October 04
Memorial and Trisagion Prayers
10/04/2026
There are no Memorials or Trisagions today.
St. Luke Church
Publish Date: 2026-10-04
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
St. Luke Church
General Information
- Phone:
- (413) 525-4551
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Street Address:
- 400 Prospect Street
- East Longmeadow, MA 01028
- Mailing Address:
- PO Box 381
- East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Past Bulletins
- Publish Date:
- 2026-09-27
- Publish Date:
- 2026-09-20
- Publish Date:
- 2026-09-13
- Publish Date:
- 2026-09-06
- Publish Date:
- 2026-08-30
- Publish Date:
- 2026-08-23
Hymns of the Day
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the First Mode
Although the stone was sealed by the Jews, and the soldiers guarded Your most pure body, You arose on the third day, O Savior, giving life to the world. For this reason, the heavenly powers cried out to you, O Giver of Life: Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Your kingdom! Glory to Your dispensation, only Lover of Mankind!
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
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 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
Seventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:1-10
On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him." Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying and the napkin, which had been on His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that He must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.
Epistle Reading
Prokeimenon. First Mode. Psalm 32.22,1.
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.
The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 9:6-11.
Brethren, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. As it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever." He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.
Gospel Reading
2nd Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 6:31-36
The Lord said, "As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."
Memorial and Trisagion Prayers
10/04/2026
Parish News
Parish News
10/04/2026
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!
We welcome Father John Abodeely with us today.
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 - 2nd Sunday of Luke
***We welcome His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios on Sunday, October 18, for the Feast of Saint Luke
Great Vespers for Saint Luke -- Saturday, October 17 @ 3 pm
SUNDAY SCHOOL - continues today
BIBLE STUDY - continues on Tuesday, October 6 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, Oct. 25th, 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 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.
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.
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:
- 9 AM–3 PM: $40, includes lunch
- 3 PM–9 PM: $40, includes dinner
- 9 AM–9 PM: $75, includes lunch & dinner
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:
- New or gently used baskets and attractive containers
- New or gently used items that can be incorporated into themed baskets
- Gift certificates or gift cards
- Specialty items, home goods, beauty products, kitchen items, seasonal items, and other fun treasures
- Anything you think would make a great addition to a creative raffle basket
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!
3. TASTE OF GREECE
***Lawn signs are now available in the Pappas Hall***
The TOG Committee will be available for sign-ups on POINT every Sunday at coffee hour.
Next Workshops: Tuesday, October 6th & Wednesday, October 7th @ 10:00 a.m. - Finikia
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.
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
10/04/2026
Through patience and thanksgiving, then, we show obedience to the divine will… Therefore, let us struggle; let us make our souls keen by working them over the whetstone of patience, in order to carry out a work pleasing to God. Afflictions, illnesses, distresses, trials – none of these will separate us from the love of Christ. For we have already been taught that narrow and difficult is the way which leads those who walk along it into the life without sorrow
Elder Ephraim of Arizona and Philotheou (+)
Saints and Feasts
October 04
Hierotheus, Bishop of Athens
According to some, Hierotheus, like Saint Dionysius, was a member of the court of Mars Hill. Having first been instructed in the Faith of Christ by Paul, he became Bishop of Athens. He, in turn, initiated the divine Dionysius more perfectly into the mysteries of Christ; the latter, on his part, elaborated more clearly and distinctly Hierotheus' concise and summary teachings concerning the Faith. He too was brought miraculously by the power of the Holy Spirit to be present at the Dormition of the Theotokos, when, together with the sacred Apostles, he became a leader of the divine hymnody. "He was wholly transported, wholly outside himself and was so deeply absorbed in communion with the sacred things he celebrated in hymnology, that to all who heard him and saw him and knew him, and yet knew him not, he seemed to be inspired of God, a divine hymnographer," as Dionysius says (On the Divine Names, 3:2). Having lived in a manner pleasing to God, he reposed in the Lord.
October 04
Domnina the Martyr and her daughters
Wisdom of the Fathers
There are three things that impel us towards what is holy: natural instincts, angelic powers and probity of intention. Natural instincts impel us when, for example, we do to others what we would wish them to do to us (cf. Luke 6:31), or when we see someone suffering deprivation or in need and naturally feel compassion. Angelic powers impel us when, being ourselves impelled to something worthwhile, we find we are providentially helped and guided. We are impelled by probity of intention when, discriminating between good and evil, we choose the good.
Second Century on Love no. 32, Philokalia Vol. 2 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg. 71, 7th century
Every work which does not have love as its beginning and root is nothing.
Unknown, 4th century
Diakonia Newsletter
Read the latest Diakonia Newsletter for this Sunday
https://bulletinbuilder.org/diakonia-newsletter/2026-10-04?source=bulletin_web
October 4, 2026