Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Narthex Press
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Narthex Press
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Narthex Press
Fifth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:12-35
At that time, [Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home wondering at what had happened. That very day] two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. And He said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" and they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered Him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" And He said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered Him up to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. But we had hoped that He was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find His body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that He was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see." And He said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was not it necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into this glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself. So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained Him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So He went in to stay with them. When He was at table with them, He took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He opened to us the scriptures?" And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road and how He was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
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 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.
Sunday after Holy Cross
The Reading is from Mark 8:34-38; 9:1
The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."
Today, a 40 Day Memorial will be chanted for Doris Henault, wife of Ervin (+), mother of Christine (Wallace+), Kathryn (Stephen) and Peter, grandmother of Stephanie and Nicole, and great-grandmother of AnnaBelle and Mylee.
A 40 Day Trisagion will be chanted for Wayne Hallett, husband of Janice and Rose (+), father of Michael and Jennifer, grandfather of Luke and Jade, and brother-in-law of Estelle Bazos and Kiki Trial.
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!
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 - Sunday After Holy Cross
SUNDAY SCHOOL: resumes Today.
BIBLE STUDY: resumes September 22 with the Gospel of John.
GREEK DANCING LESSONS FOR CHILDREN
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 on Sept. 27, Oct. 4 & 25, and Nov. 1 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 Taste of Greece and 50th Gala celebrations. 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 INFORMATION
***We have a dedicated email address for photos from Saint Luke's last 50 years. Please email any photos you have to [email protected] and we will put a video montage together for the Gala.
To the best of your recollection, please include any names, setting, and decade (or even year) the photo was taken.
Thank you!
***50th Anniversary Gala Update
We’ve received many inquiries about tickets for our 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner Dance. You should have already received a mailing with all the information. If you have any other questions, please call the office at 413-525-4551.
Gala table reservations are being accepted now. Cash or checks will be accepted. The last day to make your reservation is October 25th.
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.
TODAY - St. Luke's Anniversary Jubilee Picnic (Reservations were required)
October 16 & 17 - St. Luke's Taste of Greece
October 18 & 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
Join Us for a Day of Scrapbooking!
We’re excited to announce a Day of Scrapbooking benefiting the St. Luke Philoptochos Society on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at St. Luke Greek Orthodox Church, 400 Prospect St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028.
This fun-filled “Grateful & Gathering” crop-tastic event begins at 9:00 AM and will feature beginner and advanced classes, make-n-takes, raffles, a paper buffet, swap table, Creative Memories, snacks and beverages, lunch and/or dinner, and plenty of surprises throughout the day!
Three sessions are available:
Help Us Create Fun Raffle Baskets!
As a way to increase the proceeds from this fundraiser and support the important work of St. Luke Philoptochos, our group will be creating fun, creative themed raffle baskets for participants to purchase chances to win.
We are asking for your help with donations! We are looking for:
And if you’re out tag-sale shopping, please keep an eye out for baskets! You may find the perfect basket for us at a great price.
We will begin collecting donations the first week of September and continue through the end of October, giving us plenty of time to create some fabulous baskets for our November event.
Every donation, large or small, will help us turn this fun day into an even greater fundraiser for St. Luke Philoptochos and the individuals and families we serve.
Please save the date, spread the word, and help us make this event a huge success!
***Lawn signs are now available in the Pappas Hall***
The TOG Committee will be available for sign-ups on POINT every Sunday beginning today at coffee hour.
Next Workshops: Tuesday, September 22nd & Wednesday, September 23rd @ 10:00 a.m. - Spanakopita
Spanakopita Advanced Sales: Trays of Spanakopita will be available for $45/tray prior to the Taste of Greece. Trays must be paid for and picked up prior to the event. The price will be $50/tray the days of the event and following.
Please start bringing in flats and sturdy boxes that our customers can use to carry their "to go" purchases home.
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.
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.
The natural condition in which man should live is serenity, spiritual joy, and peace. Man is not made for sorrow or pain. Sorrows are sent to us by God, because He wants to raise us from our wretchedness to the spiritual heights, to give us rest from fights, and to find joy and spiritual gladness. How do we respond to the difficulties we encounter? For example, we have a weakness: We want to be joyful, but instead, we easily succumb to despondency. And this grieves us. Of course, our sorrow is not for God; it’s egotistical. We want to feel joy, but we can’t. We look at our infirmities in an earthly way. Do you remember how the Apostle Paul similarly asked the Lord to deliver him from his affliction? How did God answer him? My grace is sufficient for thee (2 Cor. 12:9). God seemed to object to the Apostle’s request: “Don’t you understand? If I take this infirmity from you, you could perish. But with this affliction you will walk straight into Heaven.” Our character, and our infirmities, and all our sorrows and difficulties turn out to be our best guides on the path to Heaven.
Geronta Aimilianos of Simonopetra (+)
The holy Martyr Eustathius before his baptism was an illustrious Roman general named Placidas in the days of the Emperor Trajan. While hunting in the country one day, he was converted to the Faith of Christ through the apparition of an uncommonly majestic stag, between whose antlers he saw the Cross of Christ, and through which the Lord spoke to him with a human voice. Upon returning home, he learned that his wife Tatiana had also had a vision in which she was instructed to become a Christian. They sought out the Bishop of the Christians and were baptized, Placidas receiving the name Eustathius, and Tatiana the name Theopiste; their two sons were baptized Agapius and Theopistus. The family was then subjected to such trials as Job endured. Their servants died, all their goods were stolen, and on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem they were scattered abroad, each not even knowing if the others were still alive. By the providence of God, they were united again after many years, and returned to Rome in glory. Nevertheless, when they refused to sacrifice to the idols-a public sacrifice from which no Roman general could be absent-the Emperor Hadrian, who had succeeded Trajan, had them put into a large bronze device in the shape of a bull, which was heated with fire until they died. When their holy bodies were removed, they were found to be without harm. They suffered martyrdom about the year 126.
Read the latest Diakonia Newsletter for this Sunday
https://bulletinbuilder.org/diakonia-newsletter/2026-09-20?source=bulletin_web
September 20, 2026