St. Luke Church
Publish Date: 2026-10-18
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 Third Mode

Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, for the Lord by His Might, has created a Dominion. He has conquered death by death, and become the first-born of the dead. He has delivered us from the depths of Hades, and has granted the world great mercy.

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


Apolytikion for Luke the Evangelist in the Third Mode

O Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, intercede to our merciful God, that He may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

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

Ninth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:19-31

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in His side, I will not believe." Eight days later, His disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then He said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see My hands; and put out your hand, and place it in My side; do not be faithless, but believing." Thomas answered Him, "My Lord and My God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing, you may have life in His name.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal Fourth Mode. Psalm 18.4,1.
Their voice has gone out into all the earth.
Verse: The heavens declare the glory of God.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Colossians 4:5-11, 14-18.

Brethren, conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer every one. Tychicos will tell you all about my affairs; he is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, and with him Onesimos, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of yourselves. They will tell you of everything that has taken place. Aristarchos my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions if he comes to you, receive him), and Jesus who is called Justos. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. Give my greetings to the brethren at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you read also the letter from Laodicea. And say to Archippos, "See that you fulfill the ministry which you have received in the Lord." I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my fetters. Grace be with you. Amen.

Gospel Reading

Luke the Evangelist
The Reading is from Luke 10:16-21

The Lord said to his disciples, "He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me." The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!" And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will."



Memorial and Trisagion Prayers

Memorial and Trisagion Prayers

10/18/2026

There are no Memorials or Trisagions today.




Parish News

Parish News

10/18/2026

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]

The mums that grace the altar today were donated by Jim & Stephanie Bologa in memory of Christina Cotopolis Sklavenitis and William Cotopolis.

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE:

Today - Saint Luke the Evangelist

***We welcome His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios for the Feast of Saint Luke.

Upcoming:  Saint Iakovos (James) on October 23

SUNDAY SCHOOL - no classes today

BIBLE STUDY - continues on Tuesday, October 20th with the Gospel of John.

KNITTING MINISTRY - will meet again on Wednesday, October 21st at 10:30

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.

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

TODAY, 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.

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

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

10/18/2026

God-inspired professor and teacher of the Faith and the spiritual life to the Orthodox who live in America, O grace-filled Gerasimos, we salute you as a Christ-centered, humble hierarch who loved the all-holy Gospel. We pray, implore Christ our Savior to have mercy and to save us all.

Apolytikion (in Plagal of the First) of Bishop Gerasimos of Abydos (+)

 

 




Saints and Feasts

October 18

Luke the Evangelist

This Apostle was an Antiochean, a physician by trade, and a disciple and companion of Paul. He wrote his Gospel in Greek after Matthew and Mark, after which he wrote the Acts of the Apostles, and dedicated both works to Theophilus, who, according to some, was Governor of Achaia. He lived some eighty-six years and died in Achaia, perhaps in Patras, the capital of this district. His emblem is the calf, the third symbolical beast mentioned by Ezekiel (1:10), which is a symbol of Christ's sacrificial and priestly office, as Saint Irenaeus says.

October 18

Luke the Evangelist

This Apostle was an Antiochean, a physician by trade, and a disciple and companion of Paul. He wrote his Gospel in Greek after Matthew and Mark, after which he wrote the Acts of the Apostles, and dedicated both works to Theophilus, who, according to some, was Governor of Achaia. He lived some eighty-six years and died in Achaia, perhaps in Patras, the capital of this district. His emblem is the calf, the third symbolical beast mentioned by Ezekiel (1:10), which is a symbol of Christ's sacrificial and priestly office, as Saint Irenaeus says.

October 18

Marinos the Martyr





Diakonia Newsletter

Diakonia Newsletter

Read the latest Diakonia Newsletter for this Sunday

https://bulletinbuilder.org/diakonia-newsletter/2026-10-18?source=bulletin_web

October 18, 2026

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