OCTOBER PASTORAL MESSAGE
Friends,
October is a month of celebration for our St. Luke family. First and foremost, we celebrate the recent success of the Greek Affair. This year’s festival was marked by χαρμολύπη - joyful sorrow, as we dedicated it in memory of John while joyfully welcoming Chef Walt, who was exceptional. Our Lord blessed us with decent weather and even provided a little rain on Sunday to help clean things up.
More importantly, He brought us together as a family like never before. To our General Chair, Alexi Sioutis, and his assistants Andrew Papageorge and Tony Palmieri; our Philoptochos Baking Chairs, Maria Carafides, Karen Kotapka, and Diane Sioutis; Martha Dicamillo with her beautiful flowers, our Dance Troupe Director, Cynthia Costanzo, and instructors; the countless leaders who chaired our many booths: from Pizza, Loukoumades , Gyros, Calamari, Souvlaki, Ice Cream, Hospitality, Church Tours, talented Christina Egonopoulos, sponsors & food donors and the new Dips Tent, to the Indoor and Outdoor restaurants & bars, pastries and Greek Coffee, our Treasurer Steve Fooskas, techs John Pylaras & Andrea Papadopoulos, as well as all of our volunteers and, of course, Vida, we thank you for making this Greek Affair a success.
Coming together for the glory of God and in support of St. Luke through this 49-year-old labor of love remains a blessing for all who participate.
October is also a month in which we celebrate our Patron Saint, St. Luke. Our celebration begins on October 17th with Great Vespers, where we will be joined by area clergy. Our celebration continues the next morning with Sunday Divine Liturgy. Our gracious Ladies Philoptochos will host receptions following both services.
Our St. Luke family is stronger than ever, and I give thanks to Almighty God for blessing us as we continue our good works in His Vineyard!
With brotherly love in Christ, I pray the intercessions of St. Luke be with you always,
Rev. Father Christ Kontos, Protopresbyter
