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St. Luke Church
Publish Date: 2023-12-10
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St. Luke Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (413) 525-4551
  • Fax:
  • (413) 525-4552
  • Street Address:

  • 400 Prospect Street

  • East Longmeadow, MA 01028
  • Mailing Address:

  • 400 Prospect Street

  • 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."

Apolytikion for Martyrs Menas, Hermogenes, and Eugraphus in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Since they had slain through their abstinence and struggles the fiery ragings and fierce motions of the passions, the staunch Martyrs of Christ God laid hold on the graces to drive off the pains and illnesses of the sick and work wonders both while living and after death. Strange indeed is the miracle! That these bare bones should pour forth such overflowing streams of cures. Glory be to our only God.

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 Third Mode

On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to * God the Word ineffably, * Who was before all the ages. * Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing * the gladsome tidings; * with the Angels and the shepherds now glorify Him * Who is willing to be gazed on * as a young Child Who * before the ages is God.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

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.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Second Mode. Psalm 117.14,18.
The Lord is my strength and my song.
Verse: The Lord has chastened me sorely.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 6:10-17.

Brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand, therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; besides all these, taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.


Gospel Reading

10th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 13:10-17

At that time, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years; she was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her and said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your infirmity." And he laid his hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight, and she praised God. But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the sabbath, said to the people, "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be healed, and not on the sabbath day." Then the Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to water it? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?" As he said this, all his adversaries were put to shame; and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by him.


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Memorial and Trisagion Prayers

Memorial and Trisagion Prayers

12/10/2023

TODAY, we are having a 3 Year Memorial for Luke Ahladas, husband of Lorraine, father of Maia, Peter, and Jonathan; grandfather of Kate, Grace, Elle, Mateo, Luca, and Reagan; we are also having a 25 Year Memorial for Mary Katseoris, wife of John, mother of Ann, Lorraine, and Anita.

We are having a 3 Year Memorial for Phyllis  LaVallee, mother of Scott and Michelle, grandmother of Blaise and Brooke, and her parents Towfee and Adele Abdow.

We are also having a 30 Year Memorial for Haralambos Kitsos, father of Vaceleci; an 8 Year Memorial for Kostoula Zaharis and a 4 year Memorial for Vasilios Zaharis, parents of Aristidis, grandparents of Panagiotis, Vasilios (Sophia), Dn. Chrysostomos, Gabriel (Katina), and Damien (Stephanie); great grandparents of Aristedis, Antonia, and Sampson; and a 3 Year Memorial for Hara Stamatopoulos, siste rof Aristidis.

May their memory be eternal!


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Parish News

Parish News

12/10/2023

PLEASE NOTE -- The Schedule of Services for Christmas and Epiphany is being emailed and via USPS

1. 10th Sunday of Luke

2. Dec. 12 -- Orthros & Divine Liturgy for Saint Spyridon @ 8: 30 am and 9: 30 am

Bible Study will resume (last class for year) on December 19.

3. Lighthouse Clubhouse

 We’re so happy to announce that the “Lighthouse Clubhouse” gift card tree is up in the lobby.

“Lighthouse Clubhouse” in Springfield is a psycho-social rehabilitation  program for adults with chronic mental illness. Most members live below the poverty level and do not have extra funds for anything other than the bare necessities. 

This will be our tenth year that St. Luke parishioners and Philoptochos have opened their hearts and given these members a brighter Christmas. Over the past nine years we’ve given 819 gift cards totaling $17,380!!

Thank you for opening your hearts 

Joy, Peace, & Love,  

Parris Ochsner & Dorsey Cokkinias

4. House Blessings -- it's not too early to begin planning for your 2024 House Blessing!

5. Christmas Pageant & Breakfast with Santa -- Sunday, December 17 after Divine Liturgy***

6. Philoptochos News:

 

Christmas FOOD OUTREACH 2023 

 

If you know of someone or a family in need of support, please see Father or any Philoptochos board member so that we can make this holiday season brighter.

 

Christmas Poinsettia Sale
 
Deadline is TODAY...Sunday, December 10, 2023

 

The TREE of Warmth is up! 

 

It is located in the Fellowship Hall and ready for your contributions. With the help of the St. Luke Knitting Club and our creative community, we are collecting NEW knitted, crocheted, or purchased gloves, scarves, mittens, and hats. Please help us provide these necessary items to our neighbors in need while honoring the memory of our beloved parishioner Karen Louis. 

 

Save the Date:

 

Vasilopita Sunday will be held on January 7, 2024 
 
Once again, Philoptochos has created Vasilopita Baskets which will be raffled off during coffee hour. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the Philoptochos table following liturgy beginning this Sunday. Each raffle ticket is $10. Please enter for a chance to win a basket. More importantly, purchase a ticket to support the children who reside and receive support through programs available at Saint Basil Academy.

 

Save the Date: Sunday, January 21, 2024

Time for Soup! Philoptochos is happy to bring back and host the Soup Cook-Off.  

Please visit the Philoptochos table after Liturgy in the fellowship hall to purchase your tickets, or call the church office to reserve your tickets. 

Event Details: With the $10 ticket fee, YOU will get the opportunity to sample the soup-making skills of our contestants! Each contestant will offer samples of their warm, uniquely delicious soup. YOU will then vote for your favorite soup! Once the voting has taken place, YOU will make your way to a beautiful buffet-style luncheon organized by the Ladies Philoptochos Society. The buffet will include a selection of hot and cold food options, including a large batch of Avgolemono soup, a GREEK favorite for all to enjoy.

In addition to purchasing a ticket for the event, YOU may also purchase a $1 raffle ticket or 15 for $10 for a chance to WIN a handcrafted wooden Winter decoration. 

Fundraising proceeds will benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in honor of Veteran’s Day! 
 
Save the Date: February 18, 2023
Philoptochos Membership Drive Coffee Hour & Go Red for Women Sunday!

 

 

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Words from the Saints and our Fathers

Words from our Fathers

11/19/2023

If you need  to take a quick decision and you realize that you have to consult somebody on the issue that’s occupying you but there isn’t anyone nearby that can advise you, turn to God and, as the Fathers teach us, call upon his help three times and then do whatever he’s told you.

Saint Makari of Optina


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Saints and Feasts

Bowedwoman
December 10

10th Sunday of Luke


Allsaint
December 10

Thomas the Righteous of Bithynia


Allsaint
December 10

Menas, Hermogenes, & Eugraphos, Martyrs of Alexandria

Saint Menas, according to the Synaxaristes, had Athens as his homeland. He was a military officer, an educated man and skilled in speech, wherefore he was surnamed Kallikelados ("most eloquent"); Eugraphus was his scribe. Both had Christian parents. The Emperor Maximinus (he was the successor of Alexander Severus, and reigned from 235 to 238) sent Saint Menas to Alexandria to employ his eloquence to end a certain strife among the citizens. Saint Menas, having accomplished this, also employed his eloquence to strengthen the Christians in their faith, which when Maximinus heard, he sent Hermogenes, who was an eparch born to unbelievers to turn Menas away from Christ. But Hermogenes rather came to the Faith of Christ because of the miracles wrought by Saint Menas. Saints Menas, Eugraphus, and Hermogenes received the crown of martyrdom in the year 235.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

The Savior Himself is He Whom we are asked to put on. It is one and the same thing to say, 'Put on the whole armor of God,' and 'Put on the Lord Jesus Christ.' Our belt is truth and our breastplate is righteousness. The Savior is also called both 'truth' and 'righteousness.' On this principle He is also to be understood as the 'Gospel of peace.' He is Himself the 'shield of faith' and the helmet of salvation. He is the 'sword of the Spirit,' because He is the Word of God, living and efficacious, the utterance of which is stronger than any helmet and sharp on both sides.
St. Jerome
Unknown, 5th century

So great an evil is envy. For not against strangers only, but even against our own, is it ever warring.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 40 on Matthew 12, 4th Century

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