and it was completed by patriarch Sisinius.

October 25

Tabitha, who was raised from the dead by Peter the Apostle



Wisdom of the Fathers

For if we, going about on the earth which is familiar and well known to us, being encompassed with a body, when we are journeying in a strange road, know not which way to go unless we have some one to lead us; how should the soul, being rent away from the body, and having gone out from all her accustomed region, know where to walk without one to show her the way?
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 28 on Matthew 8, 4th Century

Some say, 'Why do they [demons] possess people?' I answer those who wish to have this explained that the reason of these things is very deep. Somewhere one of His saints addressed God by saying, 'Your judgments are a vast abyss.' As long as we bear this in mind, we will perhaps not miss the mark.
St. Cyril of Alexandria
Commentary on Luke, Homily 44. (Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture; vol 3: Luke, Intervarsity Press)



Diakonia Newsletter

Diakonia Newsletter

Read the latest Diakonia Newsletter for this Sunday

https://bulletinbuilder.org/diakonia-newsletter/2026-10-25?source=bulletin_web

October 25, 2026

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