September 07
Memorial and Trisagion Prayers
09/07/2025
TODAY, we are having a 1 Year Memorial for Pauline Spallino, mother of Lisa C., Mary, and Edward, and grandmother of eight grandchildren.
May her memory be eternal!
St. Luke Church
Publish Date: 2025-09-07
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
St. Luke Church
General Information
- Phone:
- (413) 525-4551
- Fax:
- (413) 525-4552
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Street Address:
- 400 Prospect Street
- East Longmeadow, MA 01028
- Mailing Address:
- 400 Prospect Street
- East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Past Bulletins
- Publish Date:
- 2025-08-31
- Publish Date:
- 2025-08-24
- Publish Date:
- 2025-08-17
- Publish Date:
- 2025-08-10
- Publish Date:
- 2025-08-03
- Publish Date:
- 2025-07-27
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 Theotokos' Nativity Forefeast in the Fourth Mode
From the root of Jesse and the loins of David the King, Mariam, the child of God, is born for our sake this day. Hence, all creation exulteth on its renewal. Both Heaven and the earth rejoice together now. Praise her, O ye tribes of nations here below. The righteous Joachim rejoiceth, and Anna keepeth feast, crying out: The barren beareth the Theotokos, the nourisher of our life.
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 First 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 Third Mode
On this day the Virgin and Theotokos Mary, the bridal chamber of the Heavenly Bridegroom, by the will of God is born of a barren woman. Being prepared as the chariot of God the Word, she was pre-ordained for this, since she is the divine gate and the true Mother of Life.
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. Plagal Second Mode. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 6:11-18.
Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
Gospel Reading
Sunday before Holy Cross
The Reading is from John 3:13-17
The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him."
Memorial and Trisagion Prayers
09/07/2025
Parish News
Parish News
09/07/2025
1. Upcoming Services
September 8 -- Nativity of the Theotokos; Orthros @ 830 am and Divine Liturgy @ 9: 30 am
2. Taste of Greece Workshops
September 10 & 11 -- Baklava @ 10 am
* Please start saving boxes for the Taste of Greece …flats and sturdy small to medium sized cartons. These will be used for take-out orders.
*The Taste of Greece Committee has opened up the sign-up sheets in the POINT system. You will need to register through POINT in order to sign up for a volunteer spot during the Taste of Greece on October 17th and 18th. Beginning today and every Sunday thereafter, one of our POINT administrators will be available during coffee hour to answer any questions and help you register on POINT. Many of you have already registered but we need everyone in the system to build our volunteer list.
Thank you,
Stephanie Bologa, Joanna Strange, Barbara Clay, and Susanne Spargo
3. **LOST** - A yellow gold filigree cross with lobster claw clasp in the vicinity of St. Luke’s parking lot around the 1st week in July. Please turn it into church office if found. Thank you.
4. We have about twenty-four people as of this weekend interested in Greek language classes. An email was sent out with the dates; please call the Office for more information
5. Philoptochos News
Celebrating 18 Years of Service to the Holy Priesthood
Monday, September 8, 2025 – Father’s 18th Anniversary of Ordination to the Holy Priesthood
In the Greek Orthodox tradition, the priesthood is a sacred calling that carries with it a profound responsibility to lead, guide, and serve the faithful. The priest acts as a spiritual shepherd, offering the Sacraments, teaching the Word of God, and providing pastoral care to the community. Ordination is not only a sacrament but a lifelong commitment to faith, humility, and selfless service.
On Monday, September 8, 2025, we celebrate the 18th Anniversary of Father’s Ordination to the Holy Priesthood. This milestone is a reflection of his unwavering dedication, devotion, and love for God and His people. Over these 18 years, Father has guided us through times of joy and sorrow, strengthened our faith, and helped build a vibrant community.
As we honor Father’s service, we also acknowledge the grace and love that sustain him in his ministry. We are grateful for his leadership and look forward to many more years of spiritual growth under his guidance. Please join us in celebrating this significant anniversary and offering prayers for continued strength and wisdom in his priestly journey.
Philoptochos Upcoming Events
Philoptochos has several meaningful gatherings planned for the coming months. These events offer us the opportunity to come together in fellowship, celebrate significant occasions in our faith, and support the work of our ministry. We encourage you to participate and volunteer where possible to help make each event a success. Some of the dates are tentative and may change to accommodate other church and ministry needs. We will keep you updated with any adjustments.
Upcoming Events:
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Sunday, September 7, 2025 – Welcome Back Sunday
Ministry Table
Kick off the new Ecclesiastical Calendar Year! Visit the Philoptochos table to learn more about upcoming events and sign up for volunteer opportunities. -
Sunday, September 14, 2025 – Affirmation of Office with a Second Basket for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
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Wednesday, September 17, 2025 – Philoptochos Meeting
Time: 6:30 PM -
Thursday, September 25, 2025 – Philoptochos Meet & Greet Wine Event
Location: Worthington Winery in Somers, 5–8 PM
A relaxed evening of fellowship. Join us for wine and conversation, while supporting Philoptochos! -
Sunday, October 12, 2025 – Pumpkins and Pizza Event
A fun family-friendly event! We’ll have pumpkin carving and pizza, perfect for all ages. Volunteers will be needed for set-up, activities, and clean-up. -
Saturday, October 18, 2025 – Artoclasia for St. Luke Nameday & Taste of Greece Philoptochos Kefaneio
A celebration of St. Luke with the traditional artoclasia service. -
Sunday, November 2, 2025 – National Philoptochos Sunday with Artoclasia
A national celebration of Philoptochos. The event will include the traditional artoclasia service. -
Date to be Determined– Veterans Day Soup Cook-Off
An opportunity to honor our veterans and enjoy a friendly competition! Volunteers needed to cook, serve, and help with event logistics. -
Saturday, December 6, 2025 – Artoclasia for St. Nicholas Nameday
Celebrating the Feast of St. Nicholas with the traditional artoclasia service. Volunteers are needed to assist with preparations.
How You Can Help:
We are looking for volunteers for the following areas:
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Event Coordination: Assist in planning, organizing, and executing events.
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Set-up/Clean-up: Assist with setting up before events and cleaning up after.
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Food & Beverage Service: Assist in preparing and serving food and drinks at various events.
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Marketing & Outreach: Assist in promoting events through social media, bulletin announcements, and word-of-mouth.
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General Volunteers: Depending on the event, we may need additional hands to help in various roles. You can sign up at the Welcome Back Sunday table or contact us for more details.
Tentative Dates:
Please note that some event dates may be subject to change due to scheduling conflicts with other church events. We will let you know of any adjustments.
We hope you will join us in making these events a success and help us continue the vital work of Philoptochos. Stay tuned for more details as each event approaches, and don't forget to stop by the Philoptochos table on Welcome Back Sunday to learn more and sign up!
Words from the Saints and our Fathers
Words from the Saints
09/07/2025
This life has been given to you for repentance; do not waste it in vain pursuits – Saint Isaac the Syrian
Saints and Feasts
September 07
The Forefeast of the Nativity of the Theotokos
September 07
Sozon the Martyr
This holy Martyr was a shepherd in Lycaonia. Born a pagan, named Tarasius, he received holy Baptism and was renamed Sozon. Filled with zeal for the truth, he taught his countrymen to desist from the worship of idols. Once he entered the temple of Artemis in Pompeiopolis of Cilicia, cut off the golden hand of the idol, and breaking it in pieces, distributed it among the poor. When he saw that many were being unjustly punished for the theft, of his own accord he gave himself up to Maximian the Governor. He was beaten with rods until his bones were broken. According to some, he suffered martyrdom in 288; according to others, in 304.
Wisdom of the Fathers
Our Redeemer and Maker, Who was Son of God before the ages, became Son of Man at the end of ages. Thus the One Who, through the power of His divinity, had created us to enjoy the happiness of everlasting life, might Himself restore us, through the weakness of our humanity, to recover the life we had lost.
Homilies on the Gospels, 2.18. 7th Century. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol: John 1-10. Intervarsity Press, 2006, p. 126.
For since Nicodemus had said, "We know that Thou art a teacher come from God," on this very point He sets him right, all but saying, "Think Me not a teacher in such manner as were the many of the prophets who were of earth, for I have come from heaven (but) now. None of the prophets hath ascended up thither, but I dwell there."
Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century