Apostle · 1st century
Luke
Apostle and Evangelist Luke
New Calendar October 18 Old Calendar October 31
Why they are a saint
Luke was known as companion of Paul, author of the Gospel of Luke and Acts. Tradition calls him a physician and the first iconographer of the Theotokos. The years given for this life are 1st century. Orthodox Christians honor that first generation of witnesses.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Patron of physicians, hospitals, the sick, because he healed the sick, as told in his life.
Prayer
O holy Luke, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.