St. Luke Church
Publish Date: 2026-10-11
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 Second Mode

When You descended to death, O Immortal Life, then, the light of Your divinity destroyed Hades. When You raised the dead from the depths of darkness, all the heavenly powers cried out, "Glory to You our Christ, the Giver of Life."

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


Apolytikion for Sun. of the 7th Ecumenical Council in the Plagal Fourth Mode

You are greatly glorified, O Christ our God, who established our Fathers as luminaries upon the earth, and through them led us all to the true Faith. O Most compassionate, glory to You.

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


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

Eighth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:11-18

At that time, Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb, and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus has lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him." Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, "Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, "Rabboni," which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, "Do not touch Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God." Mary Magdalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and she told them that He had said these things to her.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Daniel 3.26,27.
Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers.
Verse: For you are just in all you have done.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to Titus 3:8-15.

Titus, my son, the saying is sure. I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men. But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned.

When I send Artemas or Tychicos to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not to be unfruitful.

All who are with me send greeting to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council
The Reading is from Luke 8:5-15

The Lord said this parable: "A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold." And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, he said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. And as for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience." As he said these things, he cried out "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."



Memorial and Trisagion Prayers

Memorial and Trisagion Prayers

10/11/2026

There are no Memorials or Trisagions today.




Parish News

Parish News

10/11/2026

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 - Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council

***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 13 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 - 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 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 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

Day of Scrapbooking — November 14

Our “Grateful & Gathering” Day of Scrapbooking will be held Saturday, November 14, at St. Luke. Limited seating is available! Please see the flyer for complete event details, registration, and pricing.

Raffle Basket Donations Needed

To help increase proceeds from this fundraiser, Philoptochos will be creating fun, themed raffle baskets. We are collecting:

• New or gently used baskets and attractive containers
• New or gently used items for themed baskets
• Gift cards or gift certificates
• Specialty items, home goods, beauty and kitchen products, seasonal items, and other fun treasures

If you are out tag-sale shopping, please keep an eye out for baskets! Donations will be collected through the end of October. Every contribution helps support the ministry of St. Luke Philoptochos.

Artoclasia — Sunday, October 18

Next Sunday, October 18, Philoptochos will offer an Artoclasia service in honor of our church’s Feast Day. 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, especially as we celebrate our parish Feast Day together.

Fall Bulk Mailer

Our Fall Bulk Mailer has been sent! Please take a moment to review the detailed flyers and be sure to note all registration and donation deadlines.

If you have any questions about any of these Philoptochos ministries or events, please see a Philoptochos Board Member following Divine Liturgy in the Fellowship Hall.

 

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:  Tomorrow, October 12th - prep day for Pastichio and  Moussaka @ 10:00 a.m. & Tuesday, October 13th @ 8:00 a.m. - assemble

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 11

Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council

On the Sunday that falls on or immediately after the eleventh of this month, we chant the Service to the 350 holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council, which gathered in Nicaea in 787 under the holy Patriarch Tarasius and during the reign of the Empress Irene and her son, Constantine Porphyrogenitus, to refute the Iconoclast heresy, which had received imperial support beginning with the Edict issued in 726 by Emperor Leo the Isaurian. Many of the holy Fathers who condemned Iconoclasm at this holy Council later died as Confessors and Martyrs for the holy Icons during the second assult of Iconoclasm in the ninth century, especially during the reigns of Leo the Armenian and Theophilus.

October 11

Philip the Apostle of the 70, one of the 7 Deacons

Saint Philip, who had four daughters that prophesied, was from Caesarea of Palestine. He preached throughout Samaria; it was he also who met the eunuch of Candace, the Queen of the Ethiopians, as the eunuch was reading the Prophet Esaias, and he instructed and baptized him (Acts 8:26-39). He reposed in Tralles of Asia Minor while preaching the Gospel.

October 11

Theophanes the Confessor, Bishop of Nicaea

Saint Theophanes, the brother of Saint Theodore the Branded, was a Palestinian by race. Both were monks at the Monastery of Saint Sabbas. They were called "the Branded" because Theophilus, the last of the Iconoclast emperors, had twelve iambic verses branded by hot irons on their foreheads and then sent them into exile, where Theodore died in the year 838. After the death of Theophilus in 842, Theophanes was elected Bishop of Nicaea. Both brothers composed many canons and hymns, thereby adorning the services of the Church.



Wisdom of the Fathers

When you see life's pleasures, beware that they might not distract you, for they conceal death's snares. Likewise a fisherman casts not his hook to no purpose. As bait for his hook, the enemy uses the delusion of sensuality to arouse desire, that he might thereby catch men's souls and subject them to himself. A soul which has been caught to serve the enemy's will then serves as a snare for other souls, for it conceals the grief of sin with its apparent delight.
St. Ephraim the Syrian
A Spiritual Psalter no 43, pg. 74, 4th century

Since there are certain people who find great fault with us for adoring and honoring both the image of the Savior and that of our Lady, as well as those of the rest of the saints and servants of Christ, let them hear how from the beginning God made man to His own image. For what reason, then, do we adore one another, except because we have been made to the image of God? As the inspired Basil, who is deeply learned in theology, says: "the honor paid to the image conveys to the original.," and the original is the thing imaged from which the copy is made.
St. John of Damascus
The Orthodox Faith, 4.16. Catholic University of America Press in Washington D.C. Translated by Frederic H. Chase, Jr. volume 37, page 370., 8th Century



Diakonia Newsletter

Diakonia Newsletter

Read the latest Diakonia Newsletter for this Sunday

https://bulletinbuilder.org/diakonia-newsletter/2026-10-11?source=bulletin_web

October 11, 2026

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